December 2016 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 57

The town bids a sad farewell to Sam Jardine: Page 21

December 2016

Market revival brings a buzz to the town A MARKED improvement in Blandford's twice-weekly market since it was taken over by Blandford Forum Town Council and new market manager Andy Reynolds has been welcomed by members of the public.

But town councillors are now concerned that, rather than hand over the asset and the charter allowing it to take place in the town, North Dorset District Council - in its new guise as the Dorset Councils Partnership of North and West districts and Weymouth & Portland borough has issued instead a ten-year lease for the market's management.

Town clerk Linda Scott-Giles said she had been assured by North

Dorset's community and commissioned services manager Kevin Morris, who is now leaving the authority, and by strategic director Martin Hamilton, that the market would be transferred.

But the town council had instead been sent an 'agreement to manage', which could mean that once it had been built up by the town it might be taken back by the tripartnership.

Members agreed she should take up the issue with the tri-partnership's assistant chief executive Stuart Caundle, formerly North Dorset's solicitor.

At their October meeting, town councillors confirmed the very positive feedback about the market in person and on social

INSIDE THIS MONTH Blandford gets ready for Christmas: Page 6

Community comes together to remember: Pages 8-9

Andy Reynolds, Blandford's new market manager. media that they were getting both in town and further afield.

At the recreation and amenities committee meeting in November they were given a brief update, which was followed at the town and general purposes committee by a full report on operations demonstrating the extensive work that has been done to promote and improve both the Thursday and Saturday market day experience.

Mr Reynolds said more signage and Facebook and Twitter accounts were being used to promote the market, and new stallholders being attracted by an introductory rent.

Councillor Steve Hitchings had in October commented that one of the stalls was facing into the road on two sides, and was an "accident waiting to happen". The introduction of barriers to delineate the boundary of the market pitches is now being considered.

Mr Reynolds said: "Overall the

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market has increased week by week, and on Thursdays it is now full. Trade is a little slow for the traders, but we are doing all we can to publicise them and generate an atmosphere to give the town a little more 'buzz'.

Saturdays are improving as well, and last week we had ten stalls."

He and the town clerk met with DCC Highways and agreed a figure to compensate pay-and-display parking income based on actual income lost, which was less than previously charged, meaning the Saturday market could operate at a profit.

Mr Reynolds is also meeting with the operators of the French, farmers and craft markets and with the Blandford Business Group to discuss any issues for the future.

He is researching the history of the market. Records show it dates back to 1218, if not earlier, and that Blandford was classed as a market town before charters were granted.

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December 2016

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CONTACTS

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

Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like join our team to deliver in their own or any other area that has no delivery, please get in touch (see contacts above).

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

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

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

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It’s good to talk - but not so easy with BT email SOME of our correspondents may have wondered why their contributions to Forum Focus have not appeared in recent months, so we thought it only right to tell them.

In June this year, two days after the increased charge of £5 a month for the service (previously £1.50) had been taken by direct debit, the personal BTinternet email address used by many was hacked and subsequently suspended by BT. After several hours over several weeks of fruitless phone calls and online correspondence with India, it proved impossible to get it restored.

The email address was changed, and BT were notified that, because of the loss of service, the direct debit had been cancelled.

A complaint was submitted online from our generic email address of editor@forumfocus.co.uk.

Nothing was heard until a final demand arrived for the account, saying payment was owed for the period from June to October.

No phone number was given to challenge the demand, which did not result in another long and fruitless call to India.

In desperation, a letter was sent by first-class post to 'Libby Barr, Managing Director, Sales and Service' at BT's registered office in London.

It resulted in a phone call the following day, apologising, waiving the charge, and offering a magnanimous £20 as a 'goodwill gesture' in compensation for the hours of phone calls, online chats, and inconvenience of having to change addresses.

It was only at that point that BT finally conceded that they could not restore the service and arranged for a failed delivery notification to be sent to anyone using

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OUR deadlines are changing.

Because of the Christmas shutdown, the deadlines for the January 2017 issue are early (see panel above).

In 2017, the advertisement booking deadline will generally be the second Wednesday of the month with distribution from the fourth.

Contact us for a detailed schedule, or see our website.

the old email address, which continues to send out hoax emails.

At the time of the change of address, every effort was made to inform our advertisers, subscribers and correspondents, but some were inevitably missed.

We would therefore like to share BT's apology publicly with our thousands of readers and possibly scores of disappointed correspondents.

Thank you, BT - unfortunately sharing your huge £20 goodwill gesture will be both impossible and pointless. But the experience may inform others of how to deal with complaints about sales and service.

Petrol dries up THE Tesco filling station in Blandford St Mary closed from Monday 28th November to Friday 2nd December inclusive for the installation of new petrol pumps, and was expected to reopen on the morning of 3rd December.

Pub reopens THE former Hall & Woodhouseowned Talbot Hotel in Iwerne Minster has reopened under the new ownership of Heartstone and management of landlady Ellie Abel. She was previously assistant manager at the Cricketers in Shroton, which is also owned by the Cheltenhambased company.

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December 2016

New home on top of award for Teddy Rocks IT'S been a massive couple of months for Teddy Rocks, its founder director Tom Newton and its parent charity Teddy20, whose supporters visited a toy shop in Poole to spend £3,000 on Christmas presents for the children of Kingfisher and Piam Brown wards in Dorchester and Southampton.

On 31st October Tom represented the South of England in the Pride of Britain awards as the regional winner of Fundraiser of the Year, having previously also won Fundraiser of the Year with Wave 105FM. He was judged runner-up in the contest against Ben Smith, who had run 401 marathons in 401 days to raise thousands of pounds to fight bullying.

Tom, a Blandford retained firefighter and guitarist with his band The Bottom Line, attended with girlfriend Holly and said: "We had a great time and met a lot of famous people. But as soon as I saw what Ben had done, I knew he would be the very deserving winner. He sat on our table during the evening and he really is amazing."

He said he had felt very uncomfortable being nominated as the figurehead for Teddy Rocks. "It has never been just about me, and the fact that I won is a real credit to every single person that makes Teddy Rocks happen. The award is just as much for them as it is for me, but it has put Teddy Rocks firmly on the map."

The previous Wednesday he and his team had successfully applied for a licence to hold the three-day Teddy Rocks 2017 at the new and larger site of Charisworth Farm in Thornicombe.

Objectors to the licence, who had complained when a music festival at Charisworth in May exceeded

permitted noise levels and hours with an alleged 100Db until 4am, were told that unlike the previous commercial event, this would be by a different operator and of a different type, a charity event hoping to raise in the region of £100k to £150k for local cancer charities.

Licensing officer Peter Davies said: "It is fair to say that the previous event caused considerable nuisance for the surrounding villages which resulted in the authority receiving numerous complaints.

"The operators of Teddy Rocks have a track record of hosting their event in Blandford and in 2016 they hosted a fully licensed event on Stour Meadows for a capacity venue of 2,200 people.

The licensing authority received six complaints relating to noise, but the event caused no issues for other public authorities."

Only three of the 13 previous complainants at Charisworth made representation on grounds of public nuisance, and the licence was granted for April 28th to 30th 2017, subject to conditions designed to prevent the nuisance, including a target 55Db and maximum 60Db noise level.

On 4th November, the relocation was graphically launched, with the promise of even bigger names in the rock world, in an entertaining video which showed Tom and his crew consulting 'The Bear' of the Teddy Rocks logo and telling him they had to move because people had been unable to walk their dogs on Stour Meadows, the site of the 2016 four-day event.

Tom has appealed to any businesses interested in sponsorship in return for advertising to get in touch as soon as possible by emailing tom@teddyrocks.co.uk.

Milestone for Mary THERE were celebrations at Clayesmore School to mark 40 years of service by one of the members of staff. Mary Hall joined the prep school housekeeping team in November 1976, and throughout her time there has carried out her role with dedication and a good sense of humour.

Tom Newton, founder of Teddy Rocks, with the Certificate of Appreciation awarded to his family by Blandford Town Council last year.

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Rosemary delivers another hit SHOWBIZ veteran Rosemary Squires delighted her audience at Blandford Parish Centre when she gave an entertaining talk in aid of the Church Cupola Restoration Fund.

The Salisbury-based singer, who gave her time free of charge, reeled off a succession of amusing and fascinating anecdotes from her 60-year singing career. She also donated a number of her CDs to be sold in aid of the fund and afterwards happily signed autographs and chatted with the audience.

• Rosemary is pictured receiving a bouquet from event organiser Sara Loch.

December 2016

Groups face closure if cuts are confirmed NORTH Dorset Citizens Advice and the DT11 Community Forum, threatened with loss of funding from North Dorset District Council, both say they will be forced to close if the cuts are imposed.

Citizens Advice recognise the council is in a difficult financial position, but say none of the three options put out for consultation will allow them to continue as a financially viable organisation.

David Collins, chair of trustees, said: "Any of the three is likely to mean the closure of Citizens Advice and its valuable service in North Dorset, particularly to elderly and vulnerable local residents."

A local, independent charity, North Dorset Citizens Advice has been serving its community since 1990, providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to people about problems they face, and improving the policies and practices affecting people's lives.

Volunteers give over 19,000 hours of their time each year delivering advice on the phone or face to face on issues such as debt, welfare benefits, housing, relationships, employment and legal problems.

Working with the most vulnerable in the community, it has in the last year helped 1,471 clients with 4,133 separate issues from its main office in Gillingham and outreaches in Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton.

Chief Officer Daniel Cadisch said: "Just over 27 per cent of our clients describe themselves as having a disability or long-term health condition. We are often the only safety net for people who are in crisis and who have nowhere else to turn."

The DT11 Forum management team say they, and the other three partnerships in the district Sturquest in Sturminster Newton, Three Rivers in Gillingham and the Shaftesbury Task Force - similarly face closure if the £122,000 of core funding is withdrawn.

"In our view this is a short-sighted plan because it will mean losing

the Community Resource Workers, with all their skills and experience, and remove a key link between central and local government and the community.

"In the past year DT11 has raised more than £100,000 in grant funding, led a vigorous community response to Dorset County Council's bus cut proposals, coordinated a bid for £2.5 million to the Dorset Visual Arts Market Place; and obtained first stage funding for a sensory garden and play area in Milborne St Andrew and an outdoor gym and circuits on the Stour Meadows. In the past, DT11's Trailway Broadband project came within an ace of succeeding."

The DT11 team has also worked with Blandford+ on the Neighbourhood Plan for the area and co-hosted the Well & Connected event in the Corn Exchange with Blandford Town Council.

Chairman Nic Nicol issued a statement from the DT11 management team, saying: "The community is the key issue here. The consultation asked respondents to comment on the impact on their household or organisation.

The word 'community' is not mentioned. Cutting funding for the Partnerships will be a huge loss to the North Dorset community."

A report to the district council on the work of the community partnerships indicated that they were working on and supporting a total of 63 community projects and in contact with 845 groups and individuals.

The consultation closed on November 28th, and the outcome will be presented at NDDC's Cabinet meeting on 12th December. As at 21st October, more than 400 people had responded, and 90 per cent of the responses were from residents, with only a limited response from businesses, organisations and community groups.

Blandford Town Council, at their October meeting, agreed to urge that the district council look elsewhere before making cuts to either organisation.

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December 2016

Friends’ fair is a record breaker

Joan Capron and Sylvia Bannister from the Blandford Hospital Friends shop, and Evelyn Martin, Nancy Roberts and Sue Roche from the Sturminster team, helping at the Friends’ fair in the Corn Exchange.

Nordon sale means another eviction looms for pre-school LARKSMEAD pre-school looks set to become homeless for the second time in three years when North Dorset District Council's HQ at Nordon closes and the Lodge they now occupy becomes a local authority service hub.

The pre-school had to relocate to the Lodge when Blandford Rugby Club took up permanent residence in Larksmead Pavilion, and has now applied for planning permission for temporary accommodation in the now under-used Hunt Road play park owned by Spectrum Housing.

The site has been suggested in the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan as the location for education facilities, anticipating the pre-school move, but the outline application, to determine access only off Hunt Road, indicates that the new accommodation will be

provided by relocating a prefabricated, modular building onto the site.

A statement submitted with the application says: "This is considered to be the most time-efficient, cost-effective and least intrusive manner in which to create the accommodation needed to relocate the business and ensures that there is no loss to educational amenity in the local community.

"It has arisen from the urgent need to relocate Larksmead PreSchool from the Lodge within the grounds of North Dorset District Council, which is due to be sold imminently."

Town councillors have raised no objection, but have agreed that Tree Preservation Orders should be made to protect two common walnut trees in the play park.

Council on the move DISTRICT councillors have agreed that, with effect from 1st April next year, all North Dorset District Council committee meetings will be held at South Walks in Dorchester, with the exception of planning, licensing and full council meetings.

Full council meetings will be held at Durweston village hall, the only one able to provide the required facilities, including accessibility, availability and parking, and the microphone sound system will be removed from the Council Chamber at Nordon and installed at Durweston.

THE Friends of Blandford Community Hospital smashed all the charity's previous records at their autumn fair held in the Corn Exchange, which raised a total of £7,817.25.

"The team of volunteers deserve a huge pat on the back for putting together the event which was so well attended by residents," said fundraising co-ordinator Emma Sisson. "The charity also thank the many local businesses that offered raffle prizes, in particular Hall and Woodhouse, Tesco, The White Horse, Stourpaine, and Morrisons."

The management team also thanked all the people who have supported their activities during the year, saying they would not be able to offer so much support to the hospital and communitybased projects without that volunteer support.

The Friends hold their very popular Christmas bingo on Thursday 1st December in the dining room at the hospital. Doors open at 6.30pm for eyes down at 7.30pm.

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December 2016

Fireworks finale for a sparkling lead-up to Blandford’s Christmas COMMUNITY carol singing, a lantern parade, late-night shopping, and a magnificent firework display are once again on the schedule at the Blandford Yuletide Festival on Wednesday 14th December.

Town centre roads will be closing to traffic at 4pm to allow stalls to be set up, and the start of the event at 5pm is followed by a lantern parade by the Blandford Network Primary Schools and members of the public at 6pm.

The parade will be led along East Street

by Father Christmas and the Blandford Stour Valley Band, then up Church Lane into the Plocks, down Salisbury Street and into the Market Place to come to a halt in front of the church, where communal carol singing will start at around 6.30pm.

There will be more carol singing from choirs during the evening, which will also feature the Anonymous Travelling Market

and Craft Stalls, the Farmers Market and local produce stalls, late-night opening in town shops, many of which will be offering seasonal refreshment to customers, and a craft and gift fair in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel from 6pm to 9pm.

Father Christmas will be in attendance, and there will be a tombola and fairground rides, dancers, and refreshments, including hot food and mulled wine.

Awards will be presented in Blandford Town Council's Christmas Shop Window competition and tickets are on sale in C-Jays Clothing for the Blandford Yuletide Charity Raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support, whose draw will take place in the shop at 7pm.

The sparkling finale is the firework display above the roof of the Corn Exchange by Firework Solutions from Wimborne at 8.30pm, and the roads are scheduled to reopen at 10pm.

A forest of trees set to light up the church BLANDFORD Parish Church is again staging a Christmas Tree Festival, which will open on Saturday 10th December and run through to Saturday 17th December, 10am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday and 10.30am to 3.30pm Saturdays.

This year 28 trees are being decorated by various groups in the church and organisations in the town on the theme of carols.

The special focus will be on the two Saturdays, with festive entertainment on Saturday 10th from the Stour Valley Band and others, and soups at lunchtime. On Saturday 17th there will be children's puppet and mosaic making, craft activities and a nativity show in the afternoon for which free places need to be booked with the church office. The festival will also be open for the Yuletide Festival from 6.30 to 8.30pm, with hot chocolate added to the menu.

The trees will be judged by the Mayor, Jackie Stayt, the winner being awarded the Mayor's Choice Cup. Votes will be invited from the public to find their favourite for The Lantern award, and the Half Eight Barber Shop quartet will be entertaining visitors during the evening.

Concert of seasonal music BLANDFORD Choral Society's musical director James Crawshaw has selected a programme of seasonal music and readings old and new for their Christmas concert on Saturday 17th December at 7pm in Blandford Parish Church.

The choir will be joined by Guest Soloists, who will sing the Shepherd's Pipe Carol (Rutter), A Time of Snow (Bob Chilcott) and other songs, and are enjoying rehearsing a variety of carols.

The Society played a poignant role in this year's Civic Remembrance Service, singing from the organ gallery of the Parish Church 'We will remember them', with individual parts sung by the sopranos, altos and basses and a beautiful rendition of 'O God of Love, O God of Peace'.

December 2016

Need a car for an hour or two?

No problem HERE'S the ideal Christmas gift for the second driver in your household - or the first if your driving needs are only occasional.

A car around the corner, available to use whenever you need it, for an hour, a day, or even a long weekend, provided by the not-forprofit social enterprise Co-cars, which offers hire-by-the-hour vehicles in Blandford and across the south-west.

Two of its latest recruits are Mal and John Derricott, of Medbourne Close, who say: "You don't have to worry about tax, insurance, MoT or roadside rescue - that's all taken care of.

You only pay for the hours booked, miles driven, and a small membership fee. Even the fuel is included.

"It's perfect for those who can't afford or don't want to own a car, but need to get to places that buses just won't reach."

Co-cars believes that asset-sharing is good for the environment and good for people's pockets. The enterprise has recently launched a pay-as-you-ride on-street electric bike hire service in Exeter.

Find out more about membership at cocars.co.uk. • Pictured: Mal and John Derricott with the Blandford Co-car in the Market Place.

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LIFE as a Signaller in the First World War, recorded in the sketchbooks and diaries of Private Lawrence Ellis, was revealed in public for the first time at the Royal Signals Museum, when author David Langley and Pte Ellis's family launched 'A Signaller's War', published by The History Press.

The hand-drawn sketches and meticulously kept diaries were discovered when a student brought the historic materials into school for a history class.

They offer an insight into the wartime experience of Pte Ellis, who was born in Tottenham and enlisted to fight, aged 17, in 1915 after lying about his age, to serve as Signaller First Class with the 40th Division (later 33rd Division) Royal Field Artillery.

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December 2016

Community comes together ARMISTICE Day in Blandford on 11th November was a more significant ceremony than any in recent years, taking place alongside a farmers' market in the Market Place and craft fair in the Corn Exchange, which both fell silent for the occasion.

Ten children from each of five local schools had been chosen to lay crosses bearing poppies in the Royal British Legion's 'Field of Remembrance' in the churchyard, which overlooks East Street.

They were joined by civic leaders and members of Blandford Royal British Legion, watched by friends and family, who then moved to the area outside the front of the Corn Exchange to be joined by officers from Blandford Camp, who chatted with the children.

Mayor of Blandford, Councillor Jackie Stayt, read the Exhortation and Geordie Thomson played the Last Post and Reveille before and after the two minutes' silence which, thanks to traffic being halted by a police escort, was punc-

tuated only by the church bells striking the hour.

At the same time, North Dorset District Council chairman, Cllr Victor Fox, led the Act of Remembrance alongside the Rector of Blandford Forum and Langton Long, the Rev Jonathan Triffitt, at the district council's Nordon offices in Salisbury Road.

The Sunday afternoon Remembrance Day parade and service in Blandford, which followed services at Blandford Camp, were the best attended in recent years. Members of the public gathered in their hundreds to the music of the Stour Valley Band to await the wreath-laying ceremony in the Market Place attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell, North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, representatives of national and local government and a large number of organisations and individuals in the town.

A wreath was also laid on the memorial stone to Blandford-born Jack Counter, who was awarded

Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her husband and consort John Stayt bring their wreaths to the war memorial representing the people of Blandford and North Dorset District Council. the Victoria Cross for his courage in the First World War, and the names of the servicemen listed on the memorial plaques were read out.

The Exhortation was again read by the Mayor, and followed by

the Last Post, silence, Reveille, Kohima Epitaph read by Deputy Garrison Commander, Lieut-Col Sean Keilty, and National Anthem.

Following the parade around the town by the uniformed groups

The standard bearers lower their standards in the Market Place.

The parade through the Market Place led by the standard bearers.

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December 2016

in remembrance and service representatives, the service in Blandford Parish Church involved the participation of representatives of the Legion, town youth groups, Blandford Choral Society, the Stour Valley Band, and clergy from all local churches including Blandford Garrison.

The Archdeacon of Dorset, the Ven Antony Macrow-Wood, reminded the congregation that 2016 was not only the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, but also the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street in October 1936 in which anti-fascists protested against a gathering by supporters of Oswald Mosley.

He said the events of the previous week in America, and the continuing conflicts between the West and Islam in the Middle East made the world feel more dangerous than it had for decades, and the struggle for peace had to be maintained.

During the weekend, photographs were on display in the Corn Exchange of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves in Blandford Cemetery, where Remembrance services had been held at the graves and war memorial the previous Sunday honouring those buried and remembered there.

The gathering at the war graves in Blandford cemetery.

Kieran Pittick

Bikers ride for Kieran BIKERS gathered on Sunday 23rd October at Sunrise Business Park for a ride out through Dorset in memory of Kieran Pittick (37), of Blandford, who lost his life in a road accident on his way home from work on 7th October.

A collection was made by the 86 riders which raised over ÂŁ500 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

We would like to correct the article in last month's issue of the Forum Focus and clarify that money being raised on a Just Giving website page is not for Kieran's funeral.

More images of Remembrance events on our website forumfocus.co.uk The Rev Triffitt lays flowers on one of the war graves.

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TERRI HARRISON LEATHERCRAFT 25% OFF ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! TERRI HARRISON LEATHERCRAFT will be moving from our shop in West Street, Blandford, and relocating to Unit 5 Luccombe Business Park, Milton Abbas, during January 2017.

We are offering a discount of 25% off absolutely everything In the shop (including all our brand new Christmas stock) as a thank-you to all our customers until the end of December.

We are very grateful for all the wonderful support we have received since opening our first shop in Blandford nearly eight years ago and hope that all our friends will come to

see us in our new venture. We will still be stocking a wonderful range of high-quality leathergoods and we will continue with our repair service. We will be popping up at different venues and local shows - look out for adverts in the local press.

If you have any gift vouchers for the shop, we would remind you that they need to be redeemed by the end of December.

For further information please call on 01258 268305 or email terriharrisonleathercraft@gmail.com.

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December 2016

Steve hangs up his fireman’s helmet after 30 years BLANDFORD taxi driver Steve Hitchings has given up one of his longest lasting community roles.

After 30 years as a member of the retained firefighting force in the town, he has hung up his fireman's helmet.

But the former district council member and chairman, who has served three terms as Mayor of the town and remains a town councillor and chairman of the Blandford Yuletide Festival, says he has hardly begun to retire.

He said: "I have had a great time at Blandford fire station and will always remember my first shout on a very wet Thursday morning - a dog stuck in a gate on the Bradley estate in Blandford - and my last, a car fire near the True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston. The dog survived but unfortunately there was nothing left of the car.

"In between there have been far too many to recall. Fair to say we

Cheques from the church tower charity abseil presented by retiring firefighter Steve Hitchings to the Firefighters Charity, right, and by Steve Adamson, president of Blandford Rotary Club, to Blandford Gymnastics Club and Opportunity Group. Left to right, Joel, Anna and Jenny from Blandford Gymnastics Club, Mr Adamson, Opportunity Group chairman Colin Stevens, Mr Hitchings, Blandford Station Officer Steve Garbutt and Chief Fire Officer Darren Gunter.

have won a lot of battles but have sadly lost a few too. I still look at the pictures hanging on the wall at the Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, and think it was only a small bit of wispy smoke in the thatch when we arrived, but by the time we left there was nothing left of the thatch roof."

Thanking all the staff in the service for the help, guidance and support he had received over the last 30 years and 170 days, he said: "It has been great but it's now time for me to move to another chapter in my life."

Station Officer Steve Garbutt paid tribute to Steve's wife Lynn, son Lee and daughter Shelley for their support, recalling the early days when there were no mobile phones and wives and families had no idea when they would next see their loved one who had gone on a shout.

Chief Fire Officer Darren Gunter praised his exceptional leadership, both as crew manager and in the community, saying: "Thirty years is a huge milestone in any career, but in the retained service it is not a nine to five job, it is part of your life."

At the retirement ceremony, Mr Hitchings, who was in October

awarded a Blandford Town Council certificate of appreciation for his service to the community, was presented with a mounted crest of the Dorset Fire Service and a bronze statue of a 'firefighter resting' from his colleagues.

He also made presentations of his own of funds raised by his recent abseil with friends from Blandford Rotary Club down the tower of Blandford Parish Church. The Firefighters Charity received £638 and his Mayoral charities during his second year in office, the Blandford Opportunity Group and Blandford Gymnastics Club, received £405 each.

Elderly pedestrian badly hurt in road accident A PEDESTRIAN in her 70s suffered life-changing injuries in a collision with a car on the A357 in Durweston on the morning of Thursday 17th November.

Police appealed for witnesses to come forward after the collision

between a black Peugeot 107 and the local woman, who was taken to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance. The driver of the Peugeot was uninjured.

The main road remained closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the incident and members of the public were thanked by the police for their patience during the closure.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee said: "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner of driving of the Peugeot prior to the incident to contact Dorset Police."

Anyone with information is asked to email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting incident number 17:130.

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December 2016

Skate park upkeep bill could be ÂŁ30k REPLACING worn-out equipment on Blandford's popular skate park in Stour Meadows is going to cost nearly ÂŁ30,000.

Blandford Town Council, which opened the park in 2002, has a maintenance contract for yearly inspections and essential maintenance which, in recent inspections, showed the main ramps in the middle had become corroded and were close to the end of SHILLINGSTONE Women's Institute's longest serving member Pam Cole, who has served on the committee for 37 years, was presented with an engraved glass tumbler and bottle of her favourite whisky when she stood down for health reasons.

Mrs Cole served under many presidents and held various offices, at one time running the savings club, and for many years in charge of catering.

More recently she has been in charge of distributing the county newsletter to members, as well as looking after the birthday list and attendance register.

their useful life.

Local users were contacted for their views on a replacement design, and quotations were sought, but only the local contractor was able to provide the galvanised steel sheets preferred for ease of amendment or repair.

All the other four companies contacted - including the original supplier - now only provide concrete ramps, which would be out of keeping with the rest of the park, which remains in good condition.

Town councillors, at their recreation and amenities committee meeting in November, were reminded that the council had budgeted a figure each year towards the eventual replacement of equipment on the skate park so that the cost does not impact on a single year's precept.

Committee chairman John Stayt said: "The skate park is so well used by young people in the town." Vice-chairman Lynn Lindsay said: "We put too much money into it in the first place not to keep it going."

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Blandford Museum curator Peter Andrews is presented with retirement gifts by chairman Nessa Hickish, watched by other museum officers and staff.

Museum curator retires A PRESENTATION was made at Blandford Museum to mark the retirement of curator Peter Andrews after nearly 16 years at the helm of the thriving voluntary organisation, which is the custodian of the town's archives.

Dr Andrews was appointed curator in 2000 after moving to Blandford in semi-retirement from the anthropology department of the Natural History Museum in London.

He launched a five-year development plan, in association with North Dorset District Council and Blandford Forum Town Council, which saw the education programme expanded and the museum opened free of charge to visitors.

"It's been an exciting time and we have transformed the museum into something much more than a small provincial museum," he said. "I will continue to steward and work on exhibits, but it is time for someone else to do the administration and co-ordination of the 100 different things needed to run the museum."

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Artsreach offering shows for all tastes A VARIED programme is on offer set, animation, and a host of in the area this month from puppets, including rod, shadow, Artsreach, Dorset's rural touring glove and humanettes. arts organisation.

'Songs to Make A unique re-telling you Smile', with of Hans Christian Lili La Scala at Andersen's fairyWinterborne tale 'The Stickland on Tinderbox' is Thursday 8th being brought to December at Milborne St 7.30pm, is an Andrew village enthralling, hall on Saturday upbeat hour of Near-ta Theatre's 'Christmas Time' 3rd December at wartime classics, is coming to Durweston village hall 6pm by Norwich show tunes and on 9th December.

Puppet Theatre. bright and breezy numbers from yesteryear from New life is breathed into the Lili, nicknamed the Songbird of classic tale of magic, bravery Trafalgar Square. and love with a combination of puppetry, animation and music.

Near-ta Theatre's 'Christmas One of only three theatres dediTime' at Durweston village hall cated to puppetry in England, on Friday 9th December at this show brings together leading 7.30pm, written by Coaran artists in the field, including pupClarke (Miracle Theatre) and pet maker Iain Halket, animators directed by Simon Harvey Alison Harvey and Professor (Kneehigh Theatre) is a fun and Suzie Hanna, and sound designfestive musical comedy for all er Phil Archer. the family about the incarcerated Charlie and Toby, who develop The show's inventive design their own imaginary Christmas. combines an ingenious rotating

December 2016

Lieut Eleanor Smillie, Sgt James Yetman, Garrison Commander Col Andy Percival, and Cpl Mahendra Ale at the SSAFA Big Brew.

Tea in a good cause AFTER a hugely successful Big Brew Week, the SSAFA Blandford In-Service Committee and its volunteers announced that, with the continued support from the Garrison, they raised a staggering £2,512.70.

Tri-service staff from Blandford Garrison were asked to 'put the kettle on and make a big difference' as part of SSAFA's annual fundraising event.

Members of the military community embraced the opportunity to brew up, eat cake and raise money, helping to provide direct practical assistance to both serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Local people have another chance to support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity providing lifelong support for our Forces and their families, at a family Christmas concert at Bryanston School on Saturday 10th December.

Featuring the Stour Valley Band and the Bovington Military Wives' choir, it will be a perfect opening to the festive season, and an opportunity to thank those who fight for their country.

Tickets at £10 per adult and £5 per child are available from the Blandford Tourist Office or via SSAFAXmasconcert@gmail.com.

Clayesmore bowled over CLAYESMORE has been listed for the second year running in the Top 100 cricketing schools in the country by the magazine The Cricketer.

More than 250 entries were considered before being whittled down to the final list.

The award recognises schools believed by the editors to deliver the best coaching, facilities, results, fixture lists and community engagement to produce players for the England team and sustained and sustainable support for the wider game.

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December 2016

Youth centre premises may take on a new role

Lee keeps on running for Lexi TESCO grocery manager Lee Bridle completed his fourth halfmarathon in two years in support of a charity named after Lexi, a little girl who died from cancer at the age of eight.

Lee's runs are getting faster.

His first, the Bournemouth half in 2015, took him one hour 59 minutes, and the second, the Weymouth half in 2016, took one hour 56 minutes. Later this year the Bournemouth half took one hour 42, and the Great South Run took one hour 23 minutes. So far he has raised ÂŁ1,300 for the Lexi Trust.

Lexi was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in January 2015, and the family

Lee Bridle and Lexi, the little girl who died in January this year. were given between nine and 12 months to make memories. After two rounds of radiotherapy and fighting bravely until the end, she passed away in January this year.

A fixed penalty charge has been introduced for fly tipping, a significant problem for the Dorset Waste Partnership which accounts for a large amount of their budget. In the past, this was a matter for the Environment Agency but anyone wishing to report incidents can now do so through the Dorset For You website or by calling 01305 221040.

GOVERNORS of The Blandford School, to which the premises formerly occupied by Blandford Youth Centre were transferred by Dorset County Council on 1st September following the youth centre's closure, have agreed that the premises should be offered for the provision of communitybased services which could be other than youth services.

Having identified no immediate requirement for teaching and learning purposes, but recognising the possibility that they may be needed in the future, they invited expressions of interest from other groups, including youth services, giving a closing date at the end of October.

Town councillors were told at their October meeting that three members of the youth centre management committee were planning to meet with Jill Stephens, chair of governors, and Liz Bishopp, business manager at the school, to ask about the rent of the building, and had been asked to revise their business plan for a third time.

But there was a danger that the building might be taken back at any time in the event of an influx of children.

Councillor Haydn White said: "This is what happens when the government takes the authority for schools away from the local authority. Blandford School will become an Academy and we will have no real say on what is our school."

SPETISBURY'S Apple Day was greatly enjoyed by the many who attended, keeping the apple press operated by Nigel and Kathy Spring of EuCAN busy all day.

The resulting apple juice was agreed by all to be delicious, and everyone who brought apples went home with their containers filled, ready to drink or make into cider or wine.

The varied stalls were kept busy, including Moira's popular apple pancakes, and Marcia's Farm Shop sold farm produce, burgers, home-made soup and snacks.

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A taste of military action BLANDFORD Garrison played host to five teenagers involved with the Equilibrium Youth Work Company, who were given a small insight into the military during a morning spent on the indoor range and solving command tasks before a lunch of operational rations.

The informal training day on camp is part of a project that complements formal education and supports and encourages young people to re-engage with education, and prepares them for a working environment.

Equilibrium is a Dorset-based company which works with young people who have difficulty making the transition from childhood to adulthood, providing learning opportunities that inspire and develop young people to achieve their true potential.

December 2016

Appeal brings the latest twist in cemetery tree saga FOLLOWING the listing of Blandford Cemetery and its boundary walls by Historic England at the request of one resident of Davis Gardens, another has now appealed against North Dorset District Council's refusal to allow the felling of some of the trees on the boundary.

Blandford Town Council has challenged the appeal by Miss J Palmer, whose application to fell two trees in their ownership was refused in August.

The council says that the trees are regularly surveyed by a qualified arboriculturalist, and the most recent survey made no recommendation to remove.

Town clerk Linda Scott-Giles said: "Since the listing it has been decided in meetings with NDDC's conservation officer that the trees should remain and the wall should be repaired around them, which we are now working towards.

"At no time has it been suggested by our qualified tree inspectors, either before or since the wall was listed, that the trees should be removed to help preserve the wall. In fact, prior to the listing, sections of the wall have been removed to allow the trees room to grow.

"The Town Council and numerous residents are very concerned that if this application is approved it will set a precedent for the removal of the remaining trees along this boundary.

"As the cemetery is very nearly at its capacity, it is not possible to plant replacement trees in the existing cemetery as the space is simply not available and we would risk exhumation. “Therefore, the Town Council feels that the removal of these trees would affect the overall character of the cemetery and that there is currently no justification for such drastic action.�

Parking debate ONE of the hot topics on Blandford's Facebook public forum page last month prompted a poll and two-day debate on the inadequacies of enforcement of parking restrictions and need for more, resulting in a 93-35 vote in favour of 'no stopping' single yellow lines at selected locations.

Trouble spots include West Street, Salisbury Street, East Street and Salisbury Road outside the Co-op. Issues focused largely on the need for enforcement to make any restrictions work, with many concluding things were best left as they were.

Almost inevitably, the discussion remained unresolved. But a concluding comment was: "I come from Wimborne and work in Bournemouth which are far worse than Blandford."

Sam Ryall's Ukulele Group were in spirited mood at a Halloween party in Angus Wood, where they were joined by the magical Art of the Impossible, a scary Halloween Hospital, and a strange selection of refreshments. See letter on page 16.

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December 2016

Trust cash will help the hospice A CHEQUE for ÂŁ8,106 from the Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust has funded a series of courses with Weldmar Hospicecare for those involved in supporting children, young people and their families facing bereavement.

The workshop includes theory on bereavement and loss, child development and understanding, communicating bad news, and practical ways of exploring the issues for families and ways of supporting them.

Caroline Sweetland, Weldmar's lead education facilitator, said: "We are so very grateful to Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust for funding this series of one-day courses, allowing us to offer them free of charge. We can now hold seven courses between now and 2019 and allow us to train enough people to support over 2,500 children."

Ducks & Drakes was founded by Andrew Drake, from Ansty, and his family following his diagnosis

Station on Santa alert

Pictured (from left): Grant Usmar (director of fundraising, Weldmar Hospicecare), Annette Drake, Lucas Drake, Rachel Drake, Jane Weeden and Caroline Sweetland (lead education facilitator, Weldmar Hospicecare). of bowel cancer at 24. He was cared for by Weldmar Hospicecare at the end of his life, and his family, mother Annette, son Lucas aged three and wife Rachel Drake and aunt Jane Weeden, visited their in-patient

unit, Joseph Weld Hospice, to present the cheque.

For more information from Weldmare Hospicecare's education team, see weldhospice.org.uk/education/ or call 01305 269898.

AN early Christmas celebration with a difference came to Blandford Parish Church when Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir performed a programme of baroque music for the festive season exploring familiar carols in their original settings.

The programme included a complete performance of festive instrumental works for the season - Winter from Vivaldi's Four Seasons and the ever-popular Christmas Concerto by Corelli.

SANTA Claus was spotted at Spetisbury Station on the North Dorset Trailway last Christmas and the station team is asking local children and their parents to keep a look out again this December, just in case he makes a return visit.

Last year a pair of black wellies were hung on the old booking office fireplace, causing delight to passers-by. Something a little different is planned for this year, and for each year to come.

The station restoration project suffered from vandalism which caused extensive damage on two occasions over the summer.

After repairing the items of platform furniture thanks to the generosity of local people, businesses and organisations, the team is sad to report further vandalism recently, including damage to the memorial bench and the metal replica fire bucket.

A spokesman said: "We would be grateful if anyone who notices suspicious behaviour on site, would contact us via spetisburystationproject.wordpress.com."

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Readers’ letters

A tonic from the surgery WE are so sorry that so many folk in Great Britain have problems with the NHS. We are so lucky here in Dorset. The hospitals are first-class and provide an excellent service.

My husband, now 93, and myself, 86, have for 32 years been patients of the Eagle House surgery practice in Blandford Forum since it was established

by Dr David Davies and his doctor wife, and have always received excellent attention and help when needed.

Recently, I had to telephone the surgery to make two appointments each for us to have blood tests, flu jabs with the senior nurse and follow-up appointments with our two different doctors.

The lines were engaged for ages but I eventually got through, expecting a 'tired-voiced' receptionist but no, she was so bright and helpful in arranging the

LETTERS Please write to Forum Focus if there is something you'd like to comment on or share with other readers.

Email your letter, which should be as brief as possible, to: editor@forumfocus.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can call 01258 459346 or deliver your letter to: Forum Focus, c/o Colin's

appointments to suit us, and fitting the flu jabs in as well to save us extra journeys into town.

Excellent help from a lady who must have been taking calls for over three hours at least and yet remaining calm and helpful. Our very sincere thanks.

Joan & Ernie Aylott Ashley Wood

December 2016 Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford DT11 7HD. Please mark your letter 'for publication' and remember to include your address, which will not be used in full. Forum Focus reserves the right to shorten or edit letters in the interests of clarity, brevity and style.

actions show a strength of faith and generosity - I was quite overcome.

All he left was his name and telephone number, so I have telephoned my thanks. But what a wonderful gesture - made me feel very humble.

Della Jones Address supplied

Good end to . . available Bible story . . in Blandford A FEW weeks ago, I wrote to Forum Focus about my difficulties in trying to buy a Bible in Blandford. I finally went to the shop at Church House in Salisbury.

Yesterday a gentleman called into Whitecliffe Nursing home with a parcel for me, containing a large-print Bible! After reading my tale he hoped I would accept his offering.

Now that is the message I would like to see expressed from my church. I fancy he might have been a Jehovah's Witness. His

I HAVE read with some amazement and sadness that Bibles are not readily available from the shops in Blandford.

I am the bearer of good tidings.

Bibles are for sale in Blandford from Blandford Evangelical Church in Albert Street.

You can choose from a variety of different covers and print styles in stock. Any other Bible can be ordered and will usually be available within a week.

The stall is open on Sunday mornings from 9.30am to noon, and on Monday afternoons from 1.30 to 4pm.

Andy Curtis Blandford Evangelical Church Member

Magic night in the wood ON Saturday 29th October, the Blandford Environmental Trust organised a Hallowe'en party in Angus Wood, just off St

Leonard's Avenue in Blandford.

We were very pleased that just under 200 people came to the event. We had dressed the wood for the occasion with discreet lighting, spooky corners, cobwebs, eerie sounds and a ukulele band of singing witches.

There was a special 'magic' tent with magicians in costume.

Hallowe'en buns, biscuits and soft drinks were sold.

The overall effect was well received and I think was much appreciated, particularly by the children who entered into the spirit of the occasion with expert ghoulish enthusiasm.

Of particular interest was the performance of Jana and Paul in the magic show 'Art of the Impossible', a magnificent performance for young children in the early evening and a more sophisticated and hugely enjoyable 'Dark Magic' show later on for adults. The fact that they did this for charity helps us enormously.

I would like to thank them, Kate Seeger from Free Expressions for the lucky dip, Verity Aldous for the Ghoul hospital and the Blandford Ukulele Club led by Sam Ryall.

Last but not least, my thanks to all the families that came to our small wood who we hope had a thoroughly good time.

The money raised will go towards funding our public liability insurance and Angus Wood maintenance costs. A very big thank you from us all.

Steve Adamson Chairman Blandford Environmental Trust

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December 2016

Mayor goes for a walk in the dark

Letters extra Pointless positions?

GREAT news that Lidl are formally coming to Blandford. A bit sad that they are only offering a quarter of funds for town centre enhancements, ÂŁ77,765.68. As a result, a town centre manager will not now be appointed.

Why on earth was this post ever considered and for what purpose? I am sure that the people of the town would love to see the proposed pay scale and full job description. I imagine it comes with a full uniform of a blazer, with town crest badge and a peaked cap? Clip board optional.

Perhaps I am wrong and it maybe would have been an asset to the town like the PCSOs that ignore blatant offences under the watchful eye of the Dorset Police Commissioner, another questionable post.

Name & address supplied

Model citizens WE are looking for model makers to take part in an event next May in Blandford Forum to exhibit your models alongside the famous Matchstick Fleet and Blandford Railway Club's models and dioramas.

For further details email esbutler@sky.com or call 01258 480756. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Esme Butler, Address supplied

Follow us @forumfocus.co.uk

Above: Blandford Rotarians planting crocuses along Rotary Way. Below: Countryside Rangers and members of the Dorset Mammals Group and Otters Group at the pump house next to the weir on the river Stour where the otters congregate.

Busy by the riverside WORKING parties were out in force next to the river Stour on Saturday 12th November, when one group gathered on the Marsh and Ham to plant crocuses, and another met at the other end of the Mortain Bridge to build a protective fence around the pump house on the Stour Meadows.

The crocuses were being planted by members of Blandford Rotary club to mark Rotary International's ongoing campaign to eliminate polio across the world.

The fence was being erected by the Countryside Rangers and members of the Dorset Mammals Group and UK Wild Otters Trust

to protect Blandford's now-famous otter community from prying eyes and cameras trying to get too close to their holt and favourite haunt next to the weir.

AMANDA Cordrey, a fundraiser with the Dorset Blind Association, accompanied the blindfolded Mayor of Blandford, Jackie Stayt, around the streets of the town on a market day as part of Blandford Lions' support for World Sight Day. The fact it was a busy day made the walk far more demanding with many obstacles, both human and otherwise, dotted all over Market Place, and the Mayor said it was "a very spooky experience for a very worthy cause".

Over ÂŁ110 was collected by Blandford Lions in an hour and a half. It was a record for the annual event, which highlights the Lions Club International programme that recognises the fact that the white cane used by the visually impaired was first introduced by a Lions Club in North America. The programme includes collecting old glasses to help people in the Third World.

Lions in Blandford operated collections at a number of locations in the town, including Blandford Hospital, The Blandford School, Blandford Bowling Club, White Cliff surgery and Robert Frith.

For more information call 0845 833 2742 or email blandfordlions@hotmail.co.uk.

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December 2016

Gurkha takes over RBL presidency THE Blandford branch of the Royal British Legion has appointed a new president.

Former chairman Gyan Tamang, a retired member of the Queen's Gurkha Signals, succeeds Lieut-Col (Retd) Bob Brannigan.

Mr Tamang is pictured (centre) with the current branch chairman David Jardine (left) and Col Brannigan (right).

Mr Tamang, who when he was elected chairman in 2008 was the first Nepalese Gurkha to hold the position, is now believed to be the first Gurkha branch president.

On the occasion of the handover, Col Brannigan was thanked for all his hard work for the branch over the last few years.

Another good year for Read Easy team

MILBORNE St Andrew commemorated the Battle of the Somme and three war graves in its churchyard by knitting poppies representing the days of the battle to display in the church alongside information on the three soldiers - Private Arthur John Parsons, Dorsetshire Regiment; Corporal Tom Edward Jeans, London Regiment (mentioned in dispatches) and Private Augustus Arthur Lock, Hampshire Regiment. Augustus was one of six brothers serving; only one survived.

READ EASY Blandford held its AGM in the Parish Centre, where chairman Ann Fookes, who was re-elected along with other officers and committee, thanked coordinators John Patterson, Scott McAlister and Stephen Deutsch for the project over the two years since it was formed.

She welcomed new reader Paul and his coach Annabel, who described their journey to adult literacy, and particularly the difficulty in finding reading material for new adult readers.

A successful financial year had included Reader Paul and his coach Annabel with Read Easy donations from the Hall & Woodhouse committee members, chairman Ann Fookes and coCommunity Chest, Dorset County ordinator Stephen Deutsch.

Councillor Barrie Cooper, and proceeds of a brass band concert which TWO local charities have benefitraised £350. ed to the tune of £13,531 thanks to the generosity of visitors who Mr Deutsch, who can be contacttook trailer rides around the Great ed at stephen@readeasy.org.uk, Dorset Steam Fair's Heavy said they currently had more Haulage Arena in August at its trained coaches than readers, Tarrant Hinton venue. and were working with organisaAll money raised is allocated to tions and agencies to find people two designated charities on an who needed their help. annual basis, this year's recipiMrs Fookes said: "Read Easy ents being Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, which received really does work, and we need to £10,266, and Blandford put that message out to the pubOpportunity Group, who were lic and hope that more will come handed a cheque for £3,265. forward."

A taste of hardship A REFUGEE vegan meal of beans, vegetable rice and salad, costing 52 pence per serving, was prepared for visitors to the Blandford Cares event held at the Kings Arms in Whitecliff Mill Street.

"It was disappointing that more did not take the opportunity to join us, but an encouraging 25-plus meals based on those offered in refugee camps were served, some to people who had not even heard of Blandford Cares and were most interested in our project," said co-ordinator Mike Hearn.

"Our plates were without exception cleared and the donations we received gave us a marginal profit, making it a cost-effective awareness session as well as providing a social meeting for our core supporter workers."

Following the closure of the Calais Jungle camp, Blandford Cares are now working to help up to 10 Syrian families due to be accommodated at Weymouth.

They are also continuing to collect for and deliver to the refugee centre in Taunton and promote their work more widely with schools and other organisations as they prepare for refugee settlement in Dorset and will be providing a tableau for this month's church Christmas Tree Festival.

December 2016

Oh yes, it is - panto time is here again!

PANTO fever is upon us, and MADCAP Productions are one of the first up with their offering of the 2016/17 season of Treasure Island at the Old Brewery Hall in Ansty on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th December.

There will be performances at 7.30pm and a matinee at 4pm on Saturday. Tickets are available from 01258 880461 or from the Brewery Farm Shop & Post Office.

The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne is showing Sleeping Beauty from Friday 16th December to Monday 2nd January, box office 01202 885566.

Dick Whittington will be presentA lucky Shillingstone resident has won £25,000 as one of the Saturday Street Prizes in the People's Postcode Lottery.

A local project that has received support from players is Milborne St Andrew village hall, which was awarded £4,500 to create a community garden.

ed by Chaplins Gold at the invitation of Blandford Town Council in the Corn Exchange on Sunday 18th December at 4pm, with lots of sing-along songs, comedy and adventure. Tickets are available from the Town Clerk's office in Church Lane or by email to bookings@blandfordforumtc.gov.uk The Tarrant Valley Players are gearing up for 'Frankenstein the Panto' at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall in Tarrant Keyneston on 26th to 28th January (7.30pm or Saturday matinee 2.30pm).

The Spetisbury panto 'Sleeping Beauty' will be on stage in the village hall on Fridays and Saturdays 27th and 28th January and 3rd and 4th February.

Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatic Society are in rehearsal for their production of 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves' to be staged from 8th to 11th February at The Exchange.

The Milborne Players are preparing Jack and the Beanstalk, also in February.

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Coffee piles on the pounds A COFFEE morning held ten times a year in Pimperne village hall has, over the years, raised thousands of pounds for village groups and charities, and in the last year alone a total of £1,450 for ten different charities.

The events, with stalls and a raffle, have been organised since 2003 by Jane White and Peggy Hearne.

The final event of the year was held in support of the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, and attended by Major Philip Jenkinson, who lives in the village but is based in Bulford. He is pictured with Mrs White, left, and Mrs Hearne.

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

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December 2016

The war takes a heavy toll on local businesses THE records for December 1916 reveal the impact of the war on two local businesses in the Market Place, Wyatt's ironmongers and H Stickland & Son, decorators, plumbers and builders, which appear to have had to be sold when its young proprietor's appeal to the Dorset National Tribunal failed.

In the newspapers From the Dorset County Chronicle December 7th 1916 Killed in action - It was officially announced that Private W Snelling of the Dorsets, son of Mr G Snelling, of 13 Charles Street, was killed in action on September 16th. He joined up at the outbreak of war and was injured at Suvla Bay, subsequently leaving for another front.

Memorial service to the fallen - A large congregation was present at the Parish Church on Wednesday 6th, for an impressive memorial for the men of the Royal Naval Division who lost their lives during recent battles on the front.

December 14th 1916 Guardians and District Council - It was reported that a cheque for £200 on account of road improvements carried out at the request of the War Office had been received.

December 21st 1916 Military Appeal Tribunal - At a meeting of the County Appeal Tribunal on Saturday, applications for leave to further appeal were made of behalf of E.A. Corbin, Small Farmer, of Corfe Mullen, and Edward E. Clarke, Cashier and Chief Clerk to Messrs Bradford and sons, Poole. Both were refused.

Mr Henry Stickland, plumber, of Blandford, applied for three weeks' extension of his exemption from December 31st, in order that he

might be present at the sale of his stock and enable him to wind up his business. The appeal was thereupon dismissed until January 21st. (see ‘The war takes a heavy toll on local businesses’ - right) December 28th 1916 On the initiative of the mayor, a 'Whip Up' was called at the dinner table at Christmas for the relief of unfortunate Belgian sufferers.

The Drine - An A.B, named Ancarrow, of the R.N. Division, having indulged in more liquor than was good for him, purloined a watch from the Coachmaker's Arms, the property of the landlord's wife, Mrs Derby, but he was dealt a caution by the Magistrates as the watch had been recovered.

From the Western Gazette December 29th 1916 Milton Abbas: Seasonable Generosity: Sir Everard Hambro, KCVO, bore his estate employees in remembrance at Christmas, when he distributed a fine fat bullock, slaughtered at Duncombe Farm, amongst the workpeople, numbering nearly 100, and the inmates of the almshouses, each of whom received a substantial joint. The bullock, after being killed, was brought to Milton Abbey, and the distribution was made on Friday, under the direction of Mr S. Duffett, of Dorchester, agent to the estate.

Henry Stickland, born 1884, was the only son, with five sisters, of William Warren and Anne Stickland, who had married in Wimborne in 1871. He survived the war, living until 1957, and his service record, if any, has not been found. He had followed his father, who died in 1906, into the plumbing trade to become a plumber and house painter. In 1921 in Axbridge he married Ethel Nona Young, with whom he had two children, John and Mary.

Reports in the Western Gazette and Dorset County Chronicle (see left) show that his appeal to the Dorset National Tribunal was first dismissed in September 1916, and that the business of Messrs H Stickland & Son, decorators, plumbers & builders, in 10 Market Place, Blandford, was advertised for sale 'due to the Appeals Tribunal dismissal' in December.

this country and be buried in Blandford Cemetery.

Born 22nd August 1898 in Pimperne, he was the elder son of ironmonger Arthur Lithgow and Elizabeth Letitia Wyatt, of Market Place, Blandford, who had married in Shaftesbury in 1893. When Frank was two, the family lived at 22 Queens Road, and by the age of 12 his address was given as Blandford Market Place.

He is remembered on the Blandford and Blandford School memorials.

Another casualty in December 1916 was Cecil Frank Jeans, born 1895 in Stourpaine, who served as a private in the London Regiment, 2nd/19th Battalion.

He was the elder son of carter Frank and Elizabeth Jane Jeans, both of Stourpaine, who had married in Blandford in 1893 and lived in West Street.

He died in the Balkans on 21st December 1916, aged 22, and is buried in the Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery.

The 1939 National Register shows a Henry Stickland, born 1883, dairy farmer and builder at Keyneston Mill, Tarrant Keyneston, with wife Ethel and daughter Mary, but the trade directories for 1913, 1915, 1923 and 1939 continue to show H Stickland & Son trading at 10 Market Place, Blandford.

Ordinary Seaman Frank Lithgow Wyatt, of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, based at Royal Naval Depot, Crystal Palace, died from disease, at Crystal Palace, aged 18, on 31st December 1916.

He was one of only six ser- The grave of Frank Lithgow Wyatt in vicemen to have died in Blandford Cemetery.

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

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December 2016

Photographer who took a leading role in life of the town FORMER Blandford photographer and stalwart of the Blandford Town Museum and Royal British Legion, Samuel Frank Jardine, died on 31st October at the age of 96.

He was born in Lancashire, and moved with his parents to Southampton when his father, serving in the Merchant Navy, transferred from Liverpool to work on ships sailing out of Southampton.

He left school in 1935 to train as a photographer in Ashley Studios, then in the spring of 1937 went to work at British Power Boats until enlistment in the RAF in 1940. He had volunteered in 1938 but British Power Boats had the enlistment deferred for 18 months.

He served as photographer in the photograph trade group in the UK and in North Africa and Italy, and after the war returned to Southampton to work in Atkinson studios and Parker Commercial Photography studio.

It was while living in Christchurch that he saw an advertisement for a photography business for sale in Blandford, and in 1953, the year of his marriage to Betty Illett, he opened the studio which he ran until May 1990.

The family lived first at Lady Bailey Caravan Park in Winterborne Whitechurch, and in the 1970s moved to the newly redeveloped Hillier's Yard, Blandford.

His work in Blandford included weddings, portraits and commercial photography, together with freelance photographic work with local newspapers, including the Bournemouth and Dorset Evening Echos and the Western Gazette.

His role in the commercial life of

OBITUARY Blandford included membership of the Chamber of Trade and of the Post Office Advisory Committee until it was closed.

He was an active member of the Blandford branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal British Legion of which he was made an honorary life member after serving as branch chairman and president, and the Royal British Legion House (Blandford) Club.

A key supporter of the Blandford Museum, for which his wife Betty ran fund-raising stalls in the indoor market and became shop manager in the 1990s, he regularly manned stalls, stewarded, organised draws and other events.

He donated a wide variety of artefacts including a very fine apothecary's twopan beam balance, a sizeable collection of cameras and a vast collection of photographic prints which now form part of the museum archive. His long and faithful service was acknowledged at its annual meeting in 2008 when he retired as vice-chairman.

He and his wife remained happily married for 44 years until her death in October 1998, and they are survived by their only son, David John, who has succeeded him as current chairman of the Blandford Royal British Legion and is the town's macebearer.

His funeral was held at Poole Crematorium on 22nd November and followed by a wake in Legion House, Blandford. Donations were invited for the Poppy Appeal.

More obituaries: Page 25.

Art and antiques SIX local artists combined contemporary art with antique furniture at Milton Antiques in Bere's Yard, Blandford, in an exhibition which opened last month and will remain open Monday to Saturday at varying hours until mid-December.

The paintings by Patricia Briers, Jeannie Cooksley-Kar, Maggie Drennan, Sylvie Guttridge, Audrey Nightingale-Young and Sandy Roberts are of local scenes, landscapes and still life. Art tutor Claire Thomas said: "They were chosen to complement the antiques and collectables and show paintings in a natural setting."

Most of the artists have been painting all their lives, but still attend classes with Claire, who is tutor and mentor to over 40 students in the Dorset area.

Milton Antiques, who invited Claire to stage the exhibition to enhance the shop, see the potential for more exhibitions in the future.

Sam Jardine.

22

The View from the Hill

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

W

HAT better way to explain surface tension? This beautiful drop of dew resting on a rape leaf (right) demonstrates very clearly why we have to pay attention to droplet size and additives when we are spraying pesticides onto our crops.

If the droplets are too big they will just roll off onto the ground.

We can control droplet size by using the right size of nozzle and pressure, and we can affect how droplets stick to the leaf by adding a wetter to reduce the tension of the water droplet and allow it to spread across the leaf and any chemical present to transfer into the plant.

Our autumn crops are all up and away; the weather has been wonderful for getting them off to a good start. The lack of rain has discouraged slugs from getting stuck in, and the warmth has allowed plenty of growth, possibly too much in the case of the rape, which is nearly at welly height!

October, traditionally the wettest month of the year, this year has been the driest since 1985. Just 48mm of rain fell, (approximately two inches), just enough to keep the crops and grass growing while it has been warm enough.

To complete the autumnal theme, the apple harvest has been another stunner. We produced 120 litres of delicious juice in a

FARMING December 2016 combine's winter service, and have discovered some very worn parts, which are eye-wateringly expensive to replace.

I have a particularly sad tale to relate this month: hooligans have been driving into our freshly sown barley fields at night, and charging around chasing hares, presumably with dogs, killing the hares and leaving them behind.

In one 50-acre field we found three dead hares. This would be the whole hare population for this particular field, where I used to enjoy trying to count them as they run about when working there.

This kind of cruel and destructive activity is utterly depressing to witness, worse than fly tipping, which is on the rise, and equally A dew drop resting on a rape leaf. mindless, but when innocent and relatively rare animals suffer in Sunday afternoon, from a blend this way, one is rendered of old cottage garden and bramspeechless.

A colourful crop of apples. ley apples. The freezer is now bursting at the seams.

The cattle are being brought indoors because the grass is running out, and the ground getting wetter, so their big feet will make a mess if they stay out much longer. The calves will be weaned into the yards at Websley, where we have been repairing the floor to try to improve the drainage. It seems a shame to spoil the clean and neat effect by bringing in a load of un-house-trained cattle!

The combine has now done 10 seasons for us, and this year A forest of fungi fighting their way out of the ground. performed as well or better than in any year since we bought her.

Much of this is to do with the easy cutting conditions this summer, but also has a lot to do with careful servicing, and the replacing of suspect parts before they fail, rather than in a rushed emergency on a boiling hot day in August.

One of those necessary postharvest jobs is cleaning the combine and painting the header, to stop it rusting. The men from One of three dead hares in the barley field.

Smarts have already begun the

Chinese challenge SIXTEEN people from Dorset have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to fundraise and train for the Great Wall of China Challenge in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare, which took place at the end of October.

Between them, they raised over ÂŁ73,000, a figure announced when they were still in Beijing after experiencing day and night time temperatures ranging between 22 and 2 degrees, camping without washing or toilet facilities, and on one occasion evacuating due to flash flooding.

The Great Wall was Weldmar's fourth overseas challenge, following the Sahara Desert Trek, Icelandic Challenge and Mont Blanc Challenge.

A few places remain for their 2017 challenge taking on the Borneo Jungle. You can find out more at weld-hospice.org.uk/jungle or by calling 01305 261800. To donate to the Great Wall of China Trekkers visit justgiving.com/chinatrek2016.

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December 2016

Sudan Link remains so important THE Chase Benefice Christmas Fair in support of the SalisburySudan Medical Link was held in Tarrant Keyneston Hall with its usual array of stalls, games, competitions and refreshments.

There was also an opportunity to meet Link administrator Mike Maclachlan.

He said: "When the Christmas Fair first began to support the Medical Link, Sudan was embroiled in a civil war. Set up by the then Bishop of Salisbury John Baker, the Link aimed to address the dearth of even the most basic medical facilities in the country.

"Since then, North and South have gone their separate ways, but tribal differences in the South have frustrated UN and other agencies' efforts at stopping the violence and restoring peace.

"The Link remains because the need is as great now as it has ever been. There is still difficulty in reaching remote clinics and a shortage of trained medical workers and basic primary healthcare medicines.

"The Medical Link funds medicines and training of health professionals, and two of the volunteer team visited this autumn, facing the challenge of continuing insecurity, to ensure funds are put to good use and provide much-needed assurance that the people have not been forgotten by those in a different part of the world."

Silver service at care home WHITECLIFFE House care home in Whitecliff Mill Street celebrated its 25th silver anniversary, with the Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt and her consort John Stayt as special guests.

Linda Brown played piano and sang during drinks, which were followed by dinner, and in the afternoon everyone enjoyed a pantomime produced by Memory Lane Productions, followed by a special cake and tea.

Residents and friends have also enjoyed a Pink Day raising a total of ÂŁ180 for Breast Cancer Care, including ÂŁ70 raised through a cake baked by their inhouse chef, which was then donated back for all to enjoy.

Camera club refocused

SANTA's little helpers (above) have been busy sorting out shoeboxes for underprivileged children this year in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania.

Wrapped in Christmas paper and packed with all sorts of lovely Christmas gifts, the boxes join thousands of others from Rotary clubs all over the country. They are delivered to children in eastern Europe, aged up to 15, who have very little or nothing to look forward to at Christmas.

Carl Conlon, President of Blandford Stour Rotary, said: "We would like to thank the people of Blandford and surrounding areas for their continuing generosity in supporting this important appeal.

"Thanks also to the children, staff and parents of Archbishop Wake C of E Primary School, Dunbury C of E Academy, Pimperne C of E Primary School and Sturminster Marshall First School for their amazing support. Finally, thanks should also go to the volunteers who helped by knitting and sewing many items to put in the boxes."

BLANDFORD Forum Camera Club is back in full swing after a summer programme which included a visit to the Hawk Conservancy Trust, a boating trip along the Wareham river and a couple of social events.

The autumn season included competition nights, guest speakers, training sessions and workshops.

Round two of the monthly Points Cup A top-scoring image by Judy Vowles entitled 'My Boy'. competition resulted in top scorers being Graham Hutton, Malcolm Bowditch, Ian Ferris, Jean Bartlett, Glynis Larter-Whitcher, Colin Cross, Rachel Cooper and Judy Vowles.

The Studio group is growing in numbers, and apart from the portraiture evenings has experimented with still life, smoke, water - anything they can think of.

The Distinctions group are all working towards the coveted RPS and PAGB awards, and this too is well supported, with Jean Bartlett being the latest member to achieve her LRPS. There are still openings for new members, photographers of any standard are welcome. See the website at bfcclub.co.uk.

24 The old cypress tree pictured in March, shortly before felling. Its healthy appearance belies the truth - the limbs and trunks were badly affected by age and weather.

December 2016

New landmark for an historic station A NEW semi-mature scots pine has been planted at Shillingstone station to replace an iconic 150year-old cypress which had to be felled earlier this year.

The dominant feature of the station had watched silently over the comings and goings of steam trains, passengers, milk churns and parcels, and since 1966 the closure of mainline working, the station's gradual decline into dilapidation and then its re-birth through the North Dorset Railway Trust.

Winter storms in recent years caused sections of the trunk to split and limbs to fall, making it unsafe and a potential hazard to visitors and station staff, and despite efforts to save the tree it was agreed with the council's tree officer that it could not be preserved.

The very noticeable gap in the station's landscape has now been filled by its replacement, which was officially dedicated when North Dorset MP, Simon Hoare,

placed the symbolic shovel of earth around the tree to mark its planting. Representatives of Dorset County Council's tree and landscaping department, North Dorset District and Shillingstone Parish Council, and Trust members who donated to the tree purchase and planting were invited.

Trust membership secretary Alan Wiseman said: "Losing the old cypress was rather like losing an old friend. We could not let this pass without some kind of memorial so planting a new scots pine serves that purpose, as well as providing a new feature for the station that will be admired and appreciated by generations to come.

"The scots pine variety was chosen partly because of its suitability for the soil conditions but also its connection with the famous 'Pines Express' train that regularly passed through the station during the 1950s and 60s, taking holidaymakers from the north of England to Bournemouth."

www.forumfocus.co.uk

OBITUARIES

December 2016

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Organist at local churches for more than 60 years FORMER church organist Myrtle Barnett, who played for more than 60 years at churches in Langton Long, Pimperne, and Stinsford, near Dorchester, as well as at others of various denominations throughout the area, has died at the age of 98.

Born Myrtle Gwendoline Fletcher on 13th June 1918 in Pimperne, she attended the local school where her passion and love for music were kindled. She became admired not only for her musical ability but also for her dedication and enthusiasm.

When her call-up papers arrived, she went to High Wycombe to join the Women's Land Army, and from there to West Lodge, a

Dorset farm.

She became friendly with a young soldier, Ted Barnett, who served in the Royal Berkshire Regiment and landed in Normandy on D-Day, 6th June 1944. They married on 22nd April 1946 in Pimperne, the day before his army discharge, and had three sons, Barry, Michael and David.

Myrtle returned to work at Backways in Blandford, then at Cherrys, before joining Ted at Hall & Woodhouse.

Ted's health deteriorated soon after his retirement, and to improve his mobility, Myrtle learnt to drive - for her something of a challenge which needed around

One of the first women in diocese to be ordained REV Marion Miles, much loved local priest and long-term resident of Blandford, died peacefully at Milborne St Andrew on 17th October.

Her extensive involvement with Blandford Parish Church included the youth club and the PCC. Later, with encouragement from Rev Andrew Babbington, she took initial vocational steps with the Bishop's certificate, lay reader's and lay pastoral assistant courses.

The Salisbury and District Ministry Training scheme prepared her for ordination as deacon in 1988. She was among the first women to be ordained priest in Salisbury Cathedral in 1994.

Marion was greatly valued for her pastoral gifts, exercised in parish life and as chaplain to Blandford Hospital, which led to her involvement with the Diocesan Hospital Chaplains group. She developed the lay pastoral assistant course for Milton and Blandford Deanery, encouraging many lay people to develop pastoral skills in support of local clergy.

Marion moved to the Winterborne Valley in 1999 to help during the vacancy, and then alongside Rev Robin Hungerford. She had extraordinary pastoral gifts; many

Marion Miles. have experienced her loving presence at hospital bedsides or in homes following bereavement.

Visiting the bereaved and conducting funeral services was a great ministry.

Marion's interests included her 20-year presidency of the local branch of The Children's Society, a charity close to her heart. She acted as chaplain to the Mayor of Blandford on a number of occasions.

Marion leaves her husband Colin, churchwarden at Langton Long, her five children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Rev Caroline Chichester

ten attempts to gain her driving licence.

Ted died in 1984, and she played the organ at his funeral in Langton Church.

In retirement, she was busier than ever, and in huge demand at weddings, funerals, Methodist lunches and Sunday afternoons at Castleman House.

She maintained her association with the Dorset branch of the Women's Land Army, and celebrated her 80th birthday in 1998 with a service of thanksgiving and a huge party organised by church parishioners. Her 90th involved a large family get together at the Crown Hotel.

She moved into Castleman House when she became frailer, and died there peacefully on 5th October. Her funeral service in All Saints Church, Langton Long, was conducted by the Rev Jonathan Triffitt. She is survived by her three sons, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Myrtle Barnett.

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December 2016

Business puts on a show FORUM Focus was represented at the North Dorset Business Day, hosted by North Dorset District Council and the community partnerships at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton, where nearly 50 local businesses exhibited their wares and networked between themselves and with visitors.

They were welcomed by North Dorset's community and regeneration spokesperson, Councillor Sherry Jespersen, and the event, which included workshops on business finance, marketing and growth, was officially opened by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare.

He thanked everyone for the investment and confidence they showed by locating their businesses and families in the district, and assured them of his intention to be a strong champion for the rural communities and support their economic development.

Capricorn 1 in the Chesterfield Suite at the Kings Arms. Picture by Sue Burleigh.

New to pub music scene

CHAIRMAN and vice-chairman of Child Okeford and Shillingstone parish council, Martin Rudd and Tim Kennard, arrive in their vintage transport to cut the ribbon and reopen Haywards Bridge that links the villages. About 100 residents gathered to mark the longawaited reopening. The bridge had been closed since April for a ÂŁ1.5m refurbishment after County Highways identified serious deterioration in its steel and extensive repair work was required to make the road safe.

LIVE music took a fresh new turn in Blandford in October when, in addition to the usual offerings at local pubs and clubs, a regular monthly jazz night, Kings Fat Thursday, was launched at the Kings Arms, and a country music session was hosted at The Stour Inn in Blandford St Mary.

The jazz night, which will generally be on the third Thursday of the month, features Capricorn 1 - Tom Vallely on drums, Sagat Guirey on guitar, Paul Francis on bass, local musician Dan Baker on violin, and Terry Quinney on sax. They were joined in October by gypsy jazz musician Jipe Gerardin, and by Martin Ansell and Debbie Cassell and a number of other singers, attracting visitors from a wide area.

Clayesmore Pre School pupils who took part in the school house music competition.

Another hit for Adele NOW in its 11th year, the popular Clayesmore Prep School House music competition has become firmly established as the first interhouse event of the school year.

The sports centre was, once again, packed with parents and relatives who came to watch the celebration of musical life at the school through the works of Adele - the theme for the year.

The adjudicator and special guest was Lisa Martin, the UK's No. 1 Adele Tribute and star of BBC TV's 'Adele at the BBC', who per-

formed three hits from the '25' album. Each house performed a verse and chorus of Skyfall, and then it was over to the house singing class - the highlight of the day - which also included a performance by the nursery and preprep children and staff.

Staff and children had been meeting behind closed doors, setting aside a lot of time for three weeks to perfect a song which had been chosen at random from a selection of songs from this year's theme.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers from everyone at Forum Focus

SCHOOLS

December 2016

Children’s thank you CHILDREN from Seahorses class at Durweston Primary School visited Knighton House Prep School to say a very big 'thank you' for the minibus and driver provided by Knighton to take them to swimming lessons in Blandford.

The Durweston children handed over a cheque to Mrs Wicks, headmistress at Knighton House School, which will go towards a bird bath and spring bulbs in the school's memorial garden.

The memorial garden has been created over the last year to celebrate the life of Miss Elizabeth Potter, who died last year. Miss Potter was a very keen gardener and much-loved matron at the school for over 11 years. Many of the plants in the garden were taken from clippings in her garden.

Knighton House say that sharing their facilities is an ideal way to play a role in their local community, and Durweston children are also invited to hockey lessons on their all-weather pitch.

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NORMAN TIMES: Children from Durweston have been celebrating the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Porpoises and Sharks classes went to Old Sarum (above) and took part in an activity day organised by English Heritage.

Meanwhile Dolphins and Starfish stayed at home and looked at the Bayeux tapestry and made swords and shields and oatcakes before re-enacting the Battle of Senlac hill (below).

Durweston the top tag team

DURWESTON were delighted to find themselves the winners of the Blandford Schools' Network annual tag rugby tournament in which six local primary schools took part.

It was organised and run by year 12 students from The Blandford School, and great commitment, enthusiasm and sportsmanship were displayed by all teams.

After all the matches were completed, three teams had only lost one match and the final places were decided by 'try difference' which revealed Downlands third, Pimperne second and Durweston first.

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KNIGHTON House Year 6 pupils visited the beautiful National Trust house and gardens of Montacute House to learn about life in a Tudor mansion and examine the National Gallery portraits in the Long Gallery. As part of their study

SCHOOLS

of people and symbolism in Tudor portraits in history lessons, they learnt how important the images in the portraits were, the types of fabric used in Tudor clothing and what the paints and pigments were made from.

December 2016

Hot news at Clayesmore

FOLLOWING several months of extensive engineering which has reached all around the school site, Clayesmore's new biomass heating system is now up and running.

Some 1.8km of pipework has been laid around the school grounds, linking buildings to the Dorset Barn building adjacent to the Astroturf which houses two wood-chip fired boilers, each of which produces a massive 500kw of heat.

The installation of the system has allowed for the removal of 42 individual boilers and over 30 storage heaters, and the system operates by pumping 50,000 litres of water heated to 80°C around the pipe circuit.

This has been a mammoth task and the culmination of 18 months of planning and implementation.

The school is proud to now have an efficient, green and futureproofed system which should meet its hot water and heating needs for many years to come.

December 2016

An artistic double act MORE than 100 people celebrated a double wedding with a difference in Sixpenny Handley with a performance of Kali Theatre company's 'My Big Fat Cowpat Wedding'.

The audience also celebrated the joining together of two local institutions, Dorset's rural touring arts scheme Artsreach, and Blanchards Bailey, the law firm which has once again been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the top firms in the UK with special recommendation of four of its partners.

Paul Dunlop, head of litigation and disputes, Sarah Heath, head of commercial services specialising in commercial and

29

agricultural property, and Jerome Dodge and Merlin Lewis, specialists in wills and estate planning, were recommended for their personal expertise.

Kerry Bartlett, Co-Director at Artsreach, said: "The support of Blanchards Bailey is extremely well received and helps us take the arts to the community and increase our efforts with the confidence that we have a great local business on our side.

Both of our organisations benefit from this arrangement, but the real benefactors are the people of Dorset who will have sustained access to quality arts."

See Page 32 for forthcoming Artsreach productions in the area.

Brent’s new book

Blanchards Bailey's partners, the Artsreach team and cast of 'My Big Fat Cowpat Wedding'.

A chance to make music THE Dorset Music Service, which works with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to provide inspiring musical experiences for Dorset's young musicians and now rehearses on one Sunday a month at The Blandford School, is presenting a Christmas concert at the school on Sunday 4th December at 4pm.

The service provides playing opportunities for students of all ages and all abilities, with rehearsals which are fun, and professional musicians providing coaching and guidance.

County Music Groups now rehearsing in Blandford include the Dorset Youth Symphony Orchestra, Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra, Reel Dorset (Folk Group), and new, starting in January, the Guitar Ensemble for which applications are welcome from those beginning to read music.

Dorset Youth Voices meets fortnightly on Thursday evenings in Durweston village

hall and is open to good singers aged nine to 18.

A limited number of vacancies are available in the symphony orchestra and applications are welcome for the folk group for those at grade 3 and above.

There is currently a waiting list to join the jazz orchestra, but limited positions for young musicians playing the saxophone or trombone at grade 5 and above may be available in the New Year.

The concert, which will showcase the work during the year of all the groups, is in association with the BSO and Soundstorm music education agency, and there will be a retiring collection and refreshments available.

For full details and how to join one of the groups, contact the team on 01305 225770, email dorsetmusicservice@dorsetcc.gov.uk or see the website at dorsetforyou.com/county-music-groups.

CAROL singers will be performing at Tesco and M&S in Blandford during the week beginning 19th December to raise funds for the Friends of Blandford Hospital.

FOLLOWING the local success of his debut novel, Shillingstone Station, former teacher Brent Shore (above) from Tolpuddle has published his second, the story of a lonely man who resolves to do something genuinely noble with his life.

Bailing Out has as its central character a retired police detective who, in a new job as a school minibus driver, sees his opportunity to make a difference through the lives of a poor family.

"It is a story of generosity and judgement, of compassion and of risk," says Brent. "Readers may recognise Dorset in the descriptions of people and places, but unlike Shillingstone Station, no real locations are mentioned. The story is definitely a work of fiction but I have placed it in the reality of 21st century Wessex."

The book is available in local bookshops or via the author's website at brentshore.co.uk.

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SPORT

December 2016

A United effort takes football to the community BLANDFORD Youth Football chairman Steve Powell has thanked all their sponsors for the current and past year.

He said: "Their money enables us to give the kids of Blandford and the surrounding area football kits to play in, over ÂŁ1,000 worth of new footballs a year, and other training aids, as well as helping to pay for some of the pitch fees."

Steve has been chairman of Blandford Youth for a number of years, but is keen to point out that the club would not run without all the managers and coaches who run the teams and committee members that keep the club running smoothly, all on a voluntary basis.

He said: "We are now actively looking to get more communication from the club out to the public. The amount of good work that

this club puts into the local community and the youth is not widely known.

"We bring football to youngsters of all abilities, boys and girls, giving children confidence, social skills, friendships, and the ability to work as part of a team. We also give parents the chance to mix with other parents, creating a great social environment for children and parents or guardians."

Blandford Youth has 14 teams with more than 150 youngsters, together with a ladies' team, and are in the process of getting a girls' team up and running.

"People may ask how well our Blandford teams do. Up to the age of 12 the teams are noncompetitive, as laid out by FA rules, and results are not recorded, but from age 11 they play in

AFC Bournemouth's Community Sports Trust Blandford School sessions on the school's 3G pitch continue every Saturday with premier league sessions for girls aged 7 to 10 from 5.30 to 6.30pm, and free Premier League Kicks sessions for boys and girls aged 8 to 13 and 14 and over from 6.30 to 7.30pm.

Children need to bring trainers or football boots and a drink. For further information contact Andrew Battison on 07887 384762 or email andrew.battison@afcb.co.uk.

Coach Rob Andre with Blandford’s Under-11 Beechwood team. the competitive league cup.

"At under-13 level and above, the teams play competitive football throughout the year, and our under-13 team last season won the league cup. Many of our other teams have very good rankings within the Youth football league structure."

The under-16s finished fourth in the league last season, and this year have secured a new kit sponsor 'Twenty 2 six' and sponsorship for training jackets from the Rotary Club. They have kept going when results have gone

against them, despite losing some players, and built great friendships. They are now looking to train with Blandford men's first and second teams to take the step into men's football.

New players are always welcome to join Blandford Youth on Saturdays 8.30am to 10am or Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm to 8pm, dependant on age. Anyone interested in sponsoring or helping to run a team or the club is invited to visit the website at blandfordunitedfc.co.uk and get involved.

2016

December 2016

Gymnastics club take a leap to national acclaim LOCAL gymnasts are cartwheeling for joy after Blandford Forum Gymnastics Club (BFGC) beat off stiff competition from across the UK to win the coveted British Gymnastics National Club Award.

The achievements of some of the most inspirational people in the gymnastics community were celebrated at the stunning Athena in Leicester. They ranged from elite gymnasts taking medals on the world stage to the passionate workforce and volunteers dedicated to delivering the sport.

The seventh British Gymnastics National Awards ceremony was a celebration of gymnastics, and Blandford's award recognises the club's commitment and passion for the sport.

BFGC has recently completed a building restructure and refurbish-

SPORT

ment which has allowed the club to go from strength to strength.

A huge increase in participation numbers had coincided with many new sessions being added to the timetable, community open days, offering support for other local clubs and continued development for current members.

The community feel to the club comes across in everything they do, with many gymnasts who regularly compete at both local and national level coaching and mentoring younger members.

Helen Barnett-Moore, head coach, said: "We were so proud and excited to be nominated and to win now is like the icing on the cake. This is a real team effort.

We are like a family working together and it is amazing to be

Gymnasts and coaches from BFGC celebrating their golden success, with head coach Helen Barnett-Moore holding the British Gymnastics certificate. recognised for all the work we do locally.

"We would encourage parents to contact us to arrange a trial session where we have vacancies in classes. Our company ethos is 'Encourage Inspire Enjoy' and we

Courtney jumps into the riding spotlight A FAULTLESS round in the final secured second place in a national showjumping competition for 11-year-old rider Courtney Coombs, from Stourpaine.

Riding Timber III, her 19-year-old 13.2hh pony, Courtney was placed second in the NSEA Championships in the 90-95cm.

This was a fantastic result for Courtney, a pupil at The Blandford School, as it was her first time in the national championships competition against more than 40 others in her class.

Courtney qualified following an impressive performance at Moreton Equestrian Centre in September.

The NSEA Championships were held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire over four days in October.

Courtney has had a successful season, being placed in the top three at the Dorset County Show in September, winning a number of classes at Ellingham & Ringwood Agricultural Show and qualifying for Melplash Show.

Courtney is trained by her grandmother Marcia Coombs at Bushes Equestrian Centre.

Above: Courtney Coombs in action on her pony Timber III. Right: Courtney proudly displays her rosette and medal.

Agency supports young footballers ONE of Blandford United's Under-8s football teams are delighted with their new kit, which has been kindly sponsored by local property agents Forum Sales & Lettings.

Pictured are the team with their manager Oli Powell, and Tom Oliver, a sales negotiator at Forum Sales & Lettings.

Ashley Babbs, one of the firm’s partners, said: “We are pleased to be able to help the team with this small gesture and wish them the very best of luck for the season ahead."

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look forward to meeting new members. Come and join us."

Contact her on 01258 453941, by email to mail@blandfordgymnastics.co.uk or by visiting Units 15/16, Uplands Way Blandford Heights Industrial Estate.

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December 2016

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events

Thursday 1st December: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital Christmas Bingo, hospital, 7 for 7.30pm First Thursday Talk at Blandford Museum, 7.30pm Friday 2nd December: Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Father Christmas, Blandford Corn Exchange, 5.30 to 6.30pm, Civic Carol Service, Parish Church, 7pm Saturday 3rd December: Small Business Saturday, Outdoor Market, The Shambles and Market Place, free parking (subject to usual time restrictions) Annual Lions' Xmas Craft Fayre, Blandford Corn Exchange 9.30am to 3.30pm Special Christmas coffee morning, Shillingstone Church Centre, 10.30am to noon, stalls, Xmas raffle, sherry and mince pies, coffee, tea, biscuits Norwich Puppet Theatre present The Tinder Box (Artsreach promotion), Milborne St Andrew village hall, 6pm, details 01258 837371 Bryanston Choral Society present Mozart's Vespers, organ solo, carols and readings, Bryanston Church, 7.30pm, tickets on the door include wine and mince pies, details 01258 857260 The Gravellers and Dulcima in an evening of music and entertainment for the village hall fund, Cedar Hall, Charlton Marshall, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 453293 Sunday 4th December: St. Nicholas' Church, Child Okeford and Manston Patronal Festival at Child Okeford Church, 10.30am, with 'boy bishop' presentation and gift offerings for Women's Refuge.

Allsorts service for children with special needs, parents, carers, Shillingstone Church Centre, 3.30pm Dorset Music Service Christmas concert, The Blandford School, 4pm, refreshments on sale, retiring collection Monday 5th December: Friday 2nd December 5.30pm: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Blandford Corn Exchange 7.00pm: Civic Carol Service at Parish Church Sunday 4th December 10.30am: Patronal Festival, St Nicholas' Church, Child Okeford 3.00pm: Salvation Army Carols at Methodist Church Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th December: 10.00am Christmas Tree Festival at Parish Church Sunday 11th December: 6.00pm Carols on the Green at Badbury Heights Wednesday 14th December:

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.

Blandford & District Floral Group meets Tarrant Keyneston village hall 2.15pm, Diane Fair 'The Magic of Christmas', contact 01258 452889 Galapagos - the Enchanted Island with bird guide William Perez, Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning, 7.30pm, details 01258 860767 Tuesday 6th December: Blandford Macular Group meeting at the Parish Centre, Blandford, details 01258 454461 Wednesday 7th December: Tarrant Keyneston Flower Arranging Club, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, 2.30pm, beginners welcome. 01258 452313 Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Bryanston Court, 7pm Blandford Film Society, The Blandford School, 7.45pm, Rams, drama (Cert 15), guest tickets 01258 454697 Thursday 8th December: Songs to Make You Smile with Lili La Scala (Artsreach promotion), Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, 7.30pm, details 01258 880920 Friday 9th December: Farmers Market in the Market Place and Friends of the Forum craft fair and evening Christmas bingo, Blandford Corn Exchange Near-la Theatre present Christmas Time (Artsreach promotion), Durweston village hall, 7.30pm, details 01258 488883 The Ridgeway Singers & Band present West Gallery Carols (Artsreach promotion), St Mary's Church, Winterborne Whitechurch, 7.30pm, details 01258 880179 Friday 9th and Saturday 10th December: Pantomime Treasure Island, Old Brewery Hall, Ansty Saturday 10th to 17th December:

Christmas Tree Festival, Blandford Forum Parish Church Saturday 10th December: Free parking, Blandford (subject to usual time restrictions) Larksmead Pre-School and Blandford Opportunity Group table top sale and refreshments, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9.30am to 12.30pm, to book call 01258 456187 Durweston School Xmas Fair 3.30 to 6pm, Santa, Andy the Magic Man, stalls, festive food, carol singing & more SSAFA Christmas concert, Bryanston School, tickets from Blandford Tourist Office or ssafaxmasconcert@gmail.com Concert by the Mill Singers and Jubilate, Okeford Fitzpaine Church, 7.30pm Sunday 11th December: Santa fun run/walk starting Station Court, Blandford, 10.30am, Santa suits provided, all ages welcome, details blandfordsantarun.btck.co.uk Blandford & District Horticultural Society Christmas lunch Alice in Wonderland presented by Janet Knight School of Dancing, Coade Hall, Bryanston, 3.30pm Monday 12th December: North Dorset Trailway Network AGM , Shillingstone Church Centre, 7.30pm. Details 01258 861690 Tuesday 13th December: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, 'Christmas, Carnations and Candles', practical workshop with Jenny Coote, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm, Details: 01258 863775 Wednesday 14th December: Blandford Yuletide Festival, from 5pm, town centre and Market Place, lantern parade, community carol singing, late night opening,

Christmas services, carol concerts & events 5 to 9pm Blandford Yuletide Festival, town centre Saturday 17th December: 7.00pm Blandford Choral Society Carols with readings, Blandford Parish Church Sunday 18th December: 10.00am Family Carol Service at Parish Church 3.30pm Traditional Carol Service at Langton Long 5.00pm Christmas Carols at Catholic Church

6.00pm Family Carol service at Evangelical Church 6.00pm Candlelit Carol Service, Milton Abbey, 6pm Saturday 24th December, Christmas Eve: 2.00pm Children's Christingle Service at Methodist Church 4.00pm Family Christingle Service at Evangelical Church 4.30pm Children's Crib Service at Parish Church 6.00pm Children's Christmas Mass

firework display Dorset Moviola presents ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm Thursday 15th December: Blandford Art Society meets Pimperne Village Hall, 2pm, The Pre-Raphaelites; talk by Neil Houghton, followed by AGM, see website for details Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets, Blandford Royal British Legion, 2pm Christmas party and Blandford Handbells Friday 16th December: Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion, 8pm, Sound Tradition Christmas Concert, details 01202 732239 or wessexacoustic.co.uk Friday 16th December to 2nd January: Pantomime Sleeping Beauty, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, box office 01202 885566 Saturday 17th December: Cats Protection coffee morning, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford 10am to 12.30pm Coffee morning in Child Okeford Church 10.30am to noon Christmas carols, seasonal music & readings performed by Blandford Choral Society with Guest Musicians, Blandford Parish Church, donations to Cupola Fund and Blandford Choral Society Sunday 18th December: Family pantomime, Blandford Corn Exchange, 4pm, tickets from the Town Council office Wednesday 21st December: Blandford Carers meet Durweston Village Hall, 2 to 4pm, Christmas Party, details 01258 459215 or email bfordcarer@gmail.com Thursday 22nd December: Kings Fat Thursday Jazz Night, Kings Arms, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford, from 8pm Friday 23rd December: NHS blood donor session, Pimperne Village Hall, 12.05pm to 2.45pm and 3.45pm to 6.45pm at Catholic Church 7.30pm Communion Service at Methodist Church (joint with URC) 10.00pm Christmas Midnight Mass at Catholic Church 11.30pm Midnight Communion at Parish Church Sunday 25th December, Christmas Day: 9.30am Family Communion at Parish Church 9.45am Christmas Service at Methodist Church (joint with URC) 10.00am Christmas Mass at Catholic Church 10.00am Christmas Family Celebration at Evangelical Church 10.30am Holy Communion at Langton Long