March 2017 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS

Rowan the retriever takes a reading role at Durweston: Page 29

For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 60

March 2017

Uncertainty over future of the Jobcentre AN application to split the premises of Blandford Jobcentre in East Street into two retail units has prompted speculation about the future of the service and the building.

The application was received on January 13, nearly two weeks before the Department for Work and Pensions published proposals for the future of its estate, including job centres and back office sites.

But in the list of sites published by the DWP on January 26, Blandford Jobcentre, one of few retained in rural Dorset during the last reorganisation and now open only two days a

week, is listed for retention.

In the House of Commons on January 30, Welfare Minister Caroline Nokes said old office contracts held by jobcentres and benefits centres were coming up for renewal.

In the 20 years since those contracts were signed, the welfare system had undergone large-scale reform, including increased digital interactions which meant that eight out of ten claims for Jobseeker's Allowance were made online, together with 99.6 per cent of universal credit full service applications. Twenty per cent of the DWP estate is currently under-utilised.

The application to split the building in two has been made by the building's owners, the London based D&A (2132) Ltd directed by members of an investment company and firm of solicitors.

Their agents in the design and access statement say it is so that the owners are in a position to split the premises in two if and when the Jobcentre leaves.

It follows similar applications made for the former Argos building next door, which has now been put into effect, and back in 2011 for the • To Page 2

Church bells ready to ring out again THE bells of Blandford Parish Church will soon be sounding again, following the restoration of the tower and repairs required in the bell tower.

Tower secretary Richard Owen said: "The ropes have been reattached, the stays that were broken now replaced, and on Saturday, March 18, from 2pm to 4pm, the bells will ring out again after a silence of 14 months, while the cupola was being rebuilt.

"The clock chimes were reinstated almost immediately the cupola had been handed over, but there were a few snagging problems that had to be dealt with before the bells could ring.

"These have now been sorted out, and we plan to have a 'Ring-In' on Church Clean-up Day, and then on Sunday, March 19, for the normal service at 10am, when the bells will ring

again for the normal half-hour."

Meanwhile fundraising continues for the Cupola Project, whose next step is to make the West entrance (front door) accessible by wheelchair.

On February 11 in the Corn Exchange, 'An Evening with John Archer', one of the top comedy magicians, supported by local signer Lili White, swelled the coffers of the Cupola Fund.

And on February 27, the return of the Hood Ensign - which has been cleaned and treated using money from the Gallipoli Musical Memorial staged last year - was being celebrated in The Fateful Voyage, a dramatisation in words and music of the journey of Rupert Brooke and the RND from Blandford Camp to Gallipoli, with author and broadcaster Kate Kennedy, tenor Matthew Sandy and pianist Simon Over.

Reception class children at Milldown Primary School ended their 'Happily Ever After' topic this term with a Cinderella Ball for which they wrote invitations, chose party food, made decorations, learnt a dance, and dressed as princes and princesses. Head teacher James Law is pictured with a Reception class pupil.

FORUM FOCUS: Your FREE monthly community newspaper

www.forumfocus.co.uk

2

March 2017

FORUM FOCUS CONTRIBUTING

CONTACTS

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

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

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

ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk

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

Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like join our team to deliver in their own or any other area 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.

DEADLINES Adverts: Wednesday March 8 Editorial: Thursday March 9 Deliveries from Wednesday March 22 View future deadlines on our website.

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

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus

New trust planned as DT11 nears the end FOLLOWING the announcement that the DT11 Forum community partnership will be folding at the end of March, an exploratory meeting was held in the Kings Arms on February 7 with a view to establishing a Blandford and Area Development Trust.

DT11 chairman Nic Nicol and Blandford Business Group chairman Alison Moore explained to the invited group how such a trust, many of which have been set up in similar towns around the country, might serve the community.

Initial discussions resulted in the acknowledgement that an organisation and structure that is recognised as representing the Blandford area - working in partnership with town and parish councils and other groups - would be beneficial to promote and support local businesses and industry, residents, young and old, in the

town and villages, arts, culture and heritage, and the community as a whole.

It was agreed that the proposed Trust must be clear on what it can deliver and what it expects from members, and should operate as a hub, supporting not duplicating existing organisations, and as a catalyst for change and regeneration, attracting funding and development into the area for the benefit of all.

It was also agreed that resources would be needed to ensure delivery. The next steps were identified as drafting clear objectives that are supported by local government and the community, and communicating effectively to all potentially

interested parties so that information can be collected and assessed to identify gaps in provision, understand local needs, and gain popular support.

A copy of the initial proposal discussed at the meeting is available on the DT11 website at dt11forum.org.uk. The consensus at the end of the meeting was that it had been worthwhile.

Both chairs will be working on the points described over the next few weeks. The aim is to present a more detailed plan to local government and the public to achieve overall endorsement.

Details of updates and future meetings will be provided through Forum Focus and other media.

Mayoral chains repaired REPAIRS to the historic Mayoral chains worn by Blandford's Mayor and Consort have cost nearly £4,000.

Wear and tear during constant use over the years meant that the Consort's chain needed new cast scales with a chain connection, centre link and pendant repairs finished with polished hard gold plate costing nearly £3,500.

The Mayor's chain also needed two gold rings replacing, which could not be produced for the delicate chain in the size required in 18ct gold by specialist jewellers Fattorinis, who are usually commissioned for such work, but local jewellers Horrocks & Webb were able to supply and fit two gold clasps using small jump rings at a cost of £440.

Jobcentre future in doubt • From Page 1 Iceland supermarket in Salisbury Street. Local comment has focused less on the loss of the Jobcentre than on the wisdom of creating more small retail units when the four created in the building next door have so far remained unlet.

3

March 2017

Flood danger warning THE flooding of the Stour is a regular occurrence after heavy rain, and in the past there has been a lot more than of late.

But for anyone unfamiliar with the speed with which the river can rise and break its banks, these pictures come as a timely reminder that it can be dangerous to walk too close when it is very full and fast-flowing.

Photographer Matthew Patrick, whose kitchen window looks out over the river at Spetisbury, warned that it was close to overflowing, as shown in his pictures, particularly that of the house next to Crawford Bridge which was perilously close to the water.

He said: "I have seen dog walkers walking in the field next to the river, and they should be cautious when it is close to bursting its banks."

Debate continues over how to use the Lidl money BLANDFORD Town Council has yet to consider in public any further ideas for projects which might be funded from the ÂŁ77,000 contribution from Lidl for town centre enhancements.

The hope of Blandford Town Team that money allocated for a more frequent bus service between Lidl and the town centre might be diverted to town centre enhancements appears to have been dashed by North Dorset District Council's response to their Freedom of Information request, submitted in December.

But Town Team vice-chairman David Rose said they were aware that Dorset Highways still had around ÂŁ67,000 allocated to Blandford from the last scheme of town enhancement, and has asked the town council to consider approaching NDDC to discover whether it could be added to the Lidl pot to make a brown heritage sign project achievable.

They have also asked ward councillors and the town council to comment on their belief that more could be spent on enhancing the town centre if projected user demand established an appropriate frequency for extension of the X8 service to connect the Lidl store for onward journeys into the town and to outlying villages which currently have no direct service to a supermarket.

Stephen Clark, Area Lead (major projects, eastern) to the Dorset Councils Partnership, has

responded to the Town Team's FOI request saying: "Increasing the money directed towards the enhancement obligation cannot be justified on the basis of the evidenced impact the Lidl scheme would have on the town centre."

He said when consulted, only two ward councillors, Esme Butler and Barrie Cooper, had responded, both expressing the view that more money should be directed towards town enhancement, but following explanation had been agreeable to a decision under delegated authority.

He said the district council would be discussing the detail, frequency and review process for the bus service with its providers, and that the contribution had to be spent within ten years of its receipt.

If it was not, or it was no longer felt to address the purpose for which it was intended, the money could only be used for an alternative project addressing the same purpose.

"The purpose of the bus service contribution has always been to ensure that customers to the Lidl site have the opportunity to link trips to the town centre when visiting the store.

"While bus services do now go through the Persimmon estate, this was not deemed sufficient to encourage visitors to the Lidl store to link trips to the town centre."

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus Online at www.forumfocus.co.uk

Above & below: The fast-flowing river Stour at Spetisbury.

4

March 2017

Grave vandals leave mum distraught A DISTRAUGHT mother whose toddler son's grave has been vandalised repeatedly has pleaded with those responsible to think of the pain they are causing to relatives.

Daniel Damon died, aged two years 4 months, in February 2000, and would have been 19 in October.

His mother Yvonne, of The Plocks, Blandford, visited his grave in Blandford Cemetery shortly before the anniversary of his death to find a marble angel had disappeared.

"I looked everywhere for it, but it had gone," she said. "It's not the first time the grave has been

Daniel Damon's grave in Blandford Cemetery. vandalised, and I know it happens to other graves as well. It is so distressing."

Fate of cemetery trees is uncertain THE future of two protected trees, growing close to the now-protected Blandford cemetery wall, hangs in the balance following a planning appeal in February.

Inspector Richard Perrins will decide for the Planning Inspectorate whether the sycamore and lime trees on the cemetery boundary with the garden of Jenny Palmer and her partner Richard Burt and children in Davis Gardens can come down.

Miss Palmer's application to fell the trees was submitted before the entire cemetery and its boundary walls were listed by Historic England in response to plans by its owner Blandford Forum Town Council to replace the wall with a fence. The felling application was refused by North Dorset District Council.

Miss Palmer's appeal was considered at an informal hearing attended by District Council's tree and landscape officers Charlotte Williams, Sandy Saunders and Greg Cox, its conservation officer Jen Nixon, and the town council's town clerk Linda Scott-Giles, grounds and property manager John Goodenough and tree warden Cllr Harold Galpin.

They argued that the trees had amenity and historic value as part of the group lining the cemetery and that removing them would create a precedent for others in the group.

There was nowhere in the cemetery where replacements could be

planted because of the number of graves, and they could not be fully removed without causing further damage and expensive rebuilding of the wall, which is leaning against Miss Palmer's garden shed.

The town council, which was given a rough estimate of ÂŁ40,000 - six per cent of its entire precept to carry out repairs to the wall, was unable to say whether removing the shed would further weaken the structure at that point. The results of a full structural survey of the whole wall, commissioned following its historic listing, are awaited. Its repair will then be subject to consultation with the district council's conservation officer.

Miss Palmer and Mr Burt said that when they moved into the property 18 months ago they were not aware that the trees were contributing to weaknesses in the wall, which is leaning towards their garden, or that the lime tree would attract swarms of bees, and shed flowers and fruit which permanently stained garden features and washing hung on the line.

They said they did not feel the loss of two trees would be significant in view of the number of trees overall in the cemetery, and said some in the line had already been removed.

Mr Perrins asked all parties to accompany him on a site inspection before concluding the hearing. He will make his decision known in due course.

5

March 2017

Jack’s lively line-up JACK and the Beanstalk with the Milborne Players was a traditional offering directed by Jess E Davis.

Jack (Jo Coetzee) and his love interest Jill (Lauren House) found themselves at the mercy of Grotviler (Adrienne Rogers), the Queen of everything evil and hench-servant to the Giant 'Blunderbore', played by mini giant William Bishop with a big voice!

Dame Tilly Trot was a beauty to behold, played confidently by Gren E Davis with his usual flair. Jon Riddle was suitably French as Fairy Haricot Vert (Green Bean) and delightfully dressed in retro lime, and Peter Riddle, along with his 'behind-kick' Roy Sach, did a tremendous job of bringing their pretty cow Buttercup to life.

There were outstanding performances by the comedy duo Leggit and Grabbit (Rhianna Webb and Roy Sach), and Simple Simon (Larry Lagrue). Supporting roles were played by the remainder of the sometimes impressive young cast.

Nine councils may become two if new plans win approval DORSET'S nine existing councils would be disbanded and replaced by two new unitary councils, delivering all local government services in their areas, if Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities Sajid Javid gives the go-ahead.

It follows the agreement by six of Dorset's nine councils - Dorset County, Bournemouth and Poole, North Dorset, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland - that there is need for major structural change in the county.

One new authority will cover the established urban community of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, and the other will serve the residents of the rest of the more rural county.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, leader of North Dorset District Council, said that Dorset's councils had already begun co-operating through the Dorset Waste Partnership, Stour Valley Partnership and WestWey Partnership but had reached the end of the road in the efficiencies and savings they could make.

"With an ongoing budget black hole beyond then, change is now imperative and urgent in order to create sustainable councils for the future."

Cllr Robert Gould, leader of Dorset County Council, described it as "a chance in a lifetime to make Dorset a more successful, healthy, vibrant and prosperous county for everyone who lives here."

Cllr Anthony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: "It is not driven by a desire for greater power. As well as a financial imperative, this proposal could deliver a prize that is far greater than any council can achieve in its current form.

"The opportunities to really transform how public services are delivered in the county are breathtaking, and the benefits this would have for local people equally inspiring."

Other council leaders highlighted the high expectations of communities, the overwhelming support of the public, business and political community, and the recognition of people's sense of pride in their individual areas, which would not be lost in a reorganisation of service delivery.

Residents wanting more information about the proposal can visit futuredorset.co.uk, where the full proposal document is available, or follow @FutureDorset on Twitter.

BLANDFORD's 14-18 Commemoration Group, which is researching information about World War One locally and internationally for its series of events recognising the 100th anniversary of the Great War, is appealing for others to join them in their work.

A number of events are being planned for this year and next, including exhibitions in the Corn Exchange on the Royal Signals, on trenches and tanks, and on other vehicles used during the conflict.

Anyone who would like to get involved is asked to contact Esme Butler on 01258 480756, or by email to esbutler@sky.com.

The cast of Milborne Players’ panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

6

Visitors listen to a presentation on the work of the Blandford Foodbank.

Council tax rise could be less than the forecast ADJUSTMENTS in the figures to calculate the amount taxpayers in Blandford will pay towards Blandford Town Council's precept for the coming financial year have resulted in the expected increase being reduced from over 12 per cent to around six per cent.

In addition to confirmation of figures for the Band D rate from North Dorset District Council and pension contributions needed, a reduction in the salaries, newsletter, stationery, councillor training, grounds and property and vehicles budgets and increases in some projected incomes to reflect outcomes in the current year has reduced the total needed by around £35,000, reducing the Band D equivalent (the average paid by the taxpayer) of £205.77 a year.

North Dorset District Council was due to meet on February 21 to finalise its budget which is expected to seek a £5 increase in the Band D equivalent, together with figures for Dorset County Council, Police and Fire Authorities. These were yet to be confirmed at the time of going to press but are expected to be a £5 Band D increase for the County Council, together with £3.80 from the Police & Crime Commissioner and £1.38 from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Authority.

March 2017

Foodbank achievements revealed at open day BLANDFORD Foodbank held its first open day for the community in Blandford Methodist Church Hall, when a simple buffet lunch was offered to around 50 people.

There was an opportunity to meet foodbank manager, Gail Del Pinto, together with some of the volunteers, and have a tour of the foodbank facilities in the church.

The event was open to staff from referral agencies, supporters and members of the public who are donors or anyone who was merely interested in the work of the foodbank or wanted to get involved.

There were reports from North Dorset District Council of their very active working relationship with the foodbank. Presentations were also given on how to give financial support, get involved in simple fund-raising and how to become a volunteer.

The first published annual review was also distributed and digital or hard copies can be obtained from the foodbank or by emailing blandfordfoodbank@gmail.com.

An inspiring video was shown telling anonymous stories of people who have been dramatically impacted by the food parcels and support they have received.

The most recent development at Blandford Foodbank is the launch of the Money Matters Budget Coaching service, a Faithworks Wessex partnership with Community Money Advice. This free service is offered to people who find themselves struggling to avoid debt. For those already in debt, this service can provide the necessary support to enable clients to become debt free.

Partial reprieve for CAB NORTH Dorset's Citizens Advice Bureau has received a partial reprieve in a recommendation being made to North Dorset District Council to continue giving funding of £48,698 a year until such time as North Dorset District Council ceases to exist as a sovereign council.

At the same meeting, it was recommended that the community development budget, which contributes to the district's four community partnerships face a reduction of £100,000, leaving a working budget of £22,000 and a project completion budget for the partnerships of £10,000 for 2017/18, allowing them to finalise any project to which they are committed.

The decision follows a districtwide public consultation into proposals to withdraw funding as part of the council's budget savings.

• See Page 2: 'New trust planned as DT11 nears the end'.

BOUNDARY Commission proposals to divide the North Dorset parliamentary constituency between two new ones of 'Blandford and Wimborne' and 'Warminster and Shaftesbury' will separate wards in the DT11 postcode area which have until now been served by a single MP. The dividing line results in the villages of Stourpaine, Durweston and Pimperne all falling into 'Warminster and Shaftesbury' and the Bryanston, Blandford St Mary and the Tarrants in 'Blandford and Wimborne'.

Consultation on the initial proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries closed on December 5, and representations received are due to be published this spring.

March 2017

7

8

March 2017

Silver milestone for pre-school BLANDFORD Opportunity Group celebrated its 25th anniversary in style at its base in the Williams Opportunity Hall in Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford.

The pre-school for children with special needs was founded and opened in 1992 at the request of the Dorset Community NHS Trust and was one of many operating in the country over the years, but is now one of only two remaining in Dorset.

It helps children from Blandford and the surrounding area, with specialist highly trained staff working on a one-toFounder Group chair- one basis man Heather Bracewell. with the children.

Support is also provided for parents and carers, and since last September, the facilities have been opened up to all pre-

school children who may have special needs or be mainstream.

Group leader Sharon Kevern said: "We found that the number of special needs children was dropping, partly because more children are being accepted into mainstream schools, and partly because of much better prenatal care.

"Our Ofsted inspector in 2016, who rated us outstanding, suggested we start catering for all children."

Initially the hall in which the group operates was owned and rented to them by the charity of William Williams, but more recently it has become their own. They have extensive facilities, including the Caterpillar playroom, two quiet rooms which double as speech/language and reading/music rooms, and a Sensory Room, built by the Blandford Lions Club and opened in 2001.

It was updated in 2014, with funding from many local groups, to feature a ball pool with lights, a light tunnel, and

Opportunity Group President Steve Hitchings, North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, Paralympian Paul Blake, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and High Sheriff Sir Philip Williams in the new Butterfly Room. new and updated sound equipment. Extensive IT equipment available now includes a touchscreen computer which the children find easy to use and specialised switches for children who are unable to use a normal keyboard or mouse. A popular feature on display at the open day was the touch-sensitive mat which displays pictures that move when they are walked on.

The anniversary celebration saw the official opening, by Paralympian Paul Blake, who won gold and silver for Great Britain at Rio in 2016, of the Butterfly Room, which has been created in the main hall to provide the extra space the group needed.

Paul was welcomed by group

president Steve Hitchings, along with all the gathered sponsors and supporters.

Guests included Blandford Freeman and founder chairman of the group, Heather Bracewell, Town Mayor Councillor Jackie Stayt, who drew out the winning tickets in the prize draw, accompanied by her husband and consort John, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell and High Sheriff Sir Philip Williams, who congratulated everyone and thanked them for their involvement over the past 25 years.

"If I have learned anything in the ten months in this job it is that the country cannot survive without volunteers," he said. "I know there are professionals here too, but the group could not operate without its volunteers."

High Sheriff Sir Philip Williams and Mayor of Blandford Jackie Stayt pull out the winning tickets in the prize draw.

9

March 2017

Charity aims to convert bus for the homeless A BLANDFORD couple are the founders of a charity established to ease the plight of those sleeping rough in Dorset.

Emily McCarron and her husband Eddie have set up the Bus Shelter Dorset, backed by three other trustees, Peter Duke, Tina Dampier Bennett and Liz Reeve, and have launched a campaign to raise £10,000 to convert a double-decker bus into sleeping space for up to 20 people.

The bus will be based in Weymouth, where the majority of the county's rough sleepers are, but will serve other areas.

Emily said: "We believe that if people have their basic needs met - of sleep, food, water, warmth and safety - they will be able to work positively on achieving their goals and improving their future. Rough sleepers will be supported with their life skills,

Raid nets illegals

Trustees of the Bus Shelter Dorset: Emily McCarron, Peter Duke, Tina Dampier Bennett, Liz Reeve and Eddie McCarron. benefits, health and housing by volunteers on the bus.

"The aim is to work alongside other agencies to encourage guests on the bus to move into suitable accommodation and to change their cycle of homelessness in order to integrate back into society.

"It is hopefully something that the whole community can get involved in and support so that we can make a real difference."

The bus itself will be renovated to include up to 18 sleeping pods for guests upstairs. Downstairs there will be an area for volunteers to sleep, a consultation area, kitchen, wood burner and seating area. It

will be powered by solar panels on the roof, with storage space under the bunks, privacy curtains for each pod, and low voltage LED lighting and USB plug.

The first 250 people to contribute £50 will have their name printed on the back saying 'We helped make this happen'.

Guests will be offered the use of a PO Box so they can apply for work, register with a GP and make benefit claims.

To help support the project you can donate through their crowdfunding page, where over £1,600 had been raised within days of the launch, at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thebusshelter-dorset.

TWO people were detained following an immigration raid at Luxury Nails in Blandford Market Place.

A 20-year-old man from Vietnam, working at the salon, was found to have entered the UK illegally. He must now report regularly to the Home Office while his case is dealt with.

During the raid a minor, also from Vietnam, who was not seen working, was also found to have entered the country illegally and was passed into the care of social services.

Luxury Nails could face a £20,000 penalty if it is unable to prove it carried out the correct checks on the 20-year-old.

The Home Office has said officers were acting on intelligence and the operation was supported by Dorset Police.

People are asked to contact the Home Office if they think someone is living or working in the UK illegally, or is employing someone who isn't allowed to work in the UK.

10

Pavement problems tackled A TEAM of workmen from the highway authority re-laid a number of the loose paving stones in Blandford town centre last month.

A poll on the town's Public Forum Facebook page recently revealed that nearly 300 of 345

The poetic words inscribed in the pavement as part of Blandford's town enhancement scheme were, perhaps, prophetic. respondents among its members had slipped on the wet pavement slabs.

One reported: "I just find it slightly ironic that there's a whole mix-up about the bus route and Lidl and how it will stop people coming into town. In my opinion the slippery slabs do it all on their own."

The poll also revealed that 80 people had tripped on the loose slabs.

A total of 31 reported treading in dog poo, a surprisingly low number in view of the numbers of people complaining that incidents were on the increase. The complaints prompted the Town Council to put up extra warning signs in areas where it persisted.

Their advice is that incidents should be reported to the dog warden through the customer contact team at North Dorset District Council by calling 01258 454111.

March 2017

Improvement cash possible for Blandford-Shaftesbury roads INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into possible improvements to the A350 and C13 between Blandford and Shaftesbury for which nearly ÂŁ2.5 million has been awarded from the Government's National Productivity Investment Fund.

Dorset County Council will use the money to carry out structural maintenance and improvements along the two roads, which provide part of the vital northsouth route into Poole.

Dorset Highways are working with town and parish councils to agree a medium-term solution, while talks continue with neighbouring councils on the long-term strategic route options for the region, which could attract Government funding.

Councillor Peter Finney, Cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and highways, said: "We've been working closely with the local parish councils for the past three years, since our investigation work at Dinah's Hollow on the C13, and that will continue as we develop these traffic management and improvement designs.

"This money will greatly help the communities along these routes - for the medium-term - while we contin-

ue to investigate the long-term strategic route options to strengthen our north-south transport network and secure economic growth of the area."

A pre-feasibility study is being carried out by WSP Parsons-Brinckerhoff into the county council's initial proposals and provide independent evaluation of what improvements could be made, including carriageway resurfacing, speed limits, formal HGV routing, vehicle-activated signage, traffic engineering and junction improvements, together with the existing temporary signals in Dinah's Hollow.

County Councillor Deborah Croney, elected member for Hambledon division, said: "This is an excellent chance for us to create a mid-term solution that suits the whole area. There are significant safety issues along both routes. The funding will allow us to look at measures that slow traffic down and make improvements for the benefit of drivers and residents."

Any work will need to be completed within the 2017/18 financial year in order to maintain the funding, and could start in autumn 2017.

For more information visit dorsetforyou.com/A350C13-improvements.

Food firm’s meat labelling breakthrough GOLDHILL Organics, the Dorsetbased online food delivery company, has become the first meat box scheme retailer to offer customers detailed information about the provenance and sustainability of their meat through an innovative active food traceability software application.

Goldhill, and its grass-fed meat supplier Blackmore Vale Butchery, are the first meat retailer and independent butcher in the UK to use the Followthisfood traceability software.

Online shoppers who want to know the exact provenance of their food can now trace their meat from field to fork by going online or using their smartphone to scan the Followthisfood label on the pack of meat. It shows them precisely where the meat comes from, when it was produced, who produced it and how

A glimpse of old-time India RESURGENCE Dorset hosted an illustrated talk by Charles Miller, who was born and raised on a tea estate in Darjeeling and later worked in India.

He presented a rare, real-life glimpse into life in pre-modern India in the self-sufficient environment of a tea estate up in the Himalayas long before modern technology.

Contemporary photographs, cine-colour film and several beautiful Indian artefacts brought his fascinating experiences to life.

He will be speaking again at their meeting on Tuesday March 28 on the forces shaping the world and causing earthquakes, volcanos and tsunamis in 'Our Planet - Beneath Our Feet'.

The talk starts at 7.30pm at Blandford Museum, and is free entry. For more details call Pam on 01258 818223.

it was processed along the way.

The software application allows customers to discover more about the small local farms and independent butcher that work closely together to provide topquality grass-fed meat.

It has been developed by Agrantec, the Bristol-based food supply chain management systems specialist, in association with Blackmore Vale Butchery.

Nick Somper, co-founder of Goldhill Organics, says: "Providing high-quality, local produce from small producers in a highly transparent way is the very essence of what Goldhill does.

"We have all read about misleading labelling and the use of fictional farm brands. Followthisfood provides our customers with the trust and confidence that the food they are buying is exactly what it claims to be."

Street lighting plans SCOTTISH and Southern Electric have advised Blandford Town Council and a number of local residents that they are preparing to carry out a second phase of street lighting replacement in the town.

Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles said they had as yet been unable to confirm what works were proposed for each street, and had asked for plans to be supplied as they had been last time.

She said she had been told that 98 per cent will be replaced like for like, and heritage lights will be replaced with heritage.

But a notification from SSE to

Bryanston Street resident Julie Byngham that they were proposing to install a light in front of her cottage produced her quick response that she did not intend allowing them to do so.

"I got in touch with them and told them I did not want a light shining into my home," she said, "and asked them whether they had actually looked at Bryanston Street, where the pavements are in any case too narrow to put in a lamp standard.

"It is an historic area which does not need to be flooded with lighting. They told me they would be reconsidering their proposals for the whole of Bryanston Street."

11

March 2017

Tax change threat to rural tourism A LEADING authority on the taxing of holiday homes is warning that rises of up to 50 per cent in business rates will hit the local economy and put jobs in coastal and rural areas at risk.

John Endacott, head of tax at PKF Francis Clark and author of 'Furnished Holiday Lettings: A Tax Guide', said the proposed increases could seriously affect the region's tourism industry.

Experts have already warned that the re-assessment of rateable values, which takes effect from April, will hit rural businesses particularly hard.

In England, self-catering accommodation is subject to business rates rather than council tax provided it is available to let for 140 days or more per year. The rateable value is assessed on bed spaces taking into account the Jerry's kebab house in Blandford was in the running for a British Kebab Award on February 26. It was shortlisted in the Just Eat Best Delivery category after the public were invited to vote.

property type, size and location.

Mr Endacott said his firm was already seeing big increases in the amounts being demanded with typical rises of 50 per cent.

He added: "A relatively small holiday letting business could see a huge jump and, inevitably, will have a knock-on effect in a sector which is a big employer with owners typically using a pool of part-time staff.

"At the very least it could seriously affect the region's tourism industry and, at its worst, could both damage the local economy and put jobs at risk."

Business rates - the equivalent of council tax - are usually recalculated every five years but a delay means that they will be adjusted to reflect seven years of changes in property prices.

The Department of Communities and Local Government claims that no small business will see an increase of more than five per cent this year and that ÂŁ3.6 billion is being spent on relief, but small rural businesses fear help could be reduced in the future.

THE latest organisation to receive a donation from the Blandford Garrison Thrift Shop is Adam Bailey Rescue and Rehoming. They are based in Gillingham and the Thrift Shop donated ÂŁ250 to help with their considerable veterinary bills. Cpl Ryan Hardy accepted the cheque on behalf of Adam Bailey Rescue and Rehoming.

Pictured from left to right are: back row, Jenny Wise, Jean Peck, Jenny Robinson, Peter McAdam (Welfare Officer); front, Cpl Hardy, Sandie Disney, Simone Walls-McDonald and Col Percival (Garrison Commander).

No cemetery fees rise THE specially commissioned centerpiece for the new area in Blandford cemetery, a bird sculpture, was due to be installed in late February.

The extended section of the cemetery is designed as an area for the scattering of ashes, and town councillors at their recreation & amenities committee meeting agreed the charges that would be levied for the service.

It was agreed that the fees and charges at the cemetery generally should be frozen in recognition of the rising cost of funerals nationally.

12

Andy’s cold comfort ANDY Wing, who is packing manager at Hall and Woodhouse brewery in Blandford St Mary, and his family braved the icy waters at Swanage on Boxing Day to raise money for Blackmore Vale RDA. They raised £260, which was presented

by Andy to RDA riders Ben Tickner and Daisy May Foote, accompanied by trustee Tessa Woodhouse.

PROPOSALS are being considered for joint use of Blandford's former youth centre in Milldown Road by a number of groups, including the new youth centre management committee, POPP partnership for older people, Homestart North Dorset, the charity supporting struggling families with young children, and evening homework club.

County Councillor Barrie Cooper, who remains a member of the youth centre management board, told town councillors that a presentation had been made to the governors of The Blandford School who are responsible for the building.

March 2017

Hopes are high for parking fee refund scheme in town BLANDFORD Town Team chairman Nic Nicol has reported a positive outcome to a meeting with Jack Creeber, interim parking and transport manager for the Dorset Councils' Partnership, to discuss the possibility of a retail parking refund scheme in Blandford.

Retailers were surveyed last summer to ascertain take-up, and there was clear support, which has also been given by the Blandford Business Group, subject to agreement on the amount of refund which an individual business might be able to offer.

Mr Nicol said the Councils' Partnership would support a scheme and pay for changes to tickets and notices in car parks so that it could be up and running ahead of the Easter weekend.

Participating retailers will display membership details in the shop window and refund the cost of parking up to the agreed maximum on purchases over £10 on production and receipt of a valid parking refund ticket.

"It is expected that Town Team funds can be used in the first instance to fund promotion, shop stickers and scheme maintenance - including monitoring of take-up and feedback from shoppers and retailers," said Mr Nicol.

"We will be required to provide the wording for scheme car park notices. The Town Team will visit retailers to confirm participation over the next few weeks, and provide an online means of registering and monitoring uptake and performance. The scheme has the

full support of the Town Council which has offered assistance with website administration."

The Town Team is also progressing plans to introduce more cycle stands at locations in the town.

Hire costs are frozen HIRE charges for pitches for the indoor, outdoor, farmers' and Shambles markets in Blandford are being frozen for the coming year while the new appointment of a market manager by Blandford Town Council takes effect.

Members of the council's recreation and amenities committee have also agreed that the charge for the community room, Corn Exchange, Town Hall and Council Chamber should be frozen due to the required refurbishment of the building.

New tables and chairs are being purchased for the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion at a cost of over £3,300, and the old tables and chairs are being offered for sale to other community groups.

Hire charges there, and for all other rooms and facilities hire, will rise by an average of 2.5 per cent in line with inflation, with additional charges for the bowls and cricket clubs to reflect their contribution to replacement ballstop fencing, and in the case of the cricket club extra services provided by the town council.

13

March 2017

Divorce Month surge in legal enquiries

they were already planning to start the divorce after the holiday season, simply getting through Christmas before starting the process. We've seen that financial pressures are a main cause for conflict at this time of year."

Blanchards Bailey helps LOCAL solicitors people in every area of Blanchards Bailey have divorce, from child disreported a seasonal putes to financial and surge in enquiries about business matters, as well divorce across Dorset as offering family mediaafter the Christmas tion, collaborative law and break in what is popularadvice on probate, wills, ly known as 'Divorce tax and estate planning.

Month' in January.

Lisa added: "Our team is The sharp rise of people Lisa Holden particularly experienced in contacting the legal firm assisting people who have a lot reflects a national trend as peoof assets to protect. We underple take stock and decide to stand that going through a make a fresh start in the New divorce can be one of the most Year. traumatic experiences but we do Lisa Holden, principal and head our utmost to guide and support of family law, said: "New Year is people through this. Our experinaturally a time for reflection with ence ensures you know exactly many people struggling through where you stand, what the best a difficult festive period, often for options are, the process and the the sake of children. costs involved."

"We've found that appointments For more information visit were being made in advance by blanchardsbailey.co.uk. people in early December as

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus Online at www.forumfocus.co.uk

Volunteers Margaret Dearman and Val Pearce in the Information Centre.

New plea for volunteers THE Trustees of Blandford's Information Centre in West Street, run entirely by volunteers, are seeking to recruit two additions to work with the team, many of whom have been helping with the service since it was launched under voluntary management nearly ten years ago.

Its predecessor the Tourist Information Centre was funded by North Dorset District Council, which ceased supporting all its TICs as part of cost-saving measures. The premises were relocated from Greyhound Yard to the building in West Street, leased from NDDC by Blandford Town Council, which continues to support the venture.

It provides information to residents and visitors of all events, activities, attractions and accommodation available in the area. Volunteers are asked to commit no more than one day a month. Anyone interested should call 01258 454770 or email blandfordtic@btconnect.com.

See letter on page 16.

14

March 2017

Singer Alice soars to musical success BLANDFORD Rotary hosted the North Dorset round of the Young Musician competition, now in its tenth year, at Clayesmore School when 20 pupils from local schools entertained an appreciative audience.

Junior Winner Megan receives the Jim Atkins cup.

In the Young Vocalist section, winner Alice (year 12) and runner-up Magnus (year 9) are both students at Clayesmore School.

Alice sang 'Habanera'" from Bizet's 'Carmen' and 'I'd Give my Life for you' from 'Miss Saigon' with great feeling and showing her phenomenal vocal range.

Magnus performed 'Oh what a Beautiful Morning' from 'Oklahoma' and 'Singin' in the Rain' as he engaged enthusiastically with the audience.

The adjudicators, Roy Robinson, Judy Baker and Michael Huntriss, decided that Alice was also the overall winner of the Young Musician of the Year competition, and she progressed to the district final. Runner-up was year 11 student Katie, who played 'Romance' by Schubert on her oboe.

In the Junior section, open to students up to 13 years of age, the winner was Megan, a year 6 student at Clayesmore, who sang two pieces: 'Home on the Range' (an American folk song) and 'Castle on a Cloud' from 'Les

From left: Rotarian Andy Munden (organiser), Katie (runner-up, Young Musician), Alice (Winner, Young Musician), Magnus (runner-up, Senior Vocalist), Steve Adamson (President, Blandford Rotary).

MisĂŠrables'. Runner-up in the Junior section was Sancha, a pupil at Archbishop Wake School, who played her violin brilliantly for such a young person.

Concluding a splendid afternoon of musicianship, Blandford

Rotary President Steve Adamson complimented all the competitors, and thanked the adjudicators for their constructive advice, as well as Clayesmore School for providing such an excellent venue.

Rock festival line-up of bands is announced BLANDFORD'S Teddy Rocks Festival (TRF) has announced its full line-up for this year, including its three biggest headliners to date - Twin Atlantic, Modestep and Scouting for Girls.

Now in its sixth year, the family-friendly rock festival, which raises funds to fight children's cancer, takes place from Friday April 28 to Sunday April 30 at its new home at Charisworth Farm, Thornicombe, where there will be weekend camping.

Twin Atlantic will be the headline act on the Friday, Modestep on Saturday and Scouting for Girls on Sunday.

TRF has also announced that English horror punk band Creeper will support on Friday, the festival's first international act, US pop punk band Patent Pending will perform on Saturday, and top tribute bands Foo Forgers, Oas-is, Green Haze and many more will perform on the new third Origin Stage.

For further information or to buy tickets visit: teddyrocks.co.uk.

15

March 2017

Can you spare some time for a good cause?

THE Disability Action Group, which provides low-cost hire of mobility scooters and powerchairs to more than 80 of some 200 members across North Dorset from premises in Nightingale Court, Blandford, and maintains the equipment of many more, is seeking volunteers who can help with the management of the service.

DAG have over the last five years built the charity into a viable and self-supporting operation, but need more people to help.

Chairman Tony Dando said: "The unit is open five days a NEW Union and St George's flags have been bought by Blandford Town Council for flying from the front of the Corn Exchange on appropriate days.

The purchase follows criticism last year by a member of the public of the state of the old flags.

week, offering not only equipment hire, but also repair and maintenance of DAG's own fleet of vehicles and those owned by its members, and collection and delivery in its specially adapted van for which another driver would be welcome.

"We need those who can offer us a morning or afternoon on a rota basis each week, and who may be able to take on further responsibilities dependent on their skills."

DAG was founded in 2000 to help those in need of help with personal transport, both at home and in the community. Over the years it has transformed the lives of hundreds of people who might otherwise be housebound and unable to access basic facilities such as shopping, medical appointments and social activities independently.

If you would like to help, call 01258 268309, or call in between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, for a chat.

Left to right: David Rose of Blandford Stour Rotary, Christina Rana, John Hall of Blandford Stour Rotary, Nicholas Hoffman and Vicky Moore.

Students’ leading roles SIXTH-formers Christina Rana and Nicholas Hoffman from The Blandford School and their head of sixth form Vicky Moore were guests of the Blandford Stour Rotary Club at their monthly speaker meeting at the Langton Arms.

Christina and Nicholas had taken part on a Rotary Youth Leadership Award weekend last summer and were presented with their certificates.

The RYLA event aims to provide an effective training experience for potential leaders through team work and planning activities.

Blandford Stour Rotary Club will be sponsoring two more pupils for the July 2017 event.

16

Readers’ letters

Volunteers are needed With the continuing cuts in public spending, tourist information centres (TICs) throughout the country are having to find new ways to operate.

In some areas TICs have begun to use a commercial model, requiring tourism and accommodation providers to pay to have their leaflets displayed in the TIC, promoting only the wealthier businesses and attractions and excluding smaller enterprises, whose information is kept but not displayed, and only produced on visitors' specific request.

Blandford Information Centre (BIC) took a different approach.

Thanks to the vision of a number of tourism champions, the BIC started as a voluntary organisa-

March 2017 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

tion with the objective of providing information on all events, activities, attractions and accommodation.

A voluntary board of trustees was formed and, with the support of Blandford Forum Town Council, the new BIC opened in 2007.

Donations are welcome but there is no direct cost to our clients; the BIC is funded by our own fund-raising activities and the continuing support of the Town Council.

Now approaching its 10th anniversary year the BIC has proved to be an important community asset, and produces the annual Blandford Town pocket guide. The organisation is run by a team of 32 dedicated volunteers and is open all year round.

We sell local ice-creams, Blandford-branded items and crafts, as well as tickets to many local events. Many of our volunteers have been with us since the start and this family atmos-

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.

phere creates a warm and friendly setting for all our visitors.

We are currently recruiting for two new volunteers to join our wonderful and friendly team. The level of commitment is up to you and need only be one day a month. If you can help please call us on 01258 454770 or email blandfordtic@btconnect.com.

Adam Forty, Trustee Blandford Information Centre

Wonderful treatment I have become increasingly concerned about the bad publicity surrounding waiting times and delays for treatment within the National Health Service and wish to share some good news with you on this subject.

On Sunday January 15, my husband David, who is a resident at the Whitecliffe Nursing Home in Blandford, was taken ill. The staff called for the paramedics who arrived within 20 minutes; a quick response medic in a car followed shortly afterwards by two paramedics in an ambulance.

I arrived to find them surrounding my husband and administering oxygen to ease his painful breathing. For the relative of a loved one, this is quite a traumatic moment and I was very concerned and shocked.

I need have had no worries - the care and treatment administered was more than equal and certainly much quicker than what he would have received if taken to hospital. I have nothing but praise for the paramedics' professionalism, kindness, cheerfulness and care, shown not only to my husband but also to me.

The outcome was that David was able to be treated immediately in his own chair, in his own room, amongst people he knows and who understand him. The equipment the medics used was state of the art - bang up to date, and quite breathtaking (excuse the pun).

I cannot name the paramedics but they all live locally, so they know who they are. Two simple words 'Thank you' must suffice for now.

Della Jones Winterborne Zelston

A parking opportunity I am writing about the parking in the Wessex Court, Blandford.

I accept that if Spectrum own the area then they can do what they like within the law of the land.

And after having free parking on a 'first come first served' basis that caused chaos with cars, vans and trucks parked all over the place, I agree something had to be done.

But now I look out of my window and see no cars parked - just big concrete blocks.

Being a housing organisation, which I understood supplied lowcost housing to the community, I would have thought they would be more community-spirited and help the local people in the surrounding houses by supplying parking.

I am sure, with a quite small investment to make parking places, instead of putting unsightly concrete blocks that do not do anyone any good at all, everyone could benefit.

I phoned and asked for a space but was told that there would not be enough for the parking of Wessex Court residents.

Their first priority, I know, is to the residents of Wessex Court, but judging by the emptiness I see now, there are a lot of spaces left that could ease the parking problem for all on a controlled payment system.

Colin Young Damory Street, Blandford

Church times Could I use your columns to inform residents of Blandford St Mary and further afield of the changes to the times of services at the parish church of St Mary's?

From the beginning of the year there are just two services a month at this church; on the first Sunday of the month at 8am, a said Holy Communion service according to the Book of Common Prayer, and on the third Sunday of each month at 9.30am, a Communion Service, with hymns, according the more modern Common Worship. All are welcome.

Brian Marlow Dorset Street, Blandford

17

March 2017

Letters extra

Pride of the Legion We should all be enormously proud of what our little town of Blandford has done for the armed forces community and indeed national security, for the many years that Blandford Forum has been a garrison town and training centre to the armed forces.

Here at the Blandford and District branch of the Royal British Legion, we are always looking for ways to raise essential funds for this wonderful community of people, as well as the occasional boost to our own pot for office paraphernalia here at Legion House, vital to enable us to carry on flying the flag.

On February 24 we were playing host to the Blandford Gurkha Regiment, embracing the diversity of Blandford as well as having a little friendly competition on the pool table and darts boards!

Coming up over the next few months you will find us supporting the Georgian Fayre in May, the Spetisbury County Fayre in June and the Milton Abbas Street Fayre in July. As they say - 'Many hands make light work', so please do get in touch.

The more time you can give, the more events like this we can support, and so the more funds we can raise.

Other events coming up (please keep a look out for further details) will be a bingo night and a pub games night (pool, darts, skittles, etc).

As always we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help or even join the branch full time. Please email Alex at Blandford.treasurer@rbl.community and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

And finally, a massive thank you to everyone who helped with the 2016 Poppy campaign which raised £22,298.87, with other funds sent directly to the Poppy Appeal HQ and yet to be credited to our total. It was a sterling effort (no pun intended) and hopefully by the time you read this, the last of the thank you cards will have been distributed with sincere apologies for the lateness in acknowledging your efforts.

Very best wishes from YOUR RBL Branch Alex Williams Royal British Legion Blandford

The presentation of £1,560 to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance by friends and family of motorcycle accident victim Kieran Pittick.

Kieran family’s grateful donation FRIENDS and family of Kieran Pittick, who was killed in a motorcycle accident last October, gathered at the Farquharson Arms in Pimperne to present a cheque for £1,560 to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, represented by Wendy Burke and Richard Robbins.

The sum has been raised in 37-year-old Kieran's memory through a series of events, including donations at his funeral, a quiz night and raffle, and a cake sale by his niece at her school in Basingstoke.

His widow Emma thanked everyone saying: "It means a lot to me. It has been a really hard time, but all the family have been really appreciative of all the support and love you have given, which will never be forgotten."

She was joined by her own mum, Kieran's mum and auntie, daughters Shannon and Leanne, grand-daughter ElsieRose, and cousins and nephews, and most of the riders who took part in a memorial bike ride.

Thanks were expressed to the landlord of the Farquharson, Nev Green, for allowing them to stage the presentation in the pub dining room.

CHURCHILL Productions' next offering is People, by Alan Bennett, which will be staged at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on March 23 to 25.

The play, directed by Pete Talman, will feature Tony Harrison, Sammy Upton, Jan Wyld and Simon Janion in the cast, and deals with the travails of a crumbling stately home and its ageing owner. It premièred at the National Theatre in 2012.

18

March 2017

Choral group hitting the high notes

Veterinary team walk for charity

BLANDFORD Choral Society is reaching new heights under the direction of James Crawshaw (pictured right), who was appointed as the new conductor last September.

The exuberant and varied programme of Christmas music, in which some of the well-known carols were rendered from different contexts in a new form, including Silent Night sung in gospel style, proved to be an enjoyable experience for the audience.

Spring season rehearsals started in January with James working on blending the choir together and encouraging the development of individual voices in workshop sessions.

This is laying the foundations of a potentially more professional performance by the choir at the spring concert on Saturday March 25 at Blandford Parish Church, when the choir will be joined by the Weatherbury Singers in performing Faure's

A GROUP of vets and nurses from Damory Veterinary Clinic in Blandford will be walking 25 miles along the Jurassic Coast path in support of two charities.

Vets Andrew Hamilton, Cherry Smith and Sam Butler and nurses Carly Tepany, Leanne Garrett, Naomi Gough and Sophie Babbs are walking in support of MIND, the mental health charity, and Pets As Therapy, which provides a visiting service to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and other venues across the UK. Sam said: "Mental health is an extremely important part of the veterinary world and we always strive to take care of others but sometimes we forget about ourselves. Pets As Therapy's fantastic dogs and cats can provide a wonderful service to people who have perhaps been unable to have their pet with them."

Anyone wanting to support them can make donations via justgiving.co.uk/teams/damory.

Cantique de Jean Racine and Requiem, and the Pergolesi Magnificat.

James Crawshaw is directing and conducting the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, in Blandford

Parish Church. Wine and light refreshments will be served and tickets at ÂŁ10 are available by calling 01258 860470. For more information see Facebook/Blandfordchoral.

LOCAL author Paula Harmon presented two collections of short stories at a talk with readings and book signings at Beatons Tearooms.

In January the tearooms held the first in a series of networking business breakfasts with a difference hosted by Liz Darcy Jones. The next will be held on Friday April 28 - for details see lizdarcyjones.com.

19

March 2017

Potato power pulls in the gardeners THE green-fingered of North Dorset and beyond flocked to Pimperne village hall to stock up on their seeds, bulbs and other garden items at Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club's annual Potato Day. Pennards Plants again brought their massive collection of seed potatoes, and there was a selection of trees, shrubs and herbs along with the Treevia Quiz run by Mark Hinsley, a tombola run by club members, other stalls and, of course, refreshments, served this year in the side room to provide more space.

The Victorian garden, formed in 2008 and managed by a group of volunteers, is on land behind the Town Museum leased on a peppercorn rent from the William Williams Trust.

Heritage varieties of crops are grown with traditional techniques, where possible, similar to those that would have been

prepared and eaten in Victorian times, helping to bring the museum's Victorian kitchen scullery to life, especially to parties of visiting school children.

With a wheelchair-friendly path, seating area and wildlife area with pond and bog garden, it is close to but away from the town centre. Volunteers maintain and work on it for a few hours each weekend. Anyone keen to learn about and work with plants or is handy with tools or can help with education and grants, bake cakes, make chutney or crafts is welcome to get involved.

Produce such as plants, jam and chutneys, together with vegetables and cut flowers, are sold to raise funds, and there are other events including open garden days, storytelling, talks and afternoon social gatherings.

For further details, contact Heather on 01258 458678.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Healthy outlook at Cariad

Above: Joy Reynolds, Nessa Hickish, Cally Turnbull and Elaine Lofthouse at the serving hatch with the array of cakes. Below: Customers make their selection of the seed potatoes on offer.

20

March 2017

Name of town’s adopted son omitted from roll of honour

Casualties in March Ernest Charles Cooper was born 1896 in Tarrant Monkton and served as Private in the 3rd Bn Dorsetshire Regiment. He died in England on March 8, 1917, and is buried in Abbotsbury Road Cemetery, Weymouth, but remembered on the Gussage St Michael memorial.

His parents John, a waggoner, and mother Charlotte had married in Blandford in 1885, and he was the youngest of their four children. They had lived at Brighton and Alresford in Hampshire, and in Durweston and Monkton St Giles in Dorset, where Ernest at 15 was working as a waggoner.

Harry Charles Swyers is remembered on the memorial at Sturminster Marshall, where he was born in 1882, the third of seven children of farm labourer James John Swyers and his wife Jane. He married Emily Smith in Hampreston in 1902, and worked as a railway platelayer.

After originally enlisting in the Dorsetshire Regiment, he was serving as a Private in the Wiltshire Regiment 2nd Bn when he was killed in action in France on March 11, 1917, and is buried in the Agny Military Cemetery.

Poultry worker Martin Augustine Christopher was born 1893 in Witchampton, where he is remembered, and died in Mesopotamia on March 24, aged 23. He served with the Royal Field Artillery 'B' Bty 55th Bde, and is buried in the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery.

The youngest son of farm labourer Frederick Christopher, who died in 1905, and his wife Annie, he had a sister and three brothers.

Reginal Charles Wareham was born in Iwerne Courtney where his father Joseph worked as a carter. His mother came from North Cadbury and they had married in Wincanton in 1893.

Reginald was their middle child, with an older brother and younger sister. He served with the Dorsetshire Regiment 2nd Bn and was killed in action in Mesopotamia on March 25, aged 20, to be remembered on the Basra Memorial and at Shroton.

Serving with him and killed in action on the same day was Henry Edward Harrison, also aged 20, and remembered in Farnham but born in Stepney, London. His Woolland-born father, Henry George, was a police constable, who in 1881 was stationed at Leman Street police station in Whitechapel, where later that decade Jack the Ripper stalked, but had died in Farnham in 1902, leaving his mother Annie with ten children, six of them still under 14.

Edward Ernest Hall died of wounds in France aged 31 on March 30, serving with the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) 6th Bn, and is buried in the Duisans British Cemetery Etrun.

His parents John and Mary Jane had both been born in Child Okeford where they lived in Duck Street, and he was sixth of their ten children. His father died in the same year. Edward had in 1914 married Dora Emma Chapman, with whose family he had lived, and worked as a gardener since 1911, in Hardingstone, Northampton, and their only son was born the following year.

He died of shrapnel wounds to his legs, left foot, nose and abdomen, and the pension awarded to his wife and child six months later was 18s and 9d a week.

A NAME which does not appear on the Blandford roll of honour but is clearly that of one of the town's adopted sons is Sydney Broadbent.

He was born in Maidenhead, the fourth of seven sons of print compositor Edward Ferdinand Broadbent and his first wife Jennie, who died in 1892 when Sydney was seven years old.

But Sydney had by this time already come to stay with two of his father's sisters, Aunt Sarah, who was married to Post Office telegraphist John Millard, and Aunt Florence, who lived with them, first at 60 Orchard Street, and later at 7 Park Road.

He is commemorated on the school War Memorial which stood in Damory Street, and attended Blandford Secondary School between about 1895 and 1901. After leaving school he joined his uncle to work at the Post Office in Blandford as a sorting clerk and telegraphist, later moving to Wokingham and Camberley.

While in Blandford he spent three years training with 'C' Squadron of the Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry the Cavalry component of what became in 1906 the Territorial Army which was based in Damory Street, and in 1910 responded to the calls from Canada for emigrants by travelling on the SS Corsican to Chatham, Ontario.

When war was declared in 1914, Canada raised a Canadian

Expeditionary Force and Sydney joined Lord Strathcona's Horse (Loyal Canadians), who were dispatched to England to train on Salisbury Plain and later at Maresfield Park in Sussex before being deployed to France as infantry in May 1915.

He appears to have had a chequered history during training, being disciplined three times for being absent without leave and on occasions for other offences. He also spent some time in hospital which meant he did not rejoin his unit in France until June of that year, after which he was disciplined twice more.

By March 1917, they were in the thick of the action at Guyencourt and Saulcourt in a blinding snowstorm and came under enemy fire, which saw seven horses and one man killed and seven wounded. One of the wounded was probably Sydney, who died the following day, aged 32.

He was buried in Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension on the Somme, and his medals were sent to his uncle in Blandford.

The Millards' gravestone in Blandford Cemetery records: 'In memory and love of my husband John William Millard who crossed the bar May 12th 1929, and our dear nephew Sydney Broadbent L.S.M who fell in action March 27th, also of Sarah Rose Bridgewater Millard, wife of the above J W Millard who passed on Feb 29th 1940. Greatly loved.'

The Millard family gravestone at Blandford Cemetery, where their nephew Sydney Broadbent is also recorded.

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

21

March 2017

Club open for business THE Blandford Business Club is holding an open day on March 1 from 9am until 12pm at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery visitor centre.

The group, which holds fortnightly networking breakfast meetings at the centre, at which representatives of the business community can generate referrals, make strategic alliances and contacts, is throwing open its doors and welcoming businesses to join in its bi-annual event.

There will be three free seminars on offering six steps to a successful business, why networking is scary and tips on digital marketing. The goal is to grow and secure additional membership by offering an attractive range of business-focused interactions between existing members and potential new members, through exhibitions, networking and free seminars.

For more information see blandfordbusinessclub.co.uk.

A Blandford Business Club networking meeting at the Brewery Visitor Centre.

Dorothy’s delight at an outing to her mother’s home village RESIDENTS of Whitecliffe House residential and nursing home in Blandford enjoyed a day out to Compton Valence, which is renowned for the magnificent profusion of snowdrops and picturesque views.

The visitors had a lovely bird's eye view from their minibus, and Dorothy, who will be 99 this

year, was thrilled to revisit the village where her mother was bought up.

She said her mother's maiden name was Bloomfield, and wondered if anyone in the village remembered, or had heard any history of her mother's family.

It was a perfect day out for her, and indeed

Diamond Neighbourhood couple wed Plan delayed by in Malta ‘road blocks’ CONGRATULATIONS to Joe and Marlene Izzo, of Bayfran Way, Blandford, who celebrated their diamond wedding on Friday, February 3.

They were married in Sliema, Malta, where they met when Joe was posted back home after leaving the Army Apprentices College in Harrogate and serving in Egypt.

They were then stationed in Germany and Singapore before coming to Blandford Camp, home of the Royal Signals, in 1975.

Joe's last post was as Army Family Welfare Officer, and following retirement he became involved with many local community groups, including the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

A keen sportsman who enjoyed hockey and water polo in his younger days, Joe (83) now lists his hobbies as reading, computer and TV viewing.

Marlene, 79, was head matron at Bryanston School for 24 years.

They have a son, twin daughters, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and celebrated their diamond day with members of their family and a visit from Blandford Mayor Jackie Stayt.

THE draft Neighbourhood Plan for Blandford + (the parishes of Blandford, Blandford St Mary and Bryanston), which was submitted to North Dorset District Council and put out to public consultation last August, has stalled due to the need to find a replacement examiner.

Blandford Town councillors were told that, following repeated requests to the appointed examiner, he had now confirmed that he was unable to examine the plan due to ill health.

The application was resubmitted to NDDC on January 9 following agreement to appoint a new examiner, and a man highly experienced in neighbourhood plans has been approached.

But NDDC have suggested an alternative, saying the inspector should not be chosen by the Neighbourhood Plan team because they are not impartial.

Councillor Haydn White said it was important that Blandford + secured an independent examiner rather than one recommended by NDDC in view of the disagreements between the Neighbourhood Plan group, NDDC and others.

He reminded members that former Secretary of State Eric Pickles had said it was important that the Neighbourhood Plan team chose the inspector, and suggested NDDC were either not understanding or going beyond their powers.

Councillor Roger Carter said the process was undergoing "delay and obfuscation, with road blocks all the time."

It was agreed to seek clarification of who should choose the examiner.

several other Whitecliffe residents and staff who received great hospitality and a wonderful lunch.

Activities organiser Kay said: "We would like to say a big thank you to the delightful people who organised and volunteered their services to make this special event happen."

22

The View from the Hill

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

A

FTER 96mm of rain, nearly four inches in a week, the riverbank is bound to lose the battle to contain its contents, hence we had water all over the meadows at Durweston for a short time at the end of last week.

It also came up close to the Marsh and Ham car park in Blandford. We were bound to get payback at some point after all that lovely dry weather.

The cold weather before the rain was very welcome, slowing down disease in crops and killing off some of the more sensitive weeds. Strangely, although one would expect such weather to be good for the animals too, sadly we have had a couple of cases of pneumonia among our young cattle. In spite of several doses of treatment, one of them couldn't beat it off and succumbed at the end of January. The other seems to have picked up.

On several days it got cold enough to freeze up the water troughs. We have to remember to go round to the outdoor animals and smash it up and remove the ice, otherwise it will soon refreeze on those days when it doesn't get above zero.

Some folk are pleased about this, like Rocky, our very tame and friendly wether. He is always inquisitive, though he didn't seem

FARMING to actually want a drink. All our school visitors meet Rocky, and many have fed him toast, which he likes much more than grass.

We save up our stale crusts for him on visit days.

This month Gary and Brendan have spent many hours cutting and splitting logs, well seasoned after lying in the cord in the wood for a couple of years. They need just a few months under cover now, and will be all ready for next season. We still have plenty in bundles to keep us going for this winter.

Gathering in the logs.

We have a system for log production: The process begins with Midlands last week, to discuss a skilled man coming into the new markets for some of our prowoodland to fell the trees that duce, was very instructive. are ready to be harvested. He Among other things, this compathen cuts them into metre cords, ny specialises in processing exwhich we generally leave on the farm grains for breakfast cereal ground to season for a while. makers.

The next operation is to bring in It was very surprising to find that the splitter and split the cords 100 tonnes of average ex-farm into log sized billets, which are wheat would need to have 15 then stacked on the bundler as tonnes removed by a variety of shown in the picture. cleaning machines before it looks When complete the bundle is good enough to be turned into tied, and tipped onto the ground. breakfast cereal. Several cleanThe bundles are now easy to ers, blowers and graders are move with our forklift, and are left used, as well as a colour-sorting in a corner of the wood to seamachine, which, at a rate of 10 t son for several more months. per hour, photographs a fastEventually we bring the bundles moving stream of grain, and with indoors until they are dry enough tiny jets of air, can divert the (below 20% moisture) to cut into poorer grains into a different logs with the log-cutting machine chute which then sends them to and pile up in the log store. join the other reject grains in a The trick with the splitting is to do bin that will be sold for animal it while the cords are still green feed. Only the best for the fussy enough - if too dry, the billets humans! don't cleave particularly well, and The panel in the picture shows a we get a lot of annoying shorter red light flash every time one of scrappy lengths. We had a bit of the many cameras detects a subthis trouble recently with some standard grain as it falls through timber that had lain in the wood the sensors behind, and in the for too long, and the best way to part just below the picture, the litdeal with it in the end was to cut tle air jets do their very quick and into log lengths before splitting, accurate job. which was quite a lot more work, Some readers, mostly in and involved a lot more bending Durweston, will recall a series of and lifting than if we had done power cuts at the end of January. them when green enough to split It turned out that moisture had properly. got into a large underground joint A visit to a company in the near Bryanston, which took quite a while for the engineers to find.

Rocky, the friendly wether, at the unfrozen trough.

Identifying the grain rejects.

March 2017

The power cable which failed, causing power cuts in Bryanston and Durweston.

Many properties were fitted up with generators while the fault was dealt with. The size of the cable is impressive, although it is disappointing that technology from only around 20 years ago cannot seal a joint sufficiently well to prevent such a breakdown.

23

March 2017

‘Austerity panto’ pays off at Spetisbury SLEEPING Beauty at Spetisbury village hall was topically dubbed the 'austerity panto' after technical investment by SODS (Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society) in highly sophisticated lighting, sound and scenery systems for one of the smallest stages in Dorset.

Scripted on-stage cutbacks added to the comedy, but the backstage system designed by Martin Kerlogue with flats, scenery and special effects descending from above, together with additional lighting, ensured the best effects. This was particularly evident for the entrances of wicked witch Carabosse (Anna Brown) and her evil, scheming sidekick, the Lord Chamberlain, played expertly by local pub landlord Andy Oldfield.

New characters introduced by the author, for-

mer SODS member Bryony Black, included a crowd of Pokemon-hunting youngsters, a trio of witches, fairies and robbers (Laura Mackenzie, Joanna Worthington and Beatrice Oldfield), and a trio of ineffective palace guards, the Dorset Nobs, led by local vicar Joe Edwards, assisted by Jenny Munford and Steve Hall, and rivals to the prince (Prince Phil and Prince Grant - surely not the Mitchells?) played by Joanna Worthing and Beatrice Oldfield with extreme foppery.

Veteran Dame Mick Fowler played Nanny Nogood, who dominated the stage and sometimes the auditorium, while Gayle Palmer as Jonny Japes provided energetic commentary on the tale of the princess and most of the Royal Court (King Mark Cheesley and Queen

Nikki Black) put to sleep by the vengeful witch and woken by the kiss of her Prince Fabian (Beverley Brindley).

Director Julian Black paid tribute to his assistant Sarah Rayner, who rehearsed and choreographed the 14 youngsters taking part variously as Pokemon seekers, village children, fairies, hobgoblins and young wizards (including a Harry Potter lookalike), and who, having first performed with SODS at the age of five, continued to the tradition of performers starting young and becoming leading players, including his daughter Bryony and Sophie Edmund as the teenage Princess Aurora.

Proceeds from this year's four performances will go to Diverse Abilities, a Dorset Charity supporting handicapped children and adults.

Return of war drama THERE's another chance to see Poacher's Moon in their moving production 'Poppies Red and Cornflowers Blue' commemorating the Great War and describing some of its impact on the inhabitants of Dorset.

The cast for 2017 now includes young folk artist Louise Anderson, of Salisbury Street, Blandford, who is the daughter of John Anderson of Charlton Marshall, who wrote and composed the show.

It will be performed at Child Okeford Village Hall on Saturday March 11 at 7.30pm, and tickets, priced £8 (or £7 for those over 60), can be reserved by ringing Caroline on 01258 488640. They will also be available on the door. Refreshments will be available and there will be a raffle in aid of the British Red Cross.

SHILLINGSTONE is a long way from Haworth in Yorkshire, but Bristolbased Publick Transport will be making the journey when they bring 'We Are Brontë' to the Portman Hall on Saturday March 11 at 7.30pm.

It is a madcap physical interpretation of the Brontë myth in which two performers, Angus Barr and Sarah Corbett (pictured), with only a handful of props, take the real and imaginary worlds of the Yorkshire siblings as inspiration.

The company is dedicated to making strong visual comic theatre, and return to Dorset this season through county arts charity Artreach, supported by Blanchards Bailey. For tickets, call 01258 860319.

24

March 2017

Left & above: Some of the colourful characters who featured in the Valley Players’ production ‘Panto Briefs’ at Wnterborne Stickland.

Players keep it brief IN 'Panto Briefs' at Winterborne Stickland, the Valley Players brought a number of pantos together in a new script dreamed up by a director (Geoff Brown) for approval by the Minister of Pantomimes (Graham Gale).

It took them along the 'Yellow Stick Lane' through Panto Land to meet a number of characters in some memorable scenes, such as The Ugly Sisters (Nick House and Simon Pope), Snow White and the Wicked Queen (Carolyn Walsham and Marilyn Gale), Cinderella and Zelda the Witch (Sally Jay and Lynda Brown), the Genie of the Lamp (Helen Hakimzadeh), together with other favourites.

Between them they helped or hindered Mr Director on his quest to register his new script with the Secretary of Pantomimes at the Castle, who may or may not have been Prince Charming.

BLANDFORD'S hand bell ringers, the Shottesford Pealers, are appealing for someone to come forward who can lead them in their rehearsals and public performances, which have in the past included appearances at the Yuletide Festival and other local events.

A degree of musical knowledge is needed to guide the members through their paces, but anyone who would like to join the group is also welcome to get involved by calling Hazel on 01258 453550.

The group meets at Blandford Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul every first and third Wednesday afternoon between 2.30 and 4pm.

25

March 2017

Frankie delivers monster laughs THE Tarrant Valley Players' 'Frankenstein the Panto', directed by Adrian Tuite and assistant Peter Pearson, was a predictable romp through the inevitable 'fang' and 'stein' jokes, the Monster Mash, and liberal sprinkling of topical ingredients including a BakeOff with custard pies and the appearance and speedy despatch of Donald Trump.

A strong cast included Milly Herridge as orphan Heidi, Amanda Tuite as her handsome Prince Ludwig, Peter Pearson as his servant, Emma Chalkley as Heidi's friend Frankie and Emily Deketelaere as her delightful little dog, Kodak, on the side of good; and on the side of evil Ben Bayer as Count Dracula, Amanda Sheppard as his grandmother, and their familiars Vlad and Squeak (Willliam Bayer and Pippa Deketelaere).

Thrown into the mix were Steve Herridge and Gay Bentley as Heidi's skinflint employer and guardian Herr Pumpernickel and his wife, and the guests at their inn, the compulsory dame Miss Nelly (Rob Chalkley), and her group of unruly schoolgirls, played

by Vicki Wainwright, Lily Langford, Denise Pearson, Nancy Parsons and Francesca Mare.

David Bentley gave a near Oscar-winning performance as the creative Professor Crackpot, despite needing a 'Line Manager' (Pippa Deketelaere).

Live music from local band Rainbarrow (Lorraine Tilbrook, Helen King and their wandering bagpiper Bob Hawley) added a traditional touch to a score which included a rousing chorus of 'Master of the House' and the touching 'Evergreen' duet between Heidi and Ludwig.

The opportunities for thunder and lightning and scientific experiment gave the technical team plenty of scope, and David Swan's professional script gave the audience the opportunity to whistle loudly to summon the dog, and to shout 'knickers' in response to every mention of a 'bottom'.

The cast of Tarrant Valley Players’ production Frankenstein the Panto.

Below: Miss Nelly and Frankie.

Professor Crackpot demonstrates his experiment to his line manager, Dame Miss Nelly, the dog Kodak, Prince Ludwig and his servant.

26

March 2017

Niki Roper of the Blandford Opportunity Group receives the cheque for £250 raised by the Methodist Lunch Club from Greta Open.

Lunch club’s donation MEMBERS of Blandford's Methodist Lunch Club thought of some younger members of the community when they decided to hold a charity fundraising sale just before Christmas.

They chose the Blandford Opportunity Group, a pre-school for children with special needs, as the beneficiary, and brought handcrafted and bought items for the sale, which was carried out over a fortnight at the twice-weekly club.

As a result, £250 was raised, which was presented to Niki Roper, of the Opportunity Group, by Greta Open, who had co-ordinated the event alongside Di Browning, the church's pastoral lay assistant.

Mrs Browning helps run the club alongside Thelma White, who founded the club more than 40 years ago but has recently missed a number of sessions due to ill health, and who was given a round of applause to welcome her back.

Rural cash grants plea THE Northern Dorset Local Action Group is seeking local knowledge to test the priorities for rural grants in 2017/18.

Anyone with information about the needs of farmers or the forestry sector, growing a business, rural tourism or essential services for rural communities is invited to LAG's Spring Forum on March 1 at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton from 6.30pm.

There the LAG will review priorities and grant allocations for the next year of the programme. The meeting, for which places need to be booked by calling Emily on

01305 225525, is open to members and non-members and the outcome will inform decisionmaking for the next year.

The LAG has now awarded two project grants totalling £32,467 and has two years to award another £1.3m. The grant pot is divided among six national LEADER priorities. This allocation was agreed in 2014 after consultation with local residents and businesses. Members' decisions about applications are based on local priorities and the amount of funding each is allocated.

Garden ‘wow factor’ 'MORE Wow and less Work' is the title of a talk by Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens to Stourpaine Gardening Club at the village hall on Friday March 10 at 7.30pm.

Neil is the owner of the Wimborne Garden Centre in Stapehill Road, Wimborne, and the UK's leading ornamental grass specialist, holder of 10 consecutive Chelsea gold medals, RHS Council member and senior judge, best-selling author of

'Designing with Grasses' and founder of the Knoll Gardens Foundation.

He will combine cultural information with his personal gardening philosophy to bring the story of his work and developments at Knoll Gardens up to date.

The charge is £6 for non-members. Tickets can be bought at Edie-Mae's, Stourpaine, next door to the White Horse pub.

27

March 2017

Spare a thought for hedgehogs

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Open days at Total Window Repairs E

XPANDING local window business Total Window Repairs will be holding open days on Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11, at the new, larger unit to which they have moved at 2 Holland Business Park, Blandford DT11 7TA. The family-run business, which specialises in the repair and installation of all kinds of PVCu, timber and aluminium products, is owned by Darren and Georgie Andrews.

"Since we established our business over 15 years ago, we've grown from quite literally working at the kitchen table to operating from premises in Blandford five years ago," said Georgie. "Our steady expansion has been thanks to local business and recommendations which come from our happy customers."

TWR are well-known for their attention to detail and because their business and expertise is spread across both repair and installation of windows.

"We take a listening approach," says Darren, "finding out from the customer exactly what their needs are and advising them appropriately. Whether it's a broken handle or new-build requiring bespoke windows throughout, we have the experience to help."

Visit them, phone 01258 488500 or 01747 812666 or see totalwindowrepairs.co.uk.

President of Blandford Rotary Steve Adamson presents a cheque to The Blandford School students and their teacher before they left for Rwanda.

Lessons in Rwanda for four local students FOUR students from The Blandford School are spending 10 days in Rwanda learning about education in that country and working with children in schools.

They will run games afternoons and teach lessons they have prepared themselves, in geography, sport, science, RE and possibly music. They will play with the children during breaks and lunchtimes and learn about each other's cultures.

During their stay in Rwanda the three girls and a boy, Lauren Barton, Flo Hendy, Katie Willis-Fisher and Alex Woodall, accompanied by their teacher Ruth Vellacott, will also learn of the tragedies of the devastating civil war. They will visit the genocide museum in Kigali, an orphanage for street children and a village set up just for the survivors of the genocide, for those left in charge of a whole family while still young themselves.

All the projects are supported by the Amakuru Trust, based in Shaftesbury, and the students had to raise ÂŁ1,700 each to fund the trip.

Blandford Rotary thought this was such a worthwhile project they donated ÂŁ500 from their charity fund towards the students' expenses.

Steve Adamson, president of Blandford Rotary, said: "When we heard of this project we were impressed by the students' determination to experience hands-on the life of schoolchildren in a war-torn country and to make a difference. I am sure it will be a life-changing experience for them."

AS spring approaches after quite a mild winter the Blandford Hedgehog section of the Dorset Mammal Group is urging people to be aware of hedgehogs which may be around searching for food, including those who did not even hibernate this winter.

A spokesperson said: "They will be on the search for meat-based wet cat food, dry cat food, sunflower hearts and mealworms, and fresh water is a must, not cow's milk.

"Males will start looking to mate, and hoglets born from May onwards, when five or six weeks old, leave the nest to forage on their own. They can travel between two and three kilometres a night searching, so it is important that they can travel freely in town, through gaps under fences, walls and hedges.

"Hedgehogs often get trapped in dropped litter and die a horrible death, so please make sure you use all appropriate bins."

An untidy area in the garden with leaves and compost gives hedgehogs somewhere to sleep and nest, but care should be taken when strimming and cutting.

Copper banding on plant pots and coffee grounds around plants can be used to deter slugs and snails instead of poisonous garden chemicals and slug pellets.

Drivers at night should be vigilant.

For more information see dorsetmammalgroup.org.uk.

28

SCHOOLS

March 2017

All action at The Orchard THE first of three free activity afternoons was held at The Orchard at Knighton House School, focusing on art.

It was followed by one on sport, and on Wednesday March 15 there will be a third focusing on riding and sport, when children aged four to seven are invited to join them for riding in their arena and sport on their all-weather pitch.

Designed to be fun and for all abilities, the activities start at 4pm and

will be followed by tea and collection at 5.30pm.

To let the pre-school know you will be going and give any special dietary requirements, email enquiries@knightonhouse.co.uk.

Georgina’s Trump card FOLLOWING her impressive performance at the Global Young Leaders Conference last summer, Clayesmore student

Georgina in Washington DC.

and school prefect, Georgina, was invited to attend last month's presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington DC. Writing about the event, Georgina said: "This trip was the most challenging and thoughtprovoking thing I have ever done in my life. I loved it. Being able to witness history, no matter what your political preference, race or gender, is incredible and I am proud to say I tolerated the inauguration of Donald J. Trump.

"Other than the inauguration I was able to witness some incredible speakers, including Colin Powell, Spike Lee, Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai. It was incredible to see such inspirational people speak, all giving their own unique perspectives on contemporary issues.

"My favourite speaker was Abby Wambach, an American retired soccer player, coach, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women's World Cup champion.

She was truly inspirational and passionate about her subject matter."

AUTHOR Rebecca Westcott spent a day talking about books and the art of writing with the Year 6, 7 & 8 pupils at Knighton House School.

The author of Dandelion Clocks (Sunday Times Book of the Week), Violet Ink and Five Things They Never Told Me, which many of the girls have enjoyed, her visit was part of the Knighton House Year of the Reader, for which so far girls have read with the younger year groups, and a book fair and a book swap have been held in school.

Rebecca ran a number of interactive workshops for the girls to show them how inference can improve writing and involve the reader more fully in their stories. She used drama and music videos as stimulus.

Rebecca said: "I have come away buzzing with the creativity that was demonstrated throughout the day. Pupils were enthusiastic and knowledgeable and totally up for talking about the books that they are reading."

March 2017

Now Pimperne swim team take the honours AFTER the tag rugby success of late 2016, where a determined team of 10 from Pimperne Primary School played some tough games against the Blandford Primary cluster schools, they fought their way to a well-earned victory in the North Dorset finals.

The team now go through to the Dorset Finals this month where once again the team will be asked to draw on their resilience

SCHOOLS

29

and sportsmanship in representing the school at tag rugby.

Success of another kind came in the form of the school's gala swimmers who joined in the primary schools swimming gala, hosted by Bryanston School. The team from year 4 (for whom it was their first school gala), and years 5 and 6 did exceptionally well, securing their place as overall winners from the six competing schools.

Storytime with Rowan the golden retriever at Durweston Primary.

Rowan’s reading lesson READING has become even more fun at Durweston CE VA Primary school now that Rowan comes to school.

Each Tuesday morning, the children get to read to golden retriever Rowan and her owner Margaret Handy.

Rowan loves listening to the children and only rarely has to help them with tricky words.

If there are any other local pets who would like to help the children with their reading, please do get in touch with the school.

The successful Year 4, 5, 6 swimming team at Pimperne Primary School.

Golden landmark for the Ark nursery THE Ark, Child Okeford, is celebrating 50 years since its inception in 1967 with a family tea party on the afternoon of Saturday July 8.

Back in the days of 'flower power', a few local mums started Child Okeford Playgroup, one of the first in the area. Over the years, the group has grown and expanded, from the playgroup in the village hall; then Child Okeford Pre-school, which moved into a room in St Nicholas Primary School in 1994. It finally became The Ark, Child Okeford, a full day nursery accommodated in a purposebuilt extension to the school, ten years ago.

Throughout all this time the group has remained voluntary, non-profit-making and governed by the parents.

The current staff and committee would love as many former parents, children, committee members and staff to join them and current parents and children in their celebration this summer.

More information will be published nearer the time but please contact The Ark on 01258 861007 or thearkchildokeford@hotmail.co.uk if you would like to attend and/or have any old photographs or other memorabilia from years gone by.

30

Knighton offers help with fees KNIGHTON House School is committed to being accessible and offers a broad range of financial discounts or bursaries.

A limited number of bursaries are offered each year, and offer up to 100% of the fees. These are means-tested to ensure that families from a broad range of income levels can access the school. The amount of a bursary is not influenced by the academic ability of the pupil but by the extent of financial need.

Knighton House's Greenwood Awards offer substantial funding, as part of the school's charitable mission, to children joining in years three and four running through to year eight. The school has also introduced the 11+ Award which gives funding for years seven and eight.

A number of scholarships are offered each year for academic, art, sport, music and all-rounder.

All scholarships are awarded on merit and range from 5 to 25% of the day fees at the school, which can be supplemented with further

SCHOOLS

March 2017

Scholarship winners at Knighton House School. financial assistance based on the family's needs through a meanstested bursary.

For more information and to apply for a bursary go to knightonhouse.co.uk or call the Bursar Justin Perry on 01258 450711.

CLAYESMORE Prep School was delighted to welcome author Gillian Cross, their new patron of reading and writing, at the start of term.

Gillian takes over the mantle from Ali Sparkes, whose spell as patron saw the creation of two anthologies of pupils' work: 'Then and Now' and 'The Clayesmore Quest'.

The author of almost 60 books, including the 'Demon Headmaster' series, Gillian Cross whetted young appetites as she shared excerpts from her 2013 title 'After Tomorrow' with pupils in Years 7 and 8.

31

March 2017

Skatepark’s upgrade plays well with users THE arrival of new equipment at the Blandford Skatepark on Stour Meadows has been well received by the skating, scootering and roller blading fraternity and their parents.

A rumour, reported on the town's Facebook Public Forum in January, that the park was closing was quickly scotched by the installation of a pyramid ramp, fun box and jump box, costing in the region of £30,000.

Forum Focus reported in December that Blandford Town Council, who have put funds aside each year for the maintenance of the facility since it opened 14 years ago, had com-

missioned the upgrade of some of the ageing equipment in consultation with skatepark users after a safety inspection revealed that the main ramps in the middle had become corroded and were near the end of their useful life.

Members of the public were quick to respond, saying it was 'great to see it being updated and an amazing resource for young and old', and that it was 'like a youth club where the community can meet and have fun'.

One parent was particularly complimentary of the way his 10year-old son would get 'picked up and dusted off by the older lads,

Blandford skatepark's new equipment has been well received. which fills him with confidence’.

There was also a comment that the money would be better spent providing play facilities on the Persimmon development at Badbury Heights. The Town

Council has previously responded that the money is there to provide equipment, but it cannot be done until the land is handed over to the town council by the developers.

Pimperne all set for the great bike jumble FOLLOWING on from last year's Pimperne Road Race, the Great Pimperne Bike Jumble will be held at the village hall on Sunday March 5.

It is a chance for people to sell their secondhand bike parts, accessories, cycling, running, swimming and triathlon clothing and accessories - basically anything to do with bicycles, cycling and triathlon.

A fee will be charged to sell items - £3 for fewer than ten, £5 for more. Doors will open

at 10.30am for sellers and at 11am otherwise.

Parking is free but there is an entrance fee of £1 for adults (with the entry comes a free tea or coffee) and under-16s are free.

A second Pimperne Road Race is planned for Sunday April 30 to fill a gap in the current road racing calendar for experienced 3rd and 4th category riders.

Organiser Tom Clements said: "The aim is to have a competitive field with good racing and

a great experience for all involved. It's a venue and location to which riders can bring their families, with little things to keep both riders and spectators happy and entertained.

"There will be a great prize pool, with primes and vet (40+) prizes on offer, a playpark and plenty of countryside next to the race HQ, with a good pub on the course just down the lane."

For more information contact pimpernespringclassic@gmail.com.

Swimmers’ flying start

Treads set to launch new drop-in sessions

THE Blandford Flyers Swimming Club held their first swimming gala at the Blandford Leisure Centre.

Two visiting teams took part, Bournemouth and Bere Regis clubs, and the pool was packed with excited swimmers and spectators full of great expectations.

The evening ran very smoothly thanks to the head coach Trevor Keep and chairman Richard Hodgetts.

Once the 'runners' had run themselves ragged and all points had been collated, it

TREADS young people's project in Blandford will soon be launching new drop-in sessions in association with the Space youth project, who support lesbian, gay, transgender and questioning young people under the age of 25.

Su Case, Treads youth support worker, said: "We have been getting a lot of enquiries from young people who are seeking support and advice in more specific areas. In response we have developed targeted sessions in line with needs of the young people who access the project."

She said Treads, which has been providing services for young people for over 21 years, has recently seen a large increase in the number of young people who prefer to be able to access the type of individual services that they are able to provide.

The launch of the partnership with the Space project, together with the girls-only club aimed at

was revealed that Blandford Flyers had been victorious, and all those who took part and helped on the night were congratulated.

The Flyers meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7pm at Blandford Leisure Centre.

For more information see blandfordflyers.co.uk online.

GARDENS can offer a wonderful habitat for many of our wildlife species. Yet it's not always easy to know just what to plant in order to attract butterflies, birds and other native creatures.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust's community conservation officer Briony Baxter can help with ideas for flowering plants to attract insects throughout the year, as well as ideas for water features and why dead wood and long grass can make beneficial habitats.

She will be giving an illustrated talk on Gardening for Wildlife on Wednesday March 15 at 7.30pm in the village hall at Fontmell Magna.

14-19 year-olds, covering subjects such as self-esteem, healthy relationships and dealing with anxiety, is one of a series of events being planned this year.

For those young people who are considering further education they will be running 'University Challenge', covering everything from student finance to what to pack.

Safety first TOWN councillors have agreed that their grounds and property team should take on responsibility for safety inspections of the new adult fitness equipment and trail being installed by Blandford St Mary Parish Council on the Stour Meadows. The parish council sought the help of the town council whose staff are qualified to regularly inspect the nearby skatepark. The town council will charge the parish council for the service.

32

March 2017

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events

Wednesday March 1: Blandford Business Club open day, Brewery Visitor Centre, 9am to 12 noon, details at blandfordbusinessclub.co.uk First of weekly Lent lunches, Shillingstone Church Centre,12 noon to 2pm Tarrant Keyneston Flower Arranging Club, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, 2.30pm, beginners welcome, 01258 452313 North Dorset Local Action Group spring forum to set priorities for grant funding, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, from 6.30pm, members, business reps and residents welcome Blandford St Mary Parish Council, Bryanston Court, 7pm Child Okeford Gardeners' Club AGM and talk on growing soft fruit, village hall, 7.30pm Thursday March 2: Open day and opening of the Blandford Library Hub, Blandford Community Centre, Heddington Drive, 3pm to 6pm, details 01258 480762 Friday March 3: Time for a Cuppa, Dementia UK event, Blandford Corn Exchange, 9am to 1pm, see homeinstead.co.uk/eastdorset Saturday March 4: Child Okeford village litter-pick, meet at the Cross, 10am Coffee morning & table top sale, Shillingstone Church Centre, 10.30am to 12 noon, details Lynne 01258 860654 or Anne Powell 01258 861397 Coffee morning with stalls and coffee etc in aid of stray dogs and cats in Greece, Iwerne Minster village club, 10am, details Pip Swarbrick 01747 811737 Quiz in aid of stray dogs and cats in Greece, Iwerne Minster village club, 7pm, details Pip Swarbrick 01747 811737 Murder at the Manor mystery evening with five-course meal and wine, Castleman Hotel, Chettle, in aid of animal charity WVS, tickets 01725 557225 or linda@wvs.org.uk Sunday March 5: The Great Pimperne Bike Jumble, Pimperne village hall, sale of everything to do with bicycles, bikes, cycling and triathlon, 11am (10.30am for sellers), £1 (incl tea/ coffee), under-16s free Monday March 6: Blandford Floral Group 'That Spring Feeling'

by Ann-Maree Dicker, United Reformed church hall, 2pm Tuesday March 7: Blandford Macular Support Group meeting, Parish Centre (and every 1st Tuesday) 2pm to 4pm, new members welcome with a friend, details 01747 811191

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 events@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.

Wednesday March 8: NHS Retirement Fellowship Blandford Branch, talk by Jo Nash on Sheep, Dying and Me, Committee Room, Blandford Hospital, 10.15am-noon, details Liz Malin 01929 472441 Dorset Moviola The Girl on the Train, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7pm for 7.30pm Film night, Inferno, Charlton Marshall village hall, 7.15pm for 7.30pm, tickets £5.50, details 01258 488431.

Blandford Film Society, 99 Homes, drama (Cert 15), The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 454697 Friday March 10: Stourpaine Gardening Club, All Wow and Less Work, talk by Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens, Stourpaine village hall, £6 for nonmembers, 7.30pm, tickets from Edie-Mae's, next to White Horse Wessex Acoustic Folk, Fleetwood/Cave, Royal British Legion, Blandford, 8.15pm Saturday March 11: Blandford 14-18 Commemoration group's Khaki Canteen with exhibition on WWI food, Corn Exchange, 9am to 2pm Spring Craft Fair, Charlton Marshall village hall, 10am to 2pm, details Margaret 01258 456572 Poacher's Moon in Poppies Red and Cornflowers Blue, Child Okeford village hall, 7.30pm, tickets £8 (£7 for over-60s) from Caroline 01258 488640 or on the door, refreshments, raffle in aid of British Red Cross.

Publick Transport in We are Bronte, comedy theatre (Artsreach), Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 7.30pm, details 01258 860319 Monday March 13: Raise the Commonwealth flag ceremony, Market Place, Blandford, 10am Visually impaired readers group, Blandford Library (and every 2nd Monday) 2pm to 4pm, all welcome, details 01747 811191 Martyn Underhill, Independent Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, talks about policing in the county - present and future, Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 860767 Wednesday March 15: Talk by Nicci Brown, of Blandford Disability Action Group, to Blandford Carers, Durweston vil-

lage hall, 2pm Gardening for Wildlife, talk by Briony Baxter of Dorset Wildlife Trust, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7.30pm Thursday, March 16: Blandford Archaeology Group talk by members of the Mary Rose Trust, Blandford Parish Centre, 7.30pm, details 01258 452831 Friday March 17: Music quiz night and food, Tarrant Hinton village hall, bookings 01258 830975 or 830032, proceeds to village hall Saturday March 18: Celebratory peal of bells to mark their return to Blandford Parish Church, 2pm to 4pm Cats Protection coffee morning & stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12:30pm Photography exhibition, Dorset and Beyond, by Marilyn Peddle LRPS, Child Okeford village hall, refreshments, free entry, 10am to 4pm Coffee morning, Child Okeford church, 10.30am to 12 noon Cookery masterclass, Sarah's Thai green curry demo with curry supper, Okeford Fitzpaine village hall, £10, 5.30pm, details from Anne Powell 01258 861397 Durweston Choral Society orchestra and soloists, concert version of Bizet's Carmen, Durweston parish church, 7.30 pm, tickets £15 01258 450649 or gydanmike@gmail.com Thursday March 20: Blandford Art Society talk by artist Claire Thomas, Pimperne village hall, non-members welcome (£4), 2pm, details on blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, 'Reflections', village hall, 2.15pm, details 01258 863775 Wednesday March 22: Blandford Film Society, The Blandford School, 7.15pm, AGM and mystery film, details 01258 454697 Thursday March 23: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild meets Blandford Royal British Legion, 2pm AGM and Spring lunch Blandford Horticultural Society meets United Reformed church hall for Spring Show with Martin Young, with illustrated talk on roses, 7.30pm Kings Fat Thursday Jazz Night, Kings Arms, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford, from 8pm Thursday March 23 to Saturday March 25: Churchill Productions

in Alan Bennett's 'People', Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm (Saturday matinée 2.30pm), box office 01202 885566 Friday March 24: Film night, Sully: Miracle on the Hudson (12A), Child Okeford village Hall, 7.30pm, bookings 01258 860518 Friday March 24 and Saturday March 25: Forum Drama in The Wind in the Willows, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm (Sat matinée 2.30pm), tickets Sapling gift shop, Horrocks & Webb, 01258 452559 or forumdrama@yahoo.co.uk Saturday March 25: Wilton point-to-point, Milborne St Andrew, 12.30pm Jumble sale, refreshments, Charlton Marshall village hall, 2pm to 4pm, details Margaret 01258 456572 Blandford Choral Society Spring Concert, 'Contrasts' with Weatherbury Singers, Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm, tickets £10, details valwebberley@gmail.com Dave Mynne's 'The Odyssey (Greek stuff)' for Artsreach, Child Okeford school, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 861612 Concert with Wandering Winds, Holy Rood Church, Shillingstone, 7pm, £8, details Anne Powell 01258 861397 Sunday March 26: Duck racing on the river, Tarrant Rushton House, gates open 12.30pm, proceeds to Spetisbury School, Dorset Expedition Society and Naomi House Monday March 27: Panda Preschool Easter Bingo, Royal British Legion, Blandford, eyes down 7.30pm Tuesday March 28: Blandford & District Civic Society talk on The Almshouse Movement, Methodist Church Hall, The Close, Blandford, doors open 7pm, details 01258 459346 Resurgence Dorset group talk by Charles Miller on Our planet beneath our feet, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm, free (donations), details Pam 01258 818223 Thursday March 30: Solly Lecture by author Paul Hyland, Ralegh's Last Journey, Blandford Parish Centre, 7pm for 7.30pm Friday March 31: Blandford & District U3A. Christine Shaw on The Road to Mandalay, her travels in Burma, Durweston village hall, all welcome, 2pm, details 01258 455081 Easter bingo, Child Okeford village hall, good prizes, eyes down 7.30pm Wessex Acoustic Folk, Mike Silver, Royal British Legion, Blandford, 8.15pm