November 2017 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS

A poignant farewell to Dr Ian Wilson - GP, sportsman & Blandford stalwart: Page 21

For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 68

November 2017

A day in a million for lottery team WORK colleagues at Blandford Camp are sharing £1 million which they won in the National Lottery Millionaire's Draw on September 23.

The 15 from the Blandford Garrison Support Unit belonged to the Quartermaster General's syndicate which has been run by 60-yearold Rose Smith for more than ten years, playing 22 lines in each Lotto draw. Each member won a minimum of £45,454.

Until now they have seen only a few small wins, including £700 last year, but this time the life-changing sum means security for some, and for others plans for home improvements, new cars and luxury holidays.

Rose and her husband Gary, who have been married for 42 years, both work at the Blandford Garrison.

Rose said: "While we always dreamt of a win I guess we never thought it could be this big. Sharing this money with the syndicate is a wonderful experience. To know that all the members can now make plans for a brighter future, whether it's a trip overseas to visit family or clearing some debts, the win will make a difference to all of us."

The Blandford Garrison Support Unit provides general support,

Members of the winning syndicate raise a glass to their good fortune. including managing all supplies in and out, for units located within Blandford Camp and to those within the Garrison boundaries.

Get set for a winter of roadworks MOTORISTS and pedestrians face several months of disruption as a raft of roadworks and repairs get underway in Blandford.

But plans to fully close West Street and the Blandford road-bridge over the Stour for repairs between November and January have been amended to allow pedestrian access across the bridge during the works.

There were concerns that single-file traffic and the full closure proposed would impact on the Yuletide Festival in December, and for the whole of the time on people, particularly schoolchildren, needing to go between Blandford St Mary and Blandford on foot.

It has now been agreed that there will be pedestrian access for most of the time, with only occasional full closures for short periods of only a few minutes.

The repairs to the road-bridge include strengthening and maintenance work for which planning permission was granted earlier this year. Work has already been carried out on the culverted watercourse near the entrance to River Mews in West Street.

Both schemes are part of the county's major bridge repair programme, and will precede full resurfacing of the road in 2018.

Resurfacing will be welcomed by motorists, but inevitably causes disruption which will continue in other parts of the town. It started in the middle of October with resurfacing work

from Salisbury Street to Milldown Road which meant the night-time closure of Whitecliff Mill Street between October 16 and October 20.

Meanwhile works by Wessex Water lasting up to five months but unlikely to mean closure in the Langton Crescent and Stour Road area were due to start on October 23.

White marking has appeared on roads in all areas of the town indicating where repairs and preliminary work prior to full resurfacing, some long overdue, are due to be carried out.

Blandford's county councillor, Byron Quayle, who has made the state of roads in the town one of his key priorities in his first year in office, said it was hoped the work would start

in the spring. He told town councillors that he had brought a number of highway defects to the attention of the highways team leader.

Loose slabs in the Market Place were reset in September.

He is also monitoring the unsatisfactory relaying of slabs outside Nationwide which SSE have been asked to remedy, and the replacement of temporary tarmac laid outside Barclays Bank in the Market Place with slabs within the six-month time-frame allowed.

He stressed the importance of residents reporting on the Dorset For You website if they tripped or fell due to loose or broken slabs or found potholes in need of repair.

A bright new face HIRERS of Blandford Corn Exchange have been sent a consultation letter on how the building might be further improved after the scaffolding came down to reveal a façade which positively gleams in the sunshine and has attracted much positive comment and praise.

Councillors were told that the work was not fully complete and a number of issues still needed addressing.

Lanterns and repairs to the flagstones in the Shambles were still awaited due to assessment of quotes and availability of stones, and the light to the refurbished clock needed adjusting to properly illuminate the face.

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November 2017

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Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points 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, Chaffers in Salisbury Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Coop in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Central Shop in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, Lidl in Higher Shaftesbury Lane, 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, Anvil and Farquharson pubs in Pimperne, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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

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Murder case police face misconduct probe TWO police officers face misconduct meetings over the murder of Katrina O'Hara, who was stabbed to death in January last year at Jock's Barbers in East Street, Blandford, where she worked.

Hairdresser Katrina, aged 44, had been involved in a relationship with her killer, Stuart Thomas, who less than two weeks before the murder had abducted and threatened to kill the mother-of-three.

He had been arrested in late December 2015 and released on bail, on the condition that he did not contact her. Two days before her death on January 7, a police domestic abuse adviser had requested alarms be fitted to her property.

Thomas, formerly of Salisbury Road, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum tariff of 26 years, after a trial at Winchester Crown Court last summer where he was convicted of a charge of murder.

Shortly after the killing, officers from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) announced an investigation into Dorset Police, and six police officers and a civilian police worker were served with misconduct notices in July last year.

Following completion of the IPCC investigation, a spokesperson said: "An acting sergeant and a detective constable will both face a misconduct meeting to determine whether they have a case to answer for alleged failings in their contact with Miss O'Hara and Stuart Thomas.

"Dorset Police agreed with the IPCC that the actions of a detective inspector and a police constable fell below the standards expected of them, and they will be given management action. A further three constables, a sergeant and a member of police staff have no case to answer for misconduct."

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said there would be no comment while the investigation is ongoing, and the meetings would not be held in public since there is no legislative requirement to do so. If it is found that there is a case to answer, the information will be published by the IPCC.

Dig out your discoveries BLANDFORD Town Museum is hosting a 'Finds' identification surgery on Tuesday, November 21, which will be an opportunity to bring along any objects found out and about in Dorset or in the garden such as coins, buckles, brooches and tools which may be of archaeological interest.

Finds will be identified and, if appropriate, recorded. Local volunteers, researchers and metal detectorists can meet Dorset County Council's Historic Environment Team and Finds Liaison Officer (Portable Antiquities Scheme). For more details call 01258 452831.

Bright new face of Corn Exchange • From Page 1 Grounds and property manager Jon Goodenough said that it will not be possible to fix the Merry Christmas sign to the front of the building because of the attachments required which damage the façade. Staff are exploring the possibility of displaying it in the Shambles or Corn Exchange.

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November 2017

The pick of the bunch A SMALL local company, Cherry Picked Hampers, based in Milborne St Andrew, was thrilled to be chosen as the 'Newcomer of the Year' in the Dorset Food, Drink & Farming Awards 2017 announced at Compton Acres, Poole.

Laurie Griffin said she and her business partner Hayley Davis had set up the business just 18 months ago and have worked to supply hampers featuring the best produce that Dorset has to offer.

"When we heard we had been nominated we couldn't believe it, and we are speechless to have won the newcomer award."

Hayley Davis (left) and Laurie Griffin of Cherry Picked Hampers.

Mixed reception for Fording Point design plans DETAILED plans for the Fording Point, an arts centre proposed opposite the Blandford Town Museum in Bere's Yard, have now been submitted to North Dorset District Council.

But town councillors were divided at their planning meeting in October when they voted by only a narrow margin to support the application by Jon Ivay.

There was confusion as to whether the reserved matters application now submitted was for the temporary building Mr Ivay outlined to councillors earlier this year, which was planned to generate an audience for a permanent structure.

Councillor Lynn Lindsay said she still had major concerns about how visiting performance companies would access the site with stage equipment.

But Councillor Steve Hitchings said the principle of development had already been approved at outline stage, and they could only comment on the materials and design of what would be a permanent building of straw bale construction inside a metal framework.

Councillor John Stayt said it would be a valuable amenity for the town which had become more neces-

sary in view of the delay in remodelling the Corn Exchange.

Councillor Hugo Mieville said it was needed whether or not the Corn Exchange was improved.

Councillor Pat Osborne said: "I like the design, but is it in keeping with the town?"

Councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke said it was well away from and would not impact on the view of the town's Georgian buildings, and liked the melding of new, featuring original brickwork and mortar, with old.

It was agreed by seven votes to six, with one abstention, to raise no objection.

There was disagreement, too, on the proposed creation of three entrances in the boundary wall, for which it is understood permission is still needed from the owners, the William Williams Trust.

Councillors recognised that any decision would need to be guided by the conservation officer, and agreed, by six votes to five with three abstentions, to raise no objection.

Historic England also have concerns about what their predecessor English Heritage described at outline stage as a 'somewhat brash design' which would harm the setting of high-graded heritage

Woman admits death charge A 34-year-old mother has admitted causing the death of her threeyear-old daughter when their car was involved in a collision on the A354 at Thickthorn Cross near Blandford on the morning of the first day of the Great Dorset Steam Fair in August.

Driver Alanda Pike and her daughter Louisa May, a back-seat passenger in the car, suffered serious head injuries in the collision.

The child died of her injuries in hospital the following day, and the driver of the Ford Transit van with which Pike's car collided, 44-year-old Karen Street, also sustained serious injuries to her hand and arm.

Pike, of Shaftesbury, who appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing, wept as she admitted four charges relating to the collision, and was warned she faced an 'inevitable' prison sentence when she returned to the court later this month.

She admitted causing Louisa May's death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury to Ms Street by dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol and driving with a specified controlled drug above the limit.

She was remanded in custody for a pre-sentence report and was due to appear for sentencing on Thursday October 26.

assets and of the Conservation Area.

They have written: "The design proposed under the current reserved matters application has been altered from that illustrated in the outline application, but maintains the same architectural character and palette of materials.

"We are pleased that the building has been moved closer to the boundary wall, more in keeping with the character of buildings within burgage plots in Blandford.

However, this appears to be the only concession to our earlier comments and therefore our significant concerns about the design and use of materials remain.

"While Historic England does not wish to question the principle of the construction of an arts centre building at this location, we believe a much more sensitive architectural solution is required and therefore encourage your authority to seek significant design modifications."

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November 2017

Bike racks and murals among Lidl cash bids BIDS for the funding offered by Lidl for town centre improvements are now being considered by North Dorset District Council.

A proposal for ring road tourism signage, put forward by the Blandford Town Team, which was supported in principle by town councillors earlier this year, has now been rejected on the grounds of the amount of signage already existing on the bypass.

The Town Team has nevertheless submitted a bid for S106 funding in the hope that the council can be persuaded to accept the idea.

The Town Council itself has submitted a bid for Christmas lighting to include the possible provision of projection technology, for financial support for the Blandford Out and About booklet, and for a town promotional

video project which officers have been instructed to continue progressing.

They also agreed to support the provision of a cycle rack in Sheep Market Hill, a bespoke cycle rack with a railway theme on the paved area in front of M&S in Langton Road, and a circular bench around the oak tree in the Tabernacle.

Councillors also agreed to bid for funding for mural art in some of the town alleyways, but felt that the project should not be progressed if the bid was unsuccessful.

Cycle racks at the junction of Salisbury Street and Whitecliff Mill Street and at the western end of the Market Place were ruled out because they would restrict the use of the area by pedestrians and other projects promoting the town such as the markets.

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The scrap at the beauty spot at Okeford Hill.

Landowner admits planning breaches A LANDOWNER has pleaded guilty to using land in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Okeford Hill, Okeford Fitzpaine, to construct unauthorised buildings and structures and store vehicles and waste materials.

Joseph Clancy, of Hazel Farm, Okeford Fitzpaine, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on October 4 after being prosecuted

by North Dorset District Council for breaching three enforcement notices.

He pleaded guilty to three offences relating to the land intended exclusively for agricultural purposes.

The court heard that an officer visited the land on July 30, 2010, and found that it was strewn with various materials, vehicles, abandoned vehicles, and a large number of small structures and buildings (42 in total) including a Portakabin.

Sentencing has been adjourned for six months to April 3 to ensure the land is cleared by Mr Clancy of all unauthorised structures, vehicles and materials in compliance with the three enforcement notices served upon him and the land restored to good order.

After the case, Councillor David Walsh, North Dorset District Council's portfolio holder for planning, said: "A considerable amount of officer time has gone into this case and I am pleased with a decision that is hoped to lead to clearance of the site.

"We have a duty to protect land that falls under an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and make sure it is used for its intended purpose. I would like to reassure people that while we take this duty seriously, we also try to work with land owners wherever possible. Court action is only ever a last resort."

Plea for new blood PEOPLE are being urged to make an appointment to donate blood during autumn, a time when blood stocks can drop, as many people have busy school routines and work commitments and are deterred by shorter days and wetter weather.

Karen Healy, NHS Blood and Transplant marketing and communications officer covering Blandford, said: "We know it's a bit colder and a bit darker outside but we really need people in Blandford to make an appointment to give blood.

"Blood donations save lives and it's an amazing gift to give. We need your help this autumn to make sure our stocks stay healthy so that every hospital patient who needs a transfusion gets that precious gift.�

There is also a particular demand for new donors with the O negative and A negative blood groups, which are 'universal' donor groups vital for emergency blood and platelet transfusions.

Donor sessions will be held at the Crown Hotel in West Street on November 7 and November 18, and an appointment can be made by visiting blood.co.uk or calling 0300 1232323.

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November 2017

Guidelines to be agreed ahead of car parking review A STEERING group has been formed to guide the forthcoming Blandford parking review which will be taking place over the next 12 months in a bid to resolve the problems.

The group, which was due to meet towards the end of October to determine what the review should seek to achieve, consists of representatives of the town council, Blandford Business Group, the Town Team, and members of the district and county councils.

Town councillors were told that consultancy work, costing between £8,000 and £10,000, was likely to be paid for by the county council, but the town council might have to find funding for the cost of any implementation once the review is completed.

It was suggested that the review needed to ensure that any on- or off-road changes did not just move a parking problem from one area to another, and that the steering group be kept as small as possible, but represent all parties involved.

At their October meeting town councillors appointed Councillors Jackie Stayt and Haydn White as their steering group representatives, and there are proposals to

invite others to join sub-groups which will put forward suggestions to the steering group.

Meanwhile, North Dorset District Council has agreed a new offstreet parking policy for the whole district which confirms the current parking charges in Blandford.

It also agreed the provision of season tickets for durations of between one week and 12 months, and support for local businesses with free or discounted parking in the lead-up to Christmas, and free use of car parks on five days throughout the year for events generating business.

The policy, which will apply until 2022, recognises the need for wider parking bays in view of the increasing size of some vehicles, and for the provision of parking for motorhomes.

The issuing of free concessionary parking permits to local voluntary organisations, which in February 2014 was reduced to a maximum of two per organisation, has now been withdrawn completely. It was felt the number of requests had grown too high for residents to subsidise, and there was a need to ensure that no priority was given to one organisation over another.

BLANDFORD town councillors have rejected proposals to bring the allowance they receive in line with district councillor allowances.

They agreed that the town councillor allowance should be increased by £50, from £300 a year to £350 a year, and that the chairman/Mayor's allowance should also be increased by £50 (from £400 a year to £450) in line with other councils of a similar size.

The basic allowance for a North Dorset district councillor is just over £4,600.

Landlady Steph Fisher welcomes customers to the Dolphin opening party.

Now the Dolphin is back in the swim ANOTHER Blandford pub has undergone a transformation and refurbishment. The Dolphin in East Street opened its blue and white balloon-decked doors with a red carpet welcome to the official opening party on October 7.

Landlady Steph Fisher moved in to the pub in June under new management following its closure earlier this year.

She has since been working with the management company Craft Union to bring the Dolphin back to its former glory, which has been realised during another brief closure with redecoration, new carpets and upgrading throughout.

She said that with help from staff, friends, family and customers the pub had gone from strength to strength, and a magnificent job had been done on the refurbishment.

Customers at the opening party, offered a free glass of sparkling wine and food, were invited to don fancy dress and celebrate in style.

Steph announced two charitable

causes the pub would be supporting, saying: "Back in August I was extremely honoured to be a volunteer at the Danny Coker Memorial Tournament raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which this year raised over £5,000. I am proud to say that in just two days we were able to donate £200 towards the total.

"I was then asked by my good friend Paddy Coker, Danny's brother, if we would be the 'home' of the tournament to help raise more funds to put on the event again next year and raise even more.

"So our designated charity will be the Danny Coker Memorial Tournament, to which proceeds from our quizzes and meat raffle will go, together with those from a Christmas Advent raffle and other future events."

She added that this month, November, the pub will be inviting donations for the Blandford Food Bank, and that for every box made up in the pub she would donate an advent calendar.

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Art historian Teresa Sladen and Jolyon Drury, owner of an Alfred Stevens collection, stand either side of the bust of the Blandford-born artist in Blandford Town Museum, with left, Dr Sylvia Hixson Andrews, Blandford Museum director, and right, Mike Lofthouse, Blandford Art Society Chairman.

IMPROVEMENT works to the A350/C13 which are due to be completed by April 2018 will include the Whitecliff Mill road junction on to the A350. Dorset County Council is also being asked by Blandford Town Council to investigate the options for a safe crossing over the bypass from Salisbury Road to Pimperne and to seek the support of Pimperne Parish Council in their request.

November 2017

Highlighting the local roots of Alfred Stevens A TALK by art expert Teresa Sladen on artist Alfred Stevens, who was born in Blandford 200 years ago and is perhaps best known for designing the Wellington Monument in St Paul's Cathedral, set the artist's formative years firmly in their social context of the Reform Riots of the 1830s in which he had played a part.

It also brought to life, through Stevens' own portraiture, the people locally and abroad who had given him patronage and friendship.

Stevens' talent at a young age was recognised by two leading local citizens who sponsored his studies in Italy.

The illustrated lecture in the Corn Exchange featuring his early life and development on the Continent was organised jointly by the Blandford Museum and Blandford Art Society, who also arranged the bicentenary exhibition of his work which has been on display in the museum throughout August, September and October.

Art Society chairman Mike Lofthouse introduced the guest speaker and Jolyon Drury, who loaned for exhibition works which were acquired by his grandfather Alfred Drury from Stevens' studio assistant after the artist's death.

Also on display were artworks from the Tate Gallery, where Stevens is ranked alongside Constable and Turner as the basis of one of the gallery's collections.

Boundary change plans stir opposition THE Boundary Commission for England was due to publish its revised proposals for new constituency boundaries on October 17.

Publication will mark the start of an eight-week consultation, during which they will be asking people to give their views on their proposals, which follow a consultation into initial proposals to split the North Dorset constituency in two.

The revised proposals, and details of how to make comments about them, will be on the Commission's consultation website, bce2018.org.uk.

The consultation will be the last chance for everyone to get involved in re-drawing the map of Parliamentary constituencies before its recommendations are reported to Government next September.

The initial proposal meant that many villages north and west of Blandford would be in the new Warminster and Shaftesbury constituency, and the town and other villages in the Blandford and Wimborne constituency.

Blandford Town Council asked for the proposals to be further reviewed since they did not properly reflect the area, and few other comments were submitted.

But one Pimperne resident says: "North Dorset is North Dorset, and Warminster means nothing to the local electorate."

Another suggested that the

name Blandford and Wimborne should be changed to 'MidDorset'.

A resident in Winterborne Houghton, in Bulbarrow ward, says: "It will no longer be in a constituency which contains Blandford Forum, and most aspects of our lives are influenced by happenings in Blandford six miles away. It would be ridiculous that our MP would not influence happenings in our nearest town. Shaftesbury and Warminster are of no direct interest to us."

Another comment from Sturminster Newton suggests that the new boundaries no longer coincide with local council boundaries - even after future unitary changes. "This will damage the ability to co-ordinate activities of government and rural communities will suffer as a result."

North Dorset Conservative Association has suggested moving the wards of Blackmore, Bulbarrow, Lydden Vale and Sturminster Newton to reflect historic links with Sherborne in West Dorset.

Simon Barnes, chairman of Winterborne Houghton parish council, suggests that splitting the Bulbarrow ward along its natural division of the Wessex Ridgeway might address the need of the Boundary Commission to achieve an equal number of votes in each constituency.

November 2017

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November 2017

School meals firm on awards shortlist

Deputy Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter with staff at the new Specsavers.

An eye to the future BLANDFORD's new Specsavers store in East Street opened with a team of 11 local employees and a £300,000 investment in the latest innovations and equipment from the optical and audiology industry.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Roger Carter performed the official opening during National Eye Health Week and was given a tour of the facilities.

He said: "It's always a pleasure to welcome new businesses to Blandford, particularly in the town centre. I wish them every success for the future."

DORSET school meals supplier Local Food Links (LFL), which for the last ten years has been supplying up to 3,000 meals a day in schools across the county, was shortlisted for a Contract Caterer of the Year award in the prestigious 2017 EDUcatering Excellence Awards.

LFL, with kitchens based in Bridport, Dorchester, Blandford and Shillingstone, has grown from small beginnings, serving soup and a roll in Bridport schools one day a week, to becoming a multi-site operation, now supplying 34 schools across Dorset, sourcing 78 per cent of ingredients from Dorset suppliers.

It is both a social enterprise and an ethical organisation which is passionate about feeding children well, using high-quality ingredients as well as supporting local businesses.

The awards recognise outstand-

ing contributions to the entire school catering industry. Caroline Morgan, LFL chief executive, said: "We are so proud to have been shortlisted and recognised nationally and I would like to thank our staff for all their hard work and commitment."

Mike Henderson, LFL chairman, added: "It is important that the contributions of smaller and notfor-profit organisations are recognised in the school catering industry. LFL has worked flexibly and in partnership with schools to ensure that pupils in small rural schools have equal access to high-quality school meals."

To celebrate 10 years of LFL, pupils enjoyed a special meal of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or homity pie, followed by a birthday cupcake, and are being given a special edition book featuring 10 LFL recipes to take home.

Youth centre grant A DRAFT service level agreement giving the new Blandford Youth & Community Centre £15,000 a year was approved unanimously by town councillors.

The annual payment will be on a pro rata basis for the 2017/18 year calculated once the centre, next to Blandford Leisure Centre, is open and the agreement signed.

The new centre is subject to further delay in finalising the details of its use following the closure of the county council-run centre last year.

The council has also approved a grant of £750 to Forum Drama

towards the purchase of a lighting control desk, and of £1,000 to Blandford Forum Camera Club as a contribution towards the upgrade of its audio-visual equipment.

Councillors did not agree to enter into service level agreements with the Blandford Opportunity Group and Age Concern Blandford, but agreed that each should receive a grant of £1,000 this year and that the council would look favourably on a further grant next year - a departure from the usual policy of not giving grants to the same organisation two years running.

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November 2017

Iwerne Minster takes village awards prize IWERNE Minster has been judged the winner of the Best Large Village award in Dorset Community Action's annual search for the top villages and hamlets in the county.

Pimperne, which regularly features among the prize winners, was Large Village runner-up, and runner-up in the best village shop section was Okeford Fitzpaine village stores.

A North Dorset District Council special award was presented to Winterborne Kingston.

Collecting the Best Large Village award on behalf of Iwerne Minster at the presentation evening in Cerne Abbas, Kerry O'Connor said: "Iwerne Minster has supported this event since it started and I think we won the best village award that year. We love our sense of community, that is why we live here, and it's good to be recognised for that."

A MEN'S health info evening will be held at Blandford's Eagle House Surgery in Whitecliff Mill Street on Wednesday November 1 between 7 and 9pm offering 'bitesize' presentations from health professionals, basic health screenings and information packs.

Pimperne shop shuts

Kerry O'Connor receives the Best Large Village award on behalf of Iwerne Minster from Graham Colls, chief executive of main competition sponsors Magna Housing.

PIMPERNE village shop, which has struggled to remain viable in the face of dwindling customers and competition from town supermarkets, closed on October 7, along with the Post Office service which operated from the premises.

Pimperne Parish Council is negotiating with the Post Office for the introduction of an outreach service which is hoped to be offered on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings from the village hall.

But chairman Peter Slocombe said it could take a month after any agreement was reached to install the necessary BT phone line for the outreach service.

CafĂŠ opening

Jessica Jenkins receives the North Dorset District Council special award for Winterborne Kingston from Val Pothecary, chairman of North Dorset District Council.

THE Blandford Community Centre in Heddington Drive is opening its Connect CafĂŠ on Wednesday November 1. It will be open from 2pm to 4pm for people to sample their menu, try their home-baked cakes, and learn about the daily cafĂŠ and lunch options available.

They will also be able to find out about the buffet catering and community lunches they will be offering, and meet the cook, manager and the rest of the centre's team.

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November 2017

White Helmets bid an emotional farewell THE Royal Signals White Helmets, who have been disbanded in their 90th year to return to general military duties, said

farewell to their home town of Blandford and to their home at Blandford Camp, with a final ride through the town and a last dis-

The famous eight-man pyramid, performed by the White Helmets for the last time.

play at the camp.

The occasion was one of sadness and disappointment, both for the riders and many of their predecessors over the years, and for the general public.

Many saw the disbanding more as a cost-cutting exercise than recognition that signalling has moved on since the days when messages were carried on horseback and motorcycle across the battlefields, and replaced by the cutting-edge 21st century technology.

But Master of Signals Lt-Gen Nick Pope, who took the final salute after the last show on the parade ground at the Camp, watched by invited guests, friends and family, said it should also be seen as one of celebration and acknowledgement.

The Helmets, he said, had been giving displays since 1927, and their 750cc Triumph bikes had become the stuff of legend. He said that over the years the team had given 11,250 displays and been seen by 16 million people, and a total of 1,000 members could claim the honour of being a member of something very special.

"They have appeared in adverts, on Blue Peter, headlined at the Edinburgh Festival, and even inspired a Wallace & Gromit animation," he said.

Gen Pope thanked all members of the team for their professionalism in continuing to maintain such a high standard in what had been "the most challenging of years".

"You have been a credit to the Corps, and can ride off with your heads held high," he said.

The team were joined for their final display by the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, no longer based at their home for many years in Blandford and now a brass band based at RAF Cosford.

It was introduced by Staff Garrison Officer Lt-Col (Rtd) Bob Brannigan, himself a former White Helmets Commanding Officer for five years.

White Helmets leader Capt John McLelland, who provided much of the commentary, said: "This is for everybody. It is the last time you will see all the stunts, and we hope we make you feel proud."

Among the awards presented following the final display were the

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November 2017

Capt McLelland presents an honorary White Helmet to Blandford Mayor, Peter Clark.

Bridgestone Trophy to 'riders' rider of the year' L. Cpl Grant Fraser, the Elton Trophy to Danny Goodwin for outstanding work, a Master of Signals Commendation to Sgt Christopher Wynn of REME, responsible for maintaining the bikes and the only nonCorps member to have earned a White Helmet, and a Master of Signals Award to civilian Zoe Lucas of Blandford, who was described as the team's 'unsung hero' in giving singular dedication to the organisation of its programme of displays in its final year and for the last 10 years. • Three days earlier, the riders made their final appearance in Blandford when they rode through the town, followed by their distinctive white pantechnicon, to be greeted by the Mayor of Blandford, Councillor Peter Clark, the full town council and civic dignitaries from across the county, who had been invited to attend as part of the Mayor's Civic Day. Capt McLelland then formally sought permission from the Mayor to leave the town, and the riders departed after what, for the full turnout of residents and from local schools, all waving White Helmets flags, was a short-lived and, for some, disappointing affair.

Later Town clerk Linda Scott Giles responded to criticisms, saying: "The event was advertised only as a ride through - the displays that the White Helmets perform are inherently dangerous and fast - and the aim was to allow the team to show their appreciation for the support of Blandford Forum and the public to show their appreciation for the team and bid them farewell, not to

Zoe Lucas is presented with her Master of Signals Awards by Gen Pope.

be entertained.

"We were pleased and honoured that they agreed to ride through the town on what was their final public appearance after 90 years of service."

She said there had been plenty of opportunities for the public to see a display during their final season, with 11 displays alone at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, and free passes were made available for the final disbandment and show at Blandford Camp on September 30, many of which remained unclaimed.

After the ride through the town, the riders returned without their bikes for a reception in the Corn Exchange, during which each was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Town Council, and Capt McLelland presented the town with its own White Helmet.

The Mayor said: "It is a sad day for you, for the town, and for the country, but a day of history in the making. Good luck for the future wherever you may be."

The team afterwards said on their Facebook page: "We would like to extend a huge thank you to Blandford Forum Town Council for the absolutely fantastic reception we received on our final ride through.

"It was with great pride we got the chance to bid a farewell to the place that we call home and could not think of a better way to say goodbye.

"To all those in attendance today we thank you for the years of love and support you've given us and each and every rider will look back on this day with fond memories. Thank you all."

L. Cpl Grant Fraser, named riders' rider of the year for the Bridgestone Trophy, tackles the White Helmets' rite of passage, the ring of fire, for the final time.

More pictures on our website forumfocus.co.uk

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November 2017

Chaffers help for homeless CHAFFERS estate agents in Salisbury Street, Blandford, made a collection of items for the Bus Shelter Project, founded by a Blandford couple to provide accommodation and help for the homeless.

Members of the public were invited to donate new and nearly new socks, coats, woollen hats and scarves, and new toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorants before October 31.

Pictured (from left): Mayor's Consort Linda Clark, judge Nick Allen, Blandford Rotary President Judy Adams, judge Pam Fudge, Mayor Peter Clark, guest author Stella Baldwin (kneeling), winner Blandford Rotary SSC Christina Templeton, winner under-18 category Raphaela Douglas, winner flash fiction category Cathryn Thomas, under-18 finalist Madeleine Marshall, under-17 runner-up Jennifer Allen and open category finalist Barbara Dynes.

Contest proves a success story BLANDFORD Rotary's short story competition this year attracted a total of 50 entries, with a record 22 in the open section, 16 in the under-18s, six in flash fiction and six in the 'Dorset' category.

Sixteen were shortlisted, and the majority read by their authors at the presentation evening held in Blandford Parish Centre.

Mayor of Blandford, Councillor Peter Clark, who attended with his wife and consort Linda, presented the main award, the Mayor's Cup and certificate from Blandford Town Council, which sponsored the main award for the overall winner.

The overall and open section winner was 'So Close to Freedom' by Christina Templeton, who comes from Cornwall and learnt of the competition through social media. It was an extraordinary tale with an extraordinary twist at the end, as had many of the entries. The Mayor commented on the similarity of themes chosen by the authors.

But 'Brand New Love' by Cathryn Thomas, winner of the flash fiction category, had a delightfully fresh twist in revealing that the subject was not the end of a love affair, but the departure of her five-year-old son for his first day at school.

The under-18s, whose winner was Raphaela Douglas with 'Born in Captivity', all chose to write about escape from restraint and captivity in one form or another, a

theme echoed in stories in other sections.

Dorset winner Kevin Burke's 'Outward Bound' had a theme of childhood which was also repeated in other entries. Runner-up Gerald Killingworth's 'A Blandford Moon' had a horror theme which gave an added perspective to the Crown Meadows and Bryanston Woods.

Mr Burke, whose story was also runner-up in the open section, received a copy of 'Deepest Dorset' presented with a high tea voucher by Beatons Blandford.

Other section winners received ÂŁ25 and a Beatons voucher, while runners-up, who also included Jennifer Allen (under 18) and Mike Lawrence (flash), received ÂŁ10 gift vouchers.

Guest speaker was local author Stella Baldwin, who read passages from one of her books, describing how she had come to writing in her later years as a way of bringing history to life for younger readers.

The evening was hosted by Blandford Rotary president Judy Adams, who also read the stories by entrants unable to be present, and was joined by Nic Nicol in thanking the panel of judges, Nick Allen, Pam Fudge and Shirley Dunkley, and all the entrants for their hard work.

Refreshments were served by fellow Rotarians, and other sponsors were Morrisons, W H Smith and the Lesley Shand Funeral Service.

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November 2017

Camera club back in business WEEKLY Tuesday club nights resumed at Blandford Forum Camera Club after the summer break with the Chairman's evening.

Chairman Chris Ablett gave everyone time to familiarise themselves with the club's regular programme of events to encourage members to progress in whatever photography direction they chose, be it competition, studio work or gaining distinctions.

There followed a photographicthemed quiz, with Pat Catley, Mick Catley and Christine Downes the winning team.

The following Tuesday the studio group hosted table-top photography. With an array of props and lighting set-ups, members were invited to bring along their cameras for a 'have-a-go' night.

Members of the studio group were on hand to help. There were four work stations set up

Marilyn Peddle's 'Corfe Castle Station at Night', print section winner in the President's Competition. with a variety of lighting systems and subjects to photograph, and people got creative and more confident as they experimented.

The first guest speaker of the season was Mike Read with his talk Rocky Mountain Magic and delightful images of bears with cubs, and a host of other mammals, birds and stunning landscapes.

The President's Cup competition for images that achieved the top scores during last season's Points Cup competition finished off September, and Norman Carey

Civic leaders attend regimental milestone BLANDFORD'S Deputy Mayor, Cllr Roger Carter, and his consort, Cllr Byron Quayle, both

Councillor Byron Quayle and Deputy Mayor Roger Carter at the new Devon & Dorset Regiment memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

members of the town's 14-18 commemoration group, attended the official opening of the Devon & Dorset Regiment (now The Rifles) memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Devon & Dorset Regiment had the Freedom of Blandford Forum, and last exercised their right to parade through the town as the Rifles in September 2016.

Cllr Carter said: "It was a great honour to represent Blandford Forum at this memorable dedication service, honouring the men and women who served in the Devon & Dorset Regiment. “It was also an honour and great pleasure to meet the Duke of Kent, former Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.

"Major J. Murray, the current president of the Devon & Dorset Association, asked me to convey his personal thanks to the Town Council and people of Blandford Forum for their great support to the regiment, and its successor, The Rifles, over the many years of the town's association with the regiment."

whittled the 33 to judge across the two sections (prints and projected images) to three in each category. Marilyn Peddle was judged the winner in prints with 'Corfe Castle Station at Night', and Jean Bartlett in projected images with 'Water Water'.

Second and third places went to Sally Chaloner and Ian Ferris in prints, and Jean Bartlett and Colin Cross in projected images.

For information on joining the club contact Eric Langley on 01258 488301, email eric.langley@bfcclub.co.uk, or visit bfcclub.co.uk.

TO celebrate the 20th year of the Tarrant Valley Sudan Christmas Fair, a magazine and programme has been produced. It is on sale at 50p to promote the event, which over the years has raised almost ÂŁ40,000 for the medical needs of South Sudan.

Fair organiser Caroline Tory is pictured with a copy of the commemorative magazine, which contains articles about the work of the Sudan Medical Link and its history.

There are also details of the fair, with its many stalls and games, home-made lunches and bar, being held at Tarrant Keyneston village hall on Saturday November 25 from 11am to 2pm.

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Readers’ letters

Dogged by bad owners I MOVED to Blandford just over 10 years ago and since moving here I have been an avid reader of the Forum Focus, having picked it up from Tesco at my two initial addresses to having the privilege of having it delivered at my current address.

I currently reside in Preetz Way, and this letter is penned concerning two issues raised with support of many residents (who have previously sent letters to the council with mixed response) and a petition which resulted in no action.

Firstly, dog fouling in what is designated by the council as a nature reserve. I was weeding in my back garden as a couple walked by walking their dog, who decided to do his business. The owner's response to his companion's 'shall we pick that up?' was basically 'who gives a monkey's leave it'.

This is the usual approach of dog owners that walk in this area, and to be honest it means I do not walk my children in this area. So much for a designated nature

November 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

area! Secondly, I am very concerned about the height of the preserved trees. When I moved into my house, in the deeds in was stated that the local council were bound to keep the trees within reasonable sustainable height.

However, since I moved in three years ago the trees have grown over 25 feet and one is now within two metres of our house's rear window. If this were to fall it would come through my roof into my daughter's bedroom and most certainly end in an injury or fatality. On a lighter note it is going to make my next home insurance premium very difficult and expensive to find.

They were nipped and tucked on lower branches a few years ago (due to a petition by local residents with over 20 signatures) but they are not being kept within the terms of my deeds.

I know the councils these days are short of funds but they did take the time and effort to put pen to paper and post a letter through 60 doors saying please stop fly tipping in the area!

I think, along with dog fouling, this is not due to local residents.

Justin Travers Preetz Way, Blandford

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

Helmets’ anticlimax WHAT a damp squib the White Helmets' finale turned out to be.

All the advance publicity suggested it would be a spectacular farewell to Blandford from the famous motorcycle performers.

Dorset's mayors were invited to witness this historic event, as well as local schoolchildren, many of whom walked into the town centre in anticipation of a memorable show.

It turned out to be huge let-down.

For many spectators, it was impossible to get more than a glimpse of the action through the crowds. The event began way behind schedule, despite the threat of an imminent downpour, and there was no sort of display whatsoever.

From what I could see, the motorcycles, after a very brief exchange of pleasantries with the Mayor, simply rode away not so much as a 'lap of honour'.

We were never promised a fullon display - that would have been impossible in the restricted area of Blandford's Market Place - but most onlookers expected something better.

As the crowds streamed away afterwards, most seemed to be grumbling at the vast gulf between what they had hoped to see and what they actually got.

Blandford is usually good at staging this sort of event. I wonder how it got this one so very wrong.

David Roberts, Blandford

Caring staff at Tesco I AM writing on behalf of a friend who wishes to remain anonymous due to health issues.

A couple of months ago this lady had done her shopping in Tesco but when she went to pay her bank card would not work.

Being of a nervous disposition she became quite distraught as she had no other means to pay.

A kind young male member of staff noticed her distress and took her to customer services where she was comforted by a

lady called Sally.

After calming the lady down, Sally then actually paid for her shopping.

The lady would like to praise and thank Tesco, and both Sally and the young man in particular, for the exceptional way she was treated.

Martin Ansell Address supplied

Call if you need help IT has recently been brought to my attention that a number of residents, particularly older residents, who have concerns in Blandford, don't feel they should get in contact with me for help.

As your elected representative at Dorset County Council, it is not only my privilege but my duty to help and support all residents in Blandford.

Not only is it good to be made aware of issues as they crop up but, if I am already working on that issue, I can explain what I am doing to sort it.

In doing so, residents can feel that they are not alone and that someone is already working on the problem.

Byron Quayle Councillor for Blandford Forum Division 07843 616 343 byron.quayle@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Pesticides another view IT was heartbreaking for me to read 'The View from the Hill' article in which George Hosford spoke about dishing out poison to keep slugs under control and the need to use glyphosate.

I hope that readers of Forum Focus might go to: riverford.co.uk /dor/pesticidesyou-decide-systemic to read Guy Watson's clear and informative article on pesticides.

Name & address supplied

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus

November 2017

Tourism firms make awards shortlist THREE local tourist businesses have been shortlisted for the Dorset Tourism Awards which will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Lighthouse, Poole, on November 16.

Loose Reins, of Lanchards Lane, Shillingstone, is nominated in the best active and sporting experience category, and Bloomfield Camping at Little Okeford is nominated for sustainable tourism.

Both have also been nominated in the best glamping and alternative accommodation category.

Mullalah Therapy and Yoga Retreats in Milton Abbas is nominated for spa and wellbeing experience of the year.

Nearby Wimborne St Giles features strongly, with the Great Dorset Chilli Festival shortlisted for best event/festival, All Hallows Farmhouse for best artistic, cultural and learning experience, and Home Farm House for bed and breakfast of the year.

Successful businesses in the awards will automatically be entered for matching categories in the South West Tourism Awards next February with the chance to go on to represent Dorset at the National Visit England Awards later in the year.

Robin Barker, of Services for Tourism, who created and manage the awards, said: "It is so

rewarding to see the increase in entries and also the further raising of standards across the county."

There were 123 entries, an increase of 15 per cent on last year, around half gaining winners' nominations or commendations in 23 categories.

• Tourism businesses from across Dorset were represented at a presentation in the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery Visitor Centre hosted by Visit Dorset.

With a panel of experts, discussion topics included social media, digital engagement, strategy development and how to generate more bookings through digital marketing.

It was the first of three free sessions, followed by one in Christchurch on November 1 and in Weymouth on November 29.

Nick Thornley, on behalf of the Visit Dorset Tourism Partnership, which is responsible for promoting the county's tourism industry, said: "We were overwhelmed by the response we had from tourism businesses to our Visit Dorset website launch event at Athelhampton earlier this year.

These free sessions are aimed at helping tourism businesses make the most of digital technology."

For more information, see visitdorset.com.

Author’s leading role in national concert A CONCERT marking the centenary of the end of the First World War and featuring more than 2,000 young people from England and Wales, has been conceived

by Winterborne Stickland author Ron Dawson.

He also penned the anthem 'Lest We Forget' which will be sung as part of the programme. The concert, to be hosted at Birmingham's NEC, on November 3, 2018, is backed by £90,000 government funding as part of its centenary programme of ceremonial events, cultural activity and education.

Dr Dawson said: "I am delighted that the Department for Communities and Local Government is making this concert possible. If the spirit and duty of Remembrance is to endure, it must be passed on from generation to generation. The ambition of this

children's centenary concert is to renew that remembrance, educate and show our eternal gratitude to those who lived, fought and died in that terrible war a century ago."

Some 2,000 young singers and musicians under 18 who applied to take part are now being selected to play music and songs.

The programme will include 'Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations, which is played at the Cenotaph in London each Remembrance Sunday, and 'Silent Night', the carol sung by British and German soldiers during the December truce. Readings from diaries and letters written at that time will also be given and archive film footage from the trenches will be shown.

Tickets for the concert are expected to go on sale in January.

• A Time to Remember: Page 23.

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Caroline’s happy return DORSET property expert Caroline Doman says she is back in Blandford for good after rejoining Legal 500 solicitors firm Blanchards Bailey.

The residential property chartered legal executive first joined the firm in 1997, serving the Blandford community for many years in all aspects of property sales, purchases, transfers of equity and remortgages.

After some time away from the firm she accepted its invitation to return and take on a senior associate role in the Blandford office.

Now celebrating her 20th year working in the residential property market, Caroline said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be back. The team are brilliant and it's wonderful to be working in the town again. My passion for Blandford and its people brought me back and I'm looking forward to making a difference and contributing to the firm's continued growth and success."

Blanchards Bailey principal and head of residential property Alan Horne said: "It's great to have Caroline back at the Blandford office.

We know our clients will welcome her friendly personality and will appreciate receiving exceptional advice and service from her."

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Rapid response to blackout A CABLE fault at the Damory Street substation in Blandford was responsible for a power cut which initially affected 2,193 customers at around 9.30am on October 10.

Within a few minutes Scottish and Southern Electric were able to restore power to over half of those affected by re-routing supplies, bringing the total num-

November 2017 ber still affected down to 998 in around 50 postcodes in Blandford town centre, including a number of businesses and the traffic lights, and by 10.15am the number had been reduced to 233.

Throughout the course of the day supplies were restored to all remaining customers, in stages, with the last customer restored by 6.20pm.

Arrangements were made for mobile generators to be brought in to get supplies back on.

Residents and volunteers in the garden at Castleman House.

Help with the garden A TEAM of volunteers from DSCIS training support section at Blandford Camp have for the past three years been spending time out of the office in the gardens of Castleman House in Blandford, tending the flower beds and lawns of the care home.

Last month they presented the residents with a new bench for their 'Garden of Memories', and gathered with residents for the presentation.

Gina Lewington, head of exams and course administration, said: "There are up to 20 of us who come down every April and November to tidy up the gardens, and it's a relief to get out of our office environment. We decided to do some fundraising to purchase the bench which we hope they will enjoy today and in the future."

Care home activities manager Wendy Huetson thanked them for the donation, saying: "We really do appreciate your efforts in raising the money and your help with the gardening."

Tabletop triumph STUDENTS from the residential Forum School for children with autism with their senior support worker Rachel Damon organised a tabletop sale in Blandford Methodist Church.

Three of the young people from the school in Shillingstone, which also has students living independently under supervision in Blandford, spent a long time collecting items to sell, and making posters to advertise the event.

They raised ÂŁ170 in two hours, and chose to give the proceeds to the Friends of Blandford Hospital.

Two of them joined Rachel at a presentation at the hospital to Friends' vice-chairman Mac Maclaughlin, who thanked them warmly for their efforts.

SHEILA Thompson celebrated her 100th birthday in style at Tricuro's Castleman House in Blandford when her daughter Georgina and son-in-law Brian organised lunch for her and her friends. It included her favourites, Cornflake chicken, smoked salmon sandwiches and, to finish off, home-made profiteroles. Sheila had a wonderful day and was exhausted after her second party in the evening with residents and staff at Castleman House.

November 2017

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Julie’s shortcut for charity IT'S not often that pensioners take the brave plunge to have a sponsored headshave, and Julie Joyce was astonished at the support she received when she did it to raise funds for cancer sufferers.

She set herself a target of just a few hundred pounds, but when the sponsorship from friends and colleagues was counted it amounted to a magnificent ÂŁ1,118.

She has thanked all her

sponsors for supporting her in the cause, which has resulted in a cheque being sent to the Fortuneswell Ward at Dorset County Hospital.

Cupola listed for award THIS summer saw some remarkable sunflowers popping up in people's gardens, and nowhere more dramatically than at Trailway Court, where resident community gardener Mike Burt busied himself tending these splendid specimens.

Other residents were each given seeds to grow in pots which were then re-sown in the flowerbed at the side of the garden, to result in a positive field of colour. He is pictured with staff member Simone Walls-McDonald under the towering blooms.

THE restoration of the cupola and tower of Blandford Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul was among projects shortlisted for the 2017 Church Architecture Awards.

The winning entries were due to be revealed at an awards ceremony at St Mellitus College, London, on October 26.

The awards are run by the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and the National Churches Trust.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "I'm delighted at the quality and range of the projects

which show clearly how church architecture makes a major contribution to the visual landscape of villages, towns and cities.

"Our shortlist includes stunning modern buildings, creative solutions to repair and conservation work, and projects which reinterpret and bring back to life existing churches."

Other shortlisted projects were the Belarusian Memorial Chapel, the first wooden church built in London since the Great Fire of 1666, and a new entrance for St Anne's church in Soho featuring glass doors and neon lighting.

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November 2017

November 2017

Coffee cash handover A CHARITY coffee morning in Pimperne village hall on October 7 raised more than £200 for the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where local teenager Katie Gent undergoes regular treatment.

Katie, now 13, who had a 20hour operation for a brain tumour two years ago, attends the Robins Ward for cranial surgery, and will need to go back there regularly until she is 21.

The money, from sales of

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refreshments, raffles and sales from stalls, was presented to her father Jason Gent by Peter Slocombe, a key helper at the coffee mornings run every month barring December and January since 2003 by Peggy Hearne and Jane White.

The next, on the first Saturday of November, will be supporting the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund with the support of local resident Major Philip Jenkinson.

Dorset West Past Finders metal detectors, headed by Malcolm Andrews and David Whitcombe (pictured) and Glenda Froud, held a rally on October 9 for Pimperne Play Area, by kind permission of Will Taylor and family. They raised a total of £1,281.50 for the play area that is in desperate need of a revamp.

Study into safe cycle route A FEASIBILITY study is being carried out into the possibility of creating a safe bicycle and walking route using Tin Pot Lane, following failure to establish an HGV route to Clump Farm Industrial Estate, by opening the link road in front of Hospital Metalcraft on the Blandford Heights Estate.

County Councillor Byron Quayle said his preferred option was to get the link road open, but had asked Dorset County Council to approve the feasibility study, which was due to start in September.

Peter Slocombe (left) presents the proceeds of the Pimperne coffee morning to Jason Gent, father of 13-year-old Katie, who is undergoing specialist treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Santas fix the date BLANDFORD Stour Rotary's second Great Santa Fun Run, Walk, Stroll or Crawl will be taking place this year on the Trailway on Sunday December 10.

Last year in glorious sunshine the 114 entrants of all ages and abilities, from two years old upwards, raised a magnificent £1,515 for local charities, and this year they hope to do even better.

Anyone who would like to take part in a great local event should visit the website blandfordsantarun.btck.co.uk to find full details.

Santa outfits and refreshments are included so there's really no excuse not to join in the fun!

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November 2017

Nephew’s graphic account of Somme survivor’s last stand

Heavy losses felt in town and villages TWO Blandford men killed in action in France are remembered on the Cambrai Memorial Louverval.

David George Hunt, the son of baker and grocer George Hunt, of Orchard Street, Blandford, and his second wife Sarah Ann, who died in 1896, was killed in action, aged 26, on November 20, serving with the Tank Corps 'A' Bttn. He had signed the Book of Attestation in Blandford on December 10, 1915, and had also served with the Machine Gun Corps.

Charles William Lever died on November 30, serving with the Rifle Brigade 12th Bttn, aged 40. He was the younger son of farm labourer George and Ann (née King) who also had four daughters, and lived first in Dorset Street and then in Salisbury Street. He was described as a boarder and carpenter in the 1911 census.

Four men from the villages were serving with the Dorsetshires, including John Eli Philip Day, a Corporal with the 6th Battalion when he died of wounds in Belgium on November 13, aged 36, leaving his widow Ellen with a son, Jack. He was the son of innkeeper Eli and Mary Churchill Day who kept The Plough at Manston and later The Museum Hotel at Farnham, where their son is remembered.

In France with the 6th Battalion was farm labourer Levi John D Fiander, who died of wounds on November 11, leaving his widow Elizabeth with three children; and with the 5th

Battalion Frank Crabb, killed in action on November 19, aged 22, and remembered at Iwerne Minster, where he was living and working as a farm labourer in 1911.

Frederick Upward, son of gardener Charles and Mary Hannah Upward, of Stourpaine, died in India on November 17, aged 26, serving with the 2nd Battalion.

Serving with the Corps of Hussars in Egypt, and also from Stourpaine, Harry Lawrence Jeans, 24 when he died on November 15, was the son of Eleanor Mary and grocer John William Jeans.

Both he and a fellow member of the Corps of Hussars, William Grant Diment, from Sherborne, who died of wounds two days earlier, aged 33 and is remembered at Tarrant Gunville, had previously served with the Dorset Yeomanry.

Harry Vivian Malphus, a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery, who died of wounds on November 9 in France, aged 24, was the son of farm labourer Henry and Emma Malphus, of Belchalwell.

Thomas William Denny, aged 22, who served with the Coldstream Guards and died of wounds in France on November 28, is remembered at Blandford St Mary, where he was born, the younger son of gardener Thomas William and Harriet Denny, of The Gardens, Down House, Blandford St Mary.

THERE were two men named C R Barnett from Victoria Road, Blandford, in the British Army during World War 1.

One, Charles Richard Barnett, a bricklayer by trade, survived the war.

The other, Charles Robert Barnett, was 20 years old when he died of wounds in Belgium on November 6.

The son and eldest of five children of coal merchant Thomas George Barnett and his wife Elizabeth Emma, who lived in Victoria Road, Blandford, he was also Uncle Charlie to Barry Barnett, who has researched his story.

Charles had volunteered to join the Dorsetshire Regiment in 1915, but in August 1916 transferred to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (DCLI), the same regiment as Harry Patch, the last surviving Tommy of WW1.

His nephew takes up his story: "After surviving the Battle of the Somme, he found himself in November 1917 in Company 'A' of DCLI's 1st Battalion. At 6am on Tuesday November 6, 1917, his unit was to lead the assault on Polderhoek Chateau, not far from Ypres.

"Before the war, Polderhoek Chateau was a pleasant country house in the midst of beautiful woods and cultivated gardens. By November 1917, it had become a fortified German machine gun and sniper stronghold with the surroundings akin to a lunar landscape. The banks of local streams had been breached by shell fire creating a slippery, slimy, muddy battlefield. Belts of wire entanglements stretched across the grounds together with manned German 'pill boxes' and abandoned burnt-out tanks.

"Charlie's battle dress was hardly light weight and fit for fighting in three or four feet of mud, including a rifle and equipment, 220 rounds of ammunition, a flannelette piece for rifle cleaning, a grenade, two sand bags, mess tin, day's ration, iron ration, waterproof sheet, pair of socks, knife, fork, spoon, spare oil tin and three rifle grenades.

"No sooner had the first DCLI assault wave started across no man's land than they came under a hail of bullets which checked their advance.

An estimated 200 German reinforcements then arrived by 9am."

Charles Robert Barnett: remembered at Blandford and Pimperne.

The DCLI 1st Battalion War Diary records: "A high proportion of the attacking force became casualties immediately but the Commanding Officer (CO) dashed forward and urged the survivors to advance until the whole of the assaulting companies had been killed or wounded.

Unfortunately, the CO was killed while returning to the trench."

During the assault 16 officers and 123 other ranks of DCLI's 1st Battalion were either killed, wounded or reported missing - around 40 per cent of the Battalion's manpower and at dusk the order was given to withdraw.

"Charlie was one of those seriously wounded, and stretcher bearers braving the bullets removed him to Remy Farm, but he sadly died later that day."

After the war, Remy Farm, the largest British military hospital in the Ypres sector, became the site of Lijssenthoek, the second largest Commonwealth Military Cemetery in Belgium. The Chateau was never rebuilt and today the area is an industrial estate and agricultural land.

Charles Robert is remembered on the Blandford War Memorial and in the churchyard at Pimperne, his family's home village. His nephew and other family members are this month planning to visit his grave among those of 10,783 others buried at Lijssenthoek.

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.

November 2017

Ian Wilson, GP, sportsman and Blandford stalwart BLANDFORD Parish Church was packed for a thanksgiving service for the life of Dr Ian Wilson, president of the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital and past president of the town's cricket and rugby clubs, Rotary and drama society, who died on September 20, aged 92.

The service was conducted by the Rev Canon Andrew Haviland, chaplain at Bryanston School, where Dr Wilson had been school doctor. Readings were given by his granddaughter Hannah and Justin Frampton, of Blandford Rugby Club.

Dr Wilson, the son of Dr Kenneth Wilson and great nephew of Dr Alan Reid Wilson, who were GPs in Blandford in the days when doctors practised in their own homes, followed in their footsteps. After qualifying at Edinburgh, he worked first as casualty officer at Salisbury Infirmary, where he met his wife Maureen. They were married for 61 years until her death in 2011.

After a short service commission as a doctor with the Royal Navy from 1950 to 1954, he joined his father in practice in Blandford two years later in what was the first group practice in southern England.

He had been educated at Durlston Court in Swanage and Sherborne School, where he was head boy and captain of cricket and

rugby, and remained a keen sportsman, playing cricket for Dorset and being selected to play rugby for Scotland in 1948, until a knee injury ended his playing career.

Dr Wilson's service to the medical profession included periods as chairman of the general medical services committee, chairman of the Dorset local medical committee, chairman of the Wessex Educational committee, and chairman of the community hospitals association for England, in addition to his work in Blandford and for the community hospital. It resulted in the award, in 1980, of the MBE for services to his profession.

In 2007, the centenary year of Blandford Cottage Hospital, he published 'From Cottage to Community - the first 100 years or so of Blandford Hospital', pieced together from 'bits and pieces' he found in his father's desk after he died, and adding its continuing story with the opening of the new hospital on the site of the old Dorset Regiment and Yeomanry drill hall.

In his tribute, his son Andrew said his father's last days had been spent in the hospital in the palliative care unit which had been officially opened by Lord and Lady Fellowes in a ceremony which he had attended only three weeks before his death.

Valley ‘Rat Man’ had time for everyone EDWARD Kenneth (Ken) Cutler, of 1 Tarrant Rushton, who died on September 13 aged 89, had worked as a pest controller, earning the nick name 'The Rat Man' of the Tarrant Valley.

In her tribute to a loving husband, father and grandfather, daughter Karen said he was an honest, hardworking, kind-hearted and gentle man who gave his time to anyone who needed it without any thought of recompense.

"If he'd ever tired of pest control he could have had a second career as a driving instructor, as he taught most of the valley how to drive for generations, calmly,

with endless patience and encouragement. The airfield should be renamed the Ken Cutler Circuit, he was up there so often."

He also, she said, had a wicked sense of humour, and loved a good gossip. "He taught me so very much - how to catch and skin a rabbit, how to pluck a pheasant, how to ride a motorcycle, how to feed the new puppy from the table without getting caught, how to plant and grow vegetables, how to hold a ferret, how to identify birds and treat animals with respect - and how to fart and blame it on the moles!

"But most importantly he taught me how to listen, how to see, how to be kind and how to love."

The funeral service for Mr Cutler took place at Tarrant Rushton Parish Church. Donations were accepted for the Dorset County Hospital Charity.

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OBITUARIES

FARMING November 2017 ha of rape we sowed in early September, and another 25ha we had to sow for the second time two weeks later after the slugs and flea beetles had done their best to scupper our plans for next harvest.

Several bags of slug pellets and a dose of cypermethrin have given the remaining plants a chance, but we are keeping a very close eye on the redrills, which are still at the very vulnerby George Hosford able cotyledon stage. If the slugs and others get their way it can More from George on end up completely destroyed. viewfromthehill.org.uk Once the plants have got past these hazards there are diseases to negotiate, such as Phoma, ITH a huge sigh of which if left unchecked can turn relief, we finished wheat into stem canker. sowing on October 10, One would hope that the plant after a rip-roaring week. The breeders are breeding disease weather came right and with sevThe partially enclosed grinding stones upstairs in the Sturminster Newton mill. resistance into the modern varieral early starts and late finishes eties, but they will tell you that we managed to sow 215 ha in resistant corn (maize) or soya do they are working hard breeding six days, approximately 35 ha GM-free sources. little to benefit the consumer; varieties that give high yield, bet(nearly 90 acres) per day.

We might just need to regulate they might reduce chemical ter oil quality, early maturity, and The machines behaved themhow much meat we eat as part of applications, by allowing cheap good standing ability as well as selves, and the soil has been in a healthy balanced diet. glyphosate to be used instead of disease resistance. Traditional great condition with good drying Moderation in all things, as other expensive weed killers, but breeding techniques are very winds and fine days for a whole Grandma used to say. at the same time speeding the long-winded, taking many years week (except Saturday), so the A couple of weeks ago I went to development of glyphosate of patient work to come up with roller has been well up behind Sturminster Newton Mill one resistant weeds, which would be new improved varieties. the drill, pushing stones down, Saturday morning, when the mill a disaster.

Some breeders will tell you that and leaving a fine flat firm was operating. The visit had Is it more environmentally friendthey need to be allowed to use seedbed, just like we were taught been set up by a friend in ly to purchase and consume GM techniques, which are still at college.

Pimperne who every year takes meat, or soya? Farm animals not allowed in Europe, to do this We have sown 200 ha of winter a bag of grain for grinding into may destroy the environment faster.

Others say the most comwheat and 60 ha of Maris Otter flour, and then for baking into and cause global warming with mon GM crops, such as roundup barley in total, to add to the 140 bread to help celebrate harvest their constant farting and belchfestival in Pimperne church. ing due to their grass diet, but It has not been a particularly grass-fed beef and lamb from good year for milling wheat, and farmland which cannot be cultiour farm is generally not fertile vated due to being too steep, wet enough for the best quality, so it or stony, is a very efficient way to helps to blend the flour with produce protein for humans, who some bought strong flour, to cannot digest grass. ensure that the dough rises.

We cannot grow soya in northern A benefit from stone grinding is Europe, and it is largely grown in that it is a more gentle process tropical and sub-tropical areas, than the high-speed high-output often on land freshly carved out modern mills, preserving the from rainforest. It is difficult to be beneficial enzymes and proteins certain of its provenance, so I in the grain, but it looked painfulwonder if vegetarians can easily ly slow, taking more than an hour find out whether the soya prodto grind just 20 kg of wheat. ucts they consume come from Dougal and his shiny steed sowing wheat at Thornicombe.

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The View from the Hill

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November 2017

A time to remember

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NOVEMBER is the month for Remembrance. On Thursday November 2, 'A Time to Remember' at Blandford Catholic Church is a quiet time between 4.30 and 6pm when all are welcome.

Candles may be lit in remembrance, and there will be a space to write names of those who people would like remembered by the church in prayer during November.

There may be some quiet music but for most of the time the church will remain in silence and visitors can arrive and leave as they wish.

Refreshments will be available in the church hall.

Events in Blandford as part of Remembrance Week include a memorial service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Blandford Cemetery on November 5.

There will also be a schools Remembrance event on Friday, November 10, at the Parish Church, and a two-minute silence on Armistice Day, Saturday, November 11.

The Remembrance Sunday Parade and Church Service on November 12 will start at 2.45pm in the Market Place, with wreath laying against the war memorials on the front of the Corn Exchange followed by the service in the church.

See Blandford Town Council's notices on Page 24 for further details.

This poem was written by Carol Verney of Chestnut House, Blandford, in memory of her husband Malcolm's grandfather, who died in November 1917. It was printed in the parish magazine in his home village of Headley, Hampshire, and read out at the Remembrance Service in 2015.

Memories Memories of days gone by, Memories that would make you cry, For those men who went to war, Sent, not went, and gave their all.

The war to end all wars, they said, That didn't help those who were dead.

Arthur Charles Verney went that day, He died there and in the mud did lay.

His body it was never found, Left there in that foreign ground.

He died on the 30th of November 1917 He saw sights that shouldn't have been seen.

Never to return to his wife and home, She was left with four children, on her own.

His name is etched on the memorial cross Along with his friends who were also lost.

They came from that village that was so small, They died as Heroes one and all.

How he died we'll never know, Was he still there in the snow?

He's commemorated somewhere in France, Never again will we see him dance, In his local village hall at Headley, That war of wars that was so deadly.

One day I hope we'll go and stand And read his name in that foreign land.

To say goodbye, farewell, adieu, We are here because of you.

In our hearts he'll always stay, Remembered on Remembrance Day. Carol Verney

Memories of Blandford brothers THE great-niece of three Blandford brothers who fought in World War I has published a study of their lives and deaths, told largely in their own words, through letters home and a diary kept by one during 1915.

'Brothers at War' by Jessica Christian is illustrated with photographs from the men themselves, the sons of East Street grocer Thomas and Louisa Ann Maria George, of The Laurels, Park Road (the site of what is now The Cedars).

Only one of the three, the eldest, Bertram, survived the war. One died in August 1915, and the other, Stanley, whose diary tells much of their story during 1915, died in May 1918. All three had started their war service with the Dorset Yeomanry.

Their great-niece is an art historian, and author of a biography of her great-aunt Wyn George, published by Dovecote in 2013. She will be doing a book signing during the Blandford 14-18 group's November Trenches and Tanks exhibition in the Corn Exchange from Friday, November 17 to Monday, November 20.

'Wyn George: Traveller and Artist', ISBN-978-O-9573119-7-8 tells the story of the brothers' sister, and Jessica's great-aunt, who studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in the 1890s and served as a driver on the Western Front during the First World War before travelling worldwide as a successful professional artist.

'Brothers at War', ISBN: 978-14456-6684-6, was published on October 15.

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November 2017

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November 2017

School language success MODERN foreign languages students at The Blandford School are celebrating success in Spanish after the school finished second in their group for an exciting, world-wide online competition.

A total of 200 Year 9 and GCSE students entered the Vocab Express annual League of Champions, competing against teams in the Medio Cup category.

In addition to Spanish, many students also chose to compete across 12 other languages such as Mandarin, Polish, Latin and Ancient Greek through a series of vocabulary learning challenges.

An amazing team effort throughout the whole week of the competition secured The Blandford School fifth overall in their group with a total score of 233,655.

Year 9 student George Knight contributed the most points for The Blandford School in the event with 28,385 points. He managed to be placed 20th in the individual student rankings for French for all the schools entered from around the world.

TBS cross-country runners - back row: Sophie R, Michael J, Sam H, Ted B. (Front Row): Katherine S, Mia B, Josh F, Jay D, Tom F, Maisy A, Lottie C.

Victory for the house of Lancaster STAFF and students from The Blandford School took to the field to compete in the annual house cross-country competition.

Hundreds of students ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 took part in the mile-long race, competing for house points which contribute towards the overall House Cup winners.

The competition was won by Year 12 student Michael Johnson, followed closely behind by Year 11 student Sam Hughes. The fastest girl across the line was Year 13 student Katherine Stanley, and the fastest staff member was science teacher Mr Spry.

After the event, the points were calculated and it was announced that Lancaster had accumulated the most points with 176, followed by Montfort with 166. In third place was Lacy with 136 points, and in fourth place came Beaumont with 111.

The house competition began in 2006 with the introduction of four houses. The final event for each house competition is the school's annual sports day, where the overall winners are crowned.

DURWESTON Primary School PTA have been busy organising treats for the children, the first of which was a visit from HawksintheForest.com, a local company who brought three birds of prey for the children to meet. The children were entranced as Minnie the Harris Hawk swooped low over their heads, and were also introduced to Vogue the gyrfalcon. Every child got to stroke Elvis, the Eagle Owl.

YEAR 8 pupils at Clayesmore Prep School, Evie Lewin-Gray and Edward Rimmer (above), have made it into the U13 girls and boys Dorset County hockey squads for this season.

They will now train throughout the season with their respective squads and participate in fixtures against other counties.

Prep head of boys' games Tom Manley said: "We wish them luck on their new exciting challenge.

"Austin Andrews, also Year 8, has been asked to return to training for more assessment. We wish him luck also."

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BOLD new installation called EXILE, marking 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, has been launched at the National Trust's house, Kingston Lacy.

It examines the exile of former owner William John Bankes, explorer, scholar and art collector, who inherited Kingston Lacy in 1834 and set about transforming the house into a Venetian Renaissance palazzo.

In 1841 he was caught with a soldier in 'an indecent act' at a time when intimate relationships between men could be punishable by death. He had narrowly escaped prosecution for a similar incident a few years earlier, so felt he had to leave home for exile in France and later Italy.

The installation reveals his exile's significance for understanding the house that is seen today and its relationship to the ongoing challenges faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LBGTQ) community.

From abroad, Bankes continued to commission and collect art and other treasures to send back to Kingston Lacy with instructions on how they were to be displayed and with designs for decorative schemes.

EXILE enables visitors to learn more about his contribution to the

November 2017

Kingston Lacy tribute to former owner’s exile

In Memoriam: the entrance hall at Kingston Lacy. Picture: Steven Haywood. house and its decoration from afar, and also consider his extraordinary story within a broader context of intolerance and persecution of LGBTQ lives from Henry VIII to modern times.

Three distinct installations are linked by a series of new interpretive panels. As visitors enter the house, they encounter 'In Memoriam', a tribute to the 51

men who were hanged under laws that criminalised same-sex acts during Bankes's lifetime, and a reminder of the brutality of the times and the context of his actions.

Further into the house, the second installation, 'Displaced', uses projection and sound to make connections between Bankes's

story and the ongoing persecution of LGBTQ people. The final installation, 'Prejudice, Persecution, Pride', sets Bankes's story within a global history that examines how the law has shaped LGBTQ lives.

The installation is part of the National Trust's 'Prejudice & Pride' programme celebrating the stories of LGBTQ people at a number of its places and acknowledging the contributions they have made to history and society.

John Orna-Ornstein, National Trust Director of Curation & Experience, said: "Kingston Lacy holds a story that deserves to be known more widely, as with all those we have researched, which show how deeply and widely LGBTQ heritage goes back into our shared history and resonates with our lives today."

The rainbow flag has been flown at Kingston Lacy from September 18, the day that Bankes went into exile, and will do so until November 12 when the exhibition closes.

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November 2017

Curtain up on a varied Artsreach programme DORSET's rural arts promoters Artsreach bring a variety of shows to the area this month, including a choice of musical entertainment and a gripping drama.

On Friday November 10, 'Mata Hari: Female Spy' at Winterborne Stickland village hall, is the story from The Great War of the most notorious female spy in history, portrayed

by Katharine Mary as a compelling woman, the world's first femme fatale, from her upbringing in the Netherlands through the events that led her to the firing squad.

On the same evening at Cranborne Cecil Memorial Hall, Eduardo Niebla's stunning Spanish guitar playing is accompanied by guitarist Daniel Martinez Lopez and Indian tabla player Dharmesh Parmar.

On Sunday November 19 at Ashmore village hall, Serbia's leading Roma violinist Branko Ristic and UK accordionist Faith Ristic perform high-energy original Roma/Jazz influenced music and will after the show be available to talk about Romani culture and music.

And on Thursday November 30 at Ibberton village hall, the Buffalo Gals bring their 'Miraculous Medicine Show' featuring the music of The Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Pete Seeger and other greats of US old-time, as well as their own original compositions, led by champion USA fiddler Kate Lissauer and featuring a solo dancer specialising in

Projects treading new ground

The Buffalo Gals bring their 'Miraculous Medicine Show' to Ibberton village hall on Thursday November 30 as part of the Artsreach programme. the old songs and tunes of Appalachia, early Bluegrass, early Country music, blues and rags, ballads, work songs, dance numbers, spirituals and

gospel.

All the shows start at 7.30pm.

More details and ticket information can be found at artsreach.co.uk.

WI get out and about A BUSY busy summer for Blandford Evening WI started with the annual tea tent at Anderson Manor for the National Garden open days, where the vagaries of the British weather restricted the number of visitors and their flags got a little soggy.

But for the visit to Highgrove House the sun shone. The ladies viewed Prince Charles's Chelsea prizewinning Mosaic Garden, along with the other themed interconnecting gardens. The coach was full, the day fine, the gardens glorious and the tea room delectable.

The Poole Harbour visit was a complete success, the tour being comprehensive, the commentary from the skipper interesting and informative and the fish supper scrumptious.

Blandford Carnival was the end of the summer activities for BEWI and the culmination of feverish design and build activity, which started in the spring, peaking in August and ended this year with the BEWI winning one cup, two shields and a certificate.

The theme was 'The Wizard of Oz', and a dainty Dorothy, a very chic Tin man, a rudely rustic Scarecrow, a scruffy out-of-breath Lion, a glitzy Wicked Witch and a blancmange pink Good Fairy followed the Yellow Brick Road to win again.

There was then less than a month's rest for the ladies before they launched into their autumn activities.

A NUMBER of new projects have started at Treads Youth Advice centre, which operates out of premises in Bere's Yard behind the Weldmar Hospicecare charity shop in East Street, offering confidential sessions and pop-ins for youngsters aged 12 to 19.

Anxiety Toolbox every Monday from 4 to 5pm is a drop-in for chat and support on a weekly or casual basis; and a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) support group, with help from the Space Project, on the first Tuesday of the month from 4 to 5.30pm enables supportive chatter in a confidential environment.

Art as Therapy on the last Tuesday of the month from 4 to 5pm started on October 31, and sexual health confidential dropins will be starting on Tuesday, December 5, to run on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 3 to 5pm.

Places are limited for Art Therapy, and for Peer Support Training at the Blandford School, which started on September 25 and is an 11-week project working closely with Victim Support.

Drugs and alcohol support and advice is offered on the third Tuesday of the month from 3.30 to 4pm in Shadows pop-up sessions.

A monthly sibling support group working alongside Rethink is due to start in the New Year, as well as a relaunch of the popular 'girls only club'.

For information call 01258 455448, email admin@treads.org.uk or find them on Facebook at treadsblandford.

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November 2017

Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events NOVEMBER To November 12: Exhibition 'EXILE' on William Bankes and homosexuality, timed entry tickets and further information from nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy or call 0344 249 1895 Wednesday November 1: Step Ahead group for carers of people with memory problems, Blandford Community Centre, Heddington Drive, 1.30pm to 3pm (every 1st Wednesday) Connect Café opens Blandford Community Centre, Heddington Drive, Blandford 2 to 4pm Blandford Carers' Christmas shopping trip Biodanza in Blandford, United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, 7 to 9pm and every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, find them on Facebook or call 01258 268661 Blandford Film Society presents 'Burn, Burn, Burn', comedy drama, at The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 01258 85310 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Thursday November 2: 'A Time To Remember'. Blandford Catholic Church 4.30 to 6pm.

Refreshments available Friday November 3: Vintage Fair, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9am to 3.30pm, details from Jenny at vintagejones@gmail.com Blandford Forum Railway Club Open Night, 7.30 to 9.30pm, The Scout HQ, Eaglehouse Gardens, admission £2, refreshments included, parking Saturday November 4: Milldown Primary School Autumn Fayre, The Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am-12pm Pimperne Coffee Morning in support of the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, 10 to 11.30am, stalls and raffle, Pimperne village hall Spetisbury Bonfire and Fireworks, 10 West End, 6.30pm, adults £5, children £3 Sunday November 5: Royal British Legion Remembrance ceremony, Commonwealth War Graves section of Blandford Cemetery, 10.45 Round Robin Ramblers meet 2pm near Tarrant Crawford church for 4.5-mile walk round Tarrant Crawford, details 01258 880044 Monday November 6: Blandford Floral Group AGM, United Reformed church hall, 2pm Tuesday November 7 and Saturday November 18: Blood Donor Sessions, Crown Hotel, Blandford, details and to book,

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. www.blood.co.uk or 0300 1232323 Wednesday November 8: NHS Retirement Fellowship Blandford Branch, Dr Ian Dickins on Nursing Through Shot and Shell, based on real experiences, Committee Room, Blandford Hospital, 10.15am-noon, details 01929 47244 Dorset Moviola presents ‘Viceroy's House’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm Film Night - 'My Cousin Rachel', Charlton Marshall Village Hall 7.15 for a 7.30pm start, details 01258 488431.

Friday November 10: Acts of Remembrance in the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul, 11am Blandford Farmers Market, Market Place Blandford Evening WI, Dr Ann Collier-Morris on Dorset History, Parish Centre, Blandford, 7pm Mata Hari: Female Spy, Winterborne Stickland village hall, 7.30pm, see artsreach.co.uk Saturday November 11: Armistice Day service, churchyard of Blandford Parish Church, 11am Sunday November 12: Remembrance Sunday parade, Market Place, and Remembrance service, Blandford parish church, from 2.30pm Monday November 13: Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning, St Nicholas' School, Child Okeford. Paul Atterbury talking on railway posters - ‘A Journey through my Life’, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 860767 Tuesday November 14: Blandford Forum & District Stamp Club monthly meeting, Woodhouse Gardens pavilion, 7.30pm, details 01258 471422 Wednesday November 15: Blandford Carers' trip to Castle Gardens Talk on Gardening for Wildlife by Briony Baxter of Dorset Wildlife Trust, The Valley Garden Club, Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, 7.30pm 'Dorset Dragonflies', talk by recorder Pete Allen for the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7.30pm Blandford Film Society presents 'The Eagle Huntress', documentary drama, at The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets

01258 01258 85310 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Thursday November 16: Blandford Art Society, Pimperne Village Hall, 2pm, demonstration and workshop led by Rob Adams, full details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Blandford Archaeology Group: Julian Richards, ’A potted history of Britain - 6,000 years of ceramics in an hour’, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm Fat Thursday Jazz, Kings Arms, Blandford, 8.30pm (see page 10) Music at Giles House: reception and dinner with James Ehnes (violin) playing J S Bach solo violin music, details 01202 644704 or bsolive.com Friday November 17 to Monday November 20: WWI Trenches and Tanks Exhibition in the Corn Exchange 10am to 4pm Friday November 17: Wessex Acoustic Folk, Jez Lowe and Kate Bramley, Royal British Legion, Blandford, 8.15pm Saturday November 18: Cats Protection coffee morning and stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Big Sing with Noel Tredennick, Milton Abbey, 10am to 3.30pm, and Fill the Abbey with Praise, 4pm, application forms from the Abbey or from heather.waldsax@salisbury.anglican.org Murder Mystery Night and supper for Teddy 20, Durweston village hall 7pm, with the Valley Players. Tickets and details 01258 863641 'Winter Craft Fair' at Charlton Marshall Village Hall, free admission, 10am to 3pm.

Sunday November 19: Pimperne Craft Fair, village hall, 11am to 4pm, tables £5, 07879 003456 Tuesday November 21: Finds identification day at Blandford Town Museum, 10.30am to 1pm, details 01258 452831 Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, 'Christmas with Carole', floral demonstration by Carole

Norman, 2.15pm, Child Okeford Village Hall, details: 01258 863775 Wednesday November 22: Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild talk by Margaret & Alan on Northern Lights, Blandford Community Centre, Heddington Drive, 2pm Friday November 24: Saplings Baby & Toddler group, Christmas card art, Knighton House School, Durweston, 10 to 11.15am Film Night, Child Okeford village hall, 'Churchill' (PG), 7 for 7.30pm, details 01258 860518 Saturday November 25: 20th Anniversary Chase Benefice Christmas Fair, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, 11am to 2pm, in aid of the SalisburySudan Medical Link 10th Annual SERO Christmas Fair, Exchange, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH, 9.30am to 3.30pm, free admission, see serocharity.org.uk Mess Up in the Brewery: charity fundraiser for You First domestic abuse service, champagne reception, drama, stories, music and refreshment from 7.15pm, Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, tickets and details 0800 032 5204 or katie.bielec@theyoutrust.org.uk Monday November 27: Friends of the North Dorset Trailway AGM, Shilingstone Church Centre, 7pm ‘Earth's Great Extinctions’: Resurgence Dorset talk by Robin Miller, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm, details 01258 818223 or meetup.com/Resurgence-Dorset Wednesday November 29: Blandford Film Society presents 'The Eagle Huntress', documentary drama, at The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 01258 85310 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Thursday November 30: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital Christmas Bingo, Hospital Dining Room, doors open 6.45pm, eyes down 7.30pm The Buffalo Gals, Ibberton village hall, 7.30pm, see artsreach.co.uk Thursday November 30 to Saturday December 2: Art Exhibition ' In and around Blandford: images in ink, oil and more'. 9.30am to 4.30pm, St Peter and St Paul's Church Blandford

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