FORUM FOCUS
Blandford’s outstanding police chief during the Great War: Page 20
For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 71
February 2018
Lidl bus comes up short say passengers THE arrival of the new Lidl bus service on January 2 was met with a mixed response by residents who were expecting the new service to take them into the store's car park, and were surprised to find little advance information of the timetable other than online. They were also surprised to discover that what they thought would be a free service - paid for with £250,000 funding from Lidl cost £2.50 return. Bus stops were placed along the route on Friday December 30, a number of them in locations which are generally occupied by parked cars, and revealed the half-hourly circular X8A in addition to the extra stop for the extended route of the X8. The stop outside Lidl in Shaftesbury Lane is some distance from the entrance path to the store, and can be reached only by crossing the wide and rather long grass verge. Staff at Lidl the day before the launch believed it was starting at the end of January, not the beginning, and there was no publicity about it in the store. Winterborne Whitechurch resi-
dent and bus user Robert Cowley said: "I do think we are not getting the best out of money allocated for this service when you think a lot of villages have no bus service. "Thinking back to the DT11 Action Group and the talk of a transport hub from Dorset County Council's transport manager, we have no transport hub, and most buses in Blandford do not connect or you have to wait such a long time for a connection. "It's time Government and local councils looked at the best use of our free bus pass as some local communities are suffering without transport." Comments on social media suggested that it might have been better for the X8 route to be extended at the time the store opened to get an idea of demand before introducing the X8A circular, and asked why the funds could not be used to provide a service from villages such as Pimperne, or even a service to Wimborne in its spare time if it were less than every 30 minutes. One also pointed out the difficulty of buses passing in opposite directions in Gurkha Road on the
The Lidl bus waiting at the stop demonstrates the potential for congestion. Persimmon estate. Blandford's county councillor Byron Quayle said: "The Lidl bus service was part of the deal signed by the District Council with Lidl to contribute S106 funding for a circular bus route in Blandford. "Although I am delighted that there is an extra service in Blandford, I am not satisfied with the current X8A service. "Little attention has been paid to bus stops and the current service does not allow residents in
Café boss goes to town with his breakfast recipe: Page 3
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Whitecliff Mill Street to be picked up by the X8 and then return via the X8A. "A proper circular route with links to the local community would have made this service a real asset. I have spoken to Dorset Travel about looking into this situation to see whether we can arrange a better service for Blandford." He added: "I would encourage residents to contact their local district councillor if they feel the service could be run better."
Police rapped over failings in Katrina murder case: Pages 4-5
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February 2018
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Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.
Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like to join our team to deliver in their own or any other area that has no delivery, please get in touch (see contacts above). Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points 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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Search goes on for missing man THE search was continuing as Forum Focus went to press for 70-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer Andrew Latcham, who went missing from his supported accommodation in Park Road, Blandford, at around 3.30am on Saturday, December 30. Officers from Dorset Police, their specialist marine unit and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service continued trawling the River Stour and making enquiries, examining CCTV footage to try to establish the route he had taken. Mr Latcham was described as having dementia and other medical issues. He grew up in Hamworthy, living
for a time in Spetisbury, and, as a keen kayaker in his youth, was familiar with local rivers. He worked as a landcape gardener and on the North Dorset Trailway. Searches were therefore focused on the waterways in and around Blandford, the Trailway, footpaths and bridleways, as well as locations along the A350 between Blandford, Spetisbury and Hamworthy. Following two days of intensive search activity police took the difficult decision to stand down active searches due to concerns over the safety of those searching in dangerous areas, including rivers and floodplains. Inspector Darren Stanton said: "For a complex search like this, we use specialist search advisors and make use of a wide array of resources, including the National Police Air Service helicopter, water-based search teams, off-road search vehicles and specially trained teams on foot. "I am grateful for all the specialist volunteers who assisted the search and recognise the desire of the local community to help in any way. "We covered a lot of ground with
Andrew Latcham. this intensive search, but with the significant rainfall and passage of time, it was sadly very unlikely we would find Andrew safe and well by continuing this approach. We therefore had to take advice from specialists and consider the continued risk to others of searching in dangerous conditions." He said local and intelligence-led searches would continue, and they would respond to any new information coming to light, adding that the searches included areas mentioned by the public on social media. Anyone with new information was asked to call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 30:121.
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February 2018
Chef Steve takes his breakfast up to town YELLOW Bicycle Café chef and proprietor Steve Bell was off to London laden with ingredients to compete in the National Breakfast Awards on January 30. Finalists at Westminster Kingsway College were competing in two rounds: the Speciality Challenge requiring the chefs to prepare their signature breakfast dish, and the Ingredient Challenge where chefs are required to create a dish solely using the ingredients provided by the event sponsors, Tetley Tea, Kelloggs and Kerrymaid. They also competed in the Smoothie Challenge sponsored by Jestic. The awards of National Breakfast of the Year, Breakfast Chef of the Year and Smoothie of the Year attract an overall first prize of £1,000. Forum Focus caught Steve preparing the Mexican eggs he will be entering in the signature breakfast dish section - eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce served with wilted spinach on
home-baked cornbread muffins. He said he had entered the competition after receiving details by email and was one of the 16 finalists selected from the recipes they submitted. "I am the only finalist from the West country, but some come from as far away as Aviemore in Scotland, London, Wales and the Midlands," he said. For the Ingredient Challenge, he had been asked to include hollandaise sauce from Kerrymaid, and planned eggy bread topped with chorizo and wilted kale, served with spiced hollandaise with chilli. Steve and his partner Ali launched the Yellow Bicycle Café in Salisbury Street nearly four years ago after previously running a café in Wales in what was a new venture following ten years in the fitness industry as general manager of a health club. They were judged Best Independent Café or Tea Room in the 2015 Taste of Dorset awards.
Weather adds to pavement perils AS damp and wintry weather brings with it more incidents of pedestrians falling on slippery pavements, particularly in Salisbury Street, Blandford, where at least two cases were reported early in January, quotations are being sought for treatment of the paving slabs to make them less treacherous. A trial area was treated successfully, and in December town and county councillor Byron Quayle thanked the town clerk and project administrator for their support with regard to the retexturing work. He said a quote had been PLANS for a gaming centre in part of the former Damory Oak pub in Old Oak Gardens, Blandford, have been rejected by North Dorset District Council on grounds of potential disturbance to local residents. The single-storey unit already has commercial use, and planning officers considered the proposed recreational facility was in a sustainable location, but there was concern about its proximity to homes.
received from one provider and they were due to meet with another in the coming week. Members of the town & general purposes committee last summer approved the use of up to £11,700 of S106 developer funding set aside for town enhancement to 'sand blast' the pavements in the town centre to make them less slippery when wet, subject to a satisfactory result from a test area being done. But treating all the slabs is likely to cost considerably more, and there has been no confirmation of whether other highway enhancement money from the Lidl supermarket development can be used for the purpose. Dorset Highways has bid for some of the money to be used to purchase replacement slabs for use by utility companies and others carrying out pavement works. Mr Quayle said Scottish and Southern Electric were being issued with a second fine for failing to replace the pavement outside Nationwide in the Market Place to acceptable standard.
Steve Bell getting ready for the National Breakfast Awards final preparing Mexican eggs at the Yellow Bicycle Café.
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Police rapped over murder case failings DORSET Police have been strongly criticised for failings in the way they handled the case of murdered Blandford hairdresser Katrina O'Hara. One day after the second anniversary of her death, officers' failings have been highlighted in reports by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and by an independent domestic homicide review for the Dorset Community Safety Partnership. Dorset Police have subsequently apologised for failings in their processes leading up to the killing, which shocked the community. Ms O'Hara (44) was stabbed to death on January 7, 2016, in the East Street barber's shop where she worked, by her expartner Stuart Thomas, also known as George Thomas. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 26
years in August 2016. The IOPC made a number of recommendations after looking at Dorset Police's contact with both Ms O'Hara and Thomas, including the adequacy of the risk assessments and safety plan put in place for her, the decision to release him on bail after an incident only a few days prior to the murder, and how his bail was managed. The Dorset Community Safety Partnership domestic homicide review examined partner agencies' involvement, concluding that lessons can be learnt to improve the response to similar situations in the future. "The failures should not have happened . . . a number of agencies had sufficient knowledge, opportunity and legal means to take action to reduce the likelihood of the fatal attack," it said. One specific area singled out for
criticism was the fact that Ms O'Hara was left without means of calling for help because police had seized her phone to investigate her report of domestic abuse eight days before the murder. She was left "afraid and vulnerable", the IOPC report found. It said domestic abuse victims should always have a means of communication. Thomas, a married father-offour, already had a five-year restraining order for targeting another woman, it emerged in court. Ms O'Hara had complained of feeling "unsafe" in the days leading up to her death. Her phone was retained following an incident in which Thomas reportedly threatened to kill both himself and Ms O'Hara, the report said. "Her family felt this increased the risk she faced, and it is clear she was left afraid and vulnerable by not being able to contact police immediately," the IOPC said. It added a national recommendation for all at-risk victims of domestic abuse-related crimes to be "immediately" given alternative means of communication had been accepted by police chiefs. Dorset's Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said the findings of both investigations had been noted, and recommendations already incorporated into their processes and training. "We will ensure that we continue to work in collaboration with our
February 2018
Katrina O’Hara was left afraid and vulnerable, said the report. partners to minimise risks to victims of domestic abuse. Our thoughts very much remain with Katrina's family and friends. Thankfully terrible cases such as this are very rare. "We are truly sorry for any previous failings in our processes and would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything in our power to minimise the chance of this happening again." Dorset Police has already implemented a process for all types of breach of bail, as recommended by the IOPC and changed call handling procedures to carry out a risk assessment on non-emergency 999 calls. It now also has a policy to provide a replacement telephone if a victim of domestic abuse is left without one. As a result of the IOPC investigation a detective constable was • To Page 5
Katrina's three children, Kyle Stark, Morgan O’Hara and Dean Stark.
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February 2018
Prison for death crash drug driver
On the second anniversary of Katrina’s death, floral tributes were again left outside the East Street barber's shop where she died.
Stuart Thomas: minimum sentence of 26 years.
• From Page 4 given a final written warning and a sergeant received management advice for not following existing procedures. North Dorset MP Simon Hoare said he would be meeting with Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill to discuss the lessons that could be learnt. "The easiest thing to do is to shout and point fingers but that is not going to bring Katrina back," he said. "It was a tragic loss which would have been shocking in any constituency, but in a quiet, low-crime place like North Dorset, it did cause the most monumental shock and is something that is still felt very keenly here. "What we have to try and do now is make sure there is an understanding of the issues and work out how we can make sure this never happens again." In a statement issued by their solicitors, Ms O'Hara's children, Kyle Stark (27), Dean Stark (25) and 18-year-old, Morgan O'Hara, said: "We are deeply upset by the failings identified in both the IOPC report and the Domestic Homicide Review. For us, they highlight that our mother's death could have been prevented and this only makes our grief even harder to bear. "Our faith in policing has been shaken to the core, and of course we're disappointed that Dorset Police haven't taken stronger action against the officers involved. "But we're speaking out not to criticise the police, but to call for change in how all police forces and other agencies handle domestic abuse. "We're victims of police cuts. Every force needs to have the
love she showed us every day; her devotion to her three grandchildren and her warm and wonderful smile. We're proud that she was seen as a pillar of the community who would readily offer help to anyone who needed it." Karl Griffin, a legal advisor at Hudgell Solicitors, acting on behalf of the family, said: "I welcome the findings of the IOPC report, which has been extremely thorough, although I share the family's disappointment that no further action has been taken against the officers involved. "Our clients plan to take their time now to digest the findings of both reports. It is hugely important that Dorset Police learn lessons from Katrina's death."
funding to be able to deliver the right training to all officers and support staff, and to then assess how effective that training actually is, otherwise there will be more avoidable deaths. "Unfortunately, our mother's case is not unique and our only hope is that her death will serve as a wake-up call to the government and police forces across the country to not brush domestic violence issues under the carpet. As a family we would like to urge anyone going through domestic abuse to speak out and seek help. "Finally, and most importantly, our whole family want to pay tribute to a beautiful mum, daughter, sister and grandmother: We will always remember and be grateful for the care and
DRUG driver Jamie Patrick Myers, 25, of Donhead St Mary, near Shaftesbury, has been jailed for five years after admitting causing a fatal collision that resulted in the death of motorcyclist Sid Samways, 74, of Blandford, and his wife Barbara, 71, his pillion passenger. Myers was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court after admitting to charges of causing death by driving without due care and attention on April 2, 2017, on the Higher Shaftesbury Road at Compton Abbas while over the specified limit for a controlled drug. He was also banned from driving for five-and-a-half years. Mr and Mrs Samways were thrown from their machine in the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his wife died in hospital four days later.
Ex-Mayor’s plea TOWN councillor and threetimes Mayor of Blandford Haydn White, whose life was saved when he underwent a liver transplant, has urged people to support an opt-out system for organ donation. A consultation remains open on the Department of Health and Social Care website until March 6 and includes a proposal for an opt-out system for the NHS Organ Donor Register.
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February 2018
Dying pines felled for safety reasons AN impressive row of pine trees on the boundary of the Lampard's Field allotments with Letton Close has had to be felled after it was realised that nearly half were dead, and the remainder in the latter stages of dying. The condition of the trees was reported by the Allotment Society to the Town Council, which historically has not examined them as part of their regular tree survey since their ownership was in doubt. Research of the plans confirmed them to be the council's responsibility. Grounds and property manager Jon Goodenough told councillors: "There is a strong possibility that they could fall and if they fall towards the property side, they are likely to cause considerable damage to the houses and conservatories adjacent."
Chris Baxter in the self-driven and operated cherry picker removing branches from the top of one of the trees.
It was agreed that, with only a few that did not immediately require felling, it would be prudent and more cost-effective to have them all removed, at a cost of ÂŁ4,500. Mr Goodenough was asked to investigate replanting of the 30 trees, but it was explained that the soil was not suitable. Councillors asked for other locations to be considered in the future. The contract to remove the trees was awarded, after three quotes were sought, to Chris Baxter Arborists (the Treeguy), who in the second week of January began felling the trees, first pruning off the branches before tackling the trunks. Mr Baxter said some neighbouring residents were delighted to have light restored to their gardens and properties.
Funds sought to build Trailway visitor centre THE North Dorset Trailway Network has applied for funding from the Leader programme towards building a visitor centre on the Milldown in Blandford. The first stage of the visitor centre funding process was due to be reviewed in January, followed in the spring by a public consultation and a planning application for the project, in whose management the Dorset Wildlife Trust and Dorset County Council are involved. Scott Norman, the new chairman of the Network elected at the AGM in November, said: "We are at an early stage and have submitted an expression of interest to Leader, but there are a great many hoops and hurdles to get through. "We all want the Trailway to flourish and a scheme such as this will bring a focus to help in our plans to assist in the extension of the Trailway beyond Henstridge and join all the missing links between Stalbridge and Spetisbury. "In the longer term we wish to develop with other groups to
have a trail from Bath to Poole. "The North Dorset Trailway is a jewel in North Dorset, used daily by many people, local, national and international. Its growth can bring more tourism and jobs, and more routes to school and work, health and wellbeing. Everybody is welcome to assist us on our journey." A new committee was elected at the AGM, at which Lesley Gasson stood down from the chairmanship she had held for ten years. She was presented with a retirement gift of garden plants. Graham Raines also stood down after the same period as vicechair and received a gift from the committee and friends. Guest speaker was David Caddy on development by the Shillingstone Station Railway Trust Mr Norman, of Stourpaine, is joined by Steve Gerry, of Sturminster Marshall, as new vice-chair, with committee members from Charlton Marshall, Durweston, Milton Abbas, Okeford Fitzpaine, Stourpaine and Sturminster Newton.
WEEKLY Lenten Lunches at St John the Baptist Church in Spetisbury, from 12 noon to 2pm, start on Wednesday February 21 and will continue on February 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, with homemade soup and a roll for only ÂŁ3.
February 2018
Ten-year waiting game over soon? RESIDENTS who have waited for over ten years for play facilities to be provided for children on phase two of the Persimmon homes development at Blandford's Badbury Heights may not have to wait much longer. Blandford Town Council's planning committee was asked at its January meeting to approve the signing of transfer documents which have now been received from the council's solicitor, subject to confirmation that the soakaways have been adopted. The council agreed in 2007 to accept the transfer once all outstanding matters were concluded, and to provide the play area for accompanied children of up to eight years old, with at least five types of equipment, seating for accompanying adults, bins, a noticeboard and fencing. But it has taken over ten years for the developers to fully comply with planning conditions and technical specification required by Dorset County Council and
North Dorset District Council. Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles, in her report to the committee, said: "In the past, council has considered waiting for all phases to be transferred prior to installing play areas to receive better value for money. "However, councillors are aware that residents have waited over ten years for the infrastructure they expected and there are sufficient funds to proceed with the Balmer Road play area." Members agreed to the signing of the transfer documents. Procurement is already underway for three designs/quotations from contractors which will be presented to the residents of Badbury Heights in a public consultation. Quotations for the play area obtained in 2006 ranged from nearly £35,000 to nearly £49,000, a figure covered by funds for the equipment and its maintenance over a ten-year period which have already been received by the Town Council.
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Snowdrop memorials ONE of nine Snowdrop Services hosted by Weldmar Hospicecare in Dorset will be taking place at Blandford Parish Church on Tuesday, February 13, at 2.30pm The hospice charity's Snowdrop Gardens and Walks were established to provide a lasting memorial to loved ones who may have died in another area, or may have died a long time ago. People are invited to remember them privately at the walks or gardens, or to join with others at the annual services of remembrance held in late winter when snowdrops first appear, reminding us that the hope and warmth of spring are not far away. All are welcome. Snowdrops may be planted in memory of a loved one, and their name included in the Snowdrop memorial book which is kept in each location. To cover costs, Weldmar ask for a donation of £10 which is acknowledged by a commemorative card. For more information call Weldmar's Bereavement Services on 01305 215300.
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February 2018
Chappell to fight conviction FORMER BHS owner Dominic Chappell, who lives at Clenston Manor in Winterborne Clenston, has pledged to appeal against his conviction for failing to give information about the firm's pension schemes to investigators after its collapse. Chappell, 51, was the director of Retail Acquisitions, the company that acquired BHS for £1 from billionaire Sir Philip Green in 2015. The business went into administration in April 2016, with the loss of around 11,000 jobs and 164 stores, and leaving a £571m pension deficit, towards which Sir Philip later agreed to pay £363m. The Pensions Regulator (TPR), which has a responsibility to safeguard pensions, moved to
Dominic Chappell: ‘not a credible witness’. protect the pensions of 19,000 members. Following a four-day trial and many hours of deliberation at Brighton Magistrates Court, District Judge Ashworth said Chappell, who in evidence said he had done "everything and more" to help TPR with its probe, was not a credible witness. Chappell said he had spent months locked out of the chain's headquarters with no access to crucial documents following its
collapse, so could not provide the relevant information. Michael Levy, defending, said Chappell was a 'political scapegoat' for the failure of the high street chain, claiming he had been 'set up to fail'. He was convicted on three counts under the Pensions Act 2004 of failing to provide information to the regulator over a 10month period, and the case was adjourned for sentence at a later date.
Future homes plans reviewed PUBLIC consultation was due to close on January 22 into the review of the North Dorset Local Plan, which looks at how additional new housing might be provided in the district. The 'Issues and Options' consultation examined where and how much development might be allowed to meet the higher requirement for new housing now considered necessary across the district. Estimates of an increasing population in North Dorset from 70,700 to 79,100 over the next 15 years suggest that, rather than the 285 dwellings a year outlined in the current Local Plan, 330 a year will be needed to support economic growth and improve affordability. Development north of the bypass between Sunrise Business Park and the Salisbury Road, one of the key proposals in the Blandford Plus Neighbourhood
Plan opposed by North Dorset District Council and rejected by the plan's inspector last year, is now being suggested by NDDC as an option for further development as part of the review. Also suggested are development off Tin Pot Lane and further west of Blandford St Mary, together with the deletion of the protected route of the Spetisbury/ Charlton Marshall bypass. Town councillors were disappointed that a public exhibition at NDDC headquarters at Nordon in Blandford was held the day the consultation was launched at the end of November with limited publicity. Cllr Haydn White said: "This will affect this town not just for 30 years but forever." The consultation will be followed by a Preferred Options Document identifying sites for development. Details can be found on the council website.
New Screwfix store set to open LEADING trade retailer Screwfix is to officially open its first store in Blandford on Thursday to Sunday, February 22 to 25, at Glenmore Business Park, off Shaftesbury Lane, next to Lidl. Blandford store manager, Joanne Jacobs, is proud of the contribution the new store has made to employment figures in the region. She said: "We've created nine new jobs and employed people from around the Blandford area. Our new team includes people with all different levels of experience, focused on providing superb customer service to meet the needs of our busy trade customers. Everyone here is really
looking forward to the store opening." Joanne believes the store's convenient location, extensive product range and ability to provide a 'Click & Collect' service in as little as one minute from ordering will be a real bonus to local tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. "I'm confident we've got a great location here in Blandford. My team and I have already been getting to know local businesses and tradespeople and look forward to working with these hardworking, friendly people." Tradespeople and serious DIYers are all invited to attend the opening and demonstrate their
professional skills in a free-toenter competition to win a 40inch smart TV. Throughout the store's launch celebration period from February 22 to 25, Screwfix will offer a 10 per cent discount on all product ranges and other store-specific special offers. The brand's huge range of the latest innovative and affordable products and exceptional deals are also available online at screwfix.com, on Screwfix's mobile site or over the phone on 03330 112 112. The store will be open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm, Saturday 7am6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
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February 2018
Above: Riders move off from the Portman Hunt Boxing Day meet outside The Crown at Blandford. Above right: Hunt protesters make their presence felt.
Hunt followers met by protests THERE was a large turnout both on foot and on horseback for the Portman Hunt Boxing Day meet at the Crown Hotel in Blandford. Hunt protesters also gathered in large numbers and there was a strong police presence. Horses and riders assembled in the hotel car park, while the protesters with their banners and placards lined the entrance to River Mews to spell out their opposition to hunting. Spokesman Joe Hashman, of campaign group Hounds Off, said they were targeting the Portman because of its record of trespass on to land without permission of
landowners. Master of Foxhounds Evo Shirley said: "Everyone has a right to express their opinion." The hunt was able to leave peacefully along West Street, where repairs of a roadside culvert had fortunately been completed earlier than expected by Dorset County Council, leaving the road free from the single-file traffic light controls which had been in operation since the end of October. Prime Minister Theresa May announced that there would be no vote in this parliament on overturning the hunting ban
Students show a flair for business THREE students of The Blandford School attended a meeting and dinner of Blandford Stour Rotary Club in the Langton Arms in January as deserving recipients of Rotary business awards. There were two categories: the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), part of a national Rotary scheme to develop leadership skills in young adults including communication, teamwork and decision making. The participants went on a paid-for residential weekend at the end of the summer term, with other young adults from local counties. The second award was the Roger Bignold prize given by the Blandford Stour Rotary Club to those who made the most
significant contribution to the Young Enterprise Award scheme business project in 2017. Archie Clarke was awarded both The Roger Bignold prize of ÂŁ50 and a RYLA Certificate. Scott Jones was awarded The Roger Bignold prize of ÂŁ50. Amber Miller was awarded a RYLA Certificate. Also present was Helen Gibb, head of lower sixth at the school. She will be selecting three students for the 2018 RYLA residential weekend. She is currently looking for week long business placements for sixth-formers. Anyone who feels able to support a student is asked to contact her on: HGibb@blandfordschool.org.uk.
because of overwhelming opposition across the country. A spokesman for the campaign group said: "Hounds Off welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement that her Government has listened to public opinion during the 2017 Election campaign and conceded that there are now no plans to
repeal the Hunting Act during the life of this Parliament. "This is a significant and welcome departure from accepted Conservative Party policy. Whatever the real motivation, it is entirely due to public awareness, has been coming for a while and is a positive step towards becoming a more civilised society."
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Congratulations to everyone who had a bulb replaced at MVS on Sunrise Business Park in December, contributing to a donation of £496 to the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital via MVS and Motor Parts Direct. Pictured left to right are Emily Nordan (Motor Parts Direct), Mike Wood (Friends of Blandford Hospital) receiving the cheque, and Tony Vincent (MVS).
February 2018
Doctors ‘could not cope’ if new homes get the go-ahead MORE housing has been proposed in Charlton Marshall, where late last year Hall & Woodhouse held a public consultation on suggested development next to the Charlton Inn. The application, which has now been submitted to North Dorset District Council on behalf of land owners Mrs Linley Abbott and Mr EM Vernon Knapper, is for land north of Tannery Court and south of Newlands Manor House, off Stour Road. Outline planning permission is sought on the 2.4-hectare arable land for an access, road layout and around 55 homes and garages at the edge of the conservation area and settlement boundary, with a suggested 40 per cent affordable housing and contributions to a Trailway link and education. The application has attracted a number of objections, including one from Carol Tilley, practice manager at Whitecliff Surgery in Blandford. She says: "The Blandford GP practices have limited capacity to take on additional patients (around 200 to 300 more people) and there is insufficient capacity in the local health system to continue to absorb all of the proposed population increases in the area. "The number of houses alone is not indicative of the impact on the health service. The impact would depend on the number of
inhabitants predicted for each property, the type of housing stock and the related socio-economic status of the occupants who would inhabit them; different groups place different demands on the health service." She added: "The current growth in patient numbers in and around Blandford is a 'creeping growth'. Any additional funding that is received from the NHS is on a 'per patient' basis and is set at a level to just cover the cost of the core patient services, sufficient if the underlying GP infrastructure has the room to expand and can accommodate an increase in patient numbers. "However, it is not sufficient to cover the cost of the 'step change' that would be required to increase the capacity of the current surgery provision - ie: to fund building work, as the existing practices are running out of space on their current footprint, or to increase the fixed overhead costs relating to the opening of a third GP practice in Blandford." Other local objections cite the increase in traffic entering and leaving the A350 in an area with a considerable number of driveways and junctions and impact on the character of the area, and potential flood risk of what is the third proposal in 12 months for development on or close to the Charlton Marshall flood plain.
Roadworks closures TEMPORARY 7pm to 7am closures for roadworks on the A350 will continue until February 10 between Iwerne Minster and Sutton Waldron, and between Sutton Waldron and Fontmell Magna from February 12 to March 13. Dorset County Council's Cabinet agreed in December to continue with the existing advisory one-way HGV routing - northbound on the A350 and southbound on the C13/B3081 - and current signing will be enhanced with additional signs advising of the route. An anti-skid surface will be applied on the uphill section of Spreadeagle Hill for HGVs heading south out of Melbury Abbas, and vehicle-activated message signs for the pinch points in conjunction with a new layby will advise HGVs to wait in the layby at Melbury Abbas when there is another HGV in the narrow section, in addition to the current traffic signal control shuttle working in Dinah's Hollow. A survey last summer showed that proposals to introduce a 50mph limit between the villages along the A350 had the approval of 72 per cent of respondents. The introduction of a 40mph restriction on Spreadeagle Hill was supported by 83 per cent, and the same number valued vehicle-activated signs to assist in communicating traffic restrictions.
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February 2018
Alison Moore, chair of Northern Dorset Local Action Group, Dylis Gartside, Little Lane Project Team, MP Simon Hoare, and Cllr Val Pothecary, chairman North Dorset District Council, with supporters at the opening of the Little Lane link. Picture by Rachael Rowe.
Community effort creates a safe link to the Trailway A NEW safer route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders connecting the village of Okeford Fitzpaine with Shillingstone and the North Dorset Trailway officially opened on January 5. The route, known as Little Lane, between Okeford Fitzpaine and the A357 at Shillingstone, has been largely inaccessible for the past 30 years. Dilys Gartside, a parish councillor, cycling instructor and volunteer for national charity Cycling UK, and her husband Jeremy gathered local residents to help after seeing the potential of the lane during a muddy plod in January 2015. They realised professional support was needed after initial attempts to clear the mile-long stretch with shovels, determination and goodwill were threatened by persistent rain. In November 2016, Dilys applied for funding from the Northern Dorset Local Action Group (LAG), which awards grants from the EUfunded LEADER Rural Development Programme. The project was successful in securing all the ÂŁ44,200 funding they asked for due to the rural tourism benefits it offers. Dilys said: "We immediately saw the benefits of restoring Little Lane from a local community perspective, as it would allow everyone, from grandchild to grandparent to safely walk, cycle or mobility scoot from Okeford Fitzpaine to the Trailway. "It was only when we applied for LEADER funding that the wider tourism benefits became clear, as
locations such as the North Dorset Railway Trust at Shillingstone Old Station came within reach without car dependency." Little Lane has now been transformed by restoration of drainage and a new surface, rendering it accessible on foot, bike as well as on horseback. Shillingstone's rights of way officer, Graham Raines, said: "The Little Lane link is now an integral part of the Dorset Trailway, and means people from Okeford Fitzpaine can join the Trailway without risking life and limb on the busy roads around here." It was officially opened with councillors from Dorset County, North Dorset District and Okeford Parish, as well as Northern Dorset LAG, volunteers and North Dorset MP Simon Hoare. He said: "This is a typical North Dorset project: they've identified a problem and worked together as a community to find a solution. It's an appropriate time of year for the route to open as we all make resolutions to be more active - and now we have a very safe route linking communities and making it better for children, walkers and cyclists." Dilys and Jeremy will be working with Dorset County Highways on phase two of Little Lane link project to secure a safe crossing of the A357 to the Trailway opposite, and are also calling for more help from locals by forming Supporters of Little Lane Upkeep Group. To get involved and help, email dgartside@okefordfitzpainegov.uk or call 01258 860157.
Jeremy and Dylis Gartside on the Little Link route. Picture by Cycling UK.
Leisure centre support plea PARISH councillors have been urged to give more support to Blandford Leisure Centre, which is threatened with reductions in its subsidy from both North Dorset District and Dorset County Council. District Councillor Barrie Cooper told the Town Council meeting it was noticeable that some parishes which could afford to contribute were not doing so. County Councillor Byron Quayle said there was some good news in that the County Council, which had been minded to cease its subsidy after 2019, had agreed to continue for the next three years, taking the commitment forward to any new authority.
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February 2018
Jane’s online archive records a lifetime of art J
ANE Baxandall, well-known as a craft potter in the Potteries until moving to Blandford in the 1980s and becoming secretary of Blandford & District Civic Society, has at the age of 87 created an online account of her life and work. Professional photographer Jonathan Gooding was commissioned to photograph the many artworks in her house to create a catalogue to send to friends and family, and some have been included on the website janebaxandall.com. She describes the influence of artists on both sides of her family, her studies, first with Rosemary and Clifford Elliott in the Orangery at Longleat when her school in Bath was evacuated there during the war, and then at the Bath Academy of Art at Corsham Court with Kenneth Armitage. Training at London University as an art teacher, studying pottery and ceramics, led to her first job at Ely High School where she became head of department and did her own ceramics and terracotta work. She met her husband Peter in a pottery class, when he had just accepted a lectureship in mathematics at Cape Town University. They married in Cape Town in 1961, and she taught at the Frank Joubert Art Centre and then among Xhosa children out on the Cape Flats for a charity
called Kupugani. Returning home, and after a year in Manchester, they settled at Keele University for 18 years, where Peter lectured in mathematics, was warden of Horwood Hall and worked for the Open University. Now a mother of two, she worked at home and with groups of potters, becoming a member of the North Staffordshire Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. After 18 happy years at Keele, they decided to move down to Blandford to be closer to other family members when Peter was offered a job at Bryanston School. "I had a very close friend, Priscilla Goodfield (née Coade) from art school days and had often stayed with the Coades in the headmaster's house. By the time that Priscilla had married one of the masters I felt that I knew Blandford quite well." She intended to quietly continue her artwork but instead was persuaded to join the committee of Blandford and District Civic Society, founded in 1970 to try to prevent even more damage to the town's Georgian heritage, and served as secretary and planning correspondent for 25 years. "I still enjoy seeing where we successfully made the difference and prevented awful things from happening," she said.
Nicki’s challenge CAMBRIDGE Lady Nicki Edwards was last month raising funds for research into cancer and multiple sclerosis, and invited her clients and friends to take the 30-day biggest percentage weight loss challenge in support of the two causes. The daughter of a three-times cancer survivor, she said: "Due to recent really sad events - three clients in two months diagnosed with cancer and my sisterin-law losing her brave 46-year fight with MS just before Christmas - I am doing my bit against these diseases which are indiscriminate, malicious and so very destructive." "We currently stand to raise over £200 for each charity and there is a wardrobe tingling 'prize fund' up for grabs too." The challenge was open to anyone joining during the month of January, and anyone who would just like to donate. (See page 7).
Jane Baxandall at an exhibition in Keele in 1980.
AUTOMATIC Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are coming to Blandford to help the police identify vehicles suspected of involvement in crime. Town councillors agreed to contribute up to £40,000 for the installation of four cameras following a detailed presentation by Ray Storey, Alliance ANPR Manager for Dorset Police, and PCSO Jamie Burt. They explained that the cameras were no threat to civil liberties, and would be used to track vehicles already targeted, benefiting the town in combatting fraud, domestic abuse, burglary, shoplifting and drug dealing.
Left: Jane pictured in 1997. Above & Below: examples of her work.
Firm’s legal high BLANCHARDS Bailey has been nominated in more categories than any other firm in the prestigious 2018 Dorset Legal Awards. The long-established legal company, which has offices in Blandford, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Weymouth, is up for six team awards and a community prize. Blanchards Bailey will find out on February 23 whether it has triumphed. The firm has been named finalists in the Company Commercial Team of the Year, Private Client Team of the Year, Property Team of the Year, Family Team of the Year, Dispute Resolution Team of the Year and Small Law Firm of the Year categories. Blanchards Bailey is also one of three finalists in the Contribution to the Community category for its entry which was based on initiatives demonstrating corporate social responsibility.
February 2018
Photographers find the perfect focus THE December points cup competition at Blandford Forum Camera Club saw judge Malcolm Kito give an appraisal of the 49 images. Top scores in the print section were given to Down and Out (Rachel Cooper), Awaiting the Night Train (Graham Hutton) and Netmead Dawn (Marilyn Peddle), closely followed by Ian Ferris and Graham Hutton with 9.5 marks. In the projected images section Glynis Larter-Witcher and Jean Bartlett achieved top marks with Longstock Dawn and The King, respectively, and Denise Halford and Glynis Larter-Witcher also gained 9.5 points. Sue Sibley attended the club for a training day, and members were given a good insight on editing, working through various darkroom techniques and some more wacky editing using computer software. Guest speaker was Andy Farrer, an award-winning local photographer, who gave an illustrated talk 'Landscapes Old and New', and with it a lesson in effects of different lenses in his genre of photography.
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Among the Camera Club winners were (above left) Jean Barlett's The King; (above) Rachel Cooper's Down and Out; and (left) Marilyn Peddle's Netmead Dawn. A GYM at Stud Farm in Down Road, Pimperne, could be doubled in size if a planning application to North Dorset District Council is approved. The application is for the change of use of a redundant hay barn to gym and cafĂŠ, and will include the formation of a first-floor and single-storey link to form a reception area for the existing gym.
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February 2018
Radhika and Paulesh Patel serve up the Christmas pudding.
Rotarian Derek Andrews offers wine to the Mayor and Mayoress, Peter and Linda Clark.
Generous helpings of festive cheer BLANDFORD Rotarians were not the only ones dispensing festive cheer over the Christmas period when they hosted their annual Along on Christmas Day lunch at the Crown Hotel.
The Community Kitchen at Blandford Parish Centre served meals to 244 people including 64 children, making a total of 691 meals served on the 11 days it has opened since Easter - an
average of 63 people a day. Members of the All Sorts craft group, based at the Parish Church, made festive angels which they left for people to collect around town. There were festive greetings on the Facebook Blandford Public Forum from countless local businesses, and many were delighted to see Father Christmas on a reindeer-decorated motorbike travelling around the area bestowing festive wishes. More than 60 people who would otherwise have spent Christmas Day alone were invited to a convivial Christmas lunch at the Crown Hotel by members of the Rotary Club of Blandford, who laid on an afternoon of carol singing, magic and entertainment for their guests, together with a magnificent three-course dinner. Soup, turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pud were served up by Rotarians and friends, led by Nigel Wright, Yogesh Patel and around 20 members of the Patel family,
three of whom had travelled from Mumbai to help with what has become a traditional family activity. Among the guests were Mayor of Blandford Peter Clark and his Mayoress wife Linda. The Mayor, thanking all those who had helped make it such a special occasion, said: "I think we have a 100 per cent turnout from Yogesh's family this year, but it's an awfully long way to come for a two-hour sitting! We all know that Blandford is a very friendly place, and you are among friends here." They were joined by local magicians Paul Hyland and Jana Bundy who visited each of the tables performing tricks. Blandford Rotary were supported by generous sponsorship from their own business partners and other local businesses, in particular Waitrose and Morrisons. Many of the guests were chauffeured to and from the Crown by Rotary volunteers, and all left with a present from Father Christmas.
Clean-up at recycling centre BLANDFORD's Household recycling centres in Shaftesbury Lane will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, February 7 and 8, for cleaning and maintenance. During the annual 'deep clean', facilities are cleansed, landscaping is maintained, parking bays are relined and general repairs are carried out to steps and recycling containers. Karyn Punchard, director of the Dorset Waste Partnership, said: "We have chosen a relatively quiet time of year and the least busy part of the week to carry out this work, minimising disruption for local people as much as possible.�
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February 2018
Group plans to mark the war’s final year
Together as Incandescendo, Emily Burridge on cello (above) and Felix Gibbons on Latin percussion and Bossa guitar create a musical kaleidoscope for a village hall fundraiser at Ibberton on Saturday February 17 as part of the Artsreach programme. There's another chance to see them at the Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, on Sunday March 18.
Oh yes it is - panto time in the villages! PANTO fever has again gripped local villages. Jack & the Beanstalk took to the stage in Shroton village hall on January 12 and 13, and in Iwerne Minster where Rumpelstiltskin was again produced at the village club on January 19 and 20. The Tarrant Valley Players presented Jack (and Jill) and the Beanstalk at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, from January 25 to January 27, and the same weekend Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society (SODS) gave the first two performances of a new version of Beauty and the Beast which will be repeated on Friday and Saturday, February 2 and 3, at 7.30pm. Living up to their tradition of bright new ideas, the script is the second specially written by former SODS member Bryony Black, who has now achieved a merit in her Master's Degree at Bournemouth University in scriptwriting for TV and film. She said: "This is nothing like the Disney version of the old Beauty
and the Beast story - I have included some rather inept spies and three dames to make it more entertaining!" One of the smallest stages in Dorset, Spetisbury village hall now benefits from a new scenery changing system designed by Martin Kerlogue and investment in additional lighting and a computerised cueing system. The Beast, played by James Renwick, is looked after by three dames (Mick Fowler, Neil Houghton and Mark Cheesley) plus Barry the Butler (Anna Brown). Beatrice Oldfield-Brown is the Beauty, helped by three useless spies (Nikki Black, Jenny Munford and Gayle Palmer) whose task is to ensure all pantomimes end happily. Trying to stop them is the local pub landlord, Andy Oldfield, as the Evil Wizard and his sidekick Sabrina (Lucy Renwick). This year's pantomime at Milborne St Andrew village hall on February 8 and 9 is Knight Fever, an Arthurian tale based on the story of King Arthur.
A FEASIBILITY study has been carried out into the possible upgrading of Tin Pot Lane, off Shaftesbury Lane, to make it safer for pedestrians using the route, which is also the only access to the Clump Farm Industrial Estate, attracting sometimes heavy traffic. County Councillor Byron Quayle told Blandford town councillors that the study had been completed and funding was now being sourced. A site off Tin Pot Lane has now been put forward for potential housing development in North Dorset District Council's 'Issues and Options' consultation relating to the North Dorset Local Plan review. Efforts have so far failed to permanently open the link between Blandford Heights Industrial Estate and Clump Farm.
FOLLOWING the overwhelming success of the recent 'Tommy Training to Trenches' exhibition in the Corn Exchange, the Blandford 14/18 Group have plans to produce three Khaki Kanteens and two major exhibitions for 2018, the 100th anniversary of the final year of the Great War. The first event will be a Khaki Kanteen on February 10 with displays based on the PoW Camp at the Milldown, Blandford, the development of Blandford Camp during 1918, the rail links and the manufacture of munitions locally. A major exhibition on tanks and aircraft is planned from April 27-30 to explore the history and development of flight, aircraft and dogfight tactics, culminating with the formation of the RAF on April 1, 1918, alongside the creation and refinement of the tank. Khaki Kanteens in July and September will focus on the role of the Royal Navy and medical advances during WW1. The final commemoration event for the year organised by the group, 'World War 1 - The Legacy: the Effects of Total War and the Aftermath', will be on November 2-5, the weekend before Armistice Day. Anyone interested in helping with the history, research and construction of these exhibitions is invited to attend one of the group meetings and make contact through Blandford Town Council.
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February 2018
Double delight for Scamps FUNDRAISING by the Scamps Pre-school and Treehouse Club in Spetisbury has resulted in the provision of an outdoor play area which was officially opened on January 12, more than doubling the space available. With 25 children on roll, and breakfast and afternoon clubs serving the 2- to 11-yearolds of a total of 60 local families, the new facility includes a rubberised tarmac play area, six play stations containing a variety of activities, a mud kitchen, raised planters, Astroturf and sand pit.
CONGRATULATIONS to the pupils from Janet Knight School of Dancing who took their Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams just before Christmas. All those who took their exams worked very hard and have been rewarded with 100% passes for the 18 pupils who were entered for graded exams from Primary in Dance through to Grade 8. Three pupils achieved the top level of distinction; the remainder were awarded a merit plus one pass.
A shining example THE restoration of Blandford Parish Church's cupola has been highly commended in the awards of the Georgian Group in a category named 'Object in a Georgian context'. The presentation ceremony was attended by project members Sara Loch and Anne Shire. The description, which can be found online at georgiangroup.org.uk, concludes: "The restored cupola now, literally, shines and acts as an incentive to continue the series of repairs which this fine Grade I church needs and deserves."
Thousands of pounds have been raised for the development through a series of bingo and quiz nights, cake stalls and other fundraising events, and the preschool is grateful to the Spetisbury Country Day organisers for a donation of ÂŁ250. The transformation has been carried out by J P Landscaping to designs and ideas put forward by the pre-school committee, led by chairman Tracy Callow.
Scamps also has a playgroup, 'Scampies', once a week for babies and toddlers and their parents and carers. Pre-school manager Ria Elliott said: "We invited our longest serving staff member Caroline Tory, who has been volunteering one day a week for over 30 years since her son attended on a Children and staff in one of the new outdoor areas at Scamps Pre-School and previous site, to Treehouse Club in Spetisbury. cut the ribbon."
Schools need governors SCHOOL governors are the largest group of volunteers in England. However, due to a lack of awareness about the position, there are many vacancies in every county in England. Your schools need committed people to join their boards. Can you help? School governing is a very interesting and rewarding volunteering experience. Boards need people from different backgrounds with a range of professional and personal skills. You don't need particular qualifications and anyone over 18 can become a governor as long as you have a willingness to learn, time to give to the role and are able to work with people. In return, you receive training, gain a range of new skills and consolidate some existing ones. You will also contribute to education in your community and help improve out-
comes for children. Church schools have a particular need for foundation governors who are appointed by the Diocese. Blandford St. Mary and Durweston both have vacancies. Dorset County Council schools also have vacancies. Interested? Inspiring Governance can help. Visit https://inspiringgovernance.org/ to find out more and to register. This Government funded, free online service matches schools looking for governors with volunteers who have registered in their area. Those placed get free training and support for their first year through a partnership with the National Governance Association. For more information contact Eileen Brocklehurst, Regional Manager (South West) eileen.brocklehurst@educationandemployers.org.
Magical moments for the cupola FOLLOWING on from the Comedy Exchange evening in January in support of Teddy 20, Magic with Mark Shortland, at the Corn Exchange, Blandford, at 7.30pm on Saturday February 17, is the next event staged by Blandford Community Promotions, this time in support of the Blandford Parish Church
Cupola Project. Billed as magic's best-kept secret and the winner of the British Magical Champion of Comedy in 2006, Mark has won numerous top awards and engages his audiences with a mixture of prestidigitation, visual gags and audience participation.
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February 2018
School chef gets taste of the big time LOCAL Food Links chef Chris Plowman took time off from preparing school meals in LFL's Shillingstone kitchen to spend a day in Rick Stein's Sandbanks restaurant. The exciting opportunity was part of National School Meals Week 'Host a School Chef' programme and LFL were delighted to have been selected to take part. Chris, who on January 16 was competing in the LACA South West School chef of the year in Bristol, had a fantastic time in the Sandbanks kitchen prepping for evening service before assisting with starters for that lunchtime. He said: "It was a wonderful opportunity which really opened my eyes to the amazing buzz in the kitchen. I would like to thank Pete Murt, head chef, and Josh, Jack and Callum for welcoming me into their kitchen and giving me an experience I will always remember." Now in its fourth year, the scheme offers school chefs the opportuni-
Shillingstone Local Food Links chef Chris Plowman (left) at Rick Stein's Sandbanks Restaurant pictured with head chef Pete Murt. ty to work with some of the biggest names in the catering industry in some of the most celebrated restaurants in the country. Chris, who previously worked in pubs and restaurants, has worked for Local Food Links for two years and describes the role as his best job ever. He loves cooking for children and this year qualified for the second stage of the LACA School Chef of the Year competition. Local Food Links, who have been providing hot school meals for over 10 years and supply 34 schools in Dorset, are now sharing their knowledge and experience to help launch hot school meals in Jersey.
Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club member Dave Kirchin (left) presents a cheque for the sale of scrap metal to club treasurer Bill Nicholls.
Treasure aids good causes MEMBERS of the Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club last year raised over ÂŁ400 through the sale of scrap metal collected during their metal detecting activities and search for buried treasure and artefacts. The scrap metal is collected from the members every month by Dave Kirchin, who then has the laborious task of sorting the metals into different boxes which are stored in his garage ready to be taken to a local scrap metal dealer. The money is then used to support local charities, including the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Julia's House Hospice for children, and Ducks and Drakes, a local charity for young people. All treasure found is reported to the County Finds Officer for the appropriate action to be followed. Any landowners who would like the opportunity of treasure or artefacts being found on their land are asked to contact the secretary, Tony Player, via stourvalleysearchandrecoveryclub.co.uk.
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On stage at the Coade Hall, Bryanston.
Students’ stage success STAGECOACH performing arts school from Blandford took 19 of its students to perform at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End. They performed an excerpt from 'Starlight Express', the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, to a full house and received an amazing reception from the enthusiastic audience. "They sang and danced their way through their performance like professionals," said Stagecoach principal Di Waterman. "I've lost count of the number of congratulations we have received. "We had such a great term in autumn starting with winning our class in the Blandford Carnival then going to the West End and finally mounting a fantastic show at the Coade Hall, Bryanston, with combined schools of Shaftesbury and Blandford on December 9. "It was a magical evening where the students aged between six and 18 from both schools gave us a delightful show. Even the Early Stages students who are only four and five years old joined in for three numbers in their own spot before the interval."
Music at the Abbey THE programme of music at Milton Abbey continues with the Sarum Six on Saturday February 17 at 7.30pm. The group is an ensemble of professional musicians based in Salisbury and Winchester, formed in 2012. Their repertoire covers a wide range of vocal and musical styles, from sacred and secular music of Renaissance Europe, motets and partsongs by Duruflé, Stanford, Parry and Britten, to arrangements of spirituals and songs in close harmony. The members, Steve Abbott (first countertenor), Tim Wilson (second countertenor), Michael Keeley (tenor), Ben Cooper (first baritone), Philip Lawson (second baritone) and James Ottaway (bass), all benefit from extensive solo and choral experience and bring to the Sarum Six a significant breadth of talent:. For tickets and further details see miltonabbey.org.
February 2018
Jack’s charity sleep-out JACK Delaney has thanked all those who supported his sleep-out just before Christmas in support of Crisis UK which raised £568, including a £100 donation from the Blandford and District Lions. He also thanked local singer Lili White, who busked alongside him, for her help and support, and his brother Chris, who braved the weather with him during his overnight stay in Greyhound Yard. Jack, who as a disabled teenager carried the Olympic torch through Blandford in the 2012 torch relay, said: "The money we raised helped so many homeless people over Christmas, giving them food and a warm place to go." You can still support his appeal on his Just Giving page, jackdelaneycrisisuk.
Jack Delaney, centre, with left to right, singer songwriter Lili White, his brother Chris Delaney, and James Mayo, President of Blandford District Lions.
Youth aid project busier and better BLANDFORD's Treads Young People's Project in Bere's Yard is taking more and more referrals, town councillors were told by chairman Kerry Pitt Kerby in his report to the council as part of the charity's service level agreement. He said they were working with out-of-school children in association with Ansbury, and dealing with all types of young people, from 14-year-olds to 19-year-old NEETS (not in education, employment or training) who were experiencing eating disorders, Asperger's, transgender and sexual health issues. Mr Pitt Kerby said there had been many conversations with those seeking to reopen the youth centre, and Treads have offered to help, but it was important for them to remain relevant. District Councillor John Tanner said the reputation of Treads was growing, and that the co-operation between services of various organisations was far better than it had been 18 months ago. "The building has become a costeffective hub, referring people to specialist services," he said. To meet growing demands the project has reopened the sexual health drop-in clinic on the first
and third Tuesday of every month from 3pm to 5pm. Susan Case, project lead at Treads, said the clinic enabled young people to access confidential sexual health advice, information about relationships and improved referral into sexual health and contraception services. Treads are registered in the CCard scheme, which means that young people between the ages of 13 and 24 will be able to access free condoms. The charity is also able to offer free chlamydia testing kits, and is working alongside Rethink to offer a sibling and carers support service, through which young people with a brother, sister or family member affected by mental health illness can access support for them and their own wellbeing. An open evening was arranged at Blandford's Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion on Thursday January 25 at 7pm featuring a talk and information on future sessions, focusing initially on siblings and carers aged 18 to 25. For further information on Treads' services, contact Su or Libby by emailing admin@treads.org.uk.
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February 2018
Winter through a lens MEMBERS of the Year 7 and 8 Photography Club at The Blandford School were invited to submit photographs from their competition with the subject of 'Winter', and here is a selection of the winners. Charlie Baggs, year 7, said he took his picture 'Deer' because deer represented the season of Christmas and were often pictured as winter animals. "I created the picture by taking a black and white photo of the deer locally at the end of November." Calum Rankine-Mcintosh, year 8, said his photo of a lightly frosted leaf was the closest thing to snow he could find in Blandford. "The main object of the photo is the leaf, and I've made sure that's in focus and the backdrop is slightly blurred. I held the camera just off the floor, gently pressed the shutter button to focus the camera and then took the photo." Imogen Brewer's photo of a tree almost bare of leaves with just a few still glistening in the sunshine is a perfect image of the transition from autumn to winter. Graphics teacher Maria Csonka said: "Our students are passionate photographers interested in learning and sharing techniques, knowledge and creating friendships within our club."
Charlie Baggs's deer.
Don’t become a crime victim, students warned SIXTH-formers at The Blandford School learnt first-hand from a Victim Support volunteer of the challenges facing them when they leave home for university or college. Derek Radley, who has volunteered with the Dorset branch of the national charity for ten years, and was presented with his ten-year service badge by Victim Support contract account manager Kerry McGeachy, gave some valuable advice on how to protect themselves and avoid becoming victims. He explained how Victim Support works with the victims of crime when help is needed to overcome the impact, and warned the youngsters of the large number of victims in the 18 to 25 age group. "You have been brought up in a relatively safe environment, and
when you leave home you could stand out and become a target." He warned of the dangers of spiked drinks and sexual offences against males as well as females, theft of valuable computer equipment, cyber crime and other threats. He and Ms McGeachy gave advice on how to protect themselves. The presentation was attended by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, who said the arrogance and confidence of young people might lead them to feel these things wouldn't happen to them, but their age group was most likely to be exposed to crime because of the expensive kit they carried and the possibility of horrible acid and knife attacks. The speakers were thanked by head of sixth form Vicky Moore.
Derek Radley (third from left) with his ten-year Victim Support service badge, divisional manager Kerry McGeachy and North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, with sixth-formers and head of sixth-form Vicky Moore (far right) at The Blandford School.
Imogen Brewer's tree.
Calum Rankine-Mcintosh's leaf.
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February 2018
Marriages cut tragically short THERE were no deaths from Blandford in February 1917, but a couple in the villages are examples of some of the short-lived marriages of the war years. New Zealand-born Arthur Gordon Fish, who is remembered at Hinton St Mary, served with the 1st Bn of the Auckland Regiment New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and was 29 when he died of wounds on February 1 in Belgium. He had married Eleanor Kate Scott at Sturminster Newton less than nine months earlier. How they met is not known, and they had no children, but his widow remarried Arthur W G Andrews at Blandford in 1920 and they lived in Tarrant Monkton. Buried in Langton Long churchyard is Blandford-born James Thomas Brown, who died, aged 34, on February 9 after serving with the Dorsetshire Regiment 1st Btn. He had in 1915 married Ida Edith Foot of Londonderry, Langton Long. Their daughter, born June 1916, died the following December and their son, born in 1917, died in 1920. Corporal John Henry Shave, who died of wounds in France, aged 26, on February 17, served with the Royal Engineers 93rd Field Coy. His parents, gardener Frederick and Annie Maria Shave, married at Langton Long in 1876 and lived in Tarrant Monkton, Langton Long, Ash and Sturminster Marshall, where he is remembered.
Civil police commended for excellent relations with their military neighbours THE man responsible for maintaining law and order in Blandford for almost the whole of the war was Police Superintendent Arthur Percy Beck. His name frequently appears, along with Sergeants Otter and White, and PCs Burrough, Case, Chick, Clothier, Darke, Diment, Galpin and Mabbs, in court reports in the local press of traffic offences and cases of theft, profiteering and drunkenness frequently involving members of the Royal Naval Division, based at Blandford Camp. So well did Supt Beck discharge his duties in Blandford that in July 1918, Captain D. Granville, MVO, then chief constable, publicly paid tribute to the admirable work he performed, quoting letters written by Brigadiers with the Royal Naval Division which perhaps demonstrated the difficulty of commanding the civil police with the military as neighbours. Brigadier O. Parsons said: "I desire to bring to your notice the excellent work which has been performed in the area by Supt Beck. He, and the civil police under him, have co-operated with the military with the greatest tact and judgement." Brig-Gen E. C. Chown, who left Blandford in 1917, wrote: "I consider it entirely owing to his tact that the relations between the civil police and those of the RND have always been so good." A former Detective Sergeant at Dorchester who previously served at Lyme Regis, he was promoted to
Superintendent of the Blandford Division of the Dorset Constabulary in June 1915, when his predecessor, Superintendent James Sims, was moved to Wimborne. Supt Beck was stationed here until November 1919, when he was moved to Beaminster as part of a reorganisation of divisions. The house he, his wife Rebecca, and children Lionel, then 16, and May, 14, lived in at Dorchester had six rooms. Blandford was very different because they moved into the police station which housed the men and their families, any visiting policemen, the offices and other rooms used by the police, prison cells and stables. The division had one Sergeant and 10 constables, five in nearby villages. The move to Blandford was a significant promotion, bringing with it a pay rise. It was a difficult time for the Dorset force, which at the start of the war had 218 policemen. By the end, 57 had joined the military, nine had lost their lives, 25 were entitled to retire but unable to because of the war, and the force, able to employ only those over 40 years old, was 50 men under strength. All leave had been cancelled since July 1915, and by 1916 constables were working 14 or 15 hours a day instead of nine, with one day off a fortnight instead of one day a week. In September 1917 the Food Controller stated that the cost of living had increased by 101.7% since the start of the war. The rising costs meant
Superintendent James Sims and Superintendent Arthur Percy Beck. that policemen's weekly pay became too little to buy basic necessities, and a War Bonus of two shillings a week awarded in April 2015 had by the end of the war risen to 10 shillings. In October 1916 the superintendents' allowance for the subsistence of prisoners in custody was doubled, since the halfpenny per hour was not enough to cover the cost of 36 ounces of bread, six ounces of cheese and two pints of tea or coffee daily. The boot allowance was increased from 6d to 1s a week since policemen's boots nearly doubled in cost from 11s to 21s by November 1917, and the allowance for bicycles, used more by the rural districts due to increased hours, larger beat areas and enquiries for the Army, was increased from £1 to £3 per annum. Those still with horses in February 1917 requested and were given an
increase of 7d to 2/9d a day in the allowance for forage rations of 10lbs oats, 12lbs hay, and 8lbs straw. Motorcycles, the first a two-andthree-quarter horsepower Douglas costing £50 8s, were introduced for superintendents, who had previously used horses and carts to get around their areas. After the war ended, Supt Beck and two colleagues asked the police standing committee to provide means of locomotion other than motor cycles, which they alleged had proved unsatisfactory. The matter was deferred, but his move to Beaminster six months later meant he did not have to ride a motor-cycle, as Beaminster Division had two horses for the large hilly area. • With thanks to Sylvia Collins for reference to her online account of her great-grandfather (grandadbeck.co.uk)
Anyone who would like to share with our readers pictures and details of events relating to relatives who played a part in World War One is invited to contact Forum Focus by calling 01258 459346, emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or writing to 18 Tudor Gardens, Blandford DT11 7PL. Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group for their help in researching this material.
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February 2018
Passport scheme will help carers CARERS can now spend more time alongside loved ones in Dorset's community hospitals, thanks to a new scheme on the wards. Dorset HealthCare has introduced a 'carer's passport' system, giving people hospital access outside regular visiting hours and providing vital extra support to patients. The passport was piloted at three hospitals last year and was initially open to carers of people with dementia, but proved so successful it is now being rolled out to all 11 community hospitals in the county. It is open to anyone who cares for a relative, partner or friend with ongoing physical or mental health problems. Carers identifying themselves on arrival at the hospital are given a badge, or 'passport', which allows them to stay beyond regular visiting hours - providing reassurance
and additional help for the person they are caring for throughout the day and into the evening. Overnight stays are at the discretion of ward nurses. A national initiative was founded in late 2014 following the death of dementia patient Dr John Gerrard, whose daughter Nicci faced restricted visiting access during his final days and began campaigning for more access for carers. The move was backed by NHS England. Julia Jones, co-founder of John's Campaign, said: "It's thrilling to have all of Dorset HealthCare's hospitals making this offer to carers and we hope it will encourage more hospitals around the UK to get on board with our campaign." Information about the scheme is available from any member of hospital staff, or online at dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk.
Focus on teen issues A NEW series of podcasts which delve into emotional and physical health problems faced by young people in Dorset has been launched online across the UK. Dorset HealthCare teamed up with Yorkshire-based production company, This Is Distorted, to record the candid discussion programmes entitled 'Health Uncovered', hosted by BBC Radio One DJ Cel Spellman, who plays Matthew in ITV's Cold Feet. He said: "Young people today face all the classic teenage worries and troubles, but in the world of social media, current affairs and the internet, this 'digital generation' have so much more to deal with. This podcast series is all about giving young people a voice and a platform to be heard." The shows focus on topics ranging from online bullying and grooming to sexual and mental health, and were recorded with teenagers in five different locations around the country. They were uploaded by technology giant Apple onto their official iTunes website for download. Health Uncovered can be found through any popular podcasting app, to download or stream the podcasts to mobile devices, or at dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/school-nursing.
Another new novel for Jane JANE Wade, an active member of creative writing groups in Dorset and Wiltshire, who in 2015 was the overall winner of the inaugural Blandford Rotary Club short story competition, has published her novel 'Wolf Wind', the story of a young man's ride to freedom. Jane, who writes under the name of Jane Wade Scarlet and lives in Sturminster Newton, has been writing since she was a child. Her first novel, which began life in the back of a school exercise book, was published nine years later. Since then she has progressed from longhand to computer to write a further seven novels, as well as numerous short stories, many of which have achieved success in competitions and anthologies. It was her story 'Black Umbrella' which won the Rotary Club prize.
She describes 'Wolf Wind', which sits in the genres of action and adventure, as a western, love story and mystery rolled into one, bound together with a touch of the ethereal in the quest for a better life and the desire to do the right thing. It is available from Amazon, priced ÂŁ7.99.
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The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk
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FRIEND recently sent me a copy of an article he found in the Scientific American magazine about Precision Farming. It was right on the button with regard to some of the technologies being used, although somewhat ahead of where we are in Dorset at the moment. High-value crops such as vegetables are more likely to justify the levels of extra expense, but the reduced use of chemicals and more effective use of
FARMING resources must be a good thing. The technology utilises cameras and image recognition, or infra red light, to identify weed plants among crop plants, and will remove them either by hoeing, burning off with a flame, or may apply a squirt of herbicide to the weeds without damaging the crop. We are some way off from applying techniques such as this to the broad acre crops we grow on our type of land, but one can see it coming. It is a very exciting prospect, and could result in a huge reduction in herbicides. The bio-digester on the German farm.
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lready we use GPS here on our own farm to guide us in a number of ways. It guides the combine and some of the tractors so they operate mostly in straight lines with less overlap between bouts and machines use their full width all the time. In the case of the combine, the GPS kit also measures the yield as it goes along, recording it for every point in the field so that colourful yield maps can be produced. Making best use of these maps is tricky because those from some years can look the exact opposite of others, due for example, to differing rainfall patterns. Varying pH levels (acidity), or variable fertility also affect the yield. As usual it's a case of the more you know, the more there is to find out. The sprayer also uses GPS which records the location of the machine at all times, creating a map of where product has been applied. Auto switching of the nozzles means it can switch the nozzles on or off to ensure every part of the field receives just one dose, minimising overlap and wastage. We have been using GPS on The combine driver's eye view of the the fertiliser spreader for sevremaining strip of wheat to cut, guided by eral years. All of our soils are the GPS system.
tested for the key nutrients every four years, and test results are fed into a program which produces an application map for each fertiliser type that we use. When the spreader is working in the field, the tractor alters the aperture on the spreader according to what is required, so that the fertiliser is spread only where needed.
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ome of our stonier fields are very punishing on machinery. Rubber tyres and steel soilengaging machines can suffer badly. Some of our cultivator tips are toughened with a piece of tungsten bonded to the point, which extends their lives considerably, but Gary has to spend quite a lot of time watching out for when they need changing.
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eaders may recall my report of a farmers' trip to eastern Germany back in the autumn. One farmer we met originated from West Germany, and took up the Government's offer to move to the east shortly after the wall fell almost 30 years ago. He has borrowed a lot of money and built himself an impressive business farming 900ha of arable and forage crops, to feed his cows, sell into the local grain markets, and
February 2018
feed to his bio-digester which is fed a carefully calculated mixture of cow manure and crops. He described the digester as being the equivalent of 380 cows, and a lot easier to manage. Like a huge concrete cow, it is fed to produce energy in the form of captured methane, fertiliser and heat - instead of the methane, muck and milk produced by the cows. The heat is sold to 22 local houses for heating, and the electricity generated goes into the grid. The digestate once exhausted is spread on the farmer's land as fertiliser. Some digesters built in England are so large that they need to buy in crop from far and wide, and the digestate is shipped many miles to farms where it can be spread. But I like the idea of supplying energy to local homes which would be even more efficient if the methane generated by the digester were injected directly into the gas main to supply local houses. In our case this would mean building a digester right on the edge of Durweston, to be close to the gas main. I wonder how many people would support that idea . . . ?
February 2018
Plea for fuel cash DORSET Community Foundation has again been urging people receiving a winter fuel allowance they do not really need to donate it to the Surviving Winter Appeal, which last year raised nearly £25,000 and helped 91 local households. Donations raised by the charity are paid as winter fuel grants to people over 60 who are struggling to make ends meet, and for whom rising fuel costs and social isolation can mean they cannot afford to adequately heat their homes, risking their health and in some cases their lives. Now in its seventh year, the appeal started because of the
shockingly high number of older vulnerable people dying during the winter months. Latest statistics show that 920 vulnerable people died in Dorset during the winter of 2014/15. To donate your winter fuel allowance, send a cheque made out to 'Dorset Community Foundation' to: DCF, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF or donate online at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org Surviving Winter grants of up to £200 are available through Citizens Advice Bureaus across Dorset. Contact your nearest branch or ring 01929 775500.
Tools can beat poverty TOOLS with a Mission (TWAM) collects tools and other items to send to poverty-stricken families in the developing world to help them start earning a livelihood. Tools, which may need refurbishment but should be in working order, are sorted by TWAM volunteers into kits for trades including building, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, gardening, groundwork, leatherwork and shoemaking. Sewing machines, knitting
machines, haberdashery for dressmaking, children's text and educational books and some power tools are also welcome. TWAM are also still seeking someone with plenty of space in a garage or garden shed who is willing to be a local collector of items which would be cleared every three months by a TWAM representative. Anyone interested in helping should contact Sue Murison on 01258 456802.
News from the surgeries Important events happening nationally and through your surgery • January 31: National Bug Busting Day (Headlice Campaign) chc.org/homedir/bugbustingforschools.cfm#natdays • February 5-12: Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org/get-involved/ • February 17: is Random Acts of Kindness Day - kindness.org/about • March: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month targetovariancancer.org.uk • March 14: National No Smoking Day • British Heart Foundation 'DECHOX', a sponsored challenge to give up chocolate for a month to raise money for the BHF - bhf.org.uk • April 1-30: Be Clear on Cancer - Bowel Cancer bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/order-publication/ • May 4-20: Dementia Awareness - alzheimers.org.uk Screening Tests The NHS offers a number of tests throughout life to detect problems early, when treatment is usually more effective. Screening includes antenatal and newborn, cervical, breast, bowel and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most tests only take a few minutes, but could have lifesaving results. All you have to do is take up your invitation and don't delay! The benefits of having a screening test include: • Screening can detect a problem early, before you have symptoms. • Finding out early can mean treatment is more effective. • Finding out you have a health problem or an increased risk of a health problem can help people make better informed decisions about their health. • Screening can reduce the risk of developing a condition or its complications. • Screening can save lives.
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Jim Atkins (left), Acting President of Blandford Rotary, presents a cheque to Simon Pearson of the Cancer Appeal.
Rotary help for cancer unit MEMBERS of Blandford Rotary welcomed as their guest speaker Simon Pearson, head of fund raising for the Dorset Cancer Appeal. He gave an instructive and interesting talk on the campaign to raise £1.75m to build a new chemotherapy unit at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. It will be situated above a new £9m facility to house radiotherapy facilities for patients living in West and North Dorset who currently have to travel to Poole for treatment. Rotarians heard that the campaign for the improved chemotherapy facilities was progressing extremely well and has now reached £1.45m. "The new unit is on schedule to open in the early summer of 2018," said Simon. Acting President of Blandford Rotary, Jim Atkins, said he was delighted that the unit will provide more spacious and comfortable facilities and presented Simon with a cheque for £500.
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Grange Athletic U8s in their new kit sponsored by Honeybells.
Tent firm pitch in to help THE owners of Blandford-based Honeybells Tent Hire are bursting with pride after sponsoring their youngest son's local football team. The bright yellow kit reflects the enthusiasm for football of Grange Athletic 8s, for whom Oliver plays with the long-established Grange Athletic YFC, based in West Moors. Honeybells' owner Ross McBay said: "We are very proud to sponsor our son's football team. The score was 7-7 in our first game of the season. What a game! I hope the kit brings them good luck." Honeybells, founded by Ross and his partner Samantha Gater in 2010 after the birth of Oliver, are passionate about football, and have been a player sponsor at AFC Bournemouth for the last three years, currently sponsoring Nathan Ake. They started with just one tent, but have now expanded to supplying more than 200 to a variety of events such as Le Mans 24-hour race, Formula One at Silverstone, the Larmer Tree Festival, and many more.
February 2018
Bikers a roaring success in school’s busy term THE autumn term was busy at Okeford Fitzpaine Primary, with children taking part in a huge variety of activities as well as normal lessons. In November, children at a special assembly were met by half-adozen bikers looking very menacing in full leathers with helmets on, visors pulled down and dark glasses. They revealed themselves to be sometimes elderly and female members of the Hants and Dorset Christian Motorbike Association, wearing crosses on the back of their leather jackets, who explained they loved to ride their bikes and assist people in need of help, demonstrating that a book should not be judged by its cover. December proved to be the busiest month yet, starting with a visit by Beech and Oak classes, accompanied by staff, to the home of rugby at Twickenham. They arrived in time for the women's match. The men's game brought an increased audience and dancing during the try and conversion celebrations. Later in the month children demonstrated their acting and performance skills in their whole
A young pupil tries out one of the motorbikes.
school production 'Angel Express' and also their nativity service in the church. The school community ran the Christmas fair which was well supported and even had real reindeer in attendance, and the term was topped off with a visit to Poole Lighthouse to see the pantomime 'Cinderella'.
A scene from the school nativity play.
Real reindeer at the Okeford Fitzpaine Primary Christmas Fair.
February 2018
Golfers celebrate a golden year of charity fundraising ANOTHER great year lies ahead for Ashley Wood Golf Club, following an excellent 2017 when Club Captain, Clive Jones, managed to raise a record £11,032 for his chosen charity, Prostate Cancer UK. It was also a year which saw exjunior Stuart Ratcliffe win his firstever club championships. This year's Club Captain Steve Sanger, who became one of the country's youngest ever captains at the age of 32 in 2006, gets another go 12 years on. He first became a member of the club, which has been established since 1896 and became an 18hole course in 1994, at the age of 10 when his dad, Ken Sanger, was Captain in 1981. Steve's first visit was to the 9hole course where the likes of Ryder Cup Player Sam Torrance played with fellow pros John O'Leary, Manuel Calero and Manuel Pinero. Interestingly none of them managed to break par!
Bob Clark (left) presents the charity cheque for £900 from the Seniors' Section during their Christmas lunch and AGM to Ian Weston, Station Manager, Swanage National Coastwatch Institution.
Steve has a lot of events planned for the members and guests throughout the year, which includes bringing back a pro-am event on Friday October 5 and another spring open to be held on Friday May 18 - last year's was oversubscribed with 40 teams. Steve is supported by the Ladies' Captain, Kay Everett and Seniors' Captain, Mike Bartlett. Ladies' Captain Kay is doing the job for the third time since she started playing the game. In 1988 she was honoured to be Lady Captain of Ashley Wood, and again in 2009. In the meantime Kay has been Dorset Ladies' County Secretary for a number of years and went on to be County President, which again was an honour. She has served as County Junior organiser for the past couple of years. Both Steve and Kay are supporting the same local worthwhile charity, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Seniors' Captain Mike Bartlett took up golf after retiring from a career with the National Air Traffic Services, and he and his wife Joan, a recent Lady Captain, joined Ashley Wood where they have been members for several years. Mike looks forward to a great year with the Seniors' section which is constantly growing year after year. His charity is the Jubilee Sailing Trust. All open events and activities can be found on the very active website ashleywoodgolfclub.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter pages or by contacting the club on 01258 452253.
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Ashley Wood Ladies, whose monthly medal winners are pictured above, thoroughly enjoyed their Christmas lunch and annual presentation.
Eleven teams took part in a Golf Club quiz night which included teams having to identify different crisp and popcorn varieties, and a half-time meal of chicken and chips served by Lee and his team at Clubhouse 1896 was enjoyed by all. The winning team was 'Arrived Too Early' led by Andrew and Sue Smart, who are pictured with their trophy.
This year’s Ashley Wood group captains (from left): Kay Everett, Steve Sanger and Mike Bartlett
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Triathletes honour Iain with top award NORTH Dorset Triathlon Club held its annual general meeting at Blandford Leisure centre when congratulations were due to Iain Binsley for winning a very close-run Triathlete of the Year 2017 award, voted for by members. Mark Fitton was one of the 483 swimmers taking part in the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club charity Christmas Day swim across Weymouth Harbour. He said "It was the perfect tonic for the excesses of Christmas and to ease the conscience about a large Christmas dinner." To avoid the long wait before the start of competitive swimming, he elected to join one of the wave of early fun swims along with all manner of fancy dress and bizarre swimming attire. "In my wave alone we had everything from wetsuits and trunks to panto dames, a Doctor Who sea monster and a rather nervous-looking Troy Tempest. Although the water was a barmy 10 degrees C, I have to admit that there was no way I was doing the swim without my wetsuit and neoprene swim hat!"
Mark ended up finishing first in the wave, watched by his wife, sister-inlaw and four-year-old nephew from the north shore. Marathon training geared towards the North Dorset Village Marathon on May 6 has continued since December 3 when the first group covered some six miles along the Trailway from the Blandford Parkrun start line, lengthening their run each week to a two-hour session on January 7, by which time a number had signed up for their first marathon. Frazer McCarthy said: "The group is open to everyone, and currently we have runners training for full marathons, halfs, 10 miles and a few yet to set their goals. The key to each session is to go very easy, far slower than normal race pace. The idea is to develop endurance, and we are also introducing nutrition ideas." To take up a new year challenge to get fit and have fun with the club, find them on Facebook, Twitter or their website at northdorsettri.org.uk.
February 2018
Mark Fitton receives a welcome cup of coffee from his nephew after his Weymouth Harbour swim. Photo courtesy of Debbie Fitton.
February 2018 FEBRUARY Friday and Saturday February 2 and 3: SODS present Beauty and the Beast (not the Disney version), Spetisbury village hall, 7.30pm Friday February 2: Blandford Forum Railway Club, The Scout HQ, Eaglehouse Gardens, 7.30 to 9.30pm, admission £2 includes refreshments, parking Saturday February 3: Pimperne coffee morning, 10 to 11.30am, stalls and raffle, at and in aid of Pimperne village hall Western Front Association Wessex branch meet Pimperne village hall, 2.30pm, Jeremy Gordon-Smith: Photographing the fallen - A War Graves Photographer on the Western Front 1915- 1919 Sunday February 4: Round Robin Ramblers meet near Durweston village Hall, 1.30pm, for 4.5-mile ramble, Durweston and Bryanston Woods, details 01258 880044 Monday February 5: Blandford Floral Group meets Blandford United Reformed Church Hall, 2pm. Allison Finch - Well Read Vol 2 Wednesday February 7: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Blandford Film Society presents 'The Lady Killers', classic comedy crime, at The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 880334 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Thursday February 8: Louise Jordan, No Petticoats Here, The Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 7.30pm, bookings 01847 811853, details artsreach.co.uk Friday February 9: Craft Market and Farmers' Market from 9am, Corn Exchange and Market Place, Blandford Blandford Evening WI 5th birthday party, Parish Centre, Blandford, 7pm Saturday February 10: Khaki Kanteen,14-18 Commemoration Exhibition, Corn Exchange, Blandford - POW Camp, Rail Links, Local Munitions Production and Blandford Camp Developments. Duplicate Bridge Day, 10.30am to 3.30pm, Stourpaine village hall, £12, lunch included, booking 01258 450544 BSO Trio of Flute, Viola & Harp, Impressions of Spring and Summer, Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, bookings 01258 857447 Monday February 12: Parking review consultation, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to noon, 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm
What’s on this month 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.
THE Artsreach programme for adult audiences includes 'No Petticoats Here', stories of inspirational women of the First World War, from award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Louise Jordan (above) at the Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna on Thursday February 8. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra musicians Barbara Brown (flute), Tom Beer (viola) and Eluned Pierce (harp) present a concert featuring Debussy, Faure, Handel and Arnold Bax at Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall on Saturday February 10. The Grahams are a dynamic Americana duo and a treat for all fans of American folk music. Alyssa and Doug’s first songcrafting expedition, along the Mississippi's Great River Road, became their 2013 debut album, 'Riverman's Daughter', and was followed by rail riding to produce a studio album, documentary and live album. They are playing in the village halls at Ashmore on Friday February 23 and Milborne St Andrew on Sunday February 25. Blandford Fashion Museum opens, new exhibitions for the season, special half-term discount for children and students (Monday, Thursday, Friday Saturday 10am to 4pm) COCL, the Ark Room, St Nicholas' School, Child Okeford, illustrated talk by David Smith, former Head Ranger on ‘Kingston Lacy - An Undiscovered History', details 01258 860767 Tuesday February 13: Tessa Bide, A Strange New Space, Milborne St Andrew village hall, 11am, suitable for ages 4 upwards, bookings 01258 839230, details artsreach.co.uk Mr Merlin, Corn Exchange, Blandford 2 to 3pm Snowdrop Service hosted by Weldmar Hospicecare, Blandford Parish Church, 2.30pm Wednesday February 14: The Bone Ensemble, Where's my Igloo gone?, Durweston village hall, 3pm, bookings 01258 488883, details artsreach.co.uk Film Night, Charlton Marshall
Village Hall, 'Victoria and Abdul', 7.15 for 7.30pm, details 01258 488431 Dorset Moviola presents ‘Churchill’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm Thursday February 15: Blandford Archaeology Group, Lawrence Shaw ‘Shedding light on the New Forest's History: the results of LIDAR and other surveys’. Blandford Museum, 7.30pm Friday February 16: Bouncy Fun Play, Blandford Corn Exchange, 10am to 4pm Saturday February 17: Dorset Perennial Group Durweston Village Hall, 2pm, talk by Rosy Hardy of Hardys Cottage Garden Plants, further details: 01258 861802 Magic with Mark Shortland, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30m, in aid of the Cupola Projects, details and to book, b-c-p.co.uk The Sarum Six Singers, Milton Abbey, 7.30pm, tickets and details miltonabbey.org
27 Incandescendo, Ibberton and Belchalwell village hall, 7.30pm, bookings 01258 817269, details artsreach.co.uk Monday February 19: Talk by night sky photographer Nigel Ball, Woodcutts Scout HQ, Sixpenny Handley, tickets £10, details 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk Tuesday February 20: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm 'Budding Florists' demonstration by trainee florists from Kingston Maurward College, further details: 01258 863775 Wednesday February 21: Lenten Lunch, St John the Baptist Church, Spetisbury,12 noon to 2pm, soup and a roll for £3 (and every Wednesday to March 28) Blandford Forum Townswomen's Guild talk by Nic Nicol on the Town Team, Blandford Community Centre, Heddington Drive, 2pm Blandford Film Society presents 'Truman', comedy drama, at The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 880334 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Badgers, Badger Ecology and Bovine TB: an illustrated talk by Imogen Davenport, Director of Conservation at the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Fontmell Magna village hall (SP7 0PF), 7.30pm Friday February 23: Craft Market, Corn Exchange, Blandford, from 9am Film Night, Child Okeford Village Hall, 7.30pm, 'Victoria and Abdul' (PG), booking: 01258 860518 The Grahams, American folk duo, Ashmore Village Hall, 7.30pm, bookings 01747 811364, details artsreach.co.uk Saturday February 24: Prostate Cancer Support Organisation screening hosted by Blandford & District Lions, Parish Centre, Blandford, 9am to noon Sunday February 25: Fontmell Art Club Exhibition, Fontmell Magna Village Hall, 2 to 5pm, tea and cakes available The Grahams, American folk duo, Milborne St Andrew village hall, 7.30pm, bookings 01258 839230, details artsreach.co.uk African Caribbean theatre company Tangle present Doctor Faustus, Sturminster Newton Exchange, 7.30pm, bookings 01258 475137, details artsreach.co.uk Monday 26th February: 'Top Ten Natural Disasters': Resurgence Dorset host a talk by Robin Miller, 7.30pm Blandford Museum, Beres Yard, DT11 7HQ. Donations welcome, refreshments provided. Details 01258 818223 or meetup.com/Resurgence-Dorset
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February 2018