March 2018 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS

Norman celebrates a century of achievement: Page 18

For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No.72

March 2018

Go-ahead for arts centre THE granting of full planning permission and award of Lidl town enhancement funding for a new arts centre in Blandford, opposite the town museum in Bere's Yard, has boosted promoter Jon Ivay's plans for the project which he first put forward more than seven years ago.

Mr Ivay, an arts professional who was brought up in Blandford, and lives in Spetisbury, has worked with Western Design Architects, based in Tarrant Hinton, and students from Arts University Bournemouth to bring forward the project.

He said: "The idea of a pop-up theatre has been dismissed in favour of something a bit more permanent.

"A brochure was sent out to funding organisations from spring 2017, and a number of people and companies have pledged to support our project, either financially or in kind. Others have offered very competitive prices for work to be undertaken or for the supply of materials."

He said their generosity had allowed them to look at something more permanent from the start on land, a disused orchard owned by the Charity of William Williams, which also owns the neighbouring site of the Blandford Museum, the Victorian Garden and buildings on the street frontage.

"The prospect of a site that lies just off the Market Place containing the town museum, the

An artist’s impression of how the new Fording Point arts centre opposite Blandford Town Museum may look.

Victorian garden project and an arts centre is something really cohesive and exciting," said Mr Ivay. He said they were fortunate that the charity had agreed to the use of the land for the purpose.

The building will have nearly 200 seats, with stage, backstage changing rooms and a projection/tech room, box office, cafĂŠ/bar and toilet facilities, and an external patio with seating to the front.

Answering concerns that the access was inadequate for visiting touring productions, he said: "We have been in regular contact

with many organisations during the development process, including Blandford Forum Town Council, North Dorset District Council, the Arts Council of England, the Theatres Trust, the Arts Development Company Dorset and Artsreach, which brings touring productions to Dorset.

"From the outset, we wanted a venue that was right in the heart of town and as close to the Market Place as possible.

"We are developing a financial legacy for the town through a company set up to run the venue

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as a Not for Profit Community Interest Company. Any profits go into further enhancement of the venue or into community projects in the town."

Western Design, on their web page, said Blandford was the only market town in Dorset that did not have its own dedicated arts centre, and they were pleased to have been able to help bring a new social and cultural venue to the town.

"What began as a bold contemporary building has been refined and scaled down to a more traditional • To Page 2

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March 2018

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

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

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Councils collide on plan for bypass signage PROPOSED signage on the Blandford bypass designed to encourage tourists to visit the town has been stirring up a hornets' nest among the various authorities involved.

The signs, suggested by the Blandford Town Team which includes representatives of various organisations in the town, have been awarded the full cost of £12,379 from the Lidl 106 town enhancement budget.

But their design and location has met with objections from Blandford Town Council, Pimperne Parish Council and Blandford St Mary Parish Council, who have so far failed to agree with proposals put forward following negotiation with Dorset County Council as highway authority.

The town council was also asked to agree to insure the signs against damage, but the Lidl 106 application included insurance for ten years.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Roger Carter said the signs would be of great benefit to Blandford, opening it up as a tourist designation, and were similar to

those found around many other towns across the country.

Nevertheless, town councillors were concerned that they shouldn't contribute to something they did not like, and at their February meeting expressed concern at revised wording suggested to meet objections from Pimperne and Blandford St Mary parish councils.

Other Lidl 106 funding now agreed includes full funding for a number of town council projects: a promotional video (£8,645), an Out and About booklet (£2,000), and restoration of the Fire Monument and Town Pump (£10,000).

Contributions have also been awarded of £3,000 towards a feasibility study for restoration of the Old Bath House, and of £7,500 (half the amount requested) for Christmas lights.

A further £20,000 was awarded to the Fording Point arts centre, proposed to be located opposite the Blandford Museum in Bere's Yard.

Arts centre wins go-ahead • From Page 1 scheme, responding to the complex planning requirements of the sensitive burgage location and historic setting and the need for construction from natural and sustainable resources."

Traditional heritage area materials such as reclaimed brick, timber and slate will be used alongside large glazed panels to the front elevation, allowing natural light into the entrance space.

Plans can be viewed on the dorsetforyou.gov.uk website and on the project's website at thefordingpoint.com, where a brochure gives an overview of the work so far.

"In monetary terms, taking into account what we already have in place, we are £145,000 from committing to construction," said Mr Ivay. He urged the local business community to give its support to the project and consider the benefits of social investment tax relief.

Individuals interested in making a donation will find a fundraising page in operation from the end of March and can make general enquiries to info@thefordingpoint.com or jonivay@hotmail.co.uk.

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March 2018

Hire charges to be higher

The new Nordon Hub opened by North Dorset District Council in Salisbury Road.

The new hi-tech Nordon Hub is open for business NORTH Dorset District Council's new Nordon Hub opened to the public on February 15 after a transformation of the north-east corner of the site to create a new reception area next to the Lodge, which for two years has been home to the Larksmead PreSchool.

The smaller, more economical building is only a few metres away from its current office.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, leader of the District Council, said: "The Nordon Lodge has been redesigned internally to make it more customer friendly and accessible. Customers will be able to access services via touchscreen self-service computers and phones in our reception area, as well as through appointments and surgeries with duty officers."

Cllr Michael Roake, the council's Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "The Nordon Lodge is easily accessible from Salisbury Road and clear sig-

nage is in place to direct customers.

"The sale of the rest of the Nordon site is conditional upon the site gaining approval of its outline planning application.

Upon approval, the developer will then be required to submit a further, more detailed application for approval."

Staff relocated from other offices on the site in January, and a car park with over a dozen parking bays, including for the disabled, has been created south of and in front of the buildings, accessed from Salisbury Road through the double gates at the north of the site.

Customers were warned that there would be temporary service arrangements in the first few days while the move took place in mid-February, but that staff would be on hand to help.

The Stour Valley and Poole Partnership will continue to provide on-site customer services.

Cash from the catwalk PROM dresses, wedding garments and vintage items are among the fashions which will feature on the catwalk at the annual fashion show hosted by the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, on Friday, March 16.

Tickets for the popular opportunity to update the wardrobe at low cost are available from the hospital shops or direct from The Exchange.

A wide range of ladies' and gents' clothing and accessories will be offered for sale on the night, and again at a sale of remaining items on Saturday March 17 between 10am and noon in the Bow Room of the Exchange.

On Thursday March 22, the Friends hold their Easter bingo in the hospital dining room. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start and the chance to win some of a great selection of prizes.

For further details of all events call 01258 451456.

The principal office of the council is now South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1UZ, the address at which the council will accept all documents unless directed otherwise.

HIRE charges at most Blandford Town Council venues and for council-owned equipment will rise in line with inflation in April by around 2.5 to 3 per cent.

The exceptions will be fees for the indoor, outdoor, farmers' and Shambles markets and for the Corn Exchange, Town Hall and Council Chamber, which have been frozen due to the markets still being established, and the venues requiring refurbishment.

A request for the free loan of parking cones for events such as the Yuletide Festival and Georgian Fayre, which both donate to community projects and charities, will be considered at a future meeting.

But it was agreed that other groups running charity events could be allowed free loans at the discretion of the town clerk and chairman, subject to their being returned undamaged.

Cemetery fees and charges will also rise by 3 per cent, with the exception of scattering of ashes which will be increased by over 16 per cent to ÂŁ40, in line with other authorities.

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March 2018

Allotments: more than digging, it’s a way of life GARDENING is a way of life for around 130 holders of allotments in Blandford, either at Lamperds Field Allotment Gardens on the Salisbury Road or behind Elizabeth Road, where there are a total of 159 plots of various sizes.

Only around ten are currently vacant and awaiting allocation from what is often a waiting list. It is managed by the Blandford Allotment Society, now chaired by Ian Ricketts with vice-chair Barbara Marjoram, treasurer John Harding and eight committee members, which runs the facility on behalf of the Town Council.

Carol Williams, the society's social and minutes secretary, and her husband Phil Williams, have between them been allotmenteers for more than 60 years, having first been involved when they went along to the plots, then on Blandford Heights, held by grandparents.

Diane Mawer, one of the two plot allocators, had an allotment at Elizabeth Road for 30 years before giving it up for health reasons, but 12 years ago came back with a quarter plot which has now grown to a full plot. "I just love gardening," she said.

It's not all a case of digging the soil; the society has regular social meetings: community action days and monthly coffee mornings, the latest of which in February featured a talk on dahlias, and other events, including a planned scarecrow competition.

The winner of last year's Best Kept Plot competition was Judith Potts at Lamperds Field.

Information is available by emailing blandfordallotments@outlook.com and displayed on their website at blandfordallotments.com, which is currently undergoing maintenance. Mr Ricketts said: "We also have a closed Facebook page on

Allotmenteers at their coffee morning in the Lamperds Field warehouse. which members share tips and information."

The society was set up, together with the Blandford Horticultural Society, some 30 years ago by enthusiasts, including Cyril Hovard and Bill Gallagher, both now deceased, but there have been allotments in the town since 1897.

The original plots were given to the people of Blandford by Lord Portman to grow crops and were free of charge. When he died in 1929, the Crown Estate wanted the land back as part of his death duties so the Portman Estate sold them to the then Blandford District Council.

The site at that time was 20 acres and situated where the Blandford Heights industrial estate now exists. Gradually, more of this land was sold off for industrial use until the last three acres were all that remained of a once-signifi-

cant and ancient plot.

When Blandford Town Council wished to sell the last remaining three acres for industrial use, the allotments were ruled to be 'statutory' and had to be replaced.

Lamperds Field was chosen, so named from the days when the field was leased by the Davies family and later purchased from the Lamperds sisters. The site has been leased since 2001 to the Town Council for use as allotments on a 999-year lease and a peppercorn rent. As part of the agreement, the council paid for the first load of manure to improve the soil and installed the warehouse/shed, the water infrastructure and the roads and fencing at a total cost of £250,000.

The Elizabeth Road site is separate, owned by North Dorset District Council and leased as non-statutory allotments by the town council.

New deal for leisure centres?

THE future of Blandford Leisure Centre could lie in a new operating contract being offered to run leisure centres across the county to achieve economies of scale.

Officers at North Dorset District Council are suggesting a joint procurement process between several authorities, including East Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset and Dorset County Council, for the six leisure centres under local authority control which can then be taken on by a new unitary authority.

Existing contracts are at various stages, but Blandford's with SLM, which last year cost £153,490 and rises in line with inflation, is due to end in December next year.

It has been affordable only because of a £50,000 annual contribution from Blandford Town Council, a £33,000 contribution for the coming year from Dorset County Council which is due to drop to £22,000 in 2019/20, and £11,000 the following year, and smaller contributions from some local parish councils.

The QE Leisure Centre in Wimborne, Verwood Hub and Purbeck Leisure Centre are all run with in-house management by their respective authorities, while Ferndown Leisure Centre and Dorchester Sports Centre are managed under contracts ending in 2020 and 2022.

March 2018

Villagers win their fight for speed limit A FIVE-year campaign to reduce traffic speeds in Iwerne Minster came to fruition last month with the signing of a traffic regulation order introducing a 20mph zone through the village.

The order was agreed by Dorset County Council's Cabinet to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

It was formally signed in the Abingdon Hall by the county's chief executive Debbie Ward, watched by Deborah Croney, county councillor for Hambledon and an inaugural member of the village's community speed watch team, and fellow campaigners.

Councillor Croney said: "This is great news for the village. It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage, but by working together, with the county council and Dorset Police, we have put a strong case together. Being able to raise funds locally was crucial for the implementation of the scheme."

Iwerne Minster Parish Council raised money to cover the cost of the 20mph zone, following agreement four years ago on a policy allowing local communities to

fund such initiatives.

Cllr John Hooper, Chairman of Iwerne Minster Parish Council, said: "We have been very fortunate to have both moral and financial support from Clayesmore School as well as the community of Iwerne Minster backing the scheme."

The scheme also has the support of Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, who said: "Part of my role is to listen to local concerns and support efforts to improve community safety.

"When I was contacted by residents concerned about speeding in Iwerne Minster, I advised that setting up a local Community Speed Watch team could help the cause, in addition to a petition to establish how many residents shared concerns.

"The Iwerne Minster community has since admirably demonstrated its commitment to taking action on road safety and I am pleased to have been able to assist with lobbying efforts to deliver the new 20mph zone. This is about quality of life as well as safety; I congratulate all involved."

Steve tastes success CONGRATULATIONS to Steve Bell, of Blandford's Yellow Bicycle Café, who has been judged the winner of the Breakfast Chef of the Year title at the inaugural National Breakfast Awards in London.

The competition, at Westminster Kingsway College, London, in front of a panel of expert judges, sought out the best breakfasts in four categories: cafes, restaurants, hotels, pubs and bars.

It was launched by OOH magazine last year in a quest to find the perfect petit déjeuner, and to highlight the best chefs and caterers across the UK. The Yellow Bicycle Café in Salisbury Street, with its bicycle-inspired décor, is popular according to the Best of England travel guide for its innovative menu with fresh, high-quality local ingredients. The dish submitted by Steve included Mexican eggs and eggy bread with crispy kale, chorizo and spicy hollandaise.

Poor mobile coverage THE Countryside Landowners Association has identified North Dorset as one of the worst areas for 4G in the country and is calling for urgent action to force mobile network operators to improve coverage in rural areas where four out of five households do not receive 4G mobile coverage.

In North Dorset, just 14.24 per cent of the population have 4G coverage.

Tim Breitmeyer, president of the CLA, which represents 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses across the country, said: "These figures lay bare the extent to which those living and working in rural areas are cast out into the digital wilderness.

"It also poses serious questions about what commitment, if any, the mobile operators have to delivering coverage in rural areas."

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Signing the traffic regulation order. Standing (from left), Dorset County Councillor Deborah Croney, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, Clayesmore School director of finance and operations Amanda Hughes, Iwerne Minster Parish Councillor Chris Nadin and chairman Councillor John Hooper. Seated: Debbie Ward, Chief Executive, Dorset County Council.

Posthumous award for ex-mayor TOWN councillors have agreed to make a posthumous award of the Freedom of Blandford to the town's three-times Mayor Esme Butler, who died suddenly in April last year.

The award will be made at the mayor-making ceremony in the Corn Exchange on Friday May 25.

An inquest into her death, which was opened in Bournemouth in August, was due to resume on February 14.

Assistant coroner Brendan Allen had adjourned it calling for statements from Mrs Butler's GP and family, as well as reports from Poole Hospital, where she died a day after being admitted for treatment for meningitis after collapsing at her home.

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March 2018

Town parking consultation generates ideas galore A PUBLIC consultation on how to improve parking in Blandford has produced a wide range of suggestions, both in writing and online to the town council and at the exhibitions held in the Corn Exchange.

The steering group appointed to progress the review was meeting on February 22 to consider all responses and discuss a way forward.

Some of the suggestions are dependent on the outcome of the Dorset County Council Living and Learning Project, which is looking at how a range of services, such as job centres, libraries, health services and children's or day care centres, might be provided by groups working together and sharing staff, buildings and equipment.

Blandford is one of six pioneer project areas being considered across the county, and details are so far being kept confidential because they involve information relating to the financial or business affairs of individuals and the authorities concerned.

However, they are known to include the future use of the county council site at Black Lane and of Blandford Community Hospital.

The creation of new car parks at the Wimborne

Road former county council depot and opposite the hospital on land owned by The Blandford School have been suggested.

The Blandford Town Team and Business Group have put forward a number of ideas, including the opportunity to buy shoppers' permits allowing two hours' free parking in any North Dorset District Council car park, free parking between 12 and 2pm or after 3pm, and changing the time limit on single yellow lines to allow parking after 5pm, so helping residents returning from work outside the town.

Other suggestions have included discounted permits for residents, better promotion of the free Stour Meadows car park, the return of free parking at Station Court, and encouraging disabled Blue Badge holders to use the car parks instead of free on-street long-term parking by making disabled spaces free of charge.

Surveys of residents in most parking congested areas have found a majority opposed to residents' parking permits, which would fail to guarantee enough spaces for all those wanting to use the spaces.

Children in war tribute concert

Potatoes’ pulling power Potato frenzy broke out once again at Pimperne village hall when the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club hosted their annual Potato Day in association with Pennard Plants. There was a range of seed potatoes, bulbs, heritage seeds, plants and fruit trees, advice and stalls, and the popular 'tree quiz' compiled by Mark Hinsley.

THE Dorset Music Service/Hub, now based in Blandford, is planning to send 120 children to sing in the choir at the Children's Centenary Concert inspired by Winterborne Stickland author Ron Dawson and taking place at the BIC in Birmingham on November 3.

Dr Dawson penned the anthem 'Lest We Forget' which will be sung as part of the programme, which will remember particularly the 'boy' soldiers in the armies of all sides and the 250,000 who enlisted in the British Army.

The concert aims to pay tribute to the forgotten children with performances from children's choirs from across the UK. The centrepiece will be a choir of 2,500 children, including more than 300 from Dorset, dressed to represent a Remembrance poppy, and a youth orchestra of 150 young musicians, a brass band, and a 20-strong acoustic guitar ensemble.

Dramatic performances will include a sequence remembering Sydney Lewis, who was enlisted aged 12 to become Dorset's youngest soldier, and a parade of 57 flags representing the national participants involved.

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March 2018

Boiler removal sets locomotive restoration on the right lines A STEAM locomotive based at Shillingstone station has taken a big step forward towards its eventual return to running order.

Tank engine 30075, which is owned by a group of enthusiasts known as Project 62, had its boiler lifted from its frames so it could be taken away for refurbishment work to be carried out.

After many weeks of preparation, the cab was first removed before the boiler was lifted from the locomotive's frames and taken by low-loader the short distance north to the workshops of Richard Vincent Engineering at Henstridge, where it will now be fully refurbished.

The work will include the replacement of sections of thinned steel plate in the inner firebox and then the re-tubing of the boiler to obtain a full 10-year mandatory boiler certificate for the locomotive to operate.

The whole operation at Shillingstone, which is the head-

Keeping time for dancing

The boiler of tank engine 30075 is lifted off its frame on to a low-loader. quarters of the North Dorset Railway Trust, was carried out within two hours. Project 62 members are very grateful for the help the Trust's members gave as an item of rolling stock had to be moved prior to the 'lift' day, and also on the day itself.

While the boiler is away at Henstridge, Project 62 members will concentrate on refurbishing the locomotive's frames and running gear at Shillingstone ready for the boiler's return, to hopefully have the locomotive in

service in late 2019 or early 2020.

New members are always welcome to assist and any donations towards the restoration works are welcome. Various fundraising schemes and initiatives are detailed on the group's website project62.co.uk.

Project 62 owns a second locomotive at Shillingstone, 30076, which is on display, but work to get this locomotive into working condition will not start until 30075 is up and running.

A NEW series of monthly tea dances at the Corn Exchange in Blandford is being supported by the Town Council after a similar event a couple of years ago was well received and successful.

Strictly Come Tea Dancing is being hosted by the five musicians of the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band, who offer a similar series in the Allendale Centre in Wimborne.

They will be playing Strict Temp, Ballroom, Latin, Modern and 'Old-time' numbers, and invite people to just come and listen to the foot-tapping quality musical entertainment and enjoy refreshments from the tea bar.

Tickets for dancers are ÂŁ5, and for non-dancers ÂŁ4. The series started on Monday February 19, and will continue on the third Monday of every month between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

Town councillors have agreed to make no charge for the hire of the hall in return for the band managing the financial risk and ticket sales, but to support them by helping to promote the series.

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March 2018

A safe refuge for the vulnerable SOVEREIGN Housing Association have joined forces with the YOU Trust who provide the Dorset County Integrated Domestic Abuse Service to open a new independently managed refuge providing a safe space for those unable to access a traditional refuge.

North Dorset Council leader Graham CarrJones, of Stalbridge, and district councillor John Stayt, of Blandford, visited the refuge to meet the team and officially launch the new service. It will support men, women with teenage boys, honourbased violence couples and LGBT couples.

A group room and drop-in space at the building will Pictured (from left): Councillor John Stayt; You provide bespoke support First Service Manager Katie Bielec; Sovereign's Neighbourhood Services Manager Julie-Ann for people living with Booker; North Dorset Council leader Graham domestic abuse within Carr-Jones; Sovereign's Housing Officer Kerry the community.

Harvey; Neighbourhood Team Manager Laura Katie Bielec, service Coles; and Divisional Director Helen Hann. manager for You First, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for those who are experiencing domestic abuse where they need to leave their homes to be safe but cannot access a 'normal' refuge. Those experiencing domestic abuse feel isolated, alone and live in fear so it is vital that they know there is somewhere they may be able to go to be safe."

The new project increases YOU First's refuge provision from 19 to 32 spaces.

A 24-hour free phone number, 0800 032 5204, is available to anyone experiencing domestic abuse wanting advice and support. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.

VOLUNTEERS, advisers and members of the Wednesday PopIn of Age Concern Blandford held their post-Christmas lunch in the Parish Centre. Guests included their president Elaine Shanahan and Mayor of Blandford Peter Clarke, pictured seated, with chairman Peter Slocombe presenting a bouquet to their volunteer manager Carol Bunnagar.

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March 2018

Planners split over development scheme for town ‘gateway’ site PLANS for a four-storey block on a vacant site in West Street, Blandford, next to Riverside House, which houses the tourist information centre and public toilets, divided town councillors when they were considered at a planning committee meeting.

The application, which includes the demolition of Riverside House, is linked with a second to build four units opposite Morrisons in Greyhound Yard, one of which will become a replacement TIC and toilet facility.

The applications have been submitted to North Dorset District Council, which owns Riverside House, by Lolligo, a new company which was represented at the town council meeting by director John Jones and his planning agent Matthew Holmes.

The company purchased the West Street site, originally intended as a replacement town library, when it was sold by Dorset County Council last year.

Mr Holmes said there had been pre-application discussions with the planning authority on the linked applications as a comprehensive scheme for the two sites which would be a visual enhancement of that part of the town.

He and Mr Jones explained that they had to balance the requirement to make the development viable with the restrictions of the site.

Town councillors were told that the public toilets, which they manage, were in disrepair and needing expensive refurbishment. The town council leases the whole of the building on a peppercorn rent from the district council, and the TIC is run by volunteers as an independent charity.

Councillors queried the relative size of and access to the proposed replacement TIC and toilets compared with the existing.

Told that the detailed arrangements were still subject to negotiation as part of a subsequent reserved matters application, and reminded that there was storage space on the upper floor of the units, they did not oppose the outline plan for the Greyhound Yard site.

But the outline application for Riverside House and the vacant site next to it was accepted by

Architect’s drawings of two of the elevations of the proposed Riverside House development. Above left is the western elevation which will overlook West Street and the Crown Meadows. Above right is the southern elevation, which will greet people arriving in Blandford over the old town bridge. only seven votes to six.

Councillor Steve Hitchings said the proposal was not dissimilar to that suggested by Dorset County Council some years ago, incorporating a library on the ground floor which had not been proceeded with because of strong local objection.

Councillor Hugo Mieville said: "It is packing an awful lot into a very small space and looks a bit like a rabbit warren. In principle it's a nice idea, but it's too big."

He also raised concerns over the suggestion that no parking places would be provided for the larger single commercial unit or several smaller units suggested on the ground floor or the 20 apartments on three floors above it.

Councillors John Stayt and Pat

Osborne welcomed the provision of new retail space, but Councillor Osborne feared that residents' cars taking up space in the public car park would push visitors further away from the town and deter them.

He proposed objecting on the grounds of overdevelopment, and Councillor Hitchings added grounds of bulk, mass and height to the proposal.

When that proposal fell, Councillor Lynn Lindsay proposed acceptance, which was seconded by Councillor Jackie Stayt.

Objections have also been submitted by a resident of neighbouring Magnolia Court on grounds of loss of light and overshadowing, and by the Blandford and District Civic

Society on similar grounds to those expressed by town councillors.

They also objected to the neoGeorgian design of what would be the first building at the entrance to the town over the historic town bridge, overlooking the Crown Meadows to the north, saying the opportunity was being lost for something of more architectural merit. They also questioned the viability of retail units so far from the town centre.

The Civic Society has also objected to the replacement of the TIC and existing three public toilets in a single unit with a TIC and only two public toilets on a smaller footprint at a time when Blandford is attempting to attract more visitors to the town.

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March 2018

Advice team recruiting CITIZENS Advice held a successful recruitment day at the Parish Centre to find new advisers and receptionists for their Blandford office.

There was lots of interest from the local community, and staff and volunteers were on hand to talk to potential volunteers and offer tea and coffee to those attending.

The event was attended by Councillors John and Jackie Stayt, who are also trustees of Citizens Advice.

Elaine Morley, the advice service manager, was delighted that so many people expressed an interest and wanted to try and make a difference to the lives of those living in Blandford. Many took away information packs and one person had already filled in an application form in advance.

Application forms are still available for the next round of training in April for advisers in Blandford. For details email Elaine on asm@advicenorthdorset.org.

Slow take-up for Lidl bus scheme Councillors and Citizens Advice trustees John and Jackie Stayt with staff at the recruitment open day in Blandford.

SIX weeks after the launch of the half-hourly circular bus intended to bring passengers from Lidl into Blandford town centre, it continued to run largely empty, prompting complaints that it was a waste of money.

Damory, who run the service on behalf of the local authority, which has been given over ÂŁ250,000 by Lidl to provide it over the next three years, were unable to confirm the actual usage figures.

But their head of communications Nikki Honer said: "The bus service is beginning to establish itself, and usage is growing. Currently, 75 per cent of our passengers are concessionary pass-holders.

"We recognise that current stopping arrangements for the service at Lidl are not ideal. To that end, we are continuing to work with Lidl to find ways of providing even better access to the store by bus."

A Freedom of Information enquiry by the Blandford Town Team in 2015 concerning the 106 funding agreement towards town centre enhancement resulted in the response from planning officer Stephen Clarke that, if it appeared the project for which the funding was given no longer addressed the purpose for which it was secured, it could be used for an alternative project which could address a similar purpose provided the payer had been notified.

Dorset County Councillor Byron Quayle said he was continuing to pursue the lack of hard surfacing at the bus stop in Shaftesbury Lane and the issue of the low number of people using the service.

"The county council was asked to set it up under very strict rules. If there are significant complaints they may look at it again."

Cemetery tap grumble A COMPLAINT on social media about the lack of a tap at the top of the cemetery to help elderly and disabled people watering plants and flowers on their loved ones' graves was described as 'a storm in a teacup' at a meeting of Blandford Town Council's recreation and amenities committee.

Officers responded that there was already a tap at the top of the cemetery, and maps at the entrance indicating its location, but new signage has been erected near the taps themselves.

Wessex Water has been asked to quote for the provision of a more central tap which cannot be provided from the existing supply.

Resolving a water leak at Larksmead recreation ground has cost ÂŁ1,778.

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March 2018

Week celebrates the role of village halls THE rich variety of activities taking place in village halls and the volunteers that support them were celebrated in the first ever Village Halls Week.

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and their 38 member organisations used the week to celebrate the diverse network of 10,000 community buildings at the heart of England's rural communities, and the volunteers who work to keep them open.

Poet, writer and radio presenter Ian McMillan was commissioned by the National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF), whose members work with volunteers to bring professional performance art to rural audiences, to write a new poem in his inimitable style. 'A Teapot as Big as the Moon' highlighted the range of activities village halls host.

Village halls locally during the week hosted two shows, at Sixpenny Handley and Winterborne Stickland, typical of those staged by NRTF members

at halls all over the country every week, together with pantomimes at Tarrant Keyneston and Spetisbury, a film night at Child Okeford, and other regular activities.

Richard Quallington, executive director of ACRE, said: "Residents in rural communities rely on local availability of services such as childcare, health services, social meetings and entertainment.

Village halls host all such services and are flexible, multi-use community spaces which have stood the test of time."

Tom Speight, from NRTF, a village hall chair himself, said: "Village halls really matter to local communities. They bring people together to share, be it watching a fantastic performance, using the local post office or keeping fit with a Zumba class.

"NRTF is delighted to support Village Halls Week and fully endorses the ACRE Network messages of celebration and thanks that rural communities can access such versatile community assets locally."

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Bobbing in a good cause REGIONAL managers from Hall & Woodhouse brewery were put behind bars in the fundraising finale for the company's chosen charity partners for the past two years, Together for Short Lives, which has raised a total of ÂŁ210,000 over the last two years.

The Jail and Bail fundraising event saw the six 'prisoners' - Duncan Rouse, Tony O'Neil, Stuart Skeels, Scott Rhodes-Ward, Mazen Ayash and Foggy Dessillas - tasked with raising 'bail money' and taking part in a number of challenges, including apple bobbing in foam to secure their release and donate to the charity.

There was also a quiz night in the Brewery Tap at Blandford St Mary to celebrate the work put in to the partnership.

Hall & Woodhouse have now announced that their chosen charity for the next two years will be eight local air ambulance charities covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, London and the Thames Valley.

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March 2018

Left: An Edwardian Lady at her dressing table. Above: Steve James, Assistant Leader of Dorset Freemasons and, on the right, David Hanford, the current Master of the Lodge, with Jean Langley and Stella Walker from the Blandford Fashion Museum.

Edwardian lady launches new fashion season AFTER the usual busy winter closure for the dedicated team of volunteers in charge of Blandford Fashion Museum, the facility at Lime Tree House in The Plocks reopened to the public on February 12 with three new special exhibitions.

The main exhibition room shows the different outfits worn in the early 20th century by an Edwardian lady, from a dressing robe and

underwear to day dress and evening dress.

An 'After the War was Over' display shows an exhibition of outfits from 1918 to 1925, and in the Accessories Room is a display of souvenirs and commemorative items, including scarves, how they were worn, and travel items.

There is also a special temporary display on

the history of the Freemasons in Blandford.

Museum staff gave a talk on their work to the Freemasons, their wives, partners and friends, and were presented with a cheque for ÂŁ535 raised by the Lodge to support this important community museum.

The Museum is now open on Mondays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season.

Annie spearheads local war on plastics DAVID Attenborough's Blue Planet II, which so graphically highlighted the dangers of plastics to the environment, has spurred local campaigners who are working hard to spread the message in the Blandford area, where takeaway coffee cups and food trays are the bane of every litter collector's life.

Annie Heritage, at Cariad Wholefoods in The Georgian Passage, said: "Since Cariad opened, we've been working hard to make the store as environmen-

tally friendly as possible, with plastic-free products like reusable coffee cups and straws, and our refill station for household products and toiletries.

"We now offer over 90 wholefoods, herbs and spices sold loose and have just launched a 'Go Fund Me' campaign so we can install purpose-made selfserve dispensers to increase our range.

"I believe that we are offering something unique in Blandford to meet the tremendously increased

public awareness of the need to reduce plastic waste."

While some coffee retailers have introduced discounts for those using a reusable cup in their stores or bringing their own, she said the so-called recyclable cups offered by Costa, M&S and others weren't suitable for home recycling as they have a plastic layer to make them leakproof, and need to be put in special recycling banks for things like Tetrapaks.

Blandford's only such recycling

bank is in the Langton Road long-stay car park.

Stephen Cross, of Okeford Organic at Gold Hill, Child Okeford, said: "It has been estimated that 12 million tonnes of plastic a year end up in our seas and oceans, which can entangle and become ingested by marine life.

"We welcome the government's long-term strategy to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste in the next 25 years, and as a retailer recognise a responsibility to provide the opportunity for customers to access food that is not only produced but also packaged in the most environmentally friendly way possible."

He said they sold much fruit and veg loose in paper bags, and other dried goods were plasticfree, and supplied in reused cardboard boxes to take home.

"However, there is still a long way for us to go on the road towards a plastic-free economy, and we welcome any ideas and encouragement to prod us in the right direction and eventually eradicate all avoidable plastic waste entirely."

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13

March 2018

Corn Exchange broadens its range of events THE range of activities in Blandford Corn Exchange continues to grow with the introduction of a series of tea dances (see page 7), and a number of other events in February, including a Gin & Prosecco evening hosted by the Concept Factory.

It was a near sell-out, with locally distilled Mary Rose Gin from the HMS Spirits Company, based in the New Forest, and entertainment from Ruth O'Neil and Jo Billingham of vintage vocal harmony duo Scarlet Swing.

The response was less than complimentary from some on social media, who said that after paying an entrance fee of £13 or £14 and £5 for a drink they had left to find a better choice of drinks at other local pubs and bars.

They complained that the organisation was poor and they were let down by the promise of a 'boutique-type event in a garden party atmosphere' which they felt had not materialised.

But for others it was an opportunity to enjoy an event without travelling far from home.

Blandford Community Promotions hosted another evening of magic with Mark Shortland.

It followed the successful Teddy Laughs comedy exchange in

January which raised £681 for Teddy 20, with 110 tickets sold, for the return of Tom Glover as host with a new line-up including Howard Read with his hilarious digital assistant, James Sherwood and Tom Wright.

Spokesman Sam James said: "It was an outstanding night of comedy. We just need to get more people through the door to these events."

• Meanwhile a new working group has been established by Blandford Town Council to progress further development of the Corn Exchange, and three architects have been asked to submit proposals.

Town Clerk Linda Scott Giles said: "They have all been sent the same brief, but are all very different with completely different interests in Blandford and the building."

At the last town council meeting, it was agreed that the working group needed time to absorb all the contents and refer back to the council at a future meeting.

One of the submissions printed in full in the agenda suggested that the building was restricted in its ambition to be a full community centre by the long narrow shape of the site and listed status.

It read: "The hall will never be ideal as a theatre due to its proportions and historic roof design. The Town Hall is a splendid room and deserves to be the jewel in the crown, and will make a lovely function room again and wedding venue. However, it is essential to have a side room which the current scheme destroys."

It suggests forming a lift alongside the existing staircase opening directly into the council chamber, which could then be retained including its panelling, and leave room for the improved kitchen between the hall and lift. It also suggests scope to link the council chamber to the upper part of the Corn Ben Maguire serves up the Mary Rose Gin to Exchange, giving access Katie Henderson and Kelly Russell-Watt. to a new balcony.

Party-goers Sarah Connor, Kelly Ryan and Victoria Beckham.

THE Dorset Destroyers wheelchair rugby players, many of whom come from the Blandford area, will be going head to head with a team from Blandford Camp over the weekend of March 17 and 18 in a fundraising world record attempt for a Guinness Book of Records entry.

They will be playing rugby for 24 hours non-stop at the Rossmore Leisure Centre in Poole in support also of the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and Cakes 4 Casualties.

Find out more on their Facebook page and sponsor them at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/24hourwrugby.

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Readers’ letters

NHS: a great service under threat IN my 75 years I have been in and out of hospitals quite a lot, especially in the last 15 years, with very good and very bad experiences.

The worst was so bad that I ended up writing to my MP, the hospital and Healthwatch, and had two apology letters from the hospital and an assurance from my MP that he would look in to it.

I also became a Healthwatch champion.

I was referred by my doctor and pain clinic for a scan at Dorchester Hospital. Although the scan was for something else it found that I had oesophageal cancer.

In the next few weeks I had scan after scan. People I met were part of a team that covered the whole of the Wessex area for cancer. Everything was covered to help my wife and me through the traumatic period.

I have been absolutely amazed and dumbfounded at the standard of care that I have received in the intensive care and at ward 17 of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The teamwork from surgeon downwards was unbelievable, especially considering how overworked they all are. The cheerful way they went about their duties lifted the whole ward so that patients, like me, tended to feel better.

My operation was a major one and the estimated hospital time

March 2018 Please write to Forum Focus if there is something you'd like to comment on or share with other readers.

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

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

was 10 to 15 days - my stay was 22 days. The whole time I was in hospital was made bearable by the fantastic team of experts with 100 per cent dedication; I could not have been treated better if I had paid privately.

I would like to thank them all for making my stay in their ward almost enjoyable, as it was at times, and changing my life expectancy from one year to who knows how long?

The BIG downside is that because members of this magnificent team, and others I have experienced, even in private hospitals, are under so much stress, being short of staff, and can find better paid employment, they are leaving the NHS. I could not help noting that the ratio of foreign staff to English staff was over 50 per cent. I hasten to add the care I received from all was the same.

We are all very fortunate to have the NHS in this country. No other country can come close to the service offered to us. But I fear that unless something is done soon the NHS will deteriorate and be changed to a service that is unacceptable to the people that work for it and the patients they care for.

Colin Young, Blandford

A lovely man much missed AN article about our brother Andrew was published in last month's Forum Focus ('Search goes on for missing man'). While we appreciate that the information included was derived from previously published material,

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

please can I ask that the following facts are corrected?

Andrew did NOT have a current diagnosis of either dementia or Alzheimer's. Both of these had been mentioned as possibilities in the past but had been discounted. He was under the care of the mental health team at Blandford hospital and had severe depression and other complex mental health problems.

Andrew was a lovely man who we miss daily; he was kind and considerate and had a sharp intellect despite his mental illness.

We are grateful for everything people have done and continue to do to search for him. We particularly owe thanks to Dorset Police who have been very supportive in the sad state of limbo in which we find ourselves.

Many thanks for your assistance.

Melanie Coward (Andrew's sister)

Inhalers can be recycled DO you use an inhaler for asthma? What do you do with it when it's empty? Did you know you can recycle it?

The website dontwasteabreath.com/view/recycling_your_inhaler explains how and tells you where to recycle, but is misleading.

Boots in East Street is the only place in Blandford that operates the scheme.

'Complete the Cycle' from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is the first UK-wide recycling and recovery scheme for all respiratory inhalers.

In the same way that household rubbish is recycled, this scheme allows you to recycle the aluminium and plastic from inhalers and is the first scheme of its kind in Europe.

Through taking part you can reduce the harmful environmental impact associated with the landfill disposal of respiratory inhalers, support the reduction in waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and move towards a more environmentally sustainable treatment of respiratory disease.

Research commissioned by GSK reveals that 58 per cent of people in the UK are putting their inhalers into general waste and that 33 per cent are using their kerbside recy-

cling service thinking wrongly that their inhaler will be recycled.

The inhalers, including those manufactured by companies other than GSK, are collected as part of routine deliveries - so no extra miles are travelled in the administration of the scheme - and taken to a waste management company to be sorted for recycling or recovery of inhaler waste as a fuel or other means to generate energy.

Mark Churchill Charlton Marshall

A year of big landmarks IT was very remiss of me not thanking everyone for their wonderful support over 2017 which made life such a pleasure living here in sunny North Dorset.

However, I am reminded of just a few of the many important centenaries being celebrated during 2018. 'Lest we forget', the commemoration of the end of the First World War, the merger of the Royal Naval Air Service with the Royal Flying Corps to become the world's first independent air force we know today as the Royal Air Force, and the celebration of the centenary of the Suffragette movement.

All very important occasions which continue to have a great impact on our lives here in Blandford today. I hope every parish will join me in celebrating these occasions and praising the courage and foresight of everyone involved.

Finally, this year the half-centenary of the Great Dorset Steam Fair. How many of us can still remember the original Three Okefords events and the most famous of all, the Stourpaine Bushes fairs, where the orange mud came in one side of a marquee and poured out the other?

Oh great days - all originally staged by volunteers.

The marketing and publicity for this international event is still staged without a penny contribution from the local council but at the same time ÂŁ millions pours back into the Dorset economy.

There is still nowhere better for a great day out than at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Della Jones MBE Winterborne Zelston

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March 2018

A life-saving gift from the Lions LAST year was a special one for Blandford & District Lions as it marked the centenary of the birth of Lionism in 1917.

Unknown to many, the Lions movement was started in the USA not the UK. It was only after World War 2 that the first Lions Club was formed in England.

To mark the centenary, each Lions Club was asked to consider a centenary project and Blandford decided they would provide another 'open access' defibrillator for the town.

It has now been installed at Blandford Bowling Club, whose members were more than happy to support the Lions in the initiative by agreeing to regularly monitor the equipment to ensure it is always in working order.

This latest defibrillator is available

24/7 and can be easily accessed for emergency use. It provides built-in help on its use throughout the process.

The new defibrillator was unveiled by town Mayor Peter Clark, who said: "This is the fourth public access defibrillator in the town and, if it saves one life in the next ten years, it will have done its job.

I'd like to thank the Lions for undertaking this very worthwhile project, the Bowling Club for its co-operation, and everyone who has contributed in any way."

Lion Nigel Hodder thanked particularly NIck Miles Electrical Services, who installed the defibrillator on the pavilion wall and provided the electrical connections at no charge.

It has now been added to a list maintained by South West Ambulance Services Trust

Blandford Bowls Club President Albert Prothero, Lions President James Mayo, Mayor of Blandford Peter Clark and David Toman, Community Responder Officer Dorset with South Western Ambulance Service, at the unveiling of the new defibrillator at Blandford Bowling Club.

Defibrillators in Blandford Blandford currently has Community Publicly Accessible Defibrillators (CPADS) at the following locations: Alaska House Dental Practice Blandford Bowling Club Blandford Masonic Lodge (opposite the Crown Hotel) Archbishop Wake Primary School There are also defibrillators inside the following locations, available during their opening hours: The Crown Hotel Blandford Rugby Club in the offices, and at Larksmead Pavilion

The Blandford School Knees Up (in a cabin at the rear of M & Co) Blandford Leisure Centre Amfax Ltd Metrol Research Ltd Bristol Maid Ltd Tesco Hall and Woodhouse Brewery NDDC (near the Register Office) Most dental practices also have defibrillators.

(SWAST), who keep a register of all known defibrillators across the county.

Defibrillators can be registered by contacting Kate Fisher on 07973 963530.

The Lions will be running a course later in the year to provide free training on the use of a defibrillator and the giving of CPR which is often more important in helping to keep someone alive following a

heart condition until a medically qualified team arrive on the scene.

SWAST stated: "Administering early CPR and defibrillation is crucial. It really does make all the difference to a patient in cardiac arrest and can mean the difference between life and death."

For information on the Lions movement, call 01258 880229 or email Blandford lions@hotmail.co.uk. • Child Okeford also now has a new defibrillator on the outside wall of the village hall which is also available 24/7. The village's other defibrillator at the Baker Arms is available during pub opening hours. Resuscitation and defibrillator training sessions were held in February and further sessions are being organised. For details email gsparrow@doctors.org.uk.

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March 2018

Malcolm Bowditch’s ‘At Porlock Weir’, one of the topscoring prints in the monthly points cup competition.

Camera club news BLANDFORD Forum Camera Club started the year with the monthly points cup competition, where Amanda Miller was presented with 25 prints and 19 projected images to judge and gave a thorough critique of each.

Top scorers in print were On the Buffers (Graham Hutton), At Porlock Weir (Malcolm Bowditch), Goldfinch Feeding (David Chaloner), Meleagris (Rachel Cooper) and Splash and Carry (Colin Cross), and in projected images Red Squirrel (Colin Cross), Bearded Tit (Pat Catley), Nude Study (Glynis Larter-Whitcher) and Norfolk Windmill (Glynis Larter-Whitcher).

Guest speakers during January included Don Bishop, renowned landscape photographer based in Taunton, who gave a talk about photographing the Hebrides and the Lake District.

Ian Francis took them overseas with his talk 'My African Adventure' and Eva Worobeic showed her photographic project that started 20 years ago on the American Plains.

Inter-club competitions are in full swing, pitching Blandford against both local and national clubs in various leagues: scores are good to date, and note should be made of Colin Cross, whose image Locked on Target was selected for entry into the PAGB Inter-Federation Exhibition.

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The cast of Rumpelstiltskin at the Iwerne Minster Village Club with Trisha Neal, centre, in the title role.

Oh yes, it is panto time again!

IMAGINATIVE innovation was key as the panto season got under way in North Dorset.

It included a Sleeping Beauty with three dames at Spetisbury, four versions of Jack & the Beanstalk, several unusual and unexpected new characters, frequent opportunities for young and old to display a vast array of talent and a chance to raise funds for village projects and charities.

The first of the four versions of Jack was held in Shroton village hall, where the familiar tale was enhanced by weaving in characters from Poldark and Dad's Army, and the introduction of the latest technology with Alexa (a man at the back of the hall).

Iwerne Minster Village Club chose a home-spun script written and directed once again by local resident Jebber Whittaker for its pantomime, based on the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, the evil imp who, in return for an impossible deal, spins gold for the miller's daughter in response to the orders of the king.

Trisha Neal played the title role, and there were some stock pantomime characters including Mother Hubbard, played by Sheelagh Duly, a Baron (Rod Major) and his henchmen (Mervyn Marsh and David Parkhouse), and a Fairy (Fluff, played by Kerry O'Connor).

The second of the four versions of Jack (and Jill) was presented by the Tarrant Valley Players at Tarrant Keyneston village hall, coinciding with the first two performances of Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society's Beauty and the Beast in Spetisbury village hall.

Durweston Valley Players, getting together for the first time in a number of years, were third to present Jack & the Beanstalk with a cast ably supported by children from Durweston Primary School, past and present, and their mums, dads and villagers.

The same weekend at Milborne St Andrew village hall, the Milborne Players moved away from the traditional panto stories to present Knight Fever, an Arthurian tale written by TLC Creative with the usual

Boyd James, left, and Max Wigg playing comedy duo Fetch and Carry the squire's bailiffs in Durweston's take on Jack & the Beanstalk. stock of panto characters of Dame, King, Queen, Princess, her beau, a Jester, an evil black knight, a sorceress - and, of course, Merlin and the Lady of the Lake.

The following weekend, it was back to Jack and the Okeford Beanstalk with COMPACT in Child Okeford St Nicholas School hall.

• See ‘Drama and a Dragon’ (Page 18) for details of what must surely be the last panto of the season, commissioned as a Christmas show by the Royal Shakespeare Company from Robert Bolt'.

March 2018

Field finds can bring a windfall for charities TREASURE hunters can uncover precious artefacts while raising cash for good causes, thanks to the Dorset and West Pastfinders, which gives those seeking precious items from the past access to farmers' fields on organised digs.

Funds raised boost the coffers of

Dancers step in to raise cash SALSA Amigos, who meet at Bryanston Club on Tuesdays at 7.45pm, held a charity Latin Dance and raised over £600.

Dancers from all over Dorset and parts of Hampshire performed four hours of Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha and Kizomba, with a few fun extras.

The local charities MOSAIC and Lexi May were chosen by the dancers and each received £320.

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charities in the county. Founder Malcolm Andrews, of Blandford, a driver with the E-zec ambulance service, has raised around £30,000 from digs around rural Dorset and beyond since the organisation was established two years ago.

He and his partner Glenda Froud and David Witcombe approach farmers to ask if they have fields that treasure hunters can search.

He said: "People bring their own tools and will pay a fee to take part, but everything we make goes to the farmers and the charities."

Charities supported in the past include the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Dorset-based bowel cancer charity the Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust and Forest Holme Hospice in Poole.

They have also aided farmers in renovations of their buildings, and enjoyed some memorable finds.

Find information about Dorset and West Pastfinders on Facebook or see spanglefish.com/dorsetandwestpastfinders.

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ANOTHER new service has been brought to the White Horse pub at Stourpaine in the form of Boutique in a Bus, brought by Lesley Tinder (aka Lady B) who parked the vehicle outside the pub and shop.

Licensee Chris Sargent said: "It brought a unique hassle-free shopping experience to the community and was a great success which has now become a monthly event."

The winner in the 2017 Boutique and Mobile Boutique of the Year Awards travels to venues and events across Dorset and the south, including pubs, hotels, private homes, community centres, fetes, fayres and rural village locations.

BLANDFORD Town Council has a new assistant town clerk in Sybille Maddock, who until now has been the Mayor's secretary and administrative assistant. She succeeds Leani Haim, who has taken up a new post with the company which has been advising the town council and neighbouring parishes on their Blandford Plus Neighbourhood Plan, for which she was administrator.

Sally Gardner, the council's project administrator, has taken on responsibility for the Neighbourhood Plan.

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Norman and Josephine Page, with daughter Rosalind, son Simon, Simon’s wife Bea and grand-daughters Leyla and Sarah.

DORSET Police has launched a new online knowledge base designed to help the public find answers to common enquiries and guide them to the right agencies.

AskNED offers help and advice on a host of topics such as civil matters including landlord and tenant disputes, as well as criminal matters including burglary and assault.

It provides information about what you should do and who can help if you have issues with parking, noisy neighbours or an animal's welfare.

Quick and easy to use, it contains an alphabetical list of topics about which the police commonly receive enquiries, along with details of the agencies who can help.

To access the knowledge base visit dorset.police.uk/askNED.

March 2018

Norman’s century of achievement A CHILDHOOD enthusiasm for dismantling and reassembling metal toys laid the foundations for an outstanding career as an engineer for Norman Page, who has just celebrated his 100th birthday.

Born on February 1, 1918, and brought up in the Forest of Dean, he had a grammar school education and studied at Imperial College, London, before qualifying as a chartered electrical engineer in 1939.

During World War Two he worked on gun control in a team involved with aircraft and the army's need to keep guns on target. He subsequently attended Sandhurst military college and was commissioned in REME, running workshops in Germany post-1945.

Returning to the UK, he used similar electronics to help naval ships stay in line abreast, and finally worked at Harwell and then Winfrith during its early development in the 1960s, where he helped to develop safety systems for nuclear power plants.

In 1954 he married Josephine, whom he met at a nurses' dance in Reading, and the couple have since shared their love of music and travel, which is enjoyed by all their family.

They moved first to rented accommodation in Dorchester and then to the home in Winterborne Stickland, where their two children, Rosalind and Simon, were brought up.

Retirement was compulsory at 65 in the Civil Service for Mr Page, whose life-long interests include

Norman Page with a self-portrait photograph taken when he was 22. woodwork and DIY, photography, mountains and playing the piano.

He became a long-standing member of Blandford Camera Club, and also served for a time as secretary to the Stickland village hall committee. The move to Whitecliffe Court in Blandford came five years ago to reduce the need to drive.

Daughter Rosalind, who lives in the United States, flew over to join the celebrations. The Pages' son Simon and his wife Bea came down from their home in London, along with their daughters Sara and Leyla.

Mr Page's big birthday was celebrated at a tea party in the Whitecliffe Court dining room and also attended by friends, fellow residents and a number of Camera Club members.

Drama and a dragon FORUM Drama's next production is The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew, by Robert Bolt, at Blandford Forum Corn Exchange on Friday March 23 (7.30pm) and Saturday March 24 (2.30pm and 7.30pm), supported by the King's Arms, Blandford.

Joyce Carter directs a talented cast of old and new Forum Drama friends (aged from under ten to over 70), to bring you the story of Sir Oblong Fitz Oblong (Deborah Seeley), who is sent on a one-man mission to overcome a notorious dragon in the Bolligrew Islands.

He finds himself up against the wicked Baron Bolligrew (Simone Walls-Macdonald) and his blundering Squire, Blackheart (John

Cody), helped by evil wizard Doctor Moloch (Eileen Walters).

But Oblong has new friends, Mike Magpie (Wren Holdom) and Obidiah Bobblenob (Charlie Biggs), who accompany him through fantastic adventures, until at last he encounters the dragon.

The amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Tickets will be on sale from Horrocks and Webb, Salisbury Street, Blandford, and at the door, as well as online, £8 for adults, £6 for under-16s. There will be a fee for online booking.

And don't miss the children's art competition in connection with this show.

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March 2018

Mud and puddles par for the course for triathletes THE North Dorset Triathlon Club, at its AGM, elected Philip Blyth as chair, with Chris Petersen his deputy, Tim Wetherilt treasurer and Lerryn Chaffey secretary, together with seven officers and committee members, and head coach Mark Neish.

Its 25-year celebration picnic and barbecue will be held on Saturday May 4 at Pimperne Cricket Pavilion, with a Hawaiian theme.

Marathon training, starting 9am each Sunday from the Parkrun start line on the North Dorset Trailway at Blandford with Frazer McCarthy, is increased by ten minutes out and back each week, and has continued with the latest run on February 4, completing two hours ten minutes.

Many of the group ran the Stonehenge Stomp in January and the Blackmore Vale Half starting from Bishops Caundle in February.

Zoe Blyth took part for the third time, joined by friends from Runblandford, in the popular annual Somerley 10km, near Ringwood, organised by Autism Wessex, describing it as a good

first 10k for novice runners, attracting a good mix of beginners as well as club runners to a not-too-challenging course.

Becky Dawson and Mark Fitton both accepted the challenge of the Dirty Devil Stampede, a fun event despite the many large puddles, mud, short sharp hills and lots of changes underfoot from sand to gravel to sinking mud, tree roots and other obstacles.

"It is well worth it but only if you like trail and don't mind getting wet and muddy," said Becky, who completed the two laps of the 10k race. Mark did three laps, so 15k, and on the third found the ground turned into a slippery quagmire by a significant number of earlier runners, with the easiest route blocked by walkers in fancy dress.

He was delighted to finish two minutes earlier than the previous year, and first in the M50-59 category.

Events in February included the Sika Trail Run through Wareham Forest and the Winchester 10km road race. Upcoming events can be found on the public Facebook page NDTriathlon.

Rethink over pavilion BLANDFORD Cricket Club is drawing up new plans for replacement of its pavilion on the Park Road recreation ground after two earlier schemes encountered problems over their siting close to a protected tree and the boundary with Trailway Court.

Following the withdrawal of an original scheme close to the tree, new plans submitted last October amended the location of the new pavilion to be set across the eastern corner of the public recreation ground, bringing it in very close proximity to the access to the public Trailway route and to the boundary with the residential home.

Town councillors heard that further amendment was being proposed to make it a two-storey building on a smaller footprint.

Open gardens plea A CALL has gone out for people prepared to open their gardens for Blandford's 11th Hidden Gardens event, being held this year on Sunday, June 10, a couple of weeks earlier than last year in response to owners' requests.

There is no standard, inspection, size or style for the event, which over the last ten years has raised over ÂŁ17,000 for local, national

and international charities, organised by the Blandford Stour Rotary.

"All we ask is that you open your garden to the public and enjoy the day," said co-ordinator David Rose, who would like to hear from anyone who would like to take part. He can be contacted by phone on 01258 451557 or by email to endellion@hotmail.co.uk.

Iain Binsley, Phil Blyth and Frazer McCarthy representing NDTri at the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon. Photo: Phil Blyth.

Mark Fitton, Rob Smith and Iain Binsley in the Dark Moors races. Photo: Debbie Fitton.

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March 2018

Ex-grammar school boy ‘a real hero’ SECOND Lieutenant Dennis Claude Grant St Leger, of the Royal Field Artillery, was a former pupil of Milton Abbas Grammar School, which became part of Blandford Grammar School, and he is remembered there.

Born in Madras, India, on December 24, 1892, he was the son of William Douglas and Helen Louise St Leger and was sent to

Somme slaughter left many with no known graves OF the seven men with local connections who died in March 1918, five have no known graves and are remembered on the memorial at Pozieres on the Somme, where 2,758 Commonwealth servicemen are buried or commemorated. 1,380 of the burials are unidentified.

George Portsmouth (25) and Edwin Horace Bastable (39) were both killed in action on March 21, serving as privates with the 2nd Battalion Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment, having previously been with the Dorsetshires.

They were west of St Quentin when the German Spring Offensive started and the battalion was very quickly outflanked and soon completely surrounded, losing 22 officers and 600 other ranks.

George, a carter, was the fourth of seven children of estate labourer Edward and Sarah Portsmouth, of 6 Lower Harewood Place, Bryanston Street. Edwin, a landscape gardener, was the son of stonemason Edwin and Rhoda Bastable, of Marnhull.

He had in 1901 married Gertrude Lane in Blandford and lived with their six children with her parents, Gilbert and Mary Lane, at 29 East Street.

Marcus Ralph Russell, 30, who was killed in action the following day, was born in Athlone, Ireland, and served as Lieutenant with the Reserve Cavalry Regiment attached to the 8th Hussars. He was married with one daughter and lived in Ireland, but his parents moved to Dorset, and his name is recorded on the Spetisbury war memorial.

Jonathan Holt Beever, aged 20,

killed in action on March 25 while serving with the Royal Horse Artillery 'G' Bty 17th Bde, was the son of an army officer, Major Henry Holt Beever and his wife Katherine Leonide, who in 1911 were living at Littleton House, Langton Long.

Jonathan was a pupil at Harrow.

Their elder son William had been killed in action on July 1, 1916, serving with the 1st Rifle Brigade, and both are remembered at Langton Long and Blandford St Mary.

Reginald William Baverstock, the fifth of nine children of house painter Charles and Ann Baverstock, of Victoria Road, Blandford, was killed in action on March 31, serving with the Kings Royal Irish Hussars.

He was 22 and had worked as a baker and butcher. His elder brother George was killed in action on October 9, 1917.

Buried in Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, is 19-year-old Wilfred Henry Miles, who died on March 25, serving as a private in 31st Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), after initially with the Dorsetshire Regiment. He was the only son of bootmaker Robert Miles, of 14 Edward Street, and his wife Emily Annie, whose brother, Charles Lever, had been killed in action in France in 1917.

Of 14 further deaths from or remembered in villages near Blandford, including Charlton Marshall, Farnham, Gussage, Hilton, Langton Long, Sturminster Marshall, Marnhull, Owermoigne, Sutton Waldron, Tolpuddle, Witchampton and Woolland, another four were from families which lost more than one member.

Lance-Sergeant Frederick Edward Blandford, of 13th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own), died of wounds on March 30, aged 29, and is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais.

Born in Blandford the youngest of nine children of labourer Edward and Louisa Blandford, who had both died by the end of 1901, he enlisted in 1907. Hospitalised in the UK with frostbite in February 1915, he married Ethel Elizabeth Daniells in Blandford in January 1916 and lived at 7 Pimperne. Their daughter was born in August, a month in which he was being treated for shell shock.

He was hospitalised again with a gunshot wound to the leg in May 1917, and died on the Somme of wounds requiring amputation of his right leg. His widow was remarried in 1922 to Arthur G Coombes.

England as a boarding pupil at the school some time after 1902.

In the 1911 census, living with his mother and siblings at 90 Uplands Road, Stroud Green, Hornsey, he is shown as a bank clerk, the recorded civilian occupation of at least three of the Milton Abbas ex-pupils to appear on their memorial.

His uncle Hugh Anthony St. Leger lived in Benfleet, Essex, and was probably instrumental in getting his name on the War Memorial in Benfleet, the family base.

He joined the Royal Field Artillery in September 1914, was quickly promoted corporal, embarked after training in October 1915, and after further training was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.

Captured while accompanying 2/6th Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) regiment as an observation officer directing artillery fire during the Battle of St Quentin on March 21, 1918, he was carried, badly wounded, to a German dressing station at Cagnicourt and died the next day, aged 25.

His commanding officer Lieut-Col Hodgkinson, in an account of the attack, wrote of him: "This officer, after the lines of his battery had gone, used a rifle until he was so badly wounded that he was unable to stand. Even when his jaw had been shattered, he remained cheerful, and was a real hero."

St Leger’s initial burial by the Germans was lost for a time after the war, but when the battlefield cemeteries were consolidated in the 1920s he was reburied in H.A.C Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France.

The cemetery at Pozieres on the Somme.

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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March 2018

Poignant legacy of a pioneering war grave photographer THE pioneering work of a photographer who volunteered to capture the graves of those who had fallen on the Western Front during World War I was the subject of a presentation to members of the Wessex branch of the Western Front Association at Pimperne village hall.

The photographs were taken by Cpl Ivan Bawtree, who when war broke was working for Kodak in London, and whose work included taking pictures of hundreds of graves for relatives desperate to know where their loved ones had fallen.

Cpl Bawtree donated 600 photographs to the Imperial War Museum, but for 60 years his negatives and diaries were hidden away in a cellar in his home in Clapham Lodge, Sutton, Surrey, where he lived until his THE Blandford Archaeology Group is hosting another finds evaluation day at the Blandford Town Museum on March 29 between 10.30am and 1pm.

Dorset's finds liaison officer will advise whether a bit of pot found in the garden is ancient or modern.

There will be further finds evaluation days on July 26 and November 29 at the same times.

death in 1979.

But a cardboard box containing the negatives of the photos was passed down through the family and ended up in the hands of Ivan's great great nephew Jeremy Gordon-Smith, whose book, 'Photographing the Fallen', published last September, chronicles his work.

Many of the graves displayed grave markers which disappeared both during and after the war, to be replaced by the familiar white gravestones of the War Graves Commission. Mr GordonSmith's presentation included 'blended' photographs showing cemeteries in their original state merged with those that can be seen today.

"I've asked myself how would it have felt to have wandered among the vast numbers of wooden crosses of recently dug graves of young men, captured through Ivan's lens," he said.

"The level of loss suffered by countless households across the nation, throughout Europe and beyond, is unfathomable."

The next meeting, at 2pm for 2.30pm on Saturday March 3 at Pimperne village hall, will feature a talk by Prof Garry Sheffield on 'Command, Morale and Discipline at Gallipoli'.

News from the surgeries The link between hearing loss and dementia The bad news: Hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia, recent medical research has shown (December 2017).

The good news: The research also shows that getting help with hearing loss, eg: hearing aids, can help to prevent or delay dementia.

What can you do to look after your Ear Health?

• Listen to music safely - If loud music has made your ears ring or feel a bit dull, eg: after listening on your smartphone, you could be at risk of noise-induced hearing loss or permanent tinnitus.

• Noise at work - If you have a noisy job your employer must take steps to protect your hearing, including ear protection.

• Protect children's hearing - Children's ears are more sensitive to high-pitched sounds than adults.

• Ear wax build up - Earwax protects ears from dirt and germs. In older people wax becomes drier. For advice, check out the NHS Choices website or speak to a pharmacist about self-management, such as ear drops that can dissolve wax. Never use cotton-wool buds, etc, as this pushes earwax deeper and can cause ear infection.

So, if you have difficulty hearing, eg: have to turn the TV volume up or have to ask people to repeat themselves, it makes sense to seek help, without delay. You can check your hearing with a simple test online at actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearing-health/check-your-hearing

Christine Smith, Blandford & District U3A chairman, presents a cheque to Mac McLaughlin, deputy chairman of the Friends of Blandford Hospital.

Funds for the Friends A YEAR of fundraising by members of Blandford & District U3A for the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital has resulted in a cheque for £402.64 being presented to Mac McLaughlin, deputy chairman of the Friends.

Mac had joined Blandford U3A members at their first open meeting of 2018 at Durweston Village Hall and told them about recent work at the hospital by the Friends, in particular their latest project for Tarrant Ward, the Tovertafel, a magic table providing a series of interactive light games through clever use of a projector/computer suspended over a table.

The U3A members were delighted to have been able to contribute towards this new project.

Fundraising by the U3A consists of proceeds from raffles, donations and profits from afternoon tea at open meetings. In 2018 it will be going towards the work of the Bryanston Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

22

The View from the Hill

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

Y

OU might think we have had an exceptionally wet and miserable January? Wet and miserable certainly, but exceptional? A loud NO! Average rainfall for January here is 113mm, (4.5 inches), and we only recorded 93mm this year. It all fell in small amounts, interspersed with unexciting dull periods, mostly cold, but very little frost, until this first week in February, when we have had several very useful proper cold days and nights.

As the grass has run out around the farm, the ewes have moved from field to field, eventually ending up on the hill eating forage rape and turnips.

The first calf of the season.

FARMING Last year's lambs have been stuffing themselves with turnips since before Christmas, and we have now taken two draws from them. They always fatten well on turnips, and we are already halfway through them. Will we have enough mouths to eat all the turnips before we want the field back to sow barley in next month?

Whilst writing this, Dougal has popped up on Whatsapp with a picture, the first calf of the season, born this evening, just three days earlier than the first one last year. The proud mum in the picture is one of our originals, who A particularly ugly fungus on a bed of moss. must be 11 years old by now, probably calf number nine. when the agency currently Gary and Brendan spent most of responsible for this (the RPA) Monday and Tuesday mucking consistently demonstrates mindout the cow shed in preparation boggling levels of incompetence. for calving, so just in time then.

We are currently knee-deep in a There must have been three feet re-mapping exercise, which the of muck throughout the shed, RPA has decided is necessary in comprising over 200 bales of order to fend off a ÂŁ75m fine straw, and the poo derived from from Europe, for alleged 'mapnearly 400 bales of silage fed ping irregularities' in 2015, the since housing in mid-November. year of the complete breakdown The muck was all hauled up to of the RPA's supposedly bombthe hill where it will rot down for proof computer system. a while before we spread it in the Every year we have to tell them autumn. what we are growing on every anuary is a time for meetings, parcel of land. What they are training and any other excuscreating now is a self-inflicted es you can think of to spend time extra workload for both them, indoors, when it is cold, dark and and farmers, of monstrous prowet outside. Recent NFU meetportions. The satellite imagery ings have been they use cannot detect all field interesting, as we boundaries or determine all necdissect and digest essary detail, and where they Mr Gove's sughave made very many mistakes, gestions as to we will have to fill in a form pointhow UK agriculing out each and every error. tural policy might

J

change as we move away from the EU. Much of it is sensible, and in places quite revolutionary, but one wonders how they are going to administer any new policies

M

uch more positive was a very useful meeting last week held in a freezing field near Dorchester, looking at cover crops. The trial is run by Wessex Water, who are working with farmers on a range of soil and water protection issues.

We were shown a wide selection of different plant mixtures sown into ground that would otherwise

March 2018

have been bare stubble over the winter. Modern thinking holds that the soil is healthier if there is a growing crop in it throughout the winter; the presence of live roots, preferably from more than one plant species, enourages the activity of the flora and fauna of the soil, bacteria and fungi, which contribute to the organic matter and general health of the soil. A healthier soil should grow better crops because the levels of organic matter determine the ability of the soil to hold nutrients and water available for plant growth.

The second most important purpose of cover crops is to act as a sponge. Many of the regular crops we grow, to which we apply artificial fertiliser, are quite inefficient at using up all the nitrogen we apply, so that at the end of the season there can be free nitrogen left in the soil.

Every year we sow turnips on some fields, which are good at using up this unused nitrogen, and turning it into something useful. Other cover crops, such as phacelia, buckwheat and linseed will also soak up unused nitrogen, and will hold it in the plant structure thus keeping it in the usable zone for future crops when the cover crop has died and decomposed in the soil.

March 2018

Ex-postman’s community role THE funeral was held on January 23 at Poole Crematorium for John Holley, who died on January 7 in Blandford Community Hospital after being diagnosed with lymphatic cancer late in 2017.

The congregation included many from a wide circle of friends from his working and social life, who afterwards attended the wake at

OBITUARIES the Kings Arms in Blandford.

Born in Tarrant Hinton and brought up in the Tarrant Valley, where he attended Tarrant Gunville Primary School and then Blandford Grammar School, he worked for many years for the

Businessman and proud Yorkshireman A SERVICE of thanksgiving was held at Blandford Parish Church on February 19 for the life of Keith Wainwright, the former managing director of a Maltby, Yorkshire, company. He died at Whitecliffe Nursing Home, Blandford, on January 14.

Mr Wainwright, who was born in 1925 at Kimberworth and attended the town's grammar school, became an apprentice at Firth Brown Tools and worked his way up to become managing director of Aven Tools in Maltby, and then managing director of Firth Brown Tools.

He was also a well-known member of the Rotherham Round Table and Continuity, the Junior and Senior Chamber of Commerce, the Cutlers Company in Sheffield, the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham and the Mary Bellamy Trust. He was a governor at Thomas Rotherham College and held the position of Grand Feoffee in 1977, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2001.

He and his wife, Wendy, who were married in 1951, moved to Dorset when his wife went into care.

Keith Wainwright The father of two daughters, Juliet and Caroline, and grandfather-of-three, he was a collector of antiques, particularly Rockingham China, and a member of Welbeck Sailing Club, as well as enjoying caravanning and gardening.

His daughter Juliet said: "He was a proud Yorkshireman and would have loved to have been able to remain in Yorkshire all his life."

Civil Service at Middle Wallop and then at Blandford Camp.

But in the late 1990s he became a postman and was fondly remembered in the eulogy given by his nephew for bringing residents of one street together by accidentally mis-delivering the post, with the result that neighbours were introduced to each other for the first time.

He was, however, a fierce opponent of postal voting, and was horrified in 2005 to receive two polling cards and invitations to vote after moving from the top to bottom floor flat of his address in Salisbury Street.

He was also eager to help local organisations, helping to maintain the garden at the Royal British Legion club and, when ill-health forced him to give up his work as a postman, becoming a volunteer at the Blandford Town Museum, which was well represented at the funeral.

In his 40s, he took up sky diving with the Eagle Scott club in North Devon, and in 2001 was offered his first tandem dive with Carl Williamson from Sky Dive Wales at the Imperial Brava club near

23

John Holley, pictured with the two polling cards that annoyed him in 2005.

Gerona, jumping from 13,000 feet and falling 12,500 feet in 50 seconds - and could not wait to go up again for another jump, which he described as "a real sensory overload".

It was to the strains of Frank Sinatra singing 'Come Fly with Me' that the congregation left the crematorium paying their last respects to a man who had been a good friend to many and loving brother to Alan, Carol, Pauline and Sue and their families.

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March 2018

Musical backing for a celebration of excellence

Durweston Primary Starfish reception class enjoy the sunshine in their new outdoor suits.

Pupils’ book outings BOOK Week at Durweston CE VA Primary School saw all the children catching the bus to either Blandford or Sturminster Newton to spend the morning listening to stories and looking at books in the town libraries.

Many of the children were already members of the library, but a few more were inspired by their visit to join. The hope was that the visit would not only help fuel a lifelong love of books and reading but also demonstrate to the children and their parents the invaluable service that the libraries provide. • After days of rain, the youngest children at Durweston School were keen to make the most of some sunshine. Warmly dressed in their new all-in-one suits, reception children from the Starfish class and pre-school children from Handy Paws enjoyed playing Forest School games in the fresh air.

New Year Honour for former TBS student A former student of The Blandford School has been congratulated by the school on the award of OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Alan Giles, a non-executive director of the Competition and Markets Authority for the past four years, has been recognised for his services to British business and the economy in that role and many other prominent roles within UK industry.

Alan was born and raised in Tarrant Hinton, moving to Blandford when he was 11. He attended Blandford Grammar School between 1965 and 1968, when it closed. He then transferred to Blandford Upper School (now TBS) until July 1972 when he went on to study physics at Merton College Oxford.

After graduating, Alan joined Boots as a graduate buyer and marketer, before moving on to a similar role at WH Smith. In 1998 he was appointed managing director of Waterstones before

Alan Giles OBE. being made chief executive of its parent HMV Group. He stepped down in 2006 and became chairman of clothing retailer Fat Face.

The Blandford School remains in very close contact with Alan, and in 2012 he was guest speaker at the school's annual presentation evening. He regularly offers guidance and support to the business students, and once a year delivers a talk to the A-level economics and business studies groups.

Alan said: "My years at TBS gave me the best possible start and have been the foundation of my career since. The school goes from strength to strength and has wonderful facilities, leadership, staff and above all students."

AN excellent start to the spring term at Okeford Fitzpaine Primary included lots of learning, a visit from Ella, a Pets-as-Therapy dog, new clubs beginning and themed learning days to look forward to, with a maths day, support for Safer Internet Day, and planning for World Book Day on March 1.

THE Blandford School hosted its annual presentation evening, a celebration of students' hard work and dedication throughout the 2016-2017 school year.

Awards given out to students celebrated their academic achievement, their dedication to the community and their accolades in sport, among many other achievements.

Almost 300 guests were greeted upon arrival by a buffet provided by the school's food technology teachers Kimberley Channon and Charlotte Pickett.

Students past and present were given the chance to catch up with their teachers, and guests were entertained by Year 13 pianists Joseph Empson, George Dutton and Charlotte Legg before the awards presentation.

This year the school was delighted to welcome Andrew Bowerman, chaplain of Southampton Football Club, to inspire and entertain the audience. His speech focused on being 'the best version of yourself', with some touching stories from his past as a social worker, specialising in helping young people affected by HIV/AIDS. Guests were also treated to some of the school's outstanding talented performers, including Year 11 student Emma Wright singing 'Another Suitcase from Another Hall' from the school's upcoming musical pro-

Guest speaker Andrew Bowerman, Chaplain of Southampton Football Club, with Year 13 leaver Flo Bailey.

Headteacher Sally Wilson with 2017 Year 13 leaver Faisal Giwa at the presentation evening. duction 'Evita'.

Year 10 student Sidney Jenkinson performed 'Hall of Fame' by The Script, accompanied by talented dance duo Jasmine Upward and Connie Wharton (Year 8). They were followed by pianist George Dutton, and by a preview of the school's 10th anniversary performance held at the Tivoli Theatre.

Charlotte Legg and fellow Year 13 student Frankie Yeatman performed 'It's Raining on Prom Night' from the musical 'Grease', accompanied by Joseph Empson on piano and dancers Grace Gardiner (Year 11), Sophie Rouillier (Year 11) and Jasmine Upward (Year 8).

Year 11 duo Megan Stevens and Freya Inglis sang 'Long Night' by 'With Confidence', and Joseph Empson performed an astounding 'Movie Medley' which he had composed himself on the piano.

The youngest performer of the evening was Year 7 student Tess Clark, who performed a beautiful piece of ballet, and finally guests were given another preview of 'Evita' by leading principal Frankie Yeatman in the title role singing 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina'.

25

March 2018

Golf club chips in with an £11,000 cheque A CHEQUE for over £11,000 was presented to Prostate Cancer UK

by Ashley Wood's 2017 Golf Club Captain Clive Jones.

The presentation was made after the New Year Texas Scramble to the charity's representative Allan Higgin, and represented the amount raised during the year for Mr Jones's chosen charity.

Special thanks were expressed to club member Richard Shepard, who raised £5,000 towards the overall total, and Mr Jones thanked all members and guests who had contributed.

The rearranged Texas Scramble, in which 120 members took part, went ahead despite inclement weather, and everyone appeared to enjoy the challenge, with the whole course open and all main greens in operation.

First place went to Gary Manson, Adie Royal, Jamie Murray and Trevor Hyde, with a net score of 58.5.

Best mixed team was Trevor Carter, Cheryl Winter, Tony Fox and Ron Mullis with a nett score of 59.8.

Dorset year book features tale of a bugle’s rescue from Normandy

Pictured at the cheque handover (from left): Club Captain 2017 Clive Jones, member Richard Shepard and Prostate Cancer UK representative Alan Higgin.

Winners of the Texas Scramble (from left): Jamie Murray, Trevor Hyde, Adie Royal and Gary Manson, pictured with Club Captain Steve Sanger, centre.

Best mixed team in the Texas Scramble, Trevor Carter, Cheryl Winter, Tony Fox and Ron Mullis, receive their prize from Club Captain Steve Sanger (left).

THE story of the rescue of the Dorset Volunteer Rifle Corps silver bugle by the late Sergeant Percy Matthews of Blandford is told by Brian Moore, of Hazelbury Bryan, in the 2018 Dorset Year Book, published by the Society of Dorset Men. The bugle, present to the Corps in 1861, was in 1944 rescued from the mud at Arromanches, Normandy, and carried by Sgt Matthews across France and Holland.

The Year Book chronicles the life and times of Dorset and Dorset people, and this year's, with a cover page picture of Milton Abbey, contains nearly 70 articles and features, including the story of the Wrackleford Secret Army, formed just north of Dorchester, Other topics are the course of the Dorset Stour through the Blackmore Vale, some previously unknown facts about the Monmouth Rebellion, the disastrous fire of 1613 in Dorchester, the Newfoundland migration, the story of the Frome Valley Morrismen, and the arrival of three Viking longships on Portland in 787AD. Editor Dr Selwyn Williams of Weymouth said: "This is the first year where we have had the opportunity of colour throughout the Dorset Year Book and this not only enhances the stories, poems and articles but also the adverts.

"Dorset has a rich history of explorers, pioneers, the armed forces, spies, pirates, privateers, ships, wrecks, castles, forts, as well as its geology, flora and fauna and archaeological monuments."

The Year Book, sent free to all Society members, is on sale at £8 from a number of bookshops and tourist information centres, including Shaftesbury, and can be ordered by post from Alderman Andy Hutchings at 23 Hereford Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0QB at a cost of £10 including UK postage, cheques payable to The Society of Dorset Men.

26

Primary school pupils let their talents shine through THE Blandford Schools' Network gathered to celebrate the immense talent from each of the eight primary schools at a show hosted by The Blandford School.

Teachers, students and parents filled the school hall to enjoy 15 acts from the eight schools and be treated to a vast variety ranging from gymnastic displays to an accordion player.

Judges Brian Winkle, Graham Haigh and headteacher of The Blandford School Sally Wilson had the difficult job of choosing their third, second and first place acts.

While they deliberated, the audience witnessed some of the exceptional talent within the lower years of The Blandford School.

Jasmine Upward (Year 8) entertained the crowd with a performance featuring a variety of different styles of dance and was followed by fellow Year 8 pupil Sasha Payne with a beautiful piano piece, and Robert Harding (Year 8) with a Harry Potter medley on the trumpet.

Mrs Wilson commended all the acts for their extraordinary talents.

Milldown Primary School pupil Poppy was given a special award for her exceptional ballet performance, and fellow Milldown pupil Jordan was given third place for his exceptionally well received song and dance to 'I Wanna Be Like You' from 'The Jungle Book'.

Second place was awarded to Rosa of Archbishop Wake Primary School, who had wowed the audience with her skills on the accordion which she has played for only two years.

Nine girls from Downlands Primary School were awarded victory after an excellent 'Song & Sign' performance of 'Sing' by Gary Barlow. The judges were incredibly impressed with the girls' ability to multi-task, both singing the song and signing it in perfect harmony.

Congratulations to Eachha, Alexis, Isla, Holly, Millie, Summer, Isabelle, Phoebe and Maia for an excellent performance.

A gymnastic display from the Blandford Schools' Network talent show.

March 2018

Looking on the dark side THE Cranborne Chase AONB is bidding for International Dark Sky Reserve status and has launched a special stargazing series of events at which astronomer and AONB Dark Skies advisor Bob Mizon presents stories of the astronomical wonders above their heads.

AONB director Linda Nunn details developments concerning the bid and afterwards there is a stargazing experience outside with Bob and members of the Wessex Astronomical Society.

The series started in January and the next is on Thursday March 15 at Sutton Veny village hall (BA12 7AP). The cost for adults is ÂŁ5, and admission for children is free.

There was a talk in February at Woodcutts Scout HQ, Sixpenny Handley, hosted by night sky photographer Nigel Ball on the techniques used to capture fantastic night images and star trails using a standard digital SLR. For more information on stargazing in the Cranborne Chase AONB, email info@cranbornechase.org.uk, call 01725 517417, or visit chasingstars.org.uk/getinvolved/events.

March 2018 MARCH Friday March 2: Women's World Day of Prayer. 'All God's Creation is Very Good!'. Praying for Suriname, Blandford Methodist Church, 2pm Saturday March 3: Pimperne Coffee Morning, 1011.30am, stalls and raffle, Pimperne village hall, supporting Cancer care nurses Western Front Association Wessex branch meet, Pimperne village hall, 2.30pm, Prof. Garry Sheffield: Command, Morale and Discipline at Gallipoli Mr Dickens is Coming, Corn Exchange 7.30pm, tickets Blandford Town Council Vamos Theatre present ‘A Brave Face’, highlighting PTSD problems, Layard Theatre, Canford School, BH21 3AD canford.com/Layard-Theatre.

Sunday March 4: The Art Room - Informal art for beginners, Pimperne village hall, 10am to 12.30pm, see blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Monday March 5: Blandford Floral Group meets, Blandford United Reformed Church Hall, 2pm. Carole Norman - Two of a Kind Tuesday March 6: 'Orkneys to Wight via Cape of Good Hope', Dilys Gartside's wild-camping 1000-mile cycle ride, Shillingstone WI, Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 7.30pm Wednesday March 7: 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 St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Blandford Film Society presents 'The Salesman', Oscar-winning foreign language thriller, at The Blandford School, 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 880334 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Friday March 9: Blandford Evening WI, Terry Payne on bees, Parish Centre, Blandford, 7pm Saturday March 10: Jumble sale, Child Okeford village hall, 12 noon, entry 30p, in aid of village hall, details 01258 861055.

Scalextric and Just Dance competitions for juniors and adults, Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, members free, non-members £3, details 01258 880230 Monday March 12: Raise the Flag for the Commonwealth, Market Place, 10am COCCL presentation, the Ark Room, St Nicholas' School, Child Okeford, 7.30pm, Roger Hull:

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.

Dorset touring arts promoters Artsreach continue their 28th annual spring programme in March with shows reflecting St David's Day. One is on Friday, March 2, at Winterborne Stickland village hall (contact 01258 880920), when Adverse Camber present Dreaming the Night Field, in which English and Welsh are artfully woven together to bring ancient voices and living landscapes to life, featuring one of Wales's most engaging storytellers with haunting live music.

'Islands of the Northern Hemisphere’, details, tickets 01258 860767 Wednesday March 14: Film Night Charlton Marshall village hall, 'KingsMan - The Golden Circle', details 01258 488431. Doors open 7.15 for 7.30pm start. Tickets £6 Dorset Moviola presents ‘Victoria & Abdul’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm Thursday March 15: Blandford Art Society, demonstration by Colin Brown - acrylics, Pimperne village hall, 2pm, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Blandford Archaeology Group, Edrys Barkham, ‘Bryanston Digs - past, present and future’, Blandford Museum, 7.30pm Friday March 16: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital Fashion Show, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm start Easter Bingo, Child Okeford village hall, doors open 6pm, eyes down 7pm, in aid of village hall, details 01258 861055 Saturday March 17: Friends of Blandford Community Hospital clothing sale, the Bow Room, The Exchange, Sturminster

Newton, 10am to 12 noon Cats Protection coffee morning & stall, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Craft Fair, Charlton Marshall village hall, 10am to 3pm, free entry, parking and refreshments Birds of Prey Experience, with Allan Gates of Mere Down Falconry, Child Okeford village hall, 2.30 pm, tickets from the Cross Stores, proceeds to Julia's House & Cross Millennium Garden Colour your Style - a fun fashion evening, 7pm, Okeford Fitzpaine School, refreshments, details 01258 860157 or cyclewisesouthampton@gmail.com Durweston Choral Society presents Benjamin Britten's Saint Nicolas Cantata, Durweston Parish Church, 7.30pm, tickets £15, details 01258 472253, email margaret.peers@uwclub.net Monday March 19: Strictly Come Tea Dancing with the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30 to 4.30pm, entrance £5 on the door (non-dancers £4) Panda Pre-school Easter Bingo at The Royal British Legion, Blandford, eyes down 7.30pm Tuesday March 20: Child

27 Okeford Flower Arranging Club 2.15pm, Child Okeford village hall, AGM and practical workshop 'Eggstravaganza', details 01258 863775 Wednesday March 21: Blandford Film Society, The Blandford School, 7.15pm AGM and film to be announced 7.45pm, details 01258 880334 or blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Dorset Wildlife Trust North Dorset branch, illustrated talk on Living Seas, by Emma Rance, DWT Marine Conservation Officer, Fontmell Magna village hall (SP7 0PF) at 7.30pm Thursday March 22: Blandford and District Horticultural Society Spring Show, United Reformed Church Hall, 7.30pm, speaker from Castle Gardens on Slightly Naughty Plants Friday March 23: Blandford U3A open meeting, The Rev K. S. Timbrell on ‘Wonders and Blunders’, Durweston village hall, 2pm, admission free, details 01258 455081 Brodie Lecture, 'The Ancient Human Occupation of Britain' by Prof Chris Stringer from The Natural History Museum, Blandford Parish Centre, 7pm, Blandford Museum members £3, visitors £5 Film Night, Child Okeford village hall, 7.30pm, 'Another Mother's Son' (12A), bookings 01258 860518 Friday March 23 and Saturday March 24: Forum Drama presents ‘The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew’, details from forumdrama.co.uk Saturday March 24: Bring and buy sale for 'Together for Short Lives', Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 11.30am to 2.30pm, tasty lunches and snacks 'Anthony Blunt and the Cambridge Spies', Mackrell Lecture by Paul Booy, The Old School Sturminster Marshall, 2.30pm Monday March 26: 'Thrive' : Resurgence Dorset presents documentary on global consolidation of power and offers real solutions. Blandford Museum 7.15pm, free entry, refreshments, details 01258 818223 or meetup.com/Resurgence-Dorset Thursday March 29: Finds Evaluation Day, Blandford Town Museum, hosted by Blandford Archaeology Group, 10.30am to 1pm Friday March 30: Good Friday Saturday March 31: Official opening for 2018 season by Dr John Murden, Director of the Dorset County Museum, Blandford Town Museum, 10.30am

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March 2018