May 2018 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No.74

Durweston children go daft for Dippy the dinosaur: Page 25

May 2018

More homes and shops in the pipeline TWO planning applications in the pipeline could bring further industrial, retail and housing development to the north of Blandford.

The first is a request for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening opinion submitted to North Dorset District Council for the land next to Lidl off Glendale Business Park.

Forum Commercial Estates, a company consisting of Alison, Michael and Stuart Davis, want to build two retail units and a builder's merchants there.

They say they intend to submit a full planning application for the proposal and have had expressions of interest from Travis Perkins for the builder's merchants, and from Home Bargains and Pets at Home for the two retail units.

Natural England have commented that, although the application site is within the Cranborne Chase Area of Natural Beauty and within 2km of the Bryanston Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is designated for its population of Greater Horseshoe Bats, they do not consider an EIA to be required in this case.

Emily Greaves, Sustainable Development Adviser, says: "Given the built-up surroundings of the site and the barriers to the wider countryside, we do not consider that the development will significantly impact the environment."

But they suggest the applicants should submit an ecological survey, and that the application should be accompanied by a biodiversity mitigation and enhancement plan approved by the Dorset County Council Natural Environment Team to safeguard commuting bats.

The second potential development is an outline application submitted by Ellbee Capital Services for 15 houses and two Class B1 commercial units off Tin Pot Lane, on the opposite side of Shaftesbury Lane but again on AONB land bordering Blandford bypass.

The scheme is accompanied by plans for significant works to the lane itself to increase the width of the carriageway to adopted standards and provide new pedestrian footways to improve pedestrian safety. • To Page 3

Civic tribute to a hero CIVIC, military and family representatives gathered with members of the public and children from Archbishop Wake Primary School in Blandford Market Place on Monday, April 16, to pay tribute to Blandford WWI hero, Jack Counter VC, exactly 100 years to the day since his actions in France earned him the country's highest award for courage.

Pictured, Jack’s great-niece, Jackie Counter, thanks Blandford for the tribute paid to her 'Uncle Jack', saying she was sure he would have felt the real heroes were the men who fought with him and died.

Full story: Page 2.

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May 2018

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

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

Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points below: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, Chaffers in Salisbury Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Co-op in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, 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, Enford Farm and village hall, Durweston, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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

DEADLINES Adverts: Thursday May 10 Editorial: Friday May 11 Deliveries from Friday May 25 View future deadlines on our website.

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Town honours its greatest true hero a century on A CEREMONY to mark the heroism of a Dorset soldier took place in Blandford Market Place on April 16, exactly 100 years after the action which earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

Blandford-born Private Jack Counter was serving in the King's Liverpool Regiment near Boisieux St. Marc in France when he volunteered to carry a vital message from the front line 'under terrific fire'. His actions came after five men had already been killed trying to complete the task.

He became the first Freeman of Blandford Forum on June 19, 1918, and was awarded the

Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace later that month.

A commemorative stone was unveiled in Blandford Market Place, next to the Town Pump, at the Town's Remembrance Sunday service in 2014 by his nephew, the late Herbert Counter, and greatniece, Jackie Counter.

She attended last month’s ceremony, along with representatives from the King's Liverpool Regiment.

Jackie Counter was accompanied by her third cousin Peter Smith, Crowds gather in the Market Place for the cerewhose grandmother mony to honour Jack Counter VC. Elsie Counter of Kidderminster was nary 'Thank You' logo.

Jack's first cousin.

Ross McNabb, a King's Liverpool Mayor of Blandford, Councillor Regiment veteran, then laid a Peter Clark, said: "We honour wreath with regimental colours Jack, born in Blandford Forum, and the cap badge in the centre. whose bravery in the face of the enemy was recognised by this After the Last Post, played by nation's highest military award, Geordie Thomson, during which that of the Victoria Cross. The the gathering were invited to Victoria Cross says on it 'For remember Jack's comrades and Valour'. Even these evocative all those who died in service and words do not do justice to Jack's afterwards, Rector of Blandford, bravery that saved his battalion." the Rev Jonathan Triffitt introduced The Collect of The King's The Mayor invited Deputy Mayor Liverpool Regiment, read by Councillor Roger Carter to read Ross McNabb and prayers, and the citation from the London Poacher's Moon sang their tribGazette, detailing Jack's heroism, ute to Jack from their WWI comand Jack's great niece Jackie memoration Poppies Red, Counter to lay a floral wreath with Cornflowers Blue. the Royal British Legion cente-

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May 2018

Clamour as new estate homes go up for sale ESTATE developers Persimmon have revealed an astonishingly high level of interest in the 61 houses currently being built on the site next to Dorchester Hill in Blandford St Mary, which was launched on the market in April.

Thousands of people have registered their interest in the homes in what will be called Fair Mile Rise - located between Fair Mile and Dorchester Hill - through the developers' website.

Graeme Cole, head of sales at Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: "This development is proving very popular, even before we launched it.

"There is a real need for new homes in this area and we are appealing to a wide cross-section of buyers, with nine house styles being built at the development.

"We believe its location adds to the popularity, being less than half an hour's drive away from Poole, Bournemouth, Salisbury and Dorchester, as well as bringing together the village way of life and good local amenities."

Persimmon Homes is also contributing towards improvements in the local area, including fund-

ing towards a community hall planned elsewhere in the parish, education facilities and open spaces, as well as providing 18 affordable housing units.

The development includes two-, three- and four-bedroom homes which people will be able to buy off the plan, allowing them to personalise their home and choose fixtures and fittings.

A three-bedroom Hatfield show home is due to open in July when it is expected the first home buyers will complete.

On the other side of Blandford, years of negotiation over the transfer to the Town Council of amenity land on another Persimmon development have finally concluded, allowing the council to progress the creation of facilities on phases one and two of Badbury Heights, for which funds were provided through a S106 agreement.

Nearly 250 people completed a survey indicating their preference for the Balmer Road play area design for which an order has now been placed for installation in June, ready for the summer holidays. The final phase three still awaits legal transfer.

Plans in the pipeline • From Page 1 Adam Bennett, of Ken Parke Planning Consultants, in the design and access statement prepared for the applicant, says: "Tin Pot Lane is an access-only adopted public highway which runs from Shaftesbury Lane to a severed part of the Blandford Heights Industrial Estate which can only be accessed from this highway. The lane also serves a group of six residential dwellings.

"It is uncharacteristically narrow, given its location within a primary settlement and being used in part by HGV traffic, and supports only traffic in one direction at a time but has a number of passing places. There is scope to improve the road with verges present on both sides of the highway.

"The applicant has engaged in brief pre-application discussions with Dorset County Council which has confirmed that the delivery of improvements to Tin Pot Lane would help to facilitate any proposed development and would be a substantial enhancement in the public interest."

THE poor usage of the bus service provided with some of the £250,000 contribution from Lidl to enhance the town centre has been under investigation. County councillor Byron Quayle told town councillors that the half-hourly circular service was averaging only 30 passengers a day. He said DCC officers had carried out an inspection of the service, and although a formal report had not yet been published, there appeared to be some concerns.

Don’t cry for me, we just can’t tell you . .

DUE to licensing restrictions, The Blandford School is unable to announce, outside the school premises, the name of the forthcoming production at the Tivoli in Wimborne, for which tickets have now gone on sale through the theatre box office.

Consequently neither can Forum Focus - and we can't tell you what Frankie Yeatman is singing (left) at the school's presentation evening earlier this year.

But we CAN tell you that, following TBS Productions' hugely successful shows, including Les Miserables, Fame, Phantom of the Opera and Into the Woods, this year's - to be performed from July 17 to 19 features music and lyrics by a very successful and well-known musical theatre duo.

The plot is based on the true story of an Argentine heroine and follows her early life, rise to power, charity work and eventual death.

You must draw your own conclusions . . .

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Three of the four members of the Prodigy team who will be skydiving (from left): Chris Purches, Aden Ottewill and Zoe Lillington.

Lee’s marathon cause LOCAL photographer Lee Collier, 42, was bidding for the title of fastest London Marathon run by a mascot when he donned the costume of family favourite Paddington on April 22.

He and his ex-wife lost their daughter, Phoebe, who was stillborn prematurely in 2005. Since then he has supported Action Medical Research, which researches the causes of premature birth and other serious childhood conditions.

Its mascot is the marmalade-loving bear, and he was joined by his girlfriend Alie Madders, who has an autistic son.

Lee needed to get round the course in a time less than 3hrs 17 mins and 57 seconds to take the title. You can still sponsor him at action.org.uk/sponsor/leecollierVLM2018

May 2018

Prodigy team to skydive for charity FOUR members of a local company will be taking a dive on Saturday, May 5, in memory of one of the best friends of its managing director.

The Skydive from 15,000 feet will take place in Netheravon on Salisbury Plain with the Army Parachute Association, and the team is raising sponsorship for the Dermatology Resource Fund through the Southampton Hospital Charity.

Sam Hughes, who was diagnosed with skin cancer and died on May 4 last year, was a best friend of Aden Ottewill of Prodigy IT Solutions, based in Iwerne Stepleton.

Aden said: "He passed away three days before his 34th birthday, and was looking forward to building a family, having only been married for ten months.

"Sam and I went to secondary

school together, but it was our interest in IT that brought about our friendship as we progressed through GCSEs and A-levels. He played a big part when I started the company as he actually suggested the name 'Prodigy'.

"Sam was scared of heights and he also loved taking the mickey more than anyone I have ever known. So, with this in mind, I and a few members of Prodigy IT are going to be jumping out of a plane for the first time, in order to raise some badly needed funds to go towards pioneering treatments and research into an eventual cure."

Aden will be joined by his father Richard and staff members Chris Purches and Zoe Lillington in taking to the skies.

They can be sponsored at justgiving.com/companyteams/skydive-prodigy

New service offers help for bereaved FAMILIES in Blandford, Sturminster Newton and the surrounding areas who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one are being offered free bereavement support.

The service is being made available to adult clients of Colin J Close Funeral Service in Blandford and Grassby & Close Funeral Service in Sturminster Newton as part of a partnership between trade association, the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and bereavement support specialist Professional Help Ltd. The scheme, SAIFCare, is in response to the growing awareness of the need following a number of recent high-profile cases.

Prince Harry has spoken publicly about the pain of losing his moth-

er, and footballer Rio Ferdinand revealed in a moving television documentary how the death of his wife had affected him and their three children.

Under SAIFCare, families will be offered free counselling sessions, delivered at a location of their choosing, by phone or even an online chat and email by a qualified bereavement counsellor.

Kaye Clemens, of Colin J Close, a member of SAIF, said: "As funeral directors, we often see people at the start of their journey of grief and feel we would like to do more to assist, as we know that feelings of sadness and loss don't end with the funeral.”

For more information contact Colin J Close on 01258 453133 or Grassby & Close on 01258 471024.

Lanterns come to light THREE lanterns which used to hang from the façade of Blandford Town Hall have now been reinstated.

The right- and left-hand lanterns were removed last year as part of the façade refurbishment works, but the central lantern has not been in place for many years. The Town Council resolved to reinstate it, and replicas were made of all three.

The war memorial at the cemetery in Salisbury Road will also be professionally cleaned this year in time for Remembrance events in November. The order will be placed once the outcome is known of a grant application for match funding.

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May 2018

The Keysworth String Quartet.

Music at the Abbey A PASTORAL Potpourri with the Keysworth String Quartet is next in the programme of music at Milton Abbey, on Saturday, May 26, at 7.30pm.

Violinists Rosemary Fraser and Elizabeth Sheppard, Aidan Fisher (viola) and Michael Moorsom (cello) formed the quartet after completing their studies at Trinity College and the Royal College of Music and quickly earned an enviable reputation for their large and varied repertoire.

They have performed at many fine venues across the south of England, including Salisbury Cathedral, Wimborne Minster and

stately homes such as Montacute, Trafalgar House and St Giles House.

The programme has been chosen as a celebration of the rural idyll in which Milton Abbey is set, and includes 'Spring' by Vivaldi, Haydn's 'Lark' quartet, Mozart's 'Bird-catcher's Song', the 'Flower Duet' by Delibes, and Puccini's 'Crisantemi'. It will include the music of Debussy and Parry, who died in 1918, and Bernstein, born in the same year, to mark their 100th anniversaries.

Tickets are available on line at miltonabbey.org.

Festival line-up coup ORGANISERS of the Cursus Music and Cider Festival taking place over the late May bank holiday weekend at Canada Farm, near Sixpenny Handley, have announced this year’s line-up.

Festival favourites Skinny Lister, who have sold out major venues and festivals across the UK, Europe and the USA, will be headlining the festival on the Saturday and are a real coup for the Cursus organisers.

Other highlights include singer Gaz Brookfield with his band The Company of Thieves, along with Australian folk punk sensations the Rumjacks, Dublin festival favourites the Eskies and skareggae outfit New Town Kings.

Organisers have also drawn on

the cream of the local music scene, including Skimmity Hitchers, Black Water County, the Surfin' Birds, Sinful Maggie and the Intercepteurs, plus Wimborne DJ Dapper Dan. Festival organiser Kevin Davis said: "The Cursus Music and Cider Festival is now in its fourth year and has built up an enviable reputation. Spacious camping, a communal camp fire, local food, ciders and ales all complement the first-class music line-up in the beautiful surroundings of the Cranborne Chase."

Town crier and Cursus Festival DJ Chris Brown said: "We are anticipating an early sell-out."

Full information can be found at cursusfestival.com

A SUGGESTION that Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) be installed on some Blandford roads to reduce traffic speeds is to be considered by the next meeting of the Town Council's town and general purposes committee in July.

A number of residents have expressed concern about the excessive speeds of vehicles in Salisbury Road and St Leonard's Avenue, and have enquired about a possible SID installation. Dorset Highways have indicated support but any request has to come from the town council.

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Shillingstone's new Co-op store.

Co-op convenience comes to village SHILLINGSTONE's new Co-op convenience store opened on March 15 in the former motor dealership at Cookswell, for which change of use permission was granted in September 2016.

The Co-op has invested £590,000 in the property in Blandford Road, which provides 15 full- and part-time jobs, and brings a funding boost for local good causes through its membership scheme.

The 2,500 square foot site also houses four flats built above the store.

The shop has an in-store bakery, self- service tills and Paypoint and a focus on fresh, healthy foods and meal ideas, along with award-winning wines and essentials.

The team of staff is led by Laura Fookes, originally from Durweston, who said: "We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Shillingstone and are very proud to be part of this community."

Co-op area manager David Neil said: "Our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub for people living in the area. We also want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op, who can make a difference locally and simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us to raise much-needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life."

Students in the area holding an NUS card can also receive a 10 per cent discount at the Co-op to support them during their studies.

Offers and promotions marked its launch, which was attended by pupils from Shillingstone Primary School, who were presented with a cheque for £500 raised through the Co-op membership card scheme.

May 2018

Councils’ merger could result in a rise in tax bills THE forthcoming merger of district and county councils to form a new unitary authority for Dorset brings with it a number of possible impacts for both residents and town and parish councils in Blandford.

Harmonisation of council tax rates to make them equal for all the different authorities could mean an increase of 2.6 per cent in North Dorset, where the council tax demand has been historically low.

A joint council committee meeting in Dorchester was told that unless tax rates were harmonised at the start it could lead to the new authority facing a £6 million debt and having to cut services.

Some town and parish councils are looking at the delivery, management and funding of discretionary services, currently provided by the district or county councils, which could be better delivered locally, including tourism, public toilets, open space management, community facilities and minor highway maintenance, and are looking forward to working with the other authorities on future service devolution.

Blandford Town Council, when setting its budget for this financial

year which resulted in a tax increase by 6.8 per cent, agreed not to increase balances by £25,000 in case the opportunity arose to take on new services.

But at the full council meeting at the end of March they agreed to transfer £20,000 which remained unspent in the payroll budget, and any further underspend by the end of the year, to support essential services.

Support for extra services or responsibilities could see the town precept - already higher than the district's - continue to rise.

Purbeck District Council's policy committee met on April 18 to consider whether amenity land such as free car parks and public toilets and parcels of land on housing estates retained as open space should be offered up to parish and town councils, while property and land assets required for delivering statutory services and those capable of generating income will be transferred to the new unitary Dorset Council.

North Dorset has yet to publicise details of how it will deal with land and service transfers, but the town council met in confidential session earlier this year to consider a joint approach to the district and county councils regarding the reorganisation.

They agreed to await an update from a meeting scheduled between the North Dorset clerks and North Dorset District Council to discuss services being handed down.

THE popularity of weekend daytime guided heritage walks of Blandford led by Town Guides from Blandford and District Civic Society has prompted a change in the regular programme of walks during 2018.

This year they are offering a mixture of daytime and evening walks, starting on May 13 with a Sunday morning Heritage Walk in the town centre.

They will be followed on June 13 by a Wednesday evening Perimeter Walk of the more recent development in the town, starting from the Eagle House Gardens car park at 7pm. For more details call 01258 459346.

May 2018

Artsreach events may be coming into town at last ARTSREACH could soon be bringing performances to Blandford Corn Exchange.

The Dorset arts promoters, who organise a programme of music, drama and other touring productions in village halls throughout the county, have until now not used anywhere in Blandford as a venue.

But they are now considering bringing some dance performances to the town and have been

allowed a grant by Blandford Town Council to cover the cost of hiring the premises.

In their application they stated: "We know that Blandford residents currently travel to nearby villages to see Artsreach events.

Our aim now is to offer access to professional live arts performances in Blandford to increase access for all Blandford residents without the need for a car.

"Artsreach in Blandford will

LOCAL author Brent Shore's latest novel is set largely in the Dordogne region of south-western France instead of having the Dorset backdrop of his first two novels, 'Shillingstone Station' and 'Bailing Out’.

He said: "I felt I needed to place my third in a different setting and chose to recreate two places I know almost as well, Manchester and the Dordogne. Ever since I took part in a town-twinning holiday as a teenager, France has spoken to me."

'An English Impressionist' involves both modern-day mimicry and a 19th-century painter, with the principal character an academic who has turned his back on his family and his working class roots.

It is in stock at The Dorset Bookshop in East Street, Blandford.

More details can be found at brentshore.co.uk where it is available to order in paperback.

John’s running battle A YOUNG Blandford man, who is currently studying medicine at the University of Southampton, was taking part in the Virgin London Marathon in support of the Brain Research Trust in memory of his father and grandfather.

John McGuinness, 24, and his sisters Katie and Rosie lost their father in February 2013 after a long battle with a rare degenerative brain disease, and last September lost their grandfather to cancer.

"The last few years have been extremely traumatic for our family," said John. "I decided to run

the London Marathon not only as a tribute and celebration of their lives, but also to fundraise for a charity naturally close to my heart.

"I had never run a marathon before and it was a massive challenge both physically and mentally. But I was incredibly excited to take on the challenge in the knowledge that every penny raised would be going to such a worthy cause."

His fundraising page 'Remembering Anthony McGuiness' is still open for donations at justgiving.com/fundraising/john-mcguinness4

increase the profile of the town as a place to visit, and of the Corn Exchange as a venue.

There will be additional economic impact as evidence shows that audiences will also use the town's pubs and restaurants as part of their evening out.

"Dance shows often include opportunities for workshops for local schools, and programming dance in the Corn Exchange will be the foundation for a wider programme of Artsreach activity in Blandford.

"Artsreach's summer activities for children can take place in local schools, and there is potential to use other venues such as the church for appropriate events."

Artsreach executive co-director Kerry Bartlett said: "We hope to work with a small group of keen volunteers to be able to bring an event or two to Blandford. We are just about to go through our menu cycle and so this will be likely to begin autumn 2018/spring 2019."

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The late Esme Butler, who will this month be awarded posthumous Freedom of the Town in recognition of her work for Blandford, is pictured as one of the first customers of the Friends art exhibition in 2016 buying a picture from Joan Capron. Below & right: Some of Joan's pictures which will be available this year.

May 2018

Affordable art on sale in aid of the hospital THE Friends of Blandford Hospital will again host an 'affordable art' exhibition from Friday May 18 to Saturday May 26 in their charity shop in Barnack Walk, Blandford.

Prices will range from 30p to ÂŁ30 on a wide selection of locally painted pictures and cards.

Joan Capron, the organiser and main contributor, has produced a large body of work in many different styles and mediums and hopes there is something to appeal to everyone.

She has worked throughout the two years since the last exhibition to include several pieces featuring scenes around Blandford. To add to the variety on sale, sever-

al of her friends and fellow shop volunteers have also donated paintings and sketches.

All funds raised will go to help the valuable work done by the charity to support Blandford Hospital and other projects throughout the local community.

Joan enjoys spending time in the Charity Shop during the exhibition and can talk to visitors about each of the pieces, the story behind them and the style she has used.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Further information about the exhibition or any of the charity's events and fundraising activities is available by calling 01258 451456.

Wheelchair team in rugby match record THE Dorset Destroyers wheelchair rugby team succeeded in setting an unofficial world record for the longest continuous game of wheelchair rugby.

They completed 26 hours of non-stop play with teams consisting of the Dorset Destroyers themselves and members of the Royal Signals, based at Blandford Camp, and event sponsors 4Com. The record remains unofficial due to a stipulation that everyone must finish the game. One of the organisers, Sue Coombs, said: "With the best will in the world some of our players have got quite complex disabilities that would preclude that."

In the course of the event 113 inner tubes exploded, 15 tyres were ripped, nine wheelchairs were knocked out, 1,684 tries were scored, three players were injured and 40 men and women were left shattered and exhausted.

In the last 30 seconds, the theme tune to Countdown came on and everyone being so competitive went all out to score that final try. The score at the end of the marathon was Reds 853 Yellows 831. The match took place at Rossmore Leisure Centre in Poole.

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May 2018

Old curtains perfect for monkey business OLD and damaged curtains from four of Dorset HealthCare Trust's community hospitals, including Blandford, have been given a new lease of life by being donated to Monkey World at Wool, where they have been welcomed by primates large and small.

The Trust contacted the worldfamous rescue centre in response to an appeal for disused blankets, pillow cases, towels and sheets, which are hung in the enclosures and used by the chimpanzees to build nests.

Monkey World staff gratefully accepted the offer of more than 400 curtains, which were delivered to the sanctuary by Trust waste manager Tim Pike and his team.

Tim said: "We are constantly striving towards a more costeffective recycling and waste management service and looking at innovative ways to dispose of items we can no longer use. This is a shining example.

"By making these donations, we are not only reducing waste

going to landfill or incineration and the associated costs, but also helping support a local wildlife charity which is world renowned for the work it does."

The special delivery included outof-date disposable medical supplies, which can still be used for primates, which were also donated and used to stock the centre's purpose-built on-site hospital, which houses an operating theatre, prep area and small lab facility.

Set up in August 1987 by the late Jim Cronin, Monkey World works with foreign governments to stop the illegal smuggling of wild primates, and is home to more than 250 rescued monkeys and 21 different species of ape.

Charlie Crowther, who works at the centre, said: "We are really grateful to Dorset HealthCare for recycling their curtains and giving them to us. They are the ideal size for our larger primates to wrap around themselves and keep extra cosy. They came in very handy during the recent cold

Primates begin bedding down using the old curtains provided by Dorset HealthCare. snap.

"Our staff also make them into hammocks for the primates to hide food in and play with - perfect entertainment for those days when they don't want to venture

out of their heated playrooms."

To help Monkey World by donating towels, sheets or blankets, or visit the centre to see them being put to good use, see monkeyworld.org

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May 2018

Specsavers see fit to help rock festival THE team at Specsavers in Blandford have donated £1,000 in support of the Teddy Rocks Festival, taking place at Charisworth Farm from May 4-6 in aid of the charity Teddy 20 Supporting Children with Cancer.

Teddy Rocks has, since its launch in 2011, raised over £167,000 to help the families of those affected by cancer, and the 2018 event looks set to be their best yet, having secured top bands, Ash and Feeder as headline acts.

Founders, Kim and Owen Newton, with son Tom, who founded Teddy Rocks, and daughter Phoebe, set up Teddy20 in loving memory of their son and Tom's brother, Ted,

who died aged 10 in June 2010 after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, Ewings Sarcoma, two year earlier.

Specsavers store director Tim Bennett said: "The Newton family are a real inspiration. Their commitment to help support children and young people suffering from this dreadful disease is very humbling and we as a store are in awe of their achievements to date.

"We are honoured to make a financial contribution to help with the Teddy Rocks Festival and hope it exceeds their expectations with monies raised."

For more information, visit https://teddyrocks.co.uk/tickets/

A GRANT of £245 has been awarded to the Blandford Environmental Trust by Blandford Town Council to help with the purchase of trees, planting, labels and equipment for the management of Angus Wood in St Leonards Avenue.

A further grant of £200 has been awarded to the Blandford Forum Railway Club to help with the cost of re-roofing two large outside sheds at the premises in which the club is based at Blandford Scout Headquarters in Eagle House Gardens.

Kim and Owen Newton with the Specsavers team when they popped in to get their cheque.

Town’s new youth centre up and running TOWN councillors were last month given a tour of the new Blandford Youth and Community Centre next to Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road by the manager, Jo Clarke, in advance of its opening for school years 10 to 12 between 6.45pm and 9.30pm.

Following the closure of Blandford Youth Centre by Dorset County Council, the Town Council has agreed to fund the now largely volunteer-run centre with a grant of £15,000 a year,

as it is seen as an essential service in the Blandford community.

Sessions for school years 8 and 9 between 6.45pm and 9.15pm are due to start on Thursday May 10, and for school years 6 and 7 between 6.30pm and 9pm on Monday June 4.

Dates for the additional needs clubs will be announced soon, and the centre will be creating a Facebook page where information can be found about the services it provides.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

11

May 2018

George and Tom Lipop.

Bronwen Thompson and Sally-Ann Lipop.

Hilary Lawson and Denise Stenner

Friends’ fashionable way to raise funds for charity A 'NEW to You' fashion show staged by the Friends of Blandford Hospital in The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, raised about £1,750 for the charity.

The event, organised by a team of volunteers led by Linda Prior, was very well supported and proved a most entertaining evening.

Previous volunteer models were joined by some very entertaining debutants on the catwalk to show a wide selection of clothing.

Everything on display had been donated to the charity's very successful shops in Barnack Walk, Blandford, and Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, and the clothing, accessories and

THE Well & Connected Expo, which has been organised by Blandford Town Council on an annual basis to allow people to showcase health services available in the town, will this year be combined with the Community Expo in September. A survey of past exhibitors carried out by the town council revealed only a few wanting to continue with the event, and it was agreed that it had run its course, and that those wanting to exhibit could do so at the Community Expo.

much more were on sale after the show and in the Exchange on the Saturday morning.

The Friends have thanked the great number of volunteers working as a team who helped in so many ways. For more information contact them on 01258 450095/451456 or see the website friendsblandford.org.

HAYDN White, who represents Blandford Town Council on the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils, was presented with a Star Award certificate for Councillor Development at its annual conference on behalf of the town council. The DAPTC offers a wide variety of training for town/parish councillors and their staff and recognises councils with good attendance. It was presented by Dr Jonathan Owen, chief executive of the National Association of Local Councils.

12

May 2018

Jane’s special reason to play LOCAL musician Jane Stokes has achieved a longheld ambition of recording her first album of harp music, and proceeds will go to a charity very dear to her.

On 'Mere Mortal', Jane, who lives in Child Okeford, plays 14 tracks of varied music from the repertoire for Celtic harp. Much of what she plays is from the folk tradition, though some of the recordings are classical and a couple are written by Jane, who has progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

She said: "As a child I always wanted to play the harp and as an adult I have realised that ambition. With its unique sound and beautiful music, here are some of

my favourite pieces. I have been spurred on to record before the MS makes it impossible to play. This collection of pieces not only raises funds for the MS Society but makes memories for me and my family."

All profits from the sale of the recordings will go to the MS Society to help further research into the debilitating and incurable condition.

The CD can be heard on janestokes.bandcamp.com/ It costs ÂŁ10, or more if you wish to donate, can be ordered from the website, or digitally downloaded.

Local delivery may be possible and further information is available by email to janestokesuk2@live.co.uk, or phone 01258 861763.

Secret services of Tabernacle Walk Traders to hold an open day to showcase their work and a grand charity raffle

L

ARGELY hidden behind the main road and tucked between East Street and The Close is one of Blandford's delightful little alleyways housing a varied range of small retail and service businesses.

On Saturday June 2, the businesses in Tabernacle Walk will be holding an open day, showcasing their work and services, with a grand charity raffle raising funds for the Friends of Blandford Hospital and a local animal charity.

Some have been located in Tabernacle Walk for many years - the Bee Beautiful salon of Jane Kisbee (ITEC) at number 6 will celebrate its 30th in two years' time, offering a full range of beauty treatments including facials, full body, manicure, pedicure and waxing - but others are more recent enterprises.

One of the latest additions is the No 8 CafĂŠ of Lucy Galpin, offering snacks to eat in or take away, including all-day bacon rolls, sourdough toasties, jacket potatoes, soup of the day, home-made cakes, drinks and milkshakes.

Another newcomer is the intriguingly named Dandelion Clouds in the tiny corner unit at number 3, opening only two days a week, where Jackie Robinson offers a wide range of goods in shop and online, specialising in bespoke waistcoats and accessories, perfect for weddings and special occasions.

Blandford Chiropody at number 5 is where Dr Michelle Spruce and her highly qualified team of podiatrists welcome new and existing patients and offer a full range of services, from initial assessment for treatment and routine chiropody to onward referral for more specialist advice.

Alchemy Financial at number 4, established in 2003, are independent financial advisers providing advice on pensions, retirement options, investments, inheritance tax mitigation and funding longterm care. "Our clients are individuals and we seek to put them at the heart of what we do," said proprietor James Little.

Cheap Printing Dorset at number 7 offers a friendly and professional service for all your printing needs. Products and services available range from graphic design, business stationary, posters, flyers to outdoor banners, booklets and large format prints. The list is endless!

Lilly's Hair Salon at number 9 has also been established for 30 years, offering a spacious and relaxing atmosphere for all ages and priding itself on its fully qualified staff, and the use of as much organic and vegan product as possible.

Independent Cambridge Consultant Celia Manville at the Cambridge Weight Loss Centre at number 1, recently recognised at a National Convention for her outstanding work with local slimmers, and her new team member Sue Peniston, offer individual appointments seven days a week with individual, discreet and friendly support at centres in Blandford and Shaftesbury, together with home and workplace deliveries.

Make a date: Saturday June 2

13

May 2018

Museum set for a bright future BLANDFORD Town Museum was reopened for the season on Easter Saturday by Dorset County Museum director Dr Jon Murden, who congratulated the volunteer staff on how fine it looked and the wonderful collection it contained.

He said: "I know how much work takes place over the winter and hope you have a fantastic season. I am a passionate believer in museums and what they can do for their local community and the wider audience."

He was introduced by Museum chairman Nessa Hickish, who thanked everyone for their hard work over the winter, particularly two students from The Blandford School, Ben Smurthwaite and Izzy Ellis, who during a week of work experience had sorted out and thoroughly cleaned the shop area.

"I hope they will come back to see us when they have a free moment," she said. "It's the next generation that we need to encourage to come in."

Dr Murden described the ambitious plans to redevelop the county museum in Dorchester, on

which work is hoped to start in the summer. He said there was a possibility that artefacts held by the county museum which would have to go into storage while the work was carried out might instead be offered for display in Blandford.

Blandford's Emeritus Curator Professor Peter Andrews, who deputised for his wife, museum director Dr Sylvia Hixson Andrews in her absence due to ill health, said Dr Murden was just the person to show what could be done in a museum with ideas and financial help.

Blandford Museum has been successful in a grant application towards a ÂŁ25,000 project to remodel the entrance, kitchen and toilets, together with rewiring, roof insulation, heaters and dehumidifiers.

Planning permission was granted last month by North Dorset District Council, and ÂŁ5,000 has already been sourced from the S106 town centre enhancement fund contributed by Lidl.

The work will be undertaken between November this year and April 2019 and in subsequent

Blandford Museum reopening ceremony (from left): president Tony Owen, chairman Nessa Hickish, emeritus curator Peter Andrews, Dorset County Museum director Joh Murden, work experience students Ben Smurthwaite and Izzy Ellis, and Michael Le Bas. years the museum will remain open during the winter months albeit with reduced hours.

The refurbished building will be more comfortable for visitors and volunteers, and heating bills

should reduce too.

Trustees thanked museum director Dr Hixson Andrews for her hard work in obtaining the grant and associated planning applications.

New exhibits go on show AMONG the new exhibits at Blandford Museum is a longcase clock movement and dial made by R Williams, Blandford, circa 1720, which has now been displayed in a modern case as part of a display on Blandford clock-makers.

There is also a collection of finds donated to the museum following their identification and cataloguing as part of the Portable Antiquities scheme.

They include an early Bronze Age axe head, Roman bow brooch found at Ash Oaks Farm on the Higher Shaftesbury Road by Philip Lishman, and part of a larger hoard of Roman nummus coins minted in Gaul and found by a metal detector at Blandford St Mary. The coins bear images of Magnentius who usurped the Western Roman Empire from Constantine II in 350-353 AD and his brother Decentius who was appointed to oversee the defence of Gaul and the Rhine frontier.

A Finds Day on March 29 was well attended and successful, leading to the recognition by the Finds Liaison Officer of

Dorset County Council of 18th and 19th century Verwood Pottery, clay pipes, Victorian shove-halfpennies, a large very old pot lid, Roman pot lead, a Richard II half-penny, a Trajan coin and items including worked and burnt flint, beautiful Edwardian bags and hair combs, bits of a metal Roman bracelet and Roman glass. The next Finds Day is scheduled for Thursday, July 26.

Paintings by April artist of the month Ross Joyce, from landscape and flowers to portraits and still life, were offered for sale in support of the Brain Injury Research Unit at Cambridge.

Attendance of nearly 100 was a record for a museum lecture when Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum delivered the Brodie Lecture in the Parish Centre.

It was a wonderful talk covering all of human evolution in 60 minutes, in which each stage was covered with slides of the important fossils and artefacts from various sites around the world.

The museum is now open, with

free admission, on Sundays from 11am to 3pm as well as Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The extended opening means they are looking for more stewards to work halfday shifts on any day of the week, and they have appealed to people to consider volunteering, or recommending a friend, for an interesting job which shows their support for the museum.

Found artefacts which have been described and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme and donated to the museum.

14

Readers’ letters

Response to tool plea IN the April issue of Forum Focus, you were kind enough to mention Tools with a Mission (TWAM), a charity which collects unwanted tools, and other items, to send to people in the developing world, with the intention that people will use the tools to start a small business and provide a living for themselves.

Following the item, I've had a number of people come forward with gardening equipment, workshop tools and sewing miscellany.

I'd like to say thank you to all those people for their kindness and remind anyone else who has

May 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

unwanted tools that they can contact me on 01258 881676.

The TWAM website can tell you which tools are most wanted.

Nick Allen Winterborne Whitechurch

Women’s key role

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.

The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) was formed in 1939 and continued under that name until 1949 when it became the WRAF again.

All the members of the 14/18 Group strive to be as accurate and comprehensive as possible, and inaccuracies such as this, which could be attributed to them, do them a great disservice.

Sheila Chapman Blandford 14/18 Group

Lazy litterbugs WE are fed up with clearing poo bags and litter thrown in to our garden by lazy people. Would you please take your rubbish home with you.

Name & address supplied

TO describe the Women's Royal Air Force as 'initially WAAF' in paragraph one of the article on page 21 of the April Forum Focus is completely inaccurate.

The Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) was formed alongside the RAF on April 1, 1918, and was disbanded at the end of 1920.

Cricketers from 1934 BLANDFORD Snooker Club, based at the United Reformed Church in Whitecliff Mill Street and originally founded as the Blandford Institute in 1918, is holding an open day on Saturday May 12 as part of its centenary year celebrations.

People are invited to try a game of snooker or pool free of charge and enter a competition to win a snooker ball signed by world champion Mark Selby.

The club has also issued another picture from the past, this time of the Blandford Institute Cricket Club pictured in 1934, in the hope that people may recognise one or two of the faces.

Vice-chairman Richard Smith said: "The club became popular from the 1920s onwards for a variety of sports including snooker, darts, football and cricket and we are researching its history. We'd like to thank everyone who responded with information about our football club photograph last month."

Please note that the number given last month was incorrect, and anyone with information should call 07966 276612 or call in at the club on Tuesdays from 7.30pm.

River sprayed to beat the fly TREATMENT of the river Stour to inhibit the emergence this month of the Blandford Fly, with its vicious bite which can severely affect humans, was carried out in the second week of April.

There had been concerns that poor weather conditions might make it too dangerous to carry out the spraying.

But North Dorset District councillor John Tanner reported on April 10: "The river was sprayed against the fly. The people of Blandford have been saved!"

15

May 2018

Historic village to fight lorry verdict

Starring role for Nellie’s dress A CELEBRATION of the wedding gown, 'The Way We Wed' and flower festival will be staged in St Mary's Church, Tarrant Gunville, from Saturday to Monday, May 26-28.

The festival will be open from 11am to 4pm, with all proceeds going to the church. A family service will also be held at St Mary's at 10am on Sunday May 27.

The exhibition of gowns from the last 100 years, most with local connections, will be accompanied by photographs, memorabilia and personal stories.

Pictured (right) on their wedding day on Christmas Eve 1948 are Nellie and Roy Tarbin, who still live in the village, and although being brought up in different Winterborne villages, went to the same village school.

But it was some years later that Nellie was at a bus stop in

Poole, and Roy came along in his naval uniform. "Who are you waiting for?" he asked, and Nellie replied: "For my boyfriend who has gone to buy fish and chips."

"Don't wait for him, wait for me!" said Roy and, after giving it some thought, Nellie decided Roy's naval uniform was much more attractive than her boyfriend's army one - so she did!

Credit union’s good report WYVERN Savings and Loans, the credit union or community bank serving Dorset and south Somerset, has welcomed a Financial Inclusion Centre report which found that 84 per cent of credit union members would be likely or very likely to recommend them to friends or family.

Wyvern, which has a branch which opens on Saturday mornings in Bere's Yard, Market Place, Blandford, has more than 2,600 members with savings accounts and a growing number making use of their engage classic account and debit card, and 400 with affordable loans.

The survey also looked into the level of financial knowledge credit union members have and found that 69 per cent knew what APR stood for.

The fact that 31 per cent didn't, coupled with recent TV advertising by companies offering loans at 1325% interest rates, made them even more determined to help people in their community.

If you'd like to help by joining your credit union or becoming one of their volunteers, see wyvernsandl.co.uk or call 01305 268444.

RESIDENTS of Melbury Abbas are more than halfway to their target in a fundraising appeal via the website CrowdJustice to challenge the decision by Dorset County Council to direct HGVs through the village.

The use of the C13 Higher Shaftesbury Road between Blandford and Shaftesbury as an alternative to the A350 by heavy traffic has for years impacted on the 1,000-year-old village.

Following a landslip and closure of the narrow and tortuous route through the village and its ancient holloway Dinah's Hollow for many months, works were put in hand which the villagers claim are totally insensitive to its historic value and its setting and have failed to prevent repeated jams and temporary closures.

But last December the county council voted to continue to direct HGVs on to the C13 after a consultation process which residents claim was flawed because a full range of alternative options was not considered.

Their campaign is intended to ensure more sensitive management of the historic landscape along the C13, and they are seeking to challenge the council's decision through the courts.

By the middle of April, £6,685 had been pledged towards the £10,000 target at crowdjustice.com/case/savemelburyabbas.

On the website, William Kenealy, chairman of the Melbury & Cann Parish Council, says: "The parish council is seeking to achieve a sensible traffic management system that keeps vehicles above 7.5 tonnes out of one of England's historic villages and away from the vulnerable ancient holloway.

"We have already raised the funds for launching the claim in the High Court. However, we have not yet raised the funds for taking the case forward to the permission stage and (we hope) on to trial, or the adverse costs if Dorset County Council is successful against us."

www.forumfocus.co.uk

16

May 2018

Masonic history goes on show at museum

Does anyone remember the old brewery?

A MAN is appealing for information about the brewery which once stood in Bryanston Street, Blandford, and has now been replaced by the Ryan Court flats.

David Taylor, of Corfe Mullen, recently acquired a full bottle of beer from J L Marsh of Blandford, which was taken over by H& G Simonds of Reading in 1939, sold on in 1950, and closed.

The Town Brewery, believed to have been founded in 1735 shortly after the fire which broke out at the tallow chandler's previously on the site, and owned by John Lewis Marsh towards the end of the 19th century (J L Marsh & Sons Ltd were incorporated in 1912) was taken over by Simonds in 1939 together with eight pubs. The premises were sold to Brutton, Mitchell & Toms Ltd in 1950 and used as a depot before being converted into flats.

The label of the Marsh's beer bottle acquired by David Taylor.

"If any readers had grandfathers or fathers with information or ephemera regarding this brewery, I would be pleased to hear from them," Mr Taylor said.

"The label, which I hope readers may be able to shed some light on, is very patriotic with its flags, and I wonder if it was produced during or after the First World War, or to celebrate a coronation."

Anyone with information can contact him on 01202 980299 or email David.deraled@talktalk.net.

AN exhibition on the history of Freemasonry in Blandford, now on display in Blandford Fashion Museum, follows the recent donation by the Blandford Lodge of Honour and Friendship of ÂŁ500 to the museum to help with the restoration and preservation of their exhibits.

Members of the Lodge and their partners were given a fascinating talk by two members of the fashion museum team, which led to the lodge loaning items from their collection of Masonic regalia and memorabilia to the museum.

They will be on display for two years, and include Masonic aprons, regalia, jewels and photographs giving a fascinating insight in the movement's history locally.

Jean Longley, of the Fashion Museum, said: "The Masons' donation will help so much - preserving our collection can be very expensive, with a storage box for one dress costing up to ÂŁ25."

The museum receives no external support funding and raises everything needed through donations and admissions.

The silver deacons jewels hallmarked in 1778, in one of the displays in the Blandford Fashion Museum.

The museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm, featuring ten rooms of fashion history from 1740 to 1970.

There is also a tea room for visitors.

The Lodge of Honour and Friendship in West Street, Blandford, has an open day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28, when the Masonic Hall will be open to the public and visitors will be able to look around the hall and ask questions of Lodge members.

17

May 2018

Recalling a freak accident that claimed the life of a young seaman Barry Barnett tells the story of his uncle who lost his life in World War Two SEVENTY-FIVE years ago this month, 23-year-old Pimperneborn Lloyd Fletcher lost his life trying to refloat SS Delphinula, a large oil tanker. This vessel was stranded on a sandbank just outside the entrance to Alexandria harbour in Egypt.

He was the only son of Harry and Louisa Fletcher. Harry worked as a gardener for the Taylor family in Pimperne and had fought as an infantryman in France in World War One. Lloyd attended Pimperne school and then gained entry to Blandford Grammar School, located at the top of Damory Street. Like many others from the outlying villages, he would cycle the two miles to school daily.

Following the outbreak of war, he joined the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, spending most of his time in the Middle East in Palestine, Egypt and Libya.

Indeed, his service record indicates he spent some time with Special Services, Western Desert, the forerunner of the Special Air Services (SAS).

On May 18, 1943, Lloyd was working as a communications signalman on HM Tug Barwick engaged in the Delphinula salvage operation outside Alexandria harbour. Ironically, he should not have been aboard on that fateful date as he had exchanged shifts at the request of a Scottish friend.

Attempts to refloat the oil tanker by conventional means had failed so a more innovative but highrisk strategy was tried.

Compressed air was pumped into the oil tanks to lighten the load to force petrol out, resulting in fuel

pouring on to the decks from the various leaks. This charged the air surrounding the vessel with highly flammable petroleum vapour.

Suddenly, there was an explosion. News of the explosion was communicated to the Admiralty in London the next day.

'Regret to announce at 06.35 18th May a serious explosion occurred in tanker when salvage tugs were proceeding alongside due to petrol vapour being ignited. Delphinula, HM Tug Barwick and harbour tug immediately caught fire and had to be abandoned.'

The Fletcher family was advised that Lloyd was 'missing presumed killed', followed by a letter of condolence from the King.

'Buckingham Palace: The Queen and I offer you our heartfelt sympathy on your sorrow.

We pray that your country's gratitude for a life so nobly given in its service may bring you some measure of consolation.

George RI.' After the war Lloyd's mother, Louisa, was visiting her doctor in Blandford when she mentioned her son. Her doctor went white with shock. He then explained he had been stationed in Alexandria in May 1943 and remembered the fire but would say no more.

Subsequently, the oil tanker's owner, Anglo-Saxon Petroleum, sought and won compensation from the Admiralty for neglect.

The case became something of a landmark case in maritime law.

Lloyd's name is commemorated on the Lychgate Memorial in Pimperne Church, his former school's memorial and on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Southsea Common.

The Delphinula on fire

Fletcher's salvage tug HM Tug Berwick in Malta Harbour.

18

Mark and Cathy Jacques in the gaming centre in Salisbury Street, Blandford.

Fun and games at new centre AN open day at Blandford's next generation gaming centre, Game On, gave youngsters and their parents an opportunity to try out free of charge the new facility which has opened in Salisbury Street.

Mark and Cathy Jacques, who have a young family of their own, set up after spotting a gap in the market while visiting friends in the north of England. "We were introduced to their favourite hang-out, a gaming centre, and started talking excitedly about the possibility of bringing such a venture to our home town of Blandford - and Game On was born," said Mark.

Cathy said: "Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the community not only to play, but to discuss and share knowledge about games from the 1980s to the present day.

"We are finding the children in particular are enjoying meeting new friends, playing video games and socialising with peers while improving their face-to-face social skills, rather than sitting on their own in their bedrooms."

May 2018

A barrel of laughs in store at the Georgian Fayre BLANDFORD Georgian Fayre celebrates its 26th street fayre on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, when town centre roads will be closed to traffic between 7am and 7pm.

Chairman Colin Stevens said: "The fayre is not only raising funds for local charities but allowing other charities and organisations in the town to raise funds and awareness for their causes."

Donations given by visitors on admission to the town are ploughed back into community groups within the Blandford area, which has benefited from over ÂŁ1 million in the last 25 years thanks to the time and commitment given by the committee, individuals and organisations.

"As well as our usual street traders and fairground rides, Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the dragon will be entertaining the children in the Woodhouse gardens," said Mr Stevens.

"There will be a full day's entertainment on and around the stage in the Market Place, including the New Forest Yokels, Anonymous Morris dancers, traditional dancing by the Ghurkas, Stour Valley Band, and Wessex Highlanders, and a stage in the Ham car park, with various groups playing all day."

The event opens at 10am and closes at 5pm.

New for 2018, after a bit of a false start last year, is the barrel race for an 18-gallon barrel of beer from main sponsors Hall & Woodhouse.

Barrel races were held in the town annually until the outbreak of World War One, when most of the town's young men went to war. They were held to commemorate the night in around 1750

when locals broke into the excise officers' bonded warehouse in Whitecliff Mill Street to remove barrels of liquor which had been seized from smugglers.

The tradition is being revived by the Georgian Fayre with a trophy intended to be contested annually.

There will be displays of vehicles from yesteryear, miniature armour and re-enactment groups, together with duck racing, Kingston Maurward birds of prey demonstrations, ferret racing, dog agility and a chance to try the course with your own dog.

"The committee hopes that such a wide range of activities will appeal to all age groups," said Mr Stevens.

There will be stalls in the Sealy Suite at the Crown Hotel, including artist Martin Ansell selling cartoon cards and drawings, and cartoonist Sue Burleigh who will be doing caricatures on the day.

The Methodist church in The Close will be open for refreshments, together with a book stall between 10am and 4pm, and disabled toilet facilities.

Because of the road closure, the taxi rank will be moved to Bryanston School gates, and the corner of Damory Street and East Street. Whitecliff Mill Street will again be two-way from Park Road to Eagle House Gardens to allow access to homes in that residential area. Free parking will be available on Stour Meadows and at the brewery, from where a vintage bus will take people to the town centre.

For more information see blandfordgeorgianfayre.co.uk or Facebook at facebook.com/groups/177053229 027621/

Busy time at village fete THE village of Iwerne Minster is providing an alternative to the Georgian Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, with their village fete, starting at 3pm at the village club and playing field, with children's and parents' races and ending with a team tug-of-war competition.

Admission is ÂŁ1 for entertainment from the Bell Street Jazz band and Steps in Time, craft stalls, competitions and a grand raffle with generous prizes. A bar will open around 4.30pm and barbecue around 5.30pm. A barn dance, with separate admission of ÂŁ10, will start around 6pm for dancing until a firework display at 9pm.

Funds raised will go to the Village Club, Abingdon Hall and St Mary's Church.

19

May 2018

Medieval mayhem from drama group THE tale of 'The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew' by Robert Bolt, told in Blandford Corn Exchange

by Forum Drama, deserved larger audiences for its three performances.

A huge effort had clearly been put in to a show full of fun which was obviously enjoyed by the cast, and featured strong performances by several younger and regular members of the Blandford's community drama company, directed by Joyce Carter.

Deborah Seeley played Sir Oblong FitzOblong, an honourable knight of a very small and not very ambitious Round Table. He is sent on a one-man mission to overcome a dragon in the Bolligrew Islands ruled by an AN opportunity to learn square dancing is being offered at Spetisbury village hall with a class being held on Saturday June 2 between 4pm and 7pm. For details contact Andy or Angela Brackstone on 01202 731012.

evil Baron (Simone WallsMacdonald) and his squire Blackheart (John Cody), with the help of an evil wizard Doctor Moloch (Eileen Walters).

On his journey Sir Oblong teams up with the helpful Obadiah Bobblenob (Charlie Biggs) and a friendly Magpie (Wren Holdom, who also made the sculptural work for the set and costumes for herself and another bird-like character Mazeppa).

Younger members of the cast played the knights and villagers, Richard Owen narrated, and lighting and sound effects including a very wide-eyed dragon with a booming voice supplied

by Mark Carter - added excitement to a very entertaining evening.

Readings and casting will be taking place in June and July for the company's next production, It's a Wonderful Death, by Kevin Windle, planned for October 26 and 27. For details find them on Facebook, Twitter and their website, forumdrama.co.uk.

NB

The knights gather to plan the mission in the Forum Drama production.

Easter story at church IN the week before Easter at Sixpenny Handley church, just off the Blandford to Shaftesbury road, five scenes to explore and reflect on the Easter story were depicted in 'The Stations of the Cross'.

The Last Supper, complete with red wine, bread and bitter herbs stood unfinished and by a broken piece of bread were the words 'Eat, this is my body', with next to some spilt wine 'Drink, this is my blood'. Chairs had been turned over and knives scattered on the floor. The meal had clearly broken up in disarray and confusion.

In a garden scene, there was evidence of a betrayal, with coins scattered over the ground and, around a garden burner, evidence of an angry argument, a denial. Elsewhere, a wooden cross was being constructed, with nails, rope and vinegar laid out ready for use, and finally a body was laid in a borrowed tomb.

20

May 2018

Grocer’s family torn apart as two sons are killed in action

Police chief’s grief at son’s early death THE war years brought personal tragedy for police superintendent Arthur Beck, whose story was told in our February issue.

His son Lionel was 18 when he joined the Royal North Devon Hussars at Dorchester on April 23, 1917; his service was to last just 101 days.

Private Lionel Howard Beck was 5ft 6in with blue eyes and fair hair. Before his call-up, Lionel worked as a shop assistant, living at home in Blandford police station with his parents and sister.

The 2/1 Battalion was part of the 2nd Cyclist Brigade, a second line unit intended for home service for those unable or unwilling to serve overseas.

Lionel joined his unit at Holt Camp, Norfolk, for basic training, but became ill on June 4, 1917, and wrote to his sister Lionel pictured with his father, police May that he had gone to the superintendent Arthur Beck, believed to Field Hospital, Melton Camp, on have been taken on the day he enlisted.

June 21. The next day he was transferred to Norfolk War Hospital the army, including nearly six at Thorpe, near Norwich. weeks in the hospital, until he was discharged as a consequence of The following day he wrote again being no longer physically fit for to his sister saying he was in hospiwar service. tal for swollen glands, and three days later wrote saying his arm and Lionel returned home to his parents neck were being dressed twice a at Blandford. He had been home for day with hot fermentations. "I about nine months when he died on almost dread the time when this is 3 May 3, 1918, at Blandford Police done, my arm is so tender," he Station with his father in attenwrites, adding that the doctor in his dance. His death certificate gives notes had written "mass the size of his occupation as auxiliary postegg on right side of neck". man, ex-Private 2nd 1st Royal His discharge papers from July 5 North Devon Hussars. onwards say he had tubercular disHe died not from TB, as the family ease of glands of the neck, not had been told, but from epilepsy, caused but aggravated by ordinary and was buried in Blandford military service, and suggest that he Cemetery, not far from the family had been treated for TB before. home. On her death his mother He had spent just over 14 weeks in Rebecca was buried next to her son.

STANLEY George was the second member of his family to die when he was killed in action in Egypt on May 1, 1918, serving with the Imperial Camel Corps as a former member of the Dorset Yeomanry, and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.

He was 29, and his brother, Justus Watts George, known as Roy, had died in August 1915.

Their story, together with that of their brother Bertram, who survived the war, is told by their niece Jessica Christian in 'Dorset Brothers at War', based largely on Stanley's detailed letters home, first from Gallipoli where Roy died, and then from Egypt until a month before his death.

They were the sons of grocer Thomas George and his wife Louisa Anna Maria (nee Watts), who lived first at Little Lane and then at The Laurels in Park Road, and whose shop was 47 East Street.

Hugh Norman Trivick Parmiter was born in Bangalore, India, the son of James Parmiter who had served in the Army before becoming a dairyman and married Annie Buglar in 1888.

They had two children when they were living in Egypt, three while living in Bangalore, and four back in Dorset, where they lived first at the Dorchester Depot Barracks, then East Knighton, Langton Long, Gussage St Michael and Pimperne.

Hugh served as a Lance Corporal with the Dorsetshire Regiment 5th Bn and died at home on May 6, aged 20.

He is buried in Pimperne churchyard.

Henry George Stockley served with

the Dorsetshire Regiment 3rd/4th Bn and died of wounds in Egypt on May 14, aged 34. He is buried in Kantara War Memorial Cemetery. He is remembered at Iwerne Minster where he was born and lived with his parents Edwin Swyer and Caroline Stockley, his brother and three sisters.

He had followed in his father's footsteps to become a house painter and had in 1907 married Emma Froud Sargent. They had two sons.

Gunner Albert Edward Adams died of wounds in France on May 15, aged 30, serving with the Royal Garrison Artillery 99th Siege Bty and is buried in Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte.

Born in Child Okeford, the son of baker and confectioner Edward Adams and his wife Mary, who had three other children, he became a baker's assistant and is remembered at Shillingstone, where he lived at The Cross.

Also born in Child Okeford was Private Charles Tom Moore, who was 19 when he was killed in action in France, serving with the Royal Berkshire Regiment 5th Bn on May 25, having previously served with the Somerset Light Infantry. He is buried in Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly Maillet.

He was the youngest son of sawyer Frank and his wife Elizabeth Jane, who lived at Gold Hill and had nine children. Their first daughter had died as a toddler, and their two youngest daughters had died in 1904, aged between 9 and 11.

The George brothers of Blandford (from left): Roy, Stanley and Bertram, the only one to survive the war.

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

21

May 2018

Suzi walks for refugees

Parishioners follow the cross carried by Blandford Parish Church curate the Rev Neil Robertson and rector the Rev Jonathan Triffitt from the Catholic Church in Whitecliff Mill Street to the United Reformed Church.

Break with tradition for Walk of Witness THE combined churches' community in Blandford broke with a long-standing tradition for their Good Friday 'Walk of Witness' this year.

In the past it has taken the form of a gathering at the parish church or in the Market Place to parade around the town, stopping at various points to recount the story of Christ's condemnation and crucifixion.

Instead they gathered in each of the churches, starting from the Blandford Evangelical Church in Alexandra Street. From there, after a short service led by pastor

Dale and his wife Emma with the first reading from the Gospels, they walked to the Catholic Church in Whitecliff Mill Street for the next, then to the United Reformed Church in Salisbury Street, the Methodist Church in The Close and finally the parish church.

The initial group marching from the Evangelical Church under an array of umbrellas in the light rain were, at each church, joined by others who followed the cross carried by church members, resulting in a parade of more than 100.

THE Royal British Legion in Blandford are looking for organisers and volunteers to help with this year's Poppy Appeal and are holding an open meeting on May 9 for anyone interested to see what is involved.

They are invited to the RBL Club in Church Lane at 7 for 7.30pm, where refreshments will be provided, to learn how they can play an important part in the street collections to support the Armed Forces community. For more details email ijarvis@britishlegion.org.uk.

BLANDFORD Cares founder Suzi Hearn is taking part in the 'Walk the Refugee Route’ Thessalonika to Skopje to raise money for Refugee Support Europe.

She said: "My worst nightmare has always been to have to leave my home and take my family, with only what we can carry, into an unknown future.

"I saw it on newscasts when I was a child and I am still seeing it. But for an accident of birth, it could be any of us - parents, grandparents, children.

"I will walk and when it hurts, I will remember I am not in the hands of people smugglers, and I will remember footage of people on crutches or pushing a grandparent in a wheelbarrow. I would like to raise a few pounds to help those who were not born in the right part of the world."

Suzi left to join the 240km trek which followed the route many refugees would have taken. The route traces the steps of refugees, crossing the border by bus into FYR Macedonia.

Three further days walking for a total of 22 hours will take them

along farm tracks, river and lakeside routes to Skopje.

At the time of going to press, donations and sponsorship on Just Giving had reached ÂŁ1,145 (just over 50 per cent of her target). Further donations can be made on her page at justgiving.com/owneremail/pleasesponsor/AS-Hearm to be sent straight to Refugee Support Europe.

Suzi Hearn in the Blandford Cares sorting centre at the United Reformed Church in Blandford.

22

The View from the Hill

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

R

EADERS may remember from last month my report of a difficult calving quite late one evening. Well, this lovely fellow (pictured right) is the result, and is very tame and cocky. His mum is still friendly, too, but he has taken it to another plane and when bigger could be a bit of a hazard. He likes bootlaces.

There are just five slowcoach cows remaining to calve. Our friendly vet did the long-armed exercise this week to decide who really is in calf and who is pretending, in order to get the best grub.

The vet was here for the second half of a TB test that had been forced upon us. Luckily we are clear, unlike the farm that caused us to have the test in the first place. We are normally on annual testing (soon to be reduced to six-monthly as the government tightens the rules with ever tougher measures to stamp out TB). However, if a farm gets closed down with a TB breakdown within one kilometre, we are obliged to have a test ourselves.

We have not actually got as far as a one-year interval yet, because a one kilometre radius takes in a lot of other cattle farms and plenty of TB, and our last two tests have been because of the one kilometre

FARMING rule. Before that we were closed down ourselves for several months. Having said that, in the last 10 years we have had numerous tests, a few inconclusive results, which have their own special rules, but no confirmed reactors.

While discussing cows, a friend last month sent me an article from The Times about a government committee in northern India suggesting bottling cows' urine for sale as a health drink and preventative against seasonal diseases. If the price of milk falls when we leave the EU this could be something to try.

T

he awful wet March weather completely stuffed up our spring sowing plans. As I write this on April 8, we have sown just 30 out of 114ha of barley, and no poppies. This is by far the latest we have sown our spring crops for probably 30 years, and I dread what effect such late sowing could have on harvest outcomes.

One should, however, be optimistic and believe that in some way the season will compensate with a warm dry summer and the crops will catch up. The winter crops are well behind normal development for calendar date, but they still require fertiliser and various sprays to keep them healthy, which has been tricky during this catchy weather, when soils have been so wet. We don't want to damage them with heavy machinery when so vulnerable.

170mm rain in March is no joke the average is 70mm.

T

o while away the time during this extremely frustrating cold and late spring, I decided it would be interesting to conduct a worm survey, an exercise triggered by reading a message online by a researcher investigating soils and worm activity, based at Rothamsted Research (estab-

May 2018

A friendly calf from a difficult calving. lished in Hertfordshire in 1843).

The '60-minute worm project' is a test with a 'traffic-light' rating system to signal healthy soil management practices, and farmers have been asked to help to test it by digging 10 spadesize topsoil pits, sorting and identifying the three types of earthworms.

Tillage intensity, crop rotation and organic matter applications all influence earthworm communities in arable soils. The worms test shows how decisions above the ground influence the millions of earthworms that are engineering the soil ecosystem below.

There is a meeting at Rothamsted next month to deliver the results and maybe to give us some pointers how to encourage worm activity in our soils.

I dug 20 holes in three arable fields with wheat growing or stubble and found worm numbers averaged around 10, therefore around 250 worms per square metre weighing 833 kg per hectare.

For comparison I dug a hole in a 40-year-old pasture over the hedge and counted 43 worms,

four times greater, so 3.3 tonnes per hectare, and more than the weight of any livestock that good grassland will sustain all year round. An average stocking rate for cows would be 2.5 per hectare with a weight of two tons.

The experts say that you need 400 worms per square metre before you can expect any improvement in crop performance, and there is an old farmers' rule that for a stocking rate of one cow per acre the weight of flesh (worms and things) under the ground should be higher than on top of the ground for the soil to be healthy.

I found surprisingly few of the large Lumbricus species, the one that digs lovely vertical tunnels which help soils to drain and to keep oxygenated.

Surprising because it is easy to find their middens, little piles of stones or straw around the entrance to their holes, dotted across the soil surface. Perhaps they go deeper in colder weather. I must try the test again when the soils have warmed up in a couple of months.

23

May 2018

A village pays a poignant tribute to its heroes DESCENDANTS of 12 of the 16 men named on Okeford Fitzpaine's war memorial as having died during World War One gathered with village residents to witness the unveiling and blessing of a commemorative seat in the village centre on Sunday April 1.

Some had travelled a fair distance to join more local families and members of the community to remember sometimes far distant forebears.

Others had been tracked down by Andrew Vickers of the village community group, who has painstakingly traced the history of those who left the village in 1914 to fight for their country's freedom, but did not return.

The visitors were welcomed by Robert Corben on behalf of the parish council chairman, and Mike Wood, chairman of the village community group.

He said the event had been inspired by Mr Vickers, who had attended a candlelit vigil on August 4, 2014, the centenary of the outbreak of the war, and whom he thanked for the production of the book 'Butterboys in Battle' recording the details of his research.

The community group had agreed that something was needed to commemorate the men, and funds for the seat were raised through a series of events and at the Saturday Mudpie CafĂŠ.

Mr Wood also thanked the proprietors of the village shop for allowing the seat to be placed outside in an ideal position, and the licensees of the Royal Oak for the refreshments served there at a reception, where details of all those killed were on display.

The village now also displays a Silent Soldier in remembrance of all British and Empire service personnel who gave their lives.

Following the blessing of the seat by the Rev Lydia Cook in front of a crowd of over 100, and a reading from Ecclesiastes by Mr Vickers, the ribbon was cut by one of the village's oldest residents, Sybil Cuff, and Andrew Collis of Shaftesbury, both descendants of men lost.

Sybil's great uncle Albert Hilliar was killed in August 1918, serving with the 6th Battalion Dorset

Regiment, age 25. His second cousin three times removed, Paul Hilliar of Southampton, also attended, having been located by Mr Vickers through a family website.

Andrew is a distant relative of Lionel Bertram Collis who had died exactly 100 years earlier on April 1, 1918, aged 22. Other members of his family attending were Gwen Rowland, her son Andy Collis, and her brother-in-law Dennis Collis.

Some of the relatives attending live locally, including Dave Miller, nephew of Maurice Daniel Miller, who has lived in Okeford Fitzpaine all his life, and Sylvia Holdeman, of Child Okeford, the great niece of William John Ridout, who died on April 26, 1914, aged 19, and his brother Charles James, killed in action, aged 20, in August 1917.

Other relatives and descendants had travelled from as far away as Liverpool, and included Colin Woolridge, of Farnham, Surrey, who had discovered last year that his family roots were in Okeford Fitzpaine and whose grandmother was a cousin of John Woolbridge, who died in April 1917, aged 32.

Ros Twinberrow from Devon and brother Geoff Russell of Sturminster Newton were the niece and nephew of Frank and John Russell, both 23 when they died, and distant relatives of Samuel Rose Fox, killed at 25, and his brother Sidney John Fox, killed in April 1917 at 34.

Wendy Lyon, nee Adams, a great niece of William Henry Clarke, who died aged 42, discovered when she arrived that her family had traced information about the wrong William Henry Clarke but was able to be shown information about her relative.

Others remembered on the memorial and in the book, with their ages at death in brackets, are Frederick Hilliar (25), Cyril Thomas Rose Jacob (20), Arthur Frederick Ridout (33), Howard Frank Ridout (25) and John Warr (30), one of 14 men from the wider local area to die on July 1, 2016, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Anyone with or seeking any information about any of the fallen are invited to contact Mr Vickers on 01258 861895 or email ajvickers@outlook.com.

Above: One of Okeford Fitzpaine's oldest residents Sybil Cuff, and Andrew Collis of Shaftesbury, descendants of men from the village who died in WWI, prepare to cut the ribbon on the commemorative seat which has been installed outside the village shop.

Right: Andrew Vickers with his book 'The Butterboys in Battle'.

24

May 2018

Masterclass in reading A FORMER teacher with nearly 40 years' experience of the classroom and of the difficulties of people in learning to read has written a guide to help others.

Richard Foley of Tarrant Hinton has concerns about the education system's focus on testing and learning systems, and his book gives a perspective through his comments based on his own observations, and what he sees as the successive failure of governments and ministers to trust teachers with children's education.

But it has been written for all those who have still not learned to read, having tried all other methods, including super phonics.

It is divided into a series of strategies and activities designed to encourage reading, interspersed with 'interludes', items designed to entertain the learner but at the same time develop their vocabulary and reading skills.

To obtain a copy, costing ÂŁ5 including postage and packaging, write to him at Patience Cottage, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford DT11 8HY.

News from the surgeries Health walks in Blandford Walking is a great way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

So, if you're not sure where to find safe footpaths or you're worried about getting lost then it can be easy to choose not to go walking.

You may be concerned that walking even a short distance may be too much for you. So, to help people in the Blandford area to get out and go walking, volunteer Walk Leaders have recently been trained as part of a Walking for Health Scheme for North Dorset.

A weekly health walk now takes place in Blandford every Wednesday at 2pm, starting from the Eagle House Surgery in Whitecliff Mill Street. This is free and there is no need to book. All you need to do is turn up.

There is also a health walk in Shillingstone every third Wednesday of the month, starting at 11am from the Church Centre (old Primary School).

All walks are a maximum of 90 minutes, but usually last about an hour at a steady pace, in a friendly group. Local GP practices are supporting Blandford Health Walks as they are well aware of the health benefits associated with regular physical activity.

The North Dorset Walking For Health scheme has a website - walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/north-dorset-walking-for-health - and a Facebook page - facebook.com/northdorsethealthwalks .

If you would like more information or are keen to train as a Walk Leader please contact Keith Harrison, Scheme Co-ordinator, on 07825 691508.

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus

Paul Wirdnam of Okeford Fitzpaine with the 1946 Ariel Red Hunter which he has owned for about four years and which he described as his "main winter hack".

Vintage run in the rain THE weather continued to be a little unkind to the Dorset section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club, which held its annual rally starting from Blandford Market Place on Sunday April 8.

Their Winter Run had to be rescheduled, and their Spring Run was cancelled completely.

More than 30 members gathered to put their bikes on display for the public before setting off in convoy on a 53-mile route, which wended its way through several North Dorset villages to arrive for lunch at the Fox Inn, Ansty - by which time some had been defeated by the persistent rain.

The rally is organised every year

by Peter Miller, himself the owner of a 1926 Royal Enfield, for the section run by motorcycle enthusiasts for enthusiasts and which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Details can be found at dorsetvmccc.co.uk or on their Facebook account about future events. These include regular club nights and breakfast meetings, the Bluebell Run from Okeford Fitzpaine on April 29, a checkpoint for the VMCC relay rally at Henstridge Golf Club on May 6, a club stand at Gillingham in Gear on June 2, and camping weekend at Henstridge over the weekend of June 8 to 11.

May 2018

Durweston School pupils at the museum.

School trip to see Dippy THE whole of Durweston School went to see Dippy at the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester.

Dippy, the Natural History Museum's famous Diplodocus skeleton cast, is touring the UK this year, with Dorset as his first stop.

Acting head Nicola Brooke said: "The children were amazed at the size of skeleton and then took part in different activities to find out more. Since the children have been back in school, there's been a lot of dinosaur-inspired writing going on and some lovely imaginative painting."

Durweston children in a ‘Dippy’ mood.

25

CHILDREN from Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School also enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Dorset County Museum to learn about Dippy the dinosaur, excavating for fossils and exploring the fossil collection including a T-Rex made of Lego.

TICKETS have gone on sale for the Children's Centenary concert, inspired by a local author, being staged in Birmingham BIC on Saturday November 3 as a tribute to the fallen of World War One. A massed choir of over 2,000 children, including members of the Dorset Music Service, based in Blandford, who will be supported by hundreds of young musicians singing the anthem 'Lest We Forget', written by Dr Ron Dawson of Winterborne Stickland.

Other music will include Mars, Nimrod, Cavatina, Silent Night, Hymn to the Fallen and popular songs from the trenches and home front, and there will be associated images telling the story of the war.

For more information see Facebook Lest We Forget Children's WWI Concert.

26

May 2018

Ex-Red turns the air blue at charity night IT was at half past seven on the morning of Friday March 2 that Sharon John, organiser of the Blandford Stour Rotary sportsman's dinner, scheduled for that evening at the Crown Hotel, looked out of the window and realised that the event would have to be cancelled.

She had been greeted by a town covered with six inches of snow, impassable roads and the very real possibility that the dinner's 170 plus guests would be unable to attend.

The event, for which tickets originally sold out within weeks, was planned to fundraise for the Fortuneswell cancer ward at Dorchester Hospital and Rotary causes, in memory of Rotarian David Edward Scott, founder of D E Scott Electricals, who died in 2016 after a long battle against the disease.

The message about the cancellation was quickly relayed to everyone involved, but the work did not stop there. Within days, a new date had been booked with the

guest speaker, and Purely Print who had already printed the 2018 anniversary programme, had agreed to reprint free of charge.

Sharon said: "Everyone was amazing and helped to get it back on track just three weeks later.

Proceeds of ÂŁ7,852.36 will be shared between the two beneficiaries."

The meal was followed by the raffle with prizes donated by local companies, and an auction of lots including golf rounds at Remedy Oak and a weekend in a Marbella flat, donated by Traci Handford of Sunrise Services.

But Sharon had to admit that while comedian and compere Mick Martin fitted the bill perfectly, the guest speaker, ex-Liverpool footballer Neil 'Razor' Ruddock, had been a disappointment to many, who had been offended by some of his language.

"It was a bit of a car crash and left some of us cringing," she said. "It was the only alternative date he could offer and in retro-

Comedian and compere Mick Martin, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock and Rotarian speaker secretary Graham Colls, seated left to right, with Rotarians Sharon John and treasurer Bob Grant at the Stour Rotary Sports Dinner. spect it might have been better if he had already been booked somewhere else. We had warned people that he might be a bit

blue, and they perhaps shouldn't bring their wives, but I did complain afterwards to his managing agent."

VISITORS from Blandford's French twin town of Mortain will be arriving in the town on May 5, to be hosted by members of the Mortain Twinning Society, and are looking forward to their first experience of the Blandford Georgian Fayre the following Monday.

The party of around 20 will be staying for the weekend and leaving on Tuesday morning. They will have a civic reception in the Woodhouse Gardens on the Saturday afternoon, followed by a barbecue at the Conservative Club, and a Sunday guided tour of the Langham Vineyard followed by tasting and lunch.

27

May 2018

Dave’s driving force BLANDFORD driver Dave Hiscock was victorious in one of the events at Woolminstone, near Crewkerne, in the Golden Springs Trial, organised by the Woolbridge Motor Club.

Joining regular competitors from the host club were contenders in three major trials championships which attracted drivers from afar afield as North Wales, Yorkshire and Kent.

The event comprised two divisions: one for the drivers contesting the two national championships and another, the 'clubman' category, to cater for the local clubmen.

In the former, Bradford's Rupert North occupied third place in the front-wheel-drive division with 35 penalties, co-driving a Citroen Saxo with Blandford's Dave Hiscock.

But in the ballasted class of the Clubman's event, Hiscock drove the Saxo in which North had scored success and finished 43 points ahead of his nearest rival.

Veterans turn out in force to honour Doc VETERAN players turned out in force on Good Friday for a testimonial rugby match between Blandford and North Dorset in memory of Ian 'Doc' Wilson.

Dr Wilson, who died last year at the age of 92, was the well-liked and respected founder of the club and will be greatly missed.

The match was hard-fought with Blandford winning 25-24.

With a squad of a combined age in excess of 900 years, the game kicked off with players ranging in birth years from the 1950s and 60s - others were substituted as the game progressed, so the starting 15 could return to the sidelines for a well-earned rest.

The Blandford team in the firsthalf consisted solely of brothers

and family members including Doc's son and nephew. Others included two Framptons, three Wates, two Meadens, two Robbins, three Martins/Garretts and two Burry brothers, the squad consisting of 48 players in total.

The captain of North Dorset RFC, Ben Marshall, was thanked for both playing hard and leading his team in the spirit of the occasion.

After the game both sides and spectators adjourned to the Blandford clubhouse for an entertaining evening of reminiscing and curry, including Shaun Ible having his beard shaved and raising £1,002.95 for the Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust. Other joined in to bring the total raised during the evening to £1,607.95.

RUNNERS and non-runners are being asked to put the date in their diaries for the Tarrant Valley 10k, which will be held on Sunday, July 15, starting 10.30am, and will be fundraising for the Louis Ross Foundation and the Bus Shelter Dorset.

The popular event is held under UK Athletics rules and full details including entry methods can be found at tarrantvalley10.webs.com.

Fun runners can also enter the one-mile children's race, and non-runners are welcome to simply come along. It starts and ends in Tarrant Monkton.

Mark Neish coaching the NDTri Juniors at a training session. Photo: Rob Smith.

Skills training boost for triathlon club juniors SPONSORSHIP from the Blandford branch of Autotechnics will support the development of the junior section of the North Dorset Triathlon Club and increase the skills of the members through plans to fund additional coaching and first-aid training courses.

The club has been holding junior taster sessions for a turnout of around 20 children aged between four and 13, who enjoyed fun, games, and learning new skills.

On Saturday May 5 there will be a picnic and fun day at the Pimperne sports/cricket pavilion with a Hawaiian theme and includ-

ing games for children and adults.

As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, the club will on the same day be taking over the Blandford Parkrun and filling a host of roles as timers and pacers.

Snow, rain, and a nasty cold hampered training for Zoe Blyth and friends for the Race to the Stones in support of Alex Pilgrim's fundraising for bowel cancer research, but they did do a group recce of the half-marathon course for the Dorset Oozer, held on April 1, and have been trialling trekking poles to help them deal with wet and muddy conditions.

New parkrun route BLANDFORD parkrun, which starts every Saturday morning at 9am from the Jubilee Way junction on the North Dorset Trailway, has been chosen to trial a new distance, and over the last few weeks has been meeting with HQ staff and local landowners to sort out a new route.

Their first 10K parkrun started in the same place but was in the opposite direction, running to Station Court and turning to continue back along the trailway towards Stourpaine as far as a new turning point at the metal sculpture, before retracing the route back to the finish area.

A spokesman said: "We are excited to be among the first to be able to offer this to our runners and hope you will embrace the opportunity we have been given to advance the parkrun cause."

28 MAY Wednesday May 2: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Thursday May 3: A talk on 18th Century whaling by Dr Peter Dobbins, St Nicholas' Church, Winterborne Kingston, 7.30pm, admission free, bar and refreshments Friday May 4: Blandford Forum Railway Club open night, the Scout HQ, Eaglehouse Gardens, 7.30 to 9.30pm, admission £2, refreshments, parking Friday May 4 to Sunday May 6: Teddy Rocks music festival for childhood cancer charities, Charisworth Farm, Blandford DT11 9AL (see page 10) teddyrocks.co.uk Saturday May 5: Pimperne Coffee Morning, 10 to 11.30am, stalls and raffle, Pimperne village hall, supporting Alzheimer's Society and Blandford Day Centre Blandford Bowling Club Open Day, Park Road, Blandford, 10am to 4pm North Dorset Triathlon Hawaiian picnic and fun day, Pimperne sports pavilion, northdorsettri.org.uk Charity Ploughman's Lunch supporting Salisbury Hospital, Tarrant Gunville village hall Plant sale and coffee morning, Tarrant Monkton & Launceston village hall, 10.30am Bring and Buy plant sale, cream teas, Spetisbury Church, parking in school car park,1.30 to 4pm Jumble Sale, Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall, DT11 0RE, from 2pm stalls, refreshments and tombola Dance to the Beet Farmers Fete, Market and Barn Dance, Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club from 2pm, dancing from 6pm to the Black Sheep band Western Front Association Wessex branch meet, Pimperne Village Hall, 2.30pm, Dr Spencer Jones: Italian Front & the Disaster at Caporetto Sunday May 6: The Art Room, informal art session for beginners, Blandford Town Museum, 10am to 12.30pm, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Round Robin Ramblers meet near Tarrant Gunville village hall 2pm for 4.5-mile walk round Tarrant Gunville & Pimperne Long Barrow, details 01258 880044 Monday May 7: Blandford Georgian Fayre, see page 18 May Fair, Iwerne Minster, organised by The Abingdon Hall, St. Mary's Church and the Village Club from 3pm and Barn Dance

What’s on this month Entries in this diary are free of charge. If you have an event you would like included, send details to Nicci Brown, 01258 459346 or email events@forumfocus.co.uk. This page is available and regularly updated on our website at www.forumfocus.co.uk. Readers are advised to check with event organisers before attending.

THE ladies of the Blandford Garrison Thrift Shop have donated £500 to Treads, the Blandford drop-in centre supporting local young people. Mark Williams (chair of Treads) gratefully accepted the donation and said it would be spent on art materials. They intend to set up a room for the youngsters for art projects. Pictured (from left to right) are Jenny Robinson, Mark Williams, Sandie Disney, Sam Naivalu, Jenny Wise and Janet White. at the Parish Field from 6pm, fireworks 9pm Wednesday May 9: Meeting for volunteers for the 2018 RBL Poppy Appeal, Royal British Legion Club, Church Lane, Blandford, 7 for 7.30pm Film Night at Charlton Marshall Village Hall, 'Paddington Two', 7.15 for 7.30pm start, tickets £6, details 01258 488431 Friday May 11: Craft Market, Shambles, Corn Exchange, Blandford 9am to 2pm (and May 25) Wessex Acoustic folk present May RPR and Anne-Louise Richards, Blandford Royal British Legion, Church Lane, 8.15pm, wimborne-acoustic.co.uk Saturday May 12: Blandford Snooker Club open day, Snooker Room, Blandford Forum United Reformed Church,10am to 4pm. Free snooker or pool and competition Stourpaine Gardening Club plant sale, Stourpaine village hall DT11 8PJ, 10am to noon, coffee and refreshments, free entry Sunday May 13: Vintage Fly-In, Compton Abbas Airfield, 9.30am-5pm, details 01747 811767 or comptonabbasairfield.co.uk Blandford Heritage Guided Walk, 11am, meet by the chestnut tree in Marsh and Ham car park, details 01258 459346 Durweston Country Fayre 12 to 4pm, fun dog show, stalls, terrier

racing, Beagle parade, Starlight Dance Academy, hawks & owls, bbq, live music Monday May 14: Blandford Floral Group meets Blandford United Reformed Church Hall, 2pm. Julia Harrison.

Tuesday May 15: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club 2.15pm, Pam Lewis demonstrating 'Summer Bounty', Child Okeford Village Hall, details: 01258 863775 Thursday May 17: Blandford Museum Archaeology Group talk on General Augustus Pitt Rivers

by Adrian Green of Salisbury Museum, 7.30pm, details 01258 451831 Friday May 18 to Saturday May 26 (excluding Sunday): 'Affordable Art' exhibition, Friends of Blandford Community Hospital charity shop, Barnack Walk, Blandford, 10am to 4pm Saturday May 19: Cats Protection coffee morning & stall, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle, 12 noon Sunday May 20: The United Churches in Blandford celebrate Pentecost, United Reformed Church, Salisbury Street, 9am, car parking in Whitecliffe Mill Street, creche facilities available Fun Dog Show, Village Green, Winterborne Stickland from 2pm,

May 2018 refreshments, classes include handler and dog dressed for 'Royal Wedding' Monday May 21: Strictly Come Tea Dancing, Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford Forum, 2.30 to 4.30pm Thursday May 24: Blandford and District Horticultural Society meets United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, 7.30pm, Plant Sale, speaker Ben Turner, Tresco Abbey Gardens Build a Room for Grace Charity Darts, The Dolphin, East Street, Blandford, 7.30pm Friday May 25: Blandford Mayor-making, Corn Exchange, 11 for 11.30am 'Last Friday Social in the Museum Garden', Blandford Town Museum from 5.30pm Film 'Paddington 2' (PG), Child Okeford Village Hall, 7.30pm, booking 01258 860518 Friday May 25 to Sunday May 27: Cursus Festival, Sixpenny Handley, see cursusfestival.com Saturday May 26: A Pastoral Potpourri with the Keysworth String Quartet, Milton Abbey, 7.30pm, tickets and details miltonabbey.org Saturday and Sunday May 26 and 27: Blandford Camera Club annual exhibition, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9.30am to 5pm, lunches 12 to 2pm and refreshments all day, see bfcclub.co.uk Saturday to Monday May 26 to 28: Flower Festival and exhibition of bridal gowns and memorabilia, St Mary's Church, Tarrant Gunville, details 01258 830468 Saturday May 26 to Sunday June 10: Dorset Art Weeks - studios open throughout the district and county, see dorsetartweeks.co.uk Sunday May 27: Turnworth DT11 0EE - village gardens open; teas, music, plants etc; free parking & entry, 11am to 6pm Charity Quiz in aid of Yewstock School, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, 7.30pm, £2 pp plus raffle Monday May 28: Open Day, Blandford Masonic Lodge, West Street Bank Holiday Open Garden, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 10am to 5pm, stalls, café, details 01747 811853, springheadtrust.org.uk 'Symphony of the Soil': documentary presented by Resurgence Dorset, Blandford Museum 7.30pm, details 01258 818223 or meetup.com/Resurgence-Dorset Thursday May 31 to Saturday June 2: Art Exhibition, Tarrant Hinton village hall