FORUM FOCUS
Peggy has 100 good reasons for a celebration: Page 8
For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 77
August 2018
Villagers’ anger as plans for more new homes revealed RESIDENTS of Blandford St Mary, who over the past few months have been plagued by construction traffic for the new development in Dorchester Hill, have been horrified to learn of the possibility of further development in the village put forward in the revised Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan. Included in the plan is a site further up Dorchester Hill in addition to that already in the North Dorset Local Plan at Lower Bryanston Farm, for which an environmental impact assessment judgement was sought earlier this year. Concerns were reported to the June parish council meeting by residents living along Dorchester Hill regarding new pavements, contractors' parking along the road, and the number of large eight-wheel lorries having to go through the village, where children were playing. Councillors met the site manager to get clarification regarding the pavements and to forward concerns of residents regarding lorries and parking. The ongoing concerns were discussed again in July, when parish council chairman Malcolm Albery reported that the council had no direct control of traffic management. But in response to complaints regarding site deliveries and
An artist's impression of how the railway flood arches on Langton Meadows could look, complete with staircase. Full story: Page 2. Picture: Western Design Architects.
parking, they had contacted their county councillor Hilary Cox, who is chairman of Dorset County Council, as well as traffic co-ordinators, planning enforcement officers, the police and the county's transport development manager. The parish promised to continue raising residents' concerns, which have continued to be voiced on the local Public Forum Facebook page with allegations that heavy lorries were using Birch Avenue at school drop-off and pick-up times and compromising road
safety in breach of the construction traffic management plan. Outline approval has now also been granted for redevelopment of the Blandford St Mary brewery site with 180 new homes, to include demolition and rebuilding of the rear wing and a traffic management plan directing traffic down Bournemouth Road during the demolition phase, lasting 24 weeks. A conservation report following the recent fire at the brewery site suggested that the wing had
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been extensively damaged, and demolition of adjacent modern additions has revealed walls of the wing's shell in a poor state of repair and of little merit. The prospect of even more development off Dorchester Hill or at Lower Bryanston Farm saw many protest at the consultation into the revised Neighbourhood Plan which took place over the weekend of July 13-14 at the Brewery Visitor Centre and in the Corn Exchange. • To Page 2
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Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like to join our team to deliver in their own or any other area that has no delivery, please get in touch (see contacts above). Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points below: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, Chaffers in Salisbury Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Coop in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Central Shop in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, Lidl in Higher Shaftesbury Lane, and Tesco and Homebase at Stour Park. In the villages: Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Woodpecker pub at Spetisbury, Abbott Garden Centre, Langton Long, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Anvil and Farquharson pubs in Pimperne, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.
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Arches vision takes shape thanks to funding boost FUNDING has been secured from the North Dorset Local Action Group Leader Programme for 'Meet Me at the Arches', a project to conserve and protect the railway flood arches on Langton Meadows which originally carried Somerset & Dorset trains across the River Stour. Blandford Forum Town Council has worked with the Blandford Railway Arches Trust (BRAT) to initiate the project, which will dramatically re-invent the use of the historically significant structure on the North Dorset Trailway. The £47,000 funding will pay for the removal of soil, provision of drainage, provision of a staircase to the track bed, along with safety barriers and the installation of interpretation panels to explain the history of the railway and the natural environment of the mead-
ows. It will create a unique outdoor space whose use will be enhanced by access to the top of a structure of additional interest in view of its heritage value as one of the last remaining features of the railway in the town. BRAT chairman Sylvia Hixson Andrews said: "This is great news, but we urgently need to find another £15,000 in match funding for work which Leader cannot fund to allow the project to go forward." Use of the site can then be promoted by the Town Council and BRAT, who can also help with risk assessments, advice on insurance and other issues, to
groups that have indicated an interest in organising events under, alongside and on top of the Arches. Anyone who would like to plan an event at the Arches or support the project financially should contact Sylvia Hixson Andrews (sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com). Leader is a unique European programme with local people making the decisions about what and where funding would make the greatest difference, providing Rural Development Programme funding at the local level through grants awarded by a local action group in line with the needs of the rural economy.
Village anger over homes • From Page 1 Also suggested to accommodate a minimum of 400 homes and land for employment, education and highway and green infrastructure are the site north of the bypass in the original plan or, in combination with the other sites, the site at Tin Pot Lane which is now the subject of a planning application. The consultation, which closed on July 27, followed the withdrawal of the original Neighbourhood Plan in May and its revision in the light of North Dorset District Council’s Local Plan 'Issue and Options' consultation and the announcement of a shortfall in the five-year housing land supply. The B+ Steering Group was concerned that, with no Local Plan in place, Blandford could miss out on much-needed infrastructure such as a new school, or worse still, become vulnerable to unwanted and unplanned development. "We are determined to have the new plan in place in early 2019, much sooner than the Local Plan Review would be able to achieve. And it's more important than ever for local people to engage with the Neighbourhood Plan to ensure we get the development we need, when and where we need it,” said Sally Gardner, Project Co-ordinator with Blandford Town Council.
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Roadwork chippings damaged my child’s buggy, claims mum A SINGLE mum is seeking compensation from Dorset County Council, claiming that loose tarmac chippings damaged the buggy in which she carries her youngest daughter. Hannah Courage, of Gurkha Road, Blandford, who has four children under 12, said the chippings in Shaftesbury Lane had sprayed up onto the footpath after recent pothole filling, and had sunk into the wheels of the buggy causing it to wobble. "I can't get any replacement wheels to fix it - I've tried, and they don't do them - and can't afford a new one. "The council have denied my claim for liability. It wouldn't bother me so much if the stroller was an old one, but it's new. I now have to carry my youngest everywhere. She is nearly two and can walk, but not very far. It makes my already bad back worse, and my fibromyalgia flare up. "It may seem trivial, but it has affected our day-to-day life as it means I have to ask for lifts which aren't always available. I don't own a car, I can't afford a taxi, and the bus doesn't always go where we need to be." Dorset County Council's senior
claims handler Caroline Richards, in what is clearly a standard letter sent to many such claimants since it is headed 'Blank Template (insert Recipient….', says she is sorry to hear of the unfortunate incident, but having investigated the matter with the community highways officer, liability for the accident cannot be accepted. She says that the stones subject of Ms Courage's claim are the result of general detritus, and do not arise from any highway operations carried out in the vicinity. "In short, an item which is temporarily placed within a highway by a person or persons unknown or an act of nature does not amount to a highway defect for which the highway authority is responsible." Ms Richards goes on to quote case law on the issue, saying the source of the chippings is unknown and there is no evidence to suggest that they came from highway authority activity. She advised Ms Courage to seek the advice of the Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor if she was dissatisfied with the response, which Ms Courage said she was now doing.
Streets set for work MORE than 30 streets in Blandford are scheduled for surface dressing during the three weeks from July 30, and residents have been asked to move their cars off the roads affected before 9am for the work to be carried out. Town councillors, at their planning meeting on June 25, asked where residents were expected to put their cars, and suggested an approach be made to open the former NDDC car park at Nordon to reduce the pressure for parking in some areas. The response was that it could be done, but at a cost of over £1,000 a week since using the now-closed car park would mean it was necessary to pay business rates on the site. District Councillor John Tanner has already raised concern that there is insufficient parking space for those using and visit-
ing the new NDDC hub at Nordon Lodge, and complaints are being made that more motorists are parking in Salisbury Road. The surface dressing programme was due to start in Downside Close on July 30, followed by Hambledon Gardens, Hambledon Close, Chapel Gardens and Fishers Close, then Percy Gardens and Bayfran Way on July 31, Albert Street and Alfred Street on August 2, Barnes Close, Queens Road, Victoria Road and Richmond Road on August 3. The following week will include Hunt Road, Elizabeth Road, Larksmead and roads off, and finally roads off Salisbury Road. The dates are subject to change, dependent on weather conditions, since the process cannot be carried out when the roads are wet.
Above: The damaged wheel of Hannah's buggy. Above right: the 'detritus' sprayed up over the kerb from the highway. RESIDENTS of Melbury Abbas have failed in their High Court bid to get the decision to route HGVs through their village rescinded by Dorset County Council. They had hoped for a judicial review of the council's traffic measures between Blandford and Shaftesbury which direct southbound HGVs to use the C13 and northbound HGVs to the parallel A350. But Melbury Abbas & Cann Parish Council has withdrawn its judicial review application, and the High Court has approved a consent order withdrawing it, so ending the court proceedings.
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A fair chance of a world record with 500 steam engines on the way A CONVOY of World War One vehicles will be heading through Blandford on August 11 en route to the Great Dorset Steam Fair's 50th anniversary event, which also coincides with the final centenary year of commemoration of the Great War. The 'Homecoming' road run parade will be travelling from Bovington to the special WWI display at the show, which will include motorcycle racer and mechanic Guy Martin's 28-ton Mark IV WWI Tank Deborah II, accompanied by a full crew from Norfolk Tank Museum. The 26ft long by 10ft wide replica of the original discovered buried on the battlefield in 1998 by a local historian was documented in a Channel 4 programme 'Guy Martin's WWI Tank' late last year. The show will be open from August 23 until Bank Holiday Monday, August 27, with what is hoped to be the biggest gathering of steam engines ever staged, and will feature an official
Guinness World Record attempt to bring 500 steam engines from across the globe for a '500 at 50' special. Great Dorset Steam Fair managing director Martin Oliver said: "We are so excited to be celebrating 50 years with the largest gathering of steam engines yet and I love the idea that a container ship of steam engines will be making its way across the Atlantic to get to an historic landmark event. "When my late dad started this event as a small informal gathering of engines on a village green, nobody could have imagined that 50 years later it would be the biggest event of its kind in the world. "We sadly lost dad back in 2009 and I know he would be thrilled that the show has reached this glorious milestone. We want to celebrate in style across the whole event and make him proud." GDSF's Live Music Festival will be the biggest yet with more than
Guy Martin's 28-ton replica World War One tank Deborah II, which will be making an appearance at this year's Great Dorset Steam Fair. 100 acts performing on six stages over the five days. This year the concert area and real ale tent are exchanging places but no additional noise impact is expected. The stunt area will be actionpacked with the familiar favourite Big Pete's Monster Truck Display Team, and Paul Swift's Britalian Job and Xtreme Stunt Team making their debut. An assurance was given at the liaison meeting in June that there would be additional security at the traveller site in case of a higher attendance, and the maximum safe occupancy for the event remains the same as usual. If extra fields are needed for park-
ing, land on the opposite side of the A354 would not be used for safety reasons. A further meeting with parish council representatives took place early in July to agree sites. Visitors will be prompted to turn off their sat-navs and follow event signs to avoid being guided along inappropriate country lanes to reach the showground. Measures will be in place to control additional traffic leaving the site on the evening of Bank Holiday Monday and following Tuesday morning. Additional staffing and plant will also be in place together with additional trackway and trackmats in case of adverse weather.
The new approach to verge maintenance - to cut and remove grass cuttings in the urban verges around Blandford - seems to be paying dividends. A pyramidal orchid was spotted by Countryside Ranger Giles Nicholson growing in the Blandford suburbs, plus a whole lot of Rough hawk bit and black medic - all Dorset notables. Blandford's county councillor Byron Quale said: "This new approach not only looks far better but is also there to help wild flowers grow to support our wildlife."
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Cygnet shot dead? POLICE have appealed for information after one of the six cygnets on the River Stour in Blandford this year was found dead, apparently shot by a catapult. PC Rob Hammond, of Blandford Neighbourhood Policing Team, discovered the cygnet on the river at Stour Meadows on the evening of Saturday July 14. He said: "A member of the public had reported an issue with people leaving rubbish and we found some rubbish near a bench and a container of ball bearings underneath. Around three to five metres away on the other side of the river was the cygnet. "There was a family of swans there with six cygnets. They're quite big and it's unlikely it died from anything other than being fired at." The Safer Neighbourhood Team on their Facebook page said: "We are sickened and angry if this is the case. The animal has been retrieved by the team and will be checked to ascertain the cause of death. We will try to increase our patrols and robustly deal with matters. "If you know who is responsible please contact PC740 Hammond by calling 101 and quoting reference 55180111108. Any information will be treated as anonymous." Swans and all wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Protection Act 1981.
School’s recovery gathering pace A MONITORING report sent to head teacher Daniel LasburyCarter has again praised improvements at Blandford St Mary CE Primary School, which was placed in special measures following a disappointing Ofsted inspection last year. In the second report released in June, Her Majesty's Inspector (HMI) said: "Leaders have worked effectively to bring about improvements across the school. Their evaluation of the school's performance is accurate and based on regular monitoring. Leaders have acted effectively to ensure a consistency in the teaching of writing and mathematics." The report also recognised the improved outcomes for those pupils needing additional support BLANDFORD Curate Neil Matthew John Robertson and Deacon Karen Amanda Wilson of the Okeford Benefice were among six new priests and four new deacons ordained by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, at Salisbury Cathedral. They are part of a contingent of hundreds of new clergy being ordained across the Church of England this summer. The Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, and the Acting Dean of Salisbury, the Revd Canon Ed Probert, were also present at the services on June 30 and July 1.
to achieve well, and complimented the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), saying: "The SENCo has worked effectively to improve the systems in place for supporting pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities. The SENCo acknowledges the importance of checking the quality of targets for these pupils." The school has also continued to improve its outcomes for pupils with progress made in the early years, phonics screening, key stage one and key stage two data this year. There was acknowledgement of the continued improvements made to governance. "Governors' awareness of school performance continues to go from strength to strength. "The trust's efforts to take responsibility of full governance responsibilities has helped to concentrate governors' focus on improving pupils' outcomes through high-quality teaching, learning and assessment. Governors can demonstrate how their challenge to school leaders is beginning to bear fruit." Mr Lasbury-Carter said: "There is an enormous amount to celebrate in the hard work that is showing improvement and progress. The positive outcomes continue to drive our team aim of being the very best school for every pupil in our care. It is pleasing to read recognition of this in the HMI report."
PC Rob Hammond with the dead cygnet.
Village bus concerns CHANGES to the X10 Blandford to Yeovil service prompted concerns from residents that Okeford Fitzpaine and Child Okeford might be withdrawn from the route when the operator changed at the end of June. The rumours proved to be false, but the timetable has changed, and the Saturday service has been withdrawn. Blandford Transport Action Group spokesman Mike Burt, who lives in Okeford Fitzpaine, said the road from Shillingstone to Child Okeford was to be closed from July 16 for 18 weeks for works by Wessex Water. He has asked how this is going to affect the service for users in Durweston, Shillingstone, Child Okeford and possibly Okeford Fitzpaine, but at the time of going to press had had no reply from Dorset Travel.
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Hospital Friends look forward to a healthy future THE Friends of Blandford Community Hospital have elected a new president to succeed Dr Ian Wilson, president for many years until his death in December at the age of 92. Mac McLaughlin has been a trustee since joining the charity over 20 years ago and served until recently as vice-chairman. He opened the Friends 61st annual general meeting with a tribute to Dr Wilson, who he said had a valuable history of the hospital and charity and had been a source of advice to all. "I have a big pair of shoes to fill but I promise to continue to support the charity with my usual energy and enthusiasm," he said. He also presented a £10,000 donation cheque to guest speaker Ken Reynolds, retiring senior student support worker at The Blandford School, who attended with student support worker Kirsty Radford to give an encouraging talk on the work they do to support students turning to them in need of a person with whom to share their problems. Elections were also held for three new trustees, Colin Marjoram of Charlton Marshall, Yvonne Thorne of Sturminster Newton and Jennifer Thompson of Blandford, who were welcomed by Mr McLaughlin who looked forward to their personal contributions to the Friends' Council and the charity. • THE well attended Friends' meeting heard from chairman Steve Cole that the review of clini-
cal services across Dorset by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CGG) and plan to make Blandford Community Hospital a hub for health care for Blandford and the surrounding area supported and expanded the 'vision document' the Friends developed a few years ago. "We continue to press the trust to upgrade the Day Treatment centre (Theatre) and have informed the trust that the development of a 'one-stop musculoskeletal service' is a major project that we would be happy to support financially." He said at their last meeting with the trust to discuss their capital programme, it was sadly agreed that repair of the hydrotherapy pool was not the way forward. "But we will continue our role as representative of patient needs whether within the hospital or the community and we are grateful to the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust for accepting us as a responsible participant in the future of our hospital and community care." He and treasurer Trevor Bridle reported that the year ended March 31 had seen an increase in all income streams, an increase in membership to 1,041, and successful fundraising including the charity golf day at Ashley Wood, the bi-annual fashion show in Sturminster Newton, the autumn fair in Blandford, and the generous support for the two charity shops and prize bingo evenings. Spending on charitable activities included items for patient use,
From left: the new president of the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital, Mac McLaughlin, with their new trustees Yvonne Thorne, Jennifer Thompson and Colin Marjoram. work on the new palliative care suites and adjoining family room, and decorative improvements in the hospital, the Friends minibus and community volunteers scheme, as well as several contributions to health-related projects within the wider community. A very healthy reserve would enable them to fund the two major projects in the hospital which are currently under discussion with the trust. Mr Cole said the voluntary transport scheme, a much-valued community service for people in need of transport help to get to medical appointments, especially those living in rural areas, had made over
1,800 journeys, none of which would be possible without the ongoing support of volunteers' efforts to serve their community. Volunteers continue to provide assistance on the wards. The Friends provide entertainment, music and drum therapy for inpatients and services such as newspapers, staff training and a gardener to look after the Millennium Garden and the Portman Unit Courtyard. Their dedication was recognised this year by the Community Hospitals Association's Best Practice and Innovation Award for Community Services, which is on display in main reception.
Cancer group formed A NEW Macmillan cancer support group is now meeting in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion next to Blandford Post Office. Comments were made at a Macmillan meeting last year at Dorset County Hospital that although there were excellent cancer support groups in Bridport, Dorchester and the Weymouth area, there was none in the North Dorset area. This has now been resolved with the formation of the Blandford group, the Forum Otters, supported by Macmillan, who have also funded the cost of the meetings until the end of the year. The next meeting is on Thursday, August 16, between 2pm and 4pm, and anyone affected by cancer either directly or by a family member is welcome to come along for a chat and refreshments. For further information call 01258 458280.
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Jennifer’s ocean trip for charity MORE than £1,300 has been raised for the Jubilee Sailing Trust by former Dorset High Sheriff Jennifer Coombs, of Iwerne Steepleton, who joined the crew of one of the charity's two sailing ships, Tenacious, on a 40-day journey from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands to Cape Town. The Trust, based in Southampton, offers sailing for disabled passengers, and Mrs Coombs joined a watch which included two deaf people; other watches include a paraplegic and two blind members of the team. "I had an incredibly inspiring time," she said. "We left Port Stanley on March 7 in high seas and a 45-knot breeze, and escorted out by the harbour master we pulled into Berkeley Sound to assess the weather and had the great joy of being surrounded by Finn whales. "We made landfall of the Willis
NEWS in BRIEF
Jennifer Coombs aboard Tenacious with the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Islands, on the north-west tip of South Georgia on March 13 and sailed into Great Cumberland Bay and the port of Gritvykin and the British Antarctic Survey at King Edward Point, on the 14th. "The SV Tenacious is a 65m Barquentine built in 2000 in Southampton specifically to carry disabled passengers. The project is for able and disabled to work together and discover their
potential through sailing. "Our voyage to Cape Town via South Georgia was a total journey of discovery - very exciting and full of adventure. We arrived in Cape Town on April 3. "I hope to raise more for the project by giving a talk in November which I will advertise when I have a venue." Find out more about the journey and the trust at jst.org.uk.
DISCUSSIONS over the past two years on a 'Living and Learning' project designed to bring services in Blandford such as the library and education closer together have finally been abandoned. Service managers at Dorset County Council had identified the Black Lane site as a good opportunity to bring services together under one roof, but local concern about increased congestion on the adjoining road has persuaded them not to progress the proposal. County councillor Byron Quayle said he had been told they would continue to work with stakeholders to find a sustainable estates solution for public sector property within the town. ***** BLANDFORD's Cupola Project has been told by the Heritage Lottery that its bid for further funding for the restoration of Blandford Parish Church has been rejected, but it has been given an opportunity to reapply in August after further work has been done on the application to meet the funders' new criteria.
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All-day celebration to honour forces ARMED Forces Day was celebrated in Blandford by the Royal British Legion with an open day with entertainment, refreshments, and stalls which extended over into the Church Lane car park opposite their headquarters in Coupar House. The all-day event was attended by a number of service organisations, including SSAFA and the Gurkhas, and stalls hosted by other organisations in the town. But there was criticism on the town's Public Forum Facebook page of the lack of involvement from Blandford Town Council and that more was not done in the town. Veteran Darren Burns said: "We need to do so much more and get more involved as a town - we are letting veterans down. This is a day of thanks and recognition to all of our military past and present. We even have a VC in town. "Let's get next year's event to be
a huge celebration and get all the town and businesses involved. Let our young soldiers march past and be applauded. Let's have display stands showcasing the Army, Navy and Air Force - some of our youth may look at joining. As a town we need to plan together and get everyone involved." Several commented that they would have expected more from a military town, but also that it should not have to be up to the council. In the last four years it has hosted the final parade of Royal Corps of Signals Band, the Queen's Gurkha Signals Freedom parade, the final ride of the White Helmets and the series of exhibitions in the Corn Exchange commemorating World War I, including last year's Armed Forces Day exhibition in association with the Royal Signals Museum. This year the council gave the Legion event publicity and flew the flag from the Town Hall from June 25 to July 2.
Peggy with granddaughter Samantha, left, and daughters Margaret and Pat, right.
Peggy’s close family A SPECIAL peal of bells heard across the village of Winterborne Kingston on July 2 celebrated the 100th birthday of Peggy Robbins, who was joined by family and friends at the Greyhound Inn after arriving in a vintage Rover. Peggy was born in Lawrence's Yard, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford, in 1918, the youngest of eight siblings. At the age of 13 she went into service and told her guests how difficult it was - she clearly remembers being given one match to light the fire and if she failed would receive a sharp slap across her back. Peggy went on to marry Robbie and they had three children, Pat, Margaret and Michael. They lived in Blandford for many years until moving to Winterborne Kingston to be nearer to their elder daughter Pat. In recent years both Margaret and Michael also moved to the village and they love being so close to each other.
Village homes plans Fundraisers for 'A Room for Grace' on Armed Forces Day, (from left) Carol, Becky and Sharon.
MORE applications for housing development in villages without a Neighbourhood Plan have been submitted to North Dorset District Council, quoting the lack of five-year housing supply as a reason for bringing them forward. One is for 68 homes on the site of the Dorset Self Storage Company at Gold Hill Business Park in Child Okeford for Paddock Green Ltd. Its agent Ken Parke says the site had been promoted to the council through its Call for Sites process as a result of its previously developed status and location close to the settlement boundary. He adds that the council needs to include land adjoining it more sustainable village settlements. Child Okeford currently has no Neighbourhood Plan. A second application is for Lewis Wyatt (Construction) Ltd at Blandford Hill, Milborne St Andrew, to include 47 homes (19 affordable) and buildings for a pre-school and doctor's surgery. Agents Savills say that, while feedback from a presentation evening identified a preference for the brownfield site opposite the Milborne Business Centre (Camelco), a number of issues still have to be resolved for that site, including contamination, drainage and traffic management. "This application has been submitted before the Neighbourhood Plan has been published (even in a draft form) in light of the District Council's planning position and weight of housing need. Wyatt Homes remain committed to maintaining the positive dialogue with the Neighbourhood Planning Group.�
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Life-changing charity seeking larger home A RECENTLY registered Blandford charity is seeking larger accommodation for the games clubs and drop-ins it offers to young people and adults with Asperger's or mental health challenges. New Opportunities for Community and Support, NOCS for short, is a games-based charity currently based in a small shop in Nightingale Court, Blandford, which can no longer cope with the 100-plus people wanting to attend. The charity serves the whole of Dorset and is open to all, but welcomes particularly those with a high level of social anxiety. It is built on the success of Noc's Box, the games store founded four years ago by local Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Nocturin Lacey-Clarke. AN opportunity to learn square dancing is being offered at a class being held in Spetisbury village hall on Saturday August 18 between 4pm and 7pm. For details contact Andy and Angela Brackstone on 01202 731012.
Through its regular clubs, one-toone support and volunteering opportunities, Noc's Box has been providing life-changing support and development opportunities for people who struggle with social communication. Evidence is building of its success in creating lasting friendships, increasing confidence and providing a range of social skills. Mr Lacey-Clarke said: "As a young person with Asperger's I had the good fortune to spend many a happy hour in the games workshop environment. I developed an invaluable set of skills for life that have stood me in good stead through work, study, friendships and even marriage! From an early age all I ever wanted to do was to recreate that type of atmosphere to help to make a positive difference to the lives of others with similar difficulties to me." Anyone who can help, or who wants to get involved with the charity, should contact the chair Lorraine Paddison at nocscharity@gmail.com or see nocscharity.com.
The games-based charity NOCS in its current home in Nightingale Court.
Festival seeks helpers BLANDFORD'S arts festival Free Expression will be returning to the Market Place on Sunday, September 9, and is looking for help in staging an exhibition covering the theme of 'industry'. There will be stalls, food, performances, workshops and the Art Fair, where local artists of all ages and experience levels can exhibit and sell their work. Festival director Kate Seeger said: "There's so much artistic talent locally, from musicians, painters, sculptors, comedians and singers, to knitters, dancers, actors, writers and so many more. We're creating a celebration of those talents with a buzzing community atmosphere and free access to the arts for everyone. "We're looking for artists to exhibit and sell their work, people to help us on the day, programme sponsors, people to run workshops and help spread the word. If you'd like to volunteer, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/freeexpression16 or email freeexpressioncreative@gmail.com.
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Terence Dear, chairman of Blandford & District Civic Society, with AGM speakers Gabriella Herrick, left, and Jen Nixon, right.
August 2018
Local knowledge key to conserving heritage buildings MEMBERS of Blandford & District Civic Society were told at their AGM that information from local residents of the history of their area would become all the more important as the numbers of conservation officers employed by local government reduced. One of the guest speakers was local conservation officer Jen Nixon, who said that since 2006 the workload had increased in proportion to the number of posts lost, particularly in the south-west, and the heritage significance of premises might be missed by planning officers with less local knowledge and experience. The second guest speaker was Gabriella Herrick, who works for the Partnership of Donal Insall, who nearly 50 years ago wrote the conservation guide to Blandford 'Conserve and Enhance', prompting the society's formation. Chairman Terence Dear, re-elected to his third term of office, said comparison of the state of the town then and now showed there had been much improvement, and the society could claim credit for its part in bringing it about. Paying tribute to members who are working on a conservation area assessment in the town, he said that as the work of the society in bringing issues to the attention of the authorities became more important, so did the need to raise the society's profile and increase its membership. Members and friends of the society, as part of their National Civic Day celebrations on June 16, heard the colourful story of the
rise and fall of one of the most powerful families in the country in the mid-18th century from Amy Frost, curator of the Bath Preservation Trust. They learnt also how Julines Beckford, who remodelled Stepleton House at Iwerne Stepleton, which they visited on July 4, fitted into the family which made its fortune through sugar plantations in Jamaica. Their downfall came partly through third generation excesses, such as the building of the Beckford Tower at Fonthill in Wiltshire by Julines' cousin, William Thomas Beckford, family scandals including the affair of Peter's wife Louisa with his cousin, and the abolition of the slave trade. The house was subsequently let for many years to the D'Oyly family, then owned by Sir Randolph Baker. The visit was hosted by Jennifer Combs, the current owner, who described some of the work done on the property and gardens since she and her late husband Derek took up residence over 30 years ago. GOOD progress is being made by the new Blandford Men's Shed on the refurbishment of finger posts for Witchampton, Ansty Cross and Winterborne Houghton areas. Blandford Town Council recently turned down a request for funding from the group but advised them to approach Screwfix which had set up a foundation to provide cheap tools to local organisations. For more information email blandfordmensshed@gmail.com
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August 2018
End of an era as Ken steps down LOCAL youth worker Ken Reynolds, who is retiring after supporting the young people of Blandford for the past 34 years, says his work in the community has been more of a vocation than a job and he has enjoyed it immensely. Blandford Youth Trust was established in 1988 when Ken gave up his secure job with Rolls Royce Motors to devote his time to working first in the Market Place, car parks and other places where young people were gather- Ken Reynolds. ing, getting to know them and building trust. In time the idea of Treads was born and much hard work went into putting it into action. With funding from the NHS and local councils, Treads made its home in Salisbury Street and the young people very quickly moved in, with often 30 youngsters crammed into the coffee bar and advice centre. Relationships with the team of adult volunteers were built, and Treads was acknowledged as a model of good practice in youth work, receiving national awards under Ken's leadership. In 2001 he felt it was time to move on to do more 'preventative work' after the very difficult years in the late 1990s when drugs were a big issue for the town, and Blandford became known as 'Brown Town'. A partnership between BYT and The Blandford School was
established and Ken became the school's student support worker, a post he has held for the past 17 years. There have been some real challenges along the way as the charity that has always supported his work has faced financial pressures, but the Student Support Project has been seen as a vital element of the school's provision, praised by Ofsted and supported by a range of local organisations. Ken served as a school governor for 13 years, chairing the students and community committee, and continues his active involvement in the life of Blandford Evangelical Church. He lives in the town with his wife Trish, and they have two sons and three grandchildren. He has already begun to write a book. To send a message to him, email him at ken.reynolds@virgin.net.
Alan Newman with his vase of six prize winning roses.
The power of flowers WINNERS at the 23rd annual rose & sweet pea show staged by Blandford Horticultural Society in Tarrant Keyneston village hall were Alan Newman, with the best rose in the show and the Joyce Potter Rose Bowl for a vase of six blooms, Dave Manson with the best sweet pea vase in the show, and Ivy Miles Shield for three vases of nine stems in the Blackmore Vale Championship. Tony Ashford was runner-up for the Ivy Miles Shield and Peter Early Shield, and winner of the Muriel Davis Cup for two vases of six stems. Dave Manson's son John was the winner of the Peter Early Shield. Third place in the Blackmore Vale Championship went to Brian Bartlett, and in the Peter Early Shield to Lionel Horley. John Gillingham was runner-up in the Muriel Davis Cup. The Society holds its 31st annual flower and vegetable shows on Saturday August 11 at the same venue at Tarrant Keyneston, which will open to the public from noon.
Hospital offers souvenir coins BLANDFORD Community Hospital's restaurant is one of only a handful in the south-west where people have been able to collect a special 10p coin in their change in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service. Dorset HealthCare is one of just two trusts in the south-west to partner with the Royal Mint for the release of a limited number of the special NHS design coins. Created as part of the Great British Coin Hunt, featuring 26 designs mapping the A-Z of what makes
Britain great, it forms part of a collection which coin hunters can seek both physically and digitally through a Great British Coin Hunt app. Ron Shields, chief executive of Dorset HealthCare said: "We're delighted to have been chosen to help distribute these special coins." People just need to make a cash purchase at one of the restaurants listed, including the Yeatman in Sherborne, and Bridport Hospital, to get one in their change, or can purchase them. Find more information at royalmint/coinhunt.
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Readers’ letters
A waste of public money I WAS pleased to see in Forum Focus (July) that the Town Council have now appointed an architectural practice, with some conservation accreditation, to take forward the Corn Exchange project. It is very unfortunate that the Town Council have spent something in the order of £150,000 to date on a project that was never going to be deliverable in terms of capital funding or sustainable in terms of revenue funding. This cost since 2005 does not even include the salary and oncosts of a project officer, who is no longer with the Town Council, and other staff costs. Some works have been carried out to the Corn Exchange in the last few years due to the work put in by the Town Clerk.
August 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
However, past chairs of the Corn Exchange working group and previous Town Councillors must take the blame for this flagrant waste of Section 106 and council taxpayers' money which could have been used more profitably in other ways for the good of the town. John Turnbull Queens Road, Blandford
No surprise at bus plight I READ with interest in Forum Focus (July) that the X8A does not seem to be attracting the travelling public to our new supermarket. If the local council had only got this right in the first place, I think they could have saved money. The bus stop is in the wrong place, on a busy main road by a set of traffic lights; the bus has to pull up by the grass verge, with
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.
no bus shelter or hard standing; and the public have to do a short-cut through the flower beds to get to the bus stop. I understood the bus would be going into Lidl, where there is plenty of space. No-one promoted this service in 2017 so come January 2, 2018, when the service started, I assume because the contributions from Lidl did not go to the bus company, they could charge what they liked for the X8A and the X8 extension. Because of so many cuts in our services around Blandford, apart from DCT (Dorset County Transport) trying to make something of the mess of our public services, on top of the privilege of charging you to travel, you don't have the connectivity you once had. Anyone wanting to use the X8A has to be local to Blandford - the villages don't get a look in, which could put this service under further pressure. We need to review the free bus pass if we are not to see the car rule over public transport. R. Cowley Winterborne Whitechurch
Problems on the agenda DARE I make a few comments on issues that should be aired on the letters page in Forum Focus? First, the parking. We need better short-term parking and safety. I live in Kings Road, and when entering Salisbury Road, if I look to the right and there is a van
parked with other cars, there is no visibility of cars coming down the road. Now to compound safety issues, there are cars parked across the other side of the road which restricts the turning to the left. Maybe the cars parked are due to the council offices. Information would be welcome, as if there's an accident, would the council take responsibility? Something needs to be done in the narrow side streets to allow traffic to access the road itself or put all streets as one big parking lot. Changing the subject, does the cost add up, and who paid the £3,000 for the metal tree in the graveyard in Salisbury Road? A few years ago residents were asked for ideas for a feature in the graveyard costing £1,000 to present an idea of the town and give people visiting the graves reflection on the time spent there. This does not. Changing the subject again to Blandford's public toilets. Visitors don't know where they are, and they are too far from the main shopping street. Why can't the Corn Exchange toilets be accessible during shop opening times? Come on, Blandford, stop trying to make problems for the town when the alternative is so simple - or is it too simple for you to see. Ruth Kimber Address supplied, Blandford
Got something to get off your chest? Email your letters to: editor@forumfocus.co.uk
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August 2018
Letters extra
Disabled loos a let-down . . I VISITED Blandford Forum in May this year with my wife and two adult daughters. I am disabled and was very dismayed by the condition of the disabled toilets near the tourist info office and the supermarket. I visited Blandford three years ago and found the same disabled toilets unacceptable then. I spoke to the ladies in the tourist office about it, and they said it was down to the council. I spoke to the ladies again this time and told them it was the worst disabled toilet I had visited during my two-week stay in Dorset. They again told me it was the council's responsibility so I asked them if there was a publication I could write to who would publish my concern in order to shame your council into doing something about it; they gave me your June issue. I have a stoma and need plenty of room and cleanliness in order to manage it. This toilet was very dirty despite the town being quiet at the time. Both of my daughters are also disabled, the one having a bladder condition was nearly sick using this toilet. We do feel it's a shame as Blandford is a nice place yet let down by a silly thing like this but which many outsiders/tourists will judge it by. John M (Name & address supplied), Stafford
. . misuse is to blame A CONTRACTOR cleans the public conveniences every morning so they should be acceptable, but it only takes one person to
use them poorly and ruin it for others. However, they are tired now and would - in a normal situation - be due for replacement but we do not own the building, nor do we have a lease on it. We are aware that there is a planning application being submitted to demolish them so it would not be in the public interest to refurbish toilets that we know won't be there soon. We have another issue at the moment, which is rough sleepers. They lock themselves in the toilets and spend the night there and often much of the daytime too. The police have been informed and staff have been told not to confront them as they did on one occasion, which turned out to be difficult for them. If the gentleman went in to a toilet following the rough sleepers, I can understand why it would have been an unpleasant experience. Linda Scott-Giles, Town Clerk Blandford Forum Town Council
Clean-up can help needy THIS August sees two major music festivals take place, Bestival and Boomtown. Last year, a small band of Blandford CARES supporters helped clear the Bestival site of discarded camping gear and tents. Although it took nearly a week for another group of our supporters to clean, check and repackage, the end result was a large van of desperately needed items being sent to northern France. Can you help us either by coming with us to collect on August 6 to 7 or by helping clean and repack the following week? If Bestival is not enough,
Boomtown will be a bigger challenge. We aim to get as many helpers as possible on August 15 to recover as much as we can from this much bigger event near Winchester. If you have a small van or large car and are able to help between August 6 and 7 and/or August 14 and 16 please contact us. If you can spare a few hours or so to help in the cleaning parties, we would welcome you with open arms, plus hose and cleaning gear! Clean-up will be virtually any time between August 8 and 21. Interested? Call us on 07768 403512 or email hearn@forumsprings.plus.com Mike and Suzi Hearn Blandford CARES Collecting Aid for Refugees Europe and Sudan
So grateful I WOULD like to say a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Blandford Hospital's X-ray department, and also to Andy of Oakwood Taxis, for their help and kindness towards me and my husband in early July when he had to attend the hospital. A. Pearson
NEWS in BRIEF A CONSULTATION is open until August 27 on a proposed merger between Dorset Police and the Devon & Cornwall force, who have been working in a strategic alliance since 2015, and now considering whether a full merger would provide a more resilient service. The two chief constables last September announced plans to investigate how the alliance could grow and a full business case will be presented to the Home Office in October with a decision in principle expected by the end of the year. ***** NORTH Dorset District Council has approved licensing fees for houses in multiple occupation following a change in legislation which has introduced mandatory conditions and licence requirement for all premises occupied by five or more people in two or more separate households. For more information see dorsetforyou.gov.uk/landlordspartnership, contact the Housing Improvement Team on 01305 251010 or email housingimprovement@dorset.gov.uk
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August 2018
Beating boredom? It’s child’s play WITH the school summer holidays in full swing, parents looking for fun, affordable and creative ways to keep their children entertained need look no further than the Artsreach summer programme of activities, which runs until August 31. Youngsters can get creative with wood and join local maker Karen
Jo Burlington, at Milborne St Andrew on August 8. Hansen, using drawknives, saws, hammers and shaving horses to create Anything that Moves in Sturminster Newton on August 2. At Milborne St Andrew on August 8, parents and children can get
hands-on drawing to music together with Jo Burlington. After a storytelling session, children can create the house of their dreams from a cardboard box in Drawing, Dancing & House of Dreams. 3D sculptor Darrell Wakelam returns this summer with sessions creating a 3d Space Scene at Sturminster Newton on August 10 or 3D Secret Treasure Chests at Milborne St Andrew on August 14. Dressing for mess is strongly advised for an Oops Wow Messy Art session at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on August 16, where children can make and wear their own Decorator Crab Shell with Jo Burlington before embarking on an enormous drawing and storytelling adventure. Parents and toddlers can enjoy minibeast-themed arts, crafts, songs, storytelling and cooking with Fiddlesticks on Tour at Sturminster Newton on August 17. Squashbox Theatre will be joining Forest Ranger Craig on a woodland adventure at Child Okeford on August 18 in 'Tales from the Trees', with puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy. A post-
show puppet-making workshop is also available. And a Song Writing Workshop with Abigail Thommes at Milborne St Andrew on August 21 is a chance to learn different vocal techniques before writing a new song and giving a mini performance for friends and family. For times, recommended age ranges and booking details, together with other events and workshops further afield, see artsreach.co.uk.
Squashbox Theatre at Child Okeford on August 18.
Book in for library fun THERE are lots of exciting events for youngsters at Blandford Library this summer in addition to the Summer Reading Challenge, Mischief Makers. They include 'Fingerprint Animals' on Thursday August 9, 'There's a Tiger in the Garden' on Saturday August 11, a fire service visit on Monday August 13, 'Wacky Wardrobe' on Thursday August 16, 'Hooray for Summer!' on Tuesday August 21, and 'Best Friend Story and Sleepover' on Thursday August 6. There's also a summer colour competition, Friendship Bands and Family Colouring every Saturday afternoon during August, and every Tuesday afternoon Garden Gang Rhyme Time. For further details call 01258 452075 or call in.
NOW AT THE BLANDFORD SCHOOL
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August 2018
Mouse wins visitors’ vote at club show
Colin Cross (left) receives the Esme Butler Cup from Dave Butler for his picture, 'Harvest Mouse'.
A winning shot from Sally Chaloner for the Open Colour Challenge Trophy.
Woodland venue for green festival ANGUS Wood, opposite the fire station in St Leonard's Avenue, Blandford, will be the venue on Saturday August 19 for a mini-festival devoted to zero waste and sustainable living. With growing public interest in sustainability and the need to reduce plastic waste, the Blandford Town Museum, Blandford Environmental Trust, Sustainable Dorset and local zero waste health foods store, Cariad Wholefoods have collaborated to organise a 'Waste Not, Want Not' Fair. It will be open from 10am to 5pm to highlight some of the issues around sustainability and give visitors ideas on how to reduce their own environmental impact. Entry is ÂŁ3 for adults, free for children under 16, for talks and displays from Dorset community recycling charity, Ideas2Action, on recycling and reusing waste items, by local conscious-living guru Gabriela Lerner on the health benefits of a raw food plantbased diet, and from cruelty free cosmetics company Lush. There will also be stalls, music, food and fun for all the family.
THE 62nd annual exhibition of Blandford Forum Camera Club was held in the Corn Exchange. Certificates and cups were awarded by judge Sue Sibley from Southampton, and New Forest clubs had been invited to judge the exhibition in the clubhouse. The quality and entrants were as strong as ever. Members also welcomed Mayor of Blandford Cllr Roger Carter, who came along to what was his first official engagement to view the exhibition with his wife Heather as consort. As always visitors were asked to vote for their favourite print from the club prints on show, whether in colour or monochrome. The print voted the favourite this year was 'Harvest Mouse' by Colin Cross, for which he was awarded the Esme Butler Cup. Dave, husband of the late Esme Butler, presented the cup and read a poem about photography. Main competition winners were Graham Hutton (Club Colour), Malcolm Bowditch (Club Monochrome and Open Challenge Shield Monochrome), Rachel Cooper (Founders Cup), Stephanie Selwyn (Dr Davies Cup), Jean Bartlett (PDI), Sally Chaloner (Open Colour Challenge Trophy) and Reg Clark (Open Projected Digital Images). Full results and a gallery of pictures at bfcc.co.uk.
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Play time arrives at last A LONG-awaited play area for the children on the Badbury Heights estate was officially opened by the Mayor of Blandford Councillor Roger Carter on July 7, one of the hottest days of the year - with a free ice-cream for everyone attending. Blandford Town Council pulled out all the stops to get the play area up and running as soon as the site legally became their responsibility after years of negotiation with developers Persimmon, who provided the land and funds for equipment and maintenance as part of the planning permission for the development. Equipment was chosen after consultations with residents on what they would like to see on the area, and once the standard green fencing on the boundary was in place. It was officially opened with tango, seat and nest swings, roundabout, seesaw, multiplay unit and a picnic bench where parents can meet and sit to keep an eye on their children.
August 2018
Boundary changes under the spotlight TOWN councillors have taken issue with the figures for Blandford suggested by the Boundary Commission for England, which maintains that because the death rate is higher than the birth rate, the electorate is estimated to reduce by nearly 650 over the next five years. Cllr Haydn White claimed at a planning committee meeting that the figures were inaccurate, and it was agreed to make the matter an agenda item at the full council meeting. Residents and organisations are being consulted by the Commission on how the ward boundaries for the new unitary authority of Dorset County will look when the existing six councils are replaced by a unitary authority, with 82 councillors replacing the existing 210. Commission chairman, Prof Colin Mellors, said: "We want to build wards that make sense to local people and want to hear as much local evidence as possible before we finalise the plans in October." It is suggested that two council-
lors represent the ward of Blandford with a current electorate of 8,206, and one each represent the wards of Winterborne North (electorate 3,324), Hill Forts & Upper Tarrant (electorate 3,678) and Cranborne Chase (electorate 3,426), whose electorates are predicted to increase. Blandford St Mary will be part of the Winterborne North Ward, villages to the north and west in Hill Forts and Upper Tarrants, and Blandford Camp and villages to the east in Cranborne Chase. The consultation runs on the Commission's website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk until August 27 and lgbce.org.uk, and hard copies of the report and map are available to view at council buildings. BLANDFORD Allotment Society held its annual summer barbecue at Lamperd's Field. There was a draw for a ÂŁ10 Homebase voucher, prosecco, compost, and a jar of honey from Malcolm Fowler, who the previous day had given a talk to the society on making mead and honey.
Young people’s Peace Legacy songwriting competition Individuals as well as groups and bands are invited to enter a young singer-song writer competition for under-18s, with a chance of winning a role in a 'Legacy' performance planned as part of the finale to the town's World War I commemoration and exhibition of in Blandford Corn Exchange. The winners will be invited to perform their songs, along with other groups taking part at the performance on Friday, November 2, hosted by Poacher's Moon, who will be playing some of their songs from 'Poppies Red and Cornflowers Blue'. The competition judges include John Anderson, the prolific singer-songwriter from Poacher's Moon, who has been composing songs since he was 17 and has a great knowledge of writing lyrics and music, recording and performing over the last 50 years.
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August 2018
News from the surgeries Sunscreen and sun safety
Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter with archivist Michael Le Bas who has prepared the WWI 1918-19 exhibition in the Blandford Museum.
War’s end in sight A NEW World War One display in Blandford Town Museum was opened by Mayor of Blandford Councillor Roger Carter, and focuses on the final years of the war. Archivist and curator Michael Le Bas said this would be the final exhibition related to Blandford's contribution to the First World War so included items going forward into 1919. It describes activities in Blandford town and in the camp; the parts played by Blandford men and women on the Western Front in France and Belgium, and further east in Mesopotamia (Iran, Iraq,
Syria, Palestine). The battles they were involved in are listed and pictured, and the Blandford casualties individually detailed. Those attending carried and wore the WW1 medals won by their fathers and grandfathers. A feature of the display is the display of maps with the changes to international boundaries as a result of the war, and the new independent countries created, together with a section on the creation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), later RAF recruiting offices at the camp. See more on our website, forumfocus.co.uk in News Extra.
THE penultimate exhibition of the Blandford 14/18 Group, on Friday August 31 and Saturday September 1 in the Corn Exchange, will be on the subject of the many advances and developments begun during the conflict which have become part of our basic medical coverage. The years of the Great War saw medical knowledge, procedures and routines advance at a rate never before seen in the modern world. The deluge of maimed, damaged and wounded combatants forced radical ideas to blossom, methods to be examined, systems to be streamlined, equipment to be engineered and training to be regularised. For more details or to help and get involved with the commemoration email the1418group@outlook.com
Some useful advice from the NHS 'Choices' website: Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and you can burn even when it's cloudy. There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan but it is important to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight. • Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest - between 11am and 3pm in the UK • Make sure you never burn • Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses • Take extra care with children • Use sunscreen What factor sunscreen (SPF) should I use? Sun protection factor, or SPF, measures the amount of protection from ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) - on a scale of 2-50+ based on the level of protection. 50+ is the strongest UVB protection. UVA star rating shows protection from ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) up to five stars on UK sunscreens. So choose a sunscreen that gives: • A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB • At least four-star UVA protection • Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. • Don't spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen How to apply sunscreen Most people don't apply enough sunscreen so aim to apply: • Two teaspoons of sunscreen for head, arms and neck • Two tablespoons for the entire body in a swimming costume • And reapply immediately after being in the water - even if it's ‘water resistant’ - and after towel drying, sweating, or possibly rubbed off.
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The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk
T
HE poppies have flowered for quite a long period, giving a hint of the fact that they are a bit thin this year. If the population is low, the plants will throw up extra branches and flowers to fill in the gaps. If the crop is thick it will remain largely mono-stemmed. This season has been hard for the spring crops in particular, as so little rain has fallen since they were sown in April, and their growing season has been severely truncated by wet weather at the beginning and hot weather at the end. We started the 2018 harvest campaign on July 10 in the winter barley on the Knoll, above
August 2018 Knighton House, and the crop seems reasonable, though not up to the record yield of last year. It is very dry; at 12.5 per cent moisture we are losing 2 per cent of the yield simply due to dryness. The straw is lovely and clean, very bright, almost white, as disease levels have been low in the dry season. The Knoll has some of the best views in Dorset, sweeping round from Badbury Rings in the east, and even the Isle of Wight on a clear day, to Hod Hill across the valley, Win Green away to the north, and our own poppy fields to the west. Wessex Internet brought in their team last week, as part of a project to bring fibre optic to businesses in Dorset and beyond. We are adding our farm office and grain store to their network of breakneck internet speeds. Part of the plan is to upgrade the grain store CCTV system, so that the store can be monitored over the internet, from a distance, on a phone while driving the combine at lunchtime, for example. A week before harvest we hosted our regular straw sale, an auction of standing straw, run by our friends from Symonds and Sampson. It was a hot day, but well attended. Trade was brisk and good prices were achieved
What am I bid? Mark Northcott prepares to drop the hammer on another lot of straw.
In the poppies this year there is the odd colourful rogue. due to the fact that most farmers' sheds are empty after the long, wet winter, and the drought has left people short of fodder. Add to this the concern that straw itself will be short due to the dry season and you have a perfect storm. The cows and sheep are rapidly running out of food and shortly we will need to break into winter rations to keep them happy. The grass stopped growing some time ago, and what remains is getting browner by the day. We have made about half of the silage we will need for next winter, but still have some way to go.
Some of our grass margins around the arable fields will hopefully help to fill the gap, but will we get any more growth this year? Many farmers start to talk about 1976 when it is as dry as this, and there is some way to go before it gets as bad as that let's hope it doesn't. Stuff Brexit - we have to make sure we have enough winter fodder for our animals. What on earth they will be worth after March 31 is anyone's guess, but one thing I will say is that if the UK's farms and food industry were run like the current government, the supermarket shelves would be bare.
Once the cows get through a gate into an open field though, they just love to stampede - even the bull was seen cantering down the hill.
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August 2018
A little bit of French café life came to Dorset when students from Clayesmore ran a French café for the children of Seahorses class at Durweston one morning. The older children acted as waiters and waitresses while the younger ones were the customers. Everyone had worked hard to learn the French vocabulary they needed and it was a great opportunity to try it out. One of the arts workshops at Pimperne School.
Arty fun at Pimperne AN arts week at Pimperne Primary School culminated in a samba band parade and the whole school displaying their favourite piece of art from the week. It also resulted in a beautiful 'bottle top' mural which is now hanging outside the school for all to admire. The week began with the theme of 'Our Wonderful World and how we look after it'. A wide range of activities included mosaic making, sketching, weaving, photog-
raphy, instrument making, batik bunting and making vegetable planters from plastic bottles. Pupils were excited to welcome specialist samba teacher Neil Evans, running a day-long workshop and a dance workshop by the Performance Arts Theatre Academy. Funding and support for the event came from The Arts Society of Wimborne & Blandford, their own active PTA, Travis Perkins and the Poolebased company Lush.
Cash in the gardens THE Blandford Hidden Gardens event in June raised £2,717, bringing to a total of over £20,000 since the annual event started in 2008. Organiser David Rose, on behalf of Blandford Stour Rotary, thanked all those who opened their gardens and helped, saying: "It was another great year and community event. "The focus has always been an event for the town rather than on raising money. Again, we are seeing people from outside the town, many of whom had not been to Blandford before, who remarked on its architecture and friendliness." He said the funds raised had gone to 16 local organisations and projects, and invited anyone interested in participating next year, giving a provisional date of Sunday June 23, to get in touch by email to endellion@hotmail.co.uk.
Seahorses class at Durweston Primary are working hard on their green fingers this term. As part of their topic on plants, they are investigating how quickly a sunflower plant grows and have been out every morning measuring their seedlings to see whose is growing the quickest. They've also been growing marigolds and cornflowers to decorate the front of the school and had a hand in planting the hanging baskets too.
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August 2018
War approaches its end but the slaughter goes on THE first casualty in August 1918 was Private Frederick William Foot, who died aged 32 as a prisoner-of-war in Germany on August 1 after serving with the 2nd Royal Marine Batt, RND, Royal Marine Light Infantry. He had been drafted with British Expeditionary Force in February 1917 and taken prisoner on April 28. The son of woodman Walter George Foot and his wife Louisa Ellen, of Dewlish, he became a farmer and in 1912 married Mary Mabel Ellery, with whom he had a daughter Gwendoline and lived in Charlton Marshall. He is buried in Lidzbark Warminski War Cemetery in Poland, but his name is also recorded at the Malbork Memorial Germany and the Helisberg PoW cemetery in East Prussia. The rest of the casualties died in France. Albert Shephard, a Private in the Dorsetshire Regiment 1st Bn, was killed in action on August 11, aged 25, and is buried in the Bouchoir New British Cemetery. He was the only son, with five sisters, of builders' labourer Sidney and Martha Annie Shephard, of Child Okeford. William Kenney, a shoeing smith with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays), was born at Mile End, London, where his father was a brewer's labourer, and had in 1915 married Blandford-born Edith Bessie Fiander, having served with the 2nd Dragoon Guards since at least 1911. He died of wounds on August 18, aged 29, and is buried in Vignacourt British Cemetery. He is remembered on the memorial at Tarrant Keyneston where his wife lived. His wife's brother William Frank Fiander is also believed to have been killed in action Montague John Wills was the second son of garden labourer George and Blanche Prince Wills, of Portman Yard and Lower Harewood Place in Bryanston Street, Blandford. He served as a Private in 47th Company, Machine Gun Corps, having transferred from the Dorsetshire Regiment, and was killed in action on August 22, aged 20. With no
known grave, he is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Haucourt, Pas-de-Calais.
Private Hubert Henry Bugg (above) was a pupil of Milton Abbas Grammar School and is remembered on the war memorial at Stourton Caundle. The younger son of eight children of farm labourer Charles and Ruth Annie Bugg of The Pound, he had enlisted in 1917 in the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry which was deployed in December of that year to Italy, and in April 1918 to France to take part in a series of battles. He was killed, aged 19, in Flanders on August 22 during the advance which started four days earlier, and is buried in the Queen's Cemetery at Bucquoy. Buried in the nearby Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, is former Blandford Secondary School pupil Gilbert Albert Fry, aged 19 when he died on August 31 at 2/2 London Field Ambulance of wounds received during the attack on Bullecourt some time between August 26 and 30. The son of Mildred and John Fry, first clerk and then manager of Blandford & Webb in Sturminster Newton. He had five sisters, and the family lived in the house next to
what is now the Fiddleford Inn. He left school at 15 to become a boy clerk in the Post Office Savings Bank in West Kensington, and after nearly a year doing initial training, sailed for Boulogne in May 1918, so had been in France only 79 days when he died. William Clark, born in Sturminster Newton but brought up in Blandford, was the sixth of 11 children of labourer George Clark, who died in 1909, and his wife Elizabeth. They lived first in Bryanston Street and then at Mount Pleasant in East Street. He became a bricklayer's labourer, and served as a Private with the Dorsetshire Regiment 6th Bn. He was killed in action, aged 32, on August 27, and is buried in Bulls Road Cemetery, Flers. His younger brother Walter was also killed in action in August 1914. Also buried in Bulls Road Cemetery is Okeford Fitzpaine butter packer Albert Henry Hilliar, a Private in the Dorsetshire Regiment 6th Bn, who was killed in action, aged 25, on August 28. He was the only son of Henry and Kate Hilliar, of Okeford Fitzpaine, and had four younger sisters. Thomas Orchard was serving with the Middlesex Regiment 23rd Bn when he died of wounds on August 22, the second son of four children of Charles and Mary Orchard, of Winterborne Whitechurch. He was 32, and had in 1906 married Annie Matilda Syred, with whom he had a daughter, born 1909 in Luton, where he worked as a milkman. He is buried in the Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery and remembered on the Whitechurch memorial. Also remembered at Whitechurch is William George Vater, born 1889
at Hilton, Dorset, the eldest of ten children of shepherd William George and Ellen Eliza Vater. He was killed in action on August 30, serving with the Royal Army Service Corps 3rd Water Tank Coy, and is buried in the Albert Communal Cemetery Extension. He had married Matilda Charlotte E Lye in Wiltshire in 1915 and had a daughter Kathleen, born in 1916 in Wimborne. Henry James Lane, who died of wounds aged 33 on August 31, was the fourth son of Frederick and Annie Lane, of Blandford, to die. His mother had died in 1917, following the deaths of his three brothers. He had in the same year married Mary Ellen Smith, with whom he had a son, Eric, born in the year of his death. He is buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. His cousin Frederick would later die in December 1918.
Former Blandford Secondary School pupil Gilbert Albert Fry, died at the age of 19.
Anyone who would like to share with our readers pictures and details of events relating to relatives who played a part in World War One is invited to contact Forum Focus by calling 01258 459346, emailing editor@forumfocus.co.uk or writing to 18 Tudor Gardens, Blandford DT11 7PL. Forum Focus would like to thank the Blandford 14-18 Group for their help in researching this material.
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August 2018
Community effort creates school’s spiritual garden THE Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, formally opened the new Spiritual Garden at Shillingstone CEVA Primary School, in a short service led by Rev Lydia Cook for 150 pupils, staff and guests. In brilliant sunshine, the Bishop cut the ribbon across the entry archway, and describing the garden as "a great resource which will be an inspiration for many generations to come," praised it as "amazingly creative - a place of peace, contemplation and prayer." Former school governor Tony Tew explained the progress of the project over the last two-and-a-half years and thanked all those who had made it possible by donations of money, goods or services, including those from the school PTA, Blackmore Vale Lions and Grenville Educational Media. "The children's efforts were awesome," he said, "raising money through sponsored events including running, dancing, cake sales and non-uniform days and also helping with planting bulbs, lavender and much more." Headteacher Jane Whitehouse Sharpe said: "I am so grateful for everyone's help. It was truly a whole school community project. The children are all very excited about spending time there." Each pupil presented a pebble which they had decorated and placed it in Bishop Karen cuts the ribbon to open the gar- a bowl in the garden - a den. Photo: Katrina Sealey / Pictures of You' personal contribution from each of them. The garden was designed and created by parents Rachel Oakley and Jean Cutler, who were presented with bouquets by two pupils before the Bishop concluded with a blessing of the garden. It features the work of local craftsmen and members of the PTA, including Alec Fincham, who created the archway leading to its centrepiece, a circular paved area with a sun motif bordered with a spectacular curved seat made by parents. An attractive block of stone from Marnhull Stone Ltd had been beautifully carved with the inscription 'Be still and know that I am God' by stonemason Paul Louth.
Celebrating summer! RESIDENTS and staff at Castleman House residential home in Blandford have been making the most of the summer, celebrating the Royal wedding in style and singing along to the music of Elgar at a party which was reminiscent of the Last Night of the Proms. The annual summer fayre was once again well supported by generous local businesses who donated a wide variety of prizes for the raffle and stalls. The money raised will help residents enjoy outings, entertainment and activities in their home. Castleman House will be opening its doors to the public again on Thursday, August 9, for an open day between 2 and 4pm for visitors to have a look around and meet the staff and residents. There will be singing in the Boogie Woogie era style and refreshments provided by the catering team who won the Great British Care Awards 'Cook/Chef Award' (South East) in 2016.
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August 2018
Students sitting pretty thanks to Rotarians
TBS sixth-form art students with (L-R) Councillor Byron Quayle, head of art Gwen Amey, Blandford Mayor Roger Carter, Amanda Bibby, Deputy Mayor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke and headteacher Sally Wilson.
Art takes the spotlight in school exhibition AN exciting exhibition at The Blandford School - the largest that it has hosted for a number of years - celebrated the extensive art work produced by students from years 7 to 13. Highlights included work previously exhibited at the Poole Festival of Light produced by Seren Birtles, a year 13 A-level art student, and paintings on wooden pallets, wooden cable reels, eco printing, papier machĂŠ, stitched drawings, paintings and sculptures. There was work displayed by students including submissions from A-level and GCSE students. The art moderator visited the school prior to the exhibition and commended the students'
work, noting the breadth of materials explored and the ambition of the collection of work. The students were pleased to welcome visits by Simon Hoare MP, local councillors and Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter to the exhibition. They joined an audience of 260 parents and friends of the school. The exhibition was made possible by close collaboration with Arts University Bournemouth and Bryanston School, who kindly lent display boards to accommodate the extensive collection of work, and Astral Couriers who provided transport to enable the movement of display boards between Bournemouth and the school.
LOCALLY based Wessex Internet has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Rural Diversification Project in the regional finals of the Best Rural Retail Business Awards, the only UK-wide business awards specifically for the rural sector. North Dorset firms Rovers Kit & Kaboodle and From Dorset With Love are in contention for the Best Rural Retail Business. Winners in 13 categories revealed at an awards ceremony on October 18 at Bath Racecourse will go forward to the national final next February.
STUDENTS and staff at The Blandford School (TBS) will now be able to enjoy their break and lunchtimes more than ever thanks to the kind donation of new outside seating by the Blandford Stour Rotary Club (BSRC). The new bench and picnic table were welcomed by the BSRC president John Hall, Blandford School headteacher Sally Wilson and four TBS students. Mr Hall said: "One of the main priorities of the club is supporting our local communities and young people. It is an honour for us to present these benches and table to The Blandford School, with whom we have such a good relationship over many years." Mrs Wilson said: "I am exceptionally grateful to BSRC for their very generous donations which have enabled us to purchase two benches, one close to where students wait for buses and one
adjacent to our artificial pitch and overlooking the rugby fields. "Both locations are very well used by students, and the latter is also used by the community during evenings and weekends so I am delighted they will also benefit." Mr Hall has recently succeeded Ros Nelmes as president of BSRC and received the badge of office at a club meeting at The Langton Arms. The club has been part of the community since 1998 and is now in its 20th year. He said: "I feel very honoured to be the new president of this club. This year, as always, we are looking at ways to create innovative fundraising events and hope that the town and surrounding area will support them, allowing us to contribute towards the community. We are also this year looking to expand our membership to help achieve these objectives."
Headteacher Sally Wilson, Blandford Stour Rotary President John Hall, Year 12 student Patrick, fellow Year 12 student Zoe, and Year 7 students Ishita and Ryan with one of the new benches at The Blandford School.
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August 2018
Green light for new village hall THIS time next year Charlton Marshall's new village hall will be open for business. The Big Lottery granted permission in June for the building to commence as they were satisfied there was sufficient funding secured to complete the project. A newsletter was delivered to all households in the village to give the good news. Contractors arrived on July 9 to prepare the site for work to start the following week when a ground-breaking ceremony took place with contractors, management committee, and members of the community attending. The old hall will be demolished shortly, providing the contractors with a larger working site for the parking, work cabins and materials needed during the coming months. As the new hall is being built on the car park it is very visible for all to see and watch its progress. Regular updates and photos will be posted on the village hall website charltonmarshallvillagehall.co.uk and on Charlton Marshall Village Hall Facebook page for everyone to access. THE annual open gardens day in Turnworth raised a record ÂŁ2,200 towards much-needed maintenance of the village church. Despite a weather forecast of thunder storms, an early morning deluge gave way to a day of sunshine, and several gardens were open including The Old Rectory where there was a plant sale, bric-a-brac, children's games, tea and cakes, produce sale, pony and foal display and live music.
As part of their continued 25th anniversary celebrations North Dorset Tri made their presence felt at the annual Seahorse Swim held at Knoll Beach in Studland Bay. There was also a good turnout at the race to the Bill and the following week the Sandbanks Triathlon where the
swim took place in a beautifully calm sea, and the relatively flat bike course followed with three laps of Sandbanks/Lilliput/Canford Cliffs was followed by a scenic run along the promenade. Picture courtesy of Lucy Bemand.
THE Friends of Blandford Hospital held their fourth annual charity golf day at Ashley Wood Golf Club. A total of 22 teams took part and some ÂŁ2,400 was raised to support the charity's projects at the hospital and throughout the local community. The Friends thanked the club for allowing them full use of their facilities, all the local businesses that offered sponsorship and prizes, the volunteers who helped organise and run the event and the
players who were so generous while enjoying their day. The overall winning team represented Blandford Garrison Golf Society and was made up of Paul Moran, Chris Mckechnie, Pete McAdam and John Lynn, pictured (above) receiving their trophy from Mike Wood, chairman of fundraising for the charity. Next year's event will again be held at Ashley Wood on Friday June 14 and team slots can be reserved now.
24 AUGUST Throughout August: 'Art at the Museum', work by Peter Rush, Blandford Town Museum To Saturday August 4: International Music Festival Vocces 8, Milton Abbey, box office: 01258 881235 or timecounts.org/miltonabbey Thursday August 2: Miracle Theatre Company present The Cherry Orchard, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, details artsreach.co.uk, tickets ticketsource.co.uk Friday August 3: Talk by Colin Stone ‘A Wander Around the West Country by Train’, Blandford Railway Club, The Scout HQ, Eagle House Gardens, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, entrance £3 to include refreshments, parking Friday to Tuesday August 3 to 7: The Dorset Arts & Crafts Summer Exhibition Purbeck School Worgret Road Wareham, BH20 4PF Saturday August 4: Pimperne coffee morning, 10 to 11.30am, stalls and raffle, Pimperne village hall, supporting the Blandford League of Friends Flower & Produce show, Tarrant Monkton & Launceston village hall, 3pm Sunday August 5: The Art Room: Informal art session for beginners, 11am to 1pm at The Kings Arms, Blandford, full details on Blandford Art Society website Sundays August 5, 12, 19 and 26: Cream Teas, Tarrant Monkton & Launceston village hall, 2.30 to 5.30pm, supporting All Saints Church, Monkton and Launceston, 2.30 to 5.30pm Baffling Blandford walk, starting from the Crown every Sunday at 4pm. artoftheimpossible.com/ magic. Find them on Facebook, no pre-booking required Tuesday August 7: Age Concern Blandford AGM, 4 Nightingale Court, 2pm, followed by cream tea, all welcome to hear about their services and meet their volunteers Friday August 10: Craft Market, Shambles, Corn Exchange, Blandford 9am to 2pm (and August 24) Tpau at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm, details 01258 475137 Saturday August 11: World War I vehicle convoy, Bovington to Great Dorset Steam Fair via Blandford RNLI Country Fayre, Dog Show and Vehicle Rally, Spetisbury Manor, DT11 9EB, 11am to 5pm, admission £2 (children 16 and under free)
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.
A scene from the Miracle Theatre’s production The Cherry Orchard. Picture: Kirstin Prisk.
Chekhov comes to Springhead THE Miracle Theatre from Cornwall are touring the south-west and are coming to the Springhead Gardens at Fontmell Magna on Thursday, August 2, to unpack Chekhov's bitter-sweet comedy, The Cherry Orchard. Bill Scott's new adaptation treads the tragicomic tightrope, bringing out all the humour and pathos of Chekhov's masterpiece which, more than a century after it was written, is as popular as ever. The open-air performance starts at 7pm, and audience members are advised to bring a cushion or rug to sit on, pack a picnic, bring a torch and wear warm/weatherproof clothing as appropriate. For tickets call 01747 811853 and find further details at artsreach.co.uk Also at Springhead on Sunday, August 12, the multi-award winning folk duo Ninebarrow are making their first visit and will be performing at 7.30pm in the amphitheatre beside the lake. The gardens will again be open for picnicking before the performance, and there will be a bar. For tickets see ticketsource.co.uk. Blandford and District Horticultural Society Summer Show, 12 noon, Tarrant Keyneston village hall Child Okeford Gardeners' Club presents the 41st annual Village Show, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.30pm Pyjama Walk for Weldmar Cancercare Trust, Bryanston School, 10pm see weldhospice.org.uk Saturday and Sunday August 11 and 12: 30th Birthday Celebrations, Compton Abbas Airfield, 9.30am-5pm, details 01747 811767 or comptonabbasairfield.co.uk Sunday August 12: Folk duo Ninebarrow, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, tickets ticketsource.co.uk Monday to Saturday August 13 to 18: Blandford Art Society
Open Exhibition Corn Exchange, Blandford, Dorset 10am to 5pm daily, free admission, blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Wednesday August 15: Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, Turnpike Showground, Motcombe Blandford Perimeter Guided Walk, 7pm, meet Durdens Corner, outside Scrivens, Market Place, details 01258 459346 Thursday August 16: Forum Otters, Macmillan Support Group for those affected by cancer, meets Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 2 to 4pm, details 01258 458280 Saturday August 18: Cats Protection coffee morning & stall, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Squashbox Theatre present Tales
August 2018 from the Trees, 1pm, and Puppet Workshop 3.15pm, Child Okeford Village Hall, details Artsreach.co.uk Winterborne Zelston Cream Teas & Summer Fair from 2pm, vintage cars, church flowers & music, games, and stalls, St Mary's Church, Winterborne Zelston, DT11 9EU, free entry Iwerne Minster Summer Show, Parish Field, from 2pm Introduction to square dancing, Spetisbury village hall, 4pm to 7pm,details 01202 731012 Coffee and Cake afternoon tea. Outside Stourpaine Church on the Trailway, 12 noon to 4pm Sunday August 19: 'Waste Not, Want Not' Day, Angus Wood, St Leonard's Avenue ,10am to 5pm, entry £3 (under-16s free), proceeds to Blandford Museum and Sustainable Dorset/DA21, details 01258 818223 or 458911 or see sustainabledorset.org. Shillingstone Family Dog Show, 11am sign-in for 12 noon start. 16 classes, Burton's Community Orchard (next to new Primary school) DT11 OTX, details 01258 860019 Doggy Treasure Trail in aid of PAWS, 2pm, Old School Room, Winterborne Whitechurch (next to church), £3 Entry, Teas, Raffle; Details: Helen, 01258 880883 Monday August 20: Monthly Stroke Association Peer Support meeting at the Church Room & Village Centre, 1 The Close, Charlton Marshall, DT11 9PA, 10.30am to noon Strictly Come Tea Dancing at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford Forum, live music from the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band, 2.30 to 4.30pm Tuesday August 21: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Workshop: 'Squaring the Circle', Child Okeford Village Hall 2.15pm, 01258 863775 Thursday August 23 to Monday August 27: 50th Anniversary Great Dorset Steam Fair, Tarrant Hinton Bank Holiday Monday 27 August: Open Garden, Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 10am to 5pm, café serving refreshments and light lunches. Admission £3.50, under 16 and Friends of Springhead free. Dogs on leads welcome and assisted wheelchair access Friday August 31: 'Last Friday in the Garden' social event, 5.30 to 7.30pm, refreshments, Blandford Town Museum Friday August 31 and Saturday September 1: Khaki Canteen, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to 3pm - Medical Advances as a result of WWI