November 2018 Forum Focus

FORUM FOCUS

A time to remember 100 years after the Armistice: Pages 18-19

For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 80

November 2018

Brewery homes scheme hits the halfway mark DOWN on the meadows it has sounded as though the railway has returned to Blandford, with a constant rumble as contractors work on the redevelopment of the Hall & Woodhouse brewery site.

The ÂŁ2 million programme of demolition and infrastructure work reached the midway point last month, and work continued during October on Homes England's ÂŁ1m investment in demolition.

Once demolition has been completed, work to install new infrastructure for up to 180 new homes on the site will begin.

Marketing the site to house-

builders has already begun with the aim of construction beginning next summer and the first homes completed in 2020.

The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) - the predecessor to Homes England - bought the site in January 2018 from Hall & Woodhouse after the independent, family-owned brewing company relocated their operations to new state-of-the-art facilities adjacent to the housing development, on another part of its 7.3 hectares site in Bournemouth Road.

With 180 new homes, including affordable homes, the development will bolster North Dorset

A heap of progress: the view across the meadows

The construction compound surrounding the old brewhouse.

District Council's Opening Doors campaign to secure more goodquality housing for the area.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, leader and housing portfolio holder for North Dorset District Council, said: "This is a landmark site in a prime setting at the heart of Blandford.

"Good quality housing of all tenures is greatly needed in Blandford and North Dorset, so we are grateful to Homes England for supporting this project.

"I welcome the progress made so far and look forward to seeing the first construction workers arrive to begin work on the new homes."

The old Victorian brewery has been empty for nearly 12 years, and the development will include refurbishment of the core build-

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ings of the historic Victorian brewhouse as well as newly built properties.

Work has finished on demolishing buildings damaged in a fire in an old warehouse in March and outline planning permission has been granted for demolition, infrastructure and construction on the site.

Bruce Voss, senior development manager for Homes England, said: "This is a milestone moment as we seek to breathe fresh life into this well-known site to provide much-needed housing in the local area.

"We are working closely with our neighbours, the Hall and Woodhouse brewery, to design a scheme which will complement their investment in the adjoining brewery visitor centre and leisure facilities."

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November 2018

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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.

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

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Police chief’s dismay as merger plans are dropped DORSET Police's Chief Constable James Vaughan expressed his disappointment at the failure of the plans to merge with the Devon & Cornwall force when he attended a meeting of Blandford Town Council.

He had been invited to explain the merger proposals, but days earlier the plans had been dropped when Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, said she was not prepared to submit the business case to the Home Office.

It needed the Chief Constables and PCCs of both Dorset and Devon & Cornwall to support the plan for it to be taken forward, and Ms Hernandez said there would not be enough benefit to communities in Devon and Cornwall to justify the resulting increase in council tax.

Mr Vaughan said: "The evidence took us to a different decision. The merger would have given us 100 officers and staff over and above what we have now.

"We had an opportunity to provide an alternative solution to asking for more money, which we are

unlikely to see. It wasn't the only option, but it was the best."

Asked whether there should not be more of a regional structure to policing, he said: "If we were starting from scratch we would not have 43 different police forces, and I am not sure we can afford the authorities we enjoy. There is a lot which goes on regionally, in terrorism, serious organised crime, forensics and special branch."

He said despite the failure of the merger proposal, they would be looking to strengthen the strategic alliance between Dorset and Devon & Cornwall who have for some years worked together in back office and some operational areas.

But he recognised that some would welcome the dropping of the merger proposal, and the importance of local identity and sovereignty to those who had opposed it.

He also confirmed the value to the police of number plate recognition cameras, which have recently been introduced at strategic points in Blandford, and which he described as the 21st century equivalent of the development of finger printing.

Speeding concerns COUNCILLORS have rejected a request for the installation of speed cameras in Blandford streets after being told the town council would be responsible for insuring and relocating them on a regular basis.

But they have agreed to ask the highway authority to survey the speed of traffic following a large number of complaints about speeding in St Leonards Avenue and Salisbury Road.

Councillor Roger Carter said the answer was to push for a 20mph limit inside the bypass. A survey would reveal whether it was a case of perception or fact and would provide evidence for a possible 20mph restriction.

Councillor Hugo Mieville said: "We cannot ignore hundreds or even scores of people with concerns."

Councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke said: "If the council does nothing, it will be perceived as the council ignoring people. A 20mph limit does bring speeds down, even if it is not down to 20."

Pat Osborne said: "In the minds of local residents, speeds are too high."

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November 2018

Above: The adult models ready for the 'catwalk' at the Spetisbury Primary fashion show at M&Co. Above right: The child models.

No solution in sight Fashionable fundraiser for Black Lane parking congestion ANOTHER bid to resolve the parking congestion outside Archbishop Wake School, the Adult Learning Centre and Children's Centre in Black Lane has been rejected by town councillors, who have agreed to await the outcome of the ongoing town parking review.

In the initial consultation carried out between December 2017 and January 2018, the issue is mentioned over a dozen times, with various suggestions put forward by residents, and by the Blandford Garrison, whose representation says: "The parking at Black Lane outside Archbishop Wake School (ABW) gives cause for serious safety concerns."

But the outcome of the parking review will not be known for several months and further consultation on suggested revisions is not due until the spring of 2019.

Double yellow lines outside the school were suggested a number of times by residents. A letter to the town council making a similar request was discussed in some detail at the town and general purposes committee, where the majority of members felt it would make no difference.

Councillor Roger Carter said people would still stop to drop off their children and what was needed was a thorough survey of the area, and consideration of providing more parking space by widening the road for a drop-off point, or using the wooded area at the junction of Black Lane and

Wimborne Road.

Councillor Byron Quayle said the county highways department had already looked at the problem.

The school was resistant to providing more parking and when approached with some solutions had not been overly keen to look into them.

Councillor Haydn White said there were times when residents in Bayfran Way could not get out of their homes because of cars parked over entrances, and he was reminded that technically it was an offence which should be reported.

Councillor Diane Robinson said vehicles were backing up into Bayfran Way and asked whether there was a parents' committee at the school who could help, but was advised that a walking bus had been tried and failed.

Councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke said the school headteacher agreed with the reasoning that parking slowed down the traffic, making it safer to cross, but Councillor Steve Hitchings said it was extremely dangerous, particularly for the crossing patrol. The problem was not only with school traffic, but with the Adult Learning Centre and Children's Centre which also attracted vehicles, but which, when they were approached at the time he was a school governor, were not prepared to help.

"Yellow lines would need enforcement which isn't available," he said.

A FASHION show was staged at M&Co in East Street to raise funds for Spetisbury Primary School. Parents, friends and children modelled a selection of clothes provided by the store and there was a raffle.

The evening gave the audience a chance to view highlights from the M&Co Transitional 18 collections, and after the show, everyone could browse their favourite items up close with the chance to try them on and make purchases with a ten per cent discount.

Joint chair of the school PFA, Jo Brown, said: "Around 35 people attended, and we raised ÂŁ200. We would like to say a massive thank you to M&Co for hosting a fantastic evening and for all their support."

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Michael Wood, of Okeford Fitzpaine, receives the award for best large village, with Cllr Hilary Cox (left), Chair of Dorset County Council, and Rita Burden, Dorset Best Village Organiser.

Dilys Garside, of Okeford Fitzpaine, receives the best environmental project runner-up certificate, with Paul Ackill from Dorset Waste Partnership (left) and Selina White, CEO of Magna Housing.

November 2018

Village’s delight at double award win THERE were many familiar faces at the presentation evening for the Dorset Best Village Awards at Cerne Abbas village hall, including previous award winners from Pimperne, Child Okeford and Winterborne Zelston.

But it was a red letter day for Okeford Fitzpaine, which was judged not only the best large village to win the Dorset County Council winners plaque, but also runners-up for the Environmental Award for the Little Lane project, restoring a public right of way which had fallen into disrepair.

More than 100 people enjoyed the celebration of Dorset community life and volunteering at the awards ceremony for the competition, organised by Dorset Community Action (DCA), with main sponsor Magna Housing.

It attracted 40 village entries and a total of 51, including those bidding for the people's award, environment and in the new heritage category.

DCA's competition organiser Rita Burden said: "The main aim is to

encourage villages to share with others their community spirit and receive awards for their sterling efforts."

Pimperne were runners-up in the large village category, Child Okeford runners-up in the previous large winners, Winterborne Zelston runners-up in the previous small village, and the Fontmell Magna conservation plan runner-up for the environmental award, with a special award from North Dorset District Council for Charlton Marshall.

WORK has been carried out on Blandford bypass to install ducting, duct boxes and concrete slabs for the provision of permanent vehicle message signs for drivers using the A350/C13 route. Temporary signals were needed on occasions.

The power and sign installers will follow on, with the signs due to be up and running in November.

Speed limit signs are now complete so the speed limits are enforceable.

Life with the Lions THE Blandford Lions fear that too many people have no idea what the Lions organisation is about and say the easiest way to learn is to join them at one of their meetings.

They meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Blandford British Legion from 8pm to usually 9.30pm, with the aim of fundraising so that they can support individuals and organisations in need of some help.

Their PSA testing event in Blandford Parish Centre earlier this year was very successful.

There is no obligation to join and the next meeting, on Tuesday, November 27, there will be an opportunity to hear about their Christmas events and perhaps offer to assist with one of them.

For more information see the advertisement below or go online to lionsclubs.org.

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November 2018

Late-night shopping can give businesses a festive boost BUSINESSES in Blandford are getting together to offer late-night opening weekly in December to boost trade and encourage shopping locally.

Nearly 20 mostly independent retailers have responded to the initiative led by Christopher Roberts, of Ganesh in East Street, who said they had tried to do the same last year but the initiative failed due to lack of publicity.

"As a shop owner I approached our Mayor, Roger Carter, and took the challenge to make late-night shopping work this Christmas, but appreciate previous years have not been a success, partly due to a lack of advertising."

Councillor Carter said: "It's a great idea - perhaps it should run through the year on certain nights of the week following a train of thought to continue the vitality of the town centre."

Mr Roberts has now visited most town centre businesses and gained a lot of support from small independent retailers.

"The multi-nationals were interested but with the short notice there is no guarantee the directors will

confirm their interest in time," he said.

"But as I see this, it is about encouraging shopping in Blandford without having to go out of town.

"There is a mistaken belief that the bigger towns are cheaper and have more selection and the same goes for the internet - this is not the case for Blandford as it has a large number of independent shops and competitive prices.

"The shopkeepers had many good ideas, but they would need to be considered for next year given the time constraints we face.

"The plan is to have two additional days of late-night shopping on top of the Yuletide Festival. So on Wednesday December 5, Wednesday December 12 (Yuletide Festival) and Wednesday December 19, participating shops will stay open until between 7.30pm and 9pm, as specified by the individual retailers and depending on trade."

He said he was hoping other shops would confirm soon to make Blandford's festive late-night opening a real success.

Bright ideas about town Christmas lights NEW strings of lights, which will be hung around the lighting columns in the Market Place and East Street to enhance Blandford's Christmas street lighting, will cost nearly £8,000.

Town councillors at their town and general purposes committee meeting considered the complaints on social media that Blandford deserves a better Christmas lighting scheme and how best to spend the £7,500 allocated from the S106 town centre enhancement money.

They considered a number of options and the difficulties involved, including the fact that strings of lights over the road needed listed building consent for new brackets. The cost was prohibitive, estimated at around £40,000 over just three years, of hiring lights and employing a company to put them up and take them down.

Councillor Steve Hitchings, who at a later meeting expressed dis-

appointment that the new lights would not operate off the same system as the existing scheme supported by the Yuletide Festival and volunteers, said there were brackets already in Salisbury Street, East Street and West Street, but it would be difficult to get the impact they wanted and would cost a lot of money.

"If we bought them, they would have to be stored and we haven't got storage space. In other towns Christmas lights are funded by their Business Improvement Districts."

Councillor Noc Lacey-Clarke said: "It would be great if we could look at putting in listed building applications for strong hooks in perhaps eight locations so that in the future we can put up lights, bunting, etc."

Member agreed to the £7,796 cost of the scheme, but also said they would like further investigation into what else they might do.

Walkers for a good cause A MEMORY walk on the North Dorset Trailway to raise awareness and sponsorship for the Alzheimer's Society raised £1,487.

It was well attended, with walkers starting from beneath the Jubilee Way bridge over the trailway and walking to the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, where they are pictured enjoying refreshment before returning to the Blandford Constitutional Club.

Organiser Angelina Whitlock, who has also held open days at the Constitutional Club in support of the cause, is hoping to make the walk an annual event. For more details call her on 07900 950928.

PLANS have been drawn up by Dorset County Council for a singlestorey extension to provide a large meeting room and two smaller rooms at The Forum Centre in Park Road (the former Archbishop Wake Primary School). The scheme will include the removal of a eucalyptus tree from within the courtyard to enable construction of the extension.

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November 2018

Medieval theme as the town marks 800 years of markets

A wandering knight, Matt Sawyer, with Alex Compiani of the Time Traveller's Kitchen at the Blandford medieval market.

A SPECIAL medieval themed event on the final day of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week celebrated 800 years of charter markets in Blandford.

Although the event was small scale, due partly to many of the expected stall holders failing to attend, Mayor Roger Carter, who was joined by deputy town crier Liz Rawlings to announce the activities, said everyone who came had been very appreciative.

At the town council meeting the following week he thanked market manager Andy Reynolds for the effort he had put in to organising the day, saying: "In other towns it's not the town council that does these things because other towns have Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)."

In the Shambles under the Town Hall, the Time Traveller's Kitchen of Alex Compiani cooked up some interesting recipes, and a medieval knight in armour roamed the Market Place, where robed members of Blandford & District Civic Society highlighted the town's surviving medieval

building, St Leonard's Chapel.

There was also a guided tour of the town's historic buildings, led

by Civic Society guide Clare Lowes.

Inside the Corn Exchange, town council silver and regalia were on display and explained to visitors by mace bearer David Jardine and his deputy, and a display on the history of the market prepared by local historian Michael le Bas and town museum director Sylvia Hixson Andrews recounted the origins of the charter.

King Henry III had in 1218 changed the market day from Sunday to Saturday after his father King John, who is believed to have visited Blandford in 1216 during a hunting trip to Tollard Royal, found markets close to churches disturbed Sunday morning services.

The display also described the medieval practice of holding a Court of PiePoudre on market days to deal quickly with prices and quality of goods, thefts and disputes between merchants and traders.

One-stop community website launched A NEW Blandford community website has been launched by the Blandford Town Team with the object of bringing together as much information as possible for those visiting and living in the town.

Chairman Nic Nicol said: "There are a number of websites and social media pages promoting the town, but nothing which brings all the town has to offer together in one place. A comprehensive town website will raise the profile of the town among residents, businesses and visitors."

The website blandfordtown.co.uk is one of the first developments following formation of the Town Team, which has been in existence since a series of meetings in 2013, as a community interest company to further its aims of benefiting the whole community by working alongside local government.

Its objectives are the development of a thriving, vibrant and environmentally sustainable

future for the town and surrounding area with support for projects and activities furthering the economy, community development, arts, culture, heritage and the environment.

Mr Nicol said: "Over the years the Town Team has fought successfully for signage on the bypass to promote the town to tourists, cycle racks for the growing number of bicycle users and work on a conservation area assessment in the town.

"It has challenged the use of the funds provided for the Lidl X8A bus service, and has taken up other public transport issues through representation on the Transport Action Group."

Local clubs, societies and businesses which would like to be represented on the website, and organisations sharing its objectives who would like to become associate members with a full web page of content, are invited to seek further information from blandfordtownteam@outlook.com.

November 2018

Town museum honoured with loan of Stevens items THE Blandford Museum in Bere's Yard has taken delivery of four items on loan from the Dorset County Museum until May 2020 during its ongoing refurbishment and remodelling at Dorchester.

Two are from the county's Alfred Stevens collection, including a fireplace surround made by the Coalbrookdale Iron Company in Shropshire around 1860 and a framed photograph of a mirror designed and hand-carved by the Blandford-born artist for Dorchester House.

There is also a George II longcase clock made by John Spinney of Blandford and a George II wheel barometer made by John Bastard, together with an oil on board painting from the county library, believed to be the work of the Bastards.

Although Blandford Museum, which throughout October hosted an exhibition by members of Blandford Art Society, closed to the public on October 27, work is ongoing behind the scenes to carry out a major refurbishment, including complete rewiring, insulation to the roof, and updating of the kitchen, toilet, reception and shop areas, in addition to displaying the new exhibits.

A new name has been approved by the Charities Commission for the governing body of the Town Museum to reflect its changing role as the 'Blandford Forum Museum, Heritage and Arts Trust' and will facilitate future grant funding. The Trust will

now be applying for CIO status.

It is one of 16 museums in the south-west, and only four in Dorset, to be given a chance to benefit from the Rural Proofing Resilience Programme offered by Cornwall Museums Partnership.

Funded by South West Museum Development Programme and Heritage Lottery Fund, the programme chose museums that had no more than one paid staff position (Blandford, run by volunteers, has none) and were thought to be in a position to benefit from professional and specific advice in the areas of business, forward planning, finance, marketing, audience development, fundraising and leadership and governance.

Over the next two years, museum representatives will be supported to bring the museum in line along with other 21st century museums in the way in which they approach the above areas.

Museum director Sylvia Hixson Andrews said: "There is a worry in the museum sector that in the next few years, many museums might suffer and possibly fail. By choosing four museums in each of the four counties involved, they hope to spread best practice throughout the south-west.

"One reason we were chosen to participate is that we are seen to be doing many of the right things already and we have a track record of sharing best practice with other museums."

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NEW signs sponsored by Blandford St Mary Parish Council have been erected at the entrance to the village off the Blandford bypass.

The 'welcome' sign was designed by a pupil at the Primary School following a competition and was put up by the County Council.

One of the 'silent soldiers' offered to local communities by the Royal British Legion to commemorate the centenary of World War One has been placed on the Tesco roundabout.

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November 2018

Home care firm’s local support HOME care company Bluebird Care has launched two new initiatives to support services for older people in Blandford.

The Ferndown-based provider, which offers a realistic alternative to residential care through shortand long-stay visits and overnight and live-in support from care professionals, is sponsoring a free community event to celebrate services for older people and has offered a community grant of £250 to a local charity or community group in the town or surrounding villages.

Masen Naidoo, managing director, said: "We want to support groups and charities that work to improve the quality of life for older people. The over 65-yearolds play an important part in our society. Not only have they contributed to the development of civic life, but they also add greatly to the economy and give hundreds of hours of voluntary time to community groups."

The community event takes place on Monday, November 12, at the Corn Exchange, Blandford, where more than 20 organisations have been offered a free table to display promotional material.

The grant scheme for a project which improves the quality of life for older residents remains open for applications until Friday, November 2.

Charities and groups interested in having a stand at the community event or applying for the community grant should email michaelautonconsultancy@gmail. com or phone Michael Auton on 07862 253514.

NEWS in BRIEF

Judith Potts with her trophy as top allotment keeper at Lamperd's Field with (left to right) treasurer John Harding, chairman Ian Ricketts and committee members Ken Pearce, Diane Mawer, Ann Edwards and Pat Richardson of the Blandford Allotment Society.

GROUNDSMAN Mike Holloway, who has during the last six-anda-half years transformed the grounds at Woodhouse Gardens in Blandford to a beautiful, peaceful place, was wished a healthy and happy future by Blandford Town Council when he retired last month. *** AUTHOR and broadcaster Kate Adie opened the Mackrell Charity's 2018/19 series of history lectures on the theme of Powers, Dominions and Dynasties at The Old School, Sturminster Marshall, with a talk 'Take me to your leader - a correspondent's experience'.

Allotment move remains ‘several years away’ BLANDFORD allotment holders were told at their AGM in the Corn Exchange that any relocation of the Lamperd's Field plots could be some years in the future.

Their town council representative Harold Galpin said there were no plans to relocate the allotments for the foreseeable future, and even though talks are ongoing, nothing will happen for several years.

Allotment holders will not lose out as they will be allocated like-for-like plots according to details already agreed between the council and allotment society committee.

He confirmed that the town council was exploring the possibility of acquiring the Elizabeth Road allotment site from North Dorset District Council.

More than 50 Blandford allotment holders attended the meeting at which chairman Ian Ricketts thanked everyone on the committee for their hard work and commitment throughout a tough growing year.

"We missed out spring and went straight from winter to summer in one day!" he said. "Plot holders were tired of watering - most yields of crops were down, except for the good old courgettes that seem to grow whatever the weather."

Treasurer John Harding said they were concerned that the summer water bill might be double or triple the cost of last year, but there was concern that after such a difficult summer, some tenants might not renew. The council have been kept up to date with our concerns about any possible shortfall."

He said rental payments this year showed a seven per cent increase, but there were now three empty plots at Elizabeth Road, and at Lamperd's Field, where all plots were filled a year ago, 13 are now vacant.

Judging for the best plot was done by Dave Miles, and the winner for the second year running at Lamperd's Field was announced as Judith Potts, with Barry Gould the winner at Elizabeth Road and Darren Adams winner with the best small plot.

Those happy to continue as committee members were re-elected en bloc, and Virginia Barnard was elected as the new webmaster to succeed Pat Richardson and Craig Whelan.

Information, including how to apply for an allotment, can be found on the website at blandfordallotments.com.

SPETISBURY'S harvest supper in the village hall, with entertainment by Spetisbury Occasional Radio Enthusiasts and a collection of gifts for the Blandford Food Bank, was followed by a harvest festival service the next morning in St John's Church.

The village's Apple Day kept the apple press busy. Everyone who brought apples went home with their containers filled.

Cider, apple pancakes, mulled juice, apple cake and toffee apples were all in demand at the event hosted by Marcia's Farm shop, which sold farm produce and provided light lunches.

Proceeds were divided between conservation organisations.

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November 2018

Nordon sale deal comes under fire PLANS for the demolition of Nordon and redevelopment of the former North Dorset District Council headquarters site in Salisbury Road, Blandford, remain undecided by the council, who as planning authority will judge the application for their own land.

There have been dozens of objections to the proposal to build 40 affordable homes on the site.

At October's town council planning committee meeting, Councillor Haydn White asked whether the site had yet been sold, and again queried the decision to sell it without any consultation with the town council.

He said that in 1974 the district inherited a vast amount of resources - council houses and civic buildings in Shaftesbury, Blandford and Sturminster Newton - and when it goes into the new authority next year, nothing would be left.

He said: "They haven't consulted with the town council or the locality as to possible use of the area."

Councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke, who became a district councillor

after the decision was made to sell but is now a member of the district's planning committee, said: "I don't think that is the right way of going about business."

He said the minutes of the latest Nordon project board meeting were confidential and he did not know what consultations were carried out, but he had asked to see them and would be able to report shortly. He said he believed, but could not confirm, that the sale had only been agreed in principle.

Councillor Diane Robinson said: "They are bound to approve the application because they want the sale."

Councillor Jackie Stayt, a district councillor at the time the decision was made and member of the district council planning committee, said: "We are all bound by confidentiality."

Town Mayor, Councillor Roger Carter, said: "We are very aware of the lack of consultation with us and the locality. I hope that objection is carried through by our district councillors to the portfolio holder and district council leader.�

Winterborne Whitechurch Scouts pictured during the Jamboree.

Jamboree joy for Scouts SCOUTS from across Dorset, including Blandford, came together for the first-ever Jurassic Jamboree at Kingston Maurward.

They experienced a range of activities including tree climbing, zip wiring, underground caving, zorbing, kayaking, raft building, canoeing and a favourite among many, Jijopoly, based on traditional Monopoly, in which they were challenged to travel to Dorchester and Weymouth by bus, solving clues along the way.

Among the 1,500 were 11 Scouts from Winterborne Whitechurch, who thanked Blandford Stour Rotary, for a donation of ÂŁ250 towards the costs of their week-long camp.

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Karina’s big break AN eight-year-old pupil from Pimperne Primary School, Karina Kostova, has taken her first steps towards a modelling career.

She was selected as one of the top five in the final of the Little Miss English Rose 2018 model competition, held at the Prince of Wales Hotel Ballroom in Southport.

She was chosen from among hundreds of girls who had entered from across England to take part in a catwalk in front of the judges.

Karina lives in Blandford St Mary.

Her mum Nadia said: "She was excited to be chosen but is now even more excited because it gives her the opportunity to take part in the Miss British Isles 2019 competition in Chester in May. She would like to say a big thankyou to KLK Decor for the generous sponsorship."

November 2018

Four-storey block ‘out of scale’ say plan objectors AN application for a likely replacement for the Blandford TIC and public toilets in a development of four units on a vacant site opposite Morrisons in Greyhound Yard has been approved by North Dorset District Council.

But revised outline plans for the demolition of Riverside House, currently home to the TIC and toilets in the Marsh & Ham car park, have now been opposed by Blandford Town Council on the grounds of the excessive mass and height of the four-storey building proposed to replace it and occupy the adjacent vacant site.

After a split vote by seven votes to six, the town council raised no objection to the original application, which was also for a fourstorey building and was withdrawn at the end of June.

But at their planning committee meeting in October, they agreed unanimously to oppose the new scheme on grounds of overdevelopment, saying they would be happy to discuss with applicants Lolligo Ltd the aesthetics of the scheme.

The new proposal reduces the number of homes from 20 to 16 and reduces the height of the building at the northern end to three storeys to match the neighbouring Magnolia Court, one of whose residents had objected to

the possible overshadowing from a four-storey building.

Blandford & District Civic Society has again objected, saying the elevations have the appearance of a 'war-damaged' building, and are inappropriate for the key site which forms the entrance to the town from Blandford St Mary.

Historic England, who also objected to the original proposal, have acknowledged the reduction in height of the northernmost section but restated their concerns. They say: "The monumental and unrelieved scale of the remainder of the building has not altered and therefore we remain concerned that the proposed building will dominate the streetscape views along West Street and views from the meadows to the south and west."

They urge the local authority to take note of their concerns and to seek amendments.

There continue to be concerns about the development in a flood risk area, with a recommendation from the Environment Agency that assessment is needed as to why the development is needed in that location, and that the south-west corner of the building appears to be on highway land. They also raise queries about the alignment of the junction of West Street with the entrance to the Marsh & Ham car park.

FORMAL events celebrating bonfire night in the Blandford area include the Spetisbury Bonfire and fireworks, 10 West End Spetisbury, from 6.30pm on Saturday November 3, and on Friday November 9, a grand firework extravaganza at Pimperne Primary School organised by the school PTA.

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November 2018

Promise of a panto packed with laughs LOCAL production company Oh No It Isn't have announced that their Christmas pantomime to be staged at the Corn Exchange in association with Blandford Town Council will be 'Alice In Cuckoo Land'.

Starring a carefully selected cast of local amateur actors/actresses and directed by local showman Sam James, it tells of the evil Queen of Hearts (Beatrice Hunt) who is determined that Christmas will be banned from her realm and Santa (Darren Wheeler) who ends up locked in the dungeons.

It's up to Alice (Jade Alcock) and Dame Old Mother Wobbly (Tony Horrocks), with the help of some familiar friends, to rescue Santa, change the ways of the evil queen and save Christmas.

Producer Clive Newlin said: "We are so grateful to the group of ten local businesses for working with and backing us.

"Without AH Fencing, the Crown & Anchor, Blanchards Bailey, Nicholls Motor Company,

Horrocks & Webb, Riverside Travel, Roberts Aerials, From Dorset With Love, Agusta Automotive and Chaffers, this ground-breaking project would never have happened.

"Sam, Tony and I and our talented team have worked tirelessly to make sure this will be the best pantomime the town has ever seen."

Producer and director Sam James said: "We have worked hard on making this an experience families will never forget, with a few surprises thrown in, and are all very excited. This truly is a show for the community from the community."

'Alice In Cuckoo Land' will be performed at Blandford Corn Exchange on Thursday and Friday December 14 and 15 at 6.30pm and Saturday December 16 at 2.30pm. Book online at blandfordcommunitypromotions.c o.uk or get tickets from the Town Council offices and Tourist Information Centre.

Panto people (from left to right): Floppy (Liz Rawlins) Alice (Jade Alcock) Old Mother Wobbly (Tony Horrocks).

Take your partners BLANDFORD Evening WI staged a highly successful barn dance in the Corn Exchange when the hall reverberated to the sound of band Arish Mel from Weymouth, led by Steve Earwicker, and the pounding of feet, guided in a series of dances by caller Teresa Rabbetts.

The women, who hope to develop the Harvest Home Barn Dance as an annual event, had decorated the hall and laid on a magnificent spread of refreshments, all staged in support of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

They thanked everyone who helped and participated, particularly caterers and raffle prize donors Sara of Indulge Catering, Chrissy of From Dorset with Love and Hall & Woodhouse, who are also currently supporting the Air Ambulance as their nominated charity.

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Rotarians keen to make new friends BLANDFORD Rotarians have launched a new 'Friends' scheme to help them make events and projects happen for the benefit of the town.

For more than 70 years Rotarians have organised projects and activities for local communities and raised thousands of pounds.

President Andy Munden said: "We have many ideas about how we can help our community, but sadly we don't always have the necessary man/woman power.

This means some events that could help Blandford thrive just can't happen."

The club has realised, following valuable feedback, that many people who would like to be Rotarians simply don't have the

time or resources to commit to weekly meetings.

So in addition to seeking new members, it has launched the Friends of Rotary as an opportunity for local people to contribute to their community by offering their skills to support Rotary fundraising events and activities, all as part of a relaxed and fun group.

The Friends will assist Blandford Rotary when needed, helping with like-minded people in the local community, and be welcome to attend Rotary social events.

If this interests you, find out more by dropping in to the Sealy Suite, Crown Hotel, on Saturday November 10, between 10am and 12 noon.

A concert of music by the talented Norwegian composers, Kim Andre Arnesen and Ola Gjeilo, at St Mary's Church, Sturminster Marshall, was based on Arnesen's Magnificat and understood to be the first UK performance of the work. The programme celebrated Mary as the mother of Christ and looks forward to Christ's birth. It was performed by soprano Julie-Dawn Lloyd, the musicians of the Stour Chamber Orchestra and the Bridge Benefice Choir, with readings by literary anthologist Fiona Waters.

November 2018

Charlie, Hannah, Daisy and Emma are checking toys they are donating to the Blandford Rotary Christmas Toy Appeal.

Give a toy for Christmas BLANDFORD Rotary are calling all children in the Blandford area: "Do you have any pre-loved toys in good condition that need a new home?

If so, we are able to help you."

Rotary's Christmas Appeal this year is aimed at trying to ensure every child in the DT11 area receives at least one toy for Christmas.

They ask: "Can you help us? Please say yes and deliver any spare toys to the drop-off point at St Peter & St Paul's parish church on November 2, 3 or 4 (see Page 3 advert for opening times) and help us fill up deserving children's Christmas stockings."

If you can't make that weekend, Blandford Rotarians will be in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel on Saturday November 10 from 10am to 12 noon. For more information go to blandfordrotary.org.uk or phone Steve on 01258 451245.

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November 2018

Chef Sharon finds the recipe for care home success BLANDFORD Grange in Milldown Road, Blandford, was a finalist in a national competition recognising catering excellence in care homes.

'Care Dine With Me', now in its third year, is organised by Kerrymaid in partnership with Bidfood and Care Home Catering magazine, and searches for care homes that best recognise the importance of food when it comes to the residents' quality of life.

Care providers were asked to detail a key dish served at the home and why it is unique, the inspiration behind it, its nutritional benefits and how it represents the home's ethos.

Blandford Grange's head chef Sharon Cork put forward one of the home's most popular dishes on the current menu - a creamy chicken, bacon and potato bake, chosen for being full of flavour, high in protein with a high calorific content, and easily adaptable for a range of dietary requirements. One resident called it "the best meal he's ever had."

Sharon was invited to Nottingham to present the home's 'whole food, whole care' approach to judges. She said: "I am so proud to have had the

home recognised in this way and explain how we integrate our love of food into our overall care provision.

"We talk to our residents to gather their input on the menus they would like and run activities based around food such as cheese and wine evenings. We make everything from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients."

Blandford Grange, part of the Healthcare Homes group, provides residential and nursing care for up to 63 people, many of whom have dementia.

Sue Dunk, editor of Care Home Catering and one of the judges, said: "Both the level and quality of entries was higher than ever this time round. Our five finalists all gave engaging and comprehensive presentations to the judging panel."

The winner was announced as Gracewell of Newbury, who won ÂŁ5,000 to spend on the home.

Blandford Grange, winning ÂŁ100 worth of Bidfood vouchers, was one of the four runners-up, each of whom had demonstrated best practice in a number of key areas when it came to personalised nutritional care for individuals in a residential care setting.

CLEANUP Blandford were joined by the Stour Valley Canoe club in braving the inclement weather to collect a full vehicle load of litter, including the obligatory shopping trolley and traffic cone from the town and river.

A total of 34 bin bags were collected, and organiser David Rose thanked all those who had helped, including the Countryside Rangers. The next clean-up will be during and after the Yuletide Festival on December 12.

Blandford Grange's head chef Sharon Cork.

Brick thrower sought POLICE appealed for witnesses after two windows were damaged at a property in Spetisbury.

Reports were received at 7.55am on September 27 that house bricks had been thrown at the windows of a property on A350 High Street.

PC Glen Caddy said: "This incident happened at a busy time of the day and I believe a number of people may have been in the area."

He urged anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, and any motorists who captured the incident or offender on dashcam, to get in touch by contacting the police, quoting occurrence number 55180156528.

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Readers’ letters

Will we be getting a fair deal?

ARE North Dorset (and Blandford in particular) being treated fairly by local government?

If you go to Dorchester and park in, for example, the council-run Ackland Road 1 car park, you will find charging points for cars.

However, there is not one such charging point in any council car park in North Dorset. We should have equal provision to other councils in the three-council partnership but clearly in this case that is not happening.

Blandford is depending more on tourists than ever before, yet a service that is more and more expected to be provided just

November 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

does not occur in this area and for me most importantly in Blandford.

It has been decided that when the new Dorset Council is formed next April, all council taxpayers will pay the same amount. Not only will payers here face a large hike but they will be paying even more unfairly than in other districts.

Virtually all non-statutory services were transferred by North Dorset District Council to towns and parishes some time ago.

This did not happen in, for example, West Dorset, to anything like the same extent.

The Shadow Executive of the New Dorset has decided not to allow any significant future transfers of assets during the coming period - the provision of toilets in Bridport will continue to be provided and paid for by West Dorset and after April by the New Dorset Council.

Here in Blandford, we will pay the same as tax payers in

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.

Bridport to the new authority but also have to pay for the provision of toilets in the Blandford Town Council precept, with help from the tax payers of a few villages nearby. So in effect we will not be getting the same value for our hard-earned money as others living in other parts of the new Dorset.

The Shadow Overview and Scrutiny Committee was due to discuss the future of leisure centre provision on October 8, but the item was put back for a second time. Me thinks this is being shunted into the long grass!

John Tanner District Councillor for Blandford Central Ward

‘Relaxed’ policing is no answer I READ with some concern that an amalgamation of Dorset Constabulary with that of Devon and Cornwall is being considered.

It may have already been decided by those in charge as open meetings with the general public are being held during weekday working hours in some quite obscure out-of-town locations, thereby making it difficult for those with concerns to attend and voice those concerns.

Policing in the United Kingdom in the 21st century seems to be moving away from local community law enforcement and, only

quoting what I see in my own community, the community suffers. Police stations close and the presence of uniformed officers walking on the streets day and night are a thing of the past.

The Devon/Cornwall Constabulary have been quoted in the national press as taking a lax attitude with some crimes that they consider not worthy of their time and presence when reported.

Public feeling indicates that this gives a message of 'crime without fear of prosecution' to potential offenders. Do the people of Dorset want or deserve a more relaxed type of policing?

Without local policing we have more minor crime, shoplifting, vandalism, car crime, litter louts, dog fouling, cyclists on pavements, abandoned vehicles, 'boy racers' in town centres, disturbing of the peace, threatening behaviour by individuals and groups, campaigners/activists peddling their lies in public places, travellers riding roughshod over just about anything, illegal parking, abuse of disabled parking badges, cars and motorbikes that do not meet the legal requirements being used. By ignoring these offences now the situation will only get worse.

It really is time that the government and councils of this country attempt to make communities safer by demanding higher standards and visible local policing from our police forces.

Nicholas Smith, Blandford

Email your letters to editor@forumfocus.co.uk

November 2018

Heritage railways can bring a boost to rural economy THE new acting chair of the North Dorset Trailway Trust at Shillingstone Station has described the importance of railways to him personally as well as his hopes for their future for the wider community.

David Caddy, who has been an active volunteer at the station since 2015, a trustee since 2016, and director of planning and development, said: "As a boy at Fiddleford I would tell the time by the trains. The drivers were friendly, waving and whistling, as they passed on to Sturminster Newton.

"During the summer there was a 24-hour service to cope with the coast-to-coast holidaymakers coming to enjoy the southern Riviera until the Government's decision to invest in motor transport and motorways.

"Now the situation is reversing in that the Government is supporting dozens of heritage railways that are reinstating lines and bringing in tourists, employment and supporting economic development. I would like to see that happen here in north Dorset."

He went on: "A rail link from Shillingstone to Sturminster Newton and beyond would revitalise the area and bring in tourists, encouraging more B&Bs, shops and businesses. Tourists

spend money. Everyone gains.

"The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Trains show that heritage railways benefit their local economy 2.7 times their turnover.

We have seen how this has transformed Swanage and the Purbeck economy. Wouldn't this be good for north Dorset?"

Mr Caddy has a great family history within north Dorset and is also a well-known poet.

"I became involved with Shillingstone Station because of the economic and social benefits to north Dorset of an operational heritage railway station. Train travel is intimately connected with desire and yearning, the idea of being connected and reaching a better place.

"Since the closure of the S & D railway, north Dorset lost a connection to the wider world. The movement of freight and passengers was not only part of the agricultural economy but also of importing and exporting by sea from Poole to the Bristol Channel. This went deep into the culture of the Blackmore Vale and railway stations were vital community hubs."

He has succeeded Yvonne Thorne who recently stepped down as chair of the NDRT, and will take over as acting chair until the AGM next February.

OWING to unforeseen circumstances, Blandford Rotary had to postpone its short story competition presentations and prize giving evening.

The event will now take place on Friday November 30, starting at 6.30pm, at the same venue, the Parish Centre in Blandford. The club apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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Jack Bath, trustee & museum curator, and David Caddy, trustee and now acting chair of the North Dorset Railway Trust, with a picture of one of the last 9F locos at Shillingstone station.

Steam fair meeting delayed THE Great Dorset Steam Fair has asked for the annual meeting with parish representatives, usually held in October, to be postponed to November so that they can more fully respond to the issues arising this year, particularly the increased traffic congestion.

District Councillor John Tanner suggested at September's Blandford Town Council meeting that one of the problems was that a sharp corner at the entrance to the site meant that vehicles had to enter more slowly, causing a traffic build-up.

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November 2018

Town outskirts plan takes its first steps

Full house for Brexit vote debate THERE was a packed house of around 100 people to debate a proposal that there should be a second referendum on the final deal negotiated by the Government for the UK's departure from the EU. The debate in Blandford Parish Centre was hosted by North Dorset Liberal Democrats and introduced by Hugo Mieville, Lib Dem prospective candidate for North Dorset.

He said the original referendum campaign had been poor, and full of misleading information from both sides, a statement with which both speakers generally agreed.

The proposal by Jason Hunter, an international trade expert whose blog '3 Blokes in a Pub' has become a main vehicle for the Remain campaign, focused largely on questions remaining unanswered should the outcome of negotiations result in a 'no deal' exit from the EU. He said he had thought when he originally voted to remain he knew what

North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, Lib Dem Hugo Mieville and Remain campaigner Jason Hunter at Blandford Parish Centre for the Brexit debate. he was voting for but had since realised that he did not.

Opposing the motion 'This house believes there should be a second referendum on the final deal negotiated by HM Government for the UK's departure from the EU', North Dorset's Conservative MP Simon Hoare argued that referenda should be on constitutional principle.

He said the decision to withdraw from the EU should not be followed by a further referendum on the detail. He asked what the response might be from the EU to rejection by the public of their own democratic decision.

In the sometimes lively debate which followed, speakers for and against a further public vote came from all political parties and none, and finally voted by around three to one in favour of the motion.

FIRST steps in securing planning permission for the major development favoured by the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan to provide housing and infrastructure for Blandford north of the bypass have now been made with a request for a scoping opinion as to whether an environmental impact assessment is needed for the scheme.

The development of 700 homes and a number of community facilities on land north of Black Lane are proposed in the request, which is now being considered

by North Dorset District Council.

It has been submitted on behalf of Lewis Wyatt (construction) Ltd - Wyatt Homes, and the West Pimperne Pool Trust, Mr C. Coats and Mrs T. Coats by planning design consultants Barton Wilmore, and shows a 17.5hectare site on either side of the A354, including the Lamperd's Field allotments.

For the purpose of the scoping, it suggests the development could include up to 700 dwellings, including retirement homes, a two-form entry primary school, a local centre with convenience store and café, a 64-bedroom care home, a community hall, new allotments and a doctors' surgery, subject to confirmation from the NHS that alternative offsite provision is not more appropriate.

It also suggests a number of offsite highway works including a

The Friends of Blandford Hospital hold their final fundraising event of the year on Thursday November 29 when doors open for their Christmas bingo in the Hospital Dining Room at 6.30pm, with eyes down at 7.30pm. All guests will receive a complimentary mince pie and mulled wine or juice. Further details from 01258 451456.

new site access roundabout on the Blandford bypass, new pedestrian links from the bypass to Black Lane and Preetz Way, works to the A354/A350 roundabout to increase capacity and improve pedestrian facilities, improvements to the existing site access junction on the A354, and measures to reduce speeds on the bypass, together with a pedestrian link to the existing footbridge over the bypass.

It concludes that scoping is needed on visual impact, biodiversity, and cumulative impact, taking into consideration other approved development in the area, but not on other aspects for which the environmental impact will be less than that requiring assessment.

Expo pulls the crowds THE highly successful Blandford Town Expo'18 was held in the Corn Exchange, supported by a wide cross-section of community services and well attended by between 300 and 400 people over a three-hour session.

Exhibitors included the Eagle House and Whitecliff surgery practices, which had recently announced the possibility of their merger.

Others included the Scouts, North Dorset Trailway, White Hart Link and North Dorset Railway Trust, Envitro Cares, Blandford Library, the Blandford Food Bank and Age Concern.

Also represented were Knees Up, based in the studio behind M&Co, who were spreading the word about the benefits of exercise for the over-50s and the various classes offered by qualified instructors.

Come dancing TEA dances in Blandford Corn Exchange are attracting dancers from a wide area - but band leader Ian Thorp would like to see more come and join the group which gathers every third Monday for traditional music from the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band.

The five musicians play strict temp, ballroom, Latin, modern and 'old time' numbers.

Admission is £7.50 per person (£5 for non-dancers).

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November 2018

Now Artsreach is coming to town ARTSREACH, the Dorset charity bringing high-quality performances of live theatre, music, dance and family shows to rural communities, is coming to Blandford for the first time this month.

Town people often drive to nearby villages to see Artsreach events in village halls. Now they can see professional live performances in the town without the need for a car, thanks to a group of volunteers working with the charity to provide the local organisation and promotion of events.

The first of two Artsreach performances planned so far in Blandford, which will be followed by another in March next year, is in the United Reformed Church Hall on Saturday, November 24, featuring British storytellers Hugh Lupton and Nick Hennessey with

'The Liberty Tree - a Celebration of Robin Hood'.

They will sing their way deep into the secret heart of Sherwood, and at the same time tell the true and harsher histories of English dissenters, tricksters and radicals.

Mischievous, poignant, radical, this is storytelling at its best.

If you thought the magic of stories was only for children, think again.

Storytelling is a contemporary performance art, which unleashes the rich metaphorical content of international epics, fairytales and myths on the imaginations of grown up audiences.

This performance is for grownups but is suitable for ages 10+.

Tickets are ÂŁ10, ÂŁ6 (under-18s) and available online from artsreach.co.uk or by calling 01258 452074.

Justin Ellery and Jan Wyld in Jim Cartwright's 'Two' which was presented to two sell-out audiences at Shillingstone Station. Picture by Alan Wicks.

Drama at the station SHILLINGSTONE Railway Station opened their railway carriage for a third sell-out Churchill production of the classic two-hander, 'Two'

by Jim Cartwright, featuring Justin Ellery and Jan Wyld as the bickering landlord and landlady of a northern pub, and as a dozen of their pub regulars.

Written in 1989 but still astonishingly real today, this much-performed yet no less loved offering from the celebrated Lancastrian playwright takes the audience through a spectrum of human emotion, relying on the ability of the actors to portray a variety of ages and characters.

Previous productions at Shillingstone by Churchill Productions were of 'Still Life' by Noel Coward.

NOW AT THE BLANDFORD SCHOOL

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November 2018

November 2018

Armistice centenary commemorations

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A

S the centenary of Armistice Day approached, the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal collection was well under way, and this year hope to exceed the total of £20,782.42 collected by the Blandford branch last year.

A number of special events have been planned in commemoration of the centenary (see page 18 for Town Council activities), and the final exhibition of the 14-18 Working Group, set up in 2014 by the late Esme Butler, will be held in the Corn Exchange, Blandford, from Friday November 2 to Monday November 5.

'Commemoration and legacy WW1’ will trace the effects of war, the results, ramifications and consequences, through displays, models, artefacts and music. Included too is the history of the Royal British Legion and the Blandford Snooker Club in its 100th anniversary year.

There will be a trench reconstruction which will remain in the Corn Exchange until after Remembrance Sunday, and an area where people can make a poppy to commemorate anyone from any conflict, which may be 'planted' on it, with refreshments provided from the Khaki Kitchen.

On the evening of Friday November 2 in the Corn Exchange, Poacher's Moon will be performing extracts from their 'Poppies Red, Cornflowers Blue' production. They will be joined by local acoustic duo 'The Promise', Kieran Mitchell and Louise Anderson and the exciting and moving compositions from the winners in Blandford's Young Singer Songwriter competition, who were asked to write and perform music with the focus on 'Peace'.

There will be poetry readings and images on the big screen, and homemade cakes, teas and coffees will be served during the interval. Tickets at £5 are available by calling 01258 488640 or on the door, with further details at poachersmoon.com On Saturday November 3, the Dorset Rural Music School is holding a study day on music inspired by The Great War. For details email drmsblandford@gmail.com.

On Wednesday November 7, Blandford Forum Film Society, screen Oh! What a Lovely War (Sir Richard Attenborough, UK 1969) Comedy/Musical, with the Palida Choir at 7pm at The Blandford School.

On Thursday November 8, the Blandford Forum Stamp Club will be hosting an exhibition of First World War postcards in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion from 7.30 to 9pm.

And on Saturday November 10, Blandford Snooker Club, which also celebrates its centenary this year, having been founded in recognition of a need to provide a social hub and support for young men returning from war service, as well as for other young men in the local community, will be holding an open day at its premises next to the United Reformed Church hall, attended by the Mayor and URC Minister. A specially commissioned original play examining some of the social and emotional effects of the war on those left behind will be performed in the Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Saturday November 10 at 2.30 and 7.30pm.

'Rage Tears and Cider - Peace Day 1919' is set on a single day in Sturminster Newton, featuring real and fictional characters, and is written

by Tony Benge and Sue Ashby and directed by Craig White of the Rural Redemption Theatre Company, with a collective team of local actors from Taboo Theatre Company. The Blandford 14-18 Working Group will bring its commemoration of the end of the First World War to a close on Friday November 16, with two illustrated lectures in the Corn Exchange, starting at 7.30pm.

The first, by Jeremy Prescott, is about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission: a subject highly relevant to this area, for the town cemetery contains 50 CWGC graves of men who died during the 1914-18 war, and there are CWGC burials in many of the neighbouring village cemeteries.

The second, by Neil Houghton, explores the art produced as a result of the war, and includes the work of some of the most significant painters and sculptors of the 20th century.

Admission is free, but there will be a collection in aid of Combat Stress.

For further details, call 01258 455081.

Poacher's Moon, who will be performing extracts from their 'Poppies Red, Cornflowers Blue' production on November 2 in the Corn Exchange.

Other Remembrance events Saturday November 3: Pimperne coffee morning, 10 to 11.30am, stalls and raffle, Pimperne village hall, supporting the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund (Blandford Camp) Child Okeford RBL Poppy Appeal coffee morning, village hall from 10am Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11: World War I Exhibition, Shroton village hall, details 01258 861565 Sunday November 11: Joint Tarrant Keyneston and Tarrant Rushton service, Tarrant Keyneston 10.15am St Mary's Church, Tarrant Gunville, service of Remembrance, 10.30am and exhibition 10am to 5pm Tarrant Monkton church remembrance service 10.30am, ceremony at the war memorial 11am, curry lunch, film and readings in the village hall from 12.30pm, proceeds to ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Royal Marines Charity, tickets 01258 830252 or 830444 Monday November 12: Rededication of German WWI graves at Tarrant Monkton churchyard, 11am For Remembrance services in other villages, see their village noticeboards.

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November 2018

No let-up in the casualties as war reaches its end WHAT was, in many respects, to be the final month of the war also saw the deaths of seven local men.

The first was Blandford-born Frederick John Squibb, the younger son of nurseryman Henry and Eleanor Squibb, of 2 Charles Street, who at 15 was himself working as a nurseryman.

He was 22 when he died of pneumonia at Bury St Edmonds on November 1, having served as a sergeant in the 3rd Bn Dorsetshire Regiment, and was buried in Blandford Cemetery. His funeral, with military band escort, attracted a large crowd to the Market Place.

Charles Henry Light, who died the following day in France, was 39, had also lived in Charles Street and later The Cliff, Bryanston, the son of butcher Samuel and Anna Maria Light, of Stourpaine.

Charles married Olivia Fry in 1903, and they had two daughters and a son. Having worked first as bricklayer's labourer, and then a brewer's carrier, and living at 4 Charles Street, he served as a Private with the 19th Bn, Durham Light Infantry, and is buried in the Leonguenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery.

William Henry Cox died on November 5, aged 32, the victim of accidental death while on duty in Salisbury as a sergeant in the Royal Air Force, and is buried in Blandford Cemetery.

He was the youngest of four sons and one daughter of carpenter Joseph and Emma Cox, living in Orchard Street. He worked first as a chemist's carter and then as a painter, and joined the Royal Flying Corps as a fitter moulder A Mech 2 in May 1915, transferring to the RAF as a moulder A Mech 3.

Harry John Mitchell, remembered at Bryanston, was born at Pulham, the eldest of four sons and four daughters of carpenter and farm bailiff John and Jane Ann Mitchell.

He worked as a carter and in 1910 had married Theodora May Dear of Blandford with whom he had three children. He served with the Dorsetshire 3rd Battalion, and died

aged 37 on November 4 in Egypt, where he is buried in Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery.

Thomas Bernard Victor Melmoth (aka Cavell) died of wounds in a Hastings sanitorium on November 8, aged 20. After serving in Gallipoli and in France with the British Expeditionary Force, he had been returned to England after being wounded, and was in January 1918 diagnosed with tuberculosis of the lung, discharged as no longer fit for war service and issued with his silver war badge in May 1918.

His London-born father Albert Bernard Cavell had sailed to Melbourne as a miner in 1914, and was killed in action on January 1, 1917, serving with the 2nd Coy Tunnelling Corps. His mother, Lilian Gertrude Cavell, lived with Tom Melmoth in Whitecliff Mill Street.

Wilfred John Legg, who died in France, aged 26, on November 9, serving with the Army Service Corp 1st Cav Reserve Park and is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, was the third of four sons of dairyman John and Emma Legg. He is remembered in Charlton Marshall where, at 18, he was a dairy worker and where his brother Charles George Legg lived.

John Davies died at Nottingham Military Hospital on November 27, aged 35, from pneumonia, possibly as a complication of Spanish

influenza. A native of Wrexham, he studied at Bangor University and was appointed maths teacher at Blandford Secondary School in 1905.

He served as a Sergeant in the Royal Engineers Anti-Gas Department, and is remembered on the memorials for Bangor University, Wrexham Town Memorial and at The Blandford School.

There were, of course, to be further deaths after the month of the Armistice, including four buried in Blandford Cemetery: Lance Corporal Thomas Carter of the Royal Defence Corps on December 2, Private H Powis of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry 1st Bn on December 28, Private H J Trim of the Dorsetshire 4th Bn on April 6, 1919, and Able Seaman Arthur John Wedmore, who died in July 1919.

Frederick Charles Lane (died December 4, 1918), a cousin of the three Lane brothers killed, is remembered on the Blandford memorial; Walter Whitty (December 28) is remembered at Durweston; William George

A sombre scene in Blandford’s Market Place for the funeral procession, including a military band escort, of local man Frederick Squibb.

Mabey of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (February 2, 1919) is buried in Charlton Marshall Church cemetery; and Private George J Everett of the Hampshire Regiment (July 8, 1920) is buried in Pimperne churchyard.

November and following months also saw the deaths of another 13 based at Blandford Camp, five of them teenagers with the RAF who had never seen action.

William Cook Lennon, aged 17, who died on November 2, was serving as a private 2nd class and came from Worksop; William Patrick Moody, private 2nd class in the recruits training wing, aged 18 from Wicklow, who died the following day, was the first of three from Ireland to die in quick succession.

John Tumpton, an 18-year-old Private 2nd Class in the Reinforcements Wing from Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, died on November 5; and 19-year-old Air Mechanic 3rd class William Hill from Ballymacelligatt, Tralee, Co. Kerry, died on November 6.

Air Mechanic 3rd class Robert Mitchison died on November 5, private 2nd class Daniel Clements and J Brady died on November 9 and 10, and Sergeant Major Frederick Taylor died on November 17.

Another teenager, Air Mechanic 3rd class George Cornish from Edgbaston, Birmingham, aged 19 from the reinforcement wing, died on November 18.

RAF men Harry Healey died on February 22, 1919, Reginald Albert Randall died on March 18, 1919, and Ernest Joseph Collett died on July 1, 1919; and R Burchall from the Labour Corps died on March 6, 1919, all buried in neighbouring CWG plots in Blandford Cemetery.

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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November 2018

Warm welcome for dog charity shop A NEW charity shop opened at the former Julia's House premises on the corner of Salisbury Street and Bryanston Street has received a warm reception from visitors.

Managed by Wendi Hutchinson for the Waggy Tails dog rescue charity and officially opened by Mayor of Blandford Roger Carter, it is trading Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm.

Wendi was unemployed when she moved to Blandford in 2013 with her son Jenson, who is now six. Although diagnosed with PTSD she decided to volunteer in charity shops to gain confidence to get back to work.

After completing management courses through the charities she decided to start her own venture, so signed up for the New Enterprise Allowance with the Jobcentre and Pinnacle People who helped her take on the shop as 'The Wendi House', a sub-

sidiary of the registered charity Waggy Tails Rescue.

She said: "This has been quite a journey for me setting up this shop, and as a resident of Blandford I would really like to show people that having a mental illness or mental health issues does not have to hold you back, and you can achieve your goals if you have determination and get the right support.

"I will be taking on volunteers in the shop offering local, out-ofwork individuals experience and confidence and inviting senior members of the community to help them socialise and feel valued."

A silent auction for some magnificent dolls houses held as an opening attraction resulted in one being donated back by the purchaser and sold again, and another, featuring the royal wedding, being sold for a forthcoming wedding reception.

More help for bereaved DORSET'S Douch Family funeral directors has expanded its free bereavement group sessions to a further three branches, including Lesley Shand in East Street, Blandford.

Anyone living with bereavement is invited to book themselves on one of the sessions that lasts for about an hour and a half.

They are led by Cindy Weller, a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a member of the National Counselling Society (NCS).

The sessions, in the first week of the month, are open to anyone in the community - not restricted to clients of the group - and meetings are held at the Blandford Town Council offices.

Emma Regan, from the funeral group, that has eight branches in the county, said: "We launched our first group in Ferndown without knowing what demand there would be. However, it has been such a success that we have expanded into other branches.

"We were motivated to offer this free service because of our experience with funerals. Often we could tell by dealing with the bereaved that they might benefit from some counselling.

"Due to restrictions on numbers people just have to call the branch to book themselves in."

Card aid for charities A CARDS for Good Causes charity shop at Blandford Methodist Church, selling Christmas cards for a number of charities, reopened on October 22, staffed by a team of volunteers.

There is a choice of hundreds of different card designs, as well as traditional advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers.

Shop manager Heather Usher said: "Buying charity cards is one of the simplest ways to support good causes this festive season and we stock one of the widest ranges of Christmas cards anywhere.

Proceeds make a vital contribution to the work of the charities that we partner."

The pop-up shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm and Wednesday and Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm.

Wendi Hutchinson with staff volunteers Chris Rix, Denise Griffiths and John O'Keefe at The Wendi House in Salisbury Street.

22

The View from the Hill

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

N

ICK Bragg and his silaging team turned up on September 17 with tractors, trailers, a huge forage harvester, a new JCB loading shovel, and a mobile weighbridge. It was time to cut the maize and see how much was really there after the very dry summer.

As you can see from the picture above, cutting the first swathe around the outside of the field is quite tricky. The tractor has to drive unhealthily close to the forager and the forager driver has to spend more time guiding the spout and plume of maize into the trailer than he does on looking where he is driving.

The driver of the loading shovel is on the go the whole time, having to clear the tipped load out of the way before the next one arrives, build the clamp in a safe and sheetable shape, and compact it by driving back and forth across the whole heap whenever he is not moving tipped loads.

The forager takes the whole crop and chops it down to less than 8mm lengths and the silage is compressed as thoroughly as possible, excluding oxygen, so that anaerobic fermentation will occur. Acids produced preserve the plant material in a form which is very appetising either to cows or to the organisms which

FARMING live in an anaerobic digester in our case. They produce methane gas, which is captured and fed into the nearest gas main.

During the winter, lorries bring in spent Cutting the first swathe. digestate for us to spread doubt been the worst season for on the land in the spring, and on this pest we have ever seen the return journey take silage here in Dorset. back to the digester.

There is no reliable cultural or chemical control for this pest We have been waging a running and I can see a day not too far battle with the dreaded cabbage ahead when farmers will give up stem flea beetle, which has been the struggle and will return to wreaking havoc in our oilseed boring continuous cereal croprape fields. This has without ping, which is not only less good for the soil, but will lead to a reduction in yields.

No other break crops produce as reliable a return on a large scale as rape does, so it would be remarkably helpful if someone could rush onto the market a new insecticide which does not harm bees and which can be applied as a seed dressing to the rapeseed.

Above: A little blighter at work after dark. Below: What the crop should look like.

A couple of weeks ago we sent our youngstock to market. Prices at Frome were sadly about 15% lower than at the same time last year, largely a consequence of the dry summer. Many farmers are short of fodder, and that which is available is very expensive.

One farmer I know has had to send 30 cattle for slaughter as they tested positive for TB. The animals were less than a year old, indicating that they have contracted the disease while outdoors this summer. The dry weather has resulted in grass being very short as the cattle search for food and eat it down tight, making it more likely that

November 2018

they come into contact with ground that has been fouled by diseased badgers.

Another farmer who is trying to sell his herd so he can retire keeps getting the odd TB reactor, which means waiting another 60 days for the next test. He must wonder if he is ever going to be able to get off the treadmill he is on.

The badger cull pilot areas have recently been shown to be reducing new TB infection levels by up to 50%, so perhaps there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

We have just received the results of an interesting survey carried out this year. We knew that one of the farm ponds had a viable population of great crested newts, a European protected species, 20 or 30 years ago, but confirming their presence is quite tricky.

Ponds are awarded a Habitat Suitability Index and an environmental DNA test is carried out to test for newt DNA in the water.

Of three ponds surveyed, two were found to have a population of great crested newts, quite a rarity. The male has a very distinctive crest along its back, easy to see when in the water, but it lies flat on the back when on land. It also has a gorgeous orange tummy with black blotches on it, unique to each individual.

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November 2018

News from the surgeries How can we keep the effects of ageing at bay?

• Sleep well - at least seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night.

Ask for advice if you think you may have a sleep disorder.

• Watch what you eat - a plateful of colourful foods and a serving of lean protein with each meal.

• Stay active - older adults should walk at least 30 minutes each day.

If walking is boring or difficult, other fun exercise options include line dancing and sports, or try a bike or treadmill. Keep your mind active by participating in hobbies you enjoy - anything from reading, to working puzzles to woodworking.

Riders and volunteers celebrate the end of the 2018 summer term.

Riding group plea for more helpers THE Bryanston Riding for the Disabled Group started its new term with a number of changes.

The role of chief instructor has now been taken over by Jackie Abbott, and the group chairmanship is in the hands of Lin Johnson, who also recently qualified as a group instructor under the National RDA regulations.

The group hold their riding sessions on Monday mornings at Bryanston School equestrian centre, catering for riders with a variety of physical and/or mental disabilities. During the past 12 months the group have provided more than 280 individual riding sessions.

They are keen to help any disabled person, regardless of age or ability who would like to ride a horse and benefit from the therapeutic effects of equestrian-based exercise. Potential riders are welcome to get in touch to discuss their physiotherapy requirements

and the benefits of RDA. No experience is necessary and all activities take place in a safe and controlled environment.

The group is also keen to recruit new volunteers, both male and female, to help with the sessions, for which full training is given.

Those with equine experience are particularly welcome as a key part of the sessions is tacking up and preparing the ponies.

Volunteers are encouraged to train as qualified instructors and to take on various roles within the group, such as mounting and dismounting riders and the preparation of riding equipment, as well as joining in the various social events throughout the year.

To learn more about RDA, full details can be found at the organisation website rda.org and for details of how to help the Bryanston Group contact Lyn Johnson on 01258 456571 or by email to johnsonl713@aol.com.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

• Drop the bad habits - alcohol and cigarettes have a major impact on health. Smoking can lead to lung and throat cancer. Stopping alcohol helps your liver remain healthy and you may lose weight and sleep better.

• Avoid accidents - 33 per cent of seniors experience falling injuries.

Even if you're fully mobile, issues such as fainting from low blood pressure and misjudging a step can lead to injury. You can't avoid all accidents, but you can make your home safer by removing clutter and other trip hazards.

• Stay social - by maintaining an active social life, you will stave off depression, increase your self-awareness and prolong your independence.

If you would like to find out more about taking more exercise, finding out about local social opportunities, losing weight or reducing your alcohol consumption and smoking less, please contact your GP surgery reception team who will be able to help you.

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November 2018

November 2018

Could you lend an ear to child readers?

VOLUNTEERS are needed in local primary schools to listen to children read and help them in their development.

Schoolreaders, a registered charity founded five years ago, has launched into Dorset and is looking for volunteers to carry out this important role, when reading time for many children at home and at school is often insufficient.

"One in four youngsters are leaving primary school unable to read to the required standard, which can have lifelong consequences," said Dorset Schoolreaders ambassador Rosie Cunningham.

"Dorset has wards which are among the top quartile of

25

deprived wards according to recent Government statistics, and rates poorly among local authorities for reading attainment.

"Our volunteers find the scheme incredibly rewarding, knowing that a few hours' helping a child learn to read each week can have such a great impact on their life chances."

Schoolreaders is flexible and will match an individual's availability to an appropriate, local school.

No qualifications are necessary, just a good command of spoken and written English.

See schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information.

Camera Club news IN accordance with tradition, the opening night of Blandford Forum Camera Club's season was the chairman's evening, when Geoff Killer, newly in post, entertained with three DVDs of the history surrounding their clubhouse in the former railway station water tower, from the days of the railway running through Blandford, to the renovation of the building.

After the break a photographic quiz, using 59 iconic images, certainly gave food for thought, with Geoff asking for dates, titles, photographers, places and/or the incidents that they recorded.

Back in July the Studio Group had an outdoor shoot with some members of Dorset section, Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) at Tarrant Rushton airfield, on a blazing hot day, with some super models, interesting outfits and a country backdrop, and the object of achieving some

70s-style images to keep the bikes in context to their year.

Programme secretary, Eric Langley, has provided a full diary of events and speakers for the season. The Studio Group, Distinctions (LAF) Group and practical support evenings continue to offer monthly sessions.

The first round of the SAPA League was held at Wimborne Camera Club. The judge was Sid Jones. Each club submitted 12 prints and 12 digital images for his consideration, with the best nine scores counting towards the overall total. The scores for the prints were 76.5 for Wimborne and 81.5 for Blandford and for the PDIs Wimborne 80.5 and Blandford 81, so Blandford won the evening overall.

For details about joining the club call 01258 488301, email eric.langley@bfcclub.co.uk or see the website bfcclub.co.uk.

The proceeds of a year's fundraising for the Blandford Opportunity Group at Lilly's Hair Salon in Tabernacle Walk, Blandford, were presented to the preschool, which caters mainly for disabled children. Pictured is Opportunity Group leader Sharon Kevern with baby Harriet, receiving a cheque for ÂŁ887 from Mandy Lillywhite of Lilly's.

26

November 2018

Circus skills on Pimperne curriculum

Harvest festival of fun CHILDREN at Spetisbury CE Primary School engaged their whole community in their harvest festival celebrations, welcoming parents to take part in their festival of thanksgiving, which started with poetry recitals and musical performances, including Spetisbury's own samba band.

They also invited grandparents and local elderly to a harvest afternoon tea (pictured above). Children and staff had been busy all week baking scones and apple crumble, using produce from the school's apple tree. The audience were also treated to each class performing their song or poem.

The generosity of the children and their families also saw a full harvest collection of donations for the Blandford Food Bank (pictured below).

The school is keen to play an active role within its community.

Prospective students and families are encouraged to book a tour to see their school in action.

A CIRCUS skills workshop at Pimperne Primary School was delivered by 'Splats Entertainment' and the children had a fantastic day, learning a range of circus skills and working on the school's 'Switched on to learning' approach.

They were encouraged to keep working hard at an activity and show resilience, work as a team and independently, as well as thinking hard and staying on task. By the end of the session, many of the children had developed the first stages of juggling and were able to balance a feather on their fingertip.

The school will be holding a series of open days in November when visitors, who have pre-booked by calling or emailing the school office, can find out about the school between 9.15am and 10.15 am on Tuesday November 13 and Thursday November 15.

The new reception children have settled well into school life

and are quickly learning new routines and expectations, while also making friends and having fun.

It will be opening its doors to its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) facility on Saturday November 17 between 10am and 12 noon for those due to start school in September 2019 and their mums and dads.

27

November 2018

Young bowlers end the season in style THE under-16 bowlers of Blandford Bowling Club contested the Astin Cup at the Milldown Road green.

The cup was presented in 1999

by Alan Astin, club captain from 1988 to 1993 and president in 1997 and 1998.

On a bright sunny day 27 juniors contested the cup in four different age groups and were well supported by family, club members and friends.

The format was six different rinks, each one testing skills required by bowlers, ranging from target bowls to bowling the jack, knocking down skittles and drawing to a line. Points were award-

ed according to accuracy and each bowler had four bowls for each test.

Under-6 winner was Lucy Rankine-McIntosh with 1,070 points; under-10 winner was Sophie Ream with 655 points; under-16s novices winner was Hannah Farrand with 845 points.

The Astin Cup winner was Nathan Wood with 1,705 points.

This excellent day's bowling was a fine way to complete a very successful season for what is the strongest junior section in Dorset, due to the leadership of Sid and Joy Steele and the assistance of a band of volunteers who give loyal support on a regular basis.

North Dorset Triathlon celebrate their bronze accreditation with British Triathlon.

Photo: Christopher Petersen.

Triathlon club’s award NORTH Dorset Triathlon, based at Blandford Leisure Centre, has been awarded British Triathlon Bronze Accreditation.

The club has thanked members Lucy Bemand and Mark Neish for their hard work in getting the club to accreditation, which has the aim of supporting, sustaining and maintaining a network of highquality triathlon clubs.

The club now has 15 junior members, some of whom competed in their first triathlons this summer, and it is hoped to expand the junior section.

Wednesday evening rides are set to continue into the winter in the form of social rides as opposed to club training, with relaxed sessions on quiet routes, an opportunity to build confidence for those new to night riding.

Further information can be found on the club's Facebook page, ND Triathlon.

Brewery’s cash gifts

Blandford Bowling Club's junior bowlers.

BONFIRE builders are being urged by the Dorset Mammal Group to spare a thought for hedgehogs when they remember the Gunpowder Plot on November 5, or on the previous or following weekends.

Hedgehogs which may be hibernating under the woodpile can take up to three hours to wake if they sense danger. The advice is to either build it and burn it on the same day, or re-site the pile before it is lit, or use broom handles to lift from the base and shine torches, looking and listening for any signs of life.

A TOTAL of more than £25,000 was shared between 27 organisations across Dorset, including four from Blandford, when local brewers Hall & Woodhouse announced their 2018 Community Chest awards.

The Blandford Explorers and Blandford Foodbank each received £500, Treads Youth Advice Service received £750, and Read Easy Blandford £950.

There was also a donation of £750 to Milborne St Andrewbased Mosaic, the charity working with bereaved children.

The presentation evening was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, and he and civic leaders heard that, since the Community Chest was launched in 2012, nearly £600,000 has been distributed in Dorset and West Sussex.

Media partners in Dorset were the Blackmore Vale Media and The Community Foundation for Dorset, whose representatives Marilyn Barber and Grant Robson joined Lucinda Gray, Andy Wing and Mark Woodhouse and independent Colin Brady on the judging panel.

28 NOVEMBER Friday November 2 to Friday November 16: For Remembrance events see pages 18 & 19 Friday to Sunday November 2 to 4: Blandford Rotary's Christmas Toys drop-off, Blandford Parish Church, Friday & Saturday 10am to 4 pm; Sunday 11am to 2pm; 01258 451245 Friday November 2: Blandford Forum Railway Club, Scout HQ, Eagle House Gardens, Blandford, 7.30 to 9.30pm, talk on 'East African Railways' Wessex Acoustic folk present Chris Leslie, Blandford Royal British Legion, Church Lane, 8.15pm Saturday November 3: Spetisbury bonfire and fireworks, 10 West End, Spetisbury, 6.30pm, adults £5, children £3 Sunday November 4: The Art Room: Informal art session for beginners, 11am to 1pm at The Kings Arms, Blandford, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Monday November 5: Blandford Floral Group, Blandford United Reformed Church Hall, 2pm. AGM. Tuesday November 6: Blandford Breast Cancer Support Group, Pimperne village hall, 2.30pm, talk by specialist breast care nurse from Dorchester.

Refreshments and raffle Latin Dancing, Bryanston Club, 7.45 to 10.30pm (every Tuesday) Wednesday November 7: Blandford St Mary Parish Council, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Play Reading, 'Separate Tables' by Terence Rattigan, Blandford Parish Church, 7 to 9pm, details 07596 959703 Friday November 9: Craft Market, Shambles, Corn Exchange, Blandford 9am to 2pm Fireworks Extravaganza, Pimperne Primary School, 6 for 7.15pm Blandford WI, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, 7 to 9pm, speaker Abi Parslow, Chief Archaeologist, on the Ancient Technology Centre, details blandfordeveningwi.com Saturday November 10: 100th anniversary Open Day, Blandford Snooker Club, United Reformed Church grounds, Salisbury Street Friends of Blandford Rotary dropin, Sealy Suite, Crown Hotel, 10am to 12noon; 01258 473467 The History of Russia, lecture by Dr George Gilbert, Old School, Sturminster Marshall, 2.30pm, tickets 01258 857528, proceeds to the Mackrell Charity Tarrant Valley Players Quiz Night Extravaganza, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, 7 for 7.30pm, refreshments and bar, proceeds to the Weldmar Trust Adverse Camber present Dreaming the Night Field,

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.

Artsreach production 'Dreaming the Night Field by Adverse Camber will be at the Pamela Hambro Hall in Winterborne Stickland on November 10, featuring storyteller Michael Harvey and singer Lynne Denman.

Winterborne Stickland village hall, 7.30pm, artsreach.co.uk Sunday November 11: Armistice Day (see pages 18 & 19) Monday November 12: Bluebird Care celebration of older people's services, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to 1pm Child Okeford WI, The Community Centre, Station Road, Child Okeford DT11 8EL, 2pm, Christmas Crafts Tuesday November 13 and Thursday November 15: Pimperne Primary School whole school open mornings, 9.15 to 10.15am (Saturday November 17 New Reception 10 to 12noon) Wednesday November 14: Dorset Moviola presents ‘The Bookshop’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm.

Thursday November 15: Blandford Art Society: Demonstration by Rob Adams. A seascape in oils, 2pm at Pimperne Village Hall, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Forum Otters, Macmillan Support Group for those affected by Cancer, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 2 to 4pm, details 01258 458280 Blandford Museum Archaeology Group, talk by Mike Allen (Environmental Archaeologist) on the Amebury Living with Monument Project, 7.30pm, details 01258 452831 Friday November 16: Wessex Acoustic folk present Dave Pegg and Antony John Clarke, Blandford Royal British Legion, Church Lane, 8.15pm Saturday November 17: SERO and the Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 10th Annual Christmas Fair, 9.30am to 3.30pm, 60 stalls, refreshments, serocharity.org.uk

Cats Protection coffee morning & stall, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm The Ark Child Okeford Christmas Fair, Child Okeford village hall, 11am to 1pm Mayor of Blandford's 'Fabulous Forum'; variety evening showcasing the 'Rising Stars of Blandford' with the Stour Valley Band, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm, tickets from Town Council office or Chaffers Sunday November 18: Christmas Craft Fayre, 11am to 4pm, Pimperne village hall, raffle and refreshments, free entry Monday November 19: 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 Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning talk by John Combes, ‘Exploring the Dorset Stour’, The Ark's room, St Nicholas School, Child Okeford, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 860767 Tuesday November 20: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club 2.15pm, 'Fifty Shades of Colour', A demonstration by Cath Brown, Child Okeford Village Hall, Further details: 01258 863775 Wednesday November 21: 'Wildlife Crime in Dorset', illustrated talk by PC Claire Dinsdale, Dorset Police Wildlife Crime Unit, to North Dorset Group, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7.30pm Valley Gardening Club, Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, 7.30pm for talk, A Year at Picket Lane (Neil Lovesey), raffle & refreshments, non-members £2, details valleygardening@gmail.com

November 2018 Thursday November 22: Blandford and District Horticultural Society, United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, 7.30pm, speaker Brian Petit, Wildlife of the Jurassic Coast Friday November 23: Grand Christmas Craft Market, The Shambles in front of the Corn Exchange, 30 plus stalls, 9am to 3pm ‘All on a Winter's Night’, a seasonal concert with Johnny Coppin, Pimperne village hall, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 07818600106 or £12 on the door Friday to Sunday November 23 to 25: The Garden of Delights, gifts handmade by artists, admission £2, 10am to 4.30pm, refreshments, Springhead Trust, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0NU, 01747 811853 Saturday November 24: Panda Pre-school Christmas Fayre, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 9.30am to 12 noon Open Day with free admission and demonstrations, Blandford Fashion Museum, 10am to 4pm Winterborne Artisans celebration of local art & craft, entry £1, Pamela Hambro Hall, Wint'Stickland, 10am to 5pm.

Sudan Christmas Fair, Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 11am to 2pm, proceeds to the Sudan Medical Link Charity Christmas Fair, Portman Hall, Shillingstone, 11am to 4pm, free entry, proceeds to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance The Liberty Tree - A Celebration of Robin Hood, United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, 7.30pm, details artsreach.co.uk Sunday November 25: The Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir present 'A Baroque Christmas', Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm, tickets bschoir.org.uk Monday November 26: Stroke Association Peer Support, Church Room & Village Centre, 1 The Close, Charlton Marshall, DT11 9PA, 10.30am to noon 'Organic Food - Luxury or Necessity?' Resurgence Dorset talk, Blandford Museum, Bere’s Yard DT11 7HQ, details 01258 818223 or meetup.com/Resurgence-Dorset Thursday November 29: Finds Evaluation Day, Blandford Town Museum, hosted by the Blandford Archaeology Group, 10.30am to 1pm Friends of Blandford Hospital Christmas Bingo, hospital restaurant, doors open 6.30 for eyes down 7.30pm Pip Utton presents 'At Home with Shakespeare', Springhead Fontmell Magna, 7.30pm, details artsreach.co.uk Friday November 30: Short Story Competition Presentations and Prize Giving, Parish Centre, Blandford, starting at 6.30pm