November 2019 Forum Focus

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

November 2019 Issue No.92 Est: 2012

Putting the brakes on the side-street speed merchants RESIDENTS plagued by speeding traffic in narrow streets off Salisbury Road, Blandford, have been assured that work is ongoing to address the issue, and that the town's representatives on Dorset Council have put forward a possible solution.

Councillor Byron Quayle told town councillors that there had been something of a culture change while Edward Street, Albert Street, Victoria Road and Queens Road had been temporarily closed during the gas main works in Salisbury Street, and people had started using the bypass.

In response to a letter from Dan Baker, of Edward Street, on behalf of fellow residents seeking urgent action to reduce the risk of death or serious injury, Mr Quayle said: "At the very start of the works on Badger junction an increase in vehicles using streets like Edward Street was noted. It caused a lot of congestion and misery for residents in these streets.

"It was also noted, because of the increase in traffic, just how many vehicles would speed down these streets, especially to get the right of way. It is this dangerous situation which has encouraged the residents of Edward Street to contact myself and the town council.

"Over time as the gas works continued, motorists, especially once the junction was opened, tried to avoid the clogged side streets

FORUM FOCUS

and started to use the bypass and Salisbury Road more.

"On discussing this with the Highways department, I was advised that this does seem to happen a lot and that once 'culture change' has occurred a lot of the excessive problems tend to resolve themselves."

He said blocking Edward Street would likely mean that vehicles would then use Albert Street and Victoria Street, creating similar problems with speeding and danger to children, and that he and fellow Dorset Councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke were pushing for a 20mph zone for all the roads as the best all-inclusive approach.

"We have asked Highways to investigate traffic calming measures in all the streets, which will mean full consultation with everyone in the area, not just residents.

"Chicanes take out parking spaces and do not necessarily reduce drivers' speed. Speed indication devices may only help fractionally but every little helps.

Making streets one-way only could increase traffic speeds.

"The situation is incredibly frustrating and I have great sympathy with all our residents who have to endure reckless drivers racing past their houses. Edward Street has a particular problem as residents don't have a pavement and step onto the road. Our children and residents' safety must come first."

Children enjoy a seasonal sensory activity at Downlands School with their new headteacher James Rielly.

School open to all DOWNLANDS School on Blandford Camp has a new headteacher James Rielly following the retirement of his long-serving predecessor.

Mr Rielly is an experienced school leader who has worked in several schools across Dorset and he is quickly adapting to the unique setting of his new school.

He said: "Downlands is one of only two schools that is situated 'behind the wire', meaning it is actually within a military base. This makes us one of the safest schools in the country, yet many local parents presume that we are only open to children from services families. In fact, we are a Dorset Council school which is open for all children."

Apart from its setting, the school is also a special environment in terms of its caring and inclusive ethos. There is high priority for ensuring that children are happy and settled and there is a rich cultural diversity due to the multinational nature of serving soldiers.

Mr Rielly also highlighted that Downlands is an all-through primary, taking children from two-and-a-half to 11 years of age. It continues to have an excellent before- and after-school provision, meaning that working parents can ensure that their children are in a safe, happy and stimulating learning environment from 7.45am to 5.15pm.

You can find out more about this unique school at an open day planned for Thursday November 21, where parents and children can experience the facilities available within the recently extended school, where all key stage two children are issued with their own personal iPad.

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November 2019

FORUM FOCUS CONTACTS Editorial: Nicci Brown T: 01258 459346 E: editor@forumfocus.co.uk Advertising: John Stayt T: 01258 454427 E: advertising@forumfocus.co.uk Distribution: Jackie Stayt T: 01258 456999 E: distribution@forumfocus.co.uk Design: David Eidlestein T: 01258 450989 E: de@deadlines.eclipse.co.uk Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

CONTRIBUTING Forum Focus welcomes the submission of articles and reports from clubs and societies but asks that they are kept to a maximum of 200 words.

If you have pictures you would like to share with us, our readers and our website visitors, please send them, with brief descriptions, by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk. Low resolution pictures cannot be printed in the paper.

ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk 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.

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

Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points below: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, Chaffers in Salisbury Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Co-op in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Blandford Connect Day Centre and 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, Marcia’s Market, Clapcotts Farm, Spetisbury, Abbott Garden Centre, Langton Long, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Anvil and Farquharson pubs in Pimperne, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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Boots complaints ‘being dealt with’ BLANDFORD's representatives on Dorset Council have raised the difficulties experienced in securing prescriptions from Boots pharmacies in Blandford with NHS England.

Councillor Byron Quayle told town councillors that he and Councillor Nocturin Lacey Clark had been contacted by Councillor Andrew Kerby, who represents Winterborne North and is also deputy chair of the Dorset health scrutiny committee, and had met with both senior management at Boots and with NHS England.

Councillor Quayle said that complaints were best dealt with by NHS England and not Boots itself.

"It is a problem not just for Blandford and if residents come

to you with complaints, the best way to complain is to NHS England," he said.

Meanwhile there has been fulsome praise for the staff in Blandford's Boots following an announcement on social media that one member has now left their employment to take up a position at the Whitecliff Surgery.

Her daughter on social media said that she had always found the negativity very difficult, since her mum had worked so hard to keep smiling and do what she could to help customers.

"This is the same for everyone working frontline with the public, who all deserve a medal. It's the powers above that are the problem."

• See letters on page 16.

Students in fashion BLANDFORD Fashion Museum welcomed 70 first-year students from the Arts University Bournemouth on the second full day of the students' course, BA (Hons) Costume and Performance Design.

The museum always welcomes educational groups or other visiting parties, and as well as spending time drawing period dress from the collection, the students spent time in town sketching Blandford's Georgian architecture.

Blandford Fashion Museum has strong links with the university, with one of the museum trustees, Rebecca Pride, being the course leader.

Some of the previous year's students come back time after time to use the museum's handling collection or to undertake further in-depth research into specific items or eras of costume.

The museum trustees recently threw a thank you tea party for around two dozen volunteers.

New volunteers are welcome to join their friendly team to either help in the traditional tearoom or at the front desk. Anyone who can spare a few hours a week is invited to call in on a Monday morning for a coffee and a chat. See blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk for further details.

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November 2019

Covenant bid to protect Nordon from the bulldozers THE fight to save Nordon, the former council headquarters in Salisbury Road, Blandford, has stepped up with a letter asking Lord Portman to invoke the covenant imposed on the land by his ancestor when it was sold to the Woodhouse family.

The covenant by William Henry Berkeley, Viscount Portman, restricts development on the site to one single residence.

Now local architect John Turnbull, former secretary and honorary member of Blandford & District Civic Society, who has discovered its contents through Freedom of Information requests and other research, said: "The appeal to Lord Portman to invoke his predecessors' restrictive covenant on the site is an attempt by the Civic Society and others to stop the proposed redevelopment of the Nordon site and the demolition of the original house.

"Local opinion has been failed by the planning system, which has not taken on board the very strong objections from many quarters - the Town Council, Historic England, the Civic Society, NDDC's conservation officer, NDDC's tree officer and numerous townspeople - in a misguided attempt to create 'a legacy' for the outgoing authority."

He said the Rural District Council, when it purchased the site from the Woodhouses in 1950, was aware of the covenant, which

could already have been breached. So were Aster Housing Association in the bid they submitted for the redevelopment of the site in 2017, which stated the council had obtained indemnity insurance against the risk of the covenant being invoked.

Its existence was not brought to the attention of NDDC's planning committee in the report recommending the application's acceptance.

The letter has been signed by the Mayor, Councillor Lynn Lindsay, and four former mayors of Blandford, together with Civic Society members and town and Dorset councillor Noc Lacey Clarke.

It has been copied to Aster, whose outline planning application awaits determination by Dorset Council following approval in principle by North Dorset District Council, and to the portfolio holders for housing and planning at Dorset Council, the Homes & Communities Agency, Historic England and Simon Hoare MP.

By October 17, more than 1,500 people, including those signing by hand at the Blandford Museum and online at Change.org, had signed the petition against the plan to demolish the Edwardian villa, remove half the trees in the grounds, and build eight rented and 32 shared ownership homes.

Dog disease warning DOG owners are being warned that 45 cases of the deadly infection lungworm have been reported across Dorset, including three in Blandford.

Lungworm cannot be transmitted to humans but can be fatal to dogs nine per cent of infected dogs will die - and it is spreading throughout the UK. The parasite can cause serious health problems and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

According to Vets4Pets, infected dogs and foxes spread the parasite into the environment via lungworm larvae released in their faeces.

Slugs and snails then ingest the larvae while feeding. Other dogs and foxes can become infected with lungworm when they swallow these slugs or snails or potentially slime.

The symptoms of the infection include coughing, changes in breathing or struggling to breathe, going off food, upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, unexplained or excessive bruising, pale gums and bleeding.

It can be prevented by regular worming treatments, picking up dog faeces quickly to help prevent the spread, removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails, and changing the water in water bowls frequently.

Gemma Jenkins and Steph Fisher prepare the raffle tickets at the Mental Health Day popup cafĂŠ in Blandford Rugby Club's East Street premises.

Popup pulls in visitors A POPUP cafĂŠ on Mental Health Day at Blandford Rugby Club's premises in East Street generated a magnificent response.

The organisers were three friends with mental health issues - the 'Mad Chatters', Gemma Jenkins, Steph Fisher, and Hannah Christopher - who offered a variety of activities and solutions to people who, like them, found support difficult to access.

Steph said: "We've been busy all day and people are already asking when the next one will be."

There was a raffle, generously supported by a number of local businesses, and cakes and other refreshments were plentiful. But there was also the opportunity to make anxiety boxes for children and adults, to learn from Natasha Boyle about the work of Musica in supplying therapy to mental health and dementia patients, and of the mental health courses offered by Nic Wood.

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Paul Jenns, John Dare, Jeremy Gartside, Andy Clissold and Peter Williamson at Milton Abbas on their Dorset Historic Church's Ride from Okeford Fitzpaine.

Pedal power pays HUNDREDS of people went out and about locally on foot and on bicycle as part of Dorset Historic Church's Ride & Stride event, raising funds for the maintenance and improvement of churches visited.

There were 40 visitors to Blandford Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul and in Okeford Fitzpaine there was the option of joining a group ride led by Dilys Gartside which visited eight churches, cycled 23 miles and climbed the dizzy heights of both Okeford and Bulbarrow Hills.

At 71, John Dare was a recent newcomer to cycling, and was among four septuagenarians and two sexagenarians who left Okeford Fitzpaine's St Andrew's Church to cycle up Okeford Hill at the start of their fundraising ride, which raised ÂŁ130.

To add to the sum, go to justgiving.com/dorsethistoricchurches stating your support for Dilys's Okeford Fitzpaine cyclists.

November 2019

Story of war crash victim uncovered OCTOBER 28 marked the 75th anniversary of the crash in 1944 of a World War II Stirling Bomber at Iwerne Minster which has been researched by the niece of one of its five victims, Eric H Bailey.

Eric, aged 20 when he died, was the eldest of four children, and his parents learnt of his death the day after the youngest was born.

His sister Helen, who was 16 when he died, visited Iwerne Minster in 1994 as the Blandford Town Museum had put her in touch with Tom Brooks, a Iwerne Minster resident whose home at Valley View overlooked the crash site.

Helen's daughter Elaine Baker said: "At that time there were still residents who remembered the crash, and he was able to show Mum where and how the crash occurred.

"One resident had been a nurse at Clayesmore School and had assisted the injured. She was happy to talk to Mum about what she remembered about that

night. Mum had now learned enough about the crash and decided that she didn't want to know any more."

Her mother died in 2013, but Elaine decided to further investigate. She visited the Dorchester County Archives to find a brief mention of the crash in a couple of Iwerne Minster booklets, but nothing in the local press or Home Guard records, which would have been responsible for arranging salvage of the aircraft.

She is now reasonably confident of a full record of what happened and why, based on RAF reports, letters between the crew families, references in the Old Clayesmorian and conversations with current RAF pilots.

Her research has been submitted to the digital archives at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, and to the Newark Air Museum (previously RAF Winthorpe, where the Stirling was based) and the RAF Archive.

Soldier’s suicide AN inquest in Bournemouth Coroner's Court heard that a soldier took his own life after what was described by the Coroner as a "missed opportunity" to address concerns over his mental health.

Daniel O'Grady, 21, was training as a signaller at Blandford Camp when he went missing on February 19. He was found dead the next day in a nearby field.

The hearing was told he was doing well with his training, was popular with many of his colleagues and had seemed happy the evening before he went missing.

But after a dispute with a mem-

ber of his regiment in January, concerns had not been passed on to senior officers, but had been dealt with at troop level by a staff sergeant. No further problems were reported before his death.

But Coroner Brendan Allen, who recorded a verdict of suicide, said the information should have been further investigated, and there had clearly been a breakdown in communication of those concerned in his chain of command.

He emphasised Mr O'Grady had not been diagnosed by a doctor and was not taking any medication for mental health issues.

Business support THE Blandford Business Support Group is a friendly group of local small business owners who get together on the first Thursday of each month at 8.30am at 45 East Street.

They have been meeting since May 2018 with the aim of providing mutual support, discussing how local and national issues affect them and providing information and new skills to progress their businesses.

Some of the issues covered have been employment law, Facebook and social media marketing, business banking and fraud, and wills and lasting powers of attorney.

For more information or to go along to a meeting, email kay@cbaservices.co.uk, or just turn up. Business owners from all walks of life are welcome, and the next meetings are on November 7 and December 5.

November 2019

Restoration award for Chettle House

Mine host David Tancock at the Kings Arms.

Cheers! Welcome to the pub where you bring your own food A BLANDFORD pub has overcome the disadvantage of being unable to serve food due to the lack of a kitchen by introducing a new service for 'takeaway diners'.

The service at the Kings Arms in Whitecliff Mill Street began almost by accident after a large family seeking sustenance on the Sunday of the Great Dorset Steam Fair called in to find the pub did not serve food.

Landlord David Tancock rang another local hostelry to discover that food wasn't available on Sunday evenings, and getting no reply from another local restaurant suggested the family could get a takeaway which they could bring to the pub, where crockery, cutlery and napkins could be supplied.

David said: "Our guests were very happy eating their Chinese food and drinking beverages from the bar. And when three more groups of passers-by saw people eating, they came to ask if we did food.

"I explained what had happened and asked if they'd like to do the same, which they did. One group tucked into their Indian and two

had pizza and chips.

"It was wonderful to see people enjoying eating and a unique evening. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their first experience of eating a takeaway in a pub, chatting with other customers."

He has now decided to offer the pub to diners of takeaways brought with them or delivered from 5pm to 9pm seven days a week, so establishing what he believes is the most extensive menu in the town and perhaps a service unique in the country.

He said it was something he had thought about doing for some time, since the Kings Arms does not have catering facilities, and he has always in the past recommended other local eateries to guests staying at the hotel.

"But with winter approaching and our log fire soon to be lit, it's a perfect environment to enjoy your takeaway in comfort.

"I am looking forward to having a good working relationship with all the takeaways in town, helping to increase business and revenue in the town, and hopefully reducing the amount of takeaway litter," he said.

AGE Concern Blandford are running a Scam Awareness Session on November 22 in the office at 4 Nightingale Court, Blandford, between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Come along and learn about how to deal with fake emails, nuisance calls, doorstep traders, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. It is also an opportunity to share your experiences. Ring or email ageconcernblandford@talk21.com to ensure a place as they are limited.

The charity is also seeking a volunteer who can spare the occasional hour to help with fundraising, preferably someone with experience in this field.

CHETTLE House was the winner of the Restoration of a Georgian Country House category in the 2019 Georgian Group Architectural Awards which were announced at the RIBA headquarters in London.

The house, which was built in 1710 for George Chaffin MP, the ranger of the ancient royal hunting grounds at nearby Cranborne Chase, has undergone a major restoration programme over the last three years after being offered for sale in 2015 for around ÂŁ4 million in settlement of a longrunning family feud by its owners since 1846, the Castleman and then Bourke families.

In 2016 Tom Sweet Escott made the first of several plan-

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ning and listed building applications to restore the property, built by Blandford's Bastard brothers to a design attributed to the important Baroque architect Thomas Archer (1668-1743), and return the building to its original state as a large country house for use by one family, following its conversion to multiple residential apartments.

It was one of three local properties in the awards list, including Ven House in Milborne Port which was highly commended in the same category and the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester in the Re-use of a Georgian Building category.

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November 2019

Shed all set for an artistic new role

Alex Compiani in the Time Traveller's Kitchen.

Invaders from history THE clock was turned back over ten centuries when the Time Traveller's Kitchen and The Viking Society brought their living history to the Corn Exchange.

There was a chance to see, smell and taste the medieval recipes brought to life by Alex Compiani, including a nettle recipe, gingerbread and medieval beans on toast.

Ulfhedinn and Hrafnslith, who were joined by Thurstan, the Saxon Eldorman of Wessex, showcased how life in the dark ages might have been, with a Viking tent, tables showing chain-maille making, Naalbinding (Viking knitting), embroidery, a Saxon kitchen, tools of the time and warriors who showed the weapons that would have been used and invited young visitors to try on armour and strike a Saxon coin.

A NEW community project has "You might be wondering 'what is been launched by Free that shed doing there?' - a rather Expression with the creation of old shed, but big enough inside what will become a community to become a community art stuart studio at the rear of dio as an extended arm from the Nightingale Court on the footpath Free Expression Arts Festival," between Langton car park and said Kate.

East Street in Blandford.

"It's something I have wanted to The rear garden of the courtyard do since starting Free transExpression, ferred to but I have new not manowneraged to find ship and a suitable for the and affordpast year able location has been until now. a wild"Of course it flower still needs a area lot of work filled with to renovate sunflowthe studio ers, popand is still pies and The shed at the rear of Nightingale Court which is subject to planned to become a community arts project. a gravvarious planelled ning and area for seating. approvals, but it will be a wonderOwner Gus Coke advertised durful creative space for people to ing the summer for tenants for enjoy. It is hoped the renovation the garden, saying: "The most work will be completed by spring important thing for us is to find ready for the warmer weather. someone to take on the garden "It's a voluntary project, and if and transform it into something anyone feels they can help or which would benefit the town, contribute in any way to make and also pull people through this a lovely inspiring space, Nightingale Court." please do get in touch. As well as It has now been let to Kate the old shed we will also be Seeger of Free Expression, who doing something creative on the plans that it becomes a commuland around the shed." nity art studio, the Blandford Art To get involved email Kate on freeHub - a project for the community expresioncreative@gmail.com. to 'get creative'.

Rail team get busy NORTH Dorset Railway (NDR) is looking forward to a busy month in its railway carriage at Shillingstone station, with its second 'Book Bash' Fair on the weekend of November 16/17, when two authors will be offering signings and a huge range of books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl will be available.

Then on November 23, it stages its second vintage railway event, this year with four Hornby layouts planned of 'O' gauge clockwork and electric layouts from the 1930s to 1950s and electric 'OO' and 'N' scale tracks.

The first Hornby train was sold in the early 1920s, built in Liverpool

by Frank Hornby (also the inventor of Meccano), who competed with the big German producers of the time.

'O' gauge was gradually replaced

in the 1940s by the smaller, electrified 'OO' gauge we know today, and a limited range of 'O' gauge clockwork was sold alongside the 'OO' gauge but production ceased around 1962. Examples of Hornby trains and the company's tinplate buildings and scenery will be displayed at the railway event.

People are welcome to bring their vintage Hornby or similar trains along, whether runners or not, for display on the layout.

A small charge for entry to the carriage will help towards NDR's plans to restore heritage railway service on the old Somerset and Dorset Railway. Refreshments will be available in their cafÊ with station shop, museum and beautiful views across to Hambledon Hill. • See Pages 18-19.

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November 2019

Public support for hedgehogs’ plight A HEDGEHOG Extravaganza in the Woodhouse Gardens and Pavilion raised around £600 for the Dorset Mammal Group and its campaign to protect hedgehogs in Blandford and the rest of the county.

There were stalls and exhibits, featuring the timely warning in the approach to November 5 that bonfires are magnets for hedgehogs, especially if left for days before burning, and should be moved and rebuilt before lighting.

There were also refreshments and a raffle generously supported with over 100 prizes donated by local businesses, including Morrisons, the Crown Hotel, Hambledon Health, Humberts, Friars Moor and Damory veterinary practices, Ambling Arts, Healthy Pets, the Forum, No 8 and Gorge cafés, Cal's Cutz, Reeves the Bakers, Shaun's

Hairdressers, Ideal Image, Cariad Wholefoods, The Sapling and Cheap Printing Dorset.

Among the exhibitors was wildlife photographer Colin Varndell, who presents illustrated talks detailing the natural history of hedgehogs and their decline in 'The Hedgehog Predicament' and who was invited to draw the raffle.

Denis Montague of the Blandford branch of the Dorset Mammal Group said: "The funds raised will be used to purchase robust signs warning of proximity of hedgehogs in the streets and to support the Dorset Mammal Group hedgehog carers, who will have a busy autumn, winter and spring looking after underweight hogs born in the late summer/autumn until they are ready for release back in the spring time.

"The Department for Transport sign warning of vicinity of mam-

Colin Varndell draws the raffle at the Hedgehog Extravaganza with, left to right, Dorset Mammal Group members Michelle Haines, Susy Varndell and Denise Montague. mals hot spots was released in June but I haven't heard of anyone seeing them and I don't suppose councils have the money or resources to put them up - we will

be buying one available on eBay." The group also has a vision to create a Hedgehog or Wildlife Hospital in Dorset and will be fundraising for this in the future.

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November 2019

Pub conga cashes in

A PUB-to-pub conga through Blandford raised ÂŁ230 for Minds at War, a charity supporting Armed Forces veterans suffering from PTSD. It was led at the start by Miss South Coast Charity Queen, Samantha Bumford, and after visiting five local pubs and clubs, finished at the Dolphin in East Street, where there was live entertainment with reggae, salsa, calypso and Latino music from Mr Eversly.

Dolphin licensee Craig Barkham, who organised the fundraiser, said: "I need to thank everyone who took part, all the pubs that got involved especially Alex Young from the Ginger Viking who joined us through the whole day, and Liz Garside who made the collection and helped us raise a fantastic final figure with donations from shop owners and businesses."

Sale agreed for Old Bath House

Miss South Coast Charity Queen Samantha Bumford leads the conga from its starting and finishing point at the Dolphin in East Street.

AFTER years of consideration about the future of the Old Bath House (right) in Church Walk, an application by Blandford Town Council to repair it and separate it from its parent property with a new access has been withdrawn in favour of a decision to sell it to the new owner of The Old Bank House to which it originally belonged.

It was given to the council by a previous owner of The Old Bank House with only a right to access it for maintenance work to be carried out.

Over recent years, councillors have considered various options including conversion as a holiday letting, private sale, and most recently the application for planning permission to create an entrance and put it on the open market.

But the new owner of The Old Bank House, Justine Wingrove, told a council meeting that renovation of the former home and surgery of doctors Joan and David Davies had restored it into a lovely family home, and the Old Bath House in the garden was a beautiful old property.

"We would like to keep the front as it is and use the rear as a potting shed. We are also considering the security perspective of access through our garden or holes in the boundary wall.

"We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the building and keeping it within our use and house, and have no intention of selling it on."

Councillor Rosemary Holmes proposed the property be sold back, and councillors agreed, subject to further negotiations. Councillor Alan Cross, who seconded the proposal, suggested it was part of the historic area of the town, but not a sellable asset.

"The new owners of The Old Bank House will probably look after it better than we have," he

said. "It's a fair price and we can use the money for another project in the town."

Councillor Noc Lacey-Clarke said they had received very conflicting valuations and suggested the recommendation should be that it be sold by auction to achieve a fair price, but Councillor John Stayt supported disposal at the price indicated.

Councillors had been advised that one of two valuations received provided a detailed report on the condition of the property and works required, and that there was not an adequate budget for the work to be carried out.

Councillors went into private session to make their final decision after Cllr Steve Hitchings had urged them to negotiate the sale price to achieve the best possible outcome for the council and residents.

Councillor Lee Hitchings requested a recorded vote which resulted in 11 in favour and three against the proposal that the property and adjoining land be sold for ÂŁ20,000, subject to a covenant preventing conversion to a dwelling or separation from within the ownership of The Old Bank House.

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November 2019

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Happy 9th birthday to Back2Market!

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Lions Tony and Christine Burt and Lion secretary Tony Ives present a cheque for £200 to Gail Del Pinto of the Blandford Food Bank.

Help from the Lions BLANDFORD & District Lions have been busy serving the community this summer, with the donation of a seat outside the Woodhouse Gardens.

They also donated £200 to the Blandford Food Bank to support young children with meals during the school summer holidays.

They have continued to distribute the Lions' 'message in a bottle' through local surgeries and the

hospital, and to collect unwanted spectacles to be sent to Third World countries after refurbishment.

They will be holding their Christmas craft fayre in the Corn Exchange on Saturday December 7, and tables are still available to hire. To book, of for information on joining the Lions, contact Nigel Hodder at 01259 880229 or email blandfordlions@hotmail.co.uk.

Steven Andrews working hard, watched by his daughter Danusha.

The apple of his eye SPETISBURY'S fifth Apple Pressing Day was another successful eco-friendly, community event, generously hosted by Clapcott's Farm.

The pressers worked hard all day converting apples to juice, and stalls and displays added to the atmosphere. New this year were demonstrations by basket-makers, weavers and spinners, and the East Dorset Bat Rescue who

brought bats to view.

As usual, a wide variety of applebased products were for sale, including pancakes, crisps, cake and mulled juice. Many stalls had a bee theme this year including bee cards and ornaments, beeswax wraps (an alternative to clingfilm) and honey.

The event raised £45 for wildlife charities, £118 for EuCAN and £50 for Spetisbury Station project.

t may be unusual to celebrate a 9th birthday, although I'm sure many 8year olds approaching their 9th birthday will still be hoping for a proper party with balloons and a cake. So why should we be any different!

Entering our 10th year of trading when sadly up to 70% of small businesses fail over that time frame is quite an achievement, and we are proud of our achievement.

You may never have heard of Back2Market and therefore be surprised that we are almost in double figures, or maybe you didn't realise just how old we are. But unless you have needed a removal or clearance, you may not have taken much notice of us at all. You'd be surprised how many people when they do need us then realise how familiar they are with us without even realising - with all of our vans being sign-written and being familiar throughout the Blandford Forum and North Dorset area.

So we thought we'd celebrate our 9th birthday by telling you a little bit more about us and our ethos.

We will never be the cheapest for clearances or removals. This is because our aim is to show that, for Back2Market, both our removals and clearance services are more than 'Man and Van'. We provide a high-quality, reliable, efficient and yet friendly service and are proud to do so. We were the first Which? Consumer Group 'Trusted Trader' clearance company in the SouthWest and are still one of few to have reached the high standards Which? require.

At the heart of Back2Market is family. We are a husband and wife running the business together, with one of our sons also working for us. Many of our team have a link to our family. And we carry the importance of our family to us through to our commitment to our staff and the importance of their families to them - this means permanent full-time contracts with all the pensions and holiday pay requirements, quite a rarity in our sector.

We provide a wide range of services throughout the local area and beyond.

Removals, clearances, storage, packing - plus carpet cleaning and cleaning in conjunction with these. A plus for many of our personal and professional customers who can get their full range of requirements from us in one place!

You are welcome to contact Back2Market for your free, no-obligation quotation for all of our removals, clearance and storage services.

• Call Paul on 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 for your clearance enquiries.

• Call Claire on 07845 231488 for your removal and storage needs.

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November 2019

Pimperne leads a North Dorset romp in village awards

Janet Fairman (right) of Pimperne receives the Dorset Council winners' plaque for best Large Village from Cllr Pauline Batstone, council chairman.

Moira Connelly of the Spetisbury Station Project collected the runnerup award in the People's Project.

Pam Higgins receives Charlton Marshall's award for third place in the Large Villages section.

ONE local newspaper declared 'West is Best' in response to the 19 entries from West Dorset in the Dorset Best Village competition, whose award ceremony was held at Cerne Abbas village hall.

But the DT11 postcode in North Dorset was the clear winner, taking seven of the 21 main awards.

The rest were shared between another six postal districts from the east, west and south of the county.

There was a clean sweep for DT11 in the Best Large Village section, where Pimperne was first, Stourpaine (also the best new entrant) second, and Charlton Marshall third.

Charlton Marshall also came first in the People's Project section for its new village hall, with Spetisbury runner-up for its Station Project, and Tarrant Monkton was third in the Small Village section.

The competition this year was organised by Magna Housing, main sponsor of the event for the last 10 years.

Selina White, chief executive for Magna Housing, said: "It's our mission to create great homes where people choose to live. The community plays a really important role in this so we were delighted to organise and host

the event this year. The competition is a great initiative that really encourages communities to come together."

Additional support for the competition came from Dorset Council, sponsors of the Best Village plaques, the Dorset Waste Partnership, the Dorset Echo, Dorset Magazine, Blackmore Vale Media, Dorset Archaeological Committee which sponsored the Community Heritage Award for projects protecting local heritage, the Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England which sponsored the Best Village Shop section, and local food producers, Honeybuns, Helen Furness Catering and the Co-op Dorchester.

Volunteer 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. This has been achieved again this year."

Cllr Pauline Batstone, chairman of Dorset Council, reiterated their support for the competition. "I'm really pleased to see that the award has continued and is thriving. We want to encourage people to love and enjoy our beautiful county," she said.

Mavis Carden of Tarrant Monkton receives the award for third place in the Small Villages category.

Roger Higgins collected the winners' award in the People's Project for Charlton Marshall Village Hall

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November 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Costly takeaway

Judith Jakes of Stourpaine receives the second place award in the Large Villages section.

Ronald Sorrell receives the Previous Winners, Small Village, runner-up award for Winterborne Zelston from Tony Murray, Magna housing director.

Volunteer competition organisers Peter Slocombe and Rita Burden, with bouquets presented by Selina White (centre), CEO of Magna Housing. Pictures by Finbarr Webster.

DRIVERS who stopped to pick up a takeaway on the approach to the pedestrian crossing in East Street, Blandford, face being fined.

Several cars were pictured parked illegally on the approach to the crossing by the Dorset Police dedicated road safety task force No Excuse.

The team visited the area in response to complaints from the public on social media. A spokesman said: "We will be returning to this location and the local officers are also aware of this issue."

All the drivers will face either a driver awareness course or three penalty points on their licence and a ÂŁ100 fine.

Day nursery fair Stickleberries Day Nursery holds its Christmas fair on Sunday December 1 at the nursery in Dunbury Lane from 10.30am to 2.30pm. There will be stalls with unusual gifts, jewellery, crafts, sweets, cakes, cosmetics, stocking fillers, decorations and more. There is free entry with games, tombola and a raffle.

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November 2019

Extreme success for charity

Curator invited for Nobel role

GORCOMBE Extreme Sports ran three big charity events at the activity centre this year in support of Weldmar Hospicecare.

All were held in memory of Sophie Spicer, the cousin of Gorcombe owner Phill Meaden, who died from cancer in 2016.

Throughout the last moments of Sophie's life, it was Weldmar who cared for her and made these moments as comfortable as possible.

A simulated clay shooting day in May, in which a group of guns tackled eight drives of manual flung clays imitating a driven game day's shooting, spread across the whole of the farm and included the infamous charity rabbit drive.

A charity challenge course evening in July attracted over 200 people and began with 18 teams battling it out on Gorcombe's course of more than 50 challenges. The teams - in fancy dress - ran, jumped, climbed, swam and balanced

PROFESSOR Peter Andrews, Emeritus Curator of Blandford Museum and its curator for 17 years, was invited to participate in a Nobel conference in Stockholm which looked at ways in which health problems in humans are being solved by the rest of the animal world.

Mr Andrews is an emeritus research associate at the Natural History Museum as well as holding professorships at University College, London, and Bournemouth University.

His research is in the fields of past environments, ecology and

Fiona Hansford, business development fundraiser at Weldmar Hospicecare, and Phill Meaden with the presentation cheque. their way through to get the best score, and afterwards enjoyed a barbecue and music until late.

The final event of the year was in August when 40 limited tickets were released for the presentation evening at which the final total was revealed - a massive £14,882.06 which rose by over £500 with donations on the night to £15,432.06.

It was presented to Fiona Hansford, Weldmar's business development fundraiser, by Mr Meaden, who thanked everyone involved in what had been a huge success - sponsors, teams competing and staff.

He said: "This is the highest total we've ever raised here at

Gorcombe and it was a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and fun group as Fiona and her team at Weldmar Hospicecare and all for such a worthwhile cause."

Brewery’s very high achievers HALL & Woodhouse team members from across the South have raised over £6,000 for local Air Ambulance charities by taking part in an abseil down Spinnaker Tower and the Thames Path Challenge, in support of National Air Ambulance Week.

Thirty team members from 10 Hall & Woodhouse pubs, including the Crown Hotel in Blandford, took part in the nerve-racking 170-metre descent of the Spinnaker Tower.

In addition a group of six team and family members took on the Thames Path Challenge, a 100km trek from Putney Bridge to Henley. Two of the team completed the full 100km challenge and between them raised £1,200 for Air Ambulance charities.

The brewery has been awarded a top food hygiene rating of five by the local authorities at all the 52 pubs in its managed estate across the south.

In Dorset there are 14 managed houses including the Crown, the Grasshopper in Poole and the Olive Branch in Wimborne.

Environmental health officers that carried out the inspections commended the pubs for the kitchen management diary system.

Ryan Cobb, group safety manager of Hall & Woodhouse, said: "We are extremely proud of our general managers and kitchen teams who have been dedicated to the 'Drive for Five' and achieving this ambitious goal of reaching five food hygiene ratings across the board."

Professor Peter Andrews. human evolution. He has recently been looking at genetic changes that took place millions of years ago in our ape ancestors and he showed how they have contributed to our modern problems of obesity and diabetes.

The conference on bio-inspirational medicine looked at the biological sources of many problems leading to diseases in human beings, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

These often arise from poor diet and the stresses of modern life and may also occur because we live beyond our natural life span no more than 40 to 50 years in pre-agricultural societies.

In the rest of the animal world, many of the problems leading to these conditions have already been solved by animals such as bears, elephants, giraffes and even the naked mole rat.

The conference was held in the Nobel Forum and the 26 speakers and more than 100 attending scientists were treated to dinner at the Stockholm City Hall and a visit to the Skansen open-air museum.

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November 2019

Picnic adds to the buzz over a busy weekend

BLANDFORD was buzzing with activity over a weekend when a Community Expo, Picnic in the Park and the Free Expression Arts Festival all took place.

The Expo in the Corn Exchange featured two dozen local organisations displaying the activities and services they offer, ranging from health champions to craft groups, town twinning, community transport, arts, heritage and railway groups.

The Picnic in the Park on the same day in the Woodhouse Gardens, newly reopened following the completion of building work to extend the facility, attracted more groups, including those focusing on outdoor pursuits such as the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Blandford Cricket Club, the Blandford Park run, the Blandford U3A Cycling Group, Dorset Dogs, with entertainment from the Blandford Ukulele Group and the Dorset Rural Music School Singing for Pleasure group and the Rokit Choir.

There were free taster sessions including belly dancing and yoga, and the pavilion's new

The Dorset Rural Music School Singing for Pleasure Group entertain in the Woodhouse Gardens. kitchen was run by the Community Kitchen, and as part of Dorset Hidden Books, a number of children's books were hidden in the gardens for people to find.

The number of visitors to the town was swelled by those attending Dorset Architectural Heritage Week events, including a large group which enjoyed a

guided heritage tour led by a guide from Blandford & District Civic Society, and those keen to visit the Town Hall and Council Chamber above the Corn Exchange Shambles.

On the Saturday and Sunday, an art exhibition in the Parish Centre was staged as part of the Free Expression Arts Festival.

Fair help for Africa FOR the 22nd year running, the Chase Benefice will be holding a Grand Christmas Fair in the village hall at Tarrant Keyneston to raise money for medical work in South Sudan.

This is one of the poorest countries on earth and has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality.

Funds raised in previous years have enabled the training of local midwives and helped supply significant amounts of basic medicines. Enjoy all the stalls and games and a homemade lunch between 11am and 2pm on Saturday November 23.

Coffee event raises £600 A MACMILLAN World's Biggest Coffee Morning at Spetisbury village hall raised £523.25 which, with Gift Aid, will amount to around £600. Sarah Houghton thanked all for their support, some lovely cakes, and great raffle prizes.

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November 2019

A Russian masterclass

Pupils from the Janet Knight School of Dancing receive their certificates for passing their Primary to Grade 4 Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams. All passed with a merit in a 100% pass rate.

A CAPACITY audience in Blandford Parish Church rose to a standing ovation after being thrilled by an evening of exquisite music from the renowned Russian vocal group Voskresenije.

The classical first half of the concert, including pieces from Rachmaninov and Virov, was breathtaking in its purity and sensitivity, while the compilation of folk songs in the second half offered a whole gamut of emotions from pathos to comedy.

The final encore crowned the evening with a surprise operatic duet featuring two of the younger performers, Andrei and Katerina. The privilege of experiencing such consummate professionalism cannot be understated.

The church was sympathetically decorated and lit, and the group members were again overwhelmed by the warmth of their reception. For those who missed them, they plan to return in 2020 at a date still to be fixed. Booking will be essential.

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November 2019

Members of Spetisbury and Charlton Marshall Twinning Association with their hosts at the memorial in Le Vast to the British airmen who died there in September 1940.

Twinners pay respects SPETISBURY Twinning Association, which this year extended its membership to include Charlton Marshall and surrounding area, is celebrating 30 years of twinning with the village of Le Vast in Normandy.

Families from both villages spent an eventful weekend with their hosts visiting a 16th century chateau, an animal park, having a tour of a WW2 German battery and much more.

Le Vast was the site where a British aircraft was shot down on September 20, 1940. The three airmen, Pilot Officer Kenneth Palmer, Sergeant Douglas Walters and Sergeant Ernest Wright, are buried at the churchyard there.

A memorial has been erected near the crash site and members of the twinning group laid flowers in their honour on the anniversary of their deaths.

The association now look forward to hosting their French friends in 2020. For more information, contact Liz Smith on 01258 450193.

‘Professional beggars’ are sent packing

Twinners from Blandford and Preetz pictured at the farewell supper at Landhaus Schellhorn (Preetz) when the Blandford group visited this year.

Preetz group recruiting THE Blandford Preetz Twinning Society was pleased at the recent Blandford Expo to be able to give information to the public and enrol new members.

Preetz is in the north of Germany, near Kiel in Schleswig Holstein. The society was set up nearly 60 years ago, initially through reciprocal exchanges between students of the secondary schools in both towns.

Today the society is successful in its adult and family exchanges, taking it in turns to visit each other's towns and to host guests. A small group recently flew to Preetz where they were well looked after by their hosts and taken on outings around the area. They look forward to their hosts' return visit next year.

The society holds meetings about six times a year to enjoy days out and activities, including a skittles night which was held on October 13, and a quiz night which will be taking place on November 22. For more information about the events, the society or how to join, contact Carole Brannigan (secretary) by email to blandfordpreetzsociety@aol.com or phone 01258 459452.

TWO people thought to be part of a group of 'professional beggars working for financial gain' were banned from Blandford on September 20.

Officers in the town dealt with the two street beggars, both of whom are of Romanian nationality, who were issued with Section 35 dispersal notices banning them from the town for 24 hours.

A spokesperson for the town's neighbourhood policing team said: "These beggars are suspected of being part of a group of professional beggars working for financial gain. Please carefully consider before giving these beggars money."

Residents are being urged to report similar incidents to police on 101.

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Readers’ letters

Boots need a shake-up READING Boots' excuses for the absolutely appalling service they provide is laughable.

Three branches in one town and none can perform an acceptable service. All three branches have the same excuses. They blame new systems, staff shortage, anything but themselves. They don't care because there is no competition. The bosses should be ashamed - in my working days we would have been sacked for bad performance. But now who cares. They need a good shake-up.

Let another reliable chemist move into Blandford and give Boots some competition and they might buck up their ideas.

I used to use East Street branch for my 13 items a month. It took almost 10 days and it was very often wrong. I now take mine to a chemist elsewhere and they can do my 13 items in 10 minutes and it is all there.

My husband gets some lifesaving meds every 28 days. You order them seven days before and get them 10 days after that if you are lucky.

Fionna Henderson Address supplied IN reply to 'Boots are letting us down' (Forum Focus October): unfortunately I have to travel the eight miles to Blandford once a month to collect my prescription as it is brand specific and only obtainable from them.

November 2019 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

Then only having to return a few days later as the items required are not in stock (not the branch's fault, just Boots not being able to obtain some things immediately for some unknown reason).

The staff in Boots' East Street branch have always been most helpful and I think do their best to help, even walking to another shop to get part of my prescription.

But is there really a need for three Boots in Blandford?

Possibly the answer is for each surgery to have its own dispensary and be able to dispense more. It works for us in our village surgery - you just hand in your repeat script when you collect the one that is due, and your repeat is ready to collect in a month's time. Simple, giving them plenty of time to obtain the medicines required.

And the profits from the dispensary would go back to the local doctor's practice rather than to private enterprise.

Name & address supplied

Nordon disgrace I READ with great sadness the articles about the future of Nordon.

As a district councillor for 45 years I knew the building from top to bottom and loved it dearly.

My late husband David always said I treated it as if it were my second home.

When redesigning the Members' Room I had great fun looking for

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.

antiquities and relics of its past life.

The Woodhouse family were very generous and provided photos from their archives of members of their family who had lived in the house when it was first built.

The new buildings were always an eyesore and didn't fit in with the location so they wouldn't be missed. In my view they would never have received planning permission if they had not been in the ownership of the local authority.

Nor the removal of the ancient tree that was felled to make way for the entrance lobby. Rather than see it wasted I contacted a local craftsman who came and saved some of the ancient wood and carved two wonderful bowls from what had been classed as rotten timber.

Over the years I tried on numerous occasions to get Nordon listed but permission was refused on every occasion. The reason given was "it is in the ownership of the local authority, so in safe hands".

It would be a disgrace if those 'safe hands' were the hands that now allow it to be demolished.

Della Jones, Address supplied

Roadside saviour ON the evening of Wednesday October 2 my son's car went off the road and the wheels got stuck in a drainage ditch. Due to the recent rain and grass it was impossible to get the vehicle mobile again ourselves.

Support and saving came in the form of a passer-by in a white 4 x 4 vehicle, who stopped, offered assistance and then towed the car onto the road. We were able to drive the car off, but due to the traffic we could only give a fleeting thank you.

Could I ask you to publish this to let the unknown driver know how grateful we are and wish him all the best as our roadside saviour.

Brett Palmer

Choir’s call for singers A POP-UP pub choir evening on October 28 at the Blandford Brewery Tap bar and restaurant was hosted by the leaders of Blandford's Contemporary Adult Choir, Just Sing, which meets on Mondays at Blandford St Mary Primary School from 7.30 to 9pm.

With around two dozen members up to the summer break, it is led by experienced and energetic vocal coaches with years of choir-leading experience and a wide range of music, from pop, rock and gospel to musical theatre.

They are hoping to build their numbers in Blandford and working towards a Christmas charity concert in December alongside their other choirs. No experience is necessary, and the first session is free.

For details call 07738 907782 or email justsingadultchoir@gmail.com.

November 2019

Ros set to call it a day ROS Nelmes, who has worked as a chiropractor in Blandford since 1996, is hanging up her McTimoney chiropractic hat at the end of this year.

After first coming to Mary Newnham's chiropody clinic as a chiropractor, she says she has loved having the support and commitment of all her patients over the past 23 years.

"I just want to say a huge thank you. I have learnt so much from you all, have loved knowing you, and thank you for making my work truly enjoyable. I hope very much I have helped make a difference for the better."

Ros is handing over the clinic to Sue Mallory who has been working alongside Ros at West Barn Business Park for over a year now. Sue can be contacted on 01202 676359.

THE Spetisbury Station Project Group is now a Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit organisation. It will enable the group to negotiate with land-owners Dorset Council for a long-term lease to continue the work at the station site and move towards providing a permanent café.

The chain gang come to town

MAYOR of Blandford Cllr Lynn Lindsay hosted her Civic Day in the town when she welcomed the mayors and chairmen of other towns in Dorset.

The morning started in the Corn Exchange with a performance by Baffling Blandford (Paul Hyland and Jana Bundy), and was followed by a visit to the craft market in The Shambles. A highlight was afternoon tea provided by Bethell Bridge at the newly refurbished Woodhouse Gardens, with music from the Stour Valley Band.

As part of Civic Day, Cllr Lindsay officially reopened Woodhouse Gardens, thanking the National Lottery for a grant of £10,000

Police alert DON'T miss another chance to hear the Dorset Police Male Voice Choir in concert in Blandford Parish Church on Saturday November 2 at 7.30pm.

The choir last performed in the church in 2017 and say they are looking forward to returning, this time in support of the Big Church Project to restore St Peter and St Paul's.

There will be refreshments on sale, and tickets at £10 are available from the Parish Church office, call 01258 456260.

towards the improved community facility. She was joined by Rob Hooker, director at Greendale Construction Ltd, contractors for

17

the project; Simon Morgan, of Morgan Design Studio, fellow councillors and members of the Stour Valley Band.

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A show of appreciation A WELL deserved Certificate of Appreciation from Blandford Town Council has been presented to Bob Brannigan (Lt-Col Retd) upon his retirement as Garrison Staff Officer at Blandford Camp.

It was presented by the Mayor, Cllr Lynn Lindsay, and Cllr Roger Carter, pictured left and right with Bob, who has served the Royal Corps of Signal for over 50 years in combined military and civil service, and has supported the town and the Town Council, going above and beyond his role.

November 2019

Spooky setting for Gerald’s new book THE latest book from children's author Gerald Killingworth, of Blandford St Mary, was chosen by the Pushkin Press from 249 submitted on an open submissions day last year.

Gerald said: "I feel very flattered that Sarah Odedina, who is in charge of the Pushkin children's list, chose my book. She was heavily involved with the Harry Potter novels when she worked at Bloomsbury. Chris Priestley's cover is perfect because it captures the mood of my tale exactly."

Most of the events in 'The Dead World of Lanthorne Ghules' take place in a cold, twilit world parallel to ours but filled with dark secrets and thrilling adventures.

Twelve-year-old Edwin Robbins is led into it by Lanthorne, a frightened, grey boy of his own age who is trying to escape the terrifying 'old ways', and what starts as little sibling rivalry escalates to a life-or-death threat to Edwin's baby sister.

A former English teacher, Gerald moved to Dorset from Wimbledon just over three years ago and has published two other children's books, as well as an adult Celtic fantasy and had a number of plays produced on the London 'fringe'.

He was closely involved in the recent 'Tears in the Fence' poetry festival held in Stourpaine and is looking forward to participating in the first Blandford Literary Festival with a talk in Beaton's Tea Rooms on Saturday

Book news

November 23 at 5pm.

He is holding a book signing in the Dorchester Waterstones from 10-12 on Saturday November 2.

Gerald Killingworth with his newly published 'The Dead World of Lanthorne Ghules'.

Cream of the crop MEGGY Moo's Dairy at Shroton, which offers top-up milk, has been judged the best Food Product/Producer of the Year in the Dorset Magazine's Food, Drink and Farming Awards 2019.

The dairy produces pasteurised, unhomogenised whole and semi-skimmed milk, 'farm fresh' cream and Mini Moo's - a range of healthy school-approved milkshakes - from their farm on the edge of the Blackmore Vale.

The award, sponsored by Porter Dodson Solicitors, recognises local producers whose passion for Dorset produce is at the heart of their business. It's open to all producers who demonstrate a real passion for the county's food and drink.

Meggy Moo stockists, Steeptonbill Farm Shop at Milton Abbas, shared the Customer Service Award with Truly's of Westbourne, sponsored by Beales Gourmet.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony on September 26 at The Italian Villa at Compton Acres.

To find out more about the awards and sponsors, see foodawards.dorsetmagazine.co.uk.

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November 2019

Literary Festival - the story begins BLANDFORD'S first Literary Festival will be opened with a launch party at midday on Monday November 18 in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion for the Esme Butler Festival of Words.

In memory of the former town Mayor and councillor, who championed the Festival of Words in 2016, there will be poetry readings and details will be announced of the Esme Butler

youth writing competition award.

It is the first of nearly 20 free events during the week, including workshops, talks, exhibitions and presentations for children, teens and adults. Venues include Blandford Library, the Town Museum, the Corn Exchange, Parish Church, Beatons and the Black Cactus cafés and Whitecliffe House care home.

All events, either free or ticketed, must be booked online at

Jane’s Wolf sequel JANE Wade Scarlet (right), winner of the 2015 Blandford Rotary short story competition, will be taking part in a 'Miscellany of Writers' afternoon at Whitecliffe House care home on Wednesday October 20.

She has recently published a new book, 'Wolf Shadow', the sequel to 'Wolf Wind', which was longlisted for the Yeovil Literary Prize 2015 and the DLF Writing Prize 2018.

The boy called Cub is now a man with a new name and responsibilities. Able to tame wild stallions with words alone, his fame as a horse whisperer has spread. Although he has worked hard to earn his place in society, he questions its validity. But wanting more will bring problems, some of which might be insurmountable.

'Wolf Shadow' is more than just a Western - it is an escape into

adventure and otherworldliness.

Jane, who co-runs the Exchange Creative Writing Group in Sturminster Newton, is now editing the first book of a trilogy, and plotting a further 'Wolf' sequel.

'Wolf Shadow' is available from Amazon, paperback £8.99, Kindle £3.50.

blandfordliteraryfestival.com or at the TIC in West Street, and a free programme will be available at the launch and from the festival's pop-up bookshop at the Cedar Tree in the Anchor Gateway.

Ticketed events, except where otherwise indicated, cost £8, and on Monday November 18 are in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, with Gail Adkin at 2.30pm, Penrose Halson at the Fashion Museum at 4.30pm, and again in the Pavilion with authors of murder stories at 7.30pm; on Tuesday at the Fashion Museum with Hilary Townsend at 2.30pm and at the Dorset Rural Music School with local poets David Caddy, Val Bridge and Paul Hyland at 7.30pm.

A poetry writing workshop (cost £25) with David Caddy starts the day on Wednesday at The Cedar Tree, and there's an Evening with Damien Lewis at Beatons at 7.30pm.

Thursday's Italian Supper at Rebekah's (cost £25) with Rosanna Ley starts at 7.30pm, and Friday's guide to self-publishing is at Beatons from 5pm,

followed by Gerald Dickens performing his great great-grandfather's 'A Christmas Carol' in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm.

On Saturday in the Corn Exchange, local actor Sam James hosts a quiz panel show with authors Jane Corry, Damien Lewis, Fiona Waters and Darren Wells at 2.30pm, a screen writing workshop (cost £25) with Darren Wells starts at 4pm, and is followed by a literary supper with 'unexpected consequences' at 7.30pm (cost £35).

Finally on Sunday there is a creative flow yoga lunch and writing session at The Cedar Tree from 10am to 2pm (cost £25), and the invitation-only after-festival thank you and prizegiving at the Badger Brewery Tap in the evening.

Festival organisers have announced that proceeds from the festival will be used to support Read Easy and the Blandford Youth Centre, and have thanked everyone who helped, sponsored and volunteered, and particularly Black Dog Graphics for developing their logo.

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November 2019

Arts, crafts and creativity make up a successful event THE main Free Expression Arts Festival activity took place in the Market Place, Corn Exchange and Bere's Yard, with circus skills, stone carving, craft activities, artists stalls and street entertainers.

Organiser Kate Seeger was congratulated on the successful event, which aims to give people an opportunity to try their hand at various activities as well as enjoy the entertainment provided.

She said she hoped to get a team of people together to help in the planning and make it even better for 2020.

Artists exhibited their handiwork in the Corn Exchange and were a little astounded by the appearance of the Chinese Dragon & Lion dance team, Dragon of the South, in their midst!

There were stalls and activities in Bere's Yard where circus skills

with the Wessex Community Circus proved popular with visiting youngsters.

In the Market Place there was stone carving with Jonathan Sells, and two resounding performances by drummers from the Taiko Centre in Newton Abbot attracted an appreciative audience, providing an opportunity for members of the public to try their hand at this very athletic musical skill.

An exhibition in the Parish Centre featured an installation based on the 'Aquatic Adventure' which Free Expression had created for Blandford Carnival the previous week.

Vanessa Conyers at the Pottery Parlour in Greyhound Yard also unveiled a splendid new mural which now greets pedestrians entering the town from the Marsh & Ham (Morrisons) car park.

Vanessa Conyers puts the finishing touch to the frame around the new mural in Greyhound Yard.

Stone carving with Jonathan Sells in the Market Place.

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November 2019

Arts Festival organiser Kate Seeger tries her hand at Taiko drumming.

Dave Skinner and Mark Hanger of the RBL Riders Central Region fundraising for the Poppy Appeal at their stall in Bere's Yard.

Music in the streets.

Two young Taiko drummers, Jacob and Isobel.

Eco-entertainment from Lee Haddaway with his solar-powered disco.

Circus skills in Bere's Yard.

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November 2019

The View from the Hill

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

T

HANK goodness the tractor guys turned up when they did, on September 18. The sun was shining and the ground was bone dry - remember that?

Nought but a distant and wistful memory now. We have had 261mm (10.5 inches) of rain since then, which has completely scuppered our autumn crop sowing plans.

The tractors were here for just

The weather might not be so good for arable farming right now, but at least the grass is still growing and the animals have plenty to eat. There is also a fabulous amount of autumnal food about in the hedges and woods.

Fungi anyone?

The artic unloads the harvested maize onto the silage heap. over a day to haul back this year's silage from Thornicombe.

The maize was barely fit, but if we hadn't cut it then it would still be in the field now as it started raining in earnest three days later.

Many thousands of acres of maize remain to be cut all across Dorset. The weather has hardly given anyone a chance to do anything. Venture into many fields with heavy machines and they would sink out of site after the deluges we have had.

Nick Bragg's team left us with a well sheeted silage heap, which exudes the sweet aroma of making silage, and they will be back to haul it away to the digester before Christmas, bringing us some lovely digestate ready for next spring's crops on the return journey.

An indication of how dry the silage fields were is given by the fact that among the team of tractors there was an artic lorry, which was able to drive behind the forage harvester in the field and collect the maize. This is very uncommon.

As for our autumn sowing campaign, all the seed is still sitting in the shed as I write, and with

another week of wet weather forecast, the days are getting shorter and cooler, the prospects are not very good. Barley doesn't like late sowing, wheat can cope better, but we still need the soil to dry out before we can do anything.

For every year as long as I can remember we have started sowing between September 20 and 25 and have been known to finish by October 2 in some years recently. The last grim year was 2012 when we were still scrabbling around in mud on November 9. A lot of wheat planted around October 24, which amazingly yielded reasonably well, but the November sown wheat was terrible.

Rather than dwell further on the bad news, let us look at what is growing in the fields now, some we prepared earlier, so to speak.

The cover crops we sowed before, during and after harvest are a bit of a mixed bag and we have plenty of turnips, if somewhat patchy due to the long dry period in August.

Watching the rape has been very stressful, as we pray for it to withstand the onslaught of the cabbage stem flea beetle. Much

of it is well away and now looking great, but there are still patches where the plants haven't quite made it to safety yet. The beetles have been persistent, coming in waves of infestation, and many later sown crops on other farms have not made it.

Our early sowing strategy seems to have largely paid off; we will see. We have managed to resist the temptation to apply any insecticide. We are told that a proportion of the beetles are resistant to insecticide anyway, so our hope is that by not using any chemical, we will encourage predator species numbers to build up and eat the beetles, even if there is no sign of this so far.

The gales of the last few weeks have brought down two fine old ash trees on the farm and a number of other smaller trees. When you inspect the base of the trunk of this one, you realise it is a wonder it stayed upright as long as it did. The lesson from this is that you should not linger under trees during windy weather. This tree had hardly any healthy wood holding it up.

We can't blame this on ash die-back disease, although we have many hedgerow ash around the farm which are clearly suffering from this entirely avoidable disease. It is a national tragedy and a complete scandal. Why on earth were people importing ash seedlings into the UK, bringing the disease to our shores, when ash is so easy to propagate and grow here?

November 2019

News from the Surgeries Why parents need to vaccinate their children Vaccination is important, because: • vaccines are the most effective way to prevent serious infectious diseases • diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus, that used to kill or disable millions of people, have gone or rarely seen • the UK has lost its measles-free status 3 years after the virus was eliminated in the country.

• if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

Sadly, anti-vaccine stories are being spread through social media and may not be based on scientific evidence, putting your child at risk of a serious illness.

Things parents need to know about vaccines: DO • protect your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases • protect other people in your community - by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who cannot have vaccines • get safety tested for years before being introduced - they're also monitored for any side-effects • sometimes cause mild side-effects that will not last long - some children may feel a bit unwell and have a sore arm for 2 or 3 days • reduce or even get rid of some diseases - if enough people are vaccinated DO NOT • cause autism - studies have found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism • overload or weaken the immune system - it's safe to give children several vaccines at a time, reducing the amount of injections needed • cause allergies or other conditions - all the current evidence shows that vaccinating is safer than not vaccinating • contain mercury (thiomersal) • contain ingredients that cause harm in such small amounts - but ask your doctor if your child has known allergies such as to eggs or gelatine So, please don't ignore the appointment letter telling you when your baby or child is due for a routine vaccination.

BLANDFORD'S Repair Café, which launched on Saturdays at the Royal British Legion Hall earlier this year but ceased operating some time ago, will be back with a new day and new timings on Sunday November 3 from 10am until 3pm at Blandford Scout Hut in Eagle House Gardens. A spokesman said there was the opportunity to stage a longer event, but volunteers are needed to help and offer their services to carry out repairs to items brought by the public.

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Donations plea from support team BLANDFORD Cares, which collects aid for refugees and those in need at home and abroad, is working on an exciting new venture to facilitate the placement of a Syrian family into the Blandford area under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.

The small group of volunteers has, in the third quarter of 2019, seen continued regular direct financial support, augmented by a number of fundraising events by groups and individuals, notably the Bryanston School project.

Internet sales of quality items, deemed unsuitable for refugees, remains an important source of finance and the level of donations received through their dropoff point at Blandford Parish Church and via collectors in

Dorchester (Doraid), Gillingham and Halstock in particular, have continued to keep the small team of sorters busy.

Since June 1 they have been able to donate £1,460 in financial support to a variety of refugee support groups in Calais and Europe and send pallets of aid to the Greek islands, as well as two direct deliveries to the Care4Calais warehouse.

It has left just £167 in their bank account, and they are now collecting items to go to Calais for Christmas, helped by one of their supporting schools.

To help them by contributing to their needs lists or volunteering, find them on Facebook, call 07768 403512 or email hearn@forumsprings.plus.com.

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November 2019

Potato crop shaping up nicely THERE were some weird and wonderful shapes coming out of the growbags at the Blandford Allotment Society potato competition weigh-in.

The winner with the heaviest crop was Judith Potts with 6.8kgs, runner-up was Chris Barnard with 5.33kgs and third was Violet Dickson with 5.23kg.

Awards were presented at the Society's annual general meeting in October, where the winners were also announced for the best kept plots which had been judged during the first week of July. Phil Williams, Amenda Bealing and Terry Moses were first, second and third respectively at Elizabeth Road, and Judith Potts, Diane Mawer and Brook McCallum at Lamperd's Field.

Three dozen allotment holders, officers and committee members gathered at the meeting in the Corn Exchange when chairman Ian Ricketts welcomed Mayor of Blandford Cllr Lynn Lindsay.

He reported that, following the break-in earlier this year, a more secure unit was planned in which

to keep power tools, and the town council had agreed to change their letting agreement to allow the provision of wooden sheds.

He thanked retiring plot allocator Ken Pearce who has been succeeded by Barbara Marjoram.

She reported a short waiting list for the Elizabeth Road allotments and the likelihood of vacancies in

the new year for those waiting for Lamperd's Field.

Cllr Lindsay reported no firm plans to relocate the allotment for the foreseeable future, but talks were ongoing and allotment holders would not lose out, since like-for-like replacement had been agreed between the society committee and the council.

She said Dorset Council and the town council were actively pursuing those responsible for around 90 bags of illegal fly-tipping at Elizabeth Road, whose removal the town council had organised.

Treasurer John Harding reported an end-of-year balance of nearly ÂŁ500 more than the previous year, despite the water bill almost doubling over the long hot 2018 summer.

The Society has a new website at blandfordallotments.co.uk which has been well-received,

Inspecting the crop at the potato competition weigh-in. with an average of 58.4 visitors a day, and has generated 19 enquiries for plot availability.

Woodland news THE Blandford Environmental Trust (BET), which manages Angus Wood in St Leonard's Avenue on behalf of the Woodland Trust, held its annual general meeting when Jenny Thompson was reappointed chairman and tribute was paid to Chris Atkins, retiring after seven years as secretary.

Mrs Thompson said the 2019 Sustainability Fair held in the wood in August had been a great success, highlighting urgent environmental issues, and looked forward to the Halloween event on October 26.

A new noticeboard made by the Blandford Men's Shed was due to be erected in October, allowing events to be advertised safely, together with the display of educational materials on wildlife and woodland.

"It was an excellent example of local community co-operation and we are very grateful to the Men's Shed," said Mrs Thompson.

Free student membership of BET is now being offered following the recruitment of sixth-formers from The Blandford School at a 'Year 12 Enrichment Day'.

November 2019

Riding group in plea for more helpers THE Blandford-based Bryanston Riding for the Disabled group, which caters for adults with various levels of physical and mental disability, is this year celebrating the national organisation's 50th anniversary.

It is, however, in serious need of new volunteers to assist in the running of the group and monitoring of the riders, as without these it will be difficult, if not impossible, to continue with its vital activities.

The group, who ride at the Bryanston School Equestrian Centre, has had a very successful year with record numbers of riders attending and sessions completed. Being a specialist group for adult riders, the levels and types of disability vary enormously but the benefits to all riders is proven, both from a physical and mentally therapeutic point of view.

They encourage as many riders as possible to ride alone to gain confidence and improve their physiotherapeutic benefits, but they particularly need those strong enough to assist with mounting and dismounting of adults and to sidewalk riders in the arena for periods up to 20 minutes.

Anyone who is a reasonably fit and active individual (both men and women are welcome) who would like to join them at their sessions on Monday mornings will be made very welcome.

Sessions, at which coffee and biscuits are served, are from 9.30am to 12.30pm. For further information contact the chairman Lyn Johnson on 01258 456571 or by email to johnsonl713@aol.com or chief instructor Jackie Abbott on 01258 863683 or by email to springheadjackie@hotmail.com.

Woman’s hanging death AN inquest into the death of a 29-year-old woman found hanged at Deer Farm, Farrington, Blandford, on Sunday September 15 has been adjourned until March 23 next year to allow further enquiries to be carried out.

Assistant Dorset Coroner Brenda Allen was told at the opening in Bournemouth that the body of Romania-born Mrs Pollyana Mehers was found in a tree at the farm, where she lived in a mobile home.

Her body was identified by the owner of the farm, Mark Mogridge, and enquiries revealed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be hanging.

Camera Club news THE annual President's Cup competition at Blandford Camera Club in September was judged by Norman Carey, who chose his favourite print and projected image from the last season.

The triumphant members were Ian Ferris with Macaw (print) and Pat Catley with Winter Sunrise (PDI).

Mike Read from the New Forest visited to give a talk on The Art & Skills of Digital Nature Photography. He shared many tips and gave sound advice, while showing a diverse range of his own wildlife images.

In October the first round of the Points Cup Competition was judged

by Sid Jones from Dorchester, whose top marks went to Marilyn Peddle (Happiness is… ), Sally Chaloner (Cosmos and Iris), Graham Hutton (Steaming Under the Bridges and From the Moving Dunes), Jean Bartlett (Malachite Kingfisher), Colin Cross (Arctic Tern), Pat Catley (View from the Beach and Lisianthus) and Glynis LarterWhitcher (Silverback Close-Up).

The Studio Group hosted their tabletop photography evening, and the Distinction and Practical Support groups met, with four guest speakers covering interesting subjects.

For details about joining the club visit bfcclub.co.uk.

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Knees-Up chairman Hugh Shackell, right, with retiring handyman Brian Travers.

Brian’s fit for retirement THE balance, strength and flexibility class at the Knees Up Studio in the car park behind M&Co in East Street, Blandford, have been enjoying some of the new equipment they were able to buy, thanks to the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

The group has also said goodbye to Brian Travers, who has been their handyman for many years - a true unsung hero. They wished him well in his retirement with a small presentation.

For more information about all the different exercise classes available for the over-50s at Knees Up, which include cardio, pilates, pulmonary, tai chi, line dancing and ballet, go to knees-up.co.uk or contact June on 01258 458116 or Hazel on 01258 453550 between 9am and 6pm.

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November 2019

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November 2019

Schools’ chance to learn about the world of business SCHOOLS from across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon are being invited to register their interest in the 2020 Bryanston Business Conference, to be held at Bryanston School on June 19, 2020.

The annual event has continued to grow in stature and popularity since it was introduced in 2013, involving pupils from secondary schools in Gillingham, Poole, Salisbury, Blandford, Sherborne and Dorchester.

It provides pupils from schools and sixth-form colleges across the region with a unique opportunity to feed off the energy and passion of visionary business

leaders from many sectors of industry - from fashion and beauty to property and technology.

Event organiser, Amanda Lovejoy, development manager at Bryanston School, says the conference provides an important opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas and skills alongside respected and inspirational mentors from industry.

"Far from adopting a conventional format, the Bryanston Business Conference provides pupils with a challenging but exciting hands-on experience to work with highly successful busi-

TBS students riding high in competition

STUDENTS from The Blandford School competed in the NSEA dressage and showjumping competition at Moreton.

They looked even smarter than usual with the new Blandford School numnahs (saddle pads), bought from the late John Paulley's trust fund which supports a number of students each year, including those with a talent in sport.

In dressage, the team consisting of Jess, Kate and Zoe, who was individually placed eighth in the novice class, came fifth overall, having ridden some really nice prelim and novice tests.

In showjumping, with more than 50 competitors in some classes, Lottie did a clear round in the 1m-1.05m class, just missing out on a placing.

But in the 80-85cm class, Kate was individually placed fourth, and the team of Lily, Kate and Jess came third; and in the 90-95cm class, Lily was individually placed fifth, and the team (Lily, Kate, Jess and Lottie) came fourth.

Both teams potentially qualified for the National Schools Championship at Addington. A dressage team from the school has already qualified for the championship after coming first in a qualifier round at Millfield in June.

Leading jewellery designer Sophie Harley (third from right) with the winning team of West Country sixth-formers at the 2019 Bryanston Business Conference. ness men and women, as well as pupils from other schools, to help develop and refine their commercial awareness and innovation skills," she said.

"It's a very motivational event that is unlike anything else the young participants will have encountered in their coursework and it really does open their eyes to the possibilities and realities of business life."

The mentors work with teams of pupils in a series of workshops to develop new ethical business products or services, culminating

with each team giving a short presentation, with all attendees then voting for their favourite idea.

The three winning teams then receive prize money for their selected charity. The winners at the 2019 Conference raised £500 for Children on the Edge, £250 for Air Ambulance UK and £100 for WasteAid. Schools keen for their pupils to attend next year's conference should register their interest by contacting Amanda Lovejoy at development@bryanston.co.uk.

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November 2019

Landmark for Panda

How to make a musical in a day YOUNG children from across the region excelled themselves by performing songs from 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat', after coming together for the first time that morning.

Independent school Milton Abbey hosted the 'Dreamcoat in a Day' project for around 125 talented young singers from five prep schools: Chafyn Grove, Dumpton, Perrott Hill, Sandroyd and Sunninghill.

During the day, the visitors practised famous songs from the hit musical with a full band. Each school learnt one song to perform on their own, with the majority of the show being an ensemble effort, led by

soloists from the prep schools and Milton Abbey.

During an atmospheric evening performance lasting nearly an hour, parents and guests experienced a full range of songs, making the most of the Abbey's outstanding acoustics.

Nikki Budd, director of music at Milton Abbey School, said: "As national BTEC School of the Year, it was exciting to share our experience in, and passion for, practical learning. I was so impressed with the standard of performance on the evening, especially considering we only started rehearsing as a group that morning."

AS part of Panda pre-school's harvest festival, children and families donated food and toiletries to the Blandford Food Bank.

Donna Watling, inclusion deputy at the pre-school, who arranged for Gail Del Pinto from the Food Bank to visit and collect the donations, said: "We are aware of the huge impact that every item can have on the vulnerable within our community. Gail appreciated the range of donations and thanked everyone at the setting for their continued support."

Panda is holding two fundraising events this term: a Christmas Fayre in the Corn Exchange on Saturday November 30 between 9.30am and 12 noon and bingo in the Royal British Legion on Monday December 2 at 7.30pm.

As Panda celebrates its 40th anniversary in January 2020, it will be holding several events throughout the year including an open day reunion for past pupils and staff, a Panda mosaic with the help of a local artist and an anniversary party for present pupils and staff.

November 2019

Beauty promises panto fun

Beware perils of tenancy COUNTRY landowners should pay particular attention to ensuring tenancy agreements, licences and contracts for employees living on their premises are legally watertight.

That is the message from associate solicitor Edward O'Brien, a litigation and employment specialist with law firm Blanchards Bailey.

He warns that the legislation surrounding tenant workers is complex and taking expert advice is essential. Getting it wrong could lead to country estates and farms being left with former employees legally entitled to remain in tied cottages.

He said: "Landowners may well feel that giving workers accommodation on their estate is a practical and convenient option for both parties, but that may well not be the case when they want to regain their property.

"Many employers have used Service Occupancy Agreements (SOA) where possible, as they are easier to bring to an end when employment ceases than Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST).

"A Service Occupancy Agreement gives the worker a licence to live at the property to better perform their duties, but when their employment ends, so does the service occupancy.

"But when the work is agricultural and living at the premises is not essential for the performance of that work, it can lead to the tenant having security of tenure under the Housing Act 1988, and it is important to take advice on whether an Assured Shorthold Tenancy may be the better option."

Mr O'Brien says country estates where tenancies are agreed verbally and with a handshake, meaning no paperwork exists, are commonplace. He urges all landowners, including schools, with live-in employees, such as grounds keepers, gardeners and estate managers, to ensure written agreements are in place to prevent future disputes and issues.

The Tim Kliphuis Trio.

Musical masterclass THE team supporting the Blandford Artsreach programme are presenting their first concert in Blandford Parish Church on Thursday November 7, when the Tim Kliphuis Trio present Brandenburg! at 7.30pm.

Pat Pryor, one of the team, said: "We are especially excited because we are also partnering with the Dorset Rural Music School to offer an amazing masterclass with Tim Kliphuis. We are really keen that musicians in the area take up this rare opportunity in the heart of Blandford."

Tim Kliphuir is an award-winning Dutch violinist who redefines the music of J. S. Bach, Django and the Chieftains to create an intensely moving concert experience with a brand new style embracing classical, gypsy jazz and folk.

Hailed as a 'current-day improvising Paganini', his inclusive approach to music has united audiences and is influencing a new generation of string players.

He brings the tradition of improvisation back into the classical world, with a current-day twist, and techniques from Celtic folk and African-based styles such as kwela, blues and funk are used to free up the players, improve their sound palette and rhythmic pulse.

His special masterclass on the morning of November 7 will work on basic steps towards becoming a more complete musician, and is suitable for those of grade 3 and above on any instrument, and any age from 13 onwards.

To book for the concert or masterclass, call 01258 480698 or see artsreach.co.uk for further details of this and other productions touring in the area in November at Tarrant Gunville, Sturminster Marshall, Fontmell Magna, Child Okeford, Cranborne and Milborne St Andrew. Dates and brief details can also be found on our back page.

HOME-START North Dorset hosted a successful 'Secret Postcards' exhibition with the support of Isabel de Pelet, Deanne Tremlett and the team at the Guggleton Farm Arts Gallery in Stalbridge, raising over ÂŁ2,600 for the charity.

Some 70 friends and supporters attended the event and bought most of the 120 cards which had been created and donated by local and national artists, including celebrities such as Dame Judi Dench, Sir Antony Gormley, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Ivana Trump.

Proceeds will go to funding support and assistance to families with young children in the North Dorset area struggling to cope.

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OH NO IT ISN'T, who last year presented Blandford's first homegrown pantomime for many years when they staged the sellout success Alice in Cuckoo Land in the Corn Exchange, have announced that this season's show, in association with Blandford Town Council, will be Peter Nuttall's 'The Beauty Sleeping'.

It will be staged at the Corn Exchange on January 3, 4 and 5,

Prepare for fun with the cast of 'The Beauty Sleeping' to be staged by Oh No It Isn't in January in the Corn Exchange. and tickets can already be booked online at ohnoitisntpanto.co.uk or from the Town Council offices on 01258 454500.

Starring some of the finest acting talent in the area, including some returning stars from last year, it promises to be another blockbusting carnival of family fun.

Producer Tony Horrocks said: "We have worked incredibly hard on making sure that we raise the bar from last year's show and you will not be disappointed."

Director/producer Sam James added: "There's more music, more dancing, more colour, more fun, more slapstick - this a show that you cannot afford to miss!"

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November 2019

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November 2019 ALTHOUGH it was raining outside, Durweston School made the sun shine indoors at their harvest festival.

The ladies from the PTA had made the church look beautiful using contributions from the children and then the children lit

up the congregation with their singing and performances of poems related to harvest. After the service, all the packets and tins of food were sent to the Blandford Food Bank, but the children used up much of the fresh produce making soup and cake.

The Dingle Dangles sitting pretty at Durweston School's harvest festival.

The Starfish class at the harvest festival.

Preparing the carrots for soup and cake-making . . .

. . . and peeling the apples.

School seeks mentors

Fill your bottle for free

THE Blandford School is seeking adults with the skills and experience to mentor identified students to help them raise and realise their aspirations.

The project has been set up by the Dorset Community Foundation and the school is now looking to expand the successful aspect of the work, by inviting anyone with an hour or two to spare to join its small team of dedicated volunteer community mentors.

Full training, including detailed guidance about students' safeguarding, will be provided.

Those interested should contact Penny White, assistant headteacher and designated safeguarding lead, by emailing pwhite@blandfordschool.org.uk or call the school on 01258 451121 for more information.

BLANDFORD Town Council has signed up to the Free Refill scheme, allowing people to refill their reusable water bottles at their offices to avoid buying single-use plastic ones.

Shops and businesses can sign up to the scheme at refill.org.uk.

Steve Bell at the Yellow Bicycle cafĂŠ said he could count on the fingers of one hand the people who had used the facility since it was introduced at his premises over a year ago.

"Hopefully this will help more people become aware of the scheme. I wonder if people feel guilty about asking for a refill without buying anything. “Businesses have signed up because they want to do their bit, not to drive more business."

32 Friday and Saturday November 1 and 2: Churchill Productions present All My Sons, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm (Sat mat 2.30pm), bookings 01202 885566 or tivoliwimborne.co.uk Friday to Sunday November 1 to 3: Rotary toy collection, Blandford Parish Church, 10am to 4pm (Sunday 11am to 2pm) Friday November 1: Blandford Rotary Short Story Competition Presentation Night, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, Blandford, 6.30pm Comedy Exchange with Tom Glover, Blandford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, tickets b-c-p.co.uk Charity Bingo for Dorset County Hospital Chemotherapy Appeal, eyes down 7.30pm at Child Okeford Village Hall, details 01258 861055 Shillingstone English Barn Dance evening at the Portman Hall, Blandford Rd DT11 0SF. 7.30 for 7.45, details 01258 861184 Trio Dhoore, Tarrant Gunville Village Hall, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 830361, details artsreach.co.uk Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion Club, Church Lane, 8pm, details 01202 732239 Saturday November 2: Poppy Appeal coffee morning, Child Okeford Village Hall, 10.30am to 12 noon, details 01258 860647 Blandford United FC, kick-off 2pm at the Park Road Recreation Ground (and every Saturday) Dorset Police Male Voice Choir in concert, Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm Sunday November 3: Blandford Repair Café, Scout Hut, Eagle House Gardens, 10am to 3pm, (note change of day, venue and time); see Blandford Repair Café on Facebook Dorset Ramblers meet Wimborne St Giles village hall car park 10.15am for six-mile walk over fields and lanes, bring a picnic The Art Room - Informal art session, 11am-1pm at The Kings Arms, Blandford, full details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Sunday November 3 to Monday November 11: Blandford Remembrance events, see page 26 Monday November 4: Blandford Floral Group meets Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, for Ploughman's Lunch 12.30pm, AGM 2pm Tuesday November 5: BFPC Allsorts Craft Group, Blandford Parish Centre, 6.45 to 8.30pm Wednesday November 6: Blandford Bereavement Group meets Blandford Parish Centre, 11am to 12.30pm, details 01258 453425 Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Blandford Film Society, The Blandford School, 7 for 7.45pm, details 01258 268139

November 2019

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.

Thursday November 7: Square Dancing, Spetisbury Village Hall, 4 to 6pm (and every Thursday) Tim Kliphuis Trio - Brandenburg! concert and workshop, see page 29 The Pagoda Project, Springhead Trust, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0NU, 7.30pm, 01747 811853 Friday November 8: Shambles craft fair in front of the Blandford Corn Exchange, 9-2pm Blandford Evening Women's Institute, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, 7pm Saturday November 9: Christmas Craft Fair, Charlton Marshall Village Hall, 10.30am to 3pm, details 01258 480165 Paddleboat Theatre - Clare Hollingworth & the Scoop of the Century, 4pm, tickets 07903 057427, details artsreach.co.uk Sunday November 10: Remembrance Sunday Remembrance parade and service, Blandford Market Place and Parish Church, from 2.45pm (see page 26) Tea, Chat and Board Games Evening Blandford Parish Centre, 4.30 to 6pm Bingo Night, Bryanston Club, 7.30pm Tuesday November 12: Tarrant Gunville WI, Tarrant Gunville Village Hall. 7.15pm, details 01258 456202 Wednesday November 13: NHS Retirement Fellowship meeting, 10.15 am Committee Room, Blandford Community Hospital, details 01929 472441 Film Night, Charlton Marshall New Village Hall, 'Yesterday' (12A), doors open 7.15pm, details 01258 488431 Film Night, Fontmell Magna village hall, ‘All is True’ (12A), 7 for 7.30pm Sturminster Newton Floral Group meets The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Christmas is coming’ Thursday November 14: Forum Cancer Support Group, Woodhouse Garden Pavilion 2 to 4pm, details 07561 114644 Friday November 15: Last Night of the Proms, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7pm, see page 30 Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion Club, Church Lane, 8pm, Chris Leslie, details 01202 732239 Saturday November 16: Cats Protection coffee morning & stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm Saturday and Sunday November 16 and 17: 'Book Bash', Shillingstone Station, see page 6

Sunday November 17: Pimperne Autumn Fete, village hall, noon to 3pm Blandford and District U3A 'Singing for Fun' choir concert with afternoon tea, Blandford Parish Church, free admission, retiring collection The Methera Quartet, Springhead Trust, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0NU, 5pm, 01747 811853 or artsreach.co.uk Monday November 18: Strictly Come Tea-Dancing, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, see page 30 Film Night, Yesterday, Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall, 7 for 7.30pm Monday to Sunday November 18 to 24: Blandford Literary Festival, see page 19 Monday November 19: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm, details 01258 863775 Wednesday November 20: Valley Gardening Club meets Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, 7.30pm, details valleygardening@gmail.com Dorset Wildlife Trust North Dorset branch meets Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0PF), 7.30pm, The Ecology of Seahorses Thursday November 21: Blandford Art Society Workshop with Rachel Baynes, Pimperne Village Hall, 1.30pm, details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Blandford Archaeology Group meet Blandford Town Museum, 7.30pm see page 19 Friday November 22: Big Shambles Christmas craft market, Blandford Corn Exchange, 9am to 3pm Scam Awareness Session, Age Concern Blandford, 10.30 to 11.30am, see page 5 A Christmas Carol, The Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm, see page 30 Film 'All is True' (12A), Child Okeford Village Hall 7.30pm, details 01258 860113 Saturday November 23: Tabletop Sale, Blandford Parish Centre, 10.30am to 3pm Chase Benefice Sudan Christmas Fair, Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall, 11am to 2pm Model Railway Show, Shillingstone Station, 10am to 4pm, see page 6 Christmas Market, West Pleck Farm, Hazelbury Bryan DT10 2EG, 2 to 5.30pm, details petrannettescafe.co.uk

Sunday November 24: Dorset Ramblers meet 10.15am at The White Horse, Stourpaine, four-mile walk via France Down, optional pm walk up Hod Hill She'Koyokh, Cranborne Cecil Memorial Hall, 4pm, tickets 01725 517607, details artsreach.co.uk Pentabus - The Tale of Little Bevan, Child Okeford Village Hall, 7.30pm, tickets 01258 861621, details artsreach.co.uk Monday November 25: Digital Champion session, Blandford Library, 4 to 6pm, details 01258 452075 Wednesday November 27: Allsorts Open Craft Morning Blandford Parish Centre, 9am to 12.30pm Blandford Forum Film Society, The Blandford School, 7 for 7.45pm, blandfordfilm@googlemail.com Thursday November 28: Finds Evaluation Day, Blandford Town Museum, 10.30am to 1pm Friends of Blandford Hospital Christmas Bingo, Royal British Legion Club, Blandford, eyes down 7.30pm Durweston School PTA Xmas Shopping Indulgence Evening, Durweston Village Hall, 6.30 to 9.30pm, bookable Xmas wreath making sessions (07771 635545) Blandford Horticultural Society meets United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, speaker Paul Sturgess, 7.30pm, details 01258 452380 Friday November 29: Vintage Fair and sewing workshops, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10 to 3.30pm, details 07742 582936 or blandfordvintage@gmail.com Panda Pre-school Ladies’ Indulgence Evening, from 7pm, tickets 01258 458151 or pandapreschool@hotmail.co.uk Quiz night and raffle for Blandford Youth Football Club defibrillator, Blandford British Legion, 7.30pm Rob Gee - Forget Me Not - The Alzheimer's Whodunnit, Milborne St Andrew Village Hall 7.30pm, tickets 01258 839230, artsreach.co.uk Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1: The Garden of Delights, Springhead Trust, Mill Lane, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0NU, 10am to 4.30pm, free admission, details 01747 811853 Saturday November 30: Free parking, Blandford town centre Panda Pre-school Christmas fayre, The Corn Exchange, Blandford 9.30am to 12 noon Bingo Night, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7pm, see page 30 Briantspuddle Singers Christmas music concert, Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm, see page 24 Durweston Choral Society Autumn Concert, Christmas Music for Choir and Audience, Durweston Parish Church 7.30pm, tickets 01258 472253 Charity Quiz, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, 8pm