Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area
January 2020 Issue No. 94 Est: 2012
The team at Forum Focus wish all our readers and advertisers a very Happy New Year
Changes in store for town shopping scene THE sudden closure of Beatons Tearooms at Greyhound House in the Market Place was the latest in a series of closures and openings which have seen numerous businesses change hands in recent months. It left a number of staff redundant just a week before Christmas and some, according to social media comments, were owed several weeks' wages. A notice dated December 2 posted on the door of Beatons advised of the forfeiture of the lease and re-entry of the premis-
es by the owners of the building, Moderandum, and stated that the goods therein were to be removed. Manager Harry McGookin posted an announcement that Beatons Blandford had ceased trading, thanking everyone for their support over the last five years, and stating that Beatons franchises continued in other locations, including Tisbury. The closure came only eight days after a successful book reading as part of the Blandford Literary Festival, and five days after the
Closure of Beatons Tearooms led to six redundancies.
FORUM FOCUS
Blandford Health Champions fundraising bingo at Charlton Marshall village hall to which Beatons had donated vouchers. Several other groups had been given promotional vouchers as prizes for fairs and draws. Patrick Duffy, founder of the Beatons chain and one of the shareholders in the Blandford outlet which was effectively run as a franchise, said the tearoom had struggled with losses for a long time for various reasons. He said that despite the recent problems, promotional vouchers had continued to be issued to local organisations in the last few months. "They will remain valid for six months and can be used at any of the remaining tearooms, Tisbury being the closest to Blandford." He said the Blandford tearoom had always been a separate business from the Tisbury tearoom and their thoughts were with the six staff who had been made redundant. He said he very much regretted what had happened but there was really no alternative. "Blandford is a very competitive place for cafés and it is always the case that if you bring something in you create more competition by being there. On this occasion we are the ones having to close." • To Page 2
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Cheerful chaps!
MP Simon Hoare’s poll triumph: Page 3
Santa’s Christmas greeting: Pages 4-6
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January 2020
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.
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Where to find Forum Focus COPIES of Forum Focus 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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Changes in store for town shopping scene • From Page 1 There are at least six retail premises in Blandford currently on the market, including the Hospice Shop which closed in December when its lease expired, the greengrocers opposite Morrisons which closed in October, the now double unit remaining in the former Argos building in East Street with a price tag of £40,000 pa and Barclays Bank closed its Blandford branch last June. Two others have fallen vacant with the relocation of Cariad Wholefoods from the Georgian Passage into larger premises in Barnack Walk, vacated by the Happy Jaws petshop, which had opened at the beginning of 2017, and of the Linen Basket from 16 East Street to the former Humberts estate agents premises in West Street. Meanwhile the premises at 2 West Street previously occupied by My Life Living Assistance are soon to be occupied by Spears Travel Agents, who are relocating from Sturminster Newton. And new creative design agency Ingredients Media Ltd, incorporat-
ed last March, has agreed a fiveyear lease on the 1,355 sq ft Unit 20 at Glenmore Business Park in a deal brokered by agents Myddelton & Major. The agent's surveyor Gary Mead said: "The demand for high-quality, purpose-built units continues to grow, especially on strategically located business parks. We had strong interest in this newly built industrial/warehouse/trade counter unit." Town councillor Cathy Jacques, who with her husband Mark still has a lease for which there have been no takers for the premises at 30 Salisbury Street which housed Game On for around 18 months, has offered to let it out as 'rent a desk space' to individuals with start-ups or in need of a space away from home to work. "These are popular in bigger towns but not sure how it would go down in Blandford. It will be temporary as we still hope someone comes along and leases it. We may think about keeping the shop should this be a needed service. So, is a little rent a desk of interest to anyone?"
A FORMAL request from Boots to consolidate its two branches in Salisbury Street, Blandford, has been confirmed and is being assessed by Dorset Council and partners as to how it should be dealt with. Councillor Rebecca Knox, chairman of Dorset's Health & Wellbeing Board (HWB), said: "Some of these requests are delegated to those in the public health team, others will go to the HWB Board. I am assessing with colleagues where this lies. "In the meantime those involved in the governance arrangements, including local councillors, are being contacted about this matter. "The most important thing is the best outcome for the people of Blandford and the surrounding area who depend on these muchneeded services, where they are effective and perform that key service of prevention.”
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January 2020
MP holds his seat
Ken’s big moment BLANDFORD's much-loved youth adviser Ken Reynolds, who retired in the summer of 2018, travelled to Buckingham Palace with his family for his investiture as a Member of the British Empire by Prince William following the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Ken was for many years the student support worker at The Blandford School, helping thousands of youngsters, many of whom - now adults - paid tribute on social media to his work. The former service manager for Rolls Royce gave up his job to set up the Blandford Youth Trust, supported by the churches in Blandford, which led to the development of the Treads youth advice service.
Good start on river work THE first phase of a habitat improvement scheme in the area of the river Stour flowing through the grounds of Bryanston School in Blandford is complete. The Environment Agency has worked with the school, Wessex Chalkstream Rivers Trust and local landowners to implement a fish passage to help migratory fish such as sea trout bypass a large weir that previously prevented their passage upstream and reach previously inaccessible stretches of the river. Disused hatches on a bypass channel were adjusted to improve flows down a redundant stream, a HALL & Woodhouse are hosting a Community AED (defibrillator) Awareness session for the Blandford St Mary area in their Brewery Hall at 6.30pm on Monday January 13. The annual session is part of their agreement with the South West Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust for their support to those installing defibrillators.
notch was cut in a disused cast-iron weir to make it easier for fish to swim upstream, and a number of woody habitat features installed to improve habitat for fish and invertebrates. The scheme was funded through the Fisheries Improvement Programme, which comes directly from the sales of national rod licences. The Environmental Agency says that, although not a chalk stream, the Stour is an important river with several chalk-fed tributaries making it rich in wildlife and home to numerous species of insects, animals including otters, and fish. Luke Kozak, from the Environmental Agency, said: "We're really pleased with the outcome of this project that has improved 300 metres of channel habitat and created fish passage for multiple species of fish." Subject to funding, the second phase of the project this year will involve the reintroduction of gravel to the bypass channel to create fish spawning beds.
CONSERVATIVE Simon Hoare retained his Dorset North seat with a decisive majority after the General Election on December 12. As a blue tide swept across the country, Mr Hoare's total of 35,707 represented 63.6% of the vote and brought him an overall majority of 24,301, slightly down on 2017. Turnout was up slightly on last time, from 73.2% to 73.87%. The Liberal Democrats and Labour exchanged places, however, with David Chadwick polling 11,404 for the Liberal Democrats to come second, and Pat Osborne, who came second for Labour in 2017, polling 6,737. Ken Huggins, for the Green party, built on the 1,607 votes cast for John Tutton in 2017 to come fourth with 2,261. DORSET NORTH Simon Hoare (Con) 35,707 David Chadwick (LibDem) 11,404 Pat Osborne (Lab) 6,737 Ken Huggins (Green) 2,261 Con majority 24,301 Turnout 73.87%
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January 2020
A cracker of a Christmas!
Durweston Primary School prepare for the candlelit parade.
Santa’s on his way.
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Mulled wine was on offer during the event hosted by the Town Council, and there were festive treats outside from a couple of traders. At the following carol service in the Parish Church, there was standing room only for a service which included choral performances by the DRMS Choir, The Blandford School Choir, and the 85 members of the Blandford Primary Schools Network Choir. Readings and prayers from the Mayor, town freeman Carol Sharpe and the Mayor's scout and guide, Melissa and Abi, and the Rector, the Rev Canon Jonathan Triffitt, entertained the largely young congregation by producing a giant home-made cracker. It was intended to symbolise the joy, leadership and presence of God in the birth of Christ - and reminded the rest of the billions of gifts (and the millions of them unwanted) given last year and number of turkeys and brussels sprouts consumed. Shops and businesses pulled out the stops in decorating their windows. The judges had a hard time choosing the winners in the town council's competition, deciding to award first prize to the beautiful snowscene at the Nail and Beauty Salon in Barnack Walk, with runner-up Papyrus and third 22 Vapes in Salisbury Street. But there were no fewer than five commendations for Nail It in Tabernacle Walk, Sweet Pea in the Market Place, and The Sapling, Florabunda and Cotton Moon in East Street. The Sue Ryder shop in East Street was the winner of the charity section, with runner-up the Information
ANTA arrived early for the tree-lighting ceremony in the Market Place on December 6, where he was assisted in turning on the lights by Blandford Mayor Lynn Lindsay.
It meant there was plenty of time for him to greet all the children queuing to see him, who were entertained by Jamie Jigsaw while the Stour Valley Band provided festive music and carols in the Corn Exchange.
The Decibelles Choir from Winterborne Kingston.
The Blandford School's Young Enterprise team, Luke Coughlan, Aislinn LewisSmith and Todd Cummis at the festival.
Centre in West Street. There was a special commendation for the mice at The Old Bakery in East Street - no longer a shop but with a shop window which is always filled with their exploits. They were particularly festive this year. The addition of new festive street lighting to a total of ten lighting columns in East Street and West Street, and upgrade to LEDs of the lights on the yew trees in front of the church, have been welcomed by many in the town (see Page 22 - the Town Council's acknowledgement and thanks to businesses who contributed). On Sunday December 8 hundreds turned out for a successful Carols on the Green on the Persimmon estate, hosted by the Blandford Evangelical Church. Three days later came the tenth annual Yuletide Festival with candlelit procession, community carol singing in the Market Place, followed by live on-stage entertainment, late-night shopping and market stalls in streets closed to traffic. Luckily the rain which had fallen on and off during the day held off during the event, and hundreds of children and their parents paraded with lanterns from Langton Road to the Market Place. The stage in front of the NatWest Bank meant a change of layout which proved a time-keeping challenge between the Stour Valley Band playing in the churchyard and the Decibelles choir on the stage, but was otherwise a welcome addition to the Market Place, with a programme of entertainment from the Stagecoach • To Page 5
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January 2020
Harrison, aged 8, and George, aged 6, meet Santa in the Corn Exchange.
The night sky illuminated by the firework finale.
Knighton House School, taking part in the lantern parade for the first time.
The 85-strong Blandford Primary School Network Choir in the civic carol service. • From Page 4 and PATA Children's Choirs, an entertaining medley from ROKiT, and the Blandford Ukulele Group. The reduction in the number of stalls confining most of the activity to East Street, the Market Place and West Street resulted in a much busier and central festival, but may not have pleased those expecting to see stalls in Salisbury Street, where the Blandford Literary Festival reopened its popup book shop at the Cedar Tree in the Anchor Gateway selling books and hosting poetry readings from the Poetry in the CafÊ competition. In West Street there were the usual stalls, fairground rides, and attractions of the Crown Hotel, and members of the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club again served up luxury hot chocolate, other hot drinks and nibbles in the Masonic Hall. An abiding memory for some may be the piles of fast food trays and other litter which overflowed from the litter bins, but happily they were cleared before the wind and rain descended upon them overnight.
More Christmas pictures on Page 6 and on our website forumfocus.co.uk
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January 2020
Winning windows
The guides display their new headgear at the tree lighting ceremony.
Town criers Jean Wells and Liz Rawlings. Top prize went to Ruby’s Nail and Beauty Salon in Barnack Walk.
Market Place rubbish waiting to be collected.
Always a contender Papyrus in Salisbury Street was runner-up.
The Sue Ryder window, winner of the charity shop section.
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January 2020
Magicians conjure up charity money TWO Hall & Woodhouse team members, both magicians, went head-to-head at the Crown Hotel in the fifth annual 'Battle of the Wizards' to conjure up funds in support of the company's charity partner, eight local air ambulance charities. The Great Baldini (aka David Hoare, former H&W director) and Duncan the Deadly (aka Duncan Rouse, head of managed operations at H&W) presented 'Gunpowder, Treason and Plot' to an audience of more than 100 diners. Duncan the Deadly was the evening's reigning champion with more than £8,000 raised the highest total to be collected at the annual event - bringing the overall fundraising total to £25,000 over the past five years. The Crown Hotel provided the Sealy Suite free of charge, 25 per cent of the ticket cost went direct to the charities, and Hall & Woodhouse donated auction prizes including a £1,500 Delvita
pizza oven. The Great Baldini said: "After dinner we each present five illusions and go into the audience to collect money. Audience members give more or less depending on how good they think the trick was. At the end of the evening we both stand underneath one of the Crown's windows, the total for each magician is announced and the one who collects the least is gunged." Lucinda Gray, H&W charity champion, said: "It is very important to us to support the air ambulances that work tirelessly to care for critically ill or injured patients in our community. In under two years we have raised over £200,000 for the air ambulances that cover the counties where our public houses are located. We are extremely proud of our two 'Wizards' who have backed the campaign and supported our fundraising for a fifth year."
Duncan the Deadly and The Great Baldini go head to head.
Death after riverside collapse MANY were sad to learn of the death on November 19 in Dorset County Hospital of 73-year-old Helen Maria Van Spankeren. She was one of eight children born in Maestricht, Holland, but had lived in the UK since the 1960s, and most recently at Hanover Court, Blandford, where she was well-known in the town with her little dog Jasper. Her death, five days after being found collapsed near the river Stour on the Marsh and Ham and being airlifted to hospital, was not treated as suspicious. A public appeal by the Dorset Coroner to find her next of kin was unsuccessful, but a former employer and close friend from Gillingham said she had come to London to train as a carer, and had worked in a number of high-class households, as well as with horses and as cook/housekeeper/cleaner in the West Country. Her funeral took place in Lesley Shand's chapel on December 19, and a new home has been found for Jasper.
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Stuart Lawes, right, with the winners in the Furlong Trophy, left to right the trio Salt of the Earth, second place Klaus Shnopplejagen and the winner Emily Clarke. ANITA Wingad, the Dorset Enterprise Development Programme leader for Community Catalysts who are working in partnership with Dorset Council, will be at the Royal Oak, Milborne St Andrew, on January 13 and 27 from 2pm to 4pm and at Blandford Library on January 23 from 10 am to noon offering support to those wanting to offer help at home to people in the local area. Community Catalysts run a free development programme for those with some spare time, wanting to work flexible hours on a self-employed basis, or set up and run their own small enterprise offering help at home for people in their community. For more information call her on 07407 789131 or email anita.wingad @communitycatalysts.co.uk.
January 2020
Emily proves a hit with talent judges THE final of the second Furlong Trophy talent competition, hosted by the Paddocks Bar in Salisbury Street, Blandford, was staged on December 8. A total of 64 contestants competed in the fortnightly heats, quarter-finals and semi-finals over the past six months before a panel of judges, who narrowed the acts down to just eight finalists, each with a very different style and range of performance. It made the selection of a winner all the more difficult. Stuart Lawes, promoter of the contest from Ellbee Capital Services and owner of The Paddocks Bar, told them: "I have been blown away by the quality of the entertainment and you are all winners." But the unanimous choice in the end was 23-year-old Emily Clarke, from Sturminster Newton, who graduated with a music degree from Surrey University and is currently working as a marketing assistant with an archi-
tectural company. With her first prize of £1,000 and the promise of a gig at The Paddocks in the coming months, she is now hoping to progress her performance career. The runner-up for £500 was the lively 'Salt of The Earth' trio from Gillingham, and third for £250 went to guitarist Klauss Shnopplejagen (Klauss in the House) from Bournemouth. Other finalists were Lili White, Choppers Children, Naomi Rose, Connor Smith and Kieran Knowles. Mr Lawes thanked everyone for their participation, including presenter Jason, the judges, the Paddocks staff, sponsors Radio Wimborne and the Paddocks Bar. Last year's Furlong Trophy winner Marco de Gaetano said: "A year ago today I was standing in the same position. You have all done incredibly well, doing what you love doing with passion."
New skills on offer AN amazing variety of new adult education courses is coming up in North Dorset this new year - perfect if you want to try something new. In Blandford at the Black Lane Centre, there are courses in interior design, neuro-linguistic programming, acrylic painting, art appreciation, drawing and painting, Spanish, cookery and beginners’ computers. At Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury there is art appreciation, art and relaxation and English for speakers of foreign languages (ESOL), and at The Exchange in Sturminster there is beginner computers and ESOL. In Gillingham there is art appreciation and improve your maths (at Rivers Meet), art and relaxation (at the Youth Club) and computers for parents and grandparents (at the Library and free). Some of these are only £1.50 an hour if you are over 60. The adult education service also runs free job clubs in these towns to support those out of work or looking to change direction to find new employment. Call Skills & Learning, Dorset's adult education service, on 01202 262300 to find out more or enrol. See skillsandlearningace.com.
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January 2020
Fundraising in fashion
Solar farm green light
MORE than £1,000 was raised in the Blandford Fashion Museum's end-of-season draw at the museum in Lime Tree House, The Plocks. A total of £987 came from ticket sales, but when the first prize ticket was pulled out by Mayor Lynn Lindsay, it was revealed that it was bought by a friend of Mike Foster, the partner of museum administrator Kathryn Reed. The friend, Rohan Kamis, was visiting from Singapore when he made the purchase. Mr Foster announced that he would buy the £100 worth of M&S gift vouchers, taking the total to £1,087. He said: "I first met Rohan in 1975 when we were working together in Singapore, and we have remained firm friends and met up several times either here or in Singapore ever since. “He and his wife June and daughters Suree and Iman came to visit us in October and, when they called in at the museum, bought £20 worth of raffle tickets and agreed to donate back any-
PLANS for another solar farm at South Farm, Spetisbury, which have been the subject of consultation for over two years, have been approved under delegated powers by officers at Dorset Council. They took the decision despite more than 40 objections, including from Historic England, the Cranborne Chase AONB and Sturminster Marshall Parish Council. Objections focused largely on the impact on the historic monument of Spetisbury Rings and the cumulative impacts of such industrial developments in the rural countryside south and south-east of Blandford, in addition to the loss of Grade II agricultural land. But it was supported by the NFU as a valuable diversification proposal, and Spetisbury Parish Council could find no material reasons to object to the scheme, which will generate sufficient clean, renewable energy for up to 12,120 homes a year, displacing around 17,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide that might otherwise be generated through the burning of traditional fossil fuels.
Mike Foster receives first prize in the Blandford Fashion Museum draw from museum administrator Kathryn Reed, right, with Mayor Lynn Lindsay. thing they won." The popular winners of one of the next of 50-plus prizes - six
bottles of wine - were former museum administrator Gordon Boutelle and his wife June.
ENTRY forms are now available for Pimperne village's spring show to be held on Sunday March 29 in the village hall. There are classes for bowls of spring flowers, Easter and spring flower arrangement, fruit cake, scones and Easter cake, art (animal or person portrait and Pimperne), photography (Dorset, animal and group) and craft (knitting, embroidery and crochet), with three age classes for children up to six, up to 12 and up to 18 years. For details call Jackie Vacher on 07879 003567.
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Lucinda Gray, director of Hall & Woodhouse which sponsored the after-show party at Blandford Literary Festival, thanked everyone involved for enriching the community, and presented the first prize in the Poetry in the CafĂŠ to Katherine Beeks, pictured centre with Literary Festival organiser Finola Brennan, right. Festival report: Page 17.
Scam advice for elderly A SCAM Awareness talk at the Age Concern Blandford office in Nightingale Court was given by Jane Hutchings to around 20 people. Jane, a community development worker for North Dorset & Purbeck Trading Standards, spoke on all aspects of scams. It brought home how many scams there are and most importantly how to avoid being caught out. Age Concern Blandford offer help to older people with benefits, care and general signposting. Volunteers are desperately needed, and anyone able to give two or three hours a week is asked to call into the office, call 01258 458250 or email ageconcernblandford@talk21.com.
January 2020
VE Day celebration plans shaping up DETAILED plans are being drawn up for this year's first May bank holiday, on Friday May 8, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Celebrations in Blandford will begin over the weekend of May 1 and 2 with an exhibition in the Corn Exchange prepared by the town's Commemoration Group, who are researching information to go on display. On the following bank holiday Friday, the Georgian Fayre committee will be staging music, stalls and rides in the Market Place from 10am, which will pause just before 3pm for a piper playing Battle's O'er and the specially written VE 75 Years. The Mayor will then lead the Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WWII and read the government's statement before Winston Churchill's speech is played. A Cry for Peace from the Town Crier at 6.55pm will be followed by a peal of church bells before parties and celebrations throughout the town.
Also on Saturday May 9, there will be a Veterans' Breakfast in the Corn Exchange, and in the evening an Ambassador's Big Band concert in the Corn Exchange. A service in the Parish Church on Sunday morning will be attended by the Rt Rev Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, and the Rector of Blandford, the Rev Canon Jonathan Triffitt, and there will be daytime cream teas and talk at the Royal British Legion. The Crown Hotel has arranged live music in the grounds all day Friday with outside bars and food tents, and a Vintage Market in the Sealy Suite and street/villagestyle party in the gardens on the Saturday, with dancing, games and music of the period. Other pubs have been invited to join in the Nation's Toast, shops and businesses to decorate their shop windows, schools to attend the Corn Exchange exhibition, and groups and individuals to register events they are organising at veday75.org.
January 2020
Top trade honour for local merchants BRADFORDS Building Supplies, whose Blandford branch with nine staff is in Holland Way, has won Independent Builders' Merchant of the Year at the Builders Merchants Awards against stiff competition. The judges' comments cited the hard work the Bradfords' team have put in to deliver innovative and best-in-class service for customers and suppliers alike, and in particular, the company's focus on providing the easiest customer THE popular local acoustic band Poacher's Moon are back with their new production 'Seafarers' which will be launched in Pimperne Village Hall on Saturday January 18 at 7.30pm. For this production the band welcomes new member Elspeth Gracie who joins the Andersons, Ray Tower and Pete Coley. Tickets are ÂŁ9 each and can be reserved by calling Julia Jenner on 01258 452661 or 07818 600106.
journey by utilising technology. The online trade portal created by the in-house development team to give account customers a full service from buying online using their specific terms, provide a detailed history of transactions and an ability to pay accounts was one of the tools that most impressed judges. David Young, Bradfords CEO, said: "This accolade is a celebration of our 'can do' culture. This award belongs to our team in each and every branch. This is a super starting point from which to kickstart our 250th anniversary in 2020." Paul Webster, branch manager at Blandford, added: "Our team in Blandford are thrilled to receive this award because it underscores our commitment to customer service." The awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate the best and brightest in the merchant industry. They were presented at a ceremony in London by Dame Kelly Holmes.
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Iris’s happy milestone THERE were celebrations at Castleman House on November 25 to mark the 100th birthday of Iris Surrey, born that day in 1919 in Essex, who came to live at the Blandford care home in 2017 after being twice widowed. She was joined at her birthday party by friends and fellow residents, including her good friend Birdie, whom she had met when they were in neighbouring beds during a stay in Blandford Hospital. A special cake was made for Iris, who enjoys the company of others and playing bingo, and loved to play the piano which she used to play in church. She also enjoyed singing along at the party with guest entertainers Owen and Darren - and was given a right royal reception, particularly after opening her birthday card from the Queen and declaring, on seeing the picture, "Oh, it's my mum!"
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Readers’ letters
Be patient with staff at Boots I FEEL that I must state my thoughts regarding all the correspondence that has featured for quite a while about Boots in Blandford as I have attended their branch in East Street on a monthly basis to collect a prescription since moving to Blandford in 2011. I do not recognise the negative remarks made as I am always impressed by the staff, their friendly attitude and the efficiency shown under the pressure of a constant conveyor belt. The staff making up prescriptions are working flat out at the back of the store, and the counter staff get the flack, back and forth find-
January 2020 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
ing prescriptions that have been made up, checking all medications have been put into the bags and then talking through problems or concerns with the customer. Some of those customers find their medication has not yet arrived at the pharmacy and are sometimes difficult and irate. It's a no-win situation really for the staff who either do as the customer expects or have to apologise for not being able to, and you have to wonder the level of patience they work under. By all means be critical of Boots as a company but please don't express that criticism in a way that reflects on the local staff. I don't know the staff in the Salisbury Street branches but I'm sure that they also put a great deal into giving good customer service in a difficult situation. We are very lucky to have the NHS and many of these people making their criticisms get their
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.
medications free of charge. That's a bonus of living in the UK, so please have a little patience. Smile when you collect your medication and thank them. You may feel better for it, and they certainly will instead of all the negativity they receive from grumpy customers. Nicholas Smith Address supplied. • • • WHY is it, when things go wrong in shops and businesses, everybody is up in arms, verbally and in writing to local magazines' letters page. Give the staff a break, say good morning or afternoon; it's not the staff's fault that the medicines have not been delivered, it's the suppliers that are causing the problems. If you've got a problem, contact the area or head office and have a go at them, not the staff in the chemist. I have had problems with my pills not being delivered, but I didn't take it out on the staff. I went back three days later and collected my pills. East Street staff are very helpful. They are like you and me, they are human beings, not robots. John Miles Address supplied, Blandford.
Do you know the Vincents? MY name is Harry Pearce and I am currently researching my family history - what little I know.
All roads are leading me to Blandford Forum. I am looking for members of the local Vincent family, who I believe are long-standing residents of the area. In particular, Edwin John Vincent (born c. 1931), who may have gone by the name of Arthur, and who I believe may have been married to Lynda née Pink (c. 1971). Arthur/Edwin's father was Reginald Frederick Vincent, who also had a daughter, Molly Doreen Vincent, b.1936. If anyone has any information, I'd be grateful if they could contact me by email to htmpearce@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Harry Pearce, By email
Empty the bins OVERFLOWING litter bins have become an all-too-familiar sight around Blandford of late. They are unsightly, unhygienic and hardly likely to encourage people to keep the town clean and tidy. Come on, Dorset Waste Partnership - get your act together on bin emptying. Name & address supplied Blandford. KATE Adie, the chief news correspondent for BBC News between 1989 and 2003, will be talking about her books and experiences reporting from war zones around the world in Blandford Corn Exchange on January 31. Tickets for the evening are available from the Town Clerk's Office, Church Lane, and all proceeds will go to the Community Kitchen.
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January 2020
Co-operation is key Frank shows the way for Trailway progress with food collection A RANGE of projects on and alongside the North Dorset Trailway were outlined at the annual general meeting of the Trailway Network in Shillingstone Parish Centre. The conclusion from chairman Scott Norman was that it was important to maintain the improved dialogue between those operating near the popular walking, cycling and riding route. Dorset Countryside Ranger Graham Stanley said relationships between sometimes conflicting users had seen a big improvement from the old days which had been 'rather like a civil war'. First to outline a developing scheme was Paul Williams of Equilibrium, whose Big Yellow Bus gardening project off the A357 just outside Shillingstone has already been established and is addressing the growing issue of mental health problems in children and young people through gardening. He described the plan for a community garden where anyone from the local area can work on a oneacre vegetable plot, and for a 'reflective garden', accessible from the Trailway, to which many busi-
nesses in Dorset and further afield have already donated materials. Next to give an update on their work were chairman David Caddy and site manager John Jenkins, of the North Dorset Railway, whose project at Shillingstone Station is well on the way to establishing a working railway visitor attraction. Mr Caddy said they were now working with the wider community to reach the best outcomes for all. Finally Mr Stanley described ongoing work on the Trailway itself - restoration of the Station Court buffers, new interpretation boards and mile markers, a new ramp facilitating access to the Trailway from Charlton Mead in Charlton Marshall, improvements planned for the entrance to the Trailway at Sturminster Newton, and an extended range of walks. He also said work on upgrading the children's play park on the Milldown starting in the new year was planned to be finished by the summer. There were hopes, subject to planning permission and funding, of establishing a Milldown visitor centre similar to that now existing at Thomas Hardy's birthplace at Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester.
Anti-hunt campaigners call for boycott of meet ANTI-HUNT campaigners were high-profile locally, urging market day shoppers and shop owners not to support the Boxing Day meet, which was due to take place outside the Crown Hotel in Blandford. Last July Pip Donovan, founder and chair of Action Against Foxhunting, which campaigns against recreational animal killing, addressed Blandford
Protesters urge people not to support the Boxing Day hunt.
Town Council, saying various councils had banned fox hunting and only one per cent of the population took part. She sought the council's support to minimise the risk to public safety during the meet in the town, which involves horses and riders arriving at and departing from the Crown Meadows along West Street, and invariably attracts large crowds of supporters, protesters and the general public. Councillors explained that they had no authority to ban the meet on private land but agreed to write to the Police requesting they ensure an orderly event and public safety and minimise any escalation between the two groups. In November, Cllr Pat Osborne gave an update from Mrs Donovan from Action Against Foxhunting, who said the Police had recommended that Portman Hunt should request a road closure for the day, but this was not done in time for the 2019 event.
THE Blandford Food Bank contribution to the parish church tree festival last month spelt out a powerful message with its bare branches reaching out bearing parcels of light. Faced with a dramatic increase in the number of families approaching them this year and helping over 1,030 local people, the charity launched an appeal asking people to spare a fiver to help local families in need. They invited people to send £5 to their Paypal account by emailing donate@ faithworks.wessex.org.uk or giving direct to the account Frank with his collection for the Blandford named CAF at sort code 40- Food Bank from Winterborne Stickland. 52-40, account no 00015300, giving the reference Blandford Food Bank Fiver. Frank, a young lad in Winterborne Stickland, took direct action by making a collection among local villagers, and his parents Jess and Gary Critchell shared on Facebook the result, thanking the village for being so supportive of their son's cause. And Blandford Lion James Mayo presented Mato meat vouchers worth nearly £1,300 to Food Bank manager Gail del Pinto to ensure that over 200 families could have fresh meat - something the Food Bank cannot normally offer - on the Christmas table. The funds were raised in donations made by members of the public, together with £300 from each of the Blandford Rotary Clubs and a further £300 from his own Blandford Lions Club.
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January 2020
Tree time magic in the church THE creative contributions of 30 local schools and organisations to the tree festival in Blandford Parish Church, which will remain on display until January 4, were judged by public vote and the winners announced at the Yuletide Festival. Milldown Primary, with their imaginative take on improving the environment featuring a tree trunk made of discarded crisp packets, were judged the schools' winner. Last year's winners, the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club, retained the trophy for the second year with another tree decorated with natural materials. The crowning glory was a seed head of Allium schubertii (flowering onion), which together with at least 18 varieties of plants in the other decorations, had been collected, dried and assembled for display. Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay also made her choice of her
Milldown Primary's winning tree (left) with those of Blandford Forum Town Council and the Blandford Badgers. favourite, a treehouse created at Downlands Primary populated with figures leading up to pictures of the children as angels at the top. She also highly commended the Blandford Library tree featuring books with titles related to light, following the theme of light
defeating darkness, and the tiny peace dove tree from the Dementia Action group. There was a stunning variety of interpretations of the theme, which in addition to an assortment of lanterns and candles included Allsorts Crafts with animals which come out in the dark - owls, bats, badgers, foxes and hedgehogs - and birds, butterflies and flowers, which come out in the light. Simply Sew made tiny stained glass windows to capture the idea of old, the use of stained glass windows in church windows to portray the saints and Bible stories without need for the written word to gain knowledge, inspiration and hope. Spetisbury Primary focused on another environment theme, featuring palm oil-free biscuits made by the children and illustrating the destruction of the habitat of orangutans in Borneo.
The Victorian Garden Club's winning tree decorated with dried flowers and plants.
Downlands Primary's tree house.
More pictures at forumfocus.co.uk
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January 2020
Oh yes, panto team promise madcap fun PANTO producers Oh No It Isn't are promising special effects never before used on the Corn Exchange stage in The Beauty Sleeping! which will be taking place from January 3-5. They are introducing a different cameo appearance at each performance to include Mr Bear and a prominent figure from Blandford Town Council. There's also a new audience game and new front-of-house characters to welcome audiences into the show "in a way never experienced before by any non-royal . . ever!" Producer Tony Horrocks, who plays dame Mother Droopy, said: "So many people have worked very hard to put this show together. We are all beyond words excited to get on the stage and show our audience the best panto they have ever seen." In Peter Nuttall's version of the classic tale, they will be following the money-mad King Jeff (Mike Paul Farrell) as his obsession with profit, fortune and warm feet results in the evil witch Hogben (Wren Holdom) sending his daughter Beauty (Megan Koster) to sleep and
Twinners’ Valentine fundraiser
Panto people promoting The Beauty Sleeping! at Blandford BFBN (Blandford Forces Broadcasting Network) with presenter Jason Herbert, right. cursing the kingdom. Will true love's kiss break the spell? With no sign of a prince, will a precognitive goblin, a
FOLLOWING a successful fundraising car boot sale, the Spetisbury and Charlton Marshall French Twinning Association is looking to further boost its funds so that it can host a visit from its French friends from Le Vast in 2020. They are holding a Valentine dinner dance with live music from the Palm Court Dance orchestra,
pair of squabbling twins, a good witch and a talking cat do the job? The show starts at 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. Book online at ohnoitisntpanto.co.uk or buy tickets from the Town Council offices 01258 454500. The panto season in village halls began in December with Madcap Productions' Pinocchio at Ansty, Pimperne's Cinderella and Okeford Fitzpaine's Dick Whittington. On Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11, Shroton village's pantomime Robin Hood in the village hall features Ann Pearson and Janet Jones's script, Chris Pearson as music director and performer, and many familiar faces besides. The Tarrant Valley Players will be supporting Yewstock School on January 23-25 at Tarrant Keyneston village hall presenting 'Birk - an unlikely fairytale adventure', and the Iwerne Minster panto is at the village club on January 24 and 25. On February 6-8 the Milborne Players present Dick Whittington at Milborne St Andrew.
playing popular palm court dance music, tango, foxtrot, twostep and waltz on Saturday February 15 in the new Charlton Marshall village hall. There will be a licensed bar. Tickets at ÂŁ25 a head, to include a three-course dinner and a glass of prosecco, are available, with further details from Andi Cheesley on 01258 857515.
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The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk
I
T was surprisingly cheering and a treat to stand in front of The Haywain by John Constable during a visit to the National Gallery and contemplate the view as seen at the time he painted it in 1821. No noisy engines, no aeroplanes, no Japanese knotweed or Himalayan balsam clogging up the River Stour (the other one, between Suffolk and Essex), but elm trees, turtle doves and a lively background hum of summer insect life. It was therefore a bit of a lurch to return to a cold Dorset where incessant rain had given way to frost: we didn't even have time to empty the rain gauge from the previous day before the temperature plummeted and froze the water by morning. It was with great relief that we completed our autumn sowing campaign on November 19, the latest any of us can remember. Nearly all the wheat and barley has emerged now, but so late in the year, meaning its root system will not have reached as far as in a normal year, making it more vulnerable to extreme weather in the coming growing season. Some of our seedbeds were much wetter than we would dream of drilling into in a normal year, but this hasn't been a normal year, so we have pushed the
boundaries. It is a huge relief to find wheat emerging in even the wettest fields and looking quite respectable. But our agronomist tells us to expect yields to be considerably less than average next harvest.
January 2020 considered to be higher welfare and more common in the UK than anywhere else in the world, have higher production costs. Mortality rates are higher, the animals are given straw bedding, and sows have to use up a lot more of the energy in their feed to keep warm than they would in a nice warm barn.
I write this just five days away from the General Election whose result I have never dreaded more These factors demonin my entire life. Our strate the importance of direction of travel has making sure that there for the last 3½ years is a level playing field in as farmers been more the future. If pig meat is uncertain than at any imported into the UK time before. We will from countries using either end up outside cheaper rearing sysof the EU with the tems, our farmers will scary prospect of be undercut and will go trade deals with dodgy out of business, and we countries, exposed to will completely lose WTO rules and the control of the welfare of vagaries of our nation- A record 27 piglets with their mother in a farrowing crate. the animals we conal government's polisume. cies for agriculture and the envimonth-old calves, so the first ronment. Or we may ultimately night was a bit noisy with a lot of Please don't ignore animal welremain inside the EU, with a fair mooing! fare. UK standards are among market for our produce but a the highest in the world; we have The rather controversial film thoroughly unsatisfactory set high standards, at a considerabout meat and the planet on Common Agricultural Policy on able cost. If we just buy the BBC TV a few weeks ago raises which we may be able to bring cheapest from abroad produced a few important issues. It used some positive influence by rein cruel systems, we undermine mostly footage from foreign farmengaging with the EU. all that progress. ing systems, most of which were The wet weather has finally It is down to all of us to undernot a good advertisement for made us give up any attempt to stand the provenance of what we meat eating. keep the cows outside any eat, where it comes from and A farrowing pen may seem cruel longer. We always try to hold off how it was produced. If we don't but actually saves very many as long as possible to save preapprove then we need to convey piglets' lives. If they were in a cious fodder and straw, but the that message with our purchassimple pen, many of the piglets grass has stopped growing so ing patterns. Farmers will always would be squashed by their last week it was time to walk react to the market, and if we mother. them across the farm to their have to learn to grow lentils, In the UK, indoor pig farms are winter quarters at Shepherds chickpeas, and vegetables, allowed to use a farrowing crate Corner. instead of grass and grain to until the piglets are weaned, but feed to animals, then if the cliThe ground being so wet, their then the sow must return to a mate will allow it, we will do it. heavy hooves have made a fine yard with other sows. In other mess of our formerly pristine There is a huge discussion to be countries around the world sows verges along the way. Some had regarding animals, manure, may be kept in stalls or crates all timely rolling will need to be done mixed farming, soil health, pasyear round and are cheaper to in the spring to put this right. ture fed meat and carbon capkeep, needing no bedding and Before housing, the cows were ture from the atmosphere, but I fewer buildings. separated from their now ninewill leave that for another day. Outdoor systems, generally
January 2020
Town’s first literary festival hailed a story of success BLANDFORD'S first Literary Festival ended with welldeserved praise for the organisers after a week-long series of events at various venues in the town featuring more than 30 authors. The words continued to flow in the Esme Butler youth writing competition for which entries closed on December 15, with plans for a prizegiving in January, and at the Yuletide Festival with poetry readings at the Cedar Tree in the Anchor Arcade. At the Literary Festival launch in the Woodhouse Gardens pavilion, Town Councillor Haydn White, representing the Mayor Lynn Lindsay, recalled that he had been the schoolteacher of the late Esme Butler, who in 2016 was the main organiser of the Blandford Power of Words festival. He thanked all those involved in organising and opening the festival in her memory. Her husband Dave Butler said she had wanted the Power of Words to be repeated annually, but it was not to be. "She would have been thrilled at the amazing line-up of literary events and that a youth writing competition is being held in her name." Highlights of the festival were a number of sold-out author presentations, an Italian literary supper with Rosanna Ley, afternoon tea with Fanny Charles and Gaye Pirrie-Weir, an evening with the great great-grandson of Charles Dickens, adults and children's events in Blandford Library, the Fashion Museum and Town
Museum, poetry and writing workshops, an exhibition by the Dorset Writers' Network, and an innovative 'Reading Up' panel show, hosted and devised by Sam James and scored by Simone Wallis-Macdonald, in which four authors faced questions scoring points for the humour and accuracy of their answers. At the post-festival party at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery Tap, Louise Bliss, one of the trio who first had the idea of staging a Literary Festival, said they wanted it to be about readers as well as writers, and to showcase established, new and emerging talent. She thanked all those who had sponsored events, offered their premises as one of over a dozen venues or helped in any way to develop the concept, which she said had "grown organically". Finola Brennan described the success of the youth programme which saw authors Jo Earlam and Tamsin Cooke visiting primary schools in Spetisbury, Blandford and Durweston, and of the Poetry in the Café competition which attracted over 100 entries, judged by Dorothea Russell, and won by Katherine Beeks. The two local charities promoted as part of the festival, Blandford Read Easy and Blandford Youth & Community Centre, spoke of their work, and Dorset's High Sheriff Philip Warr spoke of the pivotal role of words and books in his theme for the year of civilising Dorset and said that Blandford provided an exciting backdrop for the festival.
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The Literary Festival organiser, Louise Bliss, Finola Brennan and Paula Harmon, with treasurer Kirsty Astin and IT assistant Sim Sansford with Dave Butler and Haydn White at the launch in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion. TEDDY Rocks have announced the headliners for their festival in May as The Amazons and The Fratellis, on Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3 respectively. More bands are expected to be unveiled over the coming months for the three-day festival, which will open on Friday May 1 at Charisworth Farm, Thornicombe. The successful 2019 event saw over £107,000 raised to help fight children's cancer. See teddyrocks.co.uk.
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January 2020
Lawyers’ charity aid recognised THE efforts of law firm Blanchards Bailey in raising funds for vital research has been honoured by Cancer Research UK.
Clare Moore, director of legacies at Cancer Research UK said: "We're so grateful to Blanchards Bailey for supporting us in our will writing partnership. The generosity of people using the servThe award-winning Blandfordice every year makes a huge based firm has been working with impact to our research." the charity for 20 years and has • Another facilitated more than Blanchards Bailey half-a-million pounds team member, of gifts from people graduate legal choosing to remember executive Meggie the charity in their will. Crane, has been As well as giving guidfeted for saving a ance and support to client £40,000 in those wishing to write inheritance tax or update a will, the after a single firm offers advice meeting. about leaving a legaShe identified the cy gift to the charity. saving during a Senior associate free consultation Emma Needham was Meggie Crane, who saved a about a will when presented with a silver client £40,000 in inheritance the client visited tax after a single meeting. award certificate, to collect it. which is now on disThe specialist in play at the firm's Stour Park main estate administration and planheadquarters. ning, wills and power of attorney Gifts in wills now fund more than said: "We routinely meet with a third of Cancer Research UK's clients in this way to ensure they research in its aim to increase are not overlooking something adult survival of cancer to three important and to offer advice in four people by 2034. generally."
Blandfords Bailey's Emma Needham with the silver award certificate presented by Cancer Research UK's Gemma Saunders in recognition of the firm facilitating donations of more than £500,000 through legacies in wills. Meggie, who is recognised for excellence in the UK's leading law sector directory, the Legal 500, said: "The Inheritance Tax Laws, and those relating to the Residence Nil Rate Band in par-
ticular, can be extremely difficult to navigate and this is just one of many examples of how taking expert legal advice from the outset can have huge benefits in the long run."
News from the Surgeries Discover that Happy Healthy You! The Blandford Group Practice are holding another of their 'HAPPY HEALTHY YOU' events on January 9 from 10am until 1pm in the Corn Exchange, Blandford. Happy Healthy You events have been established for two years now and are held every three months or so. Local health-related groups gather together - in a different location each time - to let people know what services and help they have to offer in order to improve people's wellbeing. Groups coming so far: Weight Watchers Knees Up Rob Lukins Fitness Bowel Screening Slimming World Disability Action Group (DAG) Blood pressure and cholesterol checks Come along and see what is available in your community to help YOU achieve a healthier lifestyle. And for regular Health Champions activities, see the back page listings and further information at The Blandford Group Practice Health Champion on Facebook or calendars in the surgeries and Blandford Day Centre. For Type 2 diabetes expert patient talks, therapy through gardening in Fontmell Magna, square dancing, table tennis. children's arts & crafts during school holidays, health coaching, PTSD support and bereavement counselling, and for further information on other groups or to volunteer, contact Sara (Social Prescribing Lead) on 01258 452501. COMING SOON: An opportunity for new mums to chat with other new mums and hear from guest speakers with all the information needed before baby arrives. THE Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club is hosting its ninth annual Potato Fayre at Pimperne Village Hall on Sunday January 26 between 10.30am and 1.30pm, providing an opportunity to buy seed and tuber potatoes, onion sets, shallots, garlic, Heritage & Heirloom Seeds, fruit trees, rhubarb crowns and much more. For further details call 01258 454491.
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January 2020
Community rallies to help club A SERIES of events to give Bryanston Club a future has helped improve its financial situation since September, when members were warned it was in debt. Chairman Tony Beale thanked everyone for the support received, saying: "We really have seen everyone turn out to help its survival. That is what a community is. "We have been approached by some new groups enquiring about the use of the club, and if anyone else would like to hire out the Portman Room or merely use a corner of the bar for a
A busy scene at the baby/kids tabletop sale at Bryanston Club. meeting or such, then do email us. We are not out of the woods yet, but if we continue to see this improvement of attendance via events or bookings of the party room, then Bryanston Club will have that chance to survive.'' Alongside the monthly quiz and bingo nights, pool and darts on
non-league match nights, and skittles which can be hired out for a fun activity, there has been an October meat draw and race night, in November the club's first ever baby/kids tabletop sale and a successful Clive Smith Band night, where customers enjoyed the 60s music, and Clive was
thanked for his support of the club and his great Elvis impression. December saw another band, Rockwaves, and strippers released on the premises for the first time in years in the form of Adonis Unzipped with Comedy Drag Queen.
Scents of the past stir happy memories RESIDENTS at Blandford Grange care home in Milldown Road, Blandford, featured on BBC South Today following an innovative focus on sensory activities designed to support people living with dementia. Bridget Townsend, activities coordinator at the home, has created a comprehensive programme of activities focused on stimulating a multitude of senses, as well as taking into account residents' spiritual and emotional wellbeing. A special focus on the sense of smell and reminiscence has received great feedback from all residents involved. Familiar or nostalgic scents such as coal fires, carbolic soap, tobacco, matches and pepper-
mint activate what is called the olfactory memory - smell receptors connected to a part of the brain that processes memories and emotions and is said to be something that rarely degrades with age, even in those living with dementia. Bridget said: "The senses play a major part in the reminiscence programmes that we run here and the sense of smell immediately takes you back to a distinct moment in time. "A former college friend of mine works for Aroma Prime, which makes cubes filled with a specially formulated oil, recreating a wide range of smells, and our residents have really enjoyed a number of aromatherapy ses-
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sions and games using these." Asked how the varying smells of yesteryear make her feel, Margaret Sibley, a resident at Blandford Grange said: "I think
it's lovely. Getting back the oldfashioned smells; I love the old smells. It's nice to go back and remember the things of the old days."
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January 2020
Schools’ teamwork pays off as ‘Les Mis’ is hailed a triumph AUDIENCES gave standing ovations to the students of The Blandford and Bryanston Schools for their joint production of 'Les Miserables - School Edition' at the Coade Hall in Bryanston. This first collaboration on a theatrical project, which took over six months from initial concept to final production, working around two completely different academic timetables, demonstrated what can be achieved in the combined talent, skills and facilities of the two schools with professional input. Whether in lead or support roles, members of the huge cast were all fully engaged in scenes, alternating between great pathos and exuberance, with strong vocal performances which only rarely struggled to be heard over the powerful music from the largely professional orchestra. The characters of Victor Hugo's epic novel about the reformed
convict who devotes his life to helping others before and during the Paris Uprising of 1832 have become almost household names thanks to the musical based on it. In this production, some of the leading roles were shared, giving more students the opportunity to demonstrate their talent and maturity. There was deserved applause on the Friday for each of the soloists, the longest and loudest for 'Bring Him Home' by Jacob R, who played Jean Valjean throughout. Similarly applauded were Baden D as anti-hero Javert, who after pursuing Valjean as a criminal throughout his life recognises his mistake and is driven to suicide skilfully portrayed as he threw himself from a bridge into the river Seine - and Libby de R as Fantine, Emilia D as her daughter Cosette, Emma W as Eponine, • To Page 21
Valjean (played by Jacob R) faces gunfire on the barricade.
The students who become the revolutionaries.
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January 2020
North Dorset's parliamentary candidates meet sixth-formers from The Blandford School at their election hustings.
Marius (played by Arthur D), Cosette (played by Emilia D), and Jean Valjean (played by Jacob R). • From Page 20 Aaron P-S as revolutionaries leader Enroljas, Sylvester M and Perdy V as bar owners the Thernadiers and Arthur D as Marius. Other students/revolutionaries were played by Wilf W (Bossuet), Connor W (Grantaire), Chris P-R (Feuilly), Matt H (Courfeyrac), Alex G (Prouvaire), Bobbo P (Combeferre) and Charlie B (street boy Gavroche). The shared roles in other performances were played by Theo B (Lavert), Poppy T (Fantine), May P (Cosette), and Molly C (Eponine), with Maddy H and Jasmine C sharing the role of
Little Cosette, and Mike K and Stephen W the offstage voice of the army officer. The use of the revolving stage contributed not only to the smooth scene changes and movement of actors, but also and particularly to the shocking tableau of the barricade strewn with the bodies of the slain revolutionaries on either side. Directed by the schools' two heads of performing arts, Duncan Fowler-Watt of Bryanston and Lucy Bowerman-Ellis, with musical direction by Bryanston's assistant director of music Xavier Iles, it was a resounding triumph, not unlike the show's rousing finale. NB
The leader of the revolutionaries Enjolras (played by Aaron P-S) and Bossuet (played by Wilf W).
Students quiz candidates THE Blandford School sixth-form welcomed candidates from the four parties standing in the North Dorset constituency for an election husting. Simon Hoare (Conservatives), Pat Osborne (Labour), David Chadwick (Liberal Democrats) and Ken Huggins (Green Party) answered questions submitted by students on a range of issues. They included tackling climate change, reducing the use of plastics, tuition fees and student loans, improving transport links in Dorset, and whether a second referendum on Brexit would be democratic. All students in Years 12 and 13, some of whom were eligible to vote in the election, took part in the husting. The event, chaired by assistant head of sixth-form Jason Langford, was designed to engage young people in the democratic process and provide inspiration for a mock election that took place in the school on December 12.
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Father Christmas with Pimperne Primary School children, left to right Poppy Pearce, Millie Pickering, Oliver Lillington and Jacob Brewer at the PTA Christmas fayre.
January 2020
School fayre hits its fundraising target PIMPERNE Primary School PTA's first-ever Christmas fayre in the village hall raised over ÂŁ1,800, reaching its fundraising target to build a new all-weather running track at the school. The track will be used daily by more than 200 children when they complete their 'morning mile'. Visitors were treated to an array of stalls, including homemade crafts, a Christmas hamper raffle, silent auction and tombola, as well as homemade cakes and refreshments. Father Christmas and his helpers also gave out presents to all the children in the grotto. Samantha Lillington, chairperson of the PTA, said: "It was a great success and the school and PTA would like to thank all the local businesses who supported the event by providing raffle and silent auction prizes, Blandford Lions Club for loaning their Christmas grotto scenery, Riverside Taxis for helping transport the scenery to the venue, Crazy Monsters for providing Queen Elsa from Frozen to meet and greet the children and
Peter Davies, who helped throughout the afternoon. We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the event sponsor Andrews Plant Hire." The fayre will be a key event in the school's fundraising calendar, which includes the next PTA event, an Easter fayre in March. For details email pimperneprimarypta@gmail.com. • THE KS2 Fitness group Outdoor Blast from Pimperne Primary visited R. Lukins fitness gym in the village. Jess, in Year 6, writes of their experience: "After jogging up to the gym, from school, we were greeted by Rob Lukins. He gave us a tour of the gym facilities and answered some questions. "We were amazed by the variety of fitness machines and weights. After the tour, Mrs Bemand (teacher), led us in some circuit training in one of the studios. "We would like to thank Rob and his team for allowing us to come and visit and learn about the facilities available in Pimperne."
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January 2020
NORTH Dorset Triathlon Club took over the Blandford Parkrun, providing 27 volunteer roles including a dozen running pacers. Taking part were 206 runners, 36 of whom set personal bests, and everyone had a fantastic time on a very fresh morning. A club spokesman said: "Thank you to everyone who volunteered and a huge congratulations to all the dedicated runners who came along to make Parkrun the amazing atmosphere that it always is." Members also took time to send special thanks to Autotechnics Blandford for being the club's main sponsor for this year, which has allowed a number of new coaches to become qualified and existing coaches to take their learning to the next level.
Tri Club set the pace
North Dorset Triathlon Club members say thanks to their sponsor Autotechnics.
Equestrian centre is galloping ahead FOLLOWING extensive refurbishment and development of its facilities, Bryanston Equestrian Centre has enjoyed its most successful year with a record number of pupils. It is now looking to build on its growing reputation in this specialist area, says Bryanston's head of riding Sophie Starr. "From humble beginnings, the centre has grown to become a widely respected resource and environment for developing the skills of young riders," she said. "It has continued to evolve and develop over the past two decades. Former pupils have gone on to achieve considerable success at major international events and secure fulfilling equine careers. "Today's pupils benefit from truly first-class facilities and unprecedented access to expertise that will help to ensure they fulfil their full potential - including Bryanston's dedicated performance sport programme and input from one of the world's most respected experts in
horse and rider performance analysis. "Having the right environment, support and encouragement is vital for any youngster looking to fulfil their potential in a particular sport." The centre, which has been highly commended by the British Horse Society (BHS), features a range of outdoor arenas for show jumping and dressage, an indoor training school, cross-country schooling fields and extensive hacking options around the school's 400-acre estate. There is a team of BHS-qualified grooms and coaches, a full stable complex and bespoke care for pupils' horses. A dedicated performance development suite, created as part of the school's major investment in facilities to promote sporting excellence, supports the development of young sportsmen and women who excel in their chosen sport, including equestrian. Pupils compete at inter-school equestrian events as well as affiliated and unaffiliated events in all disciplines and benefit from
Bryanston pupil Poppy Preston receives instructions from the school's head of riding, Sophie Starr. exclusive access to the advice and guidance of Russell Guire, a highly respected authority on biomechanics who continues to play a key role in helping riders on both the World Class Programme and Team GB.
24 2020 Wednesday January 1: 25th annual New Year's Day Vintage & Classic Vehicle rally, Station Road, Sturminster Newton, 11am, vehicles on display from 9.30am Annual Tractor Run leaving from Clapcotts Farm at 12 noon, Fireworks & Bonfire with hotdogs and mulled wine at 4pm in aid of Spetisbury Church Friday January 3: U3A Bridge group, every first and third Friday, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 2pm, details 01258 450544 Shillingstone English Barn Dance evening (every First Friday) at the Portman Hall, Blandford Rd DT11 0SF. 7.30 for 7.45, details 01258 861184 Friday to Sunday January 3-5: Oh No It Isn't present Blandford's pantomime 'The Beauty Sleeping', Blandford Corn Exchange (Friday and Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm), book online at ohnoitisntpanto.co.uk or at the Town Council Offices 01258 454500 Sunday January 5: Dorset Ramblers meet Fiddleford Manor CP 10.15am for a 5-mile woods and river walk. Lunch at Fiddleford Inn. Details: jenny.newman@zen.co.uk Wednesday January 8: Blandford Film Society presents 'Everybody Knows’ (Spain 2018 drama), The Blandford School, 7 for 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 268139 Film Night, 'All at Sea' (12A), Charlton Marshall New Village Hall, doors open 7.15pm, tickets £6, details 01258 48831 Dorset Moviola showing ‘Blinded by the Light’, Fontmell Magna Village Hall, 7 for 7.30pm. Friday January 10: Blandford Evening Women's Institute meets 7pm,The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, proposed WI Resolutions for 2020/1 Friday and Saturday January 10 and 11: Shroton village pantomime Robin Hood, Shroton Village Hall, 7.30pm and Saturday matinee 2.30pm, tickets from The Cricketers Saturday January 11: Christmas tree chipping by Okeford Tree Care, Child Okeford village hall car park, 10am to 12 noon, donations to Macmillan Cancer Support and the Village Hall Monday January 13: Community AED (Defibrillator) Awareness session, Brewery Hall, Blandford St Mary, 6.30pm Child Okeford Centre for Care and Learning, chairman’s Downer's Island Discs with Richard Hall of DRMS and readings, The Ark room, St Nicholas School, Child Okeford, 7.30pm,
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.
January 2020 Friday and Saturday January 24 and 25: Iwerne Minster Pantomime at the Village Club, 7.30pm Saturday January 25: Child Okeford Gardeners' Club Wassail Evening, supper and entertainment, Child Okeford Village Hall, details and tickets childokefordgardenersclub@gmai l.com or 01258 860750 Blandford Museum Archaeology Group quiz and fish supper, Blandford Parish Centre, 7pm, booking essential (tickets £8) from 01258 452831 Charity Quiz Night, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, 8pm Sunday January 26: Potato Fayre with bulbs, seeds and plants, hosted by Blandford Museum Victorian Garden, Pimperne Village Hall, 10.30am to 1.30pm, details 01258 454491
The North Dorset Trailway was awash with Santas for the second time in a month when Blandford Stour Rotary hosted their Santa Stride and more than 60 humans and canines of all shapes and sizes turned out to walk, run or cycle from Station Court in Blandford towards Stourpaine and back in the name of charity. Their event followed closely on that the week before of Sturminster Newton Rotary which started from Station Road in Sturminster Newton and came towards Shillingstone. Perhaps one day they will meet! tickets 01258 860767 Tuesday January 14: Tarrant Gunville WI Quiz and Social Evening at Tarrant Gunville Village Hall 7.15 pm. £4 for nonmembers includes supper Wednesday January 15: Dorset Wildlife Trust North Dorset branch meets Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0PF), 7.30pm, Wildflower Wonders by Dr Bob Gibbons Thursday January 16: Blandford Museum Archaeology Group talk at the Museum 7.30pm 'Aerial photography and Archaeology' with Claire Pinder, Dorset Council Senior Archaeologist Friday January 17: Royal Opera House screening of Sleeping Beauty, Coade Hall, Bryanston School, 7.30pm Saturday January 18: Cats' Protection League coffee morning & stalls at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 9.30am to 12.30pm Poacher's Moon present 'Seafarers', Pimperne Village Hall, 7.30pm, tickets £9 from 01258 452661 or on the door Sunday January 19: The People's String Foundation - Res Publica, Tarrant Gunville Village Hall, 7.30pm, tickets 07977 591694 or artsreach.co.uk Tuesday January 21: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club floral demonstration by Kingston Maurward students, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm, details 01258 863775
Wednesday January 22: Blandford Forum Film Society presents 'Apostasy' ( UK 2010 drama) The Blandford School, 7 for 7.45pm, guest tickets 01258 268139 Thursday to Saturday January 23 to 25: Tarrant Valley Players present 'Birk - an unlikely fairytale adventure', Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall, 7.30pm (Sat mat 2.30pm), tickets 01258 453399
Dorset Ramblers meet at Stourhead NT CP 10.15am for a 5-mile walk and optional pm 2.5mile walk, details jenny.newman@zen.co.uk Monday January 27: Superfast Dorset Digital Champion session, Blandford Library, 4 to 6pm, details 01258 452075 Friday January 31: Blandford & District U3A presents: ‘It shouldn't happen to a vet’ by Martin Fielding, Durweston Village Hall, 2pm, details 01258 455081 An Evening with Kate Adie, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm, tickets Town Council office Royal Opera House screening of La Bohème, Coade Hall, Bryanston School, 7.30pm
Health Champions regular activities Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Peer Support - Mondays, 13pm, Blandford Connect Beginners Running - Wednesday mornings 9am on the Milldown Crafts with Mary - Wednesdays, 2-4pm, Blandford Youth Club. Leg Club - Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am, for dressing and a cuppa (Nurses) Cycling - Wednesdays 2pm, various locations, contact Hilary 07909 622898 and ‘Is It Wheely Wednesday’, contact Dilys on 01258 860157 Nordic Walking - Friday mornings, start points vary, contact 01258 458350 Gardening - Fridays, 10am-3pm, Blandford Connect Type 2 Diabetes Peer Support - 1st Wednesday, 7.30pm British Legion, contact 01258 880883 Step Ahead for carers of those living with Dementia: 1st Wednesday, 1.30-3.30pm, Blandford Connect Macular Degeneration Support - 3rd Wednesday, 10.30-noon, Eagle House Surgery Asthma/COPD Peer Support - Last Thursday, 2-3pm, Blandford Connect Lunch Club - 1st Friday, contact 07850 500552 Women's Mental Health - 2nd and 4th Friday, 10am-12pm, Blandford Youth Club Health Walks - Various throughout the week, contact 01258 458350 Bio-Energy Meditation/Yoga - contact Fiona - 07972 714102 Befriending - To recommend a beneficiary contact Sara 01258 452501 or to volunteer, contact 01258 450095.