Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area
June 2020 Issue No. 99 Est: 2012
Nervous times as first unlocking steps are taken AN easing of the Covid-19 lockdown in the middle of May has caused heart-searching for many local businesses and education leaders. There was anxiety over tentative plans to reopen more shops and businesses by the beginning of June, together with the potential re-opening of schools to some year groups. The concerns also prompted Dorset Council to reintroduce parking charges and its leader, Cllr Spencer Flower, issued a clear message to potential visitors or day trippers to Dorset to 'Please think twice'. Dorset's rate of infection at the time was one of the lowest in the country but the reproduction rate in the south-west region was reported to be the second highest. Many councillors and residents were concerned that new guidance allowing people to travel for exercise might spread the virus and increase the infection rate. How to become 'Covid-19 secure' was the key consideration for all those told they could open their doors, together with how to bring back staff whose children remained at home or had been temporarily laid off. The five schools in the Forum Hub of the Diocese of Salisbury
FORUM FOCUS
Academy Trust (DSAT) Spetisbury, Dunbury, Blandford St Mary, Archbishop Wake and Milldown - have worked closely in collaboration since March to make provision for the children of critical workers and others in need of a place, and home learning for others. DSAT business support administrator Nicola Summerill said: "As we move towards potentially wider opening in June, the schools are all actively planning to welcome children back as safely as possible. "There are many logistical challenges to overcome but plans are being made proactively so that we can respond to the developing situation as and when necessary." Those fearing for their financial security and that of their businesses faced the dilemma of whether or not to return to work. Estate agents and removal companies were able to start making plans for property exchanges which were already in the pipeline when the lockdown came in and others hoping to move in the future. But Mark Pitman, of Pitmans Removals, said: "We have enquiries and moves to complete, but we now face the dilemma of • To Page 2
Charity runners Sonny (left) and Charlie Sweetland.
Brothers’ charity run TWO Blandford brothers have raised hundreds of pounds for the NHS by running laps of their own garden. Inspired by the fundraising efforts of Colonel Tom Moore, who raised millions by walking round his garden in Bedfordshire before his 100th birthday, Charlie and Sonny Sweetland, aged seven and six, badgered their parents to do something similar. So on April 26 they started by running 150 50-metre laps with the aim of doing 500 laps - a total of 15.5 miles - with an appeal on JustGiving for support. It quickly took off among friends and family, and with only 50 laps to go they had raised £335. But publicity, including an interview on BBC Radio Solent which went out live on social media with over 3,400 Facebook views, resulted in funds continuing to arrive. Their mum Laura Sweetland, proprietor of the currently closed Sweetpea Florists in Blandford Market Place, said: "I did a few laps • To Page 3
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Nervous times as lockdown conditions start to ease
FOR the duration of the Covid19 emergency the number of Forum Focus pick-up points has reduced due to the closure of many premises. However, copies may also be found at other points in the town and villages, on our website, and will also be distributed through social media and email. Currently confirmed pickup points are: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Brewery Visitor Centre, Blandford St Mary; Lidl and Bartletts in Shaftesbury Lane; Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S, Langton Road; the Spar Shop in the Market Place; Chaffers and Iceland in Salisbury Street; Whitecliff Surgery in Whitecliff Mill Street; James Newsagents in The Plocks; The Post Office in the Tabernacle; The 3Cs in Damory Street; The Co-op, Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road; Blandford Hospital in Milldown Road; Blandford Connect Day Centre and the Central Shop in Heddington Drive. In the villages: Bryanston Bryanston Club; Child Okeford The Cross Stores; Iwerne Minster - the Post Office; Langfton Long Abbots Nursery; Pimperne Village Hall and church, Shillingstone - Garage and Coop; Spetisbury - Village Hall and Clapcotts Farm; Stourpaine - The White Horse Inn; Tarrant Keyneston - St Richard Close bus stop; Tarrant Launceston and Gunville Farm Shops.
maintenance, and that checks were important after a vehicle "We don't know whether to ask had been idle them to come back when there is for eight weeks. a possibility of the lockdown MVS, who had returning and whether they will be operated for prepared to when people are still only three days nervous about returning to work." a week and priHe said he was currently working oritising blue with the directors of other comlight workers panies to share out the work and carers folavailable. lowing the sudKingshotts of Wessex, kitchen den death of The MoD Covid-19 testing station on the Marsh & Ham car and bathroom specialists, partner Tony park in Blandford. announced that they were getting Vincent, the showroom ready for reopenannounced they were now openpairs only, access to the putting ing Monday to Friday. ing, with signage, handwash stagreen was restricted to two playtions and PPE if required, and Members of Ashley Wood Golf ers at any one time, and the would be running on an appointClub were delighted that the clubhouse remained closed. ment-only basis. course could reopen to members Progress towards easing the on May 13 but following the guidGarages, including Blandford lockdown began nationwide with ance and maintaining social disTyre and Battery Services, the opening of more testing statancing of two metres meant that advised that with extended MoT tions, including one staffed by visitors and societies could not due dates, vehicles could face the military in Blandford's lower attend. Golfers could play in crucial delays to their essential Marsh & Ham car park at the beginning of May. That followed teething problems on April 30 which saw many people turning up for appointments before it had opened. MoD notices posted the next day advised those who had been given appointments to rebook at other sites using their QR codes. The following week it was in regular operation for booked appointments by NHS and care home staff, other key workers and those displaying symptoms who are, or are living with someone, over 65 or with work which Ashley Wood Golf Club vice-captain Andy Smart and his wife Sue back on course. cannot be done from home.
• From Page 1 how to do it with our staff on furlough.
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June 2020
Lockdown in focus AFTER losing most of her work due to the postponement of weddings, photographer Louise Emily started looking around for something to do after she and her partner found themselves at home with the children and came to terms with home schooling. She came up with the idea of helping the Blandford Food Bank by inviting families to have their 'lockdown photo' taken while she was out on her daily exercise. The Blandford Doorstep Project was born, and she invited people to donate £20 to the charity in return for one free copy of a socially distanced photograph of them on their doorsteps, with the option of purchasing more from her gallery at louiseemilyphotography.com/blandford-doorstep-project. She said she did not know that at the time of the millennium, a similar project was carried out by the late town councillor Mike Owen to photograph as many people as possible outside their houses for the Blandford Forum Millennium Portrait. "I wanted to do something but didn't really want to be profiteering from an awful situation, so thought it was a good idea," she said. "It seems to be taking off, which is brilliant."
Cancellations and creativity as the restrictions bite FURTHER cancellations of major events in view of the Covid-19 restrictions have been announced, including the Freedom Parade through Blandford scheduled for June 28 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Signals, which is not being rescheduled. Also cancelled further ahead in the diary are the 2020 Dorset Opera Festival scheduled for the end of July, the 52nd Great Dorset Steam Fair at the end of August, and the open exhibition of Blandford Art Society which was due to take place from August 10-15. All three said it would take a great deal of time and effort to plan events which might then be unable to go ahead due to the restrictions, and they hoped to be back next year. The Cursus Festival, which was due to be held at Sixpenny Handley on May 22-24, has been rescheduled to take place over the late bank holiday weekend on May 27-30, 2021. Tickets are already on sale, and all tickets purchased for 2020 will be valid for 2021. (See cursusfestival.com). Many others are continuing to find further ways of operating under the general lockdown. Law firm Blanchards Bailey is maintaining 'business virtually' during the lockdown after announcing ten promotions,
including two new partners, to strengthen its core and growing sectors following sustained business growth. Paul Dunlop, Blanchards Bailey partner and President of Dorset Law Society, said: "These are challenging times for everyone, but we are able to continue to provide a high-quality service to clients through telephone and video conferencing, email and social media while our offices are temporarily closed." The need for wills and powers of attorney to be kept up to date has been highlighted by partner Ian Campbell, and free advice is being offered on how a will should be signed and witnessed while the lockdown remains in place. The firm is offering complimentary 30-minute initial consultations by phone or video call across the entire spectrum of the firm's specialisms and sectors during the lockdown period. Other local organisations, including Forum Focus, have held virtual meetings, as did Blandford Town Council, some of whose council and committee meetings have been open to the public. Stagecoach Performing Arts are expanding their stagecoachathome.com offering to help students and parents by including longer sessions and additional videos from top tips to masterclasses from performing arts professionals.
Louise Emily's first doorstep picture, of herself and family.
Brothers run for charity • From Page 1 with them, down and up the hill and was exhausted! They've said they will keep on running and that they will keep doing running challenges throughout their lives for the NHS if people keep donating. "We really are so proud of them as they have asked to do this totally off their own backs. They are very grateful for all the support and donations they have had." Laura added: "The shop has been closed since Mother's Day and will remain closed until we feel it is safe to open again. For some time we weren't able to even get flowers delivered but, once we could, I started to do sympathy flowers for funerals which could be delivered to funeral directors without contact, and talk to families over the phone. "I can now offer contactless flower deliveries.”
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June 2020
Low-key celebrations for VE Day THE cancellation of plans for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day over the May 8 weekend due to the Covid-19 restrictions drove many, including Blandford Town Council, to television and social media to celebrate and share the occasion. A pre-recorded message from the Mayor Lynn Lindsay was posted
at midnight on the Town Council Facebook page in which she said the town could be proud of its part in overthrowing the opposing forces during World War II. "Today we find ourselves invoking the same spirit of community that they did in those dark years of the war. As they stuck to it then we must too with our own
VE75 Day in Bayfran Way - one of the many socially distanced gatherings of neighbours across the town.
current challenges," she said. There followed a recording of the Last Post, silence and Reveille, a fanfare to mark the 75th anniversary, bagpipes and the Cry for Peace (see page 12). Social distancing did not prevent a host of gatherings and street parties as people took full advantage of the good weather to share the occasion with their neighbours in front gardens, on driveways and in the largely traffic-free streets. Many homes throughout the area were decorated with flags and bunting. Residents at the Grange Nursing Home in Milldown Road held a two-minute silence at 11am and were entertained by singing duo Aphrodites, staff wearing 1940sthemed clothing, afternoon cream teas and a special rendition of 'We'll Meet Again'. In Pimperne Jackie Vacher organised and decorated the houses and fencing, together with residents of numerous streets. Wartime music provided by Malcolm Bush and delicious cupcakes beautifully decorated with Union Jacks made by Natalie Harper were enjoyed. The Reveille was played on the cornet by resident Diana Frith. Ivy Hudson, now 91, of Pimperne, was ten years old when war broke out, and was being brought up in care with her brothers and sister in a self-contained residential school, leaving only to go to church and for recreation in Shorley Hills. "We didn't know what was going
on. All these double-decker buses arrived. We were given a small carrier bag that contained an apple, a drink and a sandwich. We seemed to drive for ages. "We parked up somewhere and the teachers left us on the bus for lunch without any explanation and it seemed endless. When we arrived at Maidenhead School we had to wait until our name was called. It was dark by the time my sister and I were called and taken to a house where the lady asked if we liked toad-in-the-hole; we did but it wasn't as we knew it." She screamed when a huge dog came running up the path, having never had any dealings with animals. She had never stayed long in any of the houses as the owners, who were paid eight shillings a week, did not want them. "In all I stayed with four different families until I was transferred to High Wycombe where the school I went to taught me my trade of dressmaking." It was her job until she was 18 when she married husband Bill whom she had known for three years. They had been married for 50 years when they moved to Pimperne. Phillip Day, who now lives in Canada, lived throughout the war in Charles Street, Blandford, with his family, and when he and his friend and neighbour Mickey Downes heard the announcement of the war's end, he ran to • To Page 5
Flying the flags in Liddington Crescent, Blandford.
June 2020 • From Page 4 his mum Elaine asking: "Is Daddy coming home?" He was six years old, and had seen his father Geoff, who served with the Royal Artillery in Italy, only twice since the war broke out. She could reply only that they would hear from him when the Army sorted everything out. Many shared their memories of VE Day 75 years ago, including Mike Geary, of Orchard Street, who was 13 on VE Day, living in Teddington, and remembered having a bonfire and going to see Hampton Court illuminated. A neighbour was in Torquay where she had been evacuated and had been bombed. Esme Ware, of Liddington Crescent, was living in London where she had been under constant threat of doodlebugs, and where on VE Day crowds filled Trafalgar Square and the Mall to Buckingham Palace to hear from King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
More VE75 Day pictures on our gallery at forumfocus.co.uk
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V for virtual as virus lockdown means keeping your distance
VE Day 1945 celebrated on the doorsteps in Charles Street, Blandford, sent by Phillip Day from Canada.
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June 2020
Museum to chart the story of the epidemic
Queues and restrictions at the Blandford HRC which reopened on May 11.
Tight restrictions as recycling site opens BLANDFORD'S household recycling centre in Shaftesbury Lane reopened on Monday May 11 along with all but one of the other centres in the county Sherborne remaining closed due to highway concerns. The long queue at opening time lessened during the day after volunteers were brought in to prevent queuing in Shaftesbury Lane and provide site instructions, including the need to stay in their vehicles while waiting and the likely waiting time due to a limit on the number allowed on site.
People have been advised to only visit the HRC if disposal is essential, and to continue storing waste and recycling at home that does not pose a risk to their or others' safety or health. Staff were not able to assist with carrying items which had to be unloaded by only one or a maximum of two people for heavy items. There was contactless payment only for waste types for which charges apply, and the reuse area remained closed to reduce item handling and the time visitors spent on site.
PEOPLE in Blandford, like millions around the world, have had to find ways of coping with the new life that the Covid-19 epidemic has imposed. The Town Museum is in a unique position to collect and archive material for future reference and exhibits to tell the town's story, for example: • How the use of the outside spaces and businesses of Blandford has changed; • The effects of working from home or as a key worker; • How children and young people reacted and coped with schools and colleges closed; • How older and vulnerable people coped with the restrictions placed upon them; • New insights, hobbies or relationships formed during lockdown; • Individual sadness, individual joys;
• Changes that you may intend to keep in your life. A museum spokesperson said: "We want to capture the physical and emotional impact of this experience for future generations and form an exhibition when we reopen. "Work can be done from the safety of our homes at present, but we hope to be able to record songs and personal stories through our Oral History Group in due course. We need both submitted material and volunteers to help with the project." Anyone interested in helping to set up and run the project or with anything to contribute can deliver to the museum through the letterbox, call 01258 450388 or 458911, email contact@blandfordtownmuseum.o rg.uk or find more information on the website: blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk.
Hospital staff’s starring role in Amarillo video STAFF at Blandford Community Hospital appeared in the BBC TV 'Big Night In' in an uplifting video dancing to Tony Christie's 'Is this the way to Amarillo?'. It was one of several videos included in the compilation broadcast as part of comedian Peter Kay's revival of his classic Children in Need sketch. Staff Nurse Tammy Andrews at the community hospital saw Kay's appeal for key workers to create their own film as part of this year's fundraiser and thought it would be perfect for a range of departments to get involved.
The video was filmed by a member of the team and edited by Tammy's nephew. It started at her home, following her to the hospital where other nurses, catering staff, therapy workers and porters jumped in and danced along to the original track. Tammy said: "I wanted to do something that got a range of staff involved to lift everyone's spirits - those at the hospital and our local community. It was great fun to make and it gave us all a boost. It really lifted up the spirits of all the staff at the hospital." • Visit forumfocus.co.uk for pictures.
TOWARDS the end of March in lockdown with Parkinson's Disease, Mike Wells of Tarrant Rushton decided to relieve the boredom by painting pictures for friends on Facebook in return for a donation to Parkinsons UK. By the middle of May he had painted nearly 30 and posted them on YouTube under the title of 'Painting Pictures of People and Pets for Parkinsons'. He said: "I paint quite fast. An artwork takes about two days. My hands go too fast sometimes - most of the paint is on me and the table!"
THE imposition of the Covid-19 lockdown halted the scheduled opening of the Edinburgh Woollen Shop at 48 East Street at the end of March, but plans submitted in February for the redecoration of the shop front and erection of new signage are still being considered by Dorset Council. Town councillors had no objection to the colour scheme which was within the 'Georgian palette' recommended by the 2014 North Dorset Shopfront Design Guide, but objected to two internally illuminated fascia signs on the grounds that the guide did not allow internal illumination.
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Readers’ letters
Questions to be answered IN reply to Colin Young (May letters), surely all of us are happy to see that the Prime Minister has recovered. We need to bear in mind, however, that the 'war' referred to by Mr Young is not yet won and comparisons to Churchill may be a bit early. According to the ONS, we may well end up with the highest number of deaths for any country in Europe. Questions arising from the BBC Panorama chilling report on the lack of PPE going into the crisis and the unusual way of counting what was being distributed will have to be answered. It is also obvious that this is a war that needs to be fought internationally, with help from allies. We are in the middle of the pandemic, not the end. Dr Sylvia Hixson Andrews Blandford
Praise now they need us I AM a registered nurse and am gratified by the support and thanks from the general public. But in June 2017 the Conservative government defeated a Labour amendment to lift the pay cap on the public sector which would have included doctors and nurses. 323 MPs voted down the propos-
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
als: these included Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, Matt Hancock, Dominic Raab, Rishi Sunak and last but not least the local MP Simon Hoare. Now that they need us, they are falling over themselves to praise us. "The dedication and enthusiasm of our staff gives us a huge amount to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who works tirelessly for our wonderful NHS" - Simon Hoare, Facebook, July 5, 2018. "From a grateful nation, thank you for all you are doing" Simon Hoare, Twitter in response to an ICU nurse April 1, 2020. "Very good news indeed and testimony to the skill and dedication of the NHS staff" - Simon Hoare, Twitter April 9, 2020, on PM leaving hospital. Memories are short but political opportunism is always there. Jenny (name & address supplied).
My wartime memories READING in May's Forum Focus about Dorset's front-line role in the conflict during the war reminded me as a young schoolboy I was living at Bussey Stool just outside Tarrant Gunville in one of the farm's two cottages. My memories tell me of a searchlight unit situated on the side of a bank just beyond our home. They would pick up the German planes in their beams as they flew over. I also remember a German plane being shot down and it landed just a little further up on the side
June 2020 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.
of the hill. The dead pilots were then taken by horse and cart to the farm and put in a shed until someone, I think from the Ministry, came to collect them. There were about four or five RAF men who had to guard the plane until it was removed. We used to keep chickens, and when a soldier or RAF man went on leave, my parents would give them perhaps one or two eggs to take home wrapped in newspaper and put in a tiny little bag to give to their parents. They thought this was marvellous because of the rationing at the time. These were not good times, but they are memories. Alan Dennis Berkeley Road, Pimperne
My plea to dog owners THIS is a plea to all dog owners. Dorset Council stipulates in their newsletter that all dogs should be kept on leads in public places during this difficult time so we can all enjoy our exercise. My grand-daughter was recently walking in Stour Meadows with her 18-month-old son when they were approached by an alsatian running around loose. My granddaughter spoke to the owner who told her the dog was not intimidated by children. Her reply was that children and adults may be intimidated by the dog, whose face was obviously at eye level with her son's face. Please, dog owners, be more considerate and keep your dogs under control. We are not all lovers of your animals and do not want them sniffing around us when we are out - and PLEASE
don't leave a heap of mess on the grass. H. Rawles Blandford St. Mary
‘Reckless’ spending IN my opinion Blandford Town Council were reckless in paying £24,000 for the initial part of a contract with Western Design Architect Company, whose services "were dispensed with after delay in supplying promised plans etc." Can someone please explain this? If the council was purchasing a product which was later rejected, a refund could be demanded. This extravagant exercise by the council appears to be incompetence, not by WDA - good luck to them - but the council for agreeing to pay up front without some guarantee of the WDA design being the right one. The council then appoint another company, Ingham Pinnock Associates, to "progress the project". Who's to know if their services will be rejected and another £24,000 wasted? Name & address supplied TOWN councillors have agreed to improve security for their receptionist and other staff after damage was caused during a weekend hiring and incidents involving verbal altercations with members of the public. A new layout to improve the safety and security of staff within and out of office opening hours will extend the top of the existing desk to the ceiling, using laminated clear glass in two sections with sliding glass windows and a new door at a cost of £2,774 plus VAT.
June 2020
Lockdown housing plans causing worry to villagers CONCERN is mounting at a growing number of development proposals in DT11 villages during the current lockdown. Objectors to an application in Stourpaine have highlighted difficulty in accessing the documents online. One objector has asked how, in the current state of lockdown, they can be sure that all residents are aware of an application which could have a huge impact on them and have been unable to discuss it, when some are in isolation, others do not have access to the internet, and many do not use virtual means of communication. The outline application to demolish garages and develop land behind Hod View with up to 30 affordable homes was validated on April 1. Parsons and Joyce Contractors Ltd say they are working with Sovereign House Association to build on the site, which is outside but next to the Stourpaine settlement boundary. The proposal for two-storey semi-detached and terraced homes includes six one- bedroomed, 18 twobedroomed, five three-bedroomed and one fourbedroomed homes. But more than a dozen objectors, up to the consultation deadline of May 8, said the access from the already congested Hod View is inadequate, the adverse impact on the AONB, impact on wildlife, the balance of affordable homes in one part of the village, and village services and infrastructure where
transport to schools is difficult and there has been flooding and utility failures. In Child Okeford, there had been more than 80 public objections by the middle of May to an outline application, submitted at the end of March to Dorset Council for 28 homes on the site of the Beehive Self Storage company. An earlier application for 68 dwellings on the site was refused last October after a succession of proposals by the same applicant, Paddock Green, and by Beehive Self Storage for development and/or change of use of the site. A second outline application by ELT Bournemouth Ltd for up to 29 dwellings at the other end of the village on land off Haywards Lane, west of Allen Close, to which there have been over 40 public objections, is awaiting determination by the council. Pre-application consultation is being carried out on a proposal for more than 60 new homes opposite the Beehive off Lower Common Road. Leaper Land Promotion say they are working with the landowner, award-winning architect Pollard Thomas Edwards, and planning consultancy Rural Solutions, on a proposal for 65 new custom and self-build homes. Decisions are also still awaited on a major application submitted over a year ago by Hallam Land Management for up to 70 dwellings on land in Charlton Marshall, and 14 homes off Manor Farm Close in Pimperne.
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‘Threat’ to Hardy land MORE than 3,000 people have signed a petition in a campaign against a threat to the landscape surrounding Dorchester and the parish where Thomas Hardy's heart is buried by a suggested 3,500-home development north of the county town. It comes in response to the potential allocation in the new Dorset Local Plan being drawn up by Dorset Council for consultation of a site between Stinsford and Charminster - an area just north of the water meadows and River Frome which is at least one-and-a-half times the size of the Poundbury development. It is being promoted by the North Dorchester Consortium, a group of developers and landowners backed by housebuilders Persimmon and Grainger, a private rental company. For further information about the proposal and the petition against it see stand-dorchester.net.
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June 2020
Objections force rethink of arts project shed plans
The shed behind Nightingale Court viewed from the Langton Road substation.
Flats plan a net gain THE Charity of William Williams, which owns the Grade I listed houses built by the Bastard brothers on either side of Bere's Yard in the Market Place, has applied for change of use of the former antiques shop in Bere's Buildings at the rear to two twobedroomed flats. Town councillors had no objection to what was described as a regrettable loss of retail premises, but a net gain to the town in terms of accommodation close to the town centre and outside the primary shopping area.
They commented that it conformed with policies in the draft neighbourhood plan and the conversion and overall impact of the change in the conservation area would be minimal. They also had no objection to the creation of a dwelling behind Floribunda in East Street, bringing the first-floor and rooms behind the shop back into muchneeded accommodation with limited impact on neighbouring properties to offer further additional town centre accommodation outside the primary shopping area.
OBJECTIONS to a formal planning application for the change of use of land at the rear of Nightingale Court, Blandford, and erection of two wooden sheds as part of the creation of a community arts project on the vacant plot of land have resulted in the application being withdrawn. Some local residents raised concerns about the proposal from artist Kate Seeger, who organises the annual Free Expression Arts Festival. Blandford Town Council objected, saying the location of the wooden sheds was out of context with the spatial character and materials within the historic burgage plots. They also felt the development failed to preserve or enhance the gateway entrance to the Conservation Area or the setting of the neighbouring listed buildings, noting that two sheds in poor condition already existed on the site. They recognised, however, that the plot and bridge leading via a permissive footpath through Nightingale Court from the substation in Langton Road car park to East Street required enhancement, and said they would welcome suggestions on how this might be achieved. Ms Seeger said she was concerned that some comments from the town council and conservation officer were misleading,
including the reference to the historic wall of Chestnut House and impact on the view. "The wall is modern and all you can see are the modern extensions to the original Chestnut House," she said. "It will enhance by transforming a gravel area with weeds backing onto a modern wall and telegraph pole with plants, landscaping and a seating area where people can appreciate the site's historic significance. "I had the opportunity of a lowcost and free shed before Christmas but had nowhere to store it. It was only ever meant to be a low-cost temporary arrangement to give a community arts studio a trial run, and a key element in getting support for the arts festival. "All I am trying to do is something good for the town and I was not expecting this backlash for a shed and temporary building on private land." She has now painted the sheds and removed the tarpaulin sheeting covering them. "I would have started the work earlier, but first came the winds and rain, then the planning issues, and then lockdown." She said with all the uncertainty she would withdraw the application with a view to resubmitting after being able to explain her plans more fully to the town council and general public.
Digital help hotline FOR those finding it difficult to rely on digital online services and applications for the first time to get shopping, order prescriptions or other daily tasks, there is a new free telephone hotline set up in response to the Covid-19 lockdown. The Dorset Digital Hotline on 01305 221000 (Option 2) is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 12 noon to provide support for people with IT and digital problems of all kinds. Advisers can provide help to get online for home shopping, support for digital NHS services and e-Consult, setting up video calls, use of digital appliances and use of digital to exercise at home and keep fit. The hotline is run by a group of versatile and experienced volunteers, made up mostly of retired IT professionals and some Dorset Council staff. The Diverse Abilities Team is also available on 0300 330 5514, open weekdays from 9am until 1.30pm to help those trying to make disability benefit applications and appeals. Advice team manager Elaine Ewing said: "The disability minister, Justin Tomlinson, recently announced a current 62 per cent drop in new disability benefit claims compared to January and suggested that this may be due to people being unable to access help with the application process given the current global pandemic."
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June 2020
Treatment for trees A REPORT in the April issue Forum Focus about Blandford volunteers helping to plant trees in Swanage prompted an enquiry over who was responsible for the maintenance of the avenue of beech trees on the Wimborne Road beyond the bypass. The enquirer suggested that they were in need of trimming back before they started encroaching on the highway. It was thought they might have been originally planted by Blandford Town Council, although they are beyond the town boundary. But further research revealed that they were planted as an extension of the avenue of beech which runs
from Kingston Lacy back towards Blandford by the then 'Men of the Trees' - now Trees for Dorset and the same organisation which had been planting in Swanage. A spokesman for Dorset Council said the trees were planted on highway verges with permission from the relevant highway officer, and there was currently nothing wrong with them from a safety point of view but they would need some attention in the not-too-distant future. Trees for Dorset had now been contacted and confirmed that they are responsible for their maintenance and will arrange some pruning within the next 12 months.
Veteran Lion Jack Talbot dies at 90 BLANDFORD & District Lions Club has paid tribute to its longest serving member, John (Jack) William Talbot, who died on Sunday May 3 at Castleman House Nursing Home, Blandford. Club president and secretary Tony Ives said: "Lion Jack would have completed 45 years of service with the Blandford Lions Club this September and had celebrated his 90th birthday in April. "In Lions he will be remembered for running the 100 club for 35 years; as club secretary for 10 years, and organising charity clay pigeon shooting events alongside his late wife Wendy, whose sudden passing some 20 years ago was a dreadful blow to him from which he never really recovered." He served with the 20th Royal Corps of Signals and saw active service in Aden, before returning to Blandford Camp and settling in Blandford with Wendy, whom he met while in service. They lived first on Blandford Camp, and then in Manningford Road before he became a resident at Castleman
OBITUARY House. His funeral was held at Poole Crematorium on May 22, with a service open to only 10 mourners from immediate family and friends due to the lockdown. Donations to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund by cheque or internet only (no cash), and cards and messages were directed through the funeral director Colin J Close. • Jill Marie MABBUTT (née WOOLARD). Passed away suddenly at Salisbury Hospital on April 26, aged 76 years. Cherished daughter of Honor (Nora), much loved wife of Peter, adored Mum of Joanne, Richard and James, and treasured Granny to Georgia, Alexander, Archie and Alice. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Enquiries or donations if desired for Parkinson's UK, c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service. THE Revd Canon Tim Goodbody (left), who served as curate at Blandford and Langton Long from 1998 to 2002 and is currently Priest in Charge of the Pilgrim Parishes in the Dunmow and Stansted Deanery of Chelmsford Diocese, has been appointed as the next Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO). He was due to begin his new role on May 4 to succeed the retiring Revd Canon Philip Need.
The beech trees along the Wimborne road.
Funding plea deferred AN application for grant funding to a support group for people living with dementia and their carers has been deferred by town councillors until such time as the group's meetings can resume. The application came from 'In Jolly Good Company' (injollygoodcompany.com), set up in January last year by a former Alzheimer's Society worker who ran the Blandford Memory Café, which has ceased following the charity's focus on a new programme matching newly diagnosed people with volunteers and Dementia Friendly Communities. The group usually meets at the United Reformed Church in Blandford, alternating on Thursday afternoons with the Alzheimer's Society's continuing 'Singing for the Brain'.
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June 2020
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June 2020
School’s computer student helps fight against coronavirus A SIXTH-former at Bryanston School has led a drive to support a pioneering medical research programme that is helping to find a cure for coronavirus. Tristram Waters, an 18-year-old computer science student, researched and developed a plan to capitalise on the school's computing resources to support a ground-breaking US research programme that is playing a key role in searching for effective treatment of Covid-19 and other viral diseases. Tristram's initiative has led to Bryanston providing spare capacity on its computer network during the school shutdown to support one of the world's largest crowd-sourced computational biology programmes, Folding@home. Co-ordinated and managed by scientists at Stanford University in California, its pioneering work is now being used to find out more about the viral proteins associated with the coronavirus and help in the development of an effective treatment. Tristram has followed Bryanston's guided learning programme during the national lockdown but has used much of his spare time researching and following online tutorials to build his own computer at home. He discovered the opportunity to offer the spare processing power of his new computer in support of the research programme, and
Bryanston has followed his initiative by contributing spare computing capacity to boost the processing power available, completing well over 150 work units in just the first four days. Tristram said: "It's a tough time for everyone at the moment but it's a great feeling to know that I'm doing something that could really help us get to grips with this awful disease. "Knowing I have spent four years building up to important exams which are no longer taking place has been extremely frustrating. "I wanted to do something positive, where I could try to use my skills to do something that could really make a difference. I'm really pleased I came across the Folding@home programme as it is playing a direct and vitally important role in helping us to overcome the current pandemic, and I can provide tangible support without even leaving my home." Andrew Barnes, director of technology at Bryanston, says Tristram's initiative has been truly inspirational, especially during a period of such uncertainty. "His resolve and commitment have turned a feeling of helplessness into something very fulfilling, both for himself and, ultimately, for every one of us. We were delighted to follow his lead as, in the current circumstances, much of our processing power was simply dormant."
TBS team steps up PRODUCTION of face shields by the design technology team of The Blandford School has increased, and by the end of April Dave Luxon and his team had made nearly 300 supplied to local businesses, care homes and NHS services. Sally Wilson, headteacher, said how proud she is of staff and delighted that the school is supporting the community at this time. Recipients of the shields have included Poole Hospital radiography department, two local care homes, carers for adults with SEN who are supporting them in the home, the Forum School, St Ann's Hospital, Poole and the Spire cancer ward in Southampton. Local businesses have included a food delivery team, a funeral director and Long Crichel Bakery. The manufacturing capability was massively boosted by a donation of 20 large polypropylene sheets from the Gillingham-based business Dorset Italian and clear acetate provided by local jam and preserve makers From Blandford with Love.
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Bryanston student Tristram Waters
Support for crime victims VICTIM Support Dorset are urging anyone affected by crime to selfrefer to their service for the support they need to move forward. Understanding that becoming a victim of crime on top of feeling anxious and isolated during these unprecedented times can be very difficult to cope with, they offer a confidential and free service which is available to all victims of crime regardless of whether it has been reported or how long ago it happened. Self-referrals for one to one support with a trained caseworker or supporter can be made by calling 0300 3030 163, open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and on Tuesday and Thursday until 8pm. There is also a confidential live chat service on their webpage victimsupport.org.uk and the national support line free on 0808 1689 111 available 24/7.
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The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk
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Dust, not drift, from the sprayer. T comes to something when what looks like drift from the ground, avoiding overdosing, sprayer is actually dust thrown possible damage to the crop and up by its wheels in the tramlines. wasting spray or fertiliser. Most of April was so dry that this A drawback of the modern chemwas a common occurrence with istry that we use to keep our early-season fertiliser and spray crops healthy is that most of it is applications. It is a good demonprotective, rather than curative, stration of the low drift nozzles meaning that for it to be effecon our sprayer. (See video on tive, you need to apply it before the website). a disease strikes. Once the disWe try hard to avoid drift, by ease becomes visible on the keeping water pressure low, by plant leaf you keeping the need curative boom close to action and there the target crop, is precious little by not driving of this available. too fast or operWe pay great ating in strong attention to wind, and by weather condiusing nozzles tions, to past perwhich admit a formance of varismall amount of ous chemicals air just ahead of and crop varithe spray nozzle eties in similar orifice, which conditions, and has the effect of to mixing chemireducing the cals to try to prenumber of tiny vent resistance drift-susceptible developing. droplets. Wild garlic in the wood. This seems to Drift can damresonate with the Covid problem; age neighbouring crops, alarm one vaccine may not be enough spectators, and waste spray, and to stop it in its tracks. We try to it is down to responsible operaapply at the best possible timing, tors to keep it to as little as posto make sure the plants are well sible. Our sprayer is guided by fed and healthy in other respects, GPS, and the nozzles automatiand use different varieties, with cally open only when they are different susceptibility to dispositioned over unsprayed
eases, in different areas of the farm. This has been a spectacular spring for wild flowers. A fresh snowfall of wild garlic in four-acre wood near Knighton House forms a beautiful white carpet stretching from almost one end to the other. It was right at the peak of its beauty this weekend and in less than a month will be a shrivelled and brown remnant, rapidly returning to the soil. Another seasonal miracle in the woodland is of course the bluebell. If the forest floor is not white, then very often it is blue, dotted with pinpricks of white in the form of wood anemone, greater stitchwort or sweet woodruff. Don't these names just make you want to rush off to the woods and soak them up? There has been a group of cows and calves in Wynchard since mid-April. Turnout was a bit of a rush as the weather improved, and we had only managed an emergency water supply, and no extra fencing. Eventually we found time to install new swimming pool-sized troughs and erect enough fence to divide the field into eight paddocks to aid management of the grass. The cows have had a first bite and
June 2020 seem to approve of the mixture of herbs in the mix. Vetches, clover and plantain are already prominent, with Lucerne, chicory and sainfoin not far behind. The intention is that the nitrogen fixing elements will supply the grasses with food, and the whole combines to provide a healthy and tasty diet for the animals. Elsewhere on the farm, we are having our first stab at growing beans for 10 years or so, the leaves of all the plants are showing evidence of grazing by the pea and bean weevil. How does it get around so quickly with its pinking shears? In a rash moment in March, we decided to leave a six-acre part of an over-wintered cover crop growing in a field which should have been sown to poppies, with the idea of harvesting it for the seed, to use in sowing next year's cover crops, saving a few bob. Right now it is a delight, all the constituents are flowering, and the bees are loving it. Phacelia, white linseed, vetches and crimson clover are all claiming attention with pretty blooms. A friend in the seed trade tells me we might have a bit of a caper harvesting it, akin to trying to combine a mattress!
A spectacular spring for flowers, wild and sown as a cover-crop.
June 2020
Camera Club news AFTER the disappointment of having to cut the season short and cancel their annual exhibition, the committee and members of Blandford Forum Camera Club decided to utilise modern technology and host an Easter photographic competition. Norman Carey judged the 48 images entered and using Zoom they were able to hear his critique and see the images. During the traditional break the members had a little catch-up and see some familiar faces via the video link. The high standard of images saw Norman hold back 18 images after which he managed to narrow it down to the final four: 1, Double Vision by Sally Chaloner; 2, Laura in a Fur Hat by Bob Harrison; 3, Pulteney Bridge by Marilyn Peddle; and highly commended - Corbieres by Marilyn Peddle. Further competitions are scheduled over the coming months using a similar format following this successful evening. Find out more on their website bfcclub.co.uk.
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United front for football clubs BLANDFORD's two football clubs, Blandford United and AFC Blandford, have merged. In a joint statement, they said: "It was apparent that neither club would achieve their goals whilst in constant battle for local players and financial support from local businesses. "There will now be three Blandford United teams: the first team in the Dorset Premier League, the second team to continue in Division One, and a third team to be entered into either Division Three or Four, which will hopefully be playing at The Blandford School. "AFC will now be the Sunday side which will play at Park Road and will be all under one account so
everyone is working together." The statement added: "The club now have a large proactive committee to back up the decent playing squads we have to help push this club on and off the pitch. "All being well we are looking to start pre-season training on June 23 and now with three teams we will be looking for new players and coaching staff to help with the players' demands." Blandford United, based at Park Road, were placed eighth in the Dorset Premier League before it was voided amid the COVID-19 crisis, while AFC Blandford, which started in 2007 and played at Stourpaine, were 13th in the Dorset Senior League.
Lockdown halts pavilion work THE planned official opening of the new Blandford Cricket Club pavilion and clubhouse was postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown. But work has been continuing at Park Road recreation ground to prepare the new building for the hoped-for start of the season. The restrictions not only prevented the gathering proposed for the end of April, but also meant that Wessex Water, who were within days of carrying out the work, were unable to provide a connection to the mains, and the plumbers were unable to finish. Spokesman Tom Snape said: "Most of the plumbing and electrical work has been completed but cannot be finished without a water supply. Currently we are taking it in turns to paint the inside of the club in a tasteful magnolia - except for the dazzling blue of the floor in the toilets and shower area.
Robin’s escape THE discovery at Blandford's Lamperd's Field allotments in April of a robin's nest (left) was in the nick of time - it was in a bag of weeds ready to go to the dump. So be warned: now the tip has reopened, be careful and check for wildlife first. Fortunately the nest and its precious contents were spared, and two weeks later on May 9 the clutch of eggs was found to have hatched (right) to reveal a number of hungry mouths!
"The club have, through crowd funding, raised £1,500 to buy kitchen units but cannot yet get them delivered. Once delivered, one of our members will fit the kitchen." He said the English Cricket Board was hopeful that arrangements might be announced for team sports for family groups, and Dorset Cricket League were planning to start a truncated season in July. Town councillors have agreed to make a £20,000 loan but to charge interest to the registered Community Amateur Sports Club which now needs to focus on building up reserves, but still needs to fund essential security shutters costing £14,800. Mr Snape said that with an extended 25-year tenure document they could apply for a £10,000 grant from the Dorset Cricket Board, which would mean the town council's loan could be repaid more quickly.
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June 2020
PLANS in BRIEF Support for restaurant TOWN councillors have urged that an application for the change of use of rear ground and first floors of 8 West Street to a café should be considered by Dorset Council's northern planning committee if planning officers are considering its refusal. They have made no objection to the alterations to the former Café Soba which has been vacant and out of use for some time and has become an eyesore in the con-
servation area. They say the design is in keeping with existing shop frontages and the addition of a restaurant would help to enhance this part of the town. Earlier this year they supported a linked application by Jerry Soylemez for the removal of fireplaces and a false chimney breast on the ground floor at the rear, to which there had been objections from the conservation officer.
Dental expansion plans
THE appearance of this year's clutch of cygnets on the river Stour brought joy to Lisa Ferns when she and her family took their daily exercise on VE75 Day. "It was wonderful to see them, and definitely brought a smile to all our faces," she said. We are grateful to her for sharing her photographs on social media and with Forum Focus to bring joy to many others, who were thrilled to see the young family of nine youngsters closely guarded by their mum and dad.
Estate artwork must wait THE installation of the public art planned for the Persimmon Estate has been postponed until the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and Blandford Town Council staff have returned to the office. Tim Ward from Circling the Square confirmed in March that fabricators were still working on the benches, but the groundwork contractor was not available to do the excavations and prepare the base of the canopy. The town council provided details of a local contractor, but also asked that the installation be postponed, to which Mr Ward agreed.
CONVERSION of the retail unit at 16 East Street into a dental practice and ground floor of neighbouring 14 East Street to retail with a single-storey rear extension has been supported by town councillors in recognition of the urgent need for additional dental facilities in the town. They said the extension would not impact negatively on the conservation area but would
enhance the capability of the practice to meet the needs of modern dental practice, and the design would help to enhance the lower end of East Street. Mr V S Barath's application to extend from the premises next door is now being considered by Dorset Council following the relocation of the Linen Basket from 16 East Street to new premises in West Street.
Masons’ dwelling proposal THE Blandford Masonic Lodge is seeking permission for conversion of the ground floor of the disused and derelict 25 West Street and part of the ground floor of 27 West Street beneath the Lodge into a single dwelling. A planning application to Dorset Council on behalf of the Lodge of
Honour & Friendship has been supported by Blandford town councillors, who say that the building, outside the primary shopping area and not a retail unit, is in need of repair and restoration, so the work will enhance the appearance of the conservation area.
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