February 2021 Forum Focus by Sevensioux

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

February 2021 Issue No.107 Est: 2012

GP Dr Madeleine Ford with the first members of the public to receive their vaccinations at the Whitecliff Surgery. Above left, she advises Doreen Wort on what to expect and above right, she administers the jab to Doreen’s husband Tony.

The fightback has begun THE arrival of the first delivery of vaccine to Blandford surgery just days after the start of the third lockdown came as some relief to many who had been asking since before Christmas when they would hear about their appointments. A number of people reported on social media that they had been able to secure a vaccination at other centres such as hospitals in the county and towns across the country, while others said that booked appointments had been cancelled when the vaccine did not arrive. But the first members of the public to be vaccinated at the surgery were Doreen and Tony Wort, of Ryan Court, who were invited to attend immediately after the arrival of the first batch of vaccine on Thursday January 7, when surgery staff and key workers also received their jab. Doreen, 83, a former catering assistant at Blandford Camp for 22 years and bellringer at Pimperne church, proudly said she was still working, helping with lambing at her son's farm in Sixpenny Handley.

FORUM FOCUS

Tony, 85, is a former lorry driver but more vulnerable as a diabetic and had been offered a vaccination at Dorchester, but was delighted when it was cancelled so that he was able to receive his closer to home. Both received their vaccinations from Dr Madeleine Ford after being asked a series of questions to confirm they were able to have them - the ice-breaker being to ask whether they were pregnant! - and were given clear instructions and guidance by staff on the need to wait 15 minutes before leaving the surgery

and what they should do afterwards. The surgery was one of three GP-led practices in northern Dorset which started offering vaccinations that week, along with 11 others already operating across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. By the end of Friday January 15, 2,750 people had been vaccinated by the Blandford team, including those in all the care homes, and a plan was being put together to vaccinate the housebound. • Letters: Page 12

But Blandford’s toll on the increase BLANDFORD Town was reported to have the second highest number of active cases within the Dorset Council area in the first week of January. There were 46 positive tests, and single cases were reported at two local primary schools - Pimperne on January 11 and Archbishop Wake on January 14 - requiring

www.forumfocus.co.uk

staff and students who had come into close contact to self-isolate for 10 days and get tested if they developed symptoms. Chief officers and directors of all hospitals and health bodies in the county stressed the importance of everyone playing their part to stop the spread of the new Covid-19 variant. • To Page 3

@forumfocus

February 2021

FORUM FOCUS CONTRIBUTING

CONTACTS

Forum Focus welcomes the submission of articles and reports from clubs and societies but asks that they are kept to a maximum of 200 words. If you have pictures you would like to share with us, our readers and our website visitors, please send them, with brief descriptions, by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk. Low resolution pictures cannot be printed in the paper.

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

ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk

Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

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

DEADLINES Adverts: Wednesday February 10 Editorial: Thursday February 11 Deliveries from Thursday February 25 View future deadlines on our website.

OUR ADVERTISERS Please support our advertisers who have given us their support. All material published in Forum Focus (either in the magazine or the website), including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, Forum Focus accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in the publication or on the website.

Where to find Forum Focus

Evening parking charges dropped in council u-turn

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 we hope it will again be in re-opened village pubs and venues, in addition to publishing on our website and distribution through social media and email. Currently confirmed pickup points are: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Tesco and Homebase, 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; 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; Central Shop in Heddington Drive. Sturminster Newton: The Emporium and shops in Market Square, The Exchange. In the villages: Bryanston Bryanston Club; Child Okeford The Cross Stores; Iwerne Minster - the Post Office; Langfton Long Abbots Nursery; Pimperne phone box 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.

A U-TURN by Dorset Council on its plan to introduce parking charges until 8pm in its car parks has been welcomed by Blandford town councillors, businesses and residents, but disappointment that there has been no change to the decision to charge on Sundays. Amended proposals were presented to Cabinet on December 8 and agreed after concerns were expressed by many at the announcement, without consultation, of the extra evening and Sunday charges, together with increases in some towns on the coast. Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, who had initially announced the changes for introduction in January, said: "We have listened to the concerns around the changes to car parking arrangements and amended our recommendations accordingly. "The new changes strike a balance between supporting our town centres and high streets, as well as ensuring charging is fair and can sustain our car parks across the county." Sunday charging will now come into effect on February 1 and further amendments to car parking arrangements, including residents' and shoppers' permits, which have been the subject of a public consultation, will be discussed later in the year. Town and parish councils are also being offered 'free days' for

special events. Councillor Roger Carter said: "Obviously, the withdrawal of the evening charges are to be welcomed. A resident's or shopper's parking permit will still leave people with permits unable to find a parking space near their house. This will be especially true for our narrow Victorian and Edwardian streets.

"I would suggest to Cllr Bryan to keep an open mind on flexible approaches - especially when it comes to encouraging local businesses with short-term free parking, free car parks such as the Stour Meadows which encourage people to park outside the town and walk in, and a modest increase in local charges to offset loss of parking elsewhere."

Crackdown on the takeaway litterbugs A RECENT increase in singleuse takeaway cups littering streets and filling public bins is being targeted by Litter Free Dorset. The group's co-ordinator Sophie Colley was due to meet with Blandford Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles in January to discuss that and the problem of cigarette litter. The county organisation has been working with Wimborne War on Waste to contact cafés across Dorset about takeaway cups and a poster has been created to share with cafés with reusable cups to encourage people to start using them again. It has been offered with the help of Blandford War on Waste to a number of local cafés. Councillor Hugo Mieville, a member of Blandford War on

Waste, said three cafés had refused - two on environmental health grounds and one a national chain which does not accept notices - but the overall impression was that cafés were pleased to help and use reusable cups. Mrs Scott-Giles said Sophie felt cigarette litter needed to be treated separately as a different approach was needed, and a 'Bin Your Butt' campaign was ready to go if enthusiastic volunteers could be found to implement it with posters and portable ashtrays.

February 2021

Volunteers step up to help in the battle VOLUNTEERS again furloughed from their usual employment swung back into action to help collect prescriptions and shopping for those shielding when the third lockdown began, and many more came forward to help with delivery of the vaccination programme at Whitecliff Surgery. A rota to help both outside and inside the surgery was set up by Derek Andrews of Blandford Rotary, who through contacts within his club, the Blandford Stour Club and Lions, together with a plea on Facebook, within days had a list of over 100 names. "Everyone is just so keen to help in any small way they can. We only get short notice of having to set up a team, as the surgery gets equally short notice of when the next delivery is," he said. "The first time the surgery used up every bit of vaccine they had which is really good news. Surgery staff and patients alike have expressed their thanks to everyone, outside and in for their

assistance." To help as the programme continues, contact Derek by email to dandvandrews@waitrose.com.

Situation is grave but more vaccine centres on stream FURTHER vaccination locations were becoming available throughout Dorset during January, including the county's large vaccination centre at the Bournemouth International Centre which opened its doors on January 18. But the advice remains that the vaccine is being made available in Dorset in line with national guidance, and in a number of ways, to enable easier access for as many people as possible. People who have been identified nationally by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as the highest priority will be invited first. Others should not contact the NHS but should wait to be contacted. When they are, they should attend their booked appointments, and if they cannot they should let the NHS know so that they can offer the slot to someone else, and wait to be called again. Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and

Poole Councils, said the following week: "We're pleased to see the vaccination programme continuing to expand and being offered from more sites across Dorset. "However, we are in the early stages of the vaccine rollout and the announcement of another national lockdown should serve as a reminder to everyone that we are still in a very serious situation. "While the vaccine offers us some hope of a return to a more normal way of life, the rise in case rates across Dorset and BCP Council areas is extremely concerning." North Dorset MP Simon Hoare urged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity when offered. He said: "It is the numbers of the vaccinated that will help shape the timetable for getting out of lockdown. Anti-vaxers and other conspiracy theorists can, and I say this politely, frankly keep their baseless views to themselves and stop muddying the waters."

Infections rise in Blandford â&#x20AC;˘ From Page 1 In their open letter to Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, health chiefs said: "The single most important actions we can all take now are to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. If we all follow the measures set out by the government, we will reduce transmission and protect the most vulnerable in our communities and our local NHS." They asked everyone to continue accessing health services wisely and safely, through local pharmacists, GPs, Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injuries units at Weymouth, Bridport, Swanage, Shaftesbury and Wimborne, to continue to attend NHS services for booked appointments or procedures as notified. For urgent mental health support people should call the 24/7 Connection helpline on 0800 652 0190, or NHS 111, to be signposted to the right service.

Rotarians and a Blandford Lion ready to marshal the traffic

Ten-year-old Finley Stimpson, who with his parents coaxed an injured swan to safety so that it could be rescued.

February 2021

Family persistence pays off as injured swan is rescued AN injured swan was finally rescued and taken to the Swan Rescue Centre in Ringwood after a 10-year-old boy and his father successfully coaxed it out of the river and on to the bank near the Preetz bridge on the meadows at Blandford. It took Finley Stimpson and his mum and dad Miranda and Mike six days of keeping watch on the stricken animal and persuading it on to the bank with food before Steve Guy, of the Blandford Laundrette, became aware of the rescue and was able to attend with a cage in which the swan could be transported to the rescue centre. Mr Guy said: "We think it was one of this year's nine cygnets, two of which are still in the swan hospital after badly injuring themselves flying into the Mortain Bridge. It is now being treated for its injuries and we hope it can be returned to the river when it is well." Mike said: "I coaxed it up the bank by the bridge closest to the old twin arches with well-aimed bread-throwing. I think Steve was shocked to be honest. There was an altercation between two swans while we were feeding them just after Christmas. We noticed this one couldn't fly and was trying to flee on foot. "Each day after that, Miranda,

The injured swan, safely captured and on its way to the rescue centre. Finley and I went to feed it and try to figure out how to get it to safety. My wife contacted the rescue centre and they referred us to Steve and his wife who also tried to catch it the day before we caught it. Steve came to try to assist on a few separate occasions. We learnt more after each attempt so it was very satisfying to eventually catch it. "We've agreed to help Steve with any other local incidents if he requires assistance. Finley has a real fascination in swans. We have been feeding them since the first lockdown last March and he wants to work at a sanctuary when he's older."

Legal challenge causes planning decision delay THE protracted wait for a decision on the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan, which has been delayed by the need for a legal challenge to be resolved, continues. Blandford town councillors were told at their January planning committee that Dorset Council had had to employ a special counsel to look carefully at the challenge, and it had taken much longer than anticipated due to the counsel being unfamiliar with the situation, the Neighbourhood Plan documentation being abundant and complex and the Covid crisis. Assistant town clerk Sybille Maddock said: "We have been assured that our Neighbourhood

Plan will not be determined by Wyatt's planning application or the determination of the Dorset Local Plan. "In the latter, Dorset Council has identified the land north-east of Blandford as development land with the addition of the Waites piece of land between the proposed Wyatt development and Black Lane. "A meeting was held on January 6, but a further meeting needs to be held and therefore we are still waiting for the decision statement from Dorset Council." Councillors had been told in November that a decision on the legal status was expected in two weeks.

February 2021

Trishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honour recognises charity role helping disabled artists through Covid BLANDFORD resident Trish Wheatley has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours in recognition of the range of support offered by her charity to disabled artists during the coronavirus pandemic. She has been chief executive of Disability Arts Online (DAO) since 2011, having previously worked in the arts and on the Disability Arts programme for disabled artists at Holton Lee. During 2020 she spearheaded the support given to disabled artists through one-to-one sessions and streamed digital events, providing work for artists and writers and helping to apply for emergency funds. DAO is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, and has received funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Worshipful Company of Grocers and Sussex Community Foundation's Crisis Fund. Her co-chairs, Dennis Queen and Amy Zamarripa Solis, said: "We are so proud of Trish and all our staff and board at DAO, who worked extra hard in 2020, due to the pandemic. "Trish has managed us all through this period, and not only has DAO stayed on target, but we have also continued to improve our reach and run exciting new projects. "Her idea of creating Covid Commissions for

Trish Wheatley BEM, chief executive of Disability Arts Online. disabled artists has been a literal lifeline, as many of us have lost all, or most of, our work. We are delighted that Covid Commissions have been so successful and look forward to running more commissions very soon." Trish said: "It's extremely humbling to be recognised in this way after a year when thousands of people have shown extraordinary acts of kindness to support their communities. As already a remote working organisation

DAO was in a strong position to support where it was needed. "I recognise that many are uncomfortable with the terminology still used by the honours system for recognising individuals and projects that have gone the extra mile, but feel strongly that this is a rare opportunity to spotlight and celebrate DAO's work nationally. "The public service for which I am being recognised was in truth 100 per cent a team effort and I am using this platform to ensure the whole team is recognised for their contribution this year. "I'm honoured to be part of the UK Disability Arts community, having found a vocation working for disabled artists over the last 15 years. This year has been particularly hard on disabled artists with the vast majority longterm shielding and the arts industry facing the worst of times. We've lost dear friends and colleagues too, and 2021 is going to be tough in a different way. "We have set up a new Covid Commissions fundraiser to support disabled artists with more commissions in 2021 and continue the great work that artists and Disability Arts Online did in 2020." To contribute, go to givey.com/covidcommissions2021

Online pharmacy gets the go-ahead despite objections AN application for a distance selling pharmacy at the former Carphone Warehouse premises at 25 Salisbury Street, Blandford, has been granted by the Pharmaceutical Regulations Service Committee. P&D Cards, who have a distance selling pharmacy in Ferndown, made the application for the retail premises only 30 metres north of the Boots pharmacy at 10-14 Salisbury Street. Boots UK, who recently closed their pharmacy at 3 Salisbury Street, were among those making representations and expressing concerns about the application, which was supported by Blandford Town Council. The committee, which considered the application on November 20, had some concern that the applicant had another distance selling pharmacy less than a 30-minute drive away, but concluded it had to consider the application on its merits since the regulations said

The former Carphone Warehouse premises, currently empty. nothing about the number or proximity of multiple sites a contractor could have. Concerns raised by the Dorset Local Pharmaceutical Committee and Boots UK included the safety of faxed prescriptions, the need to maintain services to the whole of the country, appropriateness of the premises, the lack of provision of advanced services, delivery and return of controlled drugs, the applicant's promotional material and the high street location which could

lead to patients trying to access services directly. The Blandford Group practice also questioned the availability of skilled staff and the potential financial impact on the practice, its ability to continue to deliver services and the issues healthcare providers in the area struggle with. The Patient Participation Group of The Grove Medical Centre in Sherborne expressed concerns about the impact on existing high street pharmacies and existing problems with 'online supply'. The committee was satisfied that the premises were not adjacent or close to or in the same building as other chemist premises or providers of primary medical services with a patient list, and that essential services could safely and effectively be secured without interruption during opening hours for people everywhere in England and without face-toface contact. The application was granted with third-party appeal rights to Boots UK, whose nearby pharmacy was noted to be an unrelated business. â&#x20AC;˘ A distance selling pharmacy cannot provide services face-toface or on the premises and can only receive prescriptions online or by post and dispense them by courier.

Mercedes expansion ETS Truck & Van in Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz roll call of authorised repairers, allowing locally based operators of their trucks to receive back-up. The Poole-based company, which has provided commercial vehicle repair and maintenance since 1994, expanded with its new branch in Blandford when it bought the commercial vehicle maintenance facility next to Amberley Labels in October 2019. Managing director Colin Gale and his son Darren, the operations director, approached Mercedes-Benz, with whom Colin last worked as a member of its commercial vehicle network over 25 years ago, after learning another company was to shut its workshop in Poole.

February 2021

Railway bid to extend the track alongside Trailway NORTH Dorset Railway, based at Shillingstone station, has taken the next step in its development by submitting a planning application to double the length of its track. The plan is to extend a single line 380 metres from the current northern limit of the station, over Lamb House Bridge, towards Bere Marsh Farm. Lamb House Bridge was recently saved from demolition following a campaign fought by the local community and NDR to retain it as an important historic local asset, and the latest plans include restoration of the bridge. The objective is to enable the railway to run alongside the popular North Dorset Trailway, enhancing both the Trailway and biodiversity along the former railway embankment. Consultation with the Dorset Countryside Service and Trailway Network, together with advice from a professional ecology consultant, have been incorporated into the proposals. A request for an environmental screening opinion was submitted last July and a biodiversity plan has been prepared and submitted. The planning application will now be checked by the council prior to all documents becoming publicly available on the Dorset Council planning website. David Caddy, chairman of North Dorset Railway, said: "North Dorset Railway has consulted carefully, explained its proposals and listened to advice and recommendations from our neighbours, the parish council and those with an interest in the trailway. We take our environment seriously and we shall continue to communicate and consult as restoration work proceeds." Project manager Nigel Eveleigh said: "The longer-term aim is to operate a heritage railway from Shillingstone to Sturminster Newton which would bring considerable benefits to the town. The town's recently approved Neighbourhood Plan makes some encouraging references to the possibility."

February 2021

Final stop signalled for ‘Lidl’ bus THE 'Lidl bus', which has for the last three years been circling the town - originally to and from Lidl but more recently including Tesco - is due to be withdrawn on Saturday February 13. The contract for the service with Morebus expired on December 31 and Morebus have said that they are unable to continue running it without funding. The service was provided with a subsidy of more than £250,000 which was made a condition of approval of the building of the Lidl supermarket in Shaftesbury Lane.

It has continued to run half-hourly on the same route around the town but in the opposite direction to the X8 return service to Poole, frequently within minutes of each other. Town Clerk Linda Scott Giles told town councillors at their meeting in December that she had asked for more information on costs and numbers using the service. Members agreed that the £91k annually provided by Lidl was beyond their means and Councillor Steve Hitchings said engaging with a different supplier

Paving may go on trial A TRIAL area of asphalt paving in Sheep Market Hill in November received overwhelming support from members of the public and those who would like to see all the town centre paving slabs changed. But town councillors were told in December by Councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, who as a member of Dorset Council together with Councillor Byron Quayle, has been working with highway officers to source the replacement, that the feedback was also that people would prefer to see slabs similar to those that currently exist. He said a slab alternative had been found which is non-slip and has a long lifetime but is more expensive than the coloured asphalt which had been trialled. It is hoped that the new slab can also be trialled so that a final decision can be made.

might have reduced costs but the service level agreement was drawn up with Morebus. Councillor Byron Quayle said: "The service could have been so much better. It was always going to struggle for the numbers and obvious that it wouldn't be viable just going round the town. It is very frustrating that we are now exactly where we thought we would be." His fellow county councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke said: "We have pushed for more funding, but Blandford has the single most funded route in the whole of Dorset (Dorchester to Blandford) and a second heavily funded service (Blandford to Salisbury)." The Blandford Town Team were advised in a reply to a recent enquiry about the service that some town councils are supporting town centre public bus routes and running community bus services. Chairman Nic Nicol said: "The expiry of the X8A sees the end of an inflexible service level agreement and an invariably empty bus service.

"The aspiration for less traffic in the town centre was a top priority in the responses to the recent town centre recovery survey. The overriding priority for Blandford and the long-held view of town councillors and Town Team members alike - is for a traffic plan that removes the requirement for vehicles to pass through the town centre to get to the north of the town, and key locations like the Community Hospital and the Blandford Group Practice. "Bus services such as the X8, and X8A service which it supplemented, are important, as is persuading us all to make greater use of public transport, as an essential part of transport policy, and to reduce town centre traffic congestion and motor vehicle pollution, which is hugely detrimental to the health of young people in particular. "Unfortunately this key issue is not reflected in Dorset Council's climate and ecology emergency strategy, and is not evident in its transport policies. We look to our Dorset councillors to help make it so."

Lacey adds star quality A BRIGHT star appeared on the top of the Christmas tree in the garden of the Crown Hotel the week before Christmas thanks to a toddler who wrote to managing director Anthony Woodhouse asking why there wasn't one. Five-year-old Lacey Church of Bryanston noticed the absence when she and her mum Jennifer drove past, and spent all night writing and decorating a letter which was posted, with mum's help, to the brewery boss offering to help him climb the ladder to put up a star to make people smile. Mr Woodhouse had a better idea and wrote back agreeing a star was needed. He called in his friends from Blandford fire station, who in 2018 had successfully fought to save the brewery when fire destroyed the empty warehouse behind it, to help put the finishing touches to the tree on their training night. The lights of the then fully 'dressed' tree were turned on, watched by Lacey and her mum.

February 2021

Consultation on brewery retirement homes plan McCARTHY & Stone have launched a neighbourhood consultation on their proposals for a retirement home complex within the former brewery site at Blandford St Mary. The land on which they have acquired an option from Homes England, which purchased the site from Hall & Woodhouse, lies behind the remaining brewery and next to the area on which 89 homes are currently being developed by Drew Homes. The three-storey single L-shaped building will look out on to the new Stour Street in the Drew Homes development and Stour Meadows, giving views through the site over the meadows, and incorporate traditional materials and local architectural features. The 45 one- and two-bedroom apartments are planned to provide older residents with a home for sale, part-rent part-buy and rent with communal facilities, including a shared lounge and a hotel-style guest suite, garden

needed. "We strongly believe that this development will be an asset to Blandford and represents an ideal opportunity to regenerate a brownfield site and An artist's impression of the planned McCarthy assist in meeting an acknowledged and grow& Stone retirement home complex. ing local housing need, spaces with exterior seating as well as releasing under-occuarea, 33 on-site car parking pied family homes back into the spaces and cycle and mobility local housing chain." scooter storage. DORSET Council is considering Vehicle access into the site will a planning application to demolbe from Bournemouth Road, with ish Larksmead House at 101 pedestrian links to connect into Salisbury Road, Blandford, and the adjoining development, build nine homes. The existing including the Mortain bridge and vehicle access will be modified nearby open spaces. and 20 parking spaces providThe company has been building ed. retirement homes since 1977 An application in 2001 for demand has sold over 58,000 apartolition and replacement with five ments across more than 1,300 houses and garages was developments. It says the numrefused. But an application in ber of over-55s in North Dorset is 2003 for demolition and predicted to rise by 34 per cent replacement with ten flats was up to 2033, and that over 1,000 approved but has now expired. homes for older people will be

February 2021

Volunteers shocked as saplings are cut back VOLUNTEERS who manage Angus Wood in St Leonard's Avenue on behalf of the Woodland Trust were horrified on New Year's Eve to discover that young hazel trees planted some years ago had been cut back to half their height. The trees close to the boundary and fence at the back of gardens in The Mount had grown to six- to eight- foot high but have been reduced, without the owners' permission, to three to four feet.

Jenny Thompson, chairman of the Blandford Environmental Trust, the charity which manages the woodland, said: "The trees were planted by our volunteer team supervised by a qualified forester about eight years ago. "The planned hazel hedge was to protect the privacy of residents in the adjacent houses in The Mount, at their request, in 2011. The saplings have been carefully looked after ever since and fortunately will regrow. "As the eventual outcome was to be a trained

Work underway on estate entrance WORK was due to start in the middle of January to create the new entrance off the A354 to the Bellway Homes development south of Blandford St Mary. The works are estimated to take around 13 weeks, and Dorset Council have asked that as much of the highway work is done during the lockdown period as possible. Two-way signals were due to be in operation, together with a temporary 30mph speed limit, and another work team was due to carry out drainage works on Church Lane, Blandford St Mary, under a temporary road closure. By the end of the month, work was expected to start on the new entrance off the A350, which will be managed with multi-way signals and is expected to take four to six weeks. Extended working hours and seven-day working has been sought to get the work done as quickly as possible and could be carried out overnight if lockdown measures are lifted.

A leaflet drop was planned for the local area, together with advanced warning signage and automated message boards notifying drivers of the works. Residents had until January 29 to comment on a proposal by Dorset Council to drop the speed limit permanently on the A354 at the Badger roundabout from 60mph to 50mph. If approved, the change would see the reduced limit implemented from 590 metres west of the junction and at the immediate entrances to the other three turnings on the roundabout. A council notice explaining the reasons for the proposals said the change was needed "to regulate or reduce the speed of vehicles to a level which drivers can readily meet the general dangers which may be expected on these roads". But the reduction in speed limit had been sought by many responding in 2019 to the planning application for the development.

Busy youth centre in need of more helpers BLANDFORD Youth & Community Centre is looking for further trustees and volunteers after a year which has seen it remain busy despite Covid. Manager Jo Hutson told town councillors that alongside their one-to-one and online work, they had co-ordinated food parcels and prescription pickups. When restrictions were lifted, up to 15 young people were able to return to the centre and those able had redecorated the first floor with paint donated

by local stores. The centre also offered outreach once a week, including working with the police to remind young people to adhere to the social distancing rules. A new website is being set up, one of their hirers has offered help with book-keeping, and they have been able to secure a new volunteer. But they are still hoping to recruit new trustees and volunteers. For information call 07825 876813 or email jo.clarkebyc@gmail.com.

The damaged saplings.

hedge six- to seven-feet high, we hope that no permanent harm has been done. Legal action can be taken if growing trees are damaged on Woodland Trust or private land." She said it was not yet known who was responsible and that damage rarely occurs in the woodland which is open to the public and popular with dog walkers and others enjoying the wildlife friendly environment. Anyone witnessing bad behaviour can report it to blandfordenvironmentaltrust@gmail.com.

Wedding fashion flashback Pictures showing some of the detail of the 1920s wedding outfit donated to the Blandford Fashion Museum for which grant funding has now been sourced from the Kathy Callow Trust (see advertisement below).

Above left: The 1927 coffee coloured silk wedding costume, comprising dress and under dress. Above: Walter Sadler with his bride Violet Blewden wearing the dress at her wedding. Left: The brooch included with the accompaniments to the dress.

February 2021

Grant money helps museum prosper DESPITE the lockdown, the Blandford Town Museum has been busy behind the scenes after being successful in several grant applications. They were in addition to the £11,344 in government funds for leisure/heritage facilities through Dorset County to compensate for being unable to open or fundraise to maintain the free entry it has offered since 2007. It has also been awarded £5,000 each year for the next three years through the Dorset Council Organisational Revenue Support Fund and additionally a Heritage Fund emergency grant of £8,000 to create a one-way system, purchase laptops and set up remote access for museum staff. Museum director Sylvia Hixson Andrews said: "The heritage sector is mostly volunteer-run and funded by donations and fundraising events, so we are very pleased that the grant funding bodies have made extra money available during the pandemic." Finally, the museum received £1,000 from the South West

Museums Development Programme (including Arts Council funding) to set up taster sessions on aspects of volunteer work at the museum, vital for recruitment at the museum, which is completely volunteer staffed. Taster sessions were originally planned to be held at the museum but for now are being held in remote Zoom meetings and last about an hour, free for anyone interested in volunteering. They can register on the website where further details can be found at blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk. Sessions will include front-ofhouse and behind-the-scenes work, as well as opportunities to be involved in planning, administration, learning, events and fundraising. They will also include opportunities with the Museum Victorian Garden Group, Archaeology Group, Oral History Group and a new History Group that will be formed this summer with funds donated by the Blandford Railway Arches Trust. For more information call Sylvia Hixson Andrews at 01258 458911.

Museum trustee Dave Butler lays the floor vinyl to complete the one-way system he has set up, watched by director Sylvia Hixson Andrews.

February 2021

Details revealed of new waste depot DORSET Council gave a short two-week opportunity for people to comment on plans for a modern waste management centre for Blandford, which will also include a new household recycling centre (HRC) for residents. The new facility, to be built to the south of Sunrise Business Park with a new access off the bypass, will replace the existing site off Shaftesbury Lane, which is in poor condition, difficult for some residents to use and, say the council, unable to meet the demands of its expanding service. The existing HRC and waste barn, a former grain store, with a single access for vehicles delivering waste material, bulkers taking it away for treatment, and household recycling centre traffic, lead to temporary site closures and

queues, causing disruption to neighbouring businesses. The new HRC will be split-level, removing the need to climb steps, and household collection vehicles and bulkers transporting material from the new site will be able to access the transfer barn without impacting on HRC traffic. The proposals for Blandford are similar to the highly successful award-winning Bridport Waste Management Centre, which opened in 2015. The official webpage for the proposed facility, to which attention was drawn by the council in the first week of January, is at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/blandford-wmc but the deadline for comments, following two 'virtual' meetings on January 13 at which officers discussed the proposals with residents, was on January 18.

Accountancy firm on shortlist for award BLANDFORD accountants CBA Services in East Street have been selected as one of the finalists in the Zero UK Awards, which celebrate the achievements of their accountants, bookkeepers and app partners. After many years working in a top ten accountancy practice in Salisbury, Catherine Chapman decided to go it alone and set up CBA Services in 2013, offering bespoke accountancy services to businesses and individuals, and trusts and estates. The winners in the awards will be announced at a virtual cere-

mony in March. Zero said that this year, more than ever, they wanted to recognise and award those who had gone above and beyond to make a difference, so they were going online so that people could join them from their homes for a night to remember. Three industry experts have been invited to join the Zero leadership team members on the judging panel who had been blown away by the volume and calibre of applications, as well as being humbled by great achievement in the face of adversity.

Brentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s French adventure LOCAL author Brent Shore, whose novels have included the local best-seller Shillingstone Station, has recently published a fifth, Inappropriate Behaviour. It fuses psychological drama with haunting elements of a ghost story in a modern novel exploring themes of trust, betrayal, forgiveness and revenge. An English schoolteacher is on the run in rural France with a teenaged pupil in tow, and they are spotted, and recognised, by Val, an expat resident of the town, who has a decision to make: to cheer them on or give them up. She becomes central to the story as her own life is thrown into turmoil as the target of a vicious conspiracy. Set mainly in the mysterious Sologne, a region in central France of deep forests and misty lakes, the story's climax takes place in England, and specifically on the dramatic Dorset coast. "I have set a novel in France before," said Brent, "but I try to stretch myself by making all my books different in some way.

This is the first where I have chosen a female lead character for the reader to follow, sympathise with, worry about, get angry with and maybe forgive." Inappropriate Behaviour is available at ÂŁ8.99 from the Dorset Bookshop in Blandford and online via the shop page on the author's website brentshore.co.uk.

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; letters

Praise for vaccine rollout WE were amazed on Friday evening (January 8) to get a phone call at 7pm from the Blandford Practice inviting us for Covid vaccinations on the following Sunday afternoon. When we arrived we found an incredibly efficient and caring operation: about 20 staff and volunteers sanitising, marshalling, doing the admin, and administering the vaccinations in the four clinics that were running. No doubt there were other people behind the scenes as well. We just want to acknowledge all the people who are giving their time and expertise to ensure that we get the services we need. In the 25 years we have lived here we have almost invariably received excellent service from the practice and the wider NHS.

February 2021 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

Of course, we don't always get exactly the service we want, of course there are delays and no doubt we've been very fortunate, but we speak as we find and say 'thank you' - especially in the current incredibly demanding times. Mark & Marjorie Churchill Charlton Marshall * * * GOOD news and congratulations on a difficult job well done. On Sunday January 3, I received a telephone call asking me to attend the Blandford Group Practice Surgery the following Sunday to receive my vaccination for Coronavirus. A neighbour kindly offered to drive me into Blandford so taking all necessary precautions we went on our way. I was delighted to see the Blandford Rotary and Lions assisting the parking of patients' cars. Their members were also on call inside the surgery ensuring a swift safe movement of patients from seeing the doctor to leaving the premises. Well done and congratulations to everyone concerned, including retired doctors and nurses, back

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.

into the business of caring for the vulnerable and elderly, and not forgetting the many volunteers who had also answered the call. Well done, my friends. Della Jones * * * TODAY I had my anti Covid vaccine jab at the Blandford surgery and I would like everyone to know how greatly impressed I was, not only with the flawless organisation, but with the friendliness of the staff. The only things missing were the cups of tea and a biscuit! John Stayt, Blandford * * * THE public's response to the request for help administering Covid-19 virus vaccinations has been magnificent. Staff at the surgery have been generous in their praise, as have many of the patients who really appreciate what we are doing. Much praise too for the surgery team's efficient and friendly organisation under Dr Maddie Ford. If you would like to help please email Derek Andrews at dandvandrews@waitrose.com. Over 100 people have volunteered so far. Thank you to you all. Blandford Rotary, Blandford Stour Rotary and Blandford Lions

Businesses need our support HAVING entered yet another lockdown I worry for the small business owners who last March were hoping that the lockdown was to be short-lived. For many their customers have disappeared, having changed their shopping habits and become used to buying over the internet in the warmth of their homes. It'll be tempting for them to continue that way. But premises still have overheads despite being closed and deciding the future of a business brings a financial and emotional burden if there are staff. It's not a future to look forward to unless both local authorities and residents do their bit to help.

Increasing town centre car park charges is a big negative no matter how much the council needs to recover lost revenue. Councils need to do all they can to increase shoppers back into towns and to help business owners back to profitable trading. Residents need to buy from shops in person as soon as they can if they are not to disappear for good, sit empty for ages and then have their use changed by landlords - the high street full of shops will be a thing of the past. Who would be brave enough to put a new business in a high street that recent history shows can be closed for months at a time with no earning potential? Probably just another fast food outlet - but have you seen our pavements on a Saturday or Sunday morning with the rubbish that their customers discard? Nick Smith Blandford Forum

Housing hypocrisy? THE district and county councillors of 2016 who voted to destroy Nordon also handed out permissions for greenfield site housing developments. The councillors who have replaced them have declared a state of 'climate emergency', a bold and noble declaration. They will act upon this declaration and insist that every one of these new homes will have integrated renewable energy systems. This will save the owners of these homes a great deal of money and prepare them for electric car ownership. It will help our government reach its target of carbon reduction, as well as helping with our local 'climate emergency'. It would be a bold and noble act of planning for our children. However, it would reduce the developers' maximum profits and we all know that today's maximum profits are always, but always, more important than our children's tomorrows. To our elected councillors: is your 'climate emergency' just hollow hypocrisy or an intention to actually do something? Richard Foley

February 2021

Letters Extra Mice on the move

I SEE that the mice of The Old Bakery in East Street are on the move. These mice have given so many Blandford Forum residents amusement over the years and have been much appreciated. They have been a barometer of our times, attending picnics, gardening and commemorating important events such as royal weddings and Remembrance Day. Recently they have formed patient shopping queues, neatly masked. Yesterday a sad, solitary large white mouse was clearly celebrating the New Year alone and rather drunk in front of the TV. The person responsible has given us such joy for several years now. The mice will be missed. Kitty Huthwaite, Blandford â&#x20AC;˘ Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: See Page 15

Time to give us a chance TO your correspondent Mr Allen of Shillingstone (January letters), I can only ask if he is happy if the present PM, one bungling Boris, is making a good job of it. All I can see if the recent situa-

tion in Kent and Dover is anything to go by is that Britain is fast turning into a nation resembling a third-rate banana republic. Bring on the 'luvvies, antis and do-gooders' that he so fears - it is about time we were given a chance. Alan Cross Manor Close, Pimperne Chair, North Dorset Labour Party

Papers get through WE would like to say a big thank you to Pauline and John, of James of Blandford, and their two 'paper boys' Rick and Steve for an excellent delivery service throughout the pandemic. It's one of life's little luxuries to receive early morning papers through rain or shine. Val & Michael Gore High Street, Spetisbury *** I WISH to compliment the service and commitment of the 'paper boys' of James of Blandford. During this last difficult year, come rain or shine, our newspapers have been delivered early each day. For many during lockdown periods it has been a welcome stimulant to the thoughts and ideas of others D. Winfield, Blandford

Please keep your letters as brief as possible and email them to editor@forumfocus.co.uk

Our deputy town cryer Liz Rawlings has penned this thought-provoking ditty whilst whiling away in lockdown.

A Peroration Following intense frustration Re Government procrastination, Once again our beleaguered nation Faces weeks of isolation, Managing our expectation Of finally getting vaccination Hoping it's the World's salvation... The proverbial shot in the arm.

Families enduring separation Students lacking motivation Traders facing liquidation. MP's and Unions in confrontation. More Parliamentary obfuscation While scientists seek medication To avoid annihilation... And restore the status quo.

Missing out on education; Avoiding any conurbation For terror of contamination; Limiting our recreation To cycling or perambulation, Leading to degeneration Of the fitness of the population... Thus doing further harm.

In summation . . . . We should curb our irritation, Treat others with consideration, Give flight to our imagination, Find hobbies to avoid stagnation, Exercising toleration Of a worldwide situation... Affecting all mankind.

There'll be more household renovation, Reluctant garden cultivation, Boredom, worry, fulmination, Frenzied navel contemplation, Maybe a little procreation (Fuelled by inebriation And mutual appreciation!). (And setting hearts aglow!)

It needs the full co-operation Of our rather wayward nation To obey the legislation (Every rule and regulation), Thus to aid eradication Of our current tribulation And find final restoration... Of world health, and peace of mind.

February 2021

Youngsters learn secrets of the stage

Students preparing to make a cast of their own hands.

Honor, Finn and Lani get to grips with stage make-up and the creation of a scar.

BLANDFORD's new performing arts and backstage production training establishment held a free open day in the Corn Exchange on December 19. More than 40 local children were put through their theatrical paces by Kelly and Bertie Hunter of Blandford, who have launched the Artori Academy, with the help of arts professionals from all over the country. The students walked in to a Winter Spectacular Showcase, with three professional singers performing a medley of showtunes and Christmas hits. Then they threw themselves into the two-hour workshop filled with a variety of activities, with teachers sharing a collective CV of working on or with Les MisĂŠrables, Hamilton, Everyone's Talking About Jamie, Star Wars, Liam Gallagher and more. The day was broken down into three sessions, adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, and the extra governance required was used to create tailored teaching on techniques used both on stage and behind the scenes, and give extra support for those who needed it. Skills were taught such as handcasting by plunging hands into bright pink goo, theatrical spe-

cial effects make-up creating gory wounds, singing for performance (with an added dance routine) and an exploration of the range of emotions Christmas Day can bring. Director and acting teacher Kelly said: "The open day was a fantastic chance to meet local children interested in performance and production and it was a real pleasure to share our knowledge with them." Saturday education classes had been planned to be held in January in the Town Hall at the Corn Exchange but will now start as soon as the lockdown is sufficiently lifted, with a different area of the performance and production world focused on each week. Kelly said: "It will culminate in an end-of-year spectacular including professional-level sound, lights and music, along with the chance for children to perform on an actual stage or to be backstage, helping to run the show. Whatever path a child chooses, the Artori Academy is there to support them every step of the way." Classes are for ages 7-10, and 11-16 year olds. For more information and to sign up, email info@theartoriacademy.com or call 01258 920355.

Church services halted Sewer collapse delays EVEN before the third lockdown was confirmed, Blandford Methodist Church announced that with the rising number of people testing positive for Covid-19, coupled with advice from the Methodist Church, it had been decided to stop Sunday services until further notice, and they would let people know when they were able to safely reopen for worship. Blandford Parish Church and All Saints' Church, Langton Long, suspended services during January to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus within the community, for review at the end of the month. Online services continued on the Facebook page every Sunday at 10am.

A COLLAPSED sewer under the A357 through Shillingstone caused closure of the road for emergency repairs by Wessex Water on January 11 and long diversions for motorists. Customers' sewerage services were not affected and access was maintained for residents and emergency vehicles. Repair teams worked extended hours and aimed to reopen the road by Monday, January 18. A Wessex Water spokesperson said: "We apologise for any delays to essential journeys or inconvenience caused to local people."

February 2021

Bakery mice set for new owners NEWS that the owners of the Old Bakery at 21 East Street, Blandford, are moving has come as a disappointment to many who, for the last five years, have been entertained by the antics of the bakery mice in what was once the property's shop window. They have become a popular addition to Blandford's unique features, similar if much smaller to the badgers on the Tesco roundabout and perhaps more akin to the Borrowers. They've been seen celebrating key events in the local and national calendar and are what has become a sometimes expensive hobby for Paula Young. She said that when she and husband Gary moved into the listed Georgian property they had found only a vase full of dead flowers in the window. "I thought 'It's an old building, it must have mice'," she said - and so began a tradition of mouse-activity much enjoyed by passers-by. It also became an occasionally demanding part-time job for Paula, alongside the restoration of the property, which bears the oft-seen plaque saying nothing happened there on September 5, 1782, but which has during their occupation been transformed to reveal the old bakery oven and other original features. She first found three little bronze mice with which to decorate the window shelf, and one of the early creations in the window was a chess match between two little

black mice. Over the years she has purchased all sorts of tiny features to accompany the displays, and drawers in the kitchen are full of mice and props for the displays, including broomsticks, bunting and miniature pumpkins and skulls for Halloween. "They have a fan club of people who write to them, send them cards and even send them presents of their favourite foods, chocolates and cheese," she said. "I have written back to some of them as mice. "It has sometimes been quite difficult to think of things the mice could be doing, often reflecting current affairs at the time. But we were thrilled to receive a special commendation from the town council for their Christmas celebration, even though they were not eligible to take part in the shop window competition." The final display, removed at the beginning of January, was a solitary and possibly inebriated white mouse sitting in front of the television and celebrating New Year surrounded by bottles. But Paula had some good news for the Bakery mice fans - the new owners of The Old Bakery have said they want to continue the tradition she has started. A formal agreement and certificate was being drawn up, not with Social Services but with 'Mouse Services', for the mice to be officially 'adopted' at the end of January when the property was due to change hands. â&#x20AC;˘ Letters: Page 13.

A solitary mouse celebrates New Year 2021 in lockdown with a television and a bottle or two.

The 2019 commended Christmas display.

The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George, including thoughts on the new Agriculture Bill and Brexit, at viewfromthehill.org.uk

H dear, lockdown again. Farmers are among the lucky ones: we have open spaces and a job that requires us to carry on working, producing food, no matter what happens. Most people are again subject to restrictions to try to slow the spread of the virus but the countryside is still very much open: footpaths, bridleways, forests and National Trust land, beaches and so on - the great outdoors is the best healer in such a time as this. Our cows are indoors, eating hay and bedded on spring barley straw. Their recently weaned offspring are mob-grazing turnips on the Knoll, and our older beasts are being treated to a silage chaser to accompany the best crop of turnips, this time strip fed, in the park. We plan to fatten them off grass in the river meadows over the road in early summer. The silage was made from an opportunistic cover crop sown after nine hectares of failed poppy crop in June. Some farmers are grumbling because of a new Tesco/ABP (Anglo Beef Processors) beef contract. They have changed the pricing structure for finished animals, which reduces the age of the animals that are eligible for the best prices.

February 2021 Beef farming is not a very profitable pastime but we have a lot of permanent pasture, too steep or stony for arable crops, and we make the best of it with a few cows and sheep. The buyer offers premiums for the animals being Aberdeen Angus, with a named sire (bull parent); for growing them to the right shape at the right age; and for following and sharing the correct procedure for medicine use. These premiums are important to us as margins are tight. The change of the age range which receives the best price is a serious challenge to us. The new contract requirement of 24 months age limit is, we are told, designed to reduce the effect on the climate - reducing the life of the finished animals means they will emit less carbon-based gas into the atmosphere. Many farmers will understandably follow the economics and speed up production of meat animals by feeding things like cereals and imported soya to their animals. However there is evidence that grain-fed animals produce more CO2 equivalent than grass-fed animals. We farm our livestock extensively, on pasture and brassicas only, no grain, but it is very hard to finish pasture-fed animals by the new contract age limit. It seems that Tesco want us to feed grain, not the most natural feed for an

A frosted cow parsley head reaches for the blue sky of another crisp cold winter morning in the great outdoors. Picture Jayne Hosford.

This fine old oak tree started to die at the top many years ago, possibly from a lightning strike. It finally fell in the first week of January; luckily there were no animals in the field at the time. Gary and Brendan look like midgets dismantling it. animal with four stomachs carefully evolved to digest green plants. To quote an old sage: 'a cow doesn't have a gizzard'. Many consumers prefer pasturefed meat. Ruminants fed almost exclusively on grain, in feedlots, produce very poor quality meat for the less discerning American mass market. Do we want this in the UK? Our fattened animals usually go to an ABP abattoir at Langport, about 40 miles by lorry. We may need to find another outlet, but we don't want our animals travelling hundreds of miles when there is an abattoir in the next county, albeit one that insists we feed grain to our animals to fatten them quickly enough. An argument often used by the vegan lobby is that we shouldn't be wasting food that can be eaten directly by humans, such as grain, by feeding it to ruminants, which are very inefficient converters of the energy in grain. I have some sympathy with that view, though in my next breath I would ask if they can be sure the protein crops they need to eat, which non-vegans acquire from animals, are not causing climate damage by being grown in very vulnerable soils in far-flung areas

of the world where food and environmental standards are a rarity compared to the UK. I would further point out that 70 per cent of the UK's farmland is pasture and only 30 percent arable, so it seems sensible to gain some human benefit by using the grassland to provide high-quality food for humans, in animal form. The sheep have nearly finished grazing the oilseed rape, which reduces insect damage to the rape and the need for both fungicides and weedkillers. They have eaten off the leaves which attract fungal spores and nibbled down the weeds to a manageable size. Readers may remember last year's experiment with Innovative Farmers, where we were able to measure the effect of winter sheep grazing on the rape crop at harvest time. In the end, the grazed area yielded a bit less than the ungrazed, but the experience has taught us that we should try it again. The crop can be grown more cheaply if weed and fungal pressure is reduced, as even with lower yield the margin may be similar, with lower costs. We were also able to add value by fattening 270 lambs in record time.

February 2021

Internet firm doubles data to ease lockdown pressure LOCAL broadband providers Wessex Internet are giving their thousand of customers a helping hand with their internet bills during the lockdown by doubling the data availability for those on limited data tariffs during January and February. The Shroton-based company supplies residents, schools and businesses across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Hector Gibson Fleming, managing director at Wessex Internet, said: "This is a tough time for everybody and due to the increasing number of people working from home, children who are home schooling, people who are shielding and businesses that are operating under difficult conditions, it is anticipated that more data will be used during this period. We want to take the pressure off and give something back to our customers." The company, which provided the same offer during last year's national lockdown, is one of three internet providers who have been awarded new contracts by Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) to supply superfast broadband in the two counties, and will be handling connections to prop-

erties still without access in South Somerset, including rural settlements around Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Wincanton and Yeovil. Wessex Internet has also partnered with 5G RuralDorset to launch pioneering trials that will see Dorset become a worldleader in agri-tech and shape the future of food across the UK. The ground-breaking 5G RuralDorset project, led by Dorset Council and part-funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport's 5G Testbeds and Trials programme, is aimed at understanding how next generation connectivity can help people live better, safer and more prosperous lives in rural communities. The trials, led by Wessex Internet, are the largest of their kind in the UK to date involving farms across the county, including two large arable farms in North Dorset, a mixed farm at Kingston Maurward College and a shellfish and seaweed farm on the coast. Wessex Internet, with farming roots which began when its owners investigated options to get an internet connection to their family

Arts action goes online BLANDFORD's Performing Arts Theatre Academy are continuing to deliver their high-quality performing arts classes to students throughout the new lockdown challenge, with classes available live online for students to continue learning and progressing while staying safe at home. "We are building exciting new content, master classes and challenges to keep children entertained, stimulated and doing what they love. Anyone not already a student of the academy who would like to join us online can get in touch to discuss the options available." Find them on Facebook or at thepatheatreacademy.uk.

Hector Gibson Fleming, managing director at Wessex Internet. farm near Blandford, was chosen to lead this part of the project because its existing 1,600km ultrafast fibreoptic network connecting rural communities in Dorset, and 150 existing wireless masts in remote areas, allowed for rapid deployment.

NEWS in BRIEF GRANTS awarded by Blandford Town Council included £2,500 to the Blandford Opportunity Group to buy new IT equipment for their office, £1,758 to Panda Pre-School for external PVC strip curtains to attach to their outdoor covered area allowing additional use of the area in all weathers, and £951 to Blandford Railway Club to cover their rent and insurance while the club is closed. In all three cases the groups had been prevented from their usual fundraising activities by the Covid restrictions. *** A THREE-month trial of pedestrianisation of part of the Market Place, subject to sufficient relaxation of the Covid rules to allow the trial to achieve its full potential, has been approved in principle by Blandford town councillors. It was agreed that funding remaining from the S106 agreement with Lidl for town centre enhancement could be used for the purpose. Cllr Stevens was appointed as a key liaison with town businesses to determine if there is support for the market area pedestrianisation.

Memorial ceremony postponed

Former teacher and keen cyclist

MARCH marks the anniversary of the unveiling of the war memorial plaques in front of Blandford Town Hall (Corn Exchange) and of the Cross of Sacrifice in Blandford Cemetery. In view of the Covid pandemic and restrictions, the Royal British Legion and Town Council have agreed to plan for the anniversary to be commemorated as part of Remembrance in November. In the meantime, Terry Clarkson, chairman of the RBL branch, is anxious to contact descendants of those named on the memorial so that they can be specifically invited to the commemoration. If you are one, or know of one, please contact him at terryyvonne@hotmail.co.uk or call 07914 067709. He is also researching the background to the memorial. A newspaper report of the unveiling on March 6, 1921, makes reference to a Memorial Fund and War Memorial Committee.

A FORMER member of the teaching staff at Bryanston School, Quentin Craddock, has died in hospital. He was 72. He and his family lived in Blandford for many years after his father, Dr John Craddock, became a GP in the town in the 1950s, and he returned to Blandford in 1976 to join the teaching staff at Bryanston School where he remained until his retirement almost 40 years later. He became a much-loved Bryanstonian: pupil, maths teacher, housemaster, Young Enterprise pioneer and crosscountry, rugby and cricket coach. After retiring he joined the Singing for Pleasure choir at Dorset Rural Music School and became a volunteer at Kingston Lacy, meeting and greeting visitors with his unique brand of humour and enthusiasm. He also continued his lifelong love of exercising in the Dorset countryside by riding with local cycling groups, the Wednesday

OBITUARIES

Quentin Craddock. Wheelers, the Monday Cycle Group and Activate cycle group at Kingston Lacy. Mr Craddock died at the University Hospital Southampton on January 9 and is survived by his wife, Caroline, and children Victoria and Tristan.

February 2021

Accountant founded travel firm A TALENTED accountant, educated in Blandford, who founded a successful home working franchise travel company but had to retire early when he was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, has died aged 46. Robin Witt attended Pimperne First School, St Leonard's Middle School, The Blandford School and then Southampton University, where he graduated as a chartered accountant. He founded Not Just Travel, now based at Aviation Retail Park in Hurn, in 2001, but four years ago was diagnosed with Picks disease, which affects the young, and soon after retired from the business. Last year, the Not Just Travel team, inspired by his condition, raised over ÂŁ60,000 for good causes, including the mental health charity, Mind. The father-of-two died on Christmas Eve.

February 2021

Joyce Ringrose: artist, swimmer and campaigner THE founder and proprietor of a local pottery studio established almost 40 years ago, Joyce Ringrose, died in December. She was 90. The well-known local artist was also a passionate swimmer throughout her lifetime, a member of Greenpeace, a CND supporter, Greenham Common peace campaigner, a teacher and a member of a local choral society. Joyce was a pupil at Bournemouth School for Girls followed by a Bournemouth College of Art qualification in Fine Art. She then spent a few years after college as a professional synchronised swimmer, known as an 'Aquabelle', in the Pier Approach Bournemouth Aqua shows. Before settling down to have a family, she also toured with the European Aqua Show of Buster Crabb, who won the 1932 Olympic gold medal for America in the 400-metre freestyle swimming event, launching a film career portraying the top three comic strip heroes of the 1930s Tarzan, Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Joyce continued to paint whilst bringing up a family, returning to her art education as a mature student and gaining a B.Ed. (Hons) degree at La Sainte Union College, Southampton in art and ceramics. This was followed by five years' full-time teaching at Portchester Boys School, Bournemouth, during the late 1970s, when she

OBITUARY competed in the staff versus pupils swimming gala as the first-ever female to take part. Joyce gave up teaching to establish the popular Ringrose Pottery in the mid-1980s. Many will be familiar with the Ringrose Pottery sign across the doorway of one of the cottages in Blandford St Mary opposite the gates of Bryanston School. In 1995 she returned to painting and began exhibiting locally as well as selling her artwork in galleries around Dorset and the south-west. She was a regular exhibitor in Dorset Art Weeks, opening her studio and garden to visitors. In a tribute her daughter, Alison Mason, said: "The cliffs, quarries, beaches and harbours of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall were a constant source of inspiration to her. "Although registered blind for some years, failing sight did not hinder her and she continued until recently to create joyful paintings from her beautiful surroundings with her bold use of colour. She was a popular artist with galleries across the southwest and had many artist friends across the region." She is survived by her three daughters, two sons, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a brother who lives in Switzerland. Her long-term partner Richard Pryor died in October 2017.

Artist Joyce Ringrose, who died in December.

Joyce (middle row, far right) pictured during her days as an Aquabelle in Bournemouth. Her husband was an Aquabat, with whom she performed a double act from the top diving board.

Sharon Cork, left, and Babs Mitchell, right, marking ten years' service to the Blandford Grange nursing home, with manager Tilla Wagner.

February 2021

Grange duo honoured for 10 dedicated years TWO members of staff at Blandford Grange nursing home in Milldown Road have been thanked and recognised for dedicating ten years of service to the home. Sharon Cork, head chef, and Babs Mitchell, administrator, who have both worked at the home since it opened in 2010, were presented with gifts and certificates by home manager Tilla Wagner, and a special celebration afternoon was enjoyed by all. Both Sharon and Babs have been nominated and shortlisted for industry awards in recognition of their commitment to the home and its residents in recent years. As reported in December, Babs was a finalist in the 'Care Champion' category of the National Care Awards, nominated by Tilla for going above and beyond as the home's administrator. Tilla said: "Sharon is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to a varied, appeal-

ing diet, based on homemade, traditional cooking. "She manages her team with passion and enthusiasm, mentoring staff, and spends a great deal of time 'out on the floor' with residents so that she can hear their views on the food. "She listens to likes and dislikes and her food is based on homebaked recipes that residents love and are familiar with, especially dishes that invoke happy memories of mealtimes." UNDERSPENDS in the town council's 2019/20 budget of ÂŁ15,000 for Blandford Youth Centre which remained unclaimed because their accounts had not been finalised and ÂŁ50,000 support for Blandford Leisure Centre which was no longer payable have been transferred to the Skatepark account. The council is also budgeting in the coming year for funds to maintain the skatepark on the Stour Meadows.

February 2021

Durweston school inspection focuses on Covid impact DURWESTON Primary School is one of the first in the area to have undergone a 'remote' autumn inspection by Ofsted of how it has been able to operate during the Covid restrictions since the summer. The school, which was judged to require improvement after a full inspection in January 2019, was visited by Paul Williams and Marie Thomas on December 1, when they noted that since September 2020, around a sixth of pupils had had to spend some time working at home. At the start of term, teachers had focused on the personal and social aspects of the curriculum to enable pupils to settle back into school, and since then, pupils had been studying all the subjects they usually would, but with modifications in some areas. A check on pupils' knowledge in core subjects revealed that some pupils in Years 1 and 2 had gaps in their early reading skills, and were given extra help. Pupils also spent more time reading in class in the belief it would help those who had lost ground in reading. In mathematics, teachers empha-

sised those areas of the curriculum that pupils are not as confident in, such as shape, space and geometry, and some part of other subjects were modified, for example by replacing rugby with orienteering in physical education. Leaders had drawn up plans to provide remote education for a number of individual pupils who needed to work from home, but no class 'bubbles' had been sent home. However, if it happened in future, teachers would set work online as close as possible to what they would have been doing in class. Headteacher Nicola Brooke was told that no significant concerns had been found during the visit, but the inspection contributed to important national work on how the education system was managing the return to education following the extended break in formal schooling last spring. Around 1,200 schools across all Ofsted grades, types and locations are being visited so that their views and experiences can be shared with government and the education sector to help to inform future policy.

THE public choice and school winners in the Blandford Parish Church Christmas Tree Trail were announced as the Panda Pre-School, whose tree was displayed in Harrold Opticians in East Street, and Downlands School, whose tree was one of those featured in the Old Bath House. As previously reported, the favourite tree of Mayor Lynn Lindsay was that of the BFPC Allsorts Craft Club displayed at Forum Letting. The tree team said the public choice had been a very close result, and thanked everyone who took the time to vote for their favourite, the groups who created them and the shops which hosted them, allowing the event to be held in a most challenging year.

Tesco help for charity TESCO Blandford have supported the Blandford Opportunity Group with a donation of ÂŁ325, which will be spent on the group's new garden expansion project. The group has rented a small piece of land from the Constitutional Club next door to their premises in Whitecliff Gardens, and have enlarged their garden area so the children have a greater space to play in. This project has been funded by grants and generous donations such as that from Tesco, who also presented the group with enough Lindt chocolate reindeers for each child. Pictured with colleagues from the store are the Opportunity Group's Niki Roper, Tesco team manager Lauren Healy and store manager Steph Thurston.

Local tractor firm set to take on expanded role BLANDFORD-based C&O Tractors has become the new South Coast dealer for Sany, covering Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. C&O Tractors, with depots in all four counties, is primarily an agricultural and horticultural equipment specialist. Sany excavators will be sold through C&O Construction, a division of C&O Tractors established to serve the building, landscaping and plant hire industries. C&O managing director Andy

Coles said: "Sany is embarking on a new chapter and we are excited to be part of this. Providing excellent support is at the core of our business and we will ensure that our construction customers continue to receive that with the Sany range." Simon Zhu, Sany UK & Ireland managing director, said: "Sany want to ensure we have regional dealers who can provide the best industry support to the customers in the area. C&O Tractors is a partner who we believe will meet and exceed this requirement."

February 2021

Pandemic leads to donations plea

Panda Pre-school staff ready for their sponsored walk.

Panda walkers brave the rain to raise £1k FUNDRAISING opportunities have been difficult to manage during lockdown so staff at Panda Pre-school decided to do a 10-mile sponsored walk to raise funds towards equipment and resources for the children. The weather was horrendous with gale force winds and torrential rain from start to finish, but all staff completed the challenge and raised over £1,000 between them. Pre-school manager Alison Morris said: "I'm so proud of all the staff. We were soaking wet through, cold and sore but everyone kept their sense of humour right to the end. They are so amazing and committed to Panda

that they deserve a massive pat on the back for all their hard work and effort." The pre-school was able to have its annual visit from Father Christmas during the Christmas party. Staff wanted children to still have a magical time and organised party food, entertainment from Jamie Jigsaw and a gift from Santa, who arrived on his motorbike with his reindeer Maisie the Jack Russell and elf Vanessa. All the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed their day. To make a donation to their fundraising efforts, contact them or look on their website pandapreschool.org for details.

THE winners have been announced of the Countryside Restoration Trust's 'Icons of the Landscape' schools poetry and performance competition, judged by local writer David Caddy and CRT patron Dame Judi Dench. The Junior section winner was Keziah Rigby, with runner-up May Denman, both Year 6 from Knighton House School. The Senior section winner was Alex DawsonPaul, Year 8 from Hanford School, and Romily

THE Blandford School has thanked everyone who has supported them with donations and appealed again to those who can donate unwanted but usable laptops to meet the current high demand due to the pandemic and the need for students to access remote learning. The art department were given a Canon camera by Mr Bishopp. It was used by Year 12 students on their portrait topic. The school has thanked Mr Bishopp and Wessex Photography in Blandford, who donated a large amount of acrylic, Mike Lofthouse for four boxes of art books which are now available to be looked at by KS4 and 5 art students, Mary Barrett for some coloured vinyl rolls which will be shared with design technology, and Chrissie Regler for the card and corrugated plastic sheets to be recycled. The art department, where Year 7, 8 and 9 worked last term on birds in art, Blandford and Steam Punk projects respectively, has set up an Instagram account to showcase some of the work @blandfordschoolart. Anyone with a camera in working order that they would like to donate to the art department, or laptops or other items, can call reception on 01258 451121 to

Baker, Year 7 from The Blandford School. Romily's video performance of her poem, broadcast on Radio Solent, was of a walk starting on Blandford's Preetz Bridge along the meadows to the bench and back to a view of the Langton Meadow arches and river Stour. Alex's winning poem Barn Owls featured a subject important to the Dorset Countryside Trust, which has now restored the birds' Bere's Farm home at Shillingstone.

arrange an appointment to deliver them. • A YEAR 11 student at The Blandford School, Logan Baird, has signed an academy registration at Exeter City Football Club for the 2020/21 season. Logan has been a standout performer in the school football team since joining in Year 7 and has captained the school team on a number of occasions, as well as representing Dorset County at under-14 and under-15 levels. He represented the school in a very positive way, and is a capable athlete, studying GCSE physical education. He spent last season on the books of Yeovil Town. AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust have been delivering the Premier League Inspires programme to 95 pupils in the school. The programme uses the reach and appeal of AFC Bournemouth and the Premier League to inspire children and young people to develop personal skills and positive attitudes to reach their full potential. Away from football, Year 9 pupil Jaz has gained a place in the County Netball Academy, and three Year 7 pupils, Julide, Jess and Emma-Leigh, have earned a place at the Poole Satellite Academy.

The competition was the idea of assistant head at Knighton House, Charlotte Weatherley. Another seven other shortlisted entrants were highly commended. They were Year 4 Erin R from Knighton House, Year 5 Jacob T from Hazelbury Bryan School and Year 6 Tom S from Durweston Primary in the junior section, and Year 8 Libby W, Year 7 Elinor G (both Knighton House) and Arthur G and Erin P (both Bryanston Year 9).

February 2021

Child Okeford Primary pupils running in the Montane Lakeland Lapland Virtual Ultra Run Schools Challenge.

Reindeer runners THE Montane Lakeland Lapland Festive Ultra is usually a running event, but this year, due to Covid restrictions, competitors had to run the distance virtually and it was opened up to schools to take part. St Nicholas Primary School in Child Okeford, with 131 children on role, took up the challenge to run a collective distance of 145 miles, the equivalent of running from Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, to Korvatunturi, where Santa lives. The event was based on a story, 'The Fox and the Reindeer', who made the journey across Lapland, overcoming adversity to save Christmas. Children and staff came to school dressed as reindeer, and at various times throughout the two days were asked to run as far as they could, helping to reach the total of 145 miles. After two days of enthusiastic reindeer running, the distance was reached in 1 hour and 45 minutes, but some children wanted to keep going to a final total of 200 miles. All children and staff wore their own race bib and were given a certificate after the event.

Recognition for two Doddlers’ stalwarts TWO long serving members of the Dorset Doddlers running club were awarded lifetime membership at the club's virtual AGM in recognition of their work for the club. John Cowley has been a member for over 24 years and taken on many of the club roles over the years, spending over 15 years as treasurer and three as chairman, as well as standing in as a session leader. He is always first to help out at any of the Doddlers' events, especially organising the water stations at the Stur Half and marshalling at other races. Ian Pollard has been a member

of the Doddlers since 2003 and has been club coach for over eight years, leading the Thursday training sessions come rain or shine. With his wide-ranging knowledge of all aspects of running, he has inspired many of the Doddlers to achieve their running goals, and has also been the chief marshal at both the Stur Half and the Stickler for many years. The committee thanked both of them for their tireless dedication to everything they do and will continue to do for the club. For more information on the Dorset Doddlers see dorsetdoddlers.co.uk.

Support for shop local THE Blandford Yuletide Festival has thanked all the shoppers and nearly 90 local shops and businesses which supported their 'Shop Local Shop Safe' raffle launched in place of last year's festival, and urged people to continue to support local businesses in 2021. Those spending £5 in any participating business were given a ticket for a chance to win Morrisons vouchers. Winners of the first prize of £100 were Hugo and Yvonne Mieville, who decided to give half the prize to the Community Kitchen Project. The second and third prize winners received £50 and £25 vouchers.

Lifetime membership for Dorset Doddlers John Cowley and Ian Pollard.

February 2021

NEWS in BRIEF THE Watchtower of Britain has applied to Dorset Council for permission to erect a singlestorey building at Unit 5a Blandford Heights industrial estate off Shaftesbury Lane for use as a place of worship. Car parking and landscaped area form part of the application. *** TREADS youth advice and information centre has launched a crowdfunding project to try and raise money to help young people who are disadvantaged in their learning by not having access to a laptop. Chairman Mark Williams said: "We are grateful for the kind donation of Kernon and Kelleher solicitors who have started us off." *** WORKING groups established by Blandford Town Council to respond to various Dorset Council consultations failed to secure sufficient attendance at virtual meetings in December at which only two were present. All councillors were therefore invited to respond individually to the consultation on the shoppers parking permit and the climate strategy.

A week of activities planned for Dark Skies Festival THE Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is hosting a week-long Dark Skies Festival over the February half-term to celebrate its designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve. StarFest is open to everyone and there is something for all ages with mostly online events ranging from basic astronomy through star tales for children and adults to light pollution reduction. Steve Tonkin, the Dark Sky advisor to Cranborne Chase, said: "I'll be hosting an introduction to astronomy, there are children's art activities, astrophotography and a specialist workshop on dark sky tourism for local businesses. We have experts across all areas of dark skies and astronomy here to help." The full timetable of events for StarFest 2021 is: Monday February 15, a free Introduction to Stargazing with Steve Tonkin.

Tuesday February 16 at 7.30pm, a free session 'Grow your business with Dark Sky Tourism' with Richard Darn. Wednesday February 17 with Mary McIntyre at 4pm, suitable for ages 7+ - sketch the moon and make your own star constellation and at 7.30pm a step-by-step

What’s on this month Monday February 1: Blandford Forum Town Council Planning Committee Teams meeting, 7pm, see blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk for agenda and link Tuesday February 2 (and all Tuesdays): Blandford Citizens Advice outreach is suspended, call 01747 835016, the free Dorset Advice Line on 0800 144 88 48 or email advice-nd@centralca.org.uk Wednesday February 3: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, email clerk@blandfordstmary-pc.gov.uk to ask for a

OUR listings page has become sadly diminished due to the Covid pandemic, but hopefully will soon begin to resume 'normal service'. Please also let us know by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk of any events able to go ahead, whether virtually or in person.

Zoom invitation Wednesday February 3 (and all Wednesdays): FREE yoga sessions for NHS workers and Teachers on Zoom, 8pm. Email aimee@glowyoga.co.uk; Instagram: @glowyoga_studio; www.glowyoga.co.uk Friday February 5: Cancelled. Wessex Acoustic Folk Club presents Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter, support Bob Carter,

Blandford Corn Exchange, see wimborne-acoustic.co.uk Monday February 8: Blandford Town Council Recreation and Amenities Committee Teams meeting, 7pm, see blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk for agenda and link Monday February 22: Blandford Town Council full council meeting, 7pm, see blandfordforumtc.gov.uk for agenda and link

Zoom workshop on Astrophotography. Thursday February 18, submit questions in advance for Ask an Astronomer Q&A session on Facebook Live @cranbornechaseaonb with Steve Tonkin at 4pm, and at 7.30pm 'What Future for Dark Skies?' with Bob Mizon MBE. Saturday February 20 at 10.30 am, Make me an Astronaut Live with Jo Richardson (suitable for ages 4 to 11, cost £5) and at 7.30pm, Storytelling - Star Walk Stories with Lizzie Bryant. For further details on all the events and how to book, see cranbornechase.org.uk or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk.

Backing for the Viking TOWN councillors raised no objection to a retrospective application by Alex Young for change of use of the premises at 28 East Street, Blandford, which have for nearly two years been operating as the Ginger Viking cocktail bar, café and restaurant, and throughout the pandemic have offered takeaways when allowed by Covid restrictions. The established use of the property was as an art gallery. It was noted that there had been no complaints about the new use. Councillor Roger Carter said it was a vital part of the evening and night-time as well as daytime economy which increased footfall in East Street. The application was supported unanimously and a decision is awaited from Dorset Council.