April 2021 Forum Focus

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

April 2021 Issue No.109 Est: 2012

Clean-up volunteers tackle litter mountain OVERFLOWING bins on the meadows and the North Dorset Trailway, and cans, papers and sometimes fly-tipping discarded from vehicles on the bypass, have prompted action by members of the public seeking more bins and clearing litter themselves.

Even before Dorset Council announced in its residents' newsletter on March 5 that roadside verge litter-picking would be focused on four main county routes, volunteers in Blandford took matters into their own hands and over three days succeeded in clearing large amounts of litter on the bypass.

The council indicated that the bypass, along with four other routes, would only be monitored and inspected and have programmed litter picking through the year.

The volunteering group was led by canoeist Debbie Broadhurst of Durweston, who said: "Quite frankly, the bypass could do with a big spring-clean."

Her appeal on March 4 for helpers to join her Clean River Stour group brought forward a large number over the next three days who, armed with bin liners, litter pickers and gloves, succeeded in clearing the whole road from the B3082 Whitecliff Mill Hill junction to the Tesco roundabout.

Thanking them afterwards, Debbie said: "It's clear that there

FORUM FOCUS

Debbie Broadhurst, right, with some of her litter-picking team on the bypass. are other areas of neglect in the community that need some attention and I am confident we can collectively make positive changes in those areas too.

"The response to the social media updates has been overwhelmingly positive with so many wanting to extend their thanks to each of you for your efforts. As a community we all benefit from this mega-dose of positivity. I'll put out some meet-ups again soon so we can tackle other areas."

Portfolio holder for customer and community services at Dorset Council, Cllr Jill Haynes, said: "We simply don't have the resources to litter-pick every verge in the council area, so we focus our attention on the busiest

A roads, which need strict health and safety considerations.

"It is the continued efforts of volunteers and community groups that keep our rural verges litterfree. Thank you for your invaluable help."

A poll started on February 27 by Stuart Davis, asking people to help, produced dozens of responses, including 50 potential volunteers, and the volunteer groups Clean Up Blandford and Blandford War on Waste have been regularly undertaking litterpicks in the town.

Litter Free Dorset is trialling a campaign on overflowing bins in Blandford, attaching notices asking people not to add to them if they are full.

• To Page 6

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What is it that makes people think that if a litter bin is full they should just continue to dump rubbish beside it instead of finding an empty one - or even taking their litter home with them? Discarded Costa coffee cups and bags of dog poo were prominent in these two bins (pictured above) in the Stour Meadows.

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April 2021

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Where to find Forum Focus 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.

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: Tuesday April 13 Editorial: Wednesday April 14 Deliveries from Wednesday April 28 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.

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Corn Exchange has scope for improvement - report BLANDFORD Corn Exchange should carry on doing what it is doing, but could do it a lot better, according to the consultants appointed to advise town councillors on the way forward for the Grade I listed building.

Consultants Ingham Pinnock Associates say there is no case for fundamental repurposing of the complex which plays an important role as a mid-range flexible venue which would become more important with less retail and more leisure in the town centre.

Councillors met with Ingham Pinnock virtually in February when they were told by Ross Ingham that representatives of Historic England and Dorset Council's conservation team had been really positive and supportive of their ideas for a masterplan to be completed in phases.

They described some of the research and consultation they had done to draw up options and presented initial sketches from architect Malcolm Simmonds.

Surprisingly, they had received only 72 responses to an online survey, but it had provided a good cross-section of age groups and of the amount of usage of the building, the majority visiting less than once a month.

The indoor market, they found, was the biggest draw, together with events in the Corn Exchange, whose popularity was driven by accessibility and satisfaction levels.

"It should carry on with what it is doing, but do it a lot better, and needs to be sustainable and affordable for a wide range of users, as well as flexible, usable and still beautiful," said Mr Ingham.

He and Kate Pinnock outlined some of their plans to provide better access to the roof, improve the acoustics and staircase and install a lift to open up the Town Hall and Council Chamber on the first floor to new users.

Questions were asked about the provision of a fully disabled toilet and making the stage accessible for the disabled, which the design team agreed to look at.

But they resisted the idea of glazing in of the Shambles. Mr Ingham said: "We can't see the justification for an area which plays an important role as an internal/external space - a crossover playing an important function. The minute you glaze it, it stops being part of the public realm and would change fundamentally to the detriment of the town centre as a whole."

Man in court after store scene A FIGHT in Morrisons supermarket in Blandford on December 23 resulted in Philip Torrance, aged 38 of Peel Close, Blandford, being given a 12-month community order with a 25 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge.

He pleaded guilty at Weymouth Magistrates' Court to breaching a criminal behaviour order imposed in March 2019, and breached when he swore and was drunk in front of members of the public.

The court was told that police had responded to a report of two customers fighting each other inside the store and one had been detained, but Torrance had walked away. He was found in Salisbury

Street, where he was abusive and aggressive and had to be restrained on the ground during his arrest.

In mitigation it was said that he struggled with his mental health and had been living in Blandford for a year but found it difficult being away from his large family in Gillingham during the lockdown.

• A Charminster man, 36-year-old Storm Mason Stovold, of Gerald Road, has been discharged conditionally for 18 months after admitting, together with another man, stealing spirits worth £638 from the Tesco store in Stour Park, Blandford St Mary, on December 8. He was ordered to pay £318.85 compensation and £85 costs.

April 2021

Fingers tightly crossed for the start of the country’s unlocking MONDAY April 12: It's the date most people are looking forward to when it is hoped that a continuing fall in infections, deaths and nationwide R rate will signal the reopening of non-essential retail, hairdressers, nail salons and public buildings, including libraries and community centres.

Shopkeepers have been busy preparing their premises for the reopening, refreshing their stock for what, for many, will be a completely different season from when they closed first in November and then again in January.

Pubs too have been preparing for what they hope will be their reopening date, allowing them to once again serve their seated customers outdoors.

Hall & Woodhouse have confirmed that The Crown Hotel, together with eight of its other Dorset pubs, will open for outdoor use from Wednesday, April 14, following the lifting of government restrictions.

It will be open 11.30am to 11pm on Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm to 9pm on Sundays with a limited menu, a contactless ordering system and social distancing measures.

Matt Kearsey, managing director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: "We are delighted to be able to reopen a number of our houses for outdoor use. Our pubs play a vital role in their community and we are excited to be making preparations to welcome our guests back safely. We've missed them.

"We have created all-weather solutions to cope with the obvious challenges of only opening outside in April. Guests will be able to book a number of covered tables if they do not want to take their chances with the Great British weather."

The new Artori Academy announced it was planning to reopen in the Corn Exchange on April 17, and the Performing Arts Academy that it hoped soon to be

back in the studio.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also be able to reopen for use by people on their own or in household groups, as will most outdoor attractions including hospitality venues.

The number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15.

A government taskforce reviewing global travel was due to report on when the ban on travel abroad could be lifted to allow people to consider overseas summer holiday bookings.

Both Blandford Fashion Museum, which had hoped to celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 5, and the Blandford Town Museum are hoping they will be able to reopen to the public on May 17 for a limited number of days a week.

Adam Forty, trustee of Blandford's Information Centre in West Street, said trustees and volunteers had been watching the changing situation to try and find a suitable opening date.

"The trustees, in particular, take their duty of care towards our volunteers very seriously as they do tend to come from vulnerable age groups. At the moment the trustees feel that until such time that they have all had both vaccinations we are against the risk of opening.

"Having spoken to the volunteers, through our volunteer management committee, we feel that May would be the very earliest to consider reopening - subject to how events unfold."

Meanwhile a change has been proposed to plans for a new tourist information office and shop units south of the Greyhound Yard, close to Morrisons, which were given outline permission in 2017, but work has not yet started. The application submitted to Dorset Council is seeking changes to the original plan to allow a lower floor level.

Prison for hotel burglar A BURGLAR who stole wine and snacks from the Crown Hotel in Blandford on February 11 has been jailed for a total of 14 weeks.

Daniel Ashley Westwood, aged 25, of no fixed abode, appeared before district judge Stephen Nicholls and pleaded guilty to burglary, as well as two breaches of a criminal behaviour order committed in Blandford in February.

The first breach involved the defendant using abusive and insulting language, and the second involved him shouting threats at a member of the public.

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One of Blandford's long-term empty shops about to reopen with a service which could be much in demand this month.

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April 2021

Fashion museum recalls its birth LIKE so many others, Blandford Fashion Museum's hopes of celebrating a significant anniversary over the last 12 months have fallen foul of the pandemic.

Any event to mark the 25th anniversary on the day of its opening on May 5, 1996, will

A welcoming figure at the entrance to the 'nursery'.

remain under Covid restrictions, which mean that museums must remain closed.

The original opening was a festive affair with a piper in full Scottish regalia, the town Mayor and many staff and volunteers in replica period dress.

Carole Fornachan has been looking back through archives and found a number of photographs of the day, asking whether anyone recognises themselves or others in costume at the time.

She is inviting them to come forward to share their recollections and personal history with the Cavalcade of Costume when the museum reopens.

To kickstart their celebrations, they want to remember the woman who started it all, Betty Penny.

"In the archives of the museum are many examples of not just her costumes worn by willing local models but her amusing writings.

"Betty writes of benefiting from the turning out of attics and boxes, the abolishing of clothing

Betty Penny with suited guests at the opening. coupons and the taking up of favoured thespian pursuits after the war.

"Stage costumes could be made from good materials and 'ancient garments' saw the light of day for the first time for many years. As she remembers they were either 'too good, not good enough or all black'!

"With no play 'on the boil' and preparing a half-hour entertainment for a meeting, the seed of Cavalcade was born. Betty looked at that 'sad lot' and thought 'What would they look like with people in them?'"

With commentaries, music and a loyal group of friends, she showed what became the Cavalcade of Costumes collection all over the country from Brodie Castle in Inverness to the toe of Cornwall, in stately homes and palaces, universities, colleges and village halls.

In that lifetime it was shown only for charity and, over those years, raised almost £500,000 for charity.

"She believed it had a 'touch of

The ladies in the tearoom.

magic' as it worked hard for its second life. Every costume was genuine and in almost every case donated by the owners who loved to feel that, instead of lying in an attic box, it was having an opportunity to be seen, admired, even loved, whilst serving another generation. It survived circumstances that might indeed make one shudder, but never once, in all those years, did it ever fail."

So 25 years ago it came to rest in Lime Tree House, Blandford, a beautiful building which, she felt, stretched out its arms when she had the joy of finding it in her possession.

"So many times, she recalls, when another dress was added, she would say 'I wish we had a parasol to go with that' or 'I wish we had a fan to complete that' and sure enough they would follow in a short space of time.

"Her touch of magic stretched well into the future and is still shining brightly."

• See next month's Forum Focus for more of Mrs Penny's memories.

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April 2021

Allotment holders dig in to oppose new site for plots ALLOTMENT holders in Blandford are unanimous in their opposition to the proposal to relocate their plots as part of the Wyatt Homes' development proposal north and east of Blandford.

Their chairman Ian Ricketts said: "It is only 20 years since we were moved from the previous site to Lamperds Field and at that time we were told we would never have to be moved again.

"A number of plot holders remember that move and the hard work, time and expense it took to get their plots up to full production.

"The site we have been offered is to be sandwiched between the new recycling plant and a sports field so we will have rodents and unpleasant smells on one side and balls coming over damaging plants and breaking greenhouses on the other.

"The access to the site will be via the road that leads to the new school, resulting in difficulties at drop-off and pickup times and making access to the site almost impossible."

He said they now had 146 plots more than double those on the original site, having halved and quartered some plots so that everyone could be accommodated.

"With all the new development going on we will need a far bigger site and associated infrastructure."

He said that he had been told by the National Allotment Society that provided they were offered like-for-like in replacement, there was nothing that could be done to prevent the loss of the existing plots.

"But they really need to reconsider their plan. They have never had any discussions with us about it and we have only ever discussed things with the town council."

In response to their concerns expressed at the time of the community consultation, Wyatts consistently replied that many would be addressed at the detailed application stage.

Allotment Society representatives listened to town councillors when they discussed, at their planning committee in March, whether allotment holders could have exclusive use of part of the car park between the plots and the sports field, what the sports field might be used for, and who would be responsible for the new access road leading to them both.

Councillors agreed they were matters to be discussed at their next meeting with Wyatts and stressed that negotiations were at a very early stage, but that the town council would retain control of the allotments.

They agreed unanimously that a section of parking alongside the proposed allotment building should be kept apart with fencing and a lockable gate, to include an area, as currently exists, for the tractor, deliveries and council compound, and the community pitch - too small for a full-sized pitch - should be made available for a variety of casual uses.

They also agreed to request that the access road alongside the school leading to the allotments should be adopted and maintained by Dorset Council.

ON Friday March 12, Dorset Council issued a decision statement on the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan to say that, with revisions to outof-date wording and reflecting changes in national legislation, it could proceed to referendum on the May 6, 2021. This would coincide with the Police and Crime Commissioner's election on the same day.

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Tommy presents one of the window hangers to Dr Maddie Ford at the Whitecliff Surgery.

Tommy’s helping hand NINE-year-old Tommy Yorukoglu decided he wanted to do something to help the Blandford Group Practice so, with the help of his mum Helen Mackley and gran Ann Mackley, started making 'NHS Help' window hangers.

His efforts were posted on Facebook and people started offering donations in return for one of the creations, raising a total of £160.

He and his mum and gran visited the surgery to present the proceeds to Dr Maddie Ford. She said it would go towards the purchases of Covid-related resuscitation equipment, adding: "This is a real ray of sunshine for us when we and our team of volunteers have just completed 1,170 vaccinations over the last three days."

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Public-spirited litter-pickers on the bypass over the weekend of March 5.

Homes refusal goes to appeal

April 2021

Clean-up volunteers deal with the mess • From Page 1 While the emptying of litter bins is the responsibility of the Dorset Waste Partnership, their provision, subject to the DWP having the capacity, is the responsibility of the town council.

In March the council considered two residents' requests for litter bins - one at the entrance to the Trailway from Jubilee Way, where a plastic bucket has been serving the purpose but frequently overflowed with rubbish, mostly empty drinks cans removed by the resident making the request, and two - for recycling and waste - near the Mortain bridge on

Stour Meadows.

Councillors agreed to the purchase of a bin for Jubilee Way at the cost of £210 including installation and collections costing £5.10 a time.

But they said they would refer the Stour Meadows request to Blandford St Mary Parish Council after being told that the DWP could not accommodate separate bins accessible to the public but could consider extra general bins in the car park.

• Residents can report litter problems, fly-tipping and rubbish being thrown from a vehicle online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

AN appeal has been lodged against the refusal by Dorset Council of permission to demolish barns on land at Catherines Well, Milton Abbas, and build up to 30 homes with associated accesses and works.

The application by Gleeson Strategic Land was refused in August last year on the grounds that the siting and scale was unsustainable, contrary to policies in the emerging Milton Abbas Neighbourhood Plan, and would harm the character and appearance of the village and its conservation area.

Fortunately what looked like a cable tie around the neck of this hoglet turned out to be a strong hair-tie band.

TWO cows were rescued by firefighters after they became stuck in a 'slurry pit' at a farm in Langton Long in the early morning of March 11.

Crews from Blandford and Wimborne fire stations were called to the scene just after 6am along with a pet rescue team from Poole Fire Station.

The cows were safely rescued from the pit by the pet rescue team with help from the farmer's mechanical machinery, and the crews were stood down at 7.49am.

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April 2021

Empty properties in focus to tackle the homes shortage IN response to Dorset Council's annual promotion of National Empty Homes Week in February, a number of long-term empty properties were brought to their attention by John Imber, of the Blandford Historic Buildings Trust.

Two have been regularly highlighted by Blandford & District Civic Society - the old greengrocer's shop at 52/52A Salisbury Street, a property at 26 East Street, and 9 The Plocks, home most recently to young single adults and run by the Bournemouth Church Housing Association but vacant for some years.

It produced a response that the small team working on empty homes in the county were actively working on all three cases and they hoped to be able to report progress quite soon.

The council had drawn attention

to a number of schemes available to property owners to bring properties back into a good state of repair so that they can be reused.

Measures include loans of up to £25,000, reduced rates of VAT for renovation and alteration works for properties empty for more than two years, as well as more robust enforcement action including compulsory purchase and, from April this year, quadruple council tax for properties empty for more than ten years.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council portfolio holder for housing and community safety, said: "The council is now taking a wide range of action to bring longterm empty homes back into use.

We need more housing for Dorset and empty homes can play a key part in helping us achieve that.

"Where owners of empty home

West View in The Plocks has been vacant since it ceased to house young single adults. don't want to work with us, we won't shy away from taking enforcement action to achieve our aims of creating more homes and improving our communities.

"If you know of a property that has been left empty for a long time or if you own an empty home, let the council know about it by registering it online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emptyhomes."

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April 2021

Hidden gardens offer hope amid a cluster of cancellations

THREE major local events - the Georgian Fayre and Teddy Rocks on the early May bank holiday and the Great Dorset Steam Fair in August - have been cancelled for the second year running due to the pandemic.

However, the Blandford Hidden Gardens team have announced that they hope to stage the event this year but on a later date, in September rather than June.

The hoped-for lifting of all restrictions on June 21 comes a little too late for plans to be made for the popular event in which residents open their gardens to the public in support of local and national charities.

But the Blandford Environmental Trust, which has taken on the organisation in association with the Rotary Club, has agreed on a date of Sunday September 5, and is inviting past participants and new ones to register their interest.

Georgian Fayre chairman Colin Stevens confirmed that it was not possible to stage the May Day celebration this year, and Tom Newton, founder of Teddy Rocks, announced that they too had

been forced to postpone until next year, having already postponed from a rescheduled date last year.

He said: "With the latest government action plan we are just too early in the year to be allowed to take place. We have tried looking at a date later but sadly it has proven an impossible task for us to get over the line.

"We have postponed to 2022 on our normal weekend prior to the first May bank holiday which will hopefully be enough time to deliver the absolute best and safest festival we can."

Organisers have confirmed that June's Wimborne Folk Festival and July's Larmer Tree Festival are cancelled, but the popular music Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle is still scheduled to take place from July 29 to August 1.

Great Dorset Steam Fair managing director Martin Oliver said: "Whilst the ongoing vaccination programme is progressing well

and should be commended, it has nevertheless become increasingly evident that it is unfeasible to run the GDSF event again this year.

"The ongoing problem the GDSF board of directors face is that of uncertainty as to what statutory Covid restrictions will still be in place in August for large-scale, high-capacity mass gatherings.

"Sadly, the risk is simply too great for us to run this year - it would be an enormous health and safety, operational and financial gamble which we cannot justify.

"Our priority therefore has to be to safeguard the viability of the event for future years and by not risking running in 2021, this will

enable us to return in 2022.

"Ultimately, the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, traders, staff and contractors is always our primary concern, combined with the effect to the local area, towns, parishes and residents.

"We are also very conscious of the impact that the event would have on the NHS, emergency services, local authority and partner agencies, and we do not want to unnecessarily stretch their resources any further this year.

"Not running the show again this year is the right and responsible thing to do on all counts."

Opera festival gets the green light DORSET Opera have announced that they will be going ahead with their 2021 Festival with performances in the Coade Hall at Bryanston from July 19-24 inclusive.

The festival will take a slightly different form in being devoted to one composer in a MozartFest.

They will be performing two of the three da Ponte operas, Don Giovanni and Cosi fan tutte, along with a semi-staged performance of Handel's Acis and Galatea in the Mozart orchestration.

Priority booking will open this month, and general booking will start in May. For details see dorsetopera.com.

But there will be no summer school this year. They say: "Providing an introduction to professional opera for singers and technical theatre students has been at the heart of our existence since 1974.

"However, it is felt that adding a further 70 people from around the UK and across the world to the 80-odd soloists, orchestral musicians, production and technical teams already living in close proximity on campus when the country is just emerging from lockdown, would not be the safest idea."

They look forward to welcoming their regular participants and supporters during the 2022 festival.

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April 2021

Kart repairs keep Dan busy during lockdown DAN Baxter, a 50-year-old selfemployed building materials salesman, was wondering how to fill his time during lockdown while confined largely to his 'home' office in Pimperne.

When he came across a tangle of metal by a dustbin he realised it was a broken kart, and asked permission from the householder to take it for repair and restoration.

He repaired the kart in his workshop garage and gave it to a neighbour's children. It gave him such pleasure to watch them having so much fun he decided to put out a call on social media for more karts to breathe new life into and give away to local families.

He and his wife Lisa have no children or grandchildren but he realised he could help other The B3082 Wimborne Road, Blandford, is due to be closed at night from April 26-29 to allow Dorset Council to carry out maintenance work.. The closure is planned between 8pm and 6am, but the road will be open daily.

youngsters get off social media and out into the fresh air.

"I never had a kart myself as a child, but I've always mucked about with cars and motorbikes, so have some engineering skills," he said.

Over the months he has now restored and 'recycled' over 20 karts which have been donated to individuals, to Yewstock, Beaucroft and Winchelsea schools and the Forum School in Shillingstone, and he's happy to do more. He needs more of any size, particular larger karts suitable for 11 years plus, having received requests.

He has recently been donated two mountain bikes and a tagalong bike, all rusty and in need of paint, and five small bikes which he has cleaned up and donated to Yewstock School's bike club, together with a tricycle which he has adapted for use by a disabled child.

To offer him an old neglected kart or bike or nominate a recipient, give him a call on 07860 939965 or email him at danbaxter@tiscali.co.uk.

Dan Baxter with two of the karts he has restored.

Man had indecent images FORMER Blandford man Bruce Cavalier, 48, now of Marston Road, Farnham, Surrey, has been convicted of possession of indecent images and a video of children aged between 8 and 15 while living locally between 2010 and 2019.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court after admitting the charges. He will be on the sex offenders' register, unable to access the internet unsupervised for 10 years, and was given a 12-month community order, a 30-day rehabilitation course, and ordered to pay court costs of £425.

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Anthony Woodhouse (chairman), Mark Woodhouse (family director) and Lucinda Gray (company relationship manager) celebrate the launch of the brewer's Community Chest project.

BUSES through the Badbury Heights estate had to be diverted on February 13 due to inconsiderate parking making it impossible for the last two Saturday evening X8 services to go along Gurkha Road.

Two parked cars caused the disruption, which lasted until the next morning when police were able to attend and speak to the offending vehicle owners so that the road could be cleared.

Morebus operations manager Paul Knight said: "We routinely have issues with inconsiderate parking on Gurkha Road. It's worth noting that if we can't get through, neither can a fire engine. It may be that further parking restrictions are needed and we will revisit this with the local authority in the coming weeks."

April 2021

Brewers offer £50k community support THIS year's Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest was launched 'virtually' by Mark Woodhouse and Lucinda Gray.

Guests were invited to log on to see a presentation on the brewery's history, plans for the future, and importantly its plans to again distribute £50,000 to community projects in its two main areas of operations, Sussex and Dorset.

Application forms can be downloaded from their website hallwoodhouse.co.uk and general enquiries submitted by email to communitychest@hall-woodhouse.co.uk.

Applications are open until May 7 to local charities, clubs, youth and community groups for up to £4,000 to cover project and running costs.

Since the scheme was launched in 2002, over 5,000 applications for grants totalling £5.1 million have been considered, and £650,000 has been donated to 800 community organisations, including the £50,000 shared

between 35 groups last year.

Mark and Lucinda said last year nearly £9,500 had been awarded early as 'emergency funding' to six organisations in need of immediate aid. This year the grants, which are not due to be awarded until October after being considered by the judging panel over the summer, would be focusing on recovery and on human needs.

The Community Chest is in addition to the company's own charity fundraising which has raised £100,000 a year for the last nine years, including £280,000 for the air ambulances since 2020.

Their pub charity partnerships, in which individual pubs fundraise for their own local charities, have raised over £70,000, including £10,000 through the sale of 'charity dishes'. They will continue for the same charities for another year, having been unable to fundraise during pub closures as a result of the pandemic, but staff have been helping by cooking for the NHS, running community shops and donating to foodbanks.

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April 2021

Changes agreed for ‘eyesore’ premises DORSET Council has at last given approval for alterations to the former Café SoBa in West Street, Blandford, which has for over two years been boarded up next to Jerry's Café.

The application allows the ground and first floors of the Grade II listed building to be used as a café/restaurant with some internal and external changes to the building, including a new frontage to match the neighbouring property.

Plans were originally submitted in November 2018 for the change of use but withdrawn and followed by a further application in December 2019, which was again withdrawn.

Jerry's Café proprietor Jerry Soylemez told town councillors in February last year of the difficulties he was encountering in bringing the listed premises, on which he had incurred a lot of expense, back into use.

Councillors have since expressed regular concern that approval had still not been forthcoming for a building which had become an eyesore.

The site became subject to enforcement action and the application which was re-submitted to address the enforcement issues and allow the building to be bought back into a viable use has now been approved.

Town councillors welcomed the proposals saying the building has been empty for too long in the conservation area.

The case officer's report on the application noted that although having an A1 retail use, the unit had, until recently, been trading for some years as a café (A3 use) without investigation from the local planning authority.

Plans have now been submitted for repairs to 5 Market Place (Nationwide Building Society) where work has been underway for several

months. The external works to carry out repairs and replacements include full replacement of roofs, masonry repairs, replacement of windows, repainted window frames and sills, and replacement of fascia and timber boards.

Town markets all set for full reopening MARKET Manager Andy Reynolds says he hopes to reopen the markets in Blandford on April 15 unless there are any changes to the legislation, but there is a possibility that outdoor markets may be allowed to open earlier as they were after the previous lockdown.

In his report to the town council in March, he said the street market on Thursdays has only had the fishmonger since the start of the national lockdown, but Saturday's market has continued to improve,

and in the week of February 27 five pitches were expected.

"Enquiries continue to come in and the reduced rates continue to be a great help in attracting new traders," he said.

He said all customers and traders would be asked to wear face coverings on the street market to help with consumer confidence, and most of the traders for all the markets have said they intend to return after the current lockdown.

The café in the Corn Exchange will continue to comply with track

Another EV charge point ANOTHER electric vehicle charging point is on its way in Blandford after town councillors agreed to enter into a contract with the company providing the charge point at Langton Road car park to provide another one at Park Road recreation ground.

A representative of JoJu Charging addressed members at their full council meeting in March and outlined the costs of a 15-year contract for a charge point supplied by them, compared to the cost of them purchasing their own.

and trace, with increased signage and the one-way system will continue, together with encouragement of social distancing.

He said he had dealt with a few complaints or concerns from members of the public who had seen the Saturday market and

asked for it to be closed.

"It was evident that those people were unaware of the rules in place - one person thinking we were holding a full market and ignoring the restrictions. We have been visited by covid marshalls and they raised no concerns."

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April 2021

Affordable homes on brewery site THE first homes to be built on the site of the former Hall & Woodhouse brewery will be affordable housing provided by developers Drew Smith, who have teamed up with housing provider Stonewater to build the 21 units.

They will include two one-bedroom flats and 12 two-bedroom flats for social rent, plus seven three-bedroom houses for shared ownership.

They are part of the Brewery Place development on the site of the former brewery in Bournemouth Road, which will also include another 42 open-market properties, due to be completed between May 2022 and January 2023.

Homes England, who bought the site from Hall

& Woodhouse in 2017, is now part-funding the development of the affordable homes as part of the wider 180-home development of houses and apartments which will be a mix of converted Victorian former brewery buildings and new-build properties.

Leanne Smith, new business director at Drew Smith, said: "We're delighted to be facilitating the delivery of affordable homes on this important heritage site in Blandford, alongside housing association partner Stonewater.

"Despite the lack of formal obligation to provide affordable housing on the site, we're fulfilling our partnerships’ commitment and will be providing 21 affordable homes for the local

community."

Matt Crucefix, director of development at Stonewater, said: "Dorset Council has been very supportive, and we're pleased the number of affordable homes being built will be more than had been originally planned.

"Not only will the scheme transform this brownfield site, creating an attractive development, but it will help meet the need for affordable homes in this highly desirable area."

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for planning, said: "I'm very pleased that this development is utilising a brownfield site and will provide much needed affordable housing for local people."

‘Green’ eco hub plan for farmland An artist’s impression of the proposed eco hub.

A PUBLIC consultation took place virtually on March 4 into proposals by Naturalis, a joint venture between renewable energy companies REG Power Management and Falck Renewables, for an 'eco hub' off the A354 north-east of Winterborne Whitechurch.

The development would feature superfast electric vehicle (EV) charging, a solar farm and battery storage immediately to the south of Blandford Hill across four fields currently in agricultural use.

The project is in its early stages of development. They say the site design will be refined as the proposals progress and will be informed by site surveys to be presented along with the consultation results as part of a future planning application to Dorset Council.

Matt Partridge, development director for the project, said: "Electric cars have a vital role to play in the transition towards a

more sustainable, low-carbon society, particularly where they can be powered by clean energy.

"The Blandford Hill Eco Hub combines modern electric vehicle charging with clean energy from a new solar farm 'next door' and batteries to store power and balance supply and demand.

"This is an innovative and exciting project that will provide a modern charging hub for aspiring EV drivers and help avoid socalled 'range anxiety'."

He said the site was well suited to this development and would plug a regional gap in charging infrastructure. A five-fold increase in the rate of installation of chargers was needed to allow the rapid roll-out of electric driving and the banning of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in less than nine years' time.

For more information see blandfordhillecohub.co.uk where there is a consultation form for download.

April 2021

A wave of protest unveiled by artwork THE final unveiling of the new canopied seating area at Badbury Heights, commissioned as a public artwork which tells the history of Blandford, prompted quite an outcry on social media on why over £50,000 had been spent on a bench when the money could have been used for many other purposes, and its location next to Shaftesbury Lane.

Councillor Pat Osborne, who chairs the town council's public art group, said: "The money for the bench was money from Persimmon specifically for 'public art'. It would have gone back to Persimmon if it hadn't been spent.

"There was an extensive public consultation on what it should be spent on and where it should go.

A decorative bench was one of the few ideas to fit the bill of being 'public art' while also being of some practical use."

He said the costs had been fully disclosed in the public domain throughout the planning process and the public art consultation, through which the site had been chosen.

"Personally, I'd have preferred to have spent the money on something else - it was not a non-trivial amount - but we weren't legally allowed to. That's why councillors were keen to ensure that the installation could be used by residents for practical purposes as well as being aesthetic."

He said there was no conspiracy to defraud the public to pay for ornate seating.

There were also a large number of appreciative comments - but the eagle-eyed were quick to spot the mis-spelling of 'rebuilt' in the sculpture, which was followed by an assurance that the artist has been asked by the town council to correct the error free of charge.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

13

Emma Elmsworth with her daughter Esme and dog Stella under the shelter over the new seating area at Badbury Heights. "It will be lovely in the summer," she said.

14

Readers’ letters

Primaries also need support AS heads of primary schools in the local area, we would like to add our voice to the appeal for help that was expressed by the governors of The Blandford School on your front page last month.

In the primary sector, the additional work to make the school Covid secure has often been taken on by existing staff, with teachers and TAs as well as the usual cleaning staff shouldering the task of cleaning desks, chairs, frequently used equipment and toilets at least twice daily, which helped keep costs down.

However, some schools have had to draft in additional cleaners, and we have all had to buy unprecedented amounts of hand sanitizer, disinfectant and enormous numbers of additional paper towels.

April 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

Additionally, some schools have had to fund supply cover to keep classes open when staff have had to self-isolate.

It is loss of income from wraparound care which has had the biggest impact on our budgets.

Government regulations meant that staff could not be furloughed even when demand plummeted.

Durweston and Pimperne have both lost around £30,000 in income from their nursery, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs; Downlands lost closer to £50,000.

We are all glad to see our children back in school. Schools are doing so much more than education. We are needed to be the mental health support crutch for our young people and a centre of wellbeing. This too needs resources as most would agree it is fundamental to academic progress.

We too would welcome any support.

Heads of the Blandford School Network (Archbishop Wake, Blandford St Mary, Downlands, Dunbury, Durweston, Milldown, Spetisbury and Pimperne)

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.

Legion is here to help COULD we let people who may be a Forces veteran, a member of a veteran's family, or even someone who is aware of a veteran in their community, know that the Royal British Legion is here to help and support them where ever it can, particularly in these times when people may feel isolated because of the lockdown measures.

They do not have to be a member of the Legion and they do not have to join the RBL - this is not about recruitment but support for our Armed Forces family, of which the veterans and their families make up a big part.

They can call me on my mobile 07914 067709, email me at terryyvonne@hotmail.co.uk, or email Bryan Kelly on blandford.bcs@rbl.community.

All communication will be treated in the strictest confidence or, to use the military phrase, 'no names, no pack drill'. We are here to offer support where we can.

So I would ask readers: if you know of a veteran or a veteran's family who are finding things hard going right now please urge them to get in touch. Thank you.

Terry Clarkson Chairman, Blandford Royal British Legion Branch

Lovely town needs care AS someone who has known Blandford Forum for over 50 years I consider myself very lucky to live in the town. As I walk through it I appreciate the Georgian and slightly later architecture but am concerned by the poor state some has been allowed to become.

I'm gladdened when I see repairs going on but saddened by the disrepair of many first and second floor levels. Many roofs have tiles or slates out of place and are waiting to fall on to the pavements below.

Many window frames are rotted and many upper-level apartments appear to be empty.

Pavements are messy and bins

are often overflowing for days.

Could someone in authority or on the council have the answers to rectify this?

As a town we have much to attract the tourist but to that tourist when arriving it all looks a bit shabby with empty shops, lots of takeaways and a lack of care.

Nick Smith, Blandford Forum

Is 20 plenty on roads?

A MEETING of Dorset residents recently heard what a lower speed limit could mean for Dorset.

It was hosted by the founder of national campaign 20sPlentyforUs, at the invitation of parish councillors and residents concerned at the speed of an increasing volume and size of vehicles passing their homes schools and shops, where narrow often winding roads must be shared by all users.

The purpose of the online meeting was to gauge support for a county-wide speed limit reduction from 30 to 20mph through Dorset's towns and villages. Out of this meeting was formed a local campaign group, 20sPlenty for Dorset, and I have taken the role of its co-ordinator.

If you have a passion for this initiative and the willingness to give of your time to it, please contact me soon: in this instance it is a case of many hands make light work, rather than too many cooks.

Dilys Gartside 20's Plenty for Dorset Campaign Co-ordinator 01258 860157 dilysgartside@gmail.com

Thank you for your honesty I WOULD like to say a very big thank you to the lady who, on Saturday February 20 in Morrisons, handed in my purse which I had dropped. I had no idea that this had happened until I was about to pay for my shopping. It is heartening to know that there are some honest people in Blandford. So once again, thank you.

S. Preen

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April 2021

Letters Extra Irresponsible dog owners are a blight I CAN remain silent no longer.

Why, you might be thinking. Well, through lockdown I have heeded the Government's advice to take daily exercise and have either gone for a run or walk around Blandford (obeying the request to stay local).

On several occasions though I have observed, on Elizabeth Road, Alfred Street and outside the Methodist Church, parcels of dog faeces left either on the pavement or in the road.

Not good, but the piece de resistance was one Sunday morning as I set off for a run - there on my front lawn was a lovely pile of dog poo. This (and me not a dog owner) I would have to clean up and dispose of on my return.

I fully appreciate that people have the right to own a dog but may I remind people they also have responsibilities and clearing up after their pet is one of them.

Now I know that the vast majority of dog owners are conscientious.

I witness this every day. Sadly, though, there is a minority who couldn't care less. Might I suggest they refrain from wearing their headphone / using their mobile phones / talking with a friend whilst leaving their dog off the leash to roam where it wants and do what it wants.

Before you leave home think poop and scoop, thus making sure you have your black bags with you. Remember to use the receptacle provided for the waste - no leaving it hanging on bushes. A bit of thoughtfulness goes a long way.

Oh no, guess what? Yes, another unwanted gift left today. What more can I say?

Joyce Wild

happens without me ever hearing about it, especially as I spend every day trying to be positive, practical and looking on the bright side of life.

I particularly found the poem printed on page 21 very moving, poignant and thought provoking.

Thank you for another brilliant magazine. It is wonderful how you manage to contain so much news, history and information into such an interestingly good read!

Della Jones Winterborne Zelston

So sad to be leaving IT is with a sad heart that I have had to close Cherrys in Elizabeth Road, having been in business in Blandford for 35 years, 25 of them at Elizabeth Road.

After failed negotiations to extend my lease with Sovereign Housing Association, I was given one week to clear out the shop, which was not an easy job, especially in this Covid-19 lockdown situation and after paying the rent for all these years.

I would like to apologise to all my customers and friends for such an abrupt departure and to take this opportunity to thank them for their loyal custom.

After 55 years' hairdressing I look forward to a happy retirement and hopefully a more normal life for everyone than this last very trying year.

I would like to thank Natasha Sibley for the past 15 years of working together at the shop and for all her support, especially with all that has just happened.

Also a big thankyou to my husband Ray and to the helpers (you know who you are) as I could have not done it without you.

I look forward to seeing you all in happier days ahead. Please keep safe.

Cherry Tulk

Focus keeps me informed Research into IT was such an emotional experience for me to read the March issue of Forum Focus and to recall many friends and acquaintances who are no longer with us and whose cheery smile I shall see no more.

For me one of the biggest problems of lockdown is the stillness of the jungle drums and so much

Bastable family I SEE you did some items in Forum Focus on WW1. I have been doing our family tree for over 39 years and can offer you information on a few of them who fought in the war.

For example: Edwin Horace Bastable, b. Marnhull July 1878;

Parents: Edwin Fred Bastable (1849-1920) Rhoda Jane Doddrell (1851-1931).

Edwin married Gertrude Louisa Lane (1878-1937) at Blandford Forum on 26/1/1901; her parents were Gilbert and Mary Lane.

Their children were Harry (19041960), Thomas Edwin (19051973), Florence Mabel (19061997), Lillian Maude (19101980), Ellen Louisa (1911-2004) and Elsie May (1914-1999).

Edwin was in the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh's, service number 26604, and was killed on March 21, 1918.

If any of your readers wish any further information on the Bastables of Marnhull and the areas around there, I would be happy to answer any enquiries.

David Lee-Bastable bastabledave03@gmail.com

Wildlife should be protected REGULAR contributor Cyril Allen really does think that the world revolves around the pro-hunt fraternity, what with his sadness over the cancellation of the Boxing Day hunt meeting and then the fact that otters are taking priority over the safety of hunt supporters.

Perish the thought that there are actually people out there who want to protect rather than persecute our wildlife.

It must be a total revelation when you discover that life really isn't 'all about you'!

Karen Winsor, Blandford

Please send your letters by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk

Can you identify it?

Carol Pediani, of Kings Road, Blandford, is asking for the help of readers in identifying this unexpected arrival on her garden hedge on March 1.

She wonders if anyone can tell her whether or not it is a male sparrowhawk, or perhaps a rarer visitor to an urban garden, a goshawk.

Or something else?

Answers please to editor@forumfocus.co.uk or 01258 459346.

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Village homes plan appeal dismissed AN appeal against Dorset Council's failure to determine an application for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of 48 homes with associated parking, access and landscaping at Pleydells Farm in Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, has been dismissed.

The outline application by P&J and Mr C Norton was submitted in July 2019, and almost doubled the number of homes to be provided through an approved application for 27 homes on the former farmyard.

In the absence of a decision by the local authority, inspector Matthew Jones was appointed to make a decision.

In his decision he found that while the 21 extra homes would be acceptable in terms of meeting housing supply and impact on character and appearance of the area and heritage assets, the impact on biodiversity in extending development across improved grassland would be too harmful.

April 2021

Strictly fun as care home residents step back in time A DANCE session with former Strictly Come Dancing pro Robin Windsor was a delight for Colten Care home residents.

They were among the first in the UK to practise moves and receive personal tips under the star's new 'A Step Back in Time' dance initiative, via Zoom, for older people.

As well as a focus on jive, the fun included upper body movements for chair-based participants, and the chance to sing along with Robin's fellow presenter, West End performer Rebecca Lisewski.

Amid smiles and laughter all round, he singled out two residents for special mentions, saying Rita Clay, who lives at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, was "good enough to be in next year's Strictly" and giving Ruth Horrocks, from Whitecliffe House in Blandford, the top score of ten for her dancing.

Robin said: "I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the lovely residents

Professional dancer Robin Windsor. from Colten Care who took part.

We had so much fun and they definitely showed off some great moves.

"I've created 'A Step Back in Time' especially for care home residents. I want it to be a chance for older people to express and enjoy themselves through song and dance. It's all

about helping to improve your mood and supporting your physical and mental wellbeing."

Robin was a dancer on Strictly between 2010 and 2015. Asked by a Colten resident what his most embarrassing Strictly moment was, Robin recalled finishing a dance with Lisa Riley, adding: "We were going up the stairs to speak with presenter Tess Daly but I missed a step, fell and landed right in the lap of a lady audience member. She was fine about it!"

Colten homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex all logged on for the live session, using Zoom chat to interact with Robin.

Full payment relief has been offered to the sports clubs at Park Road for the use of the pavilions which have been closed from January to March this year during the national lockdown. Town councillors have also agreed to waive the utilities charges for the period October 2020 to March 2021.

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April 2021

Virtual video keeps band in harmony AFTER 12 months in isolation, members of the Blandford Stour Valley Band (BSVB) are looking forward to being able to again practise together and play in public when lockdown eases.

They have missed their regular band practices just as much as their loyal supporters have missed their popular concerts and appearances at local and more distant events.

During the first lockdown in 2020, the players were restricted to home practice, participating in musical quizzes organised by members and a weekly update from musical director, Tim Stankus.

Although the band investigated the possibility of recommencing rehearsals in Covid-safe locations during August to September, the ongoing increase in infections across the country prevented this.

Consequently, all rehearsals and engagements were cancelled or postponed. However, prior to Christmas, groups of musicians from the same families managed to perform carols outside for Christmas shoppers in Blandford.

During the current lockdown, the band made a virtual video performance with 25 members performing the hymn tune Deep Harmony. Individual music and backing tracks were produced and from these, members recorded their own playing. The individual videos were then collated and edited to produce the final performance.

For many, using the technology presented a new challenge.

However, recording music virtually has been a positive experience overall, with players suggesting

A screenshot of the band's recording of Deep Harmony. further pieces for future videos.

Band member Sue Griffin said: "Even though the whole band has not been able to perform together, virtually recording music has illustrated how being part of BSVB has had a positive impact on members of different ages and abilities.

"We are now monitoring the advice from Brass Bands England to ascertain when we will be able to return to normal rehearsals."

RIGHT: Some members of the Blandford Stour Valley Band played socially distanced carols outside Morrisons during the festive period and managed to raise £269.80, half of which was used to buy food which was donated to the Blandford Food Bank. The other half went to the band funds to help towards expenses such as insurance.

Pictured are band member Ed Stankus with Morrisons staff member Suzan Morton.

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April 2021

Nicki’s dieters help pile on the £££ for charity

Accountancy business scoops industry award CBA SERVICES Ltd, in East Street, Blandford, were delighted to be awarded Sole Practitioner of the Year by Xero Accounting Software at the online award ceremony on March 3.

They have thanked their clients, contacts, friends and family for their support since Catherine Chapman took the huge step to leave a large, top ten accountancy firm and set up on her own in 2013.

CBA Services has now grown into a team of ten with a varied client base and are entering their fifth year in Blandford.

Xero said their proactive approach to supporting clients, whether in tackling the challenges of the past 12 months or preparing for future changes, was what had helped the firm grow

their client base and take home the award.

Judge Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: "In this past year small businesses have really needed their trusted advisor and I was looking for how bookkeepers and accountants have stepped up and helped their clients. CBA Services are a really good example of that."

The firm is planning for the introduction of Making Tax Digital for income tax in two years' time, something judge John Coldicutt, Xero marketing director (UK & EMEA), was impressed with. "It shows how forward thinking they are," he said For more information see their website at cba-services.co.uk or give them a call on 01258 840306.

Council vacancy poser TOWN councillors will be considering at their April meeting how to proceed with the co-option of a new member following the departure of Cllr Doro Russell last year.

They agreed in October to delay the co-option process until it could be held safely in person on the assumption that that could happen in May this year.

Preparations needed to be made this month to give adequate notice and advertise the vacancy and receive applications, and they will need to decide whether or not to pursue the co-option online if it is not possible to do it in person.

THE success of the 'Biggest % Weight Loss Challenge' launched

by Cambridge Lady Nicki Edwards and her dieters for Pancreatic Cancer Research in more than doubling the £500 target she set at the beginning of February, has been doubly poignant.

She said: "The appeal was launched because a really good friend of ours in our village had been diagnosed and was pretty poorly. Also my mother is a survivor of this dreadful disease so the charity is very dear to my heart.

"It is therefore with a sad but proud heart that I report that sadly our friend passed away in March, so it will not help him, but

hopefully will save someone else's life in the future.

"The challenge helped my customers lose collectively over seven stones. I am also equally proud as punch to say that, having set a target to raise £500, we have so far raised £1,000.

I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of all my customers, friends and others who I don't even know, who have donated."

The total was increased when the winner of the challenge donated back £100 of his prize to the charity.

Donations can still be made by going to justgiving.com/fundraising/NickiEdwards8

Planning inspector rejects village home appeal AN appeal against Dorset Council's refusal of planning permission for land next to St John's Church, Spetisbury, where John Fromage wanted to build a large detached house and construct an access drive, has been dismissed.

Planning inspector Benjamin Webb announced that although the development would be acceptable in allowing occupants access to services and facilities, its location would be unacceptable because of its impact on the character and appearance of the area to the north of the village.

He particularly found it would

harm heritage assets including the Grade I listed parish church and its former rectory, the grade II* listed Spetisbury Hall and adjacent churchyard containing two Grade II listed structures: the Rackett monument and the parish war memorial.

He said: "I appreciate that an inspector in a previous appeal relating to nine dwellings on the site took a more limited view of the setting of the former rectory, and in that case found that no harm would be caused. However, contributors to the current appeal, including Historic England, take a different view, as do I."

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April 2021

Jobs created thanks to internet firm’s high-speed success LOCALLY based Wessex Internet has doubled its employee numbers to support its continued growth following its fouryear migration to full-fibre delivery from its previous wireless focus.

The privately owned business now employs 81 people from its rural home on the Ranston Estate - an increase of 100 per cent since last year - with every office-based function in-house and its own dedicated construction team building its network across the countryside.

Its community project-based approach to building networks has over 80 'community champions' in local areas working with its in-house team to help rural homes and businesses receive a broadband service on a par with towns and cities through the Government Rural Gigabit Connectivity Voucher (RGCV) Scheme.

During 2020, Wessex Internet has: • significantly increased its network footprint and number of customers, connecting 59 per cent more rural communities to full-fibre broadband; • installed 624km of fibre in the ground across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire; • extended its non-residential connections to include schools, churches, farms, businesses, village halls and sports clubs, including Farmer Palmer's Family Farm, the Lulworth Heritage Centre and Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset, and The Newt in Somerset;

• won a three-year contract to bring full-fibre broadband to some of the most rural areas in South Somerset.

Managing director Hector Gibson Fleming said: "Our focus is to expand our fantastic service to even more of the countryside. We will continue to recruit more people over the coming year.

"The whole nation is undergoing a revolutionary change in approach to its working patterns, education, healthcare, home life and leisure activity.

People and businesses in rural areas have the same rights to world-class connectivity to support this as those in towns and cities."

The company has launched a new range of services and pricing which became available to new and existing full-fibre customers from April 1, with faster upload speeds, cheaper prices for home users and a new range of small business packages.

In February, the company announced its partnership with Dorset Council and Small Robot Company, a British agritech start-up for sustainable farming and the 5G RuralDorset project, in a £7m government-funded project as a launch pad for costeffective farm robotic systems into the future.

They say the project has the potential to dramatically close the rural/urban digital divide for farming and rural communities, boosting rural investment, creating skilled jobs and improving prosperity.

Michelle Lane

Lauren May

New faces at law firm EXPANDING law firm Blanchards Bailey has taken on two experienced new recruits to bolster sector teams as business continues to grow.

Legal executive Michelle Lane has joined the agriculture & estates team while lawyer Lauren May is now part of the private client team.

Michelle has worked locally within property law for more than 15 years, specialising in agricultural property for the last six. Based in Blandford, she acts for farmers and landowners, dealing with the occupation of land such as sales and purchases, easements, tenancy agreements, business leases and secured lending.

Lauren, an experienced lawyer who qualified as a chartered legal executive in 2017 and worked for Blanchards Bailey earlier in her career, specialises in wills, powers of attorney, tax and estate planning and deputyship applications.

She joins the firm's private client team and will be based in Poundbury once lockdown restrictions are eased.

Railway art invited AS part of the ongoing Art at the Museum programme, Blandford artists have been invited to enter an original work for a competition entitled 'The Railway in Blandford'.

Pictures must reflect the presence and influence of the railway on Blandford and will be exhibited at the Blandford Town Museum in September.

The competition is being held in association with the

Blandford Forum Railway Club, who will provide a trophy for a work chosen by public vote as the best.

Entry forms giving full details are available to download from the museum website blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk or, as soon as it is open, picked up from the Town Museum in Bere's Yard.

For further information email contact@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk.

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Covid testing unit opens in town car park A MOBILE testing unit at Stour Meadows car park in Blandford St Mary was last month added to the list of locations for residents with Covid-19 symptoms in need of a test.

The unit came into operation from Sunday to Wednesday each week, with drivers wishing to park in the area asked to plan ahead and find alternative parking on these days.

Other sites are available for residents to book a Covid test, depending on where the sites are scheduled to be on the day and their capacity, are in Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bournemouth (3), Poole (2), Christchurch and Swanage.

BLANDFORD Methodist Church has announced that their church in The Close remains closed for Sunday services and for lettings, due to Covid restrictions.

They will update with news through this magazine.

April 2021

Mourners turn out in force to pay respects WHILE funerals remained under restrictions in March with a limit of 30 mourners expected to continue until June, there were two attracting a much larger presence in Blandford.

The first was a Romany funeral at Blandford Parish Church on Monday March 8 when, prior to the funeral, the hearse was led along East Street and around the one-way system to the church. A large number, estimated at around 150, gathered outside the church and, after the service, followed the hearse and funeral cars as they proceeded to the cemetery for the interment.

The church had warned in advance that there was likely to be an increased number of people in the town and thanked people for their understanding at what was a difficult time for the family.

The second was on the following

Friday for Jackie Laws, the wife of Stuart Laws, owner of the Paddocks Bar in Salisbury Street, where there was a large gathering of friends and customers on the pavement outside to watch the cortege pass by en route to a private funeral.

The bar posted on its Facebook page: "We would just like to say on behalf of Stuart and all family members a very big thank you for showing your respect to our lovely Jackie yesterday on her final journey through town. She was sent on her way not in a manner deserving but best we

could during Covid times. She will be sorely missed by us all."

Her funeral notice, giving her full name of Jacqueline Elizabeth (JACKIE) LAWS, read: Died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Tuesday February 16, aged 61 years.

Beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Gladly Kissed, Sadly Missed. Donations if desired for 'Cancer Research UK' c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR, tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/jackie-laws

Death notices DAVID BRINE: Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 17, aged 81 years. David will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Private funeral service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium, donations if desired to 'Marie Curie' who cared so well for David, c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel:01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/david-brine IRIS SYLVIA SURREY: Died peacefully on January 21 at Castleman House. She will be missed. Private funeral. All enquiries c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133 PATRICIA HORLOCK COOPER: Passed away peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on February 5, aged 75 years of Winterborne Whitechurch, previously of East Devon and Caernarfon. Loving wife of Ron, adored Mum to Ashley and wife Sam, dear Sister to Heather and treasured Nain to Evie and William. She will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends.

Private funeral service to be held at Poole Crematorium, family flowers welcome or donations if desired to MDS Foundation c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/patricia-cooper DOROTHY SANSOM: Passed away peacefully at Whitecliffe Care Home, Blandford, on March 3, aged 93 years. Loving wife of the late Ken, she will be sadly missed by her son Colin, daughter-in-law Beverley, her daughter Anne, son-in-law Mike, her grandchildren Christopher, Emma, Stuart, and all her family and friends. Private funeral service has been held, donations if desired for Cancer Research UK c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR, Tel: 01258 453425 or at funeraldirector.co.uk/dorothy-sansom

April 2021

21

Churches to mark Easter online

Food Bank sends parcels of kindness to those in need

AS the community faces its second successive Easter in lockdown, some churches plan to hold some services in person, but mostly again online for the most important dates in their calendar.

The slight relaxation in restrictions as of March 29 permitting outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens, of either six people or two households made it easier for friends and families to meet outside during the Easter holidays.

But people were asked to continue to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they made, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

Staff at Shillingstone station debated whether the first of their regular events, the popular children's Easter egg treasure hunt on the weekend of April 3 & 4, would be able to go ahead as a social distanced event, and advised people to keep an eye on their Facebook page /ShillingstoneStation and website at northdorsetrailway.co.uk.

Children had already enjoyed the new experience of schools, colleges and childcare reopening to all pupils on March 8, while residents in care homes had been allowed a long-awaited visit from a family member who could hold their hand.

For the rest, the 'stay at home' order remained in place throughout March, with only the slight relaxation of allowing two people to meet in public for recreation as well as exercise.

THE Blandford Food Bank continues to support families in need from its base at the United Reformed Church.

At school half-term it was also able to send out 102 bedtime story bags to pre-school and primary age children in the Blandford area. It was also able to distribute socks donated by brewers Hall & Woodhouse.

This Easter, it is expecting to distribute around 120 food parcels to vulnerable families in the area to help with their children's lunches over the holiday period.

Food Bank manager Gail del Pinto said: "We would love to be able to include a family card game they can keep, enjoy and all play together. We have been donated 80 card games but need packs of UNO for the older children to play."

There were collection points at Spoons in Nightingale Court, Chaffers estate agents in Salisbury Street, and at the Food Bank itself.

Blandford's Community Kitchen, the brainchild of Joanne Triffitt, supported by Blandford and Langton Long churches to provide occasional community meals and events in the Parish Centre, ceased to operate when the departure of the Rector, Jonathan Triffitt, and his family coincided with pandemic restrictions.

But leading members from the Food Bank, Blandford Cares, Blandford & Langton Long Churches who had all worked with the kitchen, formed a project group to see what could be possible under the restrictions.

They decided to try an 'Afternoon Tea in a Bag' surprise delivery to

The presentation 'Afternoon Tea in a Bag' packs delivered by volunteers to Community Kitchen users. as many of the families and individuals they could identify as having attended community meals at the Parish Centre.

Blandford Cares covered all the expenses and helpers responded enthusiastically, so volunteer drivers delivered 59 decorated bags containing cake, cheese scones and a sandwich, plus a welcome card, to 42 addresses.

It was a resounding success, as positive feedback from many recipients showed, and brought in new volunteers who were keen to help in future projects, who are

now considering what they can do over Easter, and in the future when restrictions ease further.

The Community Kitchen existed to meet a social and welfare need and was open to anyone who wished to attend, expanding to include craft events, games evenings and a clothes bank.

Anyone who would like to be involved can email communitykitchen@bfpc.org.uk Meanwhile work is continuing to establish a Community Fridge for Blandford at Blandford Youth and Community Centre to allow all to benefit from free food and reduce food waste.

It has been supported by a grant of £2,000 from Blandford Town Council, and one of the same value from Dorset Council, some of which has been used to reimburse the training costs of volunteers.

A Facebook page has been set up together with an email address blandfordcommunityfridge@outlook.com.

22

The View from the Hill

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

U

P in the frozen north, our friend has to lead his Blackface ewes off the snow-covered mountain back to the farm for scanning. They have got used to being fed nuts while the grass is buried under snow and so are happy to follow him.

The ewes carrying twins will be kept on the better pastures on the lower ground from now on, whereas the ones with singles will be allowed to find their way back to the hill to which they are hefted.

There has been more snow on the Northumbrian hills close to the Scottish border than for many years; it is a harsh environment for man and beast. Our friends said that it was young farmers' country when they first went there in the early 90s - they are still there, so they must still be young!

Here in the soft south we have made a good start to spring sowing, and 25ha of beans went into a drying seedbed in the first week of March, followed by 70ha of barley at the beginning of this week, again into good seedbeds.

Once the weather broke, we parked the machines to wait for the next weather window. We can't sow much more until the animals have finished munching the turnips in the last two fields

April 2021 planned for barley.

In the last few dry weeks, the animals have enjoyed remaining on the soil surface rather than wading around hock-deep in mud and have been able to enjoy a higher turnip-to-soil diet ratio than when it's wetter.

It is always a challenge getting the stock off the arable fields so we can get the spring crops sown in good time, but the grass hasn't started growing yet so we have to hold the animals on the arable land for a bit longer, hoping there's enough grub to last them until it does. The older cattle are eking out the turnips in the Park at seven metres per day, plus all-you-can-eat silage.

Once the grub has run out and we have moved the animals back up the farm, we will need to call up Will Mogridge to spread the digestate heaped up in the field, then Gary will be along with a cultivator to loosen up the cattle-trampled soil before we sow the barley.

Regular readers may recall that we ordered a new drill last

Early morning misty sunrise at the yard. autumn, with delivery promised in time for spring sowing. The new machine is still in France, but to give credit to Opico, the importer, and C&O Tractors, our local dealer, they were able to supply their demonstrator drill for a day of bean drilling, so we will be able to see how no-till beans fare against a Knight M-press cultivation in front of the old faithful Vaderstad rapid.

Indoors we are three-quarters of the way through calving our 55 sucklers; two sets of twins to date is good news, although one of the cows decided she liked one calf but not the other. As if being a freemartin - a female calf whose twin is male and so is rendered sterile - isn't hard enough to cope with, having to be unloved and a rear-end drinker really is the pits.

The cherry picker we have hired to help with the shot blasting. One day it had to have its six-monthly safety check, so had to reach for the sky to show all worked correctly.

We have had a steep learning curve dealing with our steelframed barn renovation project.

Shot blasting is all very well in theory. After hiring the blasting kit from Lancashire and borrowing a compressor from a generous local friend, we thought we were sorted.

We didn't bank on a week of sporadic rain, which didn't stop the blasting itself, but it meant we couldn't paint the steel after cleaning, so no blasting.

The rain was followed by that seriously cold snap, when we discovered that condensation you get in the pipes freezes up, so still no blasting, and more hire time wasted. Eventually we finished the blasting and got the first layer of red oxide paint safely applied.

On we went with the top coat but again we got caught out by sudden unexpected showers which washed off an afternoon's paint overnight.

A return to frosty nights taught us further the perils of using a water-based top coat; anything applied late afternoon, or in the dark, had no time to dry, and seemed to freeze off, needing repainting on a warmer day.

'Why would you do a job like this in February, you idiots?' It's a fair question, but once the weather warms up there's proper work to get on with and our new tenants are itching to take possession, so needs must. We're getting there.

23

April 2021

Union donation helps pupils with home study DURWESTON CE VA School were delighted to receive a donation from the National Education Union as part of the union's support of the 'Help a Child to Learn' campaign.

The campaign is run by the NEU in partnership with the Daily Mirror and Viking Direct (sta-

tionery) Ltd, with the aim of raising money to supply the learning materials needed for children and young people to continue to study safely at home, if or when school closures and isolations have to happen in the future.

At Durweston, some of the money has been put towards

Durweston pupils with some of the story magazines they received through the NEU campaign.

sending high-quality story magazines to children studying at home. The NEU has pledged £1,000,000 to the appeal and Dorset NEU are making a direct contribution to Durweston School

to provide a modest amount of help locally. At the same time, they urge the public to support their call and give as generously as they can to their campaign at helpachildtolearn.com/donate.

AFTER a dismal start to the year, the children at Handy Paws pre-school in Durweston were pleased to be out in their garden again enjoying the sun.

"It's always great when the children can use our outside area.

We are so lucky to have such a great space for them to play in," said headteacher Nicola Brooke.

"Now that all the children are back, we will be making the most of all our outside spaces. Everyone will be visiting the farm or the forest at least once before Easter. We just have to hope the sun keeps shining."

24

April 2021

Cinderella’s global reach

MP to raise school’s cash concerns with Treasury NORTH Dorset MP Simon Hoare visited The Blandford School to discuss the school's funding issues which were highlighted in last month's Forum Focus, and which include the extra expenditure incurred as a result of Covid19.

While in the school, he offered to be a volunteer in the testing area and assisted in the testing of a group of staff and students. He also volunteered to join the testing team when students returned to school on March 8.

Schools operate as businesses and rely on generating income for basics, let alone extras. The discussion regarding funding included the need for lost income during the pandemic, such as lettings income, to be reimbursed either in full or part by the government and a greater level of grant support for health and safety measures such as the use of sanitiser school-wide and extra cleaning since March last year.

Simon Hoare MP helps with Covid-19 testing at The Blandford School.

Chair of governors Mario Roncaglia, headteacher Sally Wilson and business manager Liz Bishopp were very grateful for

Mr Hoare's time and his agreement to take their concerns forward in discussions with the Treasury.

A ZOOM performance of Madcap Productions' pantomime Cinderella in February was viewed across the world in California, Colorado, Cyprus, Australia and China, and through donations raised a total of £2,060 for the ICU at Dorset County Hospital in memory of their friend Julie Rice.

The team, which usually performs in the Brewery Hall, Ansty, particularly thanked Debbie Calver (Flora), who wrote the script, Paul Calver (Herald) and Richard Wood for their technical prowess in enabling them to step into the 21st century on screen.

Museum’s plea for door storage space THE Blandford Museum is seeking a dry storage space for the Bond Doors which are usually kept outside the museum in Bere's Yard and are to undergo conservation work.

The doors belonged to the Blandford Customs and Excise building in White Cliff Mill Street, now Whitecliffe Nursing Home, and date from the 18th century.

They each measure 2.12 metres by 1.0 metre with sundry other smaller iron pieces.

As important artefacts, they need to be kept in one large place while conservation is taking place over a period of 12 months, with access for the conservators to work on them periodically.

If you can help, contact the museum by email to contact@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk

25

April 2021

Art goes online to beat the lockdown WORKSHOPS delivered by award-winning artists are the latest in a series of online events at Bryanston School to ensure pupils have been challenged to explore their own imagination and develop their artistic skills and ideas while away from the school environment.

Head of art Doug Knight says the new initiatives have also provided the opportunity to extend similar support for neighbouring schools.

Its art department has produced a series of short films which have been distributed to primary schools within the Blandford Schools Network to promote creativity in art lessons.

The art department is also keen to reach out to the wider community following cancellation of the 2020 Dorset Art Weeks, for which it planned to hold a series of art workshops for local residents.

Plans remain in place for future community workshops once the organisers of Art Weeks are able to confirm when the event is able to proceed.

The first of the two virtual workshops was delivered by Londonbased artist Jeanette Barnes. Her 'Urban Challenge' workshop featured instinctive and imaginative exercises to help pupils use drawing to explore the vibrant and dynamic character of a city and to encourage personal expression in their own artwork.

The second online art workshop, attended by pupils from Bryanston and The Blandford School, was on portraiture drawing and delivered by another London-based artist Paul Brandford, who helped pupils explore new ideas to bring drawings to life.

Mr Knight said: "Delivering an effective and fulfilling remote learning experience for pupils has been a challenge for all schools, all teachers and all parents.

"We know how pupils thrived from the experience of earlier pre-lockdown workshops at the school so we were keen to add similar variety and interest to our

Doug Knight, head of art at Bryanston, joins the online workshop hosted and presented by artist Jeanette Barnes. own online resources, and are delighted that, as well as our art scholars, so many pupils attended the first two hour live online workshop.

"The positive feedback from the different year groups has been outstanding and so has the quality of art produced by pupils during and after the workshop."

DORSET disability charity Diverse Abilities is once again encouraging people to send 'seeds of hope' to friends, family, neighbours and the community through its #GrowTogether fundraising campaign.

Sweet pea and dwarf sunflower seeds are distributed to nominated recipients, who can be individuals, care homes, community groups and people supported by the charity, in return for a £5 donation (plus 75p post and packing) to the charity.

For more details and to place an order see diverseabilities.org.uk/growtogether.

26

Hollywood star’s happy memories of school days MILTON Abbey School hosted a virtual interview with former pupil and Hollywood, TV and theatre actor Rupert Evans on March 13, when members of the school's sixth-form questioned him about his time at the school and his career on both sides of the Atlantic.

Rupert, who attended as a boarding pupil from 1989 to 1994, recently starred in the Amazon Prime series 'The Man in The High Castle' after appearing in many theatre productions and working with the Royal Shakespeare Company before moving to Hollywood.

He recalled the formative influence of two members of staff in encouraging his talent and love for theatre, particularly Charles Cowling, who he said had introduced him to Shakespeare and the classics and first persuaded him to apply to drama school. He described the existence of the school's New Barn Theatre in which he had spent much of his time as a 'gift'.

He joined the event from Vancouver in Canada, where he is currently filming the fantasydrama TV series 'Charmed'. He was interviewed by students Miranda Sturdy and Georgina Williams who asked questions submitted in advance and during the online event by members of

his 'audience' about the industry, his career and his memories of Milton Abbey.

Chris Barnes, deputy head (cocurricular) at the school, said: "We're really excited to welcome back Rupert Evans, a former pupil who has forged an incredibly successful acting career."

Hugo Mieville, manager of the school's alumni association, who helped organise the event and was a teacher at the school when Rupert was a pupil, remembered him in many house and school plays, in particular his performance in the Restoration comedy 'The Country Wife'.

Rupert himself, after being shown a video clip of the last full school production of 'The Sound of Music', recalled that in an earlier school production of the same musical he had played Maria, and welcomed the fact that the school is now co-educational!

It was one of a series of interviews with guest speakers hosted by the school in recent months on topics including speakers on architecture, Olympic hockey and rowing, music videos direction and musicians, which have given pupils opportunities to lead events, interview guests, develop confidence in public speaking and presenting, and benefit from hearing the stories of their guests.

PAINTINGS in Lockdown by Parkinson's sufferer Mike Wells in Tarrant Rushton have now raised a total of £1,750 for the Parkinson's UK. Since lockdown started in March last year, Mike has so far been commissioned to create 77 paintings for people submitting photographs of their pets, relatives, and his particular favourite, motorbikes, in return for a donation to the charity.

April 2021

Blandford United BLANDFORD United, like so many sports clubs, have had to curtail their activities during the extended period of lockdown for the Covid pandemic, but are keen to expand the club's profile in the community for when their first-team get back to Dorset Premier League action.

Acting manager Steve Powell said: "We feel we can really celebrate the local community of Blandford and hopefully have a true 'family entertaining carnival' feel when we welcome local people to visit Park Road and support the local players.

"Clubs like Blandford United will need all the support they can get when they get back to playing and the players we have here can bring a smile to the local community."

With that in mind, they have offered Forum Focus some regular 'Player Profiles' for those who may be missing the football and those who have not yet experienced a match day at Park Road. Here is the first.

Name: Paul Ford Age: 27 Day job: production supervisor with Concept Cables Time playing with Blandford United: between four and five years Appearances: Over 100 Position: Right back or right wing Best foot: Right Best attribute: probably speed Favourite music: Led Zeppelin, Tenacious D, Blink 182, anything classic or punk rock really Movies: Most Marvel movies; Lord of the Rings; and anything with Michael Caine in is always a winner Food: Easily a spicy curry or a good sirloin steak Drink: Coca Cola Cherry, coffee, red wine, most lagers Hobbies: Gaming, chasing my two kids, long-distance running, watching Everton disappoint me time and time again Facts: Currently studying an OU course in English language and literature to become a teacher, and also write the programme for Blandford United!

27

April 2021

Nick Summons, right, with fellow Doddler Ian Sherwood and canine supporters on the Trailway.

Right: Lucy Brown's daughter Maggie with some of the bags of food given to the Blandford Foodbank.

Running in hot pants a doddle for Nick IF you were walking along the Trailway on February 20, you may have been passed by a man in a Dorset Doddlers T-shirt.

Nothing strange in that you may think; however, you may have had a double take when you noticed the runner was wearing a tight pair of skimpy blue hot pants. You need not have worried - it was only Blandford runner Nick Summons out on his latest charity event.

This year Nick's event was the Park Runathon and saw more than 60 runners take on the 5k route of the Blandford Parkrun. With current

government guidelines and England Athletics advice, Nick arranged for the runners to run in pairs or family bubbles. Over the course of the day the runners clocked up over 500 kilometres - Nick ran the route five times.

With the help from fellow Dorset Doddler Lucy Brown, he organised the Park Runathon with the aim of raising money and food donations for Blandford Foodbank.

The event was a huge success and had many Doddlers signing up to run on the day, along with members of local club Run Blandford and friends and family all keen to support the

event. Ten full bags of food were donated, along with over £750.

A member of the Doddlers committee said: "Nick is a popular member of our club and this is yet another of his fantastic fund-raising events. As a club, we are always looking to help local worthwhile causes and in these difficult times the Blandford Park Runathon definitely fits the bill.

"We ourselves have donated £250 to take Nick's total to over £1,000 so far. The Doddlers would all like to congratulate Nick on his great achievement."

Golfers’ landmark date on hold WHEN permission is finally given to play again, Ashley Wood Golf Club celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and has many things planned to mark the event.

Three new club captains have now taken up office but have yet to have their ceremonial 'drive-in'.

Men's Captain Andy Smart, Ladies' Captain Penny Meaden and Seniors' Captain Clive Jones have all been wished well in their roles in what should be an exciting year for the club.

Andy Smart

Penny Meaden

Clive Jones

28

Speed limit campaigners call for slower roads in Dorset A RECENTLY formed branch of '20's Plenty for Us' concerned about inappropriate traffic speed across Dorset is urging everyone to write to their county councillor to express support for an area-wide 20mph limit.

Officers at Dorset Council, which is responsible for speed limit schemes, are currently drawing up recommendations for a review of its speed management policy.

Campaigners say an overall limit (as opposed to 20mph zones which cover just a few streets at a time) has the advantages of not requiring costly traffic calming engineering, being less confusing for road users than frequent limit changes and costs a fraction of doing it village by village, town by town.

"We lobby for 20mph as normal where people live or mix with motor traffic. We ask for most 30mph roads to go 20mph through signage and public engagement, not humps or engineering.

"21 million people in the UK - a third of the popula-

tion - live where 20mph is agreed as normal. We want this for Dorset's roads. With Covid highlighting the greater risks of physical inactivity, we've seen people wanting to walk and cycle, but traffic speed scares them.

"20mph is safer, healthier and more sustainable than 30mph, with 20 per cent fewer road casualties as a direct result. Noise is almost halved. It brings back life to our streets. It's popular with over 70 per cent of people who say they want 20mph for their patch.

'20's plenty for Dorset' already has support from many parish councils across the county and is engaging with others to provide them with information about the benefits, costs and design of 20mph schemes after meeting with Dorset councillors to seek their support.

For information, email Dorset@20splentyforus.org.uk and see letter on page 14.

What’s on this month Thursday April 1: Blandford Museum Zoom taster session, fundraising 7-8pm, see page 25 Friday April 2: Good Friday Sunday April 4: Easter Sunday: church services online and also Holy Communion at 9.15am in Blandford Parish Church (open to all) and Langton Long (booking essential) at office@bfpc.org.uk or 01258 456260 Sunday parking charges introduced in Dorset Council car parks Monday April 5: Easter Monday Bank Holiday Tuesday April 6 (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 April 7: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, email clerk@blandfordstmarypc.gov.uk to ask for a Zoom invitation Thursday April 8: Winterborne Valley Croquet Club reopens, details: membership.wvcroquet@gmail.com Friday April 9: Blandford Museum Zoom taster session, children's events, 7-8pm, see page 25 Monday April 12: Step 2 of Government's plan to lift the lockdown,

PLEASE also let us know by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk of any events able to go ahead, whether virtually or in person. including non-essential retail opening Blandford Town Assembly 6.30pm followed by Town Council Planning Committee Teams meeting, 7pm, see blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk for agenda and link Cranborne Chase AONB free Zoom talk: Finding Nature's Patterns: Artist in residence, Charlotte Moreton, connects with nature and creative arts projects, 7.30pm, book at cranbornechase.org.uk/events/ Tuesday April 20: Blandford Museum Zoom taster session, front of house work, 7-8pm, see page 25 Friday April 23: St George's Day Blandford Museum Zoom taster session, young volunteers, 7-8pm, see page 25 Monday April 26: Blandford Town Council full council Teams meeting, 7pm, see blandfordforumtc.gov.uk for agenda and link Wednesday April 28: Blandford Museum Zoom taster session, disability and access, 7-8pm, see page 25

April 2021

A Princely download THERE'S an opportunity to entertain youngsters at home with Protein's fun and fastmoving workshop inspired by their award-winning show The Little Prince, available for download through Artsreach (artsreach.co.uk) until April 18.

Performers Faith and Andy lead and present 20 minutes of dance and movement exploring the world of the Little Prince in this creative workshop for 5- to 11-year-olds in which grown-ups are welcome too.

It is a playful introduction to the world-famous book, The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. After the workshop, original costume designs from the show can be downloaded and coloured in with pencils or digitally on tablet or phone.

School unlocking BRYANSTON School has received the green light to reactivate some of its community engagement initiatives following the reopening of schools and the Government's relaxation of some lockdown restrictions.

Spaces may still be available for a range of sports and arts activity courses over the Easter period, giving young local children an opportunity to explore areas of interest with direct access to top-class coaching and facilities. Details can be found and bookings made at bryanston.co.uk/holidaycourses.