May 2021 Forum Focus by Sevensioux

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

May 2021 Issue No.110 Est: 2012

A day of decision

Bright spring sunshine greeted the full reopening of Blandford’s Thursday market on April 15.

Back in business THE return of a full and colourful Thursday market on April 15 was symbolic of the unlocking of retail activity after the long shutdown since the New Year. As market manager Andy Reynolds had hoped, all the regulars returned to join fishmonger Paul Williamson, who for the last few months has usually been the sole trader. Stallholder Dave Dart reported a roaring trade in the sale of watch batteries which had given up the ghost during the lockdown. Non-essential retail outlets, services and activities had busied themselves in the days and weeks beforehand, ready for the official reopening day on April 12, with only a handful waiting until the following week. Blandford became busy again with shoppers venturing out to make purchases in person, get back into the charity shops and, where queuing was an option, get themselves a long-overdue haircut. In town, a number of pubs and clubs were able to open in the week beginning April 12 offering outdoor table service, including the Kings Arms, who announced they were also taking on staff, and the

FORUM FOCUS

Crown Hotel, which opened its outdoor area to bookings for food and drinks on Wednesday April 14. Booking was also recommended for The Greyhound in Greyhound Yard. But others have chosen to wait until full reopening is possible later this month. Nelson's announced that, all going according to plan with the government roadmap, they would be reopening on Tuesday May 18, and the Constitutional Club, Royal British Legion Club and Stour Inn at Blandford St Mary also said they would be reopening this month. The True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston, which reopened on April 12 for outdoor table service until May 16, has also organised a grand pumpkin competition in support of Parkinsons and Macmillan, with seeds on sale from the pub to be planted and grown ready for a grand weigh-in and raffle at the end of October. The Milton Arms at Winterborne Whitechurch and The Greyhound at Winterborne Kingston have both reopened with outside seating areas.

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RESIDENTS have their opportunity on Thursday May 6 to vote for their new Police Crime Commissioner following the retirement of Martyn Underhill, who has been in post since 2012 (see page 6). People living in Blandford, Blandford St Mary and Bryanston also have an opportunity to vote on the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan. If made statutory with a 50 per cent vote in support, it will be used alongside the Dorset Council Local Plan to decide planning applications for development in the area over the next 22 years. Turn to pages 16 and 17 for details of the plan and why it is important for it to be in place. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Electors should wear face coverings (unless exempt), take a pen or pencil to mark their ballot paper, and have until 5pm that day to apply for a replacement for spoilt or lost postal votes or make emergency proxy applications.

A fond farewell to the Duke: Page 12

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May 2021

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Where to find Forum Focus

Covid test site cancelled after staff threatened

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; Langton Long Abbots Nursery; Pimperne phone box and church; Shillingstone - Garage and Coop; Spetisbury - Village Hall and Clapcotts Farm; Stourpaine - The White Horse Inn; Tarrant Keyneston - St Richard Close bus stop; Tarrant Launceston and Gunville Farm Shops.

A CORONAVIRUS testing site due to open in Blandford was cancelled after members of staff faced threats of violence from members of the public. It was announced in March that mobile testing units would be available for those with Covid-19 symptoms booking PCR tests that month at the Stour Meadows car park from Sunday to Wednesday each week. Drivers were asked to find alternative parking in the area. But on Easter Sunday, April 4, police were called to the site next to a busy skate park after staff faced threats from a group of abusive young people and their parents. The testing unit which was supposed to operate that day was closed and those planned for Easter Monday and the following Wednesday cancelled. A spokesman for the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) who run the testing units, said: "This kind of unwarranted behaviour towards NHS Test and Trace staff is abhorrent. "They are performing work that is crucial to stop the spread of Covid-19 and helping us all return to a more normal way of life." The DHSC said options were being assessed "for further deployment in the area" but have so far been unable to say whether an alternative has been found. Those in the Blandford area can

still access Covid tests through a number of other testing sites and via home testing kits by booking on the government website at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119. Dorset Council announced at the

beginning of April that rapid flow testing sessions run by Public Health Dorset for those without symptoms would start at the Marsh and Ham car park on Tuesday and Friday mornings as from Tuesday April 13.

Two landmark homes on market TWO of Blandford's premier listed buildings are currently on the market through estate agents Symonds & Sampson. The Grade II Stour House in East Street is back on the market with a guide price of £1,350,000 and dates from about 1735. It has been thoroughly renovated and restyled by its current owners, with accommodation over three floors, including four reception rooms and five bedrooms, cellar storage and outbuildings. In the garden is a two-storey former coach house for which planning permission was given recently for conversion to a studio/gym. The garden leads down to the River Stour where a bridge leads across to the part of an island in the river belonging to the property. Also on the market with a guide price of £975,000 is the six-bedroomed Grade II* listed Eastway House in East Street. Believed

to have been built in 1735 for the infamous fraudster John Ayliffe, its walled garden with formal box hedging and specimen trees features a Grade II* listed brick summerhouse.

May 2021

Kate’s delight as art studio project wins approval BLANDFORD's Free Expression Arts Festival director Kate Seeger is excited to have at last been given permission to go ahead with her plans for an art studio at the back of Nightingale Court. Her application for planning permission for the project was initially rejected by Dorset Council, but following re-application with the support of hundreds of residents and Blandford Town Council, it has now been approved. She said: "It was a long hard battle but the Blandford Art Hub did it. We have permission for the next three years, subject to conditions, including the need to reapply by September 2024 to continue. "But we have the opportunity to not only create the art hub, but also to show how you can get creative with a couple of old sheds. If it's a success there is no reason for them not to issue permanent planning permission," she said. She thanked all those who had offered help, either with money, advice, moral support, signing the 200-signature petition submitted with the application, or simply coming up to ask how the project was going. The renovation of the sheds is

underway, together with construction of the planned pergola, and people may have seen Kate working away in the garden either side of the footpath between Langton car park and East Street. She is always happy to talk about her future ideas and her aim to have workshops running by the school summer holidays. But the hub will be for everyone in all age groups. She said: "There are some really creative people in Blandford and I think it is so important for so many reasons to have an outlet for the arts. The hub will not only give people a space for their creativity but will serve as a warm and welcoming base from where to signpost people to other arts taking place. "There may be no Arts Festival this year, and we hope to return in 2022, but we will still be bringing the arts to the town through the Blandford Art Hub. It's all very exciting, and I am really looking forward to the future of the arts in Blandford." To find out more or offer to volunteer, get in touch with Kate on 01258 451954, email at freeexpressioncreative@gmail.com or see free-expression.com.

Go-ahead for town hospital unit to open HEALTH chiefs have confirmed that smaller minor injuries units which closed at the start of the Covid pandemic, including that at Blandford Community Hospital, should reopen as the government roadmap for coming out of lockdown continues - but with retention of the booked appointments system which has been offered for the last 12 months. A report from the Service Director, Integrated Community Services, NHS Dorset Healthcare University, to Dorset Council's People and Health Scrutiny committee in April said there has been considerable learning, both nationally and locally, over the past year, and it was

recognised that a booked appointments system offered multiple benefits and improvements. Telephone triage ensured patients were seen at the most appropriate place, reduced the number of people sitting in a room full of patients with no idea how long they would be waiting, and managed the spread of potential illness, not only Covid-19, but also flu, respiratory illness and gastroenteritis, ensuring safety particularly for vulnerable groups. The committee was told the arrangements had been considered and endorsed by the System Urgent and Emergency Care Board in March.

Kate Seeger, right, with her daughter Lani, left, and son Fyn at the Art Hub in Nightingale Court.

Local plan changes urged DETAILED responses have been submitted by groups and individuals to the draft Dorset Local Plan consultation which closed in March. Blandford Town Council's submission runs to ten pages, in which they have asked for modifications to a raft of Dorset Council's suggestions, including consideration of Blandford as part of the South East Dorset area rather than the North, and to the amount of extra housing development proposed without adequate infrastructure. They have also suggested that a strong case could be made for a further education facility locally, and the need to consider adapting the role of the town centre.

May 2021

Sadness greets start of Nordon demolition work THE start of work on the demolition of Nordon in Salisbury Road, Blandford, the former headquarters of North Dorset District Council, prompted an outcry on social media from local people expressing their dismay and asking whether anything could be done to prevent the development. Dorset Council announced at the end of March the completion of the sale of the site to Aster Communities Ltd. Neighbours of the site were advised by Dorset Council building control of work by C G Comley & Sons, starting on March 30, to carry out preparatory work before the demolition could begin. Nearly 130 people engaged in a debate on Blandford Public Forum Facebook page, with comments ranging from their disgust at the decision to appealing to Aster to revise their proposals. But Amanda Williams, group

development director at Aster, said: "We're delighted to be working with Drew Smith of Vistry Partnerships to deliver 40 new homes for shared ownership and social rent. "The development will provide much-needed affordable housing for families who may otherwise have been priced out of the area. "We've listened to feedback to ensure our plans for the development are in keeping with the local architecture and we'll be incorporating features from an existing building on the site. "Many of the mature trees will also be integrated into the scheme which will include a local play area. We hope to start on site soon and we're looking forward to seeing the first families moving into their new homes early in 2022." Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property, said:

The demolition site of Nordon in Salisbury Road. "We are delighted that the sale has now completed on this site. The council has received over £2m that will go back into funding important services for Dorset." Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, portfolio holder for housing and community safety, said: "Affordable housing is so important to Dorset. Delivering affordable housing is a key ambition of our Dorset Council Plan and this is a huge milestone in delivering that ambition, underpinning our commitment to help make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit." Town councillor Roger Carter, who fought the application with the town's two county councillors, Byron Quayle and Nocturin Lacey Clarke, and others, said: "Believe me, we tried and fought tooth and nail. Dorset Council wouldn't change their minds. "It would be great for someone to create an almighty stink about it but, apart from DC planning having their collective feet held to the fire, the end result would be the same. It rates as the worst planning decision that the old NDDC took. "I would love to think that we could put a stop to it but, very sadly, apart from expressing our anger, outrage and frustration, I don't think there's anything else we can do." The former North Dorset District Council agreed in May 2017 to sell and a contract was exchanged with Aster in August 2018, conditional on them obtaining planning permission. Outline planning permission was granted to Aster by the district council in its last week of exis-

tence in 2019 for the demolition of the Edwardian villa, originally built as the home of Blandford St Mary brewery boss George Woodhouse at the turn of the last century, and redevelopment of the wooded site with an estate of 50 properties. Bids to have the building listed by Historic England, who had opposed the application and to have the decision reversed by the Secretary of State failed, and the continued objection from Blandford Town Council and a petition signed by nearly 2,500 people, failed to prevent the grant of detailed permission by Dorset Council's northern planning committee. The development will be a mix of social rent and shared ownership homes, consisting of one-bedroom maisonettes alongside two-, three- and four bedroom-houses.

Features of the Nordon building which may or not be retained in the redevelopment.

May 2021

Steve Bell preparing his winning breakfast in 2018

Steve’s a man for all seasons THE Yellow Bicycle café in Salisbury Street, Blandford, has become the first restaurant in the country to join Seasonarians, a national organisation promoting local, seasonal produce. Café owner and chef Steve Bell, who throughout the pandemic has continued to produce dishes in a takeaway service, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be the first to join their ever-increasing list of growers, dairies, farms and producers who believe in the benefits of this approach to the environment, animal welfare and the local economy. "Their aims fit exactly with ours, to make sure our customers know exactly where their food comes from and to help them eat more seasonal, local produce. "Throughout the pandemic, so many people have

appreciated the availability of local foods from Dorset's wonderful farmers, farm shops and producers. "This spring, as we prepare to reopen the café, we will be increasing our focus on local fruit, vegetables and seasonings, and adopting the Seasonarians 'traffic light system' on the menu and in the deli, helping customers know exactly where their food came from." The Yellow Bicycle won the South West England Tourism Awards Café of the Year in 2020 and the Dorset Tourism Awards Café of the Year in 2019. Steve, who won National Breakfast Chef of the Year in 2018 and now serves on the judging panel, is busy creating new dishes to make imaginative use of the best Dorset has to offer.

Pedestrian area trial planned PLANS are being progressed for a trial pedestrianisation of part of the car parking area in front of Blandford Corn Exchange later this summer. But the timing of the trial could be impacted by proposals for the long-awaited replacement of the paving slabs in the town centre, due to start within the next few months. Members of the working group set up by the Town Council and Town Team have been considering how best to use funding allocated to town centre enhancement, which includes the £70,000 given by North Dorset District Council and other developer funding. As the lockdown lifts, consultation is planned with local businesses

on how they feel the trial might impact on them, together with the gathering of evidence of how the Market Place parking spaces are used. In the 12 months to the end of March they brought in over £9,700 to Dorset Council in parking charges, but are estimated by the working group to bring in £3,200 a month in a normal year for which Dorset Council will need to be compensated. Monitoring of the use of other paid-for car parks during the trial is planned to establish whether they are used more, reducing the loss of car parking revenue. There has also been an appeal for people to get involved in hosting and taking part in activities during

Review started into parking fee policy A FULL review of car parking charges across the Dorset Council area is now underway following revisions which came into force on April 1, including Sunday charging in Blandford. Discussions have started with local communities across the council area to review the changes being brought in through the first phase of the parking transformation project, which was agreed by councillors in December. Stakeholder groups including residents, businesses and town and parish council are discussing the challenges faced by residents at a local level. Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "When Dorset Council was

formed, we inherited a number of different charging strategies. "As a result, we currently have 76 different permits in circulation, with varying rules and prices that, when compared, are not fair. Charges range from being free to £9 for all-day parking. "Our proposal will centre on a three-level strategy that differentiates between the diverse and unique areas that Dorset enjoys rural, coastal and town. "We're also looking at a permit that is only available for Dorset Council residents, which will offer reduced parking charges. We want a pricing strategy that works for as many people as possible." A proposal was due to be presented to the stakeholder groups in April allowing a four-week period of comment.

the day and in the evenings during the trial. A discussion on social media at the beginning of April resulted in general support for some sort of pedestrianisation, so that the market area could be used on other days by people socialising. It confirmed the results of the town centre survey carried out last year in which over 60 per cent of busi-

nesses and the total 1,000 respondents favoured a more pedestrian-friendly markets area and 70 per cent favoured more seating and planting. But a number resisted a suggestion that the through road should be closed or for buses and delivery lorries only, considering it impractical in the absence of an alternative.

May 2021

Five-way fight for top policing job NOMINATIONS closed on April 9 to reveal five candidates for the role of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner for the next three years. Voters go to the polls on Thursday May 6.

Patrick Canavan (Labour & Cooperative), a law graduate who has been a Parliamentary and Dorset PCC election candidate, is a former trade union officer who has spent much of his working life acting as an advocate on behalf of others, and undertaken a number of voluntary cases, dealt with various organisations and brought about organisational change. He wants to see: a greater focus on crime prevention through a multi-agency approach to tackling antisocial behaviour and drug trafficking; increased support for victims and action in cases of domestic violence, abuse and hate crime; work in the criminal justice sys-

tem to reduce re-offending and encouraging rehabilitation. "The response is stronger if we support each other. Co-operation, community and partnership will be the key themes of my administration."

Dan Hardy (Independent) urges a vote for experience, not politics. His 25 year of crime man-

agement experience spans public and private sector roles, including service in the HM Forces as a soldier, as a Metropolitan police officer, as MD of the National Business Crime Solution and Head of Risk at G4S, a global integrated security company. His pledges are: making you safer - increased police numbers, improved public visibility and better 'police partner' relations; changing for the better - an effective policing plan with a sustainable budget, allowing police to work efficiently, free from political influence; bringing everyone together - collaboration to reduce crime and the fear of crime; and supporting victims and reducing re-offending - a strong victim support system and a focus on preventative activity and education.

Mark Robson (LibDem), a BCP Councillor with a law degree and 26 years in the Royal Marines and Special Forces, specialising in counter-terrorism response, has an insight, from an external and independent perspective, into police working and pressures faced. His focus is to put more resources into reducing the firsttime offender rate, dealing with root causes and helping recently released prisoners stay out of trouble through restorative justice. He wants Dorset Police to remain leaders in best practice and effective management, strengthen trust and move towards greener, more sustainable working methods; to protect neighbourhood policing and set priorities for coastal, urban and rural areas; and increase neighbourhood policing teams and build confidence using the experience of local organisations.

Claire Seymour (Green) is an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Service Manager for a large housing provider, offering solutions and guidance to resolve complex ASB cases and deliver community safety strategies on a local and national scale. A volunteer with Victim Support for 15 years, as a Police Special Constable for five years, and with Dorset Police and BCP Council, she sits on a Dorset PCC Scrutiny Panel, a Safeguarding Adults Board and two domestic abuse forums. "My working experience is dedicated to public service, with a BSc Honours in public service providing the skills to ensure strong governance and management. I want to use my knowledge of Dorset, housing and policing to support the community and drive forward improvements to keep our area a safe place to live."

David Sidwick (Con) is a fourth generation Dorset resident who has lived here all his life and says he has demonstrated award-winning leadership with strategic skills handling significant budgets in his senior executive career and has run his own business. He has spent years in preparation with other PCCs and making a full-time commitment to understanding Dorset and Dorset police across all communities to give a platform for change. "I understand accountability and will work for you as your champion - not the police or any other interests. I will bring back prevention with robust visible community policing and put victims and communities first. I will be tough on violence, drugs, hidden harms and also tackle rural crime. The mission is to cut crime and ASB and make our police crime fighters again.

May 2021

Climate fears fuel opposition to new housing project PLANS have been submitted by Hallam Land Management for up to 150 more homes on fields just down the road next to the Bellway Homes development being built at St Mary's Hill, Blandford St Mary, on the outskirts of Blandford. Blandford Town councillors have objected to the outline application on the grounds that it is not in the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan, which goes to public vote in a referendum taking place on Thursday May 6. But the site next to Ward's Drove is included as an option in the draft Dorset Local Plan, which is currently being consulted upon. At April's town council planning meeting Councillor Steve Hitchings said: "We should be objecting." Councillor Roger Carter, chairman of the NP steering group, said: "It is only two fields away from the proposal for 70 houses in Charlton Marshall which was refused on the grounds of lack of nearby facilities with unattractive pedestrian links to shops and services, and harm to the character of the area. "This won't come with a surgery or primary schools, when all the existing schools are bursting at the seams and has to be contrary to the Dorset climate agenda because of the increasing number of car journeys that will be made." He said it was immediately opposite Lower Blandford St Mary and would remove the sense of sepa-

ration between the rural parish and the town. The scheme, which includes open space and landscaping, play areas and cycle and pedestrian connections incorporating the North Dorset Trailway, will also mean another vehicular access off the A350. Comments on the application closed on April 21. Richard Brown of the Dorset AONB said the impact on the AONB was unlikely to be significant since the site was lower in the landscape than the Bellway Homes development. But Blandford & District Civic Society have objected, saying it is both speculative and premature, adding to the ribbon development along the A350 and impact on the character of Blandford St Mary caused by the already approved 350 houses at St Mary's Hill. "Since their approval, Dorset Council has declared a climate emergency. Further development without adequate public transport and significant employment opportunities mean residents having to travel to find work, so increasing the carbon footprint. "Development in neighbouring Charlton Marshall, towards which this development is creeping, was refused on the grounds that it would result in unsustainable travel patterns, and so too will this." Keith Yarwood, for the Open Spaces Society, has objected on similar grounds, together with the loss of good-quality farmland and loss of rural aspect to the North Dorset Trailway.

Fire crews in action A LARGE hedge fire on Lynch Lane, Child Okeford, was extinguished by firefighters from Sturminster Newton, who damped down the surrounding area to prevent further spread. Two weeks later firefighters from Sturminster Newton and Blandford attended a 200m by 200m heathland fire at Whitesheet Plantation, near Wimborne. More than 60 firefighters from nine stations, with two pumps, a support crew and the Unimog, fought the blaze for over five hours. Crews remained on scene overnight to prevent any reoccurrence. Blandford firefighters were again in attendance with multiple fire crews at Longmead Industrial Estate in Shaftesbury, together with a support unit from Hamworthy and an aerial ladder platform from Yeovil. Roads were closed to ensure the safety of members of the public.

May 2021

Happy memories of life on the road Carole Fornachon continues the celebrations of Blandford Fashion Museum's 25th anniversary month with some of Betty Penny's Travelling Adventures of the Cavalcade of Costume recalled for the grand opening on May 5, 1996

A fashion show in Blandford Corn Exchange.

Either side of Betty Penny are two sisters - on the right is Kathryn Reed, now museum administrator.

Terri Weller's daughter Rebecca in costume with the Cavalcade.

DRESSING rooms - some were big, some small, some you couldn't even swing a cat in; barns, sheds, caravans, hot, cold; once it was a large tent just outside a village hall on a very blustery autumnal evening. Going to the other extremes, there were the luxurious apartments of St James Palace, the Cygnet Library in Edinburgh, the Inns of Court and the Manor on Brownsea Island, to name but a few. Imagine the rigmarole of loading the coach in Blandford with all the crates, hampers, hat boxes, hanging rails, stretchers, fan cases, parasols, music equipment and over 100 hanging costumes, with all the underwear items, crinoline cages, etc, arriving at Poole Quay. Next unloading and transporting them onto the ferry, scudding across the slightly choppy bay, hoping nobody suffered from malde-mer, landing at the jetty on the island, unloading and stacking everything onto a tractor. The tractor then proceeded shakily up to the big house, brushing against some very low-hanging branches - the team following behind ready to pick up anything that became dislodged. The song 'My Old Man Said Follow the Van' immediately sprang to mind, but

we resisted the temptation! It was all unloaded again on reaching the house, for setting up, ironing, sorting and allocating dresses and all the relevant accessories, and after doing a three-hour show, we had to do the whole lot again in reverse. I think everyone slept very soundly that night. Toilets - were sometimes virtually non-existent. Picture the expressions on the faces of some of the local populace on seeing a group of people in period costumes rushing down the main street and disappearing into the public toilets! Refreshments - could be a delicious banquet or very sparse: 'Fish and chips on the way home tonight, girls?' Sipping champagne from plastic cups whilst sitting in the coach parked along the Embankment in London was very memorable. Travelling could be very tiring, but with lots of laughter tinged with a few tears and tiffs, it really was a wonderful life. What is really heart-warming is the amount of support the Cavalcade has received over the years, and all in the aid of charity. Nearly £500,000 has gone to various charities all over England, and the fact that everyone on the Cavalcade team did it with love, voluntarily."

Above left: Terri Weller, a friend and model for Betty; and above right: Terri’s daughter Rebecca.

May 2021

Church repair programme gets a £10k grant boost THE team leading planning for the further restoration of Blandford Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul is thrilled to have been awarded £10,000 by the Dorset Historic Churches Trust towards the £1.1 million cost of repairs to the roof. Applications are in to 14 different funders, with more yet to be approached, but the DHCT contribution has been agreed quickly and can be used as leverage with larger national funds and trusts.

Planning team leaders Anne Shire and Sara Loch said: "We are very grateful for this contribution to the latest phase of our church restoration, the repair of the roof and restoration of the original Georgian internal plasterwork. "We have an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund pending from which we hope to hear in June, but meanwhile we need additional funds and the grant from DHCT is a great contribution towards our goal."

Marianne’s prize story THE Blandford Literary Festival, currently operating online through its Facebook page and sharing story readings, and other online literary events as well as hosting competitions, has staged a competition for authors to submit a wartime-themed story. The winner announced on April 11 was Marianne Ashurst, with 'A Greater Sacrifice', and her prize was a copy of 'Blandford in the Great War', a compilation with contemporary newspaper reports of how the town coped during World War I. BLF commented: "We've had an assortment of stories, most based on true events and the lives of loved ones.”

Another £50,000 is needed to make up the shortfall in funding. The trust announced grants to help repair eight of the county's beautiful church buildings totalling over £40,000 in the first of three batches of grants to be made this year as a result of the annual sponsored Ride and Stride for churches last September, which in total raised £112,528. The Archdeacon of Sherborne, the Ven Penny Sayer, said: "The support of DHCT in helping to cover the costs of maintaining Dorset's historically important church buildings can be vital." DHCT chairman John Stokoe said: "We are very grateful to all those who took part and who sponsored them." Last autumn the Trust gave £4,000 towards the replacement of corroded electrical trunking and wiring at St Mary's church Tarrant Hinton, and £6,000 towards major roof repairs at Wimborne St Giles.

Curate bows out BLANDFORD Parish Church has said farewell to the Rev Karen Wilson, who led her final services in the town and Langton Long on Easter Sunday. With the final year of her curacy drawing to a close, she needed to complete her time in her placement with the Iwerne Valley Benefice. Her final week also saw her leading Easter services for Archbishop Wake and Milldown schools. She said it had been wonderful to build upon the relationships that these schools have with the church and would pray for them all while a new interim minster was sought. Giving thanks for her time and service with them and wishing her well, church leaders said work continued on creating a new parish profile to advertising for the next incumbent to succeed the Rev Jonathan Triffitt.

May 2021

Plan vote could have a huge impact on the area’s future

Anti-litter groups join the clean-up

THE importance of approval of the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan in the referendum on Thursday May 6 has been emphasised by members of the steering group which has worked for eight years to make it planning law. Carol Tompsett, chair of Bryanston Parish Council, said: "Approval is vital for the future of the Blandford+ area if we are to stave off pockets of uncontrolled and adventitious development in sensitive areas, and to deliver the much-needed primary school and other essential infrastructure. "Without it, there could be a long delay on the school, limited infra-

A BLANDFORD Love Your Street campaign has been launched by the combined Blandford War on Waste/Cleanup Blandford group in collaboration with Litter Free Dorset. Posters and flyers giving information have been going up around the town and were handed out to people during a litter pick on Saturday April 17. All are welcome to join the group when it meets again at 10am on Saturday May 15 by the blue bridge next to the Marsh and Ham car park for another two-hour litter pick. A schedule of activities is planned for the coming year, including a midsummer litter pick in June and a weekly litter pick in August. Full details are being posted on social media and town websites. Further information is available from by emailing blandfordwaronwaste@gmail. com.

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structure, and limited control over development in sensitive areas." The draft Dorset Local Plan puts forward options for more development than the Neighbourhood Plan, which is being brought forward before the countywide plan is finalised. Steering group chairman Roger Carter said: "The policies in it should be adhered to by Dorset Council, regardless of the increase in the overall housing figures required for Dorset." He said that because it had not then been approved, it did not carry enough weight to prevent the redevelopment of Nordon. But once approved it could prevent other proposals. He said the three councils for the area it covers - Blandford, Blandford St Mary and Bryanston - would monitor the plan through regular meetings on the policies, planning applications and changes in legislation. "We will continue to work with Dorset Council planning as the

Neighbourhood Plan will be Dorset Council policy too and will have impact as long as the Dorset Council Local Plan lasts." Asked why the plan did not cover Pimperne and Langton Long, Mr Carter said both parishes were approached when the Blandford+ plan was first mooted but declined to be included. Pimperne now has its own Neighbourhood Plan. Only those within the parish boundaries covered by the plan can vote - those in the Blandford+ parishes could not vote in the Pimperne referendum. "Dorset Council, through a delay in issuing a decision statement until March 12, has pushed us hard in terms of publicity for the referendum." But he said every household should have received a copy of the leaflet now printed on pages 16 and 17 of this issue of Forum Focus, and an opportunity to view the plan and Q&A section on the Blandford+ website.

May 2021

Shame of the senior officer who cheated the system SENIOR Army officer MajorGeneral Nick Welch has been jailed for 21 months and stripped of his rank after being found guilty of dishonestly claiming £48,000 for his children's education. Welch, 57, who left the military in 2018 and became Chief Operating Officer at Bournemouth Arts University, was convicted of fraud by a panel of senior officers after a four-week trial at Bulford Military Court. He is believed to be the most senior officer court-martialled since 1815. He has also been ordered to pay back the money and has left his post at the university. The court heard that the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) allows children to remain at the same schools to enable their serving parent to be accompanied by their spouse as they are posted to different locations, but cannot be claimed if a soldier's spouse is away from the military home for more than 90 days per year.

Disgraced: Nick Welch. During the four-week trial, the prosecution said Welch applied for the allowance on the basis both he and his wife would not be living close to the children in Dorset, but in military accommodation in London between December 2015 and February 2017, when a neighbour alerted authorities about the Welch family's absence from the London home. It was claimed his wife Charlotte actually spent most of her time at a cottage near Blandford, close to the £37,000-a-year Clayesmore

School and the £22,500-a-year Hanford School attended by their children. Welch denied being dishonest and said his wife was living with him for the majority of the time. His barrister, Sarah Jones QC, said the CEA system and the 90day rule were not strictly enforced, and a character reference from the former Commander of Joint Forces Command, General Sir Richard Barrons, said Welch was of "unimpeachable integrity". But prosecutor Sarah Clarke QC said he had attempted to manipulate the figures regarding his family's locations to cover up his dishonesty. Following his conviction and sentence, Judge Advocate General Alan Large told him: "We have no doubt you understand that your rank of major-general and role as the assistant chief of general staff are factors which aggravate the offence and require recognition in the sentence."

Family in anti-bill protest A FAMILY from Shillingstone staged a peaceful 'Kill the Bill' protest in Blandford Market Place on April 3 to co-ordinate with national protests. The six Chapmans held placards to protest against certain parts of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021, which is making its way through Parliament. Tatiana Chapman said: "Why do women have the vote in 2021? Why do people of all races have equal rights in UK law? The answer to both of these questions, and the reason for many other rights which we now take for granted, is through protest. "While the bill contains many important and useful improvements to the law, such as the introduction of a 'stalkers register', it also has several proposals which we believe would unacceptably limit our right to peacefully protest - a crucial part of any functioning democracy."

May 2021

Town bids farewell to the Duke THE Union flag flown from the Government guidance with Corn Exchange in Blandford was regard to social distancing, the lowered to half-mast following the Town Council will not be hosting announcement of the death of a Book of Condolence that would Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, ordinarily be located in the Corn on Friday April 9. Exchange, and instead direct residents to the website royal.uk." The town council posted on its Facebook page, after learning Anyone without the internet was the news, that their thoughts invited to take messages into the were with the Royal Family. Town Council office where they could be uploaded by council The notice stated: "The Prince staff. demonstrated dedication and commitment to duty throughout A single bell at local churches, decades of change, including Spetisbury and from the dark post-war Stourpaine, was tolled years through to the that afternoon 99 times new horizons of the to mark the Duke's age 21st century, providing at his death, as was that essential continuity for at Blandford Parish the nation alongside Church on the day of the HM The Queen." funeral. On behalf of the peoDorset Council invited ple of Blandford, the people to book to leave Mayor, Councillor Lynn condolences using interLindsay, wrote to net facilities at libraries, Buckingham Palace to as the nation began a express the town's period of mourning prior sorrow. The Union flag at half to the private funeral, held at St George's She told residents: mast at the Royal "This is a period of British Legion Club. Chapel, Windsor Castle, on April 17, along with a public grief, during an national one-minute silence. unprecedented period, when people would normally come In Blandford, the silence was together to mourn a national figobserved at 3pm after a busy ure who has been consistent market day morning by Cllr throughout our lives and for Lindsay, North Dorset MP Simon whom we have collective affecHoare and Blandford Camp tion, despite not knowing him Garrison Commander Col Jon personally. Davies, in front of the Corn Exchange. "However, to follow the

The Bryanston visit THE Duke may have rarely set foot in Blandford, but hundreds of local state and independent school pupils, scouts, guides and cadets have benefited from taking part in the award scheme which he founded, with the help of teachers, leaders and volunteers running the schemes. In 1966, the Duke visited Bryanston School to open the newly built Coade Hall: both he and former headmaster Thorold Coade were friends of Kurt Hahn, the German educator who founded Gordonstoun and Outward Bound, and were heavily influenced by him. The school, on behalf of everyone at Bryanston, offered their deepest condolences to the Royal family and to the Queen. "The Duke of Edinburgh epito-

mised service and integrity, and so many young people have benefited from his Award Scheme. Our chaplain will be preparing a Service of Thanksgiving next term for his life."

Prince Philip is pictured next to Geoffrey Udall, chair of governors of Bryanston School, when Coade Hall was officially opened in 1966.

Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay, with (left) Col Jon Davies, Blandford Garrison Commander, and (right) North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, observe the minute's silence at the start of the Duke's funeral on Saturday April 17.

A loss felt deeply across the county ON the day of the Duke's death, Cllr Val Pothecary, Chairman of Dorset Council, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and the Royal family as we mourn the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh, and I would like to offer them our heartfelt condolences. We give thanks for his wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He has been an inspiration to us all." Angus Campbell, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, who lives in Iwerne Minster, said: "It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh. "The country, and the county, are now in deep mourning in remembrance of an extraordinary man. "The Duke has been a remarkable pillar of strength to Her Majesty, who herself has been an extraordinarily strong and constant foundation of love, strength and hope for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.” A special service of Remembrance was held at St Mary's Church, Iwerne Minster, on Thursday April 15, led by the vicar, the Rev David J John. There was also a short service to commemorate the life of Prince Philip on Friday April 16

in Spetisbury Parish Church, where everyone attending was invited to light a candle in memory of others who have died. Prayers were said for them too. The Rev Carolyn Couzens said: "This was especially appropriate on behalf of those whose funerals we couldn't attend because of Covid restrictions." The church bells were tolled half-muffled for an hour on the day of the Duke's funeral. There was also a service in commemoration at St Nicholas Church, Durweston on the Friday evening. Many churches were open for private prayer, without books for Condolences, but some set aside places in their churchyards for the laying of floral tributes.

May 2021

Complaint after council grave error prompts rules review RULES for the installation of memorials in the newest section of Blandford cemetery were being reconsidered by town councillors at their meeting on April 26. It came after a family were told they could not have kerbstones around the grave of a woman who died in December last year, despite their existence around another grave nearby. The woman's parents and son, who died aged 23, all had graves with kerbstones protecting the plots in the older part of the cemetery, and her wish was to be buried in the same way. Operations manager Jon Goodenough said: "The kerb set in the new section of the cemetery was installed there due to an administrative error and since it was our error it was not right for us to ask for it to be removed. "It was confusing and upsetting for the other family

but does not change the regulations which were set by the council to try to make maintenance of the new sections easier. "I understand that when they applied for a kerb set they were told by funeral directors about the regulations, but then visited the grave and saw the kerb set on the other grave." He said a letter of complaint received on March 26 had been replied to on the same day, offering to put the issue on the agenda of the next town council meeting for reconsideration. "No response was received, but the decision was taken to put it on the agenda anyway to try to avoid future issues or confusions." The regulations for the cemetery extension were approved in January 2018, and last amended in 2020 to further control the amount of decoration permitted on graves.

Online help can combat stress AS part of Stress Awareness Month in April, Dorset Healthcare, which runs mental health services in the county, put together a new webpage - dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/takeastep - signposting a wide range of support services available for people struggling to cope or feeling in crisis.

The past year has been especially difficult due to the Covid pandemic, with new challenges from lockdown fatigue and fears over job security to balancing working from home with child care responsibilities - all while trying to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

A study conducted by the Stress Management Society reported that 65 per cent of 2,000 adults in the UK have felt more stressed since the restrictions began in March 2020, with key causes of concern being feelings of disconnection, uncertainty and a worrying loss of control.

New centre to provide support A NEW activities hub for adults with learning disabilities was planned for opening this month, dependent on government guidelines, at the village hall in Sixpenny Handley. Accredited by Dorset Council Adult Commissioning for the provision of day opportunities for adults requiring support but not personal care, the Creative Skills Hub, opening Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm, will offer a range of workshops, including pottery, woodwork and arts & crafts. It also offers independent living skills programmes, including healthy eating, exercise and yoga classes to empower individuals with different abilities. All staff are highly qualified and experienced. For further information contact Jon Whitehead on 07769 853794, email thecreativeskillshub@outlook.com or see the website at thecreativeskillshub.com.

Readers’ letters

Allotments move is a good trade THIS is the flip side to the 'No to Allotment Move' sign on the bypass and 'Allotment holders dig in to oppose new site for plots' article in the April issue of Forum Focus. It is important to recognise and consider both sides before casting a vote in the upcoming Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan referendum on May 6. If you have ever engaged with the planning system you might have noticed that there are usually trade-offs when it comes to development. The 'big ticket' trade-offs being made in the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan are moving the allotments and accepting 400-plus new homes in exchange for the freehold of land for allotments (it is currently leasehold), a community hub and, most importantly, a new school where it is most needed in the northern part of the town. Whilst there are, of course, other trade-offs and gains, the main driver of the Neighbourhood Plan project has always been to try and correct the social infrastructure deficiencies in the northern part of the town. Is it perfect? No, of course not. Is it realistic and the right trade-off for this town? I believe it is. Will we have to continue to live with social infrastructure deficiencies in the northern part of the town or will we do everything we

May 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

can to turn this into a success story for the children of this town? For me it has to be the latter and I will be voting 'yes' with this in mind. Whilst this is enough for me to cast my 'yes' vote, there is another important issue to consider. For those who have an interest in planning, look up paragraph 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework and Dorset Council's existing fiveyear housing land supply and housing delivery test positions. For those who don't have an interest in planning, it is the difference between handing Dorset Council a cannon or a peashooter in the battlefield of planning decisions against speculative planning applications. Hand them a cannon and vote YES in the upcoming referendum. Leani Haim Resident of Blandford Forum

Planning confusion EARLY in April, I received my voting card for the upcoming referendum on the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan. This is not a matter I have followed closely, so I thought I should do some research online, to understand what I will be voting for. The Blandford Town Council site had some basic information about the referendum, including the question that will be on the ballot slips: 'Do you want Dorset Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for

Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford DT11 7HD. Please mark your letter 'for publication' and remember to include your address, which will not be used in full. Forum Focus reserves the right to shorten or edit letters in the interests of clarity, brevity and style.

Blandford+ to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?' It then explained how to apply for a vote, if you have not received your voting card. The Blandford+ (Blandford Forum Town Council, Blandford St Mary and Bryanston parish councils) website had reams of information about the history of the plan, the parameters under which it was drawn up and the Neighbourhood Plan itself (although strangely it is a version with tracked changes, which is not easy to read). A lot of the information is dated 2019, so I was not sure how up to date it is. Nowhere did I find a discussion of the implications of voting for or against the plan, whether it will be cast in stone until 2033 or why the Blandford+ group does not include the parishes of Pimperne and Langton Long, which are contiguous to the town? I realise that it is difficult to organise hustings during lockdown, but some well-advertised Zoom seminars would be very helpful. Perplexed of Blandford St Mary (Name supplied) Editor's note: The answers to many of these questions went live on the Blandford+ website in a Question & Answer link soon after this letter was written, and in a leaflet delivered to every household and printed here in Forum Focus, together with an explanation of why the polling cards were received before that information was available.

Care at a tough time I RECENTLY lost my Dad and in these strange times I was dreading the funeral. I rang the funeral directors Lesley Shand and booked an appointment. I was afraid it was going to be all online and trying to get other family members involved was going to be difficult. But no, we had a face-to-face appointment in a Covid-safe area. From start to finish the whole of the arrangements were done with empathy, respect and we felt very looked after at this sad time. Having a very small funeral is not what we expected but as it happens it was actually more personal to us and felt very special. We are lucky in Blandford to have such a great team at Lesley Shand and I personally can't thank them enough for making it all such a straightforward arrangement. Name & address supplied.

Thank you JUST wanted to say thank you to a gentleman and a lady who were very kind to me when I had a fall by Station Court. I got home safely and all is well. Nothing broken. Thank you. Name & address supplied

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

May 2021

Villages unite in call for speeds to be lowered THE chairman of Tarrant Hinton Parish Council, Mike Nathan, is backing the campaign announced last month for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced on all Dorset's minor roads. He says his parish council and that of Tarrant Gunville have spent thousands of pounds installing a speed indicator unit and PV solar unit in Valley Road, in the hope of reducing speeds down the narrow valley lane, where there is currently a 30mph limit. "The unit is used for six weeks at a time, shared between our villages, but only in one direction at present. We would like to be able to deploy the unit in another site nearer the entrance to our vil-

lage, and in time hope to purchase another unit to function in the opposite direction. "The Highways Department allowed us to install the first unit without a survey as our villages had them installed temporarily, funded by the Great Dorset Steam Fair, in 2019 for the duration of the fair. "Now they insist we have a survey at further cost to our parish councils, as the proposed site recommended by them - is in a different location. If we fail to qualify, we expect another survey will be needed in a different location, presumably at further cost. "They will only allow these devices to be used where 'they will make a difference' and con-

Were you the culprit?

IN response to Joyce Wild's letter in the April issue concerning dog poo, Forum Focus was sent these disgusting pictures of one of the many abandoned and decomposing bags of poo seen by Janet Styles Tyson while walking in Blandford. It was found on a window ledge looking on to the snicket between Dorset Street and Orchard Street, and had begun to decay, such that maggots were crawling through the plastic; some were left on the ledge when she removed it and carried it to the doggie bin about 50 metres way. "I'd love to interview the person who left it there as a souvenir to find out what their brain was up to," she said. ONGOING works at the Nationwide Building Society at 5 Market Place, Blandford, have been welcomed by town councillors. At their April planning meeting members unanimously supported a planning application for extensive repairs to the roof, masonry, window frames and sills and the fascia and timber boards, saying it would result in enormous improvement to the listed building. They also supported the most recent application by Mr and Mrs M Powney, who for a number of years have sought to improve 67a Salisbury Street, a former industrial building attached to the listed 67 Salisbury Street, which has been falling into disrepair. A pitched roof is now planned to replace the flat roof, and part of the building converted to residential use.

sider that perception of speed can be very different from the reality." Mr Nathan added: "We live in a very rural area with narrow roads, often with passing places and with no pedestrian pavements, and many used as rat runs. What we are attempting to do, and there is no ability with these devices to catch anyone, is to remind drivers to slow down. "Why make it so difficult for us to do this? We are funding it ourselves from a precept which is kept as low as possible, and for specific projects such as these we ask for donations. We are representing our parishes and they support it." He said in rural France these devices are standard at the entrance of most villages, reminding drivers in both directions to slow down. "I am certain that most villages in North Dorset would welcome such a scheme and even be willing to raise the necessary funds, as we have. I fully support the objectives of the '20's Plenty for Dorset'."

LAST month's bird identification poser produced quite a number of differing responses. One reader from Charlton Marshall felt it might be a goshawk, but another living in Kings Road, where the bird was pictured, said a friend and colleague who was a keen birdwatcher thought it a sparrowhawk. Another Kings Road resident identified it as a female of the species - larger than the male with a red eye - and one of a pair seen frequently in the area. But another suggested it was a male. This month's poser (pictured above) will possibly be familiar to residents in Spetisbury where it was found. It is one of five species of beetle which have suffered drastic declines due to changes in the way the countryside is managed - three other UK native species are thought to be extinct. But does anyone know what it is? Answers to editor@forumfocus.co.uk or by phone to 01258 459346.

May 2021

A local tale of love and laughter in lockdown BISHOP Farthing is an amusing tale, just published, by Dorset author Paul Cosway, about how the people in the village of that name cope with the lockdown of 2020. Subtitled 'the funniest story ever written about a pandemic!', but where? Paul says the village, somewhere between Blandford and Gillingham, is imaginary, made up of local hamlets, but its real identity may be recognisable. The people in it face the frustrations, fears and isolation of lockdown, and range from a local policeman who tries to keep his neighbours safe from infection by keeping strangers away, almost arresting the meter reader, to the teenager missing her friends who sneaks to the woods to meet them with unfortunate results. Central to the story are Beth and Peter, two single 50-somethings, who feel the loneliness of lockdown and fall in love, without being allowed to meet. It is a funny and touching love story. Paul says: "The pandemic is a unique time in our history that has brought great sadness to many, but

I am hoping to counter this by bringing some comic relief, preserve some of it in print and be proud of our ability to find humour in times of adversity." Paul was an English specialist and education consultant who was Senior County Inspector for English for Essex before his retirement and move to Dorset with his wife Maureen. He has previously written two thrillers, but this is his first comic novel, available now from Amazon with an ebook price of £1.42 (paperback is £6.99).

Mary Barrett and Denise Montague of the Blandford Hedgehog Group present a hedgehog nest box to Blandford Environmental Trust chairman Jenny Thompson in Angus Wood.

Hedgehog home comforts delivered HEDGEHOG nest boxes have been donated to Angus Wood in St Leonard's Avenue by the Blandford Hedgehog Group as part of the Dorset Mammal Group's Hedgehog Friendly Town initiative, raising the plight of the creatures which are now listed as vulnerable to extinction. The houses have been made and donated by Julian Rideout, brother-in-law of joint Hedgehog Group co-ordinator Mary Barrett, and it is hoped that female hedgehogs will occupy them to raise a family. Joint group co-ordinator Denise Montague said: "Angus Wood, run by the team of volunteers from the Blandford Environmental Trust, is a fantastic setting for much wildlife with trees, shrubs, piles of logs and organic matter which will attract birds, insects and hedgehogs. We hope the presence of hedgehog nest boxes will help to enhance the

environment. "Hedgehogs have been found in recent years wandering during the daytime in St Leonard's Avenue and other parts of Blandford, and people finding them can contact the Blandford Group (via their Facebook page), our local vets or one of the DMG Hedgehog Rescue Centres for help and advice. "But the biggest problem seems to be dehydration. People can provide one or two shallow sources of fresh water and holes under gates, fences, walls and any other boundaries so that hogs can wander without having to cross many of our busy roads risking injury and death." DMG are holding a Hedgehog Conference on September 18 (Covid restrictions allowing) in the Dorford Centre, Dorchester. Details can be found on the DMG website or by emailing hedgehogs@dorsetmammalgroup.org.uk.

Shoplifter faces court A WOMAN who stole meat worth £140.60 from the Damory Garage in Salisbury Road, Blandford, last December has been conditionally discharged for 18 months and ordered to pay £88.30 compensation. Shannon Marie Ridal, aged 26, of Samson Road, Hamworthy, admitted the offence, together with other thefts from Lidl in Blandford Road, Poole, on February 17, the Co-op in Ashley Road, Poole, on January 21, Tesco in New Road, West Parley, on December 29, and a further offence while subject to a conditional discharge order.

May 2021

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John Dallinson and his wife Chrissie dressed to impress at Tesco with staff member Lee Bridle.

Road closed for works DORCHESTER Hill in Blandford St Mary was closed between Monday, April 19, and Friday, April 30, to allow for roadworks to be completed. Dorset Council said the roadworks, which took place over two phases, would allow Ford Civil Engineering to install ducting and a street lighting cable. The first phase closed a 100m section between Beckett Close and Esme Avenue, and the second a 70m section between Beckett Close and Fair Mile Road, with different diversion routes signposted in each case. The order was made to be in force for 18 months, but the work was expected to be completed by April 30.

May 2021

Fancy dress parade helps John fundraise DEPRIVED of the usual opportunities to volunteer during the pandemic lockdowns, John Dallinson, of Blandford St Mary - who normally helps with the British Legion, as a digital champion, and in promoting mental awareness and wellbeing - found only limited demand as a Covid-19 volunteer since there was such a high response from others. So he decided to focus his efforts closer to home and has been fundraising for his grandson Stanley, who has cerebral palsy and is due to undergo SDR treatment with the need for expensive pre- and post-physiotherapy. He started with a target of raising £1,000 by last Christmas, with sponsored walks and gym workouts, and in the last weeks before the gyms shut down he started

going in fancy dress. After approaching several fancy dress shops he was donated quite a few old and damaged costumes by one. He and his wife Chrissie now have a lot more and have launched a crowdfunding appeal on JustGiving (Stanleydallinson) with an increased target of £3,000. "We now have a lot more costumes and have been putting photos on Facebook as the gyms were closed, and done walks in fancy dress, been around our local Tesco dressed as queen of hearts and her knight templar, and plan to continue with these activities, leading up to a big fundraiser on May 29," he said. For more details see his Facebook page, John William Dallinson.

SCREWFIX on Glenmore Business Park off Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, have applied to enclose the yard next to their building so that it can operate throughout the year providing shelter to goods and employees from poor weather. Town councillors had no objection to the extension, given that the site allocated originally for employment use already had permission for retail use, but asked for a condition to restrict construction work to protect neighbouring residents.

May 2021

Debbie’s marathon effort for her friend A CLOSE friend of the late Jackie Laws, who died from cancer in February, is in training for a 26.2mile marathon to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Debbie Stafford intends to make the run on May 29 on a borrowed treadmill on which she is currently training in the barn of another friend of the Laws family. "It is for Jackie and all the other friends we have lost to cancer. I will be on my own with my radio, looking out over the fields and thinking of Jackie and many others. How long it will take I don't know, but I will get it done in one day!" Jackie's husband Stuart Laws, proprietor of the Paddocks Bar in Salisbury Street and, with his late wife, the owner of the Milldown Stud in Tinpot Lane, said his wife's death had followed only five weeks after the death of her

brother. "It was her wish to raise money for cancer research. Her closest friend has committed to do this thing and is determined to raise as much as possible. Once the bars are allowed to open I will be organising a night of all takings going to the charity." Within days of launching the appeal, over £2,500, including Gift Aid, had been raised online and offline on Debbie's Just Giving page, Debbie Stafford 1, where she is giving a regular progress report on her training runs. By April 10, the date the picture (right) was taken of her on a 1 hour 43 minute 12-mile training run, donations were heading for £3,000 - three times her original target. Mr Laws said he hoped the final total would reach £10,000.

Town heritage guided walks set to resume STARTING this month is the series of guided heritage walks organised by Blandford & District Civic Society, which can safely go ahead in the open air with social distancing in line with Covid advice. Town guide Clare Lowes said: "It's lovely to show visitors round our town, but even more rewarding when local residents join our walks to learn things they never knew about the town's history." The first, on Sunday May 9, focuses on the town centre and history up to the Great Fire of 1731 and the town's rebuilding as what has been described as the 'best Georgian ensemble outside London'. The second, on Sunday May 23, features development in Victorian and Edwardian times on the perimeter. All walks start at 11am, the town centre walk from the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham car park, and the perimeter walk from outside Scrivens (Durdens Corner) in the Market Place. In most years, the society offers guided walks free of charge as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week in September, but this event has again been cancelled this year due to anticipated Covid difficulties. The society held its AGM by Zoom

when many of the committee members and trustees were reelected, but some have stood down, including the chairman for the last five years, Terence Dear, who remains committed to work on projects underway. He said: "At this time of renewal and opportunity as we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic, the civic society movement as a whole and 'civic involvement' is as important as ever and it is sad to see some societies fold due to apparent lack of interest from members of the community. "Here in Blandford we were unable to celebrate our 50th anniversary last April due to the pandemic and we would hate to see the society, in its 51st year, follow in their footsteps. "People are quick to comment on social media when they see something impacting negatively on their neighbourhood and are fascinated by the history they see around them. It is a great shame that they do not engage with and join us to take up the challenge to defend and celebrate our environment and heritage." For information on the walks and the society see their Facebook page - The Blandford & District Civic Society - or call 01258 459346.

Debbie Stafford in training for her marathon run at the end of May.

May 2021

The View from the Hill

provide a bit more grub. But the weather is not helping the grass or anything else to grow very much, soil temperatures are still very low and we are short of moisture, though we will most likely be drowning by the time you read this. The beans and barley have all germinated well and are making steady progress despite the cold and dry. Early dry weather forces roots to go deeper in search of by George Hosford moisture, which helps stave off drought stress later in the seaMore from George on son. viewfromthehill.org.uk The tricky thing is to judge the right timing for fertiliser applicaUR outdoor cattle are tions. In a dry season it is better munching their way through to apply fertiliser early so it has a the last of the winter's turnips. better chance of being washed We want them to get a move on down to the roots, but if it turns so we can sow the remainder of out to be a wet one and pours our spring cropping, but also like with rain straight after applicathem to stay there until the grass tion, there can be fast lush starts growing elsewhere, so it's growth, bringing a risk of the a bit of a Catch-22. crop lodging (leaning or falling over). Please pass the crystal The remaining turnips have startball. ed growing again, with the lengthening days, which helps Our sheep scanner Glyn Davies arrived in the last week of March - not as you might think by the name from Wales, but all the way from Essex. He had chosen the one wet day we had had in almost a month, but that didn't stop him, tucked into his waterproof tent. He extends his gloved arm underneath the ewe and runs the scanner over the skin between the udder and the woolly belly to see how many lambs each ewe is carrying. This year we are short of fodder with too many mouths to feed, so need to Naughty lambs playing in hayrack on farm where our identify the empty daughter is helping with lambing. ewes and whisk them

Cattle enjoying the last of the winter turnips. off to market. They are making good money at the moment so better not to continue to feed them with no lambs to benefit from. We found that we have more lambs than expected, and the number of triplets could almost be a problem. Lambing outside there is little opportunity to even-up litter sizes, taking a triplet lamb and 'twinning it on' to a ewe with a single, so most triplet lambs have to fight for milk at the ewe's rather inadequate two teats. Twins is obviously best. Our new Sky direct drill finally arrived on March 31 and was immediately put to work sowing the first field of poppies. They have yet to emerge since it has been so cold and dry. We are planning to put some of the machine's special features to the test very soon, by sowing a few plots of mixed species. The theory is that different species growing together benefit from the synergistic effect of their different rooting characteristics, due to the different range of soil organisms supported by each plant species' roots. The drill can sow up to four different types of seed at the same time, through two different

sets of pipes to outlets at two possible positions. Lambing is fast approaching - our ewes are expected to start lambing in the first week of May following shearing at the end of April. We hope the weather has bucked up a bit by then, otherwise they will get a bit chilly. Many farmers have been lambing over the last six weeks or so and most will be turning their ewes and lambs out onto fresh pastures which have been rested over winter. Natural England has released a long-awaited refresh of the Countryside Code, which can be found at gov.uk/countryside-code. But this is a polite reminder to please take great care around sheep when walking in the countryside, especially with dog companions. Sheep will spook and take flight at the slightest provocation, and sheep on the move are a terrible temptation for even the most well-behaved dogs. Please keep dogs on leads, and particularly on paths across pastures remove dog poo, which can carry a deadly disease caused by a parasite called Neospora. It can make dogs ill, cause death in puppies and is the most common cause of abortion in cows.

May 2021

Care home music lovers bridge the generation gap RESIDENTS at Colten Care homes across the south continued to Zoom in on creative companionship to keep spirits up during lockdown with online experiences featuring music, songs, art and poetry. Violinist Sylvia Stokes, who lives at Whitecliffe House in Blandford, saw her solo version of Amazing Grace highlighted at the celebration launch of Together with Music, a national campaign to build links between care homes, schools, day centres and playgroups. The launch was watched by more than 500 people, including guests Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, and Baroness Diana Barran, Minister for Civil Society. In another initiative, Colten Care residents participated in sign2sing, organised by the deaf health charity SignHealth, and enjoyed learning Makaton signs as they sang and signed the

Vera Lynn song We'll Meet Again. This was also featured on the Together with Music launch video which can be viewed on the YouTube channel youtube.com/coltencare. Residents also took to the keyboard to show off their musical skills on World Piano Day, March 29 - the 88th day of the year, chosen to reflect the number of keys on a keyboard and founded in 2015 by the German pianist and composer Nils Frahm. Maureen Smith, a Whitecliffe House resident, who has played the piano since she was six years old, performed a series of classical favourites in a solo recital, and was joined for several duets by Companionship Team Member, pianist and cellist Caroline Pugh. Maureen, from Sixpenny Handley, had got out of the habit of playing until she moved to Whitecliffe more than a year ago

and saw the piano in the lounge. She said: "I learned by ear when I was six and took lessons as I got older. I always memorised the music and remember being told off by my teacher for not reading as I went. I've always played for fun and Whitecliffe has rekindled my interest." Also performing at Whitecliffe for World Piano Day were residents Lois Ramsden and Sylvia Drew. Sylvia said: "We had a piano in our house when I was growing up but no-one knew how to play. I took on the challenge of a New Year's resolution this year to learn to play Happy Birthday in time for my own birthday celebrations in February." Caroline, a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, said: "Playing the piano is a great opportunity to have fun while keeping your hands active and your mind alert. It can be calming and inspirational and it's a real treat for fellow residents and staff to hear."

Maureen Smith, a resident at Whitecliffe House, plays on World Piano Day.

Violinist Sylvia Stokes, a Whitecliffe House resident, plays Amazing Grace.

Back to school on March 8.

May 2021

Outside help as school welcomes pupils back CHILDREN at Durweston were delighted to be back at school in April, not least because their teachers made sure they had lots of opportunities to be outside. Headteacher Nicola Brooke said: "Although getting back to classroom routines is important, we wanted to make sure there were also lots of opportunities for the children to enjoy being with their friends again. "We knew that some parents and children were anxious about coming back to school, so planning lots of outdoors activities helped alleviate some of these concerns.

"Every class had a trip to the forest and to the farm, with local farmer, George Hosford, collecting the children on his trailer. For some children, this was the highlight of the trip, even better than getting to see the new-born calves." The school also moved their Easter celebrations outside, with a week of assemblies. "Holding these outside meant that we could gather as a whole school for the first time since last March, which made them even more special," said Mrs Brooke. "The format proved so successful, we may always celebrate Easter this way."

The Sharks class in the forest. Durweston School’s outdoor Easter service.

An outdoor gathering remembering The Last Supper.

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May 2021

A message from the NHS IN an open letter from the chief officers of NHS trusts and services across the county, everyone has been thanked for their continued support for their local NHS. They say: From the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NHS has been working flat out to treat patients as they become seriously unwell with the new illness, whilst keeping other services running. Through your efforts Covid-19 case rates and hospital admissions have reduced significantly in recent weeks. Yet health services are still under huge pressure. The roadmap out of lockdown will see restrictions start to lift and the government's four-step roadmap offers a route back to a more normal life. For this to have the best chance of happening in the time proposed it is vital for us all not to be complacent - undoing all your personal sacrifices and collective hard work, so PLEASE stay vigilant and continue to follow the rules."

The five ways to help are: • Get tested: Asymptomatic community testing is available to anyone who has to go out to work or who works from home but is within a school household, support bubble or works within the wider school community. • If you have coronavirus symptoms: a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, don't delay, book a PCR test immediately. • Your NHS is here for you. NHS services are open and safe to use. Speak to your GP if you have a health worry.

Academy arts grants THE Artori Academy have been awarded an Arts Council grant that will allow them to offer scholarship placements for lowincome families for the summer term. Principal Kelly Hunter said: "These scholarships will cover 50 per cent of the fees for the Artori Academy and will be awarded to the candidates who blow away the staff with their devotion and drive. "It is important to the Artori Academy to support all young people and offer education to everyone, regardless of personal circumstance." A scholarship will include weekly lessons focusing on performing arts and backstage skills, as well as an education by some of the UK's leading professionals including acting, special effects makeup, singing, mask making, dancing, puppetry and much more. To apply see: theartoriacademy.com/scholarship.

• If you need urgent care, think NHS 111 first. We'll help you be seen quickly and safely by a suitable service. • Accept the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine when it is offered to you to help support and protect yourself and loved ones. We know that one of the biggest impacts of the pandemic has been on people whose operations and other procedures have been postponed because of pressure on hospitals. We are now looking to catch up on the waiting list backlog. This will take time, whilst strict infection control measures limit capacity. There have been real developments throughout the year in treatment. People have also begun to get used to new ways of accessing their GP or outpatient care, using phone and video links to avoid face-to-face appointments and the attendant risk. Finally, we are so grateful to all those who are helping the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out across the county. This has been an incredible and historic effort.

News from the Surgery Following the new guidance by the MHRA drugs regulator on April 7, under-30s who have not yet received a first dose Covid vaccine will be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab. This is a precautionary measure being taken 'out of the utmost caution' rather than any serious concerns regarding vaccine safety. Under-30s who have already had a first dose AstraZeneca vaccination should still have the second AstraZeneca vaccination when invited to do so (normally at 11 weeks). Please do not contact the GP practice to discuss this. The GP Practice will be working to this guidance and patients do not need to take any action. When you are due a vaccination you will be contacted and offered an appropriate vaccine in line with the latest guidance.

May 2021

Nature watchers required

Camera Club news NORMAN Marsh from Weymouth was the judge for the Blandford Forum Camera Club Points Cup Round 6 in March, when top marks were awarded to Graham Hutton (Golden Glow) and Debbie Davies (Blood Orange Still Life), closely followed by Pat Catley (Early Morning on the River). The first guest speaker of the month was Polina Plotnikova on her second virtual visit to the club, showing the versatility of the 'Lens Baby' set of lenses, with some very creative examples of what can be done in camera, to some more subtle and dreamy effects. As a contrast the second guest speaker was Andrew Moss, an accomplished sports photographer based in south London, whose comprehensive presentation, with

Pat Catley's Early Morning on the River images of many sports, included advice on capturing the decisive moment, with tips and ideas to try. Huw Morgan joined members from Canada with a presentation 'Conceptual Photography', an inspirational talk on developing ideas and producing his fine art photography, together with some post-production tech-

niques for members to try themselves. Bob Johnson zoomed in with 'Kingdom of the Ice Bear' images, video clips and tales of a special trip to the Arctic hoping (and succeeding) to capture images of polar bear and other inhabitants of the region. Guests and new members are always welcome at the club, which currently meets remotely, and open to all photographic abilities. For more information see the website at bfcclub.co.uk

Village homes scheme rejected PLANS for up to 70 homes on land off Bournemouth Road, Charlton Marshall, have been refused permission in an appeal by Hallam Land Management against Dorset Council's failure to decide the outline application. The appeal was considered at a virtual hearing in December by planning inspector Janet Wilson, who concluded that the scheme would conflict with the spatial strategy for the area, would result in unsustainable travel patterns and a reliance on the use of the private car. She said it would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area and conservation area, and to the setting of a nearby Grade II

listed property, Old Dairy Cottage. In her decision, she said: "Whilst the scheme would provide notable public benefits, including the provision of much-needed market and affordable housing, the other material considerations in this case do not justify taking a decision other than in accordance with adopted development plan policy." She refused an application for costs on behalf of the applicants. Tim Heal, chairman of Charlton Marshall Parish Council which objected to the proposal, said: "It's taken some time for the decision to come through, but it was worth the wait."

ANYONE who enjoys a walk in the sun and fresh air may like to get involved in the exciting transformation starting to take place at the Countryside Restoration Trust's UK showcase farm at Shillingstone. Andy Fale, the CRT's Dorset Conservation Manager, has launched a recruitment drive to find nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to help him discover just what Bere Marsh Farm holds within its 95 idyllic acres on the banks of the River Stour. Volunteers who can set aside a few hours a week are needed throughout the summer to carry out audits and species counts of birds, butterflies, moths, reptiles, wild flowers and mammals in the fields and hedgerows. "We are starting from almost scratch to rebuild the legacy left by Angela Hughes, so it is vital for our conservation programme at Bere Marsh that we build up a sound picture of what we are dealing with," said Andy. "We can then tailor our farming practices accordingly and create the right sort of habitats to encourage bio-diversity and species harmony and development." Andy will provide full training for volunteers - in Covid secure conditions - to conduct butterfly and bird transect walks, moth trapping and mammal and insect counts. "It's not complicated or difficult and will give those who volunteer a fantastic insight into what is a spectacular farm and landscape." To volunteer, email Andy at afale@countrysiderestorationtrust.com.

May 2021

Hospice launches new home care service WELDMAR Hospicecare, which welcomed day patients back in mid-April following the easing of lockdown, has launched Weldmar at Home, a new service described as the local charity's biggest ever development in patient care, together with a major fundraising appeal to help finance it. Working in partnership with Weldmar Community Nurses, the Weldmar at Home team will ensure that care is available in the home, when needed, to provide hands-on nursing care and support to patients, regardless of diagnosis, who wish to be in their own home for the final days of their life. To meet these wishes, individualised care packages are often required and there is frequently a shortage of carers available to provide a reliable and consistent service at short notice. Demand is rising, too, as last year alone 46 per cent of Weldmar patients wanted this care, an

Director of Nursing Caroline Sweetland at Weldmar Hospicecare. increase of 11 per cent. Caroline Sweetland, Director of Nursing at Weldmar Hospicecare, says: "When patients are living with a terminal diagnosis, they need the reassurance that no matter where or how they want to receive care and support, it will be available. "Patients often require rapid spe-

Death notices John Dennis Maidment: Passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021, at Dorset County Hospital, aged 94. Dearly beloved husband to Moira, and Dad to Sarah, Caroline and the late Jane. Much loved and sadly missed by sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Private service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium. Family flowers only with donations, if wished, to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity, via Colin J Close, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU. Jean Redfern: Passed away at Yeovil District Hospital on March 29, 2021, aged 83, following a protracted illness. Wife of the late Barrie and a dear sister to Raymond. Auntie to her many nieces and nephews in the UK, Australia and Canada who loved her dearly. Sadly missed by her many friends in Burton-on-Trent and North Dorset. Private funeral service due to Covid-19 restrictions at Holy Rood Church, Shillingstone. Donations for Julia's House and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online to close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to the charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133 Victoria (Bunty) Stone (née Nettley): Peacefully on March 27, 2021, at home in Blandford. Wife of the late Donald Stone. Much loved mum, grandma and great grandma. Private funeral service due to Covid restrictions. Donations are invited for Julia's House, c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570. THE theft of four chainsaws from a vehicle in Pimperne overnight on March 25-26 between 10pm and 6am prompted an appeal from North Dorset Police for information. A spokesman said: "If anyone has any information please contact 101 or Crimestoppers quoting occurrence number 55210048078."

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cialist assessments and appropriate care packages being implemented within hours. For some this has been taking days, or even weeks, which just simply is not acceptable. "The Covid-19 pandemic has made this even worse. Many of our patients don't have the time to wait for a full package of care to be in place. In the meantime, if their health deteriorates rapidly, they are admitted to hospital instead of being able to stay in their own home. "We provide hands-on care to the patients when they are in our inpatient unit. We want to be able to extend this hands-on care at home too, especially in the last few weeks when it can be so tiring for families." She added: "We continue to work closely with a number of other health care agencies in Dorset to fulfil our patients' wishes, but we want to be able to ensure that every patient who wants to die at

home receives the level of care that they deserve quickly, provided by a charity that they already trust, respect and feel comfortable with." A major fundraising appeal has been launched by Weldmar Hospicecare to fund the new service and a team of health care assistants. Donations can be made at weld-hospice.org.uk. Day services have resumed at Trimar house in Weymouth on Mondays, at Weldmar's inpatient unit in Dorchester on Tuesdays, at Bridport Community Hospital on Wednesdays and Blandford Community Hospital on Thursdays.

A screenshot of the Archbishop Wake Primary School music video of 'Count on Me'.

School’s hit video A VIDEO featuring pupils from Archbishop Wake Primary School singing the Bruno Mars song 'Count on Me' has been such a success that it has been showcased by the Department for Education through their social media. Inspired by an idea from the parents/carer association, the Friends of Archbishop Wake, the children, staff and community came together on the unique music video, which has captured the hearts of the local community and beyond. Parent Dan Baker was the brains behind the music composition, as well as piecing together the intricate video of all the different groups that provided their singing (and dancing) and features pupils providing sign language interpretation. It had over 2,400 views in just over a week on the school's YouTube channel. Headteacher Daniel Carter said he was immensely proud of the video and the way it brought the community together. He said: "After such a long and difficult year with the disruptions of lockdowns, this video came at a time where we really wanted and needed the community to be together. The video has done exactly that. Archbishop Wake is a very special community to be involved with and we are all very proud."

Driver, 82, had no licence AN 82-year-old woman from Ashley Wood Park, Tarrant Keyneston, has been convicted of driving a Honda car on the B3082 Wimborne Road on February 12 without a licence. Laura Leslie Rose had been refused a licence on February 8, 2020, and since that time had not been granted another. She was discharged conditionally for three months but ordered to pay a £21 surcharge and £100 costs. Her driving record was endorsed with three points.

May 2021

New projects in place as museum prepares for its reopening A LOT has changed, both in how it looks and in some exciting projects underway, at the Blandford Town Museum, which will be opening on May 18, if all goes to plan. A Young Archaeologist Club has been launched, since the closest of 70 branches in the UK of this organisation is in Poole, and is being helped by Darcy Bragg, a student at The Blandford School, who has become a Museum youth advisor. If you know of any young people who would like to be involved, direct them to the website for more information, and if you are an adult interested in helping with the group, please contact the museum. A second project, Memories Captured, is one of the 20 projects in the Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project will record individual stories of how the land was managed, how wildlife patterns have changed and the craftsmanship and skills that were used, such as charcoal making, coppicing, hurdle making and watermeadow management. Sylvia Hixson Andrews, director of Blandford Museum, who will be overseeing the project, said: "So much of our past is contained in the memories of the people who lived it, and we have the technology to capture those memories and make the past real for future generations: how growing up in rural Dorset, working in businesses that no longer

Darcy Bragg undertaking archaeology work with the Youth Archaeologist Club at the Blandford Town Museum. exist, different leisure pursuits and raising a family was different in the 20th century compared to today." Volunteers wanting to learn how to capture oral histories and those with a story to tell are invited to contact the museum. To take part in these projects or volunteer at the museum generally, go to blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk, phone 01258 450388 (when the museum is open), or email contact@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk.

Free parking dates chosen AFTER being refused permission by Dorset Council for more than two free parking days in December, town councillors have now made another selection of possible dates, including Saturday April 17 supporting retail premises which had reopened on April 12. Another date with same aim is on Saturday June 26, together with August 25 and 26, to help those preparing their children for going back to school. The final two days will be December 3 for the Yuletide Festival, and Saturday December 4, Small Business Saturday.

May 2021

Sporting support for students during lockdown AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust have delivered Premier League Inspires Covid response sessions throughout lockdown to students continuing to attend The Blandford School in years 7 to 11. The Thursday sessions allowed students to think about their personal wellbeing during this unprecedented time, as well as provide much-needed socialisation and physical activity release. Activities included aspects of the EFL Joy of Moving programme, small-sided matches, elements of the FA Playmaker football leadership course, AFC Bournemouth orienteering, football, cricket, Danish longball and adapted versions of many other multi sports to keep interest and engagement high each week. Three groups from the school have also been selected for the club heats of the PL Inspires challenge with the winners representing AFC Bournemouth at the national finals during the summer term. A year 10 group submitted a plan for some tutor group fitness challenges to improve wellbeing, and groups in year 7 and year 9 are looking to produce a fly-on-thewall transition video to prepare new year 6 students for starting in September 2021. They presented their ideas to AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn virtually on March 22 and now wait to see if they have been successful. Live lessons continued virtually with the KS4 Princes Trust Achieve groups and skills academy reading programme pupils in KS3. Some excellent work took place on World Book Day, where the groups completed a reading task and created a character for a new football-themed story. As a reward for the students' dedication and hard work, virtual calls were set up with AFC Bournemouth scholars Euan Pollock (Bournemouth's top scorer), ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Ferdi Okoh and club legend Ian Cox to discuss aspirations, dealing with setbacks, the issue of racism in football and hold a Q&A session.

PLAY has resumed on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club. From April 8 club members were able to enjoy their favourite sport as the lockdown eased and spring weather arrived. Membership is open and potential members may apply through the club website (wvcroquet.co.uk), or by emailing the club. Both the young and less young are invited to go along for a free taster session (contact membership.wvcroquet@gmail.com). Chair Tim Dennis said: "We encourage young players and comply with the safeguarding rules, and we are delighted that play has now started for the summer season. Following the latest lockdown changes we can now welcome new members, with coaching available. We look forward to encouraging others locally to take part in this skilful, fascinating and social sport."

Business challenges AS part of their Business Studies Cambridge Technical course, a group of Year 13 students at The Blandford School every year run a business project. This year Covid restrictions caused problems so the students had to come up with an idea that maintained social distancing. They decided to split into two teams which each ran a Covidsafe greetings card business to raise money for charity. They designed and created cards which were sold first in the runup to Christmas. Group one, consisting of Will, Jude, Ben, David and Michael, raised £300 for Dorset Mind. Group two, consisting of Bertie, Jenna, Grace, Ashlin and Rianna, raised £42.73 for Cancer Research, having been frustrated by the latest lockdown which curtailed their plans to sell a number of cards after Christmas. What has always been a very good united effort teaching students new business skills has this year taught the group the most about the possible unexpected risks that businesses can face.

May 2021

Archery: a healthy outdoor sport - without the gasping by Mark Hinsley (Archer 2nd Class) MY sanity saver through the months of restrictions brought about by Covid-19 last summer was my membership of the Bracken Company of Archers. Archery, being an outdoor individual sport that, while it keeps you fit, does not involve you in gasping, panting or coughing from exertion, was an activity which lent itself to an early resumption as lockdown restrictions were relaxed last summer, and with restrictions easing on March 29 this year, has again resumed. Club membership is open to all ages from eight years upwards. New archers must go through a training course, run by experienced coaches, for which appropriate equipment is supplied. Our first course of beginners was booked in for April 3. A certificate of competence is awarded at the end which will allow membership of any archery club that shoots under Archery GB affiliation. Modern target archery essentially uses three types of bow: the longbow, the recurve bow and the compound bow. The longbow is minimalist archery - long stick string - shorter pointy sticks. The modern longbow, bearing only a slight resemblance to the mighty medieval war bow, dates from the archery

Archery in the 1880s.

craze that overtook Victorian aristocracy in the 1800s. Huge competition shoots for men and women took place on country estates, followed by banquets and dances. Archery of this kind was an Olympic sport in 1900, 1904, 1908 and 1920. The recurve bow is the kind that most archers learn on and has been the bow of choice since the sport's return to the Olympics in 1972. Made largely of aluminium and carbon compounds, with gadgets and aid to give balance, sighting and consistent shooting, they shoot carbon or aluminium arrows with synthetic flights and metal points. Recurve target bows may go up to a draw weight close to 50 lbs, but archery is a precision sport, not a strength one. The compound bow is a serious precision instrument, so accurate they can be fitted with telescopic sights. Pulley wheels built into the frame result in a more compact bow and give the archer a 4:1 mechanical advantage when drawing and holding the bow at full draw. Archery is a sport to start gently and move up as your technique improves. Plenty of nice level walking and the gradual development of upper body strength are the primary physical health benefits and being out of doors in a safe environment and achieving things are benefits to morale. I have not stopped working during the crisis because my work is mainly outdoors and does not need to involve other people. Archery however has filled a massive hole in my leisure time. Some sports like rugby involve a fair bit of heavy contact - I have the old injuries to prove it! One great advantage of archery is that there is no impact on your body and you can pick your equipment according to your technique and physique.

If you think archery might be for you, see brackenarchers.club or the websites of other archery clubs across Dorset.

The longbow

The recurve bow

The compound bow

May 2021

New manager in place as United set higher goals BLANDFORD United welcomed Andy Savage, the new manager of their Dorset Premier League first-team, to their Dorset Seniors quarter-final against Sturminster Marshall at Park Road on Saturday April 10. Savage, the successor to Jamie Haylock, who stepped down for personal reasons in November after three years in post, will take charge at the beginning of June for the start of pre-season preparations at the club. He was delighted to see his new team triumph 4-1, Sam Watson scoring a hat-trick, which took them through to a semi-final against Gillingham on Saturday April 24. Savage will be moving from Newquay in Cornwall where he has been working for the last eight years, for most of that time coaching and managing with the local grassroots leagues and Southwest Peninsula Premier League (step 6 of the National League System). He said: "I managed Godolphin Atlantic AFC to a fifth-place finish in the SWPL as well as a Cornwall Senior Cup final and league cup final all in the same season. I also played and coached Godolphin's reserve side, winning a league and cup double and another promotion." But he is no stranger to Dorset. "Before heading down to Cornwall, I lived in Bournemouth and was involved in Wyvern and Dorset Senior League football,

either coaching or playing, and finished my time in Dorset as assistant manager to Shane Traynor at Poole Town Reserves." Describing himself as an "open, honest and experienced coach/manager", he said: "There will be a bit of a learning curve as I reacquaint myself with the local football scene in Dorset, but I don't see that taking too long to get over. "I'm looking forward to getting started at a great community football club, meeting the players and supporters and getting to work on the training ground." Andy will be assisted by Rob Andre, a UEFA B coach, who has coached and managed throughout the youth section of the club, and Ryan Park who will join the team as the goalkeeping coach. Andre said: "These are truly quite exciting times for the club. There are good young players and I want to keep the pathway between the youth and first-team going, which Jamie did so well to get established." Chairman Steve Powell said: "I am really excited. We have a genuinely good team, good management and coaching set-up. I am really proud of the work everyone at the club has done over the last few years. "I look forward to continued success under our new management team, building on the success the club was having on the field before we all went into lockdown, and continuing to improve and

A new team at the top of Blandford United: left to right, assistant manager Rob Andre, manager Andy Savage, goalkeeping coach Ryan Park and chairman Steve Powell.

Team members in training at Park Road. grow into next season. "We hope to see big crowds at our home ground now the club has a bright and exciting future." • AFC Blandford were last month in sixth position in the Blackmore

Vale Football League after drawing against Donhead Barbarians at the beginning of April, and were due to play Bradford Abbas on April 18 and league leaders Wincanton on April 25.

BERE Marsh Farm, the Countryside Restoration Trust's beacon site at Shillingstone, is set to become the centrepiece of a groundbreaking new project which aims to make the Blackmore Vale a hive of activity for bees and bee enthusiasts. Gardening clubs, schools, parish councils, allotment holders, indeed any organisation or group, will be invited to participate in the creation throughout the area of a flower-shaped network of bee-friendly corridors - known as 'BeeWayzz'. The plan - to be unveiled on May 20, World Bee Day - will start with a corridor from Shillingstone to Durweston and Hanford to Turnworth. This will then be the blueprint to replicate four more corridors over the following four years, all radiating from the central hub of Bere Marsh Farm.

May 2021

Youths’ lives ‘on hold’ say police POLICE in Blandford have pledged to continue to work closely with young people impacted by the pandemic. In a report to the town council's general purposes committee, they said they were working particularly with those who ordinarily may have found employment by now, but due to the lockdown are in neither education nor employment. "It is fair to say that a number of our local youths are frustrated by the situation they find themselves in. "Some who had jobs have either been furloughed or have been told they are no longer required. Their lives literally are on hold." Their report covered the month of February, when they dealt with 151 incidents in the Blandford Town and Old Town Area, only 29 of which were recorded as crimes, represent-

ing a decrease of 22 on February last year. Antisocial behaviour (ASB) continued to be low, but more than double the previous year, as were incidents relating to public safety. There had been only one reported burglary in a break-in at the Crown Hotel, one suspect having been arrested and is back in prison. "We have tried to increase our visible presence in the town and our patrol teams are targeting the areas where we have been told that groups of young people have engaged in antisocial behaviour or breaching the Covid restrictions." They said they had seen an increase in ASB at locations such as Morrisons and the skate park, and were working with partner agencies to identify the people involved, find solutions and encourage more positive engagement and understanding.

The neighbourhood police team and patrol officers were trying to strike the appropriate balance when dealing with Covid restriction breaches and apply the law in a system that was flexible, discretionary and pragmatic to engage, explain the guidance, encourage compliance and enforce the law as a last resort.

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What’s on this month MAY Tuesday May 4 (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 Tuesday May 4: Annual Meeting of Blandford Town Council (to be followed by Town Council meeting), see blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk for agenda and link Wednesday May 5: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, email clerk@blandfordstmarypc.gov.uk to ask for a Zoom invitation Thursday May 6: Polling day for Dorset PCC Election and Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan Referendum, 7am to 10pm Friday May 7: Blandford Museum Taster Session (Zoom), Fundraising, 7pm, see blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Sunday May 9: Town Centre Guided Heritage Walk led by a guide from Blandford & District

PLEASE also let us know by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk of any events able to go ahead, whether virtually or in person. Civic Society, meet 11am at the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham (Morrisons) car park; details 01258 459346 Monday May 10: Blandford Museum taster session (Zoom), Stewarding, 11am, see blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Cranborne Chase AONB free Zoom talk, 7.30pm: Farmland birds: What can we do to turn their fortunes around? with Peter Thompson, former biodiversity advisor for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. Book at cranbornechase.org.uk/events/ Friday May 14: Blandford Mayor Making, to be confirmed Saturday May 15: War on Waste/CleanUp Blandford Litter Pick, from blue bridge, Marsh & Ham, 10am to 12 noon, Blandfordwaronwaste@gmail.com for details, all welcome

Blandford Museum taster session, Oral History, 11am, see blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Monday May 17: Blandford Town Council Corn Exchange meeting, 7pm, details blandfordforum-tc. gov.uk Tuesday and Thursday May 18 and 20: Blandford Town Museum open Wednesday May 19: Blandford Museum taster session, Schools and Learning, 11am, see blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Thursday May 20: World Bee Day, launch of BeeWayzz project, Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone Thursday May 20 to Sunday May 30: ChalkEscape Walking Festival, subject to confirmation, details cranbornechase.org.uk Saturday May 22: Coffee and refreshments in the Blandford Museum Victorian Garden. All welcome. 10.30 to 1pm

Sunday May 23: Town Perimeter Guided Heritage Walk led by a guide from Blandford & District Civic Society, meet 11am outside Scrivens, Durdens Corner, Market Place Open Garden for NGS, Manor House Farm, DT11 0EN, 2 to 5pm, (and 20th June) Monday May 24: Blandford Town Council planning committee meeting, 7pm, see blandfordforumtc.gov.uk for agenda and link Tuesday May 25: Open Gardens for NHS, Keyneston Mill, Blandford, DT11 9HZ, home of Parterre Fragrances, 2 to 5.30pm Thursday May 27: Blandford Museum AGM (Zoom), 7pm. If you are not a member but would like to attend, email contact@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Saturday May 29: Blandford Museum taster session, Oral History, 11am, see blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Monday May 31: Bank Holiday