August 2021 Forum Focus

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

August 2021 Issue No.113 Est: 2012

Red, white and new . . .

The Corn Exchange resplendent in red and white on the eve of the Euros 2020 final.

THE scaffolding came down, the bunting was up, and Blandford Town Council took the opportunity to trial the colours of the new architectural lighting on the front of the Corn Exchange on Saturday July 10.

It featured most colours of the rainbow, but observers were quick to spot the red and white of the England flag on the eve of the final of the Euros 2020.

Local contractors Richard Cummins Electrical, Morgan Design Studio and Peak Scaffolding

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were thanked by the town council for their work installing the system, and the response from viewers on the council's Facebook page was entirely appreciative.

At the full council meeting the following Monday, councillors agreed to a list of events which would be celebrated in colour during the year, and that authority would be delegated to the town clerk Linda Scott-Giles to accept or decline any other requests that were received from the public.

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But Mrs Scott-Giles said concern had been expressed informally by planners on how often and at what times of day the Corn Exchange should be lit - a detail that was not considered at the time that listed building consent was given by Dorset Council for the installation.

It was agreed that the façade would be lit in white on darker evenings only when it could be seen, and in various colours for dates • To Page 2

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August 2021

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Where to find Forum Focus CURRENTLY confirmed and expected pickup points following the reopening of village pubs and venues are: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Tesco and Homebase, Blandford St Mary; Lidl and Bartletts, Shaftesbury Lane; Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S, Langton Road; Spoons of Dorset, Nightingale Court; The Gorge Café, East Street; The Spar Shop and Corn Exchange, Market Place; Information Centre, West Street; Chaffers and Iceland, Salisbury Street; James Newsagents, The Plocks; The Post Office, The Tabernacle; The 3Cs, Damory Street; The Co-op, Damory Garage and One Stop, Salisbury Road; Central Shop, Heddington Drive; Blandford Leisure Centre, Milldown Road.

Sturminster Newton: The Exchange, Emporium, Candy's and Root & Vine In the villages: Bryanston Club and phone box; Charlton Marshall pub; Child Okeford Cross Stores; Durweston hall and Enford Farm, Fiddleford Inn, Iwerne Minster Post Office; Langton Long Abbots Nursery; Pimperne phone box, church, and Anvil; Shillingstone Garage and Coop; Spetisbury Village Hall and Clapcotts Farm; Shroton Cricketers and bus shelter; Stourpaine shop; Tarrants Langton Arms, Butchery Farm, True Lovers Knot St Richard's Close bus stop, Launceston and Gunville Farm Shops; Winterborne Whitechurch, Milton Arms.

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

DEADLINES Adverts: Thursday August 12 Editorial: Friday August 13 Deliveries from Friday August 27 View future deadlines on our website.

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

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Cost concerns mean doctors’ moving plans are dropped THE Blandford Group Practice will not be proceeding with the purchase of Shottsford House in Heddington Drive and are now planning to stay in their existing premises.

In initial preparation for the move, the practice applied to relocate their dispensary to the former Priory Hospital premises, but practice manage Carol Tilley confirmed that they had withdrawn the application.

She said NHS England were unable to provide the practice partners with the reassurance that they would financially underwrite risks from the practice purchasing the new site.

"The practice is owned by 12 individuals who have unlimited

liability for any debt and costs relating to the GP buildings," she said.

"The new premises needed to be large enough to accommodate not only the GP-employed teams, but also other services that they now have to collaborate with to meet the latest NHSE service integration strategy.

"NHSE required the GP partners to buy the new larger building and then to have work done to the building to make it fit for purpose, so that this NHSE strategy could be delivered.

"It was willing to temporarily fund the alterations, with a loan to the partners that we then have to pay back over an agreed period, but not to provide any guarantee that

Corn Exchange lighting • From Page 1 including Commonwealth Day and International Women's Day in March, St George's Day and Workers' Memorial Day in April, May Day and Firefighters Memorial Day in May, St John Ambulance in June, Merchant Navy Day and Battle of Britain Day in September, and Teddy 20 on Ted Newton's birthdate in December, as well as on recognition days for Blandford's twin towns of Preetz and Mortain.

There will also be coloured lighting for Armed Forces Week and LGBTQ month in June, the Queen's Green Canopy tree planting in October, Remembrance in November, and Christmas.

Meanwhile discussions are continuing with the consultants on the further restoration of the Corn Exchange.

Councillors met with them in May to hear what was required in the next three months, including technical surveys, further consultation, pre-application planning discussions and development of the masterplan.

They agreed to the commissioning of a mechanical and engineering strategy, considered a vital part of the project, and met again with them on July 21 for a further update.

they would provide similar financial support for any of the bridging costs, or parallel running costs that would be needed to facilitate such a large project and site move."

She continued: "Unlike a house move a GP practice would struggle to exit one building on a Friday and open up in a new site on a Monday, and also dovetail the purchase of the new site with the sales of the two properties being exited; it is far more complicated.

"The partners could not personally be expected to take the sole burden of this unlimited financial risk, particularly to deliver another organisation's strategy, and therefore with regret took the difficult decision to withdraw.

"It is very disappointing, but we remain committed to looking for an alternative solution to improving the premises so that we can offer a more collaborative local health service."

A SUBSTANTIAL £700k power upgrade has improved the strength and efficiency of supplies to several villages across north Dorset. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks undertook the work between April and June to improve the local electricity network infrastructure around the area of Shroton (Iwerne Courtney), with villages including Child Okeford, Okeford Fitzpaine and Shillingstone and the town of Sturminster Newton benefiting from the £711,000 investment.

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August 2021

Teenager killed on bypass

Paving work halted four days before the due start THE announcement, just four days before the scheduled start of work to replace paving in Blandford, that it had been postponed until September was greeted with a mixture of anger and relief.

Town centre businesses, which had been looking forward to a revival in their fortunes with the lifting of lockdown restrictions, had been concerned that trade would be disrupted again when the start date of July 12 for work lasting throughout the summer was advertised on June 11.

There was some confusion as to the relocation and redirection of bus stop and bus services and the impact on the twice-weekly market by the one-way closure of West Street and use of the Market Place.

So the postponement gave an opportunity for clarification by town and county councillor Noc Lacey Clarke at the town council meeting on the day the work had originally been scheduled to start.

He said contractors' plant in the Market Place would be removed each week to enable the Thursday market to go ahead, and half the area would be left available for the Saturday market and car parking throughout the rest of the week, where possible.

He said that when the market needed to be relocated to one of the other car parks during the latter part of the works, the town council would not have to pay for the use of the spaces. The one-way system in West Street, needed for the safety of pedestrians, would only operate when absolutely necessary.

He and his fellow county councillor Byron Quayle, who have campaigned for a number of years for the replacement of the worn and slippery paving slabs, had declared their extreme annoyance at the delay after their initial celebration of the start of work.

He said they remained annoyed at the late notice given by the suppliers of a delay in sourcing the replacement slabs.

Dorset Council announced: "Dorset Highways has just been made aware that due to reasons outside the control of its supply chain, some of these paving units have been delayed in their production.

"In recognition of the impact to the local community that completing this scheme will have, it would not be appropriate to continue with the scheme while there is a risk of avoidable delays to its completion.

"Following discussion with Dorset County councillors, we have made the difficult decision to delay the start of this scheme until September.

"This will allow sufficient time for any further delays with materials to be accommodated and remove any impact the delivery of the scheme may have on trading over the summer period."

Steve Bell, owner of the Yellow Bicycle Café in Salisbury Street, said: "Like everyone in the town I'm extremely grateful for the work Byron and Noc have put in to secure the new paving slabs. They are much needed and will both improve the appearance and safety of our pavements.

"It was probably not possible to pick and choose the timing, but I must admit to being relieved that the work will not be carried out during the summer months when local businesses are counting on a busy period of visitors bringing vital revenue after the incredibly tough 16 months we've been through.

"We really do need the town looking it's best and feeling welcoming to holiday makers.

"In September, the disruption will be a small price to pay for the improvements to the town."

A LOCAL teenager died after being hit by a car on the Blandford bypass between the A350 (Badger) and B3082 (Wimborne Road -Two Gates) roundabouts just after midnight on July 17.

The 17-year-old was struck by a silver Vauxhall Insignia at about 12.30am. Police said he was from Blandford and his family had been informed.

The car driver was treated at the scene for a minor injury, and the road was closed in both directions for nearly five hours to allow emergency services to respond and for an examination of the collision scene.

PC Mike Burt of the traffic unit said that shortly after the collision, the driver of the Vauxhall tried to flag down a passing vehicle. The vehicle had not been identified and he appealed for the driver to come forward as a witness, since they could have important information.

He also appealed for anyone with dashcam footage or information about what happened to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 17:19.

Princess at Camp again THE Princess Royal visited Blandford Camp for the second time in a month on June 19 when, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Corps of Signals, she attended The Princess Royal Parade.

She had visited on June 1 to celebrate the first anniversary of the newly formed 13th Signal Regiment.

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A taste of volunteering A FEATURE item on BBC South Today on June 22 celebrated Blandford Fashion Museum's 25-year history and origins in Betty Penny's Cavalcade of Costume, bringing the presence of the town's unique tourist attraction to a wider audience.

Presenter Sarah Farmer learnt how to sit down in a crinoline and demonstrated that there is much more to volunteering for the museum than serving in the tearoom as these ladies are doing.

Anyone interested can call into the museum at opening times to chat to the existing volunteers, call on 01258 453006 or email volunteer@blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk.

August 2021

Town faces higher charges in parking change proposals RESIDENTS were given very little time to comment on Dorset Council's plans to introduce a residents' parking permit which will give motorists reduced charges in council car parks.

The survey, announced on June 22 with a closing date of July 7, coincided with an invitation to town and parish councillors and community representatives to comment on the proposed tiered car park pricing structure.

Blandford is currently planned to have 'Level two' charges, along with most market town and shopping destinations, including Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Weymouth and Dorchester, with charges starting at 50p for 30 minutes, rising by 50p to £1 per hour to £6 to six hours or more.

Dorset Council believes local high streets will be supported by keeping charges at a low rate and at a point that will entice customers into the car parks, rather than on to residential roads, but encourage people to choose to use active or green forms of travel rather than driving.

But in Blandford, and many other towns in North Dorset, it will mean prices rising.

Blandford town councillors have asked whether the withdrawal of free Sunday parking could be revisited, and queried the inclusion of Gillingham, together with Sturminster Newton and other smaller more rural car parks, in the proposed Level one - still 50p for 30 minutes but rising to only £4 for all day.

A town council working group consisting of Cllrs L Hitchings, Carter, Holmes, Stevens and Mieville has been given delegated authority to respond in more detail.

Councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke, who as a county councillor is part of the county's working group on the charges, said: "We have a legacy in North Dorset of free car parks. Any kind of harmonisation is going to be tough. I hope the town council can put forward a robust response."

Recognised tourist areas - beach car parks in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage, Lyme Regis, West Bay and Corfe Castle - will be in Level three, rising from £1 for 30 minutes to £10 all day in the peak season.

Parking charges pay for maintenance, machinery, technology and staffing, and any surplus has to be spent on the county's highways, including road repairs.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "We want a pricing strategy that works for as many people as possible and brings consistency in parking charges across the Dorset Council area.

"We also want to mitigate the impact of any price changes on Dorset's residents, workers and shoppers by offering discounted parking through a new permit."

Permit holders currently have one of about 76 different car park permits currently issued across Dorset Council which are intended to be replaced by the new ones as they expire.

After receiving feedback on the tiered pricing structure and the permit cost, the council will propose its final plans to a committee in October and cabinet in November, with the hope of implementing them in January 2022.

Max’s fundraising award TWELVE-year-old Max Painter, whose fundraising for the Shillingstone-based Stour Valley Dog Rescue was reported in Forum Focus in April last year, has now raised a total of £2,500 after staging two more sponsored walks with his pet dachshund Stanley, in which he has been joined by several other dog owners with their pets.

They included Stanley's little sister Mabel and a couple of dogs who have been rescued and rehomed by the dog rescue centre, which presented Max with a trophy in recognition of his fundraising efforts.

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August 2021

Musical family plan a creative tribute in Mum’s memory THREE Blandford siblings are launching a fundraising scheme to enable them to produce a film celebrating the role that creativity can play in coping with bereavement.

Amelie, Phil and Olie Taylor, who all grew up in Blandford and are well-known in the area for their range of musical skills, are hoping to raise £5,000 to produce a film called 'Remembering Our Mums: Creative Expressions of Love and Loss'. It was inspired by their own experiences in light of their mum Anne-Marie's death

Amelie Taylor at the keyboard.

in 2018.

The film will air on Grief Awareness Day, August 30, and pays tribute to the therapeutic role that creativity can play in coming to terms with a loss and learning to live with grief.

"The project has been inspired by our own experience of playing and writing music together, in memory of our mum," said Amelie.

"Many people will probably remember her as she was a longterm resident of Blandford, French, with big curly hair. She was simply the best, and writing music together in her memory has really helped us express our feelings and response to what has happened.

"Day-to-day life doesn't stop for your loss or your pain and having a designated space to come together and remember her has been invaluable for us."

Phil and Olie are members of the local band Last Resort and are long-standing Teddy Rocks performers. They were both students at The Blandford School, while older sister Amelie was educated at Parkstone Grammar.

The film will feature around ten original creative contributions each inspired by the love and loss of a mother.

Amelie said: "Our youngest contributor is just seven years old

Listed buildings for sale TWO vacant Grade II listed properties in Salisbury Street, Blandford, went under the hammer of Symonds & Sampson on July 23 when they were offered for sale by auction.

The double-fronted shop, until recently home to Carrieres Courtenay, at number 57 also has a three-bedroom self-contained flat above and a separate two-storey workshop building to the rear.

The 'old veg shop' at 52 Salisbury Street, whose deteriorating state has for many years been cause for concern and resulted in its inclusion on Historic England's 'At Risk' register, was described as a "redevelopment project", thought suitable as a domestic property either as one large dwelling or possibly, with extension to the rear, flats/maisonettes or commercial unit, subject to planning.

Although looking like two separate properties, the shop at the front and dwelling to the rear, all are linked internally.

It has historic permission for a shop with living accommodation and is constructed over four floors, including a basement at the front, with a single-storey storeroom at the rear.

It is nearly 20 years since an application by the then-owner Roy Phillips for conversion and extension of the semi-derelict property to four flats was withdrawn after initially being recommended for approval subject to satisfactory amended plans for the design and internal alterations. It has remained vacant ever since.

Phil Taylor (right) and younger brother Olie (below)

and a great little drummer. There are a range of ages involved and contributors from as far away as Mexico and Palestine.

"We have people contributing with songs they've written, dances they've choreographed, drawings they've sketched and much more.

"The hope is to show how much our creativity has helped us come to terms with our loss and to inspire others to explore their own creativity in response to bereavement, especially given the vast numbers of people who find themselves grieving in light of

Covid-19."

The film will be shown at 4pm via the 'Expressions of Love and Loss' YouTube page and will be available to watch afterwards.

To see a short video of the contributors, visit the 'Expressions of Love and Loss' YouTube channel, from where you'll also be able to access the Crowdfunder link to donate.

It is also on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Please feel free to get in touch directly with Amelie, Phil or Olie via expressionsofloveandloss@gmail.com.

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August 2021

Solar park ‘green’ benefits outweigh the drawbacks

Connor Young from the Artori Academy uses expanding foam, light filler, a variety of paints and fake toppings to make delicious looking artificial cakes.

He was taking part in a prop-making session with scenic artist Megan Harrison. Megan, who has worked for a number of West End shows and TV series, taught the children how to make the look-alike treats for a performance. She will be teaching at the Artori Academy's summer school in midAugust. For details see theartoriacademy.com.

EXTENSION of the North Farm Solar Park in Spetisbury into two fields immediately adjoining its western boundary has been approved by Dorset Council planners.

Initial objections from Charlton Marshall and Spetisbury parish councils were withdrawn after further consultation, but concerns remained at the large amount of additional agricultural land being used for 40 years to double the size of the existing installation and its impact on the area.

Local member Andrew Kerby also initially had concerns about landscaping and the impact on local businesses and asked for the application to be considered by the planning committee unless they were resolved, but subsequently withdrew his request and gave his support.

The Dorset AONB Board said a key issue for them was the harm to the appreciation of the view into the AONB in introducing a largescale 'unnatural' element.

But it recognised that other development and activity, "including the existing solar array, pig rearing enclosures/shelters and feeding hoppers, pheasant feeding stations, paddocks and quad bike/carting courses", already affected these views.

Dorset Council's Landscape Team also recognised that human activity, most notably at neighbouring Gorcombe Farm Activity Centre and the existing solar farm, reduced sensitivity to renewable energy development on the site, and that other installations at Canada Farm near Winterborne

Stickland and Littleton near Blandford were both distant views.

But visibility would be high to users of the surrounding bridleway network and mitigation measures would not be effective for up to ten years.

"A balance needs to be struck between the necessities for solar energy production against the visual amenity to users of the rights of way," they said.

Consideration was also given to the likely harm to scheduled ancient monuments in the vicinity - barrows - which was said to be "at the lowest end of less than substantial".

The officer report stated: "The main public benefit of the scheme is substantial and clear. The Council declared a climate emergency at a meeting on May 16, 2019, with the aim of taking a lead as an authority in tackling climate change.

"The extended solar farm would be able to provide renewable energy for the equivalent of 6,000 homes a year, displacing 8,600 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year."

A transport statement anticipated a maximum of eight large vehicles a day accessing the site using the single route from West End Lane for a period of six weeks during construction and would not impact on the highway network.

The planning authority is now considering a minor amendment to the access within the site boundary to accommodate changing commercial arrangements with the relevant landowners.

Royal platinum plans A TOWN Council working group has held its first meeting to start planning for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations over the first weekend of June next year which will include festivities on Friday and Saturday June 2 and 3.

A tree will be planted for the Queen's Green Canopy on a date to be agreed in the autumn, and the façade of the Corn Exchange lit green that evening to raise awareness of the importance of tree planting and environmental/climate issues.

Discussions are taking place to locate a site for 70 trees to be planted and the installation of a commemorative bench.

A DETAILED history of the life and works of Blandford-born artist and sculptor Alfred Stevens and of archive film in the Windrose collection showing Iwerne Minster can be found in the July newsletter of the Dorset History Centre Archive website at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/librarieshistory-culture/

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August 2021

Low take-up leads to jab session being cancelled IN response to complaints that the under-50s had nowhere in Blandford where they could receive Covid vaccinations, the Blandford Group Practice, which stopped delivering Covid vaccinations to the under-50s in June, put on extra sessions all day on Saturday July 17.

But practice manager Carol Tilley said the demand had been so low that they halved the amount of time which had been devoted to the effort.

She said: "We listened to complaints from younger people who said that they could not travel to the mass vaccination sites and in

response put on the special clinics.

"Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Saturday afternoon sessions and stand down our afternoon team as we struggled to get enough people to fill them."

She said 'grab a jab' weekends available at various walk-in sites across Dorset meant vaccines were available without appointment to eligible people.

"I appreciate that people are required to travel, but many have managed to do so during the last 18 months."

Figures revealed on June 20 by NHS showed that Blandford

HALL & Woodhouse's managed house The Old Granary in Wareham has been named the 'Best Pub & Bar in Dorset' by the National Pub & Bar Awards.

The award recognised its diverse and creative approach to hospitality and praised the way the team navigated the past 18 months in light of the pandemic and the stringent safety measures that have been in place to keep guests safe.

Another H&W managed house, The Portsmouth Arms, was declared the Best Pub & Bar in Hampshire.

Town, and Blandford Outer and Tarrants, were among the areas where the fewest had received their first jab, only 80.9 per cent and 78.7 per cent respectively of the eligible population aged 16 and over when the county average was 88 per cent.

By July 4, the county average had risen to 91 per cent, and Ms Tilley said that in the second week of July, 89 per cent of the Blandford population had had at least one dose of vaccine, indicating that most people had been able to travel if they needed to.

She said it had been well publicised that the vaccination sessions for under-50s at Whitecliff had been stopped because staff working long hours since last September needed a break and to catch up with core work before another long period of delivering flu vaccines and Covid boosters started this September (see page 24).

NEWS IN BRIEF TOWN councillors have agreed to enter into a lease with Blandford Rugby Club for its use of land on the Larksmead recreation area, and to delegate authority to its recreation & amenities committee to finalise the terms.

Members were concerned that public access should be maintained to the kickabout area within the fencing and that the lease should focus on the pavilion and pitches and not the rest of the recreation area, which includes a children's play park and adult recreation facility.

••• THREE performances of The Greenhouse, a magical dance performance about the senses of plants, are offered at Springhead on Sunday August 15. Performances are at 11.30, 1.30 and 3.30.

The outdoor production is being presented via Artsreach, and details and booking information can be found on the Springhead website at springheadtrust.org.uk/ 2021/06/the-greenhouse/ but space is limited so book early.

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A COFFEE morning and plant sale was one of the first public events to be planned at the Blandford Museum in anticipation of the lifting of lockdown restrictions in June and was able to go ahead in the museum's Victorian Garden on July 3.

Pictured (above) are customer Marie Harris, left, with Lyn Johnson and Clara Taverner at the cake stall; and (above right) Elisabeth Owen, right, with customers Marianne Shelley and Mike Walker at the plant stall.

RADIO and television presenter and historian Peter Snow has agreed to attend the rededication of the Blandford Town Hall plaques in November, a century after his grandfather unveiled them in 1921.

An exhibition is also planned for September 11 on 'Blandford's contribution to WWII' which was intended to go on display at the cancelled Armed Forces Day event at the Royal British Legion.

August 2021

Work starting on Milldown route WORK was due to start on July 26 on the first phase of improvement to the walking and cycling route between Shaftesbury Lane and Milldown Primary School.

It will see the widening and resurfacing of the existing track from the former railway bridge and across the Little Milldown to the crossings over Milldown Road, a parallel crossing to replace that existing in Milldown Road and the widening of the school entrance gate and campus footways.

But the section between the Milldown and Shaftesbury Lane cannot be funded at this stage.

Emma Baker, Project Engineer (Democratic), Highways, told Blandford Town Council that a project, referred to as the Tin Pot Lane Cycleway, was first conceived in 2017 at the time when agents on behalf of landowners on the west side of Tin Pot Lane

brought forward a proposal to build on two sites, which would have contributed towards a foot and cycleway along the east side of Tin Pot Lane and light-controlled crossing on Shaftesbury Lane.

"The planning applications for the sites were unsuccessful so the foot/cycleway and crossing was unable to go ahead without funding.

"However, developer contributions from the redevelopment of the former NDDC site at Nordon were sufficient to make safety improvements to the crossing in Milldown Road and just inside the campus site and convert the footways leading to the crossings for shared use.

"Cycleway improvements in Tin Pot Lane and Shaftesbury Lane will follow when sufficient funding becomes available."

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August 2021

Waiting lists as Scouts are thriving DESPITE the restrictions of lockdown, the scouting movement in the Blandford area is going strong, with a long waiting list in Blandford for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts where there are two sessions for each section a week.

They are managed by Sam Elliot, who also now manages the groups in Milborne St Andrew and Winterborne Whitechurch, which were struggling for various reasons 18 months ago.

So she merged them to create the Winterbornes Scout Group, and is hoping that some families in Blandford will be prepared to travel a little to ease the waiting list in town.

She said: "This group has been growing much stronger with the support of our volunteers and local families. We have spaces in Beavers (aged 6 to 8), and a few spaces left in Scouts (1014 years), although Cubs (8 to 10 years) are pretty full.

"Scouting is great for young people learning #SkillsForLife

A compilation of scouting activities in the Blandford area. and having brilliant adventures, mostly outdoors."

For information, see thewinterbornesscoutgroup.com.

She said that during Covid, restrictions meant that they were unable to meet face-toface but for the entire duration (including school holidays which they don't usually offer at the request of young people)

Praise for plan teams THE Blandford + and Milton Abbas Neighbourhood Plans, and those of a number of other areas across the county, have now been 'made' to become part of the statutory development plan for the areas they cover.

The decision was made by Dorset Council's portfolio holder for customer and community services following a meeting of the council's Cabinet, taking into account the views expressed.

Congratulations were extended to the town and parish councils and members of the Neighbourhood Plan groups involved, with recognition of the significant amount of work undertaken by them in preparing the plans.

they ran weekly Zoom sessions, with group cooking, animal care/pets, escape rooms and family camps being the most popular.

"This meant that some Scouts were still able to achieve their Chief Scout Awards, the highest

awards in their sections."

The groups, together with the Charlton Marshall Scout Group, run by Peter Haines, with Beavers and Cubs, are all part of North Dorset District, so they know each other well and run activities and camps together.

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August 2021

Bus route changes sought DORSET Council has invited people to register their interest in being involved in the development of a bus service improvement plan which will look at services, fares, ticketing, passenger facilities and bus priority measures.

It will be talking with community groups, business groups, passengers and the public to collect a wide range of thoughts and ideas which will help to shape the future vision and priorities for the bus network to be published in the autumn.

More details of how to be involved will be published shortly, but you can register your interest by emailing busbackbetter@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Nic Nicol, chairman of Blandford Town Team, has already raised two long-running issues for local passengers, in that it is not possible to use public transport to get to work in Wimborne, Poole or Ferndown industrial estate, and that the bus to Dorchester does not go to Dorset County Hospital.

A FAMILY Fun Day planned at R Lukins Fitness in support of the Luccombe Hub at Milton Abbas was able to go ahead on Saturday July 3 despite the extension of lockdown restrictions.

Hundreds of people attended to enjoy fitness workouts and testing, gym tours and challenges, refreshments, live music, and an appearance by the tiny ponies from the Luccombe Farm for children to enjoy a pony ride.

The ponies are pictured with the farm staff.

A summer holiday club at the Hub, which was established for students aged 8 to 18 with special educational needs, started at the end of July, with sessions planned for August 5/6, August 19/20 and August 26/27 between 10am and 3pm.

For details see their Facebook page and website luccombehub.com, or email gaynor@luccombehub.com.

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August 2021

Elves on their way to the arches DORSET-based theatre makers Treehouse are touring with Artsreach this month but are also heading for Blandford with special open-air performances of their brand new family show 'The Elves and the Shoemakers'.

The 45-minute performance at the Langton Meadows Railway Arches at 3pm on Saturday August 7 is being hosted by the Blandford Town Museum, from where tickets are on sale either in the museum or via their website.

The show is set in a world without music, where humans have forgotten what dancing is for, and where the race is on to secretly save the

Shoemakers shop from going out of business and find a way to help humans remember music and the joy of dancing.

With themes of kindness and neighbourliness which feel so relevant this year, the Elves will need everyone's help in this immersive and interactive show. There will be live music and great storytelling in the rediscovery of the joy of live events.

There will also be performances on Wednesday August 4 at Nether Compton Recreation Ground and on the morning of Saturday August 7 at Alderholt Village Hall Field, of which details can be found at artsreach.co.uk. See also Page 21.

Pupils learn how to beat the bullies EIGHT pupils from Archbishop Wake CE Primary School in Blandford took part in a one-day anti-bullying training session run

by The Diana Award online on June 22.

Young people, aged nine and ten, worked together, address-

Railway group need volunteers on board NORTH Dorset Railway have huge work plans during the next three years and need more volunteers to help with all sorts of tasks at Shillingstone station.

A volunteer recruitment weekend will be held on Saturday and Sunday August 7 and 8 from 11am to 4pm at which people can see existing volunteers at work and express interest in joining them.

Just a few hours or maybe a day each week would be of great help from people who can serve in their café, attend to their award-winning gardens and maintain and paint the sta-

tion. Restoration work on rolling stock is a constant requirement and takes up many hours of work, and more skilled work is available for anyone with previous railway experience.

Administrative and technical volunteers are needed as they gear up to become operational, with several sub-committees dealing with the museum, signalling, training, visitor experience, finance, events and planning.

For more information, see northdorsetrailway.co.uk or their Facebook page S&D JR Shillingstone.

Follow us on Twitter @forumfocus

ing different situations, both face-to-face and online, and acquired vital skills to enable them to change the attitudes and behaviours of bullying in schools.

At the end of the day, pupils made an action plan of how to approach bullying issues that could arise and committed to their roles as anti-bullying ambassadors.

The Diana Award was founded as a legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales's belief that young

people have the power to change the world for the better.

The free anti-bullying ambassador programme, which is available to schools across the UK, sees trainers working with students and other young people and has a strong peer-to-peer focus, giving young people the skills and confidence to become anti-bullying ambassadors to tackle bullying long after the training has finished. The work is recognised as world-class thanks to this sustainable approach.

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August 2021

Large gathering for Armed Forces Day THE Blandford branch of the Royal British Legion gathered at Legion House in Church Lane on Armed Forces Day, Saturday June 26, for a Drumhead service and dedication of a new standard for the Royal Signals Association, which meets in the building.

Plans for displays and exhibitions on the day had to be cancelled in view of the continued restrictions, but the service and raising of the Armed Forces Day flag went ahead in front of a large, socially distanced audience in the garden and on the roadside.

The service was conducted by Dorset County RBL Chaplain, the Rev Dennis Mould, and those attending were welcomed by Blandford branch president Gyan Tamang.

They included Mayor of Blandford Councillor Lee Hitchings, branch chairman Terry Clarkson, Tony Lucas, Branch Standard and Marie Parsons, RBL Women's Section Standard, and other standard bearers from across the county, the Royal Signals Army

Cadet Force detachment, based in Blandford, whose members were presented with Poppy badges by Mr Tamang, trumpeter Geordie Thomson, who played the Last Post and Reveille, and piper Lyndon Wall.

Following its dedication, the Royal Signals Association standard was raised by branch poppy appeal organiser Robert Taylor. Its first appearance after the ceremony was at the funeral of Royal Signals veteran Brian Gibbons at Poole Crematorium the following week, whose widow Marilyn is RBL Club President and was present at the ceremony (see Page 27).

The ceremony followed a small memorial service at the Cross of Sacrifice in Blandford Cemetery on Sunday June 13 for the late Prince Philip on the closest date possible to what would have been his 100th birthday.

See page 28 for Blandford Town Council and Dorset Council's recognition of Armed Forces Week.

The dedication of the new Royal Signals Association standard.

The flag was also raised outside County Hall in a ceremony which could be watched online, marking the start of an important week, both nationally and in Dorset, leading up to national

Armed Forces Day. Dorset Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019, with BCP Council and partners, including the NHS and the police.

DORSET Council's customer services 'hub' at Nordon Lodge in Salisbury Road, Blandford, reopened to the public on July 5 after being closed through the pandemic emergency. They can once again assist with council enquiries or urgent needs that cannot be supported over the phone or online on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 4pm for pre-booked appointments unless an enquiry requires support due to its complexity or the vulnerability of the person concerned.

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August 2021

BBC grant boost for family charity MOSAIC, the Milborne St Andrew-based charity supporting bereaved children and their families throughout Dorset, has been awarded a three-year grant from BBC Children in Need.

The grant of £13,500 will help to fund individual support for young people, and the charity said their support over past years has been vital in the development of Mosaic throughout Dorset.

It has also been supported by a grant from Dorset Freemasons through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons, their families and friends from across England and Wales.

Les Hutchinson, chief executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said: "We are very pleased to be able to help Mosaic who do such an outstanding job helping bereaved children and young people."

Tickets are now on sale for the charity's summer draw, and supporters have until September 17 to return counterfoils for the

draw, which will take place on September 22.

They can be bought by emailing kim@mosaicfamilysupport.org, calling 01258 837071 or visiting their Just Giving page at justgiving.com/campaign/mosaicsummerdraw2021.

Families all over Dorset took to their towns and villages to hunt and photograph clues in their half-term treasure hunt with a chance of winning day trips, vouchers and hampers.

Volunteers will be found fundraising at Sturminster Cheese Festival on Saturday and Sunday September 11 and 12.

ARTSREACH in the open air in the grounds of The Blandford School on July 17, with Scratchworks Theatre in The Grimm Sisters - an imaginative interpretation of the truth behind the tales of the Brothers Grimm which ended with audience members contributing the characters and plot in the tale of the juggling and operatic Spider and the Blue Dragon in Neverland. More Artsreach events: Page 21.

Showcase for Dorset arts and crafts THE Dorset Arts & Crafts Showcase 2021 is taking place at the Purbeck School in Wareham, from Friday August 6 to Tuesday August 10, organised by the Dorset Arts and Crafts Association (DACA).

Their celebration of art and craft in Dorset features a wide selection by members, including fine art, photography, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and lots more. All the work on display is handmade in

Dorset and for sale.

There is also an exhibition of work by trophy winners with examples of superb heritage and contemporary craft, the DACA members' photo challenge and displays relating to the history and evolution of DACA as an organisation. Craft demonstrations in the courtyard include weaving, spinning and wood turning.

For further details see dorsetartsandcrafts.org.

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Lottery windfall comes as a blessing for church project MEMBERS of the Blandford Parish Church Big Church Project are thrilled to have been awarded a grant of £664,400 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It means there are now enough funds in place for the roof of the church building, which has been leaking and continually patched up over the decades to stop the water coming in, to finally be given the total overhaul it needs.

While scaffolding is in place work will be carried out to repair high-level stonework, to restore and repair the damaged plaster inside the church and to insulate the roof.

All the repair and restoration works will be documented through a community photography project, which will be displayed in the church and online for those interested in what's

happening but cannot unfortunately be allowed to climb the scaffolding.

The building work will start in October and is due to be completed in May 2022.

The money will also allow for the development of even greater community engagement with the building.

Sara Loch, chairman of the Big Church Project, the group overseeing the project, said: "Without this grant we would not have been able to proceed with the repairs, or the forging of even stronger links with our local community.

"It will be wonderful to make the church building water-tight after so many years and make the space, both inside the church and outside in the churchyard, a vibrant community resource."

Stuart McLeod, Director England - London & South at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, described it as an ambitious project to restore the important communitygathering building so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come.

He said: "Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this two-year project will deliver an exciting volunteering programme to record and explore the stories of those who have been connected with the church through the centuries as well as engage a wider range of people with this historic building."

August 2021 AN interim minister is being sought to lead the Anglican team serving the Blandford area as part of a pastoral reorganisation within the Milton & Blandford deanery.

An advertisement in the Church Times for applications with a closing date of July 25 states: "Our Dorset market town continues to grow into its surrounding villages.

A recent extensive consultation exercise in the deanery has led to pastoral reorganisation in response to changing patterns of mission and ministry, new housing developments and small rural villages.

"We now seek an interim minister to lead us around new missional opportunities with deanery colleagues. This will be initially for three years to strengthen the church and its place in the local community and help discern the future."

The four-bedroomed rectory within walking distance of the church is offered to the successful applicant, together with the support of an enthusiastic and committed laity and an administrator based at the Church Centre. Interviews are expected to take place in September.

A growing role within the community ALONGSIDE the repair work there will be research, exhibitions and events, developing and expanding over the years, to make the church building a place which contributes to a thriving local community.

An exciting project is researching, recording and exploring, with the help of volunteers, the lives of those who have been connected with the church and will include Hannah, 'a Black Woman Servant of Mrs Holder', who was baptised in the church in 1770, and George Vince, a Blandfordian who died by falling over an ice cliff while on one of Scott's Antarctic expeditions.

It will also investigate the relationship between the church and various communities, including travellers, and the making of

Georgian costumes.

The resulting information will be shared with the church and town communities, and visitors to the area, in exhibitions, events and workshops, not just in the church building but also in Blandford Town Museum and

Blandford Fashion Museum.

With the support of Dorset Wildlife Trust and Caring for God's Acre, the biodiversity in the churchyard, one of the main green spaces in the centre of town, will be monitored, and there will be improvements for wildlife.

The various pieces of graffiti to be found throughout the building will be recorded and, where necessary, protected during the project, and a 'Tag-a-Tile' scheme will give everyone the chance to leave their mark on the church building. Their name or suitable message will be recorded in perpetuity on the underside of new roof tiles replacing those which cannot be reused after all the tiles on the roof are removed to allow the repair of the wooden battens beneath.

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August 2021

Objectors’ delight as appeal rejected THE dismissal by a planning inspector of an appeal against refusal of permission for a second contemporary dwelling on land off Langton Road, Blandford, has been welcomed by the many local objectors to the proposal.

The second application by Gary Abbott, who already has permission granted by North Dorset District Council in 2018 for the first home, was refused by Dorset Council in January this year.

Inspector Rachael Pipkin concluded, after considering the written representations of all parties and making a site visit in June, that the development would have an adverse impact on all the main issues.

These were, she said, the effect on the character and appearance of the area, and particularly the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), on the setting of the

Blandford Forum, Blandford St Mary and Bryanston Conservation Area (CA), on protected trees and on the ecology of the site.

The second dwelling within the AONB would be more prominent than the already approved first on the wooded riverbank due to its closer proximity to the A350 and cycle path, and the previous permission did not justify the second.

The loss of a number of trees and the urbanising effect of the proposal on the riverbank, would harm the setting of the CA and would, at certain times of year, be visible from the CA on the opposite side of the river.

The identified harm to a designated asset meant that a presumption in favour of sustainable development in the light of the council's failure to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing delivery, and the benefits of provision of a single dwelling did not outweigh that harm.

A diamond couple Blandford's longest serving town councillor Haydn White and his wife Glenda were visited in their garden on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary at the end of June by the Mayor Lee Hitchings, who presented them with a card and flowers.

Councillor White, who has no immunity to Covid and has spent the last 15 months in isolation, was able to attend the town council meeting in July to thank him and the council for the gifts and urge people to keep wearing their masks for the sake of those in his position.

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Readers’ letters

Solar panels: the real facts I THINK it only right that your readers are informed that the Global Warming Policy Foundation cited by Nick Smith in his letter (last month) about solar panels is a dubiously funded climate change denial group, based in Tufton Street.

Typical of the work which these fake news merchants produce, obvious indisputable facts are woven in with other nonsense to garner an argument which seems superficially credible.

Solar panels, like all renewable energy sources, do not have a constant output but to underestimate their contribution to our energy needs is sheer folly. The percentage of electricity generated in the UK from renewable sources in 2019 was 34.8% (ONS).

I am surprised at the editorial decision to give this letter column space at a time when parts of our warming planet are quite literally burning.

Charles Ellis, Blandford

A view from the madhouse MAY I respond to your critic of solar panels?

Diary of a Mad Man In early 2007, on an irrational impulse, I had four solar panels installed on a large shed to provide lights and power. When asked about my insanity I replied

August 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

that I wanted to do something to contribute to making the environment a little cleaner for our children and grandchildren. Very few people continued the discussion.

I can now mow and strim our large garden using 'free', clean electric energy.

2010: Totally deluded by my initial madness I pay for eight more 'inefficient' solar panels. They have reduced our electricity consumption by 40 per cent a year ten years' electricity for the price of six years'. I am clearly certifiable.

2020: I evade my 'friends' in white coats and manage to buy an electric car - 99 per cent fuel efficient. Millions of people are driving vehicles that, at best, are only 28 per cent fuel efficient, and I'm the loony.

Yes, batteries wear out but are valued 'scrap' and can be recycled. Car exhaust fumes are also recycled - as lung disease and fine soot coating buildings. They also make a handy contribution to global warming. (Is it not wonderful to be rational and sane?).

If every barn, school, hospital, large house and commercial premises had solar panels on their roofs, solar farms would be totally unnecessary.

R Foley (Sent from my padded cell) PS All our solar panels were made in Europe.

Changes we may regret?

FOR many of us our wonderful countryside is a place to visit and explore but to the farmers and

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.

landowners it's a place that needs to earn them money.

In years to come some may regret the uses our countryside has been put to and hopefully some will be reversible.

To date the building of homes and industrial buildings, electricity pylons, radio masts, solar farms and wind turbines have been the blots on the landscape, but now agricultural barns are appearing in some parts of the UK that store electrical power in huge batteries for the National Grid. There are nearly 400 such farms in operation or in construction in the UK. We all must be aware of the changes and dangers that may come to our countryside with the advancement of technology and the ever-growing desire by local councils for more housing.

My concern is whether council employees who pass the various consents for planning are fully aware of what they are agreeing to - sometimes I have my doubts.

Nick Smith, Blandford

Do you have a story to tell?

IN 2012 I was lucky enough to edit a book comprising most of the entries of a short story competition run by a local library group. Halfway through the competition the committee was worried it was not going to be a success.

It was then I received an entry for the under-18 category. Not one word was wasted, the story had a beginning, a middle and an end. The story was 23 words long. It was written by Scarlett Cromwell, age three. I wrote in the editor's note that I knew at that point the competition would be a success - and it was.

Does history repeat itself?

Maybe. A Blandford mum emailed me to say that her children were excited to learn about the competition, recently featured in Forum Focus. Her youngest decided to write his own story and showed it to his mum. The child is five years old. The story has a beginning, a middle and an end. It has humour, it contains speech. It is observational.

Many of us have said at one time or another that we could write a book about something particular, somebody unusual or just not unusual. A happening that grabbed your attention, curiosity or admiration? Or made you laugh, or cry? Something that moved you so much that poetry entered your consciousness?

Why not start now? We have about 10 weeks or so to go for 'open' entries and a further four weeks for the under-18 category.

For full details of how to enter: Facebook.com/BlandfordRotary and/or facebook.com/groups/blandfordrotaryshortstoryandpoetrycompetition2021 Adrian Ford 10 Dorset Street, Blandford DT11 7RG adeoz59@gmail.com 07768 183526

Sick of scaffold I AM wondering if the scaffolding and pavement obstacle course is a permanent feature for the centre of Blandford.

When approaching the Town Council all they said was 'nothing to do with us', referring me to the DCC. I think this scaffolding has been in place before Covid, which is a long time. It would be wonderful to see it gone ASAP. Stephen Kelly

August 2021

Letters extra Time to put the brakes on selfish cyclists NEARING the end of my run on the Blandford Trailway, I came across an 80-year-old pensioner in some distress.

He told me that he had been verbally and physically abused by a man in Lycra riding a bike at speed. He told me the male bike rider had got off his bike and was swearing, shouting and grabbing the pensioner.

It appears that the elderly gentleman's crime was to be out for his daily stroll along the trailway and not be aware of a bike coming from behind at considerable speed.

I assume, like most of these Lycra-clad bike riders on the trailway who are always speeding, they expect everyone to just get out of their way even though they arrive from behind and give no indication of their arrival.

This has got to stop. There are young children and elderly people who enjoy a pleasant walk up and down the Blandford trailway and it is spoilt by these inconsiderate speeding bike riders with no thought for anyone except themselves.

Ian, a Blandford Resident (Name & address supplied)

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A marathon a week proves to be Charlie’s fundraising recipe MORE than £3,000 has been raised in sponsorship and through a fundraising raffle by Charlie Strange, who has run four marathons in four weeks to raise money for local cancer charity Ducks and Drakes.

His efforts have been in memory of his father Michael, who died last year of bowel cancer, and to raise awareness of the condition because his father could have been saved had he been to the GP earlier.

Two of the marathons were Rocket Race Apollos and two were events he organised himself on a route between Sturminster and Blandford and villages between.

The first, on June 6, was followed by one a week for the rest of the month, ending with the obstacle course Rocket Race Apollo. He recorded his journey from training to events and recovery through Facebook, Instagram and Strava where he was joined by friends who had played a bit part in his training, taking part in many miles during his challenge.

The Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust, based in Ansty, near Milton Abbas, was founded by Andrew Drake and his family following the bowel cancer diagno-

Woodland success a source of pride THE Blandford Environmental Trust, which manages Angus Wood in St Leonard's Avenue on behalf of the Woodland Trust, held its annual general meeting in the Victorian Garden of the Blandford Town Museum.

It was followed by a talk by their qualified forester Peter Andrews on how the wood is being managed as a unique town centre natural woodland for the enjoyment of the public, and the progress made since BET was formed for the purpose in 2010.

Quoting one of their trustees, he said: "We took on an abandoned, unloved and neglected wood and we have turned it on a purely voluntary basis into a much appreciated community asset. We should be

very, very proud of what we have achieved."

Chair for the last three years Jenny Thompson was succeeded by Steve Adamson, and the Trust's committee was re-elected en bloc.

Monthly work sessions take place on the last Saturday of the month to manage the woodland, and public events will be resuming this month with an interactive storytelling morning on August 12, plans for other activities and hopes that it will be possible to once again stage a Halloween event at the end of October.

The Trust has also taken on the organisation of Blandford's popular Hidden Gardens event, to be held this year on September 5.

Charlie Strange with friends and family at the first of his Rocket Race Apollo marathons. sis of Andrew, aged 24. Its aims were to create awareness of bowel cancer in young people, aged 18 to 30 in Dorset and the UK, and support patients and their families through the provi-

sion of specialist equipment and financial aid.

It also funds specialist nurses in Dorset County Hospital, specifically in the Colorectal Department.

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August 2021

Roman link revealed as fact meets fiction BLANDFORD author Paula Harmon was thrilled to read the front page article in July's Forum Focus as the archaeological investigations where Blandford's new waste transfer station is planned have a direct link to her latest book.

'Murder Saturnalia' is the third book in the 2nd Century 'Murder Britannica' mystery series. It's set in a fictional town called Vademlutra, 17 miles north-east from Durnovaria (the Roman name for Dorchester) and a few miles from an abandoned hill-fort known as Dunum (the Roman name for Hod Hill).

Vademlutra is a small market town, with a river fording place, which in the book is frozen solid during the bad winter of AD192. It doesn't take a lot to work out that Vademlutra is loosely based on Blandford.

Without direct evidence of what the town might have looked like in the second century, Paula used her imagination to create the sort of place it could have been where the local Celts -

especially the nobility - are enjoying some of the luxuries brought in by the Roman Empire but avoiding getting too Romanised.

Paula said: "Without any certainty as to where anything might be, I used a lot of artistic licence, including dotting the richer people's villas around the town. So it was exciting to see the article in last month's Forum Focus identify a Roman coffin burial where I imagined that one of my characters had his villa.

"I'd been wondering what to do for a fourth book in the series who knows, maybe it'll be back in Vademlutra and maybe it'll explain the body!"

To find out more about Paula's books visit paulaharmon.com/books-bypaula-harmon.

• Our article in July incorrectly named the company carrying out the archaeological investigation, who were AC Archaeology, for whom Dan Carter provided the report submitted with the planning application.

Above & below right: some of Joan Capron’s paintings which will be sold in aid of the Friends of Blandford Hospital.

Artist Joan meets the lockdown challenge THE Friends of Blandford Hospital are delighted to present another Affordable Art exhibition by their talented shop volunteer, Joan Capron, who has run a succession of exhibitions for them and other charities on the basis of 100 per cent donation to the charity.

This year's exhibition opened on July 30 and will run to Saturday August 7 from 10am to 4pm in the hospital charity shop in Barnack Walk.

It has been a difficult year in which to prepare, particularly for an artist instructed to shield who found herself shut away from many sources of inspiration and variety of art materials.

However, she rose to the challenge and experimented by painting on anything that came to hand, including slate, silk, stones, canvas, textured wallpaper and even cotton sheeting, and had fun using pastels, inks, acrylic paints and powder, oils, pencil and collage.

Other charity volunteers have donated examples of their work, and the exhibition has been made even more 'affordable' with the offer of many mounted and signed prints at a fraction of the

cost of the framed original paintings, together with a large range of greetings cards produced by Joan.

• The extension of Covid restrictions forced the cancellation of the Friends' annual general meeting, which had been planned for July 7.

Members were invited to receive the annual report and accounts which had been presented to the Friends Council, and to vote by email by July 16 to adopt them and reappoint council members due for retirement, Mr C Marjoram and Mrs Y Thorne.

www.forumfocus.co.uk

August 2021

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August 2021

Goodbye, lockdown, hello summer fun!

THE Summer Fun Day, planned for the Crown Meadows opposite the Crown Hotel on Saturday August 21, is a welcome opportunity for all in the Blandford area to celebrate coming out of lockdown.

The Mayor of Blandford, Cllr Lee Hitchings (pictured) , is planning and organising this fun event, alongside his father Cllr Steve Hitchings, Deputy Mayor Cllr Colin Stevens and a number of other volunteers.

The idea was originated by James Mayo who unfortunately had to pull out for personal reasons.

Cllr Hitchings said if people would like to get involved with a stall or if local groups would like to do some fundraising and promotion, this would be a fantastic opportunity to do so.

They should make contact at CllrL.Hitchings@blandfordforumtc.gov.uk or through the Facebook page called 'Blandford Mayor's Summer Fun Day 2021'.

He said: "We will have an area for displays with stalls, funfair rides and refreshments round the sides.

"We are very fortunate to be supported by the Blandford Gymnastics club to which, as the mayoral charity for the year, any proceeds of the event will go.

"We hope in the very near future to secure the bookings of the Gurkha display team, a fire engine, police attendance, dog agility and falconry displays. We are also on the lookout for some family-friendly entertainment - if you are interested in performing, please get in touch."

Mark Mortimer (left), Headmaster of Bryanston, with Will Lockett, the new Headmaster of Bryanston Knighton House.

New era hailed as prep schools merge BRYANSTON and Knighton House pre-prep and prep schools have confirmed arrangements to complete a formal merger from September 1 in a move designed to increase the agility, strength in depth and operational efficiencies of both schools.

It follows Bryanston's acquisition of the land and buildings of the neighbouring Knighton House campus last year and will help ensure both schools are well placed to rise to the new challenges and constantly evolving priorities within the world of education.

A new headmaster, Will Lockett, has been appointed at the prep school, which will be renamed Bryanston Knighton House, and arrangements are being made for an experienced figure from the prep school sector to join the governing body of Bryanston.

Mr Lockett, a former housemaster at Bryanston, has for the past six years been Headmaster of Abberley Hall co-educational prep school in Worcestershire, where he played an instrumental role in forging a new strategic

relationship with Malvern College.

Iain Weatherby, the current cochair of governors at Knighton House, said: "Will's knowledge and experience of running a highly regarded prep school and his deep familiarity with Bryanston will provide Bryanston Knighton House with exactly the right insight and leadership as it enters an exciting new era."

Julian Greenhill, chair of Bryanston governors, said: "This is an exciting and significant development for both schools. As nextdoor neighbours, Bryanston and Knighton House have enjoyed a close and productive relationship over many decades.

"The decision to proceed with a merger is a logical and forwardlooking step that will enrich the experience and deliver significant benefits for all pupils. It will also enable both schools to build on their respective strengths and to capitalise fully on shared resources, facilities and expertise to provide a complete, distinctive and compelling educational offering for children from three to 18 years old."

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August 2021 Artsreach productions Circus Around & About; left: Bash Street Theatre; below: a Stop-Frame animation workshop.

Artsreach brings the circus to town AN outdoor circus double bill comes to Blandford in August as part of a pilot project aimed at bringing the circus to rural communities.

The 80-minute programme in the grounds of The Blandford School on Friday August 20 at 6pm features explosive tricks and agility within a large, spinning wheel by a skilled duo Simple Cypher in Roll Up Roll Up, and a tale of running away to the circus with humour, original music and an ingenious set in Pirates of the Carabina's Pirate Taxi.

The project, Circus Around & About, is funded by Arts Council England and delivered by a partnership between Somerset-based Take Art and London-based Crying Out Loud, presented by Dorset's touring arts charity Artsreach and the Blandford Artsreach team.

Only eight places were on offer for a children's stop-frame animation workshop to be held in

Blandford Corn Exchange on Tuesday August 17 with Pageant Productions, but if still available will give 7- to 12-year-olds the chance to construct a small set, create scenes and use props to film a story on the effects of climate change in an introduction to the world of animation.

And in the open air at Ibberton & Belchalwell village hall on Friday August 13, Bash Street Theatre will be presenting 'The Cameraman - he's got you framed' - a playful homage to the film-noir genre, with voice-over narration, live musical accompaniment and silent comedy following the fortunes of an inept cameraman with influences as diverse as Tintin, Roger Rabbit, Humphrey Bogart and Buster Keaton.

To find out more and book tickets for all these events see artsreach.co.uk, or for Ibberton & Belchalwell phone 01258 817269.

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August 2021 we will get a bit closer.

The View from the Hill

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

A

FTER a maintenance diet over winter of turnips and silage, the new fresh grass diet kicks in and our steers can end up at 850kg apiece, putting on as much as 2kg per day.

The meadows can't be used to grow crops, they usually flood at least once a year, and turning the soil over could result in huge amounts entering the river.

If cattle can turn permanent grass into high-quality protein for human consumption at such a rate, should we be planting flowers and trees, and instead eat protein produced by bacteria in a factory somewhere? Or import beef from overseas, where the rules for keeping animals are very different to here in the UK? Another pasture management system we are trying to perfect is that of mob grazing. Our cows are on short-term herbal ley, which consists of a diverse sward of many species, including several nitrogen fixers like clover, sainfoin, Lucerne, and vetch, plus other species such as plantain and chicory, as well as a sprinkling of different grass species.

The cows get to choose the plants they like best; some even have anthelmintic properties acting as a natural wormer.

A trip to the Groundswell event, which promotes regenerative

This week a crop circle appeared out of the blue at a location on the farm. This is the first time we have played host to one of these. Annoyance at the flattening of some of our crop, making it hard to harvest, is tempered by respect for the perpetrators who have made an admittedly pretty good job of this attractive geometric pattern. The only way worth seeing it is from the air, since it is not visible from anywhere on the ground, and close up gives no clue of the design.

farming practices and soil health, was an opportunity to investigate many new ideas for soil, crop and animal management, and one of the host farmers, John Cherry, took a group of us with him to move his mob grazing herd onto new pasture.

He does this every morning, moving his animals onto fresh ground every day, judging how much to give them by observing how much they consumed the day before, so as not to graze it right down to the ground. For maximum soil and animal benefit, the animals eat

one third of the available fodder, trample another third to benefit the soil, and leave the last third standing to continue photosynthesising and grow back again quickly.

John has enough ground available to allow the pasture to recover for around 40 days before the cattle will spend another day on the same piece of ground. We have not managed to achieve such a precise level of management and our cows spend longer in each paddock. Maybe next year, when we establish a new round of leys,

Another attraction at Groundswell was the dung beetle safari, where guests were taken into the cattle field to investigate cowpats.

Healthy cowpats support a vast array of beneficial organisms, and we learnt that some modern wormers regularly used on livestock are so efficient that they also have the unintended consequence of killing the larvae of many of the beasties which feast on cowpats.

This dismantles an ecosystem which is supposed to be beneficial to soil health when functioning correctly. Some insect larvae burrow deep into the soil below the cowpats, creating routes for air and water, as well as for other organisms to move through the soil, and add crucial links to the soil food web.

June is traditionally the month when farmers go off to shows and demonstrations across the country, which, as well as being important social occasions, are an opportunity to learn new stuff, to observe potential new items of machinery in action, to chew the fat with fellow farmers and industry specialists, and to investigate beers brewed in counties other than one's own.

A day-trip took us to the Hendred estate in Oxfordshire, to take part in a meeting revolving around the ASSIST project run by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, a research programme to meet the challenge of feeding growing populations with unacceptable environmental damage. Our own role has been to establish flowery strips through the middle of some of our larger fields, with the hope that in time, they will act as reservoirs of potential predators of crop pests.

We learnt about some of the many experiments being run, including an entertaining one using fake slugs to discover what kind of beetle or other predator is present amongst crops.

August 2021

Signals museum receiving again THE Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Camp, home of the Royal Corps of Signals, has now reopened to the public and would welcome more local people visiting the unique and well-regarded local attraction.

It enjoys glowing reviews on Trip Advisor where it is described as "a unique experience behind the wire" and usually attracts 20,000 visitors a year.

It sets out to entertain, educate and demystify the fascinating world of communications science and history, with many hands-on interactive displays showing the crucial role of Command and Control on the battlefield - the difference between victory and defeat.

While closed for Covid they have cleared a large storage hall for a new Storytelling Temporary Exhibition Area which will be completed by the end of the year, and will feature the stories of soldiers told in their own words in an immersive style of display illustrated with wall-sized

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videos, photographs and artefacts.

Displays feature Women at War, Spies Codes and Secret Agents, Special Forces (the story of the wartime SAS and SOE), animals at war (including the famed VC Pigeon 2709) and Codes and Code Breaking (featuring the story of Alan Turing and Tommy Flowers).

The newest illustrates the dangers of the modern Cyber threat and features the Military Cyber Warfare Role of the British Army, and collections include Military Vehicles and 'DR' Motorcycles from the First World War to date.

Current opening hours are from 10am to 1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with priority given to those who have booked. Booking lines open at the same times on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays online or at 01258 482 248 .

Further details can be found on their website at royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk.

Legion leads sombre salute A SPECIAL gathering took place at the Cross of Sacrifice in Blandford Cemetery close to what would have been the 100th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Pictured (from the left) are: Blandford School students taking part in the DoE Awards scheme Lauren Gulbins and Ethan Cain; representing the Royal British Legion Women's Section Marilyn Gibbons; President RBL branch Gyan Tamang; and Mayor and Mayoress of Blandford Lee and Abi Hitchings.

Standards were carried from SSAFA, the Royal Signals Association, the Royal Naval Association and the Blandford RBL branch, and wreaths were placed by Cllr Hitchings, Mr Tamang, Mrs Gibbons, and Lauren and Ethan.

Geordie Thomson played the Last Post and Reveille and Colin Taylor piped the 'Still' and the 'Carry on' on his bosuns pipe as the wreaths were placed.

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Care team focuses on school uniforms BLANDFORD Cares are working with schools and other agencies to increase the distribution of children's clothes and toys to local families.

This month they are focusing on helping those in most need obtain or upgrade school uniforms.

Anyone with children attending a Blandford school who have outgrown their uniforms is asked to donate them to the group. Their sorting rooms are open every Tuesday in Blandford United Reformed Church (BUFC) between 10am and 1pm, or at the Food Bank, also at the BUFC. There will be a special 'uniform day' at the church between 10.30am and 2pm on Monday August 23.

Covid and other restrictions have effectively prevented further direct activity during June and July, but in August and September, in alliance with the Food Bank and Churches Together, they aim to bring Community Kitchen events to

more sections of society, not just the elderly or lonely.

They will be inviting groups and families to coffee mornings and cream teas. Play and Picnic sessions will be run for local families selected from their records during August, together with occasional coffee mornings with opportunities to buy books, toys and children's clothes in the BUFC, the first of which was scheduled for July 31 between 10.30am and 2pm.

They have been able to recruit several new helpers, including two new drivers, but a particular need is for those willing to help with food preparation, who will need Food Safety certification which they can provide, and anyone able to provide First Aid at Work cover at their events. There may still be places to fill on a first-aid course, free of charge for anyone associated with their work, planned for August 13.

For details and to offer donations, call 07768403512 or email hearn@forumsprings.plus.com.

August 2021

OBITUARY

Ernie Aylott and his wife Joan, pictured at their home on Ashley Wood Park in 2016.

Ernie Aylott: wartime hero and family man A World War Two veteran, who five years ago was finally presented with the war medals he richly deserved when his family contacted the Armed Forces charity SSAFA to ask for them to be awarded, has died at the age of 97.

Ernest (Ernie) Aylott, who died on July 4, joined the Royal Army Service Corps in 1942, aged 19, and later transferred to 15 Parachute Regiment, going ashore on Sword Beach on DDay, June 6 in 1944.

He drove lorries loaded with ammunition to supply the front line through France until the end of the war. He was demobbed in 1946 to return to south London where he was born and join the building trade, working on houses destroyed in the Blitz. He later worked at the Tate Gallery as an attendant and chauffeur.

In 1947, he met Joan, who became his wife, and they had two sons, retiring to Blandford in 1989 to live at Ashley Wood Park, and the couple became

founder members of the Independent Park Homes Advisory Service.

Nicholas Bate, Dorset caseworker for SSAFA, said: "Ernie had a fantastic war record and it was a privilege for us to be able to help him obtain his well-earned campaign medals and Legion d'Honneur.

"Ernie was a lovely man with an excellent sense of humour and strong values and he was very proud of his service in the Second World War. He was a devoted family man and greatly loved by Joan and sons Russell and Glen."

Mr Bate also replaced Mr Aylott's Parachute Regiment beret and badge, which he had lost in Normandy.

Mr Aylott was presented with the campaign and war medal by Angus Campbell, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, at a ceremony at Blandford Camp in 2016 and received his Legion d'Honneur from the French government later the same year.

Death notices Bundy, Hazel Rosemary: Aged 88 of Blandford St Mary, at home, on July 3. Will be sadly missed by her husband Alf, family and friends.

Funeral to be held at Blandford Methodist Church. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Hazel are being invited for Blandford Methodist Church or Joseph Weld Hospice, c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Directors, 28 East Street, Blandford DT11 7DR Telephone 01258 453425, funeraldirector.co.uk/hazel-bundy Joy, David Anthony: Passed away peacefully on June 1. Funeral has taken place. Donations if desired in memory of David to the Friends of Blandford Hospital can be made via tapperfuneralservice.co.uk or sent c/o Harbour View Crematorium, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Dorset, BH16 6AN. Tel: 01202 630111 • See also Page 27

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August 2021

Chemistry teacher’s endurance formula A LOCAL teacher has completed two remarkable endurance events in the space of a few weeks.

Angus Young of Blandford won the ultra-endurance 2,000km Pan Celtic cycling race in an impressive time of 5 days, 3 hours 56 minutes and 25 seconds. This followed his completion of the 3 Peaks by Bike challenge earlier in June where he cut five hours off the previous record.

The 2021 Pan Celtic cycling race started on July 4 at the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall, with 134 cyclists from around the UK and Ireland following a challenging route through the Celtic areas of south-west England and Wales before reaching the finish line in Llandudno in north Wales.

Just a few weeks before, during the summer half-term, Angus, who teaches chemistry at Bryanston School, climbed to the summits and cycled between the

UK's three highest mountains, completing the arduous 3 Peaks

by Bike course in an unofficial record time of 32 hours and 11 minutes.

An experienced cyclist, triathlete and ultra-racer, Angus joined Bryanston in autumn 2020 to fulfil his career goal of becoming a secondary school teacher, having previously graduated in chemistry at Oxford University.

During the winter lockdown, the absence of any organised events and competitions compromised the scope for setting new personal goals in his increasingly ambitious cycling pursuits.

The Three Peaks by Bike provided just the type of challenge he was looking for. With the help of a dedicated support crew and months of intensive preparation and training he was way ahead of his target time for completing the course.

Funeral rule change DORSET'S Douch Family Funeral Directors, with a branch Lesley Shand Funeral Service in Blandford, has welcomed new laws and recommendations that will make the sector more transparent.

The group has long been calling for a move in this direction so unscrupulous businesses who take advantage of mourning families can be prosecuted. Now a Competitions and Markets Authority's report has led to a number of 'sunlight remedies'.

From September 16 funeral directors must publish a price list on their websites and premises giving the headline price and breakdown of the elements of a funeral and cost of any additional products and services.

And from June 17 funeral directors could no longer pay hospitals, care services, hospices or care homes in order to receive referrals, and were not allowed to solicit for business through coroners or the police.

Nick Douch, managing director, said: "This is extremely welcome news. We already comply with the majority of these new laws and recommendations because we believe transparency is important.

Unfortunately there are some businesses that give a bad name to the rest of us by using methods that take advantage of families at their weakest moments."

Angus Young, a chemistry teacher at Bryanston.

Photograph courtesy of Mason Progressing Cycles and Hunt Beyond.

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August 2021

Awards to celebrate the best that local business has to offer

I

N a year like no other for businesses and individuals, the Blandford Business Support Group (BBSG) has launched the first in what is hoped to be an annual series of awards celebrating the strength and diversity of local businesses and promoting the town's economic community.

The Blandford Business Awards are sponsored by Xero and Forum Focus, but others are invited to offer support for both the awards and the celebration in the Cowley Room at Bryanston School on the evening of Saturday October 23.

BBSG chairman Catherine Chapman said: "We particularly want to highlight those which have had a positive impact in the town and surrounding areas, as well as those demonstrating business excellence at a time when everyone has struggled with the 'Covid experience'.

"There's a free and simple application and judging process to give everyone a chance of taking part and bringing businesses and services together in celebration of their contribution."

To be eligible, businesses just need to have a DT11 postcode address. Categories are for retail, hospitality, service (including professional and trade), with one for any business launched since January 1, 2020, which has faced the added challenge of starting up during a period of considerable disruption.

Members of the public (the customers!) can also nominate the business they believe to be the best in the area.

An overall Business of the Year will be chosen from the category winners selected from a shortlist of finalists by a panel of judges, and the results announced at the reception with two-course dinner for which tickets will go on sale.

Kate Seeger, left, with visitors to the open weekend at the Blandford Art Hub.

Open weekend helps art project shape up THE Blandford Art Hub in the gardens behind Nightingale Court is not yet fully complete but, following a successful open weekend in June, will be offering workshops this month as taster sessions to gather feedback towards a full programme of events next year.

Two main resident artists will be running the workshop in addition to the art hub creator Kate Seeger, who said: "We have been lucky enough to be able to subsidise some of them, with thanks to both the Dorset Council Liveability Fund and the People's Lottery.

"First we have Mel Bennett, an established art teacher, who will be running two 90-minute workshops as introduction classes to colour, formal elements, portraits, still life, landscape, architecture, acrylics, and abstraction on Tuesdays August 10 to 31. There will also be a full day workshop

on Saturday, September 18.

"Our second resident artist is Becky Booth, who has a background in nursing but also has a passion for art, and will be running workshops focusing on health and wellbeing, and using art to help with mental health issues."

Kate herself is spending much of her time building and organising but will be launching the Wombles of Blandford - it seems some of the Wombles of Wimbledon outgrew their common and moved further afield, and one has been sighted in Blandford. Kate's fun holiday workshop for children will be focusing on upcycling and "making the most of things folks leave behind".

A full programme of events, including booking facilities, can be found on the website freeexpression.com or at the hub where the programme is displayed.

Reading challenge CHILDREN have been joining the Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge at libraries across the county since Saturday July 3.

There's still lots of time to join, as the challenge runs through the summer until September 11.

The free challenge is aimed at primary-aged children, but all ages are welcome. If you are not already a library member, you can sign up for free on the Dorset Council website (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk) and access thousands of free books with your library card.

Children receive special stickers every time they finish a book and there's a certificate and medal for everyone who completes the challenge.

Children can read whatever they like in their chosen format - fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books, graphic novels, audio books and e-books.

August 2021

Dennett, Michael Alfred John (Mike - Taxi Driver): Passed away peacefully on July 1, at Blandford Hospital, aged 78 years. Loving husband to Vera.

Much loved dad to the late Jacqueline and Nicholas and stepchildren Neil, Jenny and David. Adored grandad and great grandad. Private Funeral has taken place. Donations, if desired for Cancer Research UK, may be made online by visiting 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 Davis, Anthony James (Tony): Sadly passed away June 30. A loving partner, greatly missed, never forgotten. RIP darling, God bless. Lots of love, Ruth and all families in Derbyshire. Donations to Cancer UK c/o Mrs Ruth Hurdman, 36 Pigeon Close, Blandford St Mary DT11 9LX Timbrell, Rachel: Died peacefully on June 30, aged 99. Devoted and loving mum to Chris, motherin-law to Alison, granny to Richard and Annalisa. Funeral service has taken place.

Donations, if desired for Guide Dogs for the Blind, may be made online by visiting close-

Death notices 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

Brian Gibbons Gibbons, Brian: Passed away peacefully at home on June 12, after battling a long illness, aged 71 years. He will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends.

A private funeral service to be held. Donations, if desired, for 'Blandford Disability Action Group' or 'RBL Poppy Appeal', c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/brian-gibbons

Enforcement action warning PAUL Dunlop, managing partner at law firm Blanchards Bailey, says enforcement action against debtors has become difficult because of the Covid pandemic.

The Blandford-based head of litigation at the firm says obtaining a court judgment against a defendant is now just one stage in the long litigation process. Although unpaid debts for a fixed amount could still be processed via the County Court Money Claims Centre, the system had become saturated with claims due to widespread court closures.

However, he said there were still a number of options open to recover a debt in the midst of a pandemic - Charging Order, Statutory Demand and Attachment of Earnings Order.

Parker, Rita: Passed away on June 27, peacefully at home with her family by her side. Beloved mum to Gregory, Alison and Marilyn. Devoted Nanny and Great Nanny. Funeral service has taken place. Donations in memory of Rita for the Alzheimer's Society may be made online by visiting close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to the charity may be sent c/o Colin J. Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133 Cox, Gordon: of Blandford.

Passed away peacefully on June 4, aged 85. Loving husband of the late Patricia Cox, dearly loved father to Adrian, Dorinda and Nicholas, father-in-law to Barbara, Nigel and Barbara, much loved grandad and greatgrandad. Private funeral.

Donations, if desired for Prostate Cancer UK, may be made online by visiting 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

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Evans, Margaret: Passed away peacefully at home on May 30.

She will be dearly missed by daughter Catherine and family.

The funeral has taken place but there will be a celebration of her life in September. Donations in lieu of flowers for Blandford United Reformed Church and Blandford Fashion Museum may be made at Colin Close Funeral Directors.

Rhodes, Philip: An 84-year-old Yorkshire man who made his life in Dorset, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 30 at Larks Leas Rest Home in Blandford Forum, aged 84, fourteen-and-ahalf months after his beloved wife, Mary. A grocer, chef on the first Queen Elizabeth transatlantic cruise ship, wine merchant, councillor in Yorkshire, Buckinghamshire and Dorset, and loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. The funeral has taken place. Any donations to Prostate Cancer UK via Colin J Close Funeral Service: 01258 453133, info@closefuneral.co.uk.

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August 2021

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August 2021

Covid isolation means show cancelled LAST-MINUTE changes had to be made to the TBS Productions performances of the rock musical RENT which was scheduled to take place in the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on July 21 and 22.

The production was not affected when the whole of Year 10, some 170 students, had to isolate fol-

lowing the reporting of four cases of coronavirus last month. The cast were entirely sixth-form students due to the 'bubble' restrictions in place.

Liz Bishop, business manager at the school, said: "We had four positive cases within the school, all from the same year group.

Children on the Archbishop Wake Primary School sports field taking part in their whole school sponsored walk.

Pupils’ healthy walk THE entire school at Archbishop Wake Primary came out of their classrooms and worked together to celebrate 'Healthy Me' with a twohour sponsored walk in which they were challenged to complete as many laps as possible of the school grounds.

As they were unable to hold their traditional school sports' day this year, it was a great opportunity for all the children to set themselves a goal and participate in something together.

One lap measures about three-quarters of a mile, and the children set off from various stages along the route in their class 'bubbles', accompanied by support staff, who also stood at each turning point to guide them on their way.

The event gave them the opportunity to raise funds through sponsorship for the multi-use games area from which pupils currently attending the school and those attending for many years to come will see the benefit.

The whole of Year 10 learned remotely as a result until the middle of July."

But less than a week before the opening, further Covid self-isolation among the cast meant that it had to be cancelled, and the performances were switched to a date and venue still to be agreed.

Those who had booked and paid for tickets for the Tivoli were offered a refund.

The show has a topical storyline, loosely based on Puccini's opera La Bohème, about friends and artists struggling with life and love in the face of addiction, poverty and infection.

Year 11 and sixth-form students

are now awaiting their results which are again based on teacher assessments this year and will be announced earlier than usual this month.

Deputy headteacher Duncan Smith said: "We are looking forward to sharing A-level results on Tuesday August 10 and GCSE results on Thursday August 12, and celebrating the achievements of our students with them, following this challenging year, where students have continued to be a credit to themselves and the school. Students have been given the choice to either receive their results virtually or to come and collect them in person."

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PANDA Pre-school enjoyed a day of pirate activities that included a picnic and sponsored treasure hunt.

The children, staff and some of the parents dressed up to enjoy their picnic in the garden then were sent off with a treasure map, directions and a booty bag to find treasure on the Milldown.

Lots of fun was had by everyone and the setting has so far raised almost £1,000 from the day, for outside equipment such as a permanent den for the wild garden area and large climbing equipment.

Tombola goods wanted A STALLHOLDER on Blandford's Thursday market has appealed for items to sell in support of the air ambulance.

Sylvia Gray sells homemade cakes and knitted items at the market every week but wants to use her stall twice a year to raise money for the service after seeing the ambulance rescue people in her village near Cranborne.

Her first charity stall was held in July, and she now needs good-condition items to sell and put in a tombola at the next. They can be brought to her on her stall or by contacting 01258 458279 to arrange collection.

August 2021

Andrew’s high hopes for skydive funds A DARING celebration of his 60th birthday was being planned by Andrew Gatehouse, husband of Gill Gatehouse, of Pimperne PE VC primary school, on July 18.

He decided not only to tick off another item on his bucket list by skydiving 15,000 feet, including a one-minute freefall, with GoSkydive at Salisbury airfield, but also to raise funds for the school in the process.

A week before the event his appeal at JustGiving had already exceeded his target.

Deputy headteacher Sammy Lee said: "As our parents and immediate community know, like many schools, we find ourselves in a challenging financial position. If you would like to donate to his skydive, see justgiving.com/crowdfunding/andr ew-gatehouse?utm_id=62 "We would like to extend our huge thanks to Mr Gatehouse and wish him all the best for his freefall. The children are very excited to see photos!"

Andrew Gatehouse Fippenny Garden Club's 32nd annual show, which opens to the public at 2pm on Saturday August 8, has not only a slightly later date than usual, but also a different format, with fewer classes but public voting in most categories for the awards to be presented at 3.30pm. There will be gardens on plates, decorated cakes, photography, homemade brews, fancy hats, flower arrangements and handicrafts, together with plant sales, refreshments and a prize raffle.

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August 2021

School music contest in honour of ex-pupil AN annual recital competition launched at Bryanston School has been named in honour of former pupil Robert Saxton, now an acclaimed composer and Professor of Composition and Tutorial Fellow in Music at Worcester College, University of Oxford.

He returned to his education roots to adjudicate the inaugural competition in which 11 pupils who secured their place in the final after a series of heats with

36 applicants took part.

It was the first socially distanced public event to be held in the school's Sir Mark Elder concert hall since the partial relaxation of Covid restrictions.

The winner of the competition was sixth-former violinist Lingling Bao-Smith. Other finalists included vocalists and musical performances on the piano and violin as well as woodwind and brass instruments, with one pupil performing over a video link from his home in South Korea having been unable to return to the school due to current travel restrictions.

Three runners-up chosen by Robert Saxton - Tennyson Tunstall-Behrens, Will St JohnBacon and Jungwoo H - were praised for their excellent performances and for showing great potential to become professional musicians.

Another former pupil, the highly respected cellist, Evie Coplan, is also returning to Bryanston in the near future to deliver a concert and the latest in a series of music masterclasses and to perform with the De Koonig Ensemble in a special concert for pupils and staff at the school and Friends of Bryanston Music.

Couch to 5k runners with the Dorset Doddlers.

Beginners make a dash to join the runners AN overwhelming response from all over North Dorset to the Dorset Doddlers' first Couch to 5k programme (C25K), has been welcome by run leader Paul Russell.

He said: "We have had an amazing start to the course and have had people from Blandford, Shaftesbury, Sturminster and many from the villages in between. We have also had interest from all age ranges. The youngest on the course is 17 and we also have a young lady of 67."

C25K sees the runners take on a proven 10-week course, suitable for all ages and abilities and is particularly suited to beginners. At the end of the C25K the runners will get free entry into the Stur 5k, which is being held on Sunday August 8, the same day as the popular Stur half-marathon.

From the start the group has bonded and the support for one another has been evident, with members meeting up during the week to get their extra runs completed.

"This is the first time we have run a C25K and it looks like it has been a great decision," said Paul. "This is a chance for us to give something back to the community.

"Joining a running club is extremely daunting but by starting with the C25K you get all the benefits of running such as improved physical and mental health, as well as meeting like-minded people and making friends."

The course is free and at no point will pressure be put on anyone to join the main running club. If you would like more details of the next C25K programme, see dorsetdoddlers.co.uk.

Another forest summer school opens

The winner of the inaugural Robert Saxton recital competition at Bryanston was sixth-former violinist Lingling Bao-Smith.

A NEW forest/drama summer school is opening this year at the Milldown Academy in Milldown Road, run by primary school teacher Charlotte Hosford and drama teacher Aimee Corbett.

A summer camp was held from July 27 to 30 for children aged 8 to 12, at which children learnt den building, knot tying, nature identification, whittling, fire lighting, bow making, storytelling, natural costume making and making fire-cooked snacks.

Using forest school activities, the children explored A

Midsummer Night's Dream to culminate in a promenade performance for parents and carers to attend.

Further camps are planned in August and September.

For details call 01258 807840 / 07791 687573 or email Wildwordsforestschool@gmail.com.

It is an extra resource for parents seeking forest school education for their youngsters, following a second Muddy Monkies forest school, which opened first at Downwood Vineyard, Wimborne Road, Blandford.

32 AUGUST Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday: Blandford Fashion Museum and tea room open 10am to 4pm Every Tuesday: Little Hands Mother and Toddler Group, Okeford Fitzpaine village hall, 9 to 11am, book in advance through Little Hands Facebook Group or call 01258 861511 Every Wednesday: Blandford Community Fridge, Blandford Youth & Community Centre, Milldown Road, open 9 to 11am Every Thursday: New Age Kurling, Winterborne Whitechurch village hall, 10am to 1pm, £3, details 01258 881416 Every Sunday: Blandford Methodist Church service 10.45am, book a place by phone to 01258 577030 To Saturday August 7: Affordable Art Exhibition and Sale, Friends of Blandford Community Hospital shop, all proceeds to the Friends' charity Monday August 2: Blandford Floral Society meets Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 2pm, Pamela Lewis Summer's Bounty Thursday August 5 (and every first Thursday): Rotary Club of Blandford Bring & Buy, Blandford Market Friday August 6: Free summer holiday entertainment with Jamie Jigsaw, 10am to 1pm, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford Forum DT11 7DN Printing from Nature workshop with Sarah Butterworth, 10am, Child Okeford village hall, Child Okeford, suitable for ages 8+, to book see artsreach.co.uk Friday to Tuesday August 6 to 10: The Dorset Arts & Crafts Showcase 2021, Purbeck School, Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PF, 10am to 5pm (closes 4pm Tuesday) Saturday August 7: Coffee morning and plant sale in the Blandford Town Museum Garden, 10am to noon Market and coffee morning, Shillingstone Church

What’s on this month ARRANGEMENTS may change in the light of any further announcements relating to the pandemic. Please check with the organisers if in doubt. Please also let us know by email to editor @forumfocus.co.uk or phone to 01258 459346 of any events going ahead, either virtually or in person.

Centre,10.30am to 12 noon, details 01258 860370 Fippenny Garden Club 32nd Summer Show, Okeford Fitzpaine village hall, opens to public 2pm, public voting to 3pm, awards presentation 3.30pm, plant sales and refreshments Treehouse Theatre present 'The Elves & the Shoemaker', Railway Arches, Langton Meadows, 3pm, bookings and details 01258 450388 or blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Saturday August 7 and every Saturday in August: Litter pick with War on Waste/Cleanup Blandford, from Blandford Market Place, 10am to noon, details blandfordwaronwaste@gmail.com Sunday August 8: Town Centre Guided Heritage Walk led by a guide from Blandford & District Civic Society, meet 11am at the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham (Morrisons) car park, details 01258 459346 Tuesday August 10 (and following Tuesdays in August): Workshop with art teacher Mel Bennett, Blandford Art Hub, Nightingale Court Garden, booking essential on site or at freeexpression.com Thursday August 12: The Jurassic's got Talent - storytelling in Angus Wood, 11am, numbers restricted so arrive early, £3 per child The Rude Mechanicals present 'Little Lily Harley', Stourpaine village hall field, entry from 5.45pm for performance beginning 7.30pm, for tickets and information see therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk Friday August 13: Bash Street Theatre present 'The Cameraman - he's got you framed!', outdoor at Ibberton and Belchalwell village hall, 6 for 7.30pm, tickets 01258

817269 or artsreach.co.uk Friday and Saturday August 13 and 14: Book Sale, St Mary's Church, Lower Blandford St. Mary DT11 9ND, Friday 3 to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, coffee and cakes served Saturday August 14: Tarrant Gunville Horse Show, Gymkhana and Comic Dog Show, Eastbury Park, from 9am (dog show 3pm), details c.j.jenkinson@gmail.com or 01258 830280 The Rude Mechanicals present 'Little Lily Harley', Queen Elizabeth Playing Field, Child Okeford, entry from 5.45pm for performance beginning 7.30pm, for tickets and information see therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk Sunday August 15: Guided Walk examining the geology of the architecture of Blandford starts 11am from Durdens Corner (Scrivens) in the Market Place. No need to book. Details 01258 459346 The Greenhouse, dance performance, 11.30 am, 1.30 and 3.30pm, Springhead, Fontmell Magna, details springheadtrust.org.uk, tickets to be booked in advance from artsreach.co.uk Tuesday August 17: Creative Clay for all, Blandford Town Museum, 10am to 3pm, details 01258 450388 or blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Stop-frame animation workshop with Pageant Productions, Blandford Corn Exchange, 10am to 3pm, tickets bookable in advance £10 - only 8 places available from artsreach.co.uk Wednesday and Thursday August 18 and 19: Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show Friday August 20: Simple Cypher

August 2021 and Pirates of the Carabina, circus double bill in the grounds of The Blandford School, 6.00pm, tickets from artsreach.co.uk Saturday August 21: Mayor's Family Fun Day on the Crown Meadows, 10am to 5pm, children's funfair rides, craft stalls and displays, details blandfordforumtc.gov.uk/category/whats-on Sunday August 22: Town Perimeter Guided Heritage Walk led by a guide from Blandford & District Civic Society, meet 11am outside Scrivens, Durdens Corner, Market Place, details 01258 459346 Monday August 23: School Uniform Event, Blandford United Reformed Church, 10.30 to 2pm, details Blandford Community Kitchen or Blandford Cares Facebook pages or 07768 403512 Tuesday August 24: Teddy Bear's Picnic and Parachute Jump, details blandfordforumtc.gov.uk/category/whats-on Friday August 27: 15 Days in Clay workshop, Blandford Town Museum, 10am to 3pm and Last Friday in the Blandford Town Museum Garden, drinks and nibbles from 6 to 9pm, details 01258 450388 or blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk Friday and Saturday August 27 and 28: Free Blandford Town Centre parking (time limits apply) Friday to Monday August 27 to 30: Child Okeford Art Trail, 15 artists and potters in the village open their studios Saturday to Monday August 28 to 30: Exhibition 'The times they wuz a'changin', Milton Abbas Then and Now', Reading Rooms and St James' Church Milton Abbas, details miltonabbashistorygroup.com/exhibition-28-30-august-2021/ Sunday August 29: Skate Fest, 10am to 4pm in Blandford Skate Park, Stour Park DT11 9LE, details blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk/category/whats-on August 31: Closing date for Blandford Rotary Short Story competition, details 07768 183526 or facebook.com/BlandfordRotary