September 2021 Forum Focus by Sevensioux

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

September 2021 Issue No.114 Est: 2012

Parking costs face steep rises PLANS to almost double shortstay parking charges in Blandford have now been confirmed by Dorset Council. A formal consultation has been launched after informal discussions with residents, town and parish councils and others in a bid to introduce a fairer charging system for the whole county, where many of the current charges are higher than in the former North Dorset district. The proposals mean that the cost of short-stay parking in Blandford will rise from 30p to 50p for 30 minutes and from £2.40 to £4 for four hours - £6 for six. Long-stay parking faces an even greater hike, from £1.50 (10 hours) or £2 (24 hours) to £6 for all day. But the council has also announced two proposed new parking permits which will be usable in most rather than a single named car park - one costing £260 a year for long-stay parking, and the other costing £78 a year for short-stay. It is also now consulting on Blue Badge parking for the disabled, with an opportunity for residents to take part, by September 25, in a survey which can be found on the council's website consultation page at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/blue-badgeconsultation. For the new parking charges, Blandford, along with most other market towns and shopping centres, has been placed in the second of three tiers reflecting the area the parking spaces are in. Both Shaftesbury and Blandford town councils have queried the

FORUM FOCUS

Short-stay charges planned to almost double inclusion of Gillingham in the first tier, with smaller rural towns such as Sturminster Newton. And in a response drawn up by a group of Blandford town councillors, a strong defence of free Sunday parking was submitted. Writing on the group's behalf, deputy town clerk Sybille Maddocks said: "Casual observation of the paying car parks on a Sunday reveals little use. "Town centre residents with no parking on their properties prefer to park on residential roads rather

than pay the charges. This cannot be economically viable for Dorset Council. "Ideally we would like to see the complete removal of Sunday parking charges from all but the in-season tourist areas, and the policy of charging for car parking on a Sunday judged against objective evidence on its effect and the negative impact on communities." She added that reasonably priced parking permits might encourage people to use them, but the sug-

gested increase of approximately 300 per cent in the town's longstay parking charges would also increase the pressure on residential streets and on-street parking, which is generally free of charge in the town centre and will remain so. Final proposals will be presented to Dorset Council's place and resources overview committee in October, so that Cabinet can vote in early November on implementation and the introduction of new charges and permits in January.

Children from Archbishop Wake Primary School with the harvest mouse houses they made out of tennis balls at Launceston Farm. Story: Page 23.

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September 2021

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Three arrested after man attacked in town centre

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.

THREE Blandford men were arrested following a serious assault which left the victim with a fractured skull in the early hours of Sunday August 8. Police said a man aged in his 20s was walking through the car park of Morrisons in West Street at around 1.10am when he was approached by a group of men and assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment for a fractured skull, but his condition was not said to be lifethreatening. A 50-year-old man from Blandford was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and released pending further enquiries. Following 'a heavy police presence' in Blandford on Wednesday, August 11, two more arrests were made of a 35-yearold man from Blandford and a 39year-old man. Detectives continued to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information, including others believed to have been in the car park at the time who came to the aid of the victim, to come forward. They can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210127467. They can also report anonymously at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111. • Police appealed for witnesses to an alleged assault and attempted robbery in the alleyway

running from Barnes Close to Salisbury Road, behind Damory Garage, at around 9am on July 19. A woman in her 50s was grabbed and pushed to the floor by a man who tried to steal a chain from around her neck, and told her to give him her ring, but she struck him with her walking stick and he fled. He was described as white, aged in his 30s and around five feet seven inches tall. Detective Inspector Nicky

Jenkins, of Weymouth CID, said: "This was a very distressing incident for the victim and we have launched a full investigation to try and identify the man responsible." Urging witnesses and anyone with information to come forward, he also asked motorists to check their dashcam footage for anything of relevance. They can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210115134.

Poaching drama REPORTS of alleged poaching on Friday July 30 resulted in an armed police pursuit and the arrest of four men and seizure of two dogs and a suspected air rifle. A silver 4x4-type vehicle being driven in fields near Blandford and targeting hares and damaging property was reported. Officers attended, including armed response units, as well as the National Police Air Service helicopter, and the car was followed by officers who saw a number of men attempt to make off by leaving the vehicle. Following a search, four men - a 27-year-old from Basildon, a 24-year-old from Romford, a 21-year-old from the Cambridge area and a 19year-old from Essex - were

arrested in relation to the incident. Two dogs were seized together with a vehicle and its contents and a suspected air rifle. The four men were released under investigation while enquiries continue. PC Sebastian Haggett of Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team asked any witnesses and people with information to contact the Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210122794. He said: "Our team has been in the area to conduct reassurance patrols and engage with the rural community, and officers from the response units will continue to proactively patrol the area.”

September 2021

Pingdemic shows the Covid crisis is far from finished COVID case numbers in the Blandford area, while small, were rising in early August, and a number of people had to self-isolate as a result of being 'pinged' by the NHS app or notified or a positive case among their contacts. In the 12 days to August 11, the number of cases in Blandford has risen from 11 to 22, and in Outer Blandford and the Tarrants from 14 to 28. Business owner and county councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke announced on July 28: "The "Ping-Demic" has struck Noc's Box! We have been notified that we need to self-isolate for 10 days due to one of our visitors receiving a positive test. "Everyone needing to isolate was contacted and none of the staff tested positive, but the shop was closed until isolation was over on August 7." There were reports that the Forum Frier in Salisbury Road was closed at the end of July saying "too many staff have been pinged by the poxy Test+Trace app to allow us to operate safely. "We have taken the decision to do the socially responsible thing and close until we can get a full crew back - so sorry, this is not a decision we have taken lightly as we get no Government help for small businesses while we are closed." They reopened on August 6 with a skeleton staff, saying they still had two 'pingers' isolating, and apologised for service being a little slower than usual. Marcia's farm shop at Spetisbury announced that due to Covid regulations they had a number of staff in isolation, resulting in their being unable to open The Shop or Kitchen until August 11. They were able to maintain the opening hours of The Kiosk and The Shack with the skeleton staff able

to work. Club 1896 at the Ashley Wood Golf Club announced on August 7 that they were closing for 10 days and self-isolating due to a member of staff testing positive, and would reopen on August 16. Dorset Council's case rate was rising in the first week of August and was 282, an increase of nearly 30 on the previous week. The number of people in hospital in Dorset with Covid also continued to rise slowly, with 42, an increase of six, and there had been a small number of Covidrelated deaths. Public Health Dorset said: "With increased mixing without restrictions in place following Step four of the Government's roadmap, a rise in cases is to be expected. "Our data shows that cases are higher in our younger population and this is most likely due to them being partially or unvaccinated. "Whilst the risk is lower for younger people, there is still a chance you could become seriously unwell or suffer from long term impacts of Covid so it's really important that younger people take up the offer of the vaccine."

A Festival of Archaeology at the Blandford Town Museum provided items of interest to all age groups. Here one of the youngest investigators - three-year-old Finlay - is pulling out what he decided might be a dinosaur egg from the sand-dig. The day was presented by the Cranborne Chase AONB who also offered a make-your-own-mosaic kit and opportunity to travel back in time with their 'Time Traveller on Cranborne Chase' augmented reality app and discover the stories of a famous local architect and the fire which destroyed Blandford in the 18th century.

No joke as comedy night off HOPES of relaunching the series of stand-up comedy nights at the Corn Exchange in September were dashed when the organisers learned that the maximum capacity allowed by Blandford Town Council was 60, making an event unviable. They had initially announced that tickets would go on sale mid-August for the charity fundraiser on September 25 with Chris Brooker, Vladimir McTavish, Aaron Simmonds and Andy White. But then came the news that it might have to be cancelled, unless another suitable venue could be found. Clive Newlin announced on social media: "Despite

the Government's removal of restrictions, BFTC has informed us that the maximum capacity in the Corn Exchange is 60. This is not viable and I am sad as any profits would have supported Blandford Youth and Community Centre." Sylvia Hixson Andrews commented: "This is a shame, but I have to say I agree with the BFTC. There has not been a removal of restrictions. Rather the government . . . has tasked individual organisations to 'do the right thing', assess safety at their premises and act to keep in place mask wearing, distancing and low numbers when 'appropriate' with no backing from central government."

September 2021

Helen set for the charity high jump

An artist's impression of how the Eco Hub would look.

Local objections lodged to Eco Hub proposals A NUMBER of objections have been received to an application by Naturalis for a solar farm and electric vehicle charging station to be built south of Blandford Hill on the A354 at Winterborne Whitechurch. Public comments on the scheme, application number P/FUL/2021/02622, were due to close on August 30 on the scheme which, if approved, will bring ultrarapid electric vehicle (EV) charging to rural Dorset, powered by a solar farm and battery storage. But one objector has pointed out that the previous vehicle fuelling stations in the village have gone out of business due to lack of demand and has suggested that the two parts of the development should be considered separately. "I have no objection to the solar farm part of this application, indeed I welcome and support it. However I do object to the electric vehicle charging station," says local resident Ben Scott. His and other objections relate to the impact of lighting from the fuelling station on traffic on the A354, and the change of use to commercial of class 3 arable land. The scheme is a joint venture proposal between renewable energy companies REG Power Manager and Falck Renewables, and will be about six miles south-west of Blandford and a quarter-of-a-mile north-east of the village. Matt Partridge, development director for the project, said: "The Blandford Hill Eco Hub is an exciting opportunity to combine ultra-rapid electric vehicle

charging with a solar farm and batteries. This way people can charge their electric cars using green electricity that is generated on-site, further reducing their carbon footprints. "Significantly driving down carbon emissions from transport is vital if the UK is to achieve the Government's climate change targets. Projects such as the Blandford Hill Eco Hub are an important step in the right direction." He said it would also ensure that the growing number of EVs in this part of rural Dorset, and those that pass through, would have access to modern and convenient charging facilities where, at present, a regional gap exists. The proposed Eco Hub café / shop and EV charging bays and parking bays would occupy the central northern part of the field, surrounded by the solar panels. The café building will measure around 27.4 x 30.4m with a sloping roof height between 5.06m and 3.88m, and a small outdoor seating area, and a 95m long EV charging area canopy. A number of other solar farms are already operational in the area and connected to the National Grid. These include the North Farm Solar Farm at Spetisbury, 3.3km to the east of the site where the additional South Farm Solar Farm has recently received planning permission, the Canada Farm Solar Farm 4km to the north of the site and The Down House Littleton Solar Farm 5.2km to the northeast of the site.

A WOMAN who has lost her father, sister-in-law and even her dog to cancer will be joining a group of fundraisers in doing a skydive on October 2 for local charity Teddy 20. Helen Maunder said: "I'm aiming to raise £450 for Ted's Shack, where families who have a child with cancer can have a holiday. "We all know somebody who has or has had cancer - sadly it is becoming much more prevalent. My father and my sister-in-law, even my beloved Labrador, have sadly lost their lives to cancer. My sister-inlaw left behind a husband and young family. "If anyone wishes to donate please find my giving page on Facebook - Virgin moneygiving for Teddy 20, Helen Maunder or pop into M&S where I am nearly always there working!"

Helen pictured during her recent 'Race for Life' for cancer research.

September 2021

New date set for the start of town centre paving work A NEW date of September 6 has been announced for the start of the paving replacement in Blandford town centre, postponed at short notice at the beginning of July. It is expected that the arrangements previously announced will again be put in place, with storage of works equipment in the Market Place and Marsh & Ham car park and one-way traffic in West Street, as well as relocation of West Street and East Street bus stops when necessary. Blandford county councillor Nocturin Lacey-Clarke said he had been given an assurance that part of the Market Place will be left clear to allow the outdoor markets - which have been buzzing again during August - to take place. And negotiations have been taking place with the owners of buildings currently under hoarding and scaffolding to facilitate access. The whole project is expected to take 12 weeks. Councillor Lacey-Clarke said he had also been assured that repaving in the Market Place itself would be carried out in the fortnight ending October 29, so that the area could be left clear in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday, during which a rededication of the memorial plaques on the Town Hall is planned. The last-minute postponement of the project came when Dorset Council was informed that the suppliers of the new coloured concrete paving were unable to

guarantee its arrival in time. It prompted some anger but also relief from traders who had been looking forward to being able to fully reopen after the pandemic lockdowns, but now again face disruption. The project became necessary when cracking, uneven slabs, first installed at the turn of the century, were removed and replaced with tarmac not in keeping with the historic setting of the area, and worn and slippery slabs posed a hazard to residents and visitors. Cllr Cherry Brooks, Dorset Council Lead Member for Highways, said: "We've been working hard on this project behind the scenes for quite some time to design a scheme which is fitting for the historic heart of Blandford as well as providing value for money." The council's highways project team worked with their conservation officers, Historic England, Blandford Town Council, the town's county councillors and members of the community to source an appropriate colour concrete replacement and progress the £300,000 project to replace around 1,800 square metres of paving. It is funded by Dorset Council's maintenance budget, Section 106 contributions from developers and the sale of the existing paving to a reclamation company for reuse. Those slabs inscribed with quotations will be retained, as will some of those containing fossils for display elsewhere in the town.

Looking for heroes THE Bleckly Clarke Lodge Blandford Freemasons have launched an 'Unsung Heroes' quarterly award with the aim of giving back to the community it serves by showing those who have gone above and beyond that they are valued and being recognised. Nominations are sought to find the winner of the first award, a Sunday roast for two at the Crown Hotel. The Lodge, which every year raises thousands of pounds for charities, said: "It could be someone who has done something special or gone the extra mile, from a teacher to neighbour, or even a child who has helped their grandparents during lockdown. "We want to say thank you to our community for all the hard work, effort and kindness that has taken place during this pandemic and bring people together." To enter or for further details email blecklyclarkemedia@gmail.com or send a message to @blecklyclarke on Facebook and Twitter, including the nomination name, their contact telephone number and the reason for their nomination. Entries close on September 15.

From left: Maggie Ballenger, Val Pearce, Hugh Shackell and Kath Lane.

Changes at Knees Up BLANDFORD'S Knees Up exercise group, based in the studio behind M&Co in East Street, has seen a change of leadership with the retirement as chairman of Hugh Shackell, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the charity for many years. Ill health has persuaded him to take a back seat and hand the baton to Kath Lane. He will still be doing his bit for the committee, as will Val Pearce, who is standing down as treasurer. She is handing over to Maggie Ballenger. Hugh and Val were presented with tokens of thanks from fellow committee members at a small ceremony in the studio. The charity was very sad at the beginning of the year to lose Hazel Warrington, who was involved with Knees Up from the beginning and will be greatly missed. However, they have luckily been able to recruit new committee members. To know more about the group, see their website Knees-up.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

September 2021

Legion to stage Veterans day

The Wessex Internet team: Ben Mason, Will Gore Brown, Anna Miller, Addison Perry, Charlie Omerod, Lucas Frizzle and Reece Smallman.

Internet team’s award hopes SPECIALIST rural internet provider Wessex Internet is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for a regional Rural Business Award. The Shroton-based company will in October battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs, and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final of the seventh annual Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon, early in 2022. The company, which employs over 100 people and connects full-fibre broadband to those in hard-to-

reach areas across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, has been shortlisted for the Best Rural Innovation award. Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet managing director, said: "We're honoured to be recognised in this category; it really makes all the hard work that the team has undertaken worth it. The challenges we face when connecting rural areas mean that we are constantly innovating to bring full-fibre to people who have been overlooked. It's great to share the platform with so many fantastic rural businesses, too."

Nationwide repairs approved at last after a year of scaffolding PLANNING permission has now been granted for a detailed programme of repair at 5 Market Place which has been covered in scaffolding, requiring pedestrians to be diverted on to the highway, for over a year. Listed building consent and planning permission were needed for the work on the Grade II listed building occupied by the Nationwide Building Society, and

the applications have been under consideration by Dorset Council since January. They were approved in July. External works to carry out repairs and replacements including full replacement of roofs, masonry repairs, replacement of windows, repainted window frames and sills, and replacement of fascia and timber boards, new roof lights, and a new

replacement shopfront. Case officer Cass Norman noted concerns of neighbouring businesses that building works may be disruptive but said the proposed works would result in improvement in the appearance of the listed building and ensure its preservation. Any disturbance was considered acceptable to improve the site and the character and appearance of the wider Conservation Area. In a letter supporting the application by Emtec Facilities Services, planning agent Murray Rankin says: "Retaining historic buildings in active use is highly desirable, not only so they continue to be active and functional components of the urban environment, but also so they are regularly monitored for signs of damage, weathering or degradation before these issues become significantly detrimental to the building's appearance and integrity." He said such routine monitoring had identified issues essential to the continued use of the building which the application sought to rectify.

A VETERANS Community Day on Saturday September 11 at Legion House, home to the Royal British Legion in Church Lane, Blandford, will take the place of the planned Armed Forces Day event in June whose format was much reduced due to the pandemic restrictions at the time. Starting at noon, there will be stalls and stands in and around the building, with the Veterans Forge giving demonstrations on blacksmithing and giving people the opportunity to have a go. The Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club will also be present, together with other military associations, and there will be a birthday cake celebrating 100 years of the Royal British Legion in its centenary year, together with cream teas, bric-a-brac stalls and a tombola. Displays will feature Blandford at war and include a model of the bridge over the river Kwai from the infamous Burma 'death' railway. RBL branch chairman Terry Clarkson said: "The event is open to everyone, with free admission, and we hope everyone will come and join us." The branch has also launched a Veterans Hub with a monthly coffee morning on the third Saturday of every month between 10am and 2pm at the Poppy Stables, next to Legion House. Mr Clarkson said: "Its purpose is to provide help and support wherever possible to service veterans and their families, and also provide comradeship through groups such as the Veterans Breakfast Club, the Veterans Forge and SSAFA. "The facility is free, confidential and open to all service veterans and their families, and we hope that as it becomes established, we can hold activities, talks and presentations for those who would like to take part." On Sunday August 15, branch members gathered at the Cross of Sacrifice in Blandford Cemetery to mark the 76th anniversary of VJ Day.

September 2021

Sad demise of a mature beech tree THE collapse of a significant limb of one of the mature beech trees on the green in front of Fishers Close partially obstructed the road and narrowly missed a passing dog walker. Dorset Council staff were quickly on scene to cut back the branches and access the remaining tree, when it was found that damage to the remaining trunk was significant. The decision was taken to remove the tree completely, and after cordoning off the area to deter people from climbing on the fallen branch, it was dismantled the following Tuesday by the council's in-house arboricultural team. Andy Beale, Arboricultural Officer (East), said: "Further investigations are to take place on a similar sized and aged beech tree on the west end of the green which is unfortunately also worse for wear with significant defects. "It is highly likely the outcome will be to remove this tree also in the

Pimperne homes bid

Above: The fallen tree in Fishers Close, and (above right) the trunk which is all that remains. near future. In line with the recently updated tree policy, we will organise four replacement trees to be planted on the Fishers Close green this coming winter." He said residents would be kept informed and consulted where possible, and they would look to plant like-for-like unless a different species would be beneficial. Blandford county councillor Nocturin Lacey Clarke said:

"Many thanks to resident Tim Messer who reported this to me. The Rangers team were on site within 20 minutes and kept the area safe until the Arb team arrived and dismantled the fallen tree. "It's always disappointing to lose a tree of such maturity and beauty. I am thankful that no-one was injured. Residents like Tim reporting this really helps and we would like to thank him for helping us deal with this so quickly."

NEW plans have been submitted for development east of the Franwill industrial estate off Down Road, Pimperne, where an application for nine homes was rejected last year. It followed two previous withdrawn applications for outline permission, the first in 2018 for 39 homes including a village shop, and the second in 2019 for 30 homes, which included land immediately to the north-east of the application site. The new scheme from the trustees of the Thomas Lukins family is for 15 homes, 40 per cent of which will be 'affordable', and conforms to the Pimperne Neighbourhood Plan. If agreed by Dorset Council the site will have parking for 36 cars with a new access road. Documents with the application say that the six affordable are expected to give priority to villagers of Pimperne on the current housing waiting list.

September 2021

School celebrations as students rise to the Covid challenge

Students Ben, Cameron, Todd and Willow.

Grace

David

THE Blandford School reported some outstanding achievements by its students in their Post 16 qualifications this summer. Following the cancellation of externally set exams this year, grades were awarded through a process of teacher-assessed grades against a national standard and approved and awarded by the exam boards. Sally Wilson, headteacher, said: "We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our year 13 students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year. It was immensely pleasing to share their excitement as they opened their results with us and we were able to celebrate with them in person. "All staff in the school have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and employment. We wish them all the best of luck with their new ventures." Every year TBS students embark on an exceptionally wide variety of destinations and this year is no exception. Three will be studying medicine, two are completing a midwifery degree and one a nursing

degree. Two will be studying veterinary science, another competitive field, and one will be studying history and politics at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge University. Some are studying the arts, taking degrees in illustration, dance and professional acting, and some breaking into new degree areas such as renewable energy engineering at Exeter University and football business and marketing at UCFB, Wembley Campus. Others will be going on to study subjects including economics, law, chemistry, Italian and Spanish. In addition to the 76 per cent of students going on to university, others are going directly into employment such as at Damory Veterinary Clinic and three students are applying to join the Police. • The school will be hosting an open evening on Thursday, September 23, with presentations in the hall at 5.30pm for Year 5 parents and students and at 6pm for Year 6 parents and students, in both cases followed by a tour of the school.

Robyn, Jude, Louie and Sidney jump for joy after receiving their post 16 results.

Elise, Willow and George.

September 2021

Above: Jay, Owen, Rob, Eddie, Joe, Lottie and Archie.

Above: Scarlett. Right: Charlie, Soj, Trinton and Nalin.

Excellent results also reported for Year 11 THE school was equally pleased to report some excellent performances by students in year 11, for whom there was also teacher assessment set against a national standard. Sally Wilson, headteacher, said: "The class of 2021 continues the school's success story. All students, including those joining us this September and students in our new year 11 and 13, should be delighted by this. "Over the last few years, our results at KS4 and post-16 have been very good in comparison with schools nationally; indeed many subjects at TBS perform well above average and some are 'outstanding' when compared against other state schools and the independent sector. "I hope all our lovely students take the time to enjoy this moment and celebrate - their approach during such a difficult year has been • THE TBS Productions' performances of the musical 'Rent', postponed from its original date and venue at the Tivioli Theatre in Wimborne after some of the cast were obliged to self-isolate, was relocated to the main hall at The Blandford School and took place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 26 to 28. The performance on the Monday was for a socially distanced audience for those wishing to have seats within a family or support bubble, with full capacity audience on the Tuesday and Wednesday. • THE new head boy and head girl at The Blandford School for the academic year 2021-22 are Jamie Hall and Ellen Fale, with Oliver Owen and Freya Rodd as their deputies. Their appointment follows interviews of all candidates for the posts. Headteacher Sally Wilson, assistant headteacher/head of sixth-form Mrs V Moore and vice-chair of the governing board Mrs J Stevens said all candidates had interviewed brilliantly and should be very proud of the way they presented themselves.

immensely impressive." She said they had worked extremely hard over the course of their time at TBS and must be credited for their resilience through the coronavirus disruption; they had been engaged, focused and determined to succeed. "We look forward to welcoming a high percentage of students back into the sixth-form in September, and to those who are moving on, we wish them well and ask them to stay in touch." Congratulations went to all students including the following high achievers: Lauren Hancock (7x9s, 2x8s), Robert Harding (7x9s, 2x7s), Rosema Hossain (6x9s, 3x8s), Sasha Payne (5x9s, 3x8s, 1x7), Honey McLaughlin (5x9s, 2x8s, 1x7, 1x6), Fred Johnson (5x9s, 1x8, 2x7s, 1x6), Livvy McKenna (4x9s, 2x8s, 3x7s), Kyle Haines (2x9s, 4x8s, 2x7s, 1x6) and Charlie Bagg (1x9, 5x8s, 2x7s, 1x6, 1xD*).

Joan Capron in the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital shop in Barnack Walk with one of her 'Affordable Art' paintings.

Lockdown quilts on display BLANDFORD St Mary quilter Vanessa Stanfield is one of four members of the Walking Feet group who will be exhibiting at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre from September 1 to 7. The group has been meeting and working together for the last ten years, and at the time of the first lockdown, they were working towards an exhibition which was cancelled. They said: "We could only meet on Zoom but began to take it in turns to set challenges for the group to produce small pieces, choosing a subject as a starting point, and sometimes stipulating size as well. “In all we have each set four challenges and these pieces are the results.” The exhibition of small quilts and wall hangings made during lockdown is open from 10am to 4pm, and admission is free.

September 2021

Joan has generosity off to a fine art AFFORDABLE Art exhibitions at the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital shop in Barnack Walk have brought pleasure to many over the years, and this year was no exception as local artist and member of their shop volunteer team Joan Capron raised a record £2,322 for the charity. One customer came along to show a photo of the picture she had bought which she'd hung on her wall - she was so excited because the colours matched her wallpaper exactly. A six-year-old persuaded her mum to buy the piece 'Ducks on the Weir' because she usually fed them at weekends, and one lady bought Durdle Door cards because her mum used to take them there as children. Many of the local scenes elicited nostalgic comments, and perhaps the favourite was that of the customer who came along this year because she said she had bought a 'Caproni' four years ago and it still gave her as much pleasure today as when she bought it - so she bought another. 'Capronis' now adorn the walls of many a household locally and fur-

ther afield, and the charity has expressed its heartfelt thanks to Joan for her incredible generosity in selling 64 original paintings, 53 prints and more than 250 handmade cards in her fourth and final exhibition for the 'Friends' held between July 30 and August 7. Over the years she has raised a total of £6,907 and during her time in Blandford she has staged 10 charity exhibitions on the basis of 100% donation to the respective charities. A spokesman said: "The Friends of Blandford Hospital can't thank Joan enough for her efforts with this fundraising. She is an incredibly talented and equally generous lady." Joan herself thanked Forum Framers and Gallery, Miles of Value and Cheap Printing Dorset for their support in various ways and her fellow shop volunteers for their support throughout the exhibition, together with Sturminster Friends' shop volunteers who donated some of their own work. She also thanked fellow artist Alison Board and decorator Lyn Tyler who rescued her by bringing emergency art supplies when she ran out in lockdown.

Plane pull poses a stiff legal challenge A TEAM of legal eagles planned to strain every sinew in their attempt to pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 for charity at the Dorset Plane Pull 2021 hosted by European Skybus on Bournemouth Airport's Aviation Park on Monday, August 30. Led by managing partner Paul Dunlop and partner Ben Jones, the 20-strong crew from Blandford-based law firm Blanchards Bailey were hoping to raise more than £1,000 for mental health charity Dorset Mind's GAP Project by pulling the narrow-bodied airliner 50 metres. To help them, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/bbllp. The GAP Project was selected by staff as the firm's charity for the year and provides eco-therapy support services to help improve people's mental health by connecting with others and tending

to allotments at Louds Mill in Dorchester. It was created by Dorset Mind in partnership with Meyers estate agents - the idea of founders Mark and Claire Meyers, who, as a result of experience in their family, wanted to create a community project that would inspire people and bring them together to benefit the local area. Ben Jones said: "Mental health awareness is so vital, now more than ever. The restricted contact we have endured has had a huge impact on people's mental wellbeing. The GAP Project helps overcome those difficulties and our team will also be volunteering time at the allotments to make sure they are in tip-top condition." The team will also be helping the project to get the land ready for a new eco therapy garden at Red Cow Farm in Dorchester.

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September 2021

Community groups unite to include broader age range

Pat Butler, the longest serving volunteer at Blandford’s tourist information office, pictured with trustees and other volunteers who presented her with an engraved clock.

Pat moves on after 16 years VOLUNTEERS and trustees from Blandford's tourist information centre got together to honour its longest serving volunteer Pat Butler, who has been advising

visitors to the town for 16 years. Pat, who is moving to be closer to her daughter in Kent, has played a key role in the centre's development and growth over the

years and would be much missed, said trustees' vice-chairman Adam Forty. After being presented with an engraved clock, Pat said: "I have seen a lot of changes over the years and enjoyed every moment of my time helping at the tourist office. "I hope the office continues to thrive in these changing times. Since our recent reopening we have had people coming in for information from Weymouth, Poole and other areas where their offices have closed." Now back in business and busy after its prolonged closure during the Covid restrictions, the TIC is in need of more volunteers. Anyone interested in helping to promote Blandford for either one morning or one afternoon each week is invited to call in at the office at Riverside House in West Street and leave their details. For the rest of this year, the office will be open from 10am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday each week. THE final date for submissions to all categories in the Blandford Rotary short story competition has been extended to the end of September to allow people more time to submit their entries. The closing date and time is now 23.59 hours on September 30. For further details of the open, flash fiction, poetry and under18 categories, see facebook.com/BlandfordRotary or email adeoz59@gmail.com.

THE Community Kitchen, in association with the Blandford Churches, Foodbank and Blandford CARES, is now able to plan and hold a greater variety of events targeted at wider age ranges and sectors of Blandford's population. Social events are again happening in the Parish Centre, where throughout August there have been weekly picnic and play sessions for pre-school children. They have been given the chance to play, socialise and enjoy a bagged lunch before listening to stories or enjoying a singalong. For some it has been their first experience of open social play. Meanwhile their parents have been able to talk over coffee and browse through a selection of children's shoes or clothes before leaving with a cuddly toy for their children. The sessions have had to be pre-booked through the Parish Centre office but the take-up proved this was essential to control numbers safely. Following a pilot 'cream tea event' in mid-August for selected senior guests, they will be holding monthly coffee mornings starting on September 8, which will be more widely advertised, but numbers will remain limited. Two other events held in conjunction with Blandford CARES at the United Reformed Church have been aimed at young families needing shoes and clothing or school uniforms. Events to be held in the autumn and over Christmas are now being planned, and the positive response from many of those who have benefited so far this year has reinforced their plan to deliver more diversity in Community Kitchen events while continuing the previous policy of free or minimum cost to those attending. To ask to be added to their mailing list to be advised directly of future plans or book places, and to join the volunteers helping email communitykitchen@bfpc.org.uk.

September 2021

Dinosaurs, elves and woodland study A SERIES of events in Angus Wood hosted by members of the Blandford Environmental Trust included a children's storytelling session with Treehouse Theatre featuring a dinosaur talent competition, 'The Jurassic's Got Talent'. The Dorset theatre company also presented another children's story, 'The Elves and the Shoemaker', by the railway arches on Langton Meadow, hosted by the Blandford Town Museum. On both occasions the weather was less than kind, but audiences and performers were able to remain undercover of the arches

and gazebos provided. In July there was also a Cranborne Chase AONB Wild Week event featuring woodcrafting skills, and there were two sessions in the woodland in August organised for those with disability or dementia and their carers. They were held with the backing of Stepping into Nature to encourage those who might rarely get a chance to enjoy the natural environment to experience the benefits of being in woodland with native trees, an all-weather path accessible to wheelchairs, birds, bats, hedgehogs and other wildlife.

Children and parents enjoy the storyteller's tale in Angus Wood.

'The Elves and the Shoemaker' performed under the railway arches.

Woodcraft skills as part of the Cranborne Chase AONB Wild Week .

Readers’ letters

Customer care? I WENT to get a coffee today, but as there were no masks being worn (except by me), I asked from the door if the person behind the counter was going to wear one. The reply was "I don't have to". I wanted to say "I don't have to do business here either". When did customer care go out the window? There are many people still having to be cautious when out because they are vulnerable or have family that are. We will remember the merchants who considered our difficulties and did something they "didn't have to" out of consideration for those who are still at risk. And we will remember those who weren't considerate because they didn't have to be. Sylvia Hixson Andrews

Concrete proposals AS we emerge from this unprecedented virus dilemma and get back to a bit of normality, of course we all have to be careful as the virus is still with us and will be for some time. Remembering the saying 'prevention is better than cure', I would like to express my feelings on two subjects:

September 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

I would like to thank, and give credit to the Prime Minister for leading us through this epidemic. With no previous guidelines to go by, I believe he has shown great leadership by getting rid of unsatisfactory individuals, making decisions that were obviously unpopular but were necessary to deal with the situation that the country and world was in. It is very easy to criticise decisions that are made after the event, but as he had no crystal ball at the time, I consider he has brought us through, so far, exceptionally well. My second point is more local. I see houses going up everywhere but with no apparent forward planning for local amenities like another surgery, especially as the one we have is doing an exceptionally good job but is under a great deal of pressure to keep up their excellent service with more people occupying the new houses. I am concerned and mindful that more building of houses and roads means more concrete and less areas for the water to go when it rains. The road system in parts of Dorset is appalling. There are very few dual carriageways, the road surfaces are disgusting and some are accident blackspots, like the junction on the A354 going to Horton and Three Legged Cross - if ever there was a priority for a roundabout, to say nothing about the appalling road condition for a main road. With the increase of traffic, over many years now, from the Poole area going north, why can't we have a road linking up with the

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.

dual carriageways and motorway going north instead of the small narrow roads going through villages with bends waiting for accidents to happen - especially with the bigger lorries that have to go on the wrong side of the road to get round many of the corners? At the moment if we have to go north from Blandford, like all of the traffic, we have to go west towards Bristol or east towards London adding to the congestion in these areas. Colin Young

Lorries take heavy toll THIS morning, driving into Blandford along the A350, I was horrified at the number of extremely large lorries either driving into or out of Blandford. Too many and too heavy on what is little more than a rural country lane - no wonder the highway is constantly being repaired, requiring traffic lights and further delaying traffic movement. Many years ago, a bypass had been designed to take traffic away from the quaint villages of Spetisbury and Charlton Marshall. I wonder what happened to that? In the meantime, the volume of traffic movements must have quadrupled causing environmental pollution to our unique historic Georgian town and surrounding countryside. Della Jones

Speeding blackspots WITH reference to the 20s Plenty campaign, I would like to make the following observation: Before this campaign is considered, perhaps it would be beneficial to replace the two 40mph sections of road within the bypass. One is the Wimborne Road and the other Shaftesbury Lane, which presents difficulties for children crossing from Gurkha Road to the footpath through the industrial estate towards the Milldown. Compliance with the 30mph

existing limit would reduce speeds considerably. As a resident of Salisbury Road, Blandford, I can confirm that the majority of early morning and late evening traffic does not adhere to the 30mph. Some of the vehicles are travelling in excess of 50mph. After 11pm some of them are travelling as fast as police cars on blue lights. This applies to both vehicles entering and leaving the town. I am sure that drivers going this fast in the 30mph limit are NOT going to reduce their speed to 20mph. The enforcement of the 30mph limit would be a good start. Name & address supplied.

Climate clowning HOW did I manage to miss the show by the climate emergency activists who looked like a circus visiting Blandford? After all of the Covid lockdowns and gloom I could have done with a chuckle, but I missed them performing their fantasy antics outside the HSBC bank. How a minority can force their weird reasoning on the public is risible when the views of the people who see this as a political con job and say they are wrong on fossil fuels are being silenced. Stephen Kelly

Invitation to our church BLANDFORD Methodist Church warmly invites you to our 10.45am Sunday services. We are anxious to offer help to those in need. Please leave your message on our answerphone (01258 577030) and we will return your call within 24 hours. You are also invited to our lunch club for the over-55s on Tuesdays and Fridays at £4 per person. Please request your reservation on our answerphone. Everyone is welcome to our coffee morning for tea, coffee and a cake on Thursdays from 10 am till noon. May God bless you all. John Cornish, Steward Blandford Methodist Church.

September 2021

Letters extra

A musical journey I WAS fortunate to be transported away from Covid and Brexit into an occasionally brilliant, but always uplifting world of music at Sturminster Exchange last Saturday morning. Those passing by would stop and listen from the green and tree-lined shade of the Railway Gardens as the Sturminster Newton Orchestra rehearsed in an airy high-ceilinged space. This grew from a fathers and children medley into what was a 60+ strong ensemble now celebrating its 31st birthday. I understand that they have 450 pieces of music in their repertoire, with members of all ages, including young people from the Wessex Youth Orchestra. One member told me that it is her 'musical fix for the week'. All were there together for the fun of it. To add to the fun, the conductor for the day told an hilarious tale of using toffees for Brylcreem in his youth! I would thoroughly recommend a visit on a Saturday morning to what has been described as one of the best-kept secrets in North Dorset. Even take your violin along to join in - no auditions necessary. Carole Fornachon

Tree concern WE drove along the road through Badbury Rings in July and noticed a lot of the trees had brown dying leaves. Does anyone have an explanation? Could it be pollution, wind damage or a new pest damaging the trees? I hope it's not a serious problem. Helen Rawles Blandford St Mary

Town centre bank targeted by fossil fuel protesters THERE was a mixed reaction to a protest by a local Extinction Rebellion group outside HBSC in Blandford Forum on July 27. Quoting reports on banking investments in fossil fuels, they said HSBC has provided £80bn to carbon-intensive projects since the Paris Agreement in 2015 and is a top bank for 'funding the destruction of biodiversity'. With mops and bucket in colourful dress as cleaners, they 'cleaned' the exterior as part of a national protest against what they described as HSBC's 'dirty' fossil fuel investments. Sonja Glass, medical secretary from Blandford, who attended the protest said: "HSBC is Europe's second largest financer of fossil fuels after Barclays. For the sake of every living thing on the planet we need system change not climate change now." Peter Aldous, retired ship captain from Blandford, said: "The use of fossil fuels is already contributing to the sixth mass extinction of life on Earth and will pose a massive threat to human civilisation. "I'm 75 so the worst effects may not be felt in my lifetime, but my children's and grandchildren's lives are in peril. Banks must invest in clean energy, not in polluters." XR Wimborne spokesperson Joanna Bury said: "We demand HSBC divest from fossil fuels and halt their destruction of nature by 2025. 2050 is a death sentence for our planet." Some onlookers wondered whether the performance was something staged by a school drama group. Others suggested the protest might have been better targeted on the former Barclays Bank opposite, according to reports the greater fossil fuel investor, and more seriously

Extinction Rebellion protesters outside the HSBC Bank in need of a clean-up. But there were also those opposed to the climate change lobby, including correspondent Stephen Kelly (see letter on Page 14) who said: "Climate is always changing and always will. This

'group think' by the likes of the demonstrators is stomping on the views of the people who see this as a political con job, and feel they are being silenced in saying that they are wrong on fossil fuels."

Volunteer Gyda Warren, left, with the High Sheriff of Dorset Michael Dooley and Blandford Foodbank manager Gail del Pinto with the bags purchased and donated by Morrisons' customers.

Platinum planning 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 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.

September 2021

Foodbank holiday packs help needy THE High Sheriff of Dorset Michael Dooley visited the Blandford Foodbank to learn about its work throughout the pandemic and during the school holidays, when it was delivering 'holiday hunger packs' to families in need. Foodbank manager Gail del Pinto told him how 990 had been helped in the year pre-pandemic compared to 995 already since January 1 this year, and the 4,300 people from March to the end of December last year. His visit coincided with the arrival of dozens of the food packs purchased by members of the public at Morrisons supermarket and donated to the cause. They were being distributed by volunteer Gyda Warren, one of the founder members when the Foodbank was launched nine years ago. The summer holiday parcels were being supplied with a copy of a book produced by printmak-

er Jen Vincent - 'Inside Outside, rah, rah rah' - which is illustrated by and with quotes from Blandford children about their experiences of lockdown. For every book sold, Jen has donated one to the food bank so they now have a box full of copies for distribution to families. Copies of the book can also be bought from etsy.com/uk/shop/ JenVincentPrintmaker. Shelter and The You Trust are now working regularly at the Foodbank every Tuesday and Thursday respectively for advice on housing and homelessness and domestic violence, learning disabilities and mental health. Appointments can be made by calling 01258 456093. Recent donations have included two large boxes of fresh vegetables and apples from the Yellow Bus Project in Shillingstone, at whose charity car boot sale at the end of July the Foodbank was represented.

September 2021

Ernie’s farewell gift Church fete tops £1k MORE than £1,000 was raised at a fete organised by Blandford Parish Church, which due to inclement weather was relocated from the churchyard and church to the Parish Centre in The Tabernacle. Pictured (above left) are Sara Loch (left) serving a customer at the plant stall, and (above right) Judith Ford and Anne Shire at the stall for the 'Tag-A-Tile' appeal which has been launched in support of the restoration work at the church. In addition to the £1,007 raised for church funds, a further £135 was raised by the team from All Saints Church, Langton Long, for their church fund.

FARMWORKERS' hero and trades union stalwart Ernie Amey, who during his life secured over a million pounds for workers in compensation claims and died aged 90 in June 2014, left nearly £4,000 in his will to the John Paulley Trust. The Trust, established in the name of the former Blandford teacher and educationalist, supports students with special needs, assists students with sporting ability to obtain high-level coaching, recognises effort and progress schoolwide, and specifically the effort and progress made by students at Durweston School. Sally Wilson, head teacher at The Blandford School, and Mrs Cross, both trustees of the John Paulley Trust, in The Blandford School's latest newsletter have thanked the executor of Mr Amey's estate for the £3,974.76 donation, saying they were very grateful for his contribution.

September 2021

Homes plan ruled ‘out of character’

Hetty the Octopus, the main character in Martyn Brown's new children's eco book. © Martyn Lee Brown 2021.

Martyn’s octopus brainwave inspired by Attenborough A FIRST-time children's author who was inspired to write a bedtime story for his daughter by David Attenborough's informative documentaries and his passion regarding the Earths eco system, is now seeking a publisher for his first book. Martyn Brown said the idea of the main character, Hetty the Octopus, and her encounter with a plastic bag was born out of a dream. "I had this vision of an Octopus hanging on for dear life on to a plastic bag's handles and getting pulled high into the sky. It was not long into writing it that I believed I was writing something special, with a real world message that kids need to be aware of," he said. "It was crucial I found the right illustrator and it was either pure luck or just 'meant to be' that after posting on a forum requesting one, an incredibly talented Italian artist called Romona reached out

after reading the ideas for the book and what creatures would need putting on to paper. "The illustrations are mind blowing! Every image Romona has sent to me for approval has made me ask the question 'When is the movie coming out?' And an animated adventure is the direction I'd love to go with this story. The characters have a lot more to give and I think this could be the start of something really exciting." The book introduces children to the topics of plastic in our oceans, deforestation and climate change, along with over-development in sensitive animal habitats. The whole story is written in rhyming verse with fun characters that children can quickly get excited about. For more information on the project and for pre-release copies and printed artwork, follow the Octopus at Facebook.com/theoctopusandthebutterfly.

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PERMISSION has been refused by Dorset Council for the redevelopment of the site of Larksmead House in Salisbury Road with nine homes in place of the property, which would have been demolished. The application by Lawsh One Ltd of Wimborne was opposed by Blandford Town Council and a number of local residents. Case officer Ian Cousins in his report said that regardless of the principle of development within the town being accepted, it was considered that the proposal was not, due to overdevelopment, excessive hard landscaping, impact on protected trees, and lack of biodiversity information. He said the site formed part of a street scene of mainly well-established, low-density residential development interspersed with a mix of mature vegetation. More recent development to the south and east is built-out at a higher density than the dwellings on

Salisbury Road, but were still considered to respect the prevailing character of the area. "The proposal to erect nine dwellings following the demolition of the existing house represents an overdevelopment of the site that does not respect the prevailing pattern, and the amount of hard landscaping proposed is considered to erode the verdant appearance of the site to the detriment of the character of the area." He said the removal of some of the protected trees, which were of high amenity value, to facilitate the development, along with the potential pressure from future occupants to fell trees on the grounds of amenity, further undermined the verdant character of the area. He also highlighted the lack of biodiversity information relating to the site, which lies within Band A of the Bryanston greater horseshoe bat Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Hospice launches home support for end-of-life care WELDMAR Hospicecare has launched a new service providing care and support at home for patients in their last weeks of life. 'Weldmar at Home' was described by Director of Nursing, Caroline Sweetland, as "one of the most exciting expansions to our service in some time". It has been made possible thanks to a successful appeal earlier in the year, and like all Weldmar services will be provided free of charge by the charity. Caroline says: "At Weldmar, we aim to keep the patient at the centre of our services, and by listening to our people we have found increasingly that they are wanting to stay at home for as long as possible. "For the first time, people will receive hands-on care from Weldmar, not only in the Inpatient Unit but when they are at home." A new team of health care assistants has been recruited and will be working in patients' homes across north, south, and west Dorset.

September 2021

New-look art show proves a success VISITORS came from far and wide to view Blandford Art Society's new format annual open exhibition held in the Corn Exchange in the first week of August. The Society had replaced the usual awards competitions in a year which has made submissions difficult for some, with a three-colour challenge and an abstract challenge. Exhibition organiser Judith Ryde said it had been difficult this year since so many exhibitions had been postponed and were now resuming, resulting in fewer entries than usual. "We had

The highly commended and commended entries in the Esme Butler Trophy.

about 50 entries less than normal," she said. There was nevertheless a fine selection of oils, watercolours and acrylic paintings, mixed media and textile collages, and pencil drawings, together with exhibits by guest artists and works by sculptor Martin Galbary of the Dorset Forge. Highly commended and commended in the abstract challenge were Wendy Gregory with 'Virtual Hug' and Mary Quinton-Edwards with 'Abstract', and in the threecolour challenge Mary QuintonEdwards and Jill Marsden with 'Going and Coming'. The Esme Butler Challenge for a representation of Blandford was won by Mary Straughan with a watercolour 'Window on Blandford', and the President's Choice, which went to Luna Harrison with a watercolour 'Proud Puffin', and the Chairman's Choice, which went to Alan Morris with a pastel 'Garden Steps - Steeple Manor'. There was also a challenging exhibition of work by Cerys Birtles, winner of the Society's 2019 Blandford School Bursary. On the stage of the Corn Exchange was a selection of work by Key Stage 3 students from The Blandford School, which was grateful to the society for showing the journey from the art student to the professional artist.

BLANDFORD Carnival committee has confirmed that there will be no carnival this year. It also did not this year stage the popular 'Spot the Oddity' competition in which shopkeepers in the town are invited to display something unusual in their window for children to search for. The carnival, which usually takes place on the second Saturday in September, was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, and the committee announced its decision due to safety concerns.

Blandford Art Society Open Exhibition organiser Judith Ryde with the Chairman's Choice, 'Garden Steps - Steeple Manor' by Alan Morris.

Signals bbq returns THE Dorset branch of the Royal Signals Association was able to hold its annual barbecue after two years without it. The weather stayed dry for the 47 members and family who attended and were fed magnificently by (Chef) Martin at the barbecue, followed by puddings, cakes and cheeseboard produced by Sandie. Entertainment was provided by Terry very successfully managing the roller-dice-horse-racing. The committee were helped throughout the afternoon by volunteers from the membership, and were thanked, as was the Constitutional Club which allowed the branch to use their lawn, barbecue and facilities. To find out more about the local Royal Signals Association and its activities, contact Terry Disney on 01258 480431.

September 2021

Villages’ festival will celebrate reopening THE villagers of Durweston and Bryanston will be opening the doors of St Nicholas's Church, Durweston, for an exhibition of village art, craft and music from Monday to Thursday, September 13 to 16. Originally built to serve Lord Portman, the two villages share a history of crafts which included glove making and basket weaving, but today boast an even wider range of creativity. The exhibition, celebrating the reopening of the community following the months of lockdown and open between 10am to 4pm daily, will feature the work of a guitar maker, a jeweller, a stick maker, a potter, painters, seamstresses and much more. The church, dating back to the 15th century but mostly rebuilt in 1846, will be decorated by the villages' many keen gardeners

and arrangers, as well as the village school children, with flowers, vegetables and foliage from their gardens, allotments and the surrounding countryside. Each day local musicians will be practising informally in the church to entertain visitors, and on the Monday evening at 8pm The Gravellers, a male 'A Cappella' group, will be singing with other local artists who are playing each day. The genres will be varied and will include the acoustic harmonies of Debbie and Martin from Bryanston, and folk songs from Sammy and Charles. Cakes baked by villagers will be on sale in a pop-up cafe and music sessions will coincide with coffee time at 10am, lunch at 1pm and teatime at 3pm. For more information email juleshosford@icloud.com.

Owl pellet examination with volunteer palaeontologist Sue Double.

Showcase farm visit HUNDREDS took advantage of the opportunity to visit Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone over the weekend of July 24/25, during two open days hosted by the Countryside Preservation Trust at the site which has become their showcase in Dorset. There were film shows, guided walks, demonstrations of bee keeping and owl pellet examination, displays by the Dorset Coppice Group and information stands from the White Hart Trail and others. There was also an opportunity to see the barn which is home to a number of barn owls, and now has a repaired roof thanks to a successful £30,000 fundraising appeal. On Sunday September 2 there is a 90-minute 'Wild Walk' led by wildlife monitor Andy Fale, on which people can explore the beautiful wildlife and nature around the 92-acre farm of wetland, grassland and woodland, and learn how to identify a range of species from flora to fauna and understand why they are tracked and recorded. For details call events manager Sarah Wilberforce by email or by calling 01223 262999.

Decorations in the Church of St Nicholas at Durweston will be a feature of the festival this month.

The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk

ROBABLY best not to discuss harvest in too much detail while we are in the middle of a very frustrating period of wet/dry. We cannot cut unless the crop is dry. Hopefully by the time this piece sees the light of day all will be a dim memory and we will be fretting about whether our newly sown rape will survive the winter. In a nutshell, all the winter barley is safely gathered in, so the best beers are safe for another season. Most of the rape is cut, sadly once again unimpressive compared to five years ago due to flea beetle effects, and in spite of efforts to avoid it with sheep grazing and other tricks.

September 2021 Right now we are bogged down in spring barley much of which went flat in June storms. Itching to get at the wheat, which is still standing, and we would like to know if there is any yield. Since restrictions on meetings have relaxed, we have managed to run two outdoor meetings on farms for our new farmer cluster group, based on the middle section of the River Stour, in which we have around 15 members. Our first meeting at Hinton St Mary discussed countryside stewardship options, and explored a meadow full of interesting wild flowers. At our second in Hammoon last month, we were led by Robert Aquilina, a freshwater ecologist. He told us all sorts of interesting things about river ecology, and caught lots of tiny minnows, sticklebacks and other water livestock in his net. A particular item of discussion was management of riverbank: to fence or not to fence? It was clear that if not fencing leads to soil and dung entering the river, then fencing should be employed. This then leads to questions further down the line such as, should I let a forest develop on my river banks, or do I need to manage it?

The baked mud-covered pizza oven on the right is made out of a John Deere oil drum. Fire and chimney at the back, put the door on the front and it gets nice and hot.

At last the poppies have perked up. The rain in May finally did the trick and more germinated, and for a few days they looked a real picture when in flower. Now sporting plump capsules, we look forward to finding more seed than we did in last year's embarrassing crop.

Worrying weather for this year's harvest. We are using our sprayer to sow a short-term cover crop mix into rape stubble. The sprayer has been augmented with four spinners along the boom, and a seed hopper on the front, with a hydraulic fan to blow the seed (or slug pellets if required) onto the ground. The wheat which follows this won't be sown until mid-October and we would like a good diverse mix of roots in the soil by the time we sow, to hand the baton of healthy soil activity on to the wheat. We will also be sowing cover crops into wheat stubbles, if we can ever get them cut, preferably with the Sky drill if there is time, or with the sprayer if we are in a corner. One of the secrets of success with cover crops is early sowing,

but here we are already at midAugust and not a grain of wheat harvested. The covers are already late.

In contrast to last month's crop circle, a friend in Lincolnshire has been showing off their super clever precision drill once again. After a 'Thankyou NHS' design last year, this time they have plumped for the eco message, sown in a maize crop.

September 2021

Art show and sale in aid of charity AN exhibition of contemporary art supported by leading British artists will be followed by an auction raising funds for Diverse Abilities' Splash Appeal at St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, on Tuesday and Wednesday September 21 and 22 from 11am to 3pm. It is a rare opportunity to view a collection not often seen in Dorset and visit the home of the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury, who in recent years have embarked on an award-winning restoration of the house. The exhibition will take place in the Great Dining Room, where bare brick joins the elaborate plasterwork of its 17th century ceiling, and the auction on Thursday September 23 will be held in the library. All the donated pieces will be available to buy following a ticketed private view hosted by the Earl and Countess and auctioned by Guy Schwinge of Duke's Auctioneers. Alongside the donated works from a total of 28 artists, including Charles Avery, Geoffrey Dashwood, Catherine Goodman, Antony Gormley, Polly Penrose, Stuart Semple and Amy Shuckburgh, will be drawings of the adults who attend The Beehive, a therapy and activity centre run by Dorset charity Diverse Abilities, drawn by

Durweston artist Henrietta Young and other contributing artists. Henrietta, curator of the show, said: "This exhibition should have happened last September. We all know why it didn't, but the need for it, and the money it will raise, is more urgent than ever. "The aim of the show and subsequent auction is twofold: it is to help raise the £1 million needed to build a hydrotherapy pool for The Beehive, an activity and therapy centre in Poole for adults with physical and learning disabilities, and will help highlight that we need to do more to include people with disabilities living in villages and towns across the country." Helen Mortimer, development manager at Diverse Abilities, added: "We are immensely grateful to Henrietta, all the generous contributing artists and to the Earl of Shaftesbury. "Diverse Abilities supports hundreds of children and adults who are living with physical and learning disabilities. To have the Dorset community get behind this exhibition and auction means so much to all of us at Diverse Abilities and will truly help enrich the lives of many people." For more about the exhibition and auction see picturesforthebeehive.org.uk and for more about the appeal see thesplashappeal.org.uk.

Pupils learn about life down on the farm PUPILS from Archbishop Wake Primary School in Blandford were the first visitors to Launceston Farm's new community education centre, The Workshop, taking part in a range of fun activities on the farm. Catherine Mason, who leads the community connections programme at Launceston Farm, is passionate about finding effective ways to help children to make the links between healthy food and a healthy environment. "The children spend time with us, learning about their environment and the connectivity between the nature around them, the landscape they live in and the food they eat. It is crucial that children are given the opportunities to make these connections so they understand the importance of a healthy diet for themselves and

for their environment." The children milled grains and made bread, hunted for invertebrates and made their own harvest mouse houses out of tennis balls, kindly donated by local tennis enthusiasts and Wimborne Tennis Club. They used their learning from school and knowledge gathered on the day to find the perfect location for their harvest mouse houses, just in time for the Wimbledon finals!" Catherine said: "Harvest mice are a great indicator of the farm's health as a habitat for small mammals and invertebrates." Teachers and community group leaders interested in visiting Launceston Farm can contact Catherine on farm@launcestonfarm.co.uk or visit lforganics.co.uk.

Jo and Mick Berry, who have taken on the task of bookings secretary and caretaker at Charlton Marshall village hall.

Village looking forward to return of social life ALL over the country, village halls have been reopening after a long period of closure. But in the case of Charlton Marshall, just six months after the doors opened on its new village hall, it had to be put under wraps at the start of the first round of Covid lockdown restrictions in March 2020. With the exception of a few weeks last summer when it was able to partially reopen, the new hall has been closed until recently when its youth groups (Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Starlight Dance Academy) returned, followed by the short-mat bowls group, Tai Chi and Yoga. Margaret Chambers, chairman of the hall's committee, is looking forward to seeing the hall busy again. First on the agenda is the popular film night, which returns on Wednesday September 8, followed by the village open day on Saturday September 18. "All our village venues have suffered during the pandemic and the open day will enable the village hall and parish council, the parish centre and Church, plus the Charlton Inn, to showcase what they do," said Mrs. Chambers. Joining the village hall committee on the day will be two new committee members, Jo and Mick Berry, who are taking up their new roles as booking secretary and caretaker respectively.

Still time to nominate for business awards ARRANGEMENTS for the Blandford Business Awards 2021, recognising local businesses who have demonstrated success, innovation and commitment to the local community in the past year, are now in full swing. Businesses have been entering in the four categories of retail, service/trade/professional, entepreneur and hospitality, and members of the public have been nominating what they believe is the best business in Blandford. Entry is free, and the closing date of September 1 has now been extended until midnight on September 12, due to the number of nominations received. Nominations can be made on the Facebook page Blandford Business Awards 2021 and leaflets can be picked up from CBA Services at 45 East Street. Tickets for the celebratory awards evening at Bryanston School on Saturday October 23 will be going on sale at the beginning of September. Catherine Chapman, chairman of the Blandford Business Support Group which is promoting the awards, said: "We would like to thank our sponsors so far - Xero, Hall & Woodhouse, the Blandford Masonic Lodge of Honour and Friendship, a private indidivual, Forum Focus and CBA Services Limited." If you would like to sponsor the event, email blandfordbusinessawards2021@gmail.com.

Family’s tribute to road crash victim AN inquest was opened in Bournemouth into the death of a local teenage pedestrian who died following a collision on the A354 Blandford bypass. The collision between the pedestrian and a silver Vauxhall Insignia occurred at around 12.30am on July 17, and the teenager, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was identified as 17-year-old Oliver Quartley. His family released a statement thanking everyone for their messages of condolence, saying: "He was loved so much by his parents, wider family and friends. He was loving, friendly, kind, fun and happy. "He loved being outside; anything on wheels! Scooter, mountain bike or BMX - he loved the skatepark and practising stunts, and loved hanging out with his friends in Blandford. "He had successfully completed his first year at Poole College, passing his brickwork 1 construction course, and had just started

a summer job in construction, where he was learning new skills and really enjoying himself. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends." A post mortem revealed that he died of head and chest injuries, and Assistant Coroner for Dorset Brendan Allen adjourned the inquest until December 6. He said he would not request statements until the police investigation had been carried out. The investigation to establish the full circumstances of the collision has included an appeal for any witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to please contact them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210114112. To stay anonymous, they can contact Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

September 2021

Death notices WELLEN, MOLLY - A resident of Charlton Marshall for over fifty years. A service of thanksgiving of her life is being held at Charlton Marshall Parish Church on Wednesday, September 15 at 11am followed by lunchtime refreshments in the Village Hall. Friends of Molly in the village and beyond are very welcome. For catering purposes numbers please contact Robert on robertwellen@btinternet.com or 01747 825131 YEATMAN, MAURICE JOHN (known to all as Jack) - died peacefully at home in October 2020. To celebrate Jack and his community spirit there will be a showing of videos he collated over his long life of local events, including Turnworth in Spring, Ibberton Village Fete and other local events, at Ibberton Village Hall on Friday September 24 between 3pm and 6.30pm, where refreshments will be served. Donations welcome on the door for Belchalwell PCC and Ibberton Village Hall, two charities very close to Jack's heart. For any enquiries please contact: lowbrook1@aol.com / 01258 472582. LANE, MICHAEL - 23-10-1938 24-07-2021. Passed away peacefully at DCH aged 82. Loving husband to the late Shirley. Much loved Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad and Partner to Yvonne. A Celebration of his life took place on Thursday August 12 at 12.30pm at St Peter & St Paul's Church, Blandford followed by a private cremation. Donations if desired in memory of Michael for Motor Neurone Disease Association (Dorset) and Weldmar Hospicecare Trust may be sent to Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

FULLUCK, JOHN - Passed away peacefully at Blandford Hospital on July 29, aged 83 years. Lovingly reunited with his adored wife Janet, he will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Private funeral will be held, donations if desired to 'Childrens Liver Disease Foundation' or 'Tarrant WardBlandford Hospital' c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/john-fulluck STEAD, SUE - Of Spetisbury, passed away at home on Sunday July 25, funeral took place at Woodland Burial Ground, Colehill, on August 23 FREAK, MOE (Football Legend) - Passed away peacefully on July 15 at home aged 74. Loving husband to Jean, loving dad to Sam, Chris and Simon and father-inlaw to Frazer, Melissa and Lisa. Adored grandad and great grandad and brother. Service held Friday August 13 at Winterborne Kingston church and wake the Greyhound Inn, Winterborne Kingston. Donations to The Friends of Blandford Hospital and Weldmar Hospice Care. Cheques payable to the charities via Colin Close Funeral Services. CUFF, SYBIL - Of Okeford Fitzpaine, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on July 4, aged 95 years. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral Service has been held at Okeford Fitzpaine Church. Donations if desired for 'MacMillan Caring Locally' c/o Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel:01258 453425 or online funeraldirector.co.uk/sybil-cuff

Bishop to lead pilgrimage THE acting Bishop of Salisbury, the Bishop of Sherborne Karen Gorham, will be leading a pilgrimage walk over three days in early September in celebration of St Edwards Way. The footpath route between Wareham and Shaftesbury Abbey has been developed by the Dorset Ramblers and was waymarked earlier in 2020. The route commemorates the murder of boy king St Edward, originally buried at Wareham, whose body was in 979AD for political reasons moved to Shaftesbury Abbey where it became an object of pilgrimage. Starting at 9.30am on Thursday September 2, the walkers will leave Wareham to arrive in Winterborne Kingston around 4pm, followed by the stretch from Winterborne Kingston to Shillingstone on Friday September 3. They will go from Shillingstone to Shaftesbury on Saturday September 4, ending with a walk up Gold Hill for refreshment in the Town Hall before a short service in the Abbey and gardens. For more details see facebook.com/st.ed.way.

September 2021

Nan’s the toast of the town - at 108 AN afternoon tea party was held on August 1 for the woman believed to be the oldest person in Dorset, Nan (Annie) Dennett, who celebrated her 108th birthday at her home in Blandford St Mary five days earlier. Nearly 50 guests in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel included her daughters Jenny and Sandra, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and friends who over the years have joined her at the bingo sessions in the Royal British Legion and worked with her at Help the Aged, where she volunteered until she was 94. They also included Mark Woodhouse and his wife Tessa from the Hall & Woodhouse brewery where Nan's late husband Ivor worked for many years, and Lynn Lindsay, who as Mayor of Blandford two years ago, attended Nan's 106th birthday party and nominated her to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The Royal party to which she received an invitation was cancelled due to the pandemic and postponed until next year. She said: "I received a letter from Prince Edward telling me he was sorry it had to be cancelled since he and Sophie were due to meet me at Buckingham Palace. But the invitation remains open and with any luck I'll be able to attend next year." But for her landmark birthday she also received a letter from the

office of the Princess Royal in response to a letter from granddaughter Kelly Horbenko, and letters from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and North Dorset MP Simon Hoare wishing her a happy anniversary. Last year's 107th birthday had to be celebrated with just her family in the garden at her home, where she still lives independently with help from friends and family. She says that "working hard and keeping your brain active" is the key to keeping well at 108 years old. She enjoys watching The Chase with Bradley Walsh, reading the daily paper, the My Weekly magazine and Forum Focus, which she says is one of her favourites. Originally from Lancashire, Nan was one of ten children and left school at 14 to work in a cotton mill, then in service and later in a Lancaster hospital. She was only five years old when the Spanish Flu pandemic hit after World War One, but recalled someone who was eight at the time saying it was worse than the Coronavirus pandemic she has lived through for the last 18 months. She met Ivor while serving with the WRVS during World War Two and they married in February 1944, living first with his family in Charlton Marshall, where she worked at Clayesmore School prior to its relocation to Iwerne Minster, at stores in Blandford, and finally at Clayesmore following its move.

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Nan Dennett with Mark and Tessa Woodhouse at Nan's 108th birthday party in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel.

September 2021

School wins island visit as the prize for wildlife award PUPILS from Archbishop Wake Primary School have become the first in the county to complete their Wildlife HERO Award with Dorset Wildlife Trust and earn themselves a visit to Brownsea Island to study its wildlife. Jonny Owen, the Wild Brownsea project officer, said: "Congratulations to students in Year 6 at Archbishop Wake Primary in Blandford. “To achieve their bronze award, students participated in a brand new 'Explore Brownsea' virtual session all about the amazing wildlife on Poole Harbour's Brownsea Island and the threats posed by marine plastic litter. "The students wasted no time and got cracking with their silver and gold level awards by signing up to Dorset Wildlife Trust's Wildlife Gardening Champions Scheme and doing a bio-blitz in their wildlife garden. "By completing all three levels of the award, the school earned fully funded activity trips to Brownsea Island where reserve staff and volunteers helped children get up close to the island's fascinating wildlife." From pond-dipping and birdwatching to bracken-bashing and sweep-netting, 60 children aged 10 and 11 enjoyed their activity trips with Brownsea's red squirrels being

top of the bill. The Wildlife HERO Award is currently free to all maintained schools in Dorset as part of the Wild Brownsea Project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. • PUPILS at Archbishop Wake are also celebrating their successful mission to earn a coveted badge from the Diana Award Anti-Bullying campaign. The team, guided by Ms Grindle and Ms Lanning, have worked with all pupils across the Some of the pupils investigate the mysteries of school to focus on underwater wildlife. and develop the value of Respect. paign. We really loved the picture display which celebrated In the letter confirming their everyone's differences and it is award and thanking them for great to see you have created their evidence form, the award a whole school pledge which organisers said: "We've highlights the importance of reviewed your evidence and we treating everyone with were overwhelmed with how respect." much thought and effort you've put into your anti-bullying initiaHead teacher Daniel Lasburytives. Carter said: "The children are now determined to continue "It seems like all of the activities their work to support all pupils have had a great impact on the in the school and do everystudents in your school and we thing they can to eradicate bulreally like that you use such crelying." ative ideas to support your cam-

Bryanston equality courses

BRYANSTON School has confirmed plans to extend its established relationships and sex education courses for pupils by introducing a major programme that aims to set a new standard in gender equality education. It is now working with the 'Bold Voices' social enterprise to confirm the finer details of the initiative in advance of a formal launch at the start of the new academic year. The programme will engage and empower not only pupils and staff at the school, but also parents, neighbouring schools and the local and wider community. The school invited Natasha Eeles, Bold Voices founder, to give a presentation and meet with pupils. She highlighted the importance of openly discussing such challenging topics and taking personal responsibility for addressing behaviour in society that directly and indirectly normalises sexual violence and gender inequality. She said: "To be able to raise such issues in the safety of a school environment is enormously powerful and positive. We are all really excited about the farreaching and truly pioneering programme that will be launched in September." CHILD Okeford's Pheasant Feast at the Baker Arms is planned to return on September 12 at noon, raising funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Being six months later than usual, it will be held for the first time in the summer and outside the pub, allowing room to socially distance. For further details call the pub on 01258 860260 or 860440.

September 2021

Savage cuts short his United manager role BLANDFORD United's newly appointed first-team manager Andy Savage had to step down last month due to extra work commitments. His departure was announced just two days before the start of the new Dorset Premier League season in which Blandford kicked off at Balti Sports on August 14. Thanking Andy for his work during his short spell in post, the club wished him all the best for the future and said: "We are pleased to announce that Josh Feirn will now be first-team man-

ager and he will be assisted by Steve Smith and Ryan Park." Feirn, together with coach Rob Andre, led the Royals to the Dorset Senior Trophy final earlier this year before losing 5-1 to Merley. The club said: "With Josh stepping up we welcome back Ross Dedics-Taylor as new reserve team manager and he will be assisted by Oli Wareham. Our third team will this year be run by Frank Webber with the help of Rob Andre. Stu Revell will continue his work coaching and helping where he can with all teams."

Treads’ location move enables new projects TREADS youth advice centre is moving early in September to the United Reformed Church in Whitecliff Mill Street, a central location that will offer more opportunities to work with other partner agencies to deliver joined-up services for young people. Mark Williams, chair of Treads, said that for a number of reasons, not least because of Covid, it was not possible to deliver their vision of how services should look in the future when they occupied space in the Blandford Youth Centre. "We very much look forward to our new home and working with

Victim Support, Reach drug and alcohol service and the Foodbank," he said. Exciting projects include Time4Me, an opportunity for young people who are finding life difficult to find support, and their Side by Side and Heads Up projects. These will be peer support projects to help young people tackle anxiety using strategies embedded in activities that allow them to express themselves - for example art, healthy food and relaxation techniques. More information will be available soon by email to youthsupport@treads.org.uk.

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 in place to keep guests safe. Another H&W managed house The Portsmouth Arms was declared the best in Hampshire.

Max Leigh, Wilf Leigh and Stephen Quine.

Flyers back in action BLANDFORD Flyers Swimming Club returned to the pool for competitive swimming for the first time since the Covid pandemic started. Unfortunately no audiences were allowed into the Millfield swim centre to watch the swimmers compete against 56 other clubs from across the region, but that did not prevent them from putting in impressive performances and achieving a host of new personal best times. In addition to their individual race achievements, all gained top three rankings in their respective age groups (Stephen Quine 3rd U16, Max Leigh 1st U15, Wilf Leigh 2nd U12), with Max also coming third overall across all age groups - so crowning a great weekend of swimming. More events are planned and hopefully soon audiences will be able to return to see the swimmers in action. The club's head coach Jon Creffield said: "If your children are interested in getting involved in the club then please do visit our website at blandfordflyers.co.uk. We're a friendly club that welcomes all standards of youth swimmer from Learn-to-Swim Level 7 upwards."

Archaeology talks return THE Blandford Museum Archaeology Group is restarting monthly lectures from September. BMAG Secretary Edrys Lupprian said: "We will meet in the Parish Rooms, The Plocks, Blandford, on the third Thursday of the

month at 7.30pm. Our first lecture will be 'Exciting new discoveries in pre-Inca Peru' by Tim Brown on September 16." There is no charge for museum members and entrance for others is £3. Refreshments will be available.

28 SEPTEMBER Every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Blandford Fashion Museum and tea room open 10am to 4pm Every Monday 2-4 and Thursday 10 -1: Kurling, Winterborne Whitechurch Village hall, details 01258 881416 Every Tuesday: Little Hands Mother and Toddler Group, Okeford Fitzpaine village hall, 9-11am, book through Little Hands Facebook Group or call 01258 861511 Blandford Citizens Advice, 10am to 3pm at the Parish Centre in The Tabernacle. At other times call 01747 835016, the free Dorset Advice Line on 0800 144 88 48 or email advice-nd@centralca.org.uk Every Wednesday: Blandford Community Fridge, Blandford Youth & Community Centre, Milldown Road, open 911am Rokit community choir, Methodist Church, Blandford, 7.30pm Every Thursday from September 23: Square Dancing, Spetisbury Village Hall, 2 to 4pm, details 01202 731012 Every Friday: Durweston village coffee mornings, village hall, 10am to 12 noon Every Sunday: Blandford Methodist Church service 10.45am, book a place by phone to 01258 577030 Wednesday to Tuesday September 1 to 7: Exhibition of small quilts and wall hangings by Walking Feet, Shaftesbury Arts Centre SP78AR, 10am to 4pm, details 01935 3896673, or Irene.burgoyne@gmail.com Wednesday September 1: Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Visitor Centre, Bournemouth Road, Blandford St Mary, 7pm Thursday to Saturday September 2 to 4: St Edward's Way pilgrimage, Wareham to Shaftesbury, see www.facebook.com/st.ed.way Friday September 3: Wessex Acoustic Folk present Georgia Lewis Trio + Dom Prag, Blandford Royal British Legion, 7.30pm, call 01202 732239 to book and see

September 2021

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. wimborne-acoustic.co.uk Saturday September 4: Child Okeford Village Fete, stallholders please email veecom@btinternet.com and to volunteer or provide entertainment email gsparrow@doctors.org.uk or call 07070550047 Shroton Summer Show Sunday September 5: Blandford Hidden Gardens, gardens open between 10am and 5pm, tickets on sale from August 16 from the TIC and Town Museum Bobs QUIZ is back at Bryanston Club C.I.C. 7.30pm start, bar opens at 7pm. Book via text 07387687030 or FB @bryclub. Monday September 6: Blandford Floral Society meets Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 2 pm, Cathryn Brown Fifty Things That Make You Happy. Wednesday September 8: Charlton Marshall Village Hall Film Night, 'Military Wives' doors open 7pm for film 7.40pm, £6pp. See charltonmarshallvillagehall.wordpress.com Spetisbury Occasional Drama Society Panto meeting, 7.30pm in Spetisbury village hall to restart SODS. All welcome to contribute. Details wdrit@yahoo.com Thursday September 9: Gardens Open, Springhead, Fontmell Magna, 11.30am to 4pm, plant sales but no café, take a picnic! Details springheadtrust.org.uk Friday September 10: The Specialised band at Bryanston Club CIC - tickets £5 each. Doors Open at 7pm. Details bryanstonclubeventsbooking@gmail.com Milborne Movies present 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood', Milborne St Andrew village hall, doors and bar

open 7 for 7.30pm start Saturday September 11: Veterans Community Day, Royal British Legion, Church Lane, stalls, displays and refreshments from 12 noon Sunday September 12: Town Centre Guided Heritage Walk, meet 11am at the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham (Morrisons) car park, cost £5, details 01258 459346 Pheasant Fest, Baker Arms, Child Okeford, from 12 noon, details 01258 860260 or 860440 Monday to Thursday September 13 to 16: Bryanston and Durweston and Bryanston Arts Festival, 10am to 4pm each day, evening music Monday 8pm onwards. Thursday September 16: Blandford Museum Archaeology Group meets at The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, 7.30pm for talk on Peru by Tim Brown Saturday September 18: Litter pick with War on Waste/Cleanup Blandford, meet blue bridge, Marsh and Ham, 10 to 12 noon, details blandfordwaronwaste@gmail.com Community Expo, Blandford Corn Exchange, 10am to 1pm, details blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk/category/whats-on Charlton Marshall Village Open Day, 11am to 4pm, Village Hall, Parish Centre, Church and The Charlton Inn. See charltonmarshallvillagehall.wordpress.com Full day art workshop, Blandford Art Hub, Nightingale Court Garden, details and to book, see freeexpression.com Sturminster Marshall School Society Charity Fun Day on the village green, 12 noon to 4pm, book stalls with

claireforsey@hotmail.com 'Almost Oktoberfest'. Bryanston Club C.I.C. Doors open 7pm, Tickets £25 per head, details bryanstonclubeventsbooking@gm ail.com Steve Marks live music, Winterborne Whitechurch village hall, limited tickets includes plowman supper £10, bookings wwvh@gmail.com, 01258 881416 Sunday September 19: Final service and farewell lunch for Rev Lydia Cook, Okeford Fitzpaine parish church and village hall Monday September 20: The Blandford U3A Scrabble group, Woodhouse gardens, 2 to 4.30pm (and every third Monday of the month): new members welcome Strictly Come Tea Dancing with the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30 to 4.30pm, £7.50 per person (£5 for non-dancers), details 07939 030875 Wednesday and Thursday September 22 and 23: Pictures for the Beehive art exhibitions, St Giles House, 11am to 3pm - auction of pictures Friday September 24. Friday September 24: Blandford & District u3a open meeting, Dr. Francis Burroughes on ‘The history of glass’, Durweston Village Hall, 2pm, details 01258 628079 Film Night, ‘Nomadland’, Child Okeford village hall Saturday September 25: The Comedy Exchange hopes to return - see b-c-p.co.uk Sunday September 26: Town Perimeter Guided Heritage Walk, cost £5, meet 11am outside Scrivens, Durdens Corner, Market Place, details 01258 459346 OCTOBER Friday October 1: Wessex Acoustic Folk present Colum Sands + Mel Langton, Blandford Royal British Legion, 7.30pm, call 01202 732239 to book and see wimborne-acoustic.co.uk Monday October 4: Blandford Floral Society meets Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 2 pm, Jo Richards What Autumn Brings