March 2022 Forum Focus

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

March 2022 LL WE

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Issue No.120 Est: 2012

Solar powered electricity gets the green light MOTORISTS may be able to charge their electric vehicles at the Blandford Hill Eco Hub just outside Winterborne Whitechurch by the middle of next year.

A scheme to provide an electric vehicle charging station powered by a solar farm on the A354 Blandford to Dorchester road was described as innovative and exciting when it was approved by Dorset councillors at their strategic planning committee meeting in January.

They had earlier in the day rejected proposals for a solar farm at Park Farm, Gillingham, on the grounds of its harm to the historic rural landscape.

But the plans submitted by Naturalis for the fields east of Whitechurch, which attracted multiple local objections, were welcomed by Sherry Jespersen, chairman of the northern planning committee in whose area it lies, as "a good example of a proposal being amended in the light of comment, and our officers negotiating with the applicants".

She said: "This is how planning is supposed to work. Of course there will be impact on the landscape, but this has been mitigated effectively and we have to look to the future."

The £10m proposal includes an eco-hub with rapid and ultra-rapid

FORUM FOCUS

charging stations, toilets, shop, café and a wild flower meadow.

The associated 20-hectare solar installation will produce sufficient renewable energy to power the equivalent of 4,000 homes a year over its 40-year lifespan.

It will double the number of ultrafast charging points between Salisbury and Weymouth filling a regional gap in EV charging provision and is expected to be fully operational by mid- to late-2023.

The original application submitted last July had initially attracted a large number of objections, from local residents as well as from statutory consultees including Historic England, Natural England, the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and some of the council's own officers.

But revised proposals limiting the extent of the solar installation, reducing the size of the eco hub building and increasing the amount of landscaping lessened some of the opposition both locally and from statutory consultees.

Some objections were raised at the meeting by Ian Bruce, who fully supported the solar park but said there was no compelling case to put all three components • To Page 4

As we at Forum Focus bow out after serving our community for just one decade, it is humbling to report on the community's thanks for the seven decades during which the Queen has served the nation and the Commonwealth.

Her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952, was celebrated in Blandford Market Place the day before by the town's deputy town crier Liz Rawlings.

She gave a 'Cry for Her Majesty', reminding market day shoppers of the significant anniversary which was marked the following day at Blandford Royal British Legion and elsewhere.

• Page 2: A fond farewell from Forum Focus • Pages 8 & 9: Legion’s tribute to a unique monarch.

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March 2022

Forum Focus Forum Focus is an independent, not-for-profit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers.

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

Where to find a copy 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.

Editorial contact: Nicci Brown T: 01258 459346 E: editor@forumfocus.co.uk

A fond farewell from us on our 10th birthday SO LONG, and thanks . . .

The Dolphins leaving earth in Douglas Adams's tetralogy said thanks for all the fish - but we'd like to thank a multitude of people who have supported us for the last ten years.

First our advertisers, without whose financial support production would have been impossible, and then our many contributors, without whom we would have had nothing with which to fill the magazine.

Next the very many people who have expressed their disappointment but understanding that we have decided to call it a day, and their appreciation of the service we have provided.

We'd also like to thank all those who, in January 2012, attended our first meeting at which it was decided to launch Blandford's community magazine and have helped us along the way.

Some - the late Tony Harrocks, Esme Butler and Rosie Eidlestein - are no longer with us; some - Lee Harris, Colin Young, Julian Selwyn, Kim Dewhurst, David Jardine, Ed Williams, Bob Henley, Debbie Herbert and James Wyatt - have moved on to other responsibilities here within our community and elsewhere; and those still with us, including proof readers Roger Carter and Robin Wilmot.

Also a succession of volunteers who helped with deliveries until we decided to rely entirely on distribution via supermarkets, shops and other venues, those who have efficiently carried out that distribution - successively David Jardine, Martin Rees, Debbie Herbert and Lisa Mason - and those super-

The existence of Forum Focus has been recorded for posterity on a tile to be used in the Blandford Parish Church roof.

Flashback to our very first issue, in April 2012 when rural transport shortcomings were in the news. markets, shops and other venues who generously agreed to host sometimes hundreds of copies a month so that people could collect them; as well as Colin Young, whose Community Club in Damory Street was for many years the delivery point for over 50 boxes full of copies sent by the printers, replaced most recently by Pitmans Removals.

And finally our incredible team - designer David Eidlestein, advertising manager John Stayt and editor Nicci Brown, together with rest of our trustee directors: our treasurer since 2014 John Bentley, our distribution co-ordinator Jackie Stayt, our website and latterly Facebook designer and operator Debby Mackenzie (who has also been our reliable minute taker at steering group meetings!), and our administrative assistant since 2017 Jane Sherwood.

We bow out after ten successful years and send our very warmest wishes to all our readers and advertisers.

Concern over defibrillator sites A MEDICAL emergency in Blandford town centre on Saturday January 22 highlighted the lack of knowledge of defibrillator availability in the town.

Ambulances attended, together with the air ambulance which took the casualty to hospital, but the emergency services did not have the access code to the defibrillator unit located at the Masonic Lodge in West Street and were unaware of other units available.

Blandford Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles reported to the council that an email was received from one of the regular hirers of the Town Hall to report the

problem after a woman was taken ill outside.

She said the town council displayed a sign in its noticeboards showing where all the units recorded on the system are, and also provided information on its website, but the Grade I listed status of the Town Hall made it difficult to attach anything to the building itself.

Councillors pointed out the availability of other units at the leisure centre, in the Greyhound pub and in the Crown Hotel, and that the St John Ambulance had a project to get all units registered.

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March 2022

Raft of objections force developer to rethink shop plans STRONG objections were raised to the detailed proposals for a development of four units in Greyhound Yard, Blandford, to include, in one of them, a replacement for the Information Centre and public toilets currently in Riverside House.

The application to Dorset Council,

by John Long of JLK Development Ltd, is informally linked to an earlier proposal to demolish Riverside House and build on its site and the vacant site next door, which was turned down at appeal over two years ago.

The details were revised to include an access ramp, reducing the size of each unit, after initial plans indicated that there would be no disabled access.

After objections were received, further revised plans to increase the size of the Information Centre and relocate the toilets were submitted, with comments remaining open until March 2.

Both the Information Centre trustees and representatives of the disabled, as well as Blandford Town Council, objected to the first revision on the grounds that the replacement Information Centre will be too small, and disabled access unsafe and restricted.

Access consultant Chloe Hixson commented: "No consideration has been given to how these toilets will be used outside of TIC opening hours and having disabled toilets through two sets of doors makes it much harder to

access. There is also no railing on the edge of the ramp to stop someone in a manual wheelchair falling off.

"This is a shockingly sub-par plan. I encourage consultation with an access consultant or minimally with an access group of disabled people who can consult on how to do this better."

Information Centre chairman Jana Bundy spoke at Blandford Town Council's planning committee meeting, saying the space they were being offered was about half that of their current building.

She also expressed concern about other details, including the shared use of the entrance for the Information Centre and toilets, and lack of ventilation.

Town councillors agreed that, while welcoming the ramp and the desire for the developer to further this development, they were concerned both at the lack of safety on the ramp and the size of the proposed floor area for the TIC and toilets inside it, and their proximity to each other.

They suggested the developer explore the possibility of removing one retail unit to create more space for the remaining three.

Councillor Kayleigh Herbert declared an interest as she is related to the applicant and left the room during discussions and voting, and Councillor Byron Quayle, who is also a Dorset Council ward councillor, declared an interest since Riverside House remains in Dorset Council's ownership.

OLYMPIC diving champion Tom Daley passed through Blandford on February 16, after our final Forum Focus deadline, on his 'Hell of a Homecoming' endurance challenge for Comic Relief. He was en route from Southampton to Bovey Castle on the third day of his four-day rowing, swimming, cycling and running marathon from London to Plymouth, and plenty turned out to greet him, including pupils from Archbishop Wake Primary School and village pre-schools.

Nursery garden grant THE Ark Preschool Nursery at Child Okeford were very pleased to be presented with their second grant from Dorset Gardens Trust.

The picture shows the happy children in the garden in which they play and learn about growing plants and vegetables. They are looking forward to running through the wooden trellis tunnel funded by the trust, which will also provide a framework for climbing plants.

Dorset Gardens Trust is a charity giving grants to nursery, primary and special schools to help schools maximise the use of their gardens for recreation and as an outdoor classroom. If your school would like to apply for a grant, email schools@dorsetgardenstrust.co.uk.

Witnesses sought after car tyres slashed POLICE appealed for witnesses and information after all four tyres of a vehicle parked between Warrington Walk and Alner Road, Blandford, were punctured between 7pm on Tuesday, January 25, and 10am the following day.

PC Nick May, of North Dorset police, said: "I understand there may have been similar incidents in that area recently and an investigation is underway to find those responsible."

He asked anyone who had seen suspicious activity in the area or caught anything of relevance on dashcam or home CCTV to get in touch.

They can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence

number 55220015175, or report anonymously at Crimestoppersuk.org (Freephone 0800 555 111).

• Two men accused of aggravated burglary from a Blandford home were due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on February 21 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Lukka Niall Goodman, aged 29, of Matlock and Callan McKenzie, aged 23 of Kirkby, made no indication of plea when they appeared at Weymouth Magistrates' Court in January.

It is alleged that the two men, who were given unconditional bail until their next court appearance, entered a property on Victoria Road, Blandford, on July 12, 2020, and stole cash, while Goodman was in possession of a knife and McKenzie had an axe.

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Rob Gee will be telling of 'Kevin, King of Egypt’' in an award-winning Artsreach show at Milborne St Andrew village hall on March 6, starting at 7.30pm. It depicts an unlikely friendship between an escaped mental health patient and a lost child. Kevin Haggerty, upset about his bipolar diagnosis, sectioning and being told he is not the reincarnation of the pharaoh Ramses II, meets Millie, a lost six-year-old, and together they embark on a journey.

Rob Gee, now a stand-up poet, previously worked as a nurse in mental health units in the UK and Australia, and the show has been created with the help and support of people on both sides of the psychiatric fence (details 01258 839060). Picture: Nick Rawle.

March 2022

Planners give green light to solar farm . .

• From Page 1 together, and felt the storage and charging units would be better sited near retail and leisure facilities.

Julien Turner said the scheme would make a relatively small contribution to Dorset's renewable energy target, but Angela Erkan supported, saying she was thinking of children and grandchildren and greener ways of protecting the planet. The café and shop would be an asset to the village.

Former parish councillor, Martyn Gleaden, said it would have little detrimental effect but lots of benefits, and the land, which did not produce significant income, might otherwise be sold for development.

The application was approved subject to a raft of conditions on the grounds that the benefits outweighed disadvantages of harm to scheduled ancient monuments, adverse impacts on the local

landscape and the setting of Dorset AONB, and loss of grade 3a agricultural land.

Following the approval, Matt Partridge, development director for the project, said: "The Government's ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is only a few years away. Electric vehicle sales are already growing rapidly but in order to enable a smooth transition away from cars powered by petrol and diesel, it is widely recognised that a timely roll-out of EV charging infrastructure will be absolutely critical.

"The Blandford Hill Eco Hub will make an important contribution towards this aim in a rural part of Dorset, where most people rely on their cars, by allowing up to 19 electrical vehicles to charge simultaneously.

"The Hub will enable drivers to power up their vehicles with zerocarbon electricity, thanks to the integrated solar farm that will be connected to the car chargers."

. . council reformed in wake of fallout WINTERBORNE Whitechurch parish council supported the original solar farm scheme, but encountered strong local objection, and soon after commenting, all but one of their members resigned, including chairman Emma Parker, who remains the local Dorset Council ward member.

As a result, an interim parish council consisting of the remaining councillor and two Dorset Councillors was appointed, including Councillor John Worth as interim chairman.

Councillor Parker was absent from the strategic planning committee meeting and made no comment, and Councillor Worth, a committee member, said the interim parish council had had no conversation about the application which he had not pre-determined and so could take part in decision making.

It was he who proposed acceptance of the revised plans, saying the scheme was innovative and well positioned on one of the county's major north-south routes.

Two days after the planning committee meeting, a meeting was held in Winterborne Whitechurch at which five new members, including Angela Erkan, were co-opted to serve as parish councillors until the next elections in May 2024.

Garage scheme dropped PLANS for the change of use of the garage at Kingsway in Kings Road, Blandford, into a self-contained annexe, which was highlighted by Forum Focus last month as having become a popular tourist accommodation facility, have been withdrawn.

The withdrawal followed an objection submitted by Blandford Town Council, which supported an original application in 2019 for a garage and garden store to be built, on the grounds that as a dwelling it was overdevelopment. A suggestion by Councillor Lee Hitchings that the objection should include grounds of inadequate parking was not accepted. It is understood that the owners have been asked to submit a full planning application for a self-contained holiday let.

March 2022

Boundary change ideas rejected DORSET Council has rejected proposals from Blandford Town Council for the merger of the town with all or part of five neighbouring parishes as part of the Community Governance Review being carried out county-wide.

The draft recommendations, which were due to be published for consultation for 12 weeks from February 28 to May 23, include no change to the Blandford parish boundary and only minor changes to the warding arrangements to result in a more equal number of electors per councillor.

The results of the consultation will be reported to the full Dorset Council on July 14.

Town councillors were disappointed with the refusal of their request and concerned that, while their suggestion of a joint meeting with the other parishes be chaired by an independent Dorset Council representative had not been pursued, in other parishes it had been.

But the Dorset Council report noted its own disappointment that, prior to making their submission, the town council had not sought to collaborate with those parishes affected in drawing up proposals.

It was noted that the town council have now been in contact with the affected parishes, but also that those councils had opposed the town's proposals and demonstrated they had clearly defined and well-established working arrangements, taking responsibility for a number of projects within their communities.

It was also noted that the town's proposals would result in a significant number of parish wards being split by Dorset Council ward boundaries, something which was to be avoided, and the suggestion was made that any changes would be better considered as part of a future review of Dorset Council warding arrangements.

Orienteering trails ORIENTEERING trails are to be introduced in Blandford in a project developed by officers from Dorset Council and the Blandford Primary Care Network using funding originally allocated to a project at Tarrant Hinton which has not materialised.

The aim is to encourage residents to engage in physical activity using the town's green spaces, providing a free-to-use facility for all, including those with limited mobility and wheelchair users, young people and clubs such as scouting, guiding and youth clubs.

Two trails have already been established in Sturminster Newton and Gillingham, and the cost of the first in Blandford of around £1,500 will come from Public Health Dorset. Blandford Town Council has agreed to support a second at a cost of a further £1,500 on the understanding that the trail is entirely within the parish boundary.

Roadwork diversions THE night-time closure of Dinah's Hollow on the C13 Blandford to Shaftesbury Road between February 7 and February 12 so that Openreach could carry out track laying, build new boxes and work on underground structures and overhead cables forced traffic to divert on to the A350.

The closure of Salisbury Road outside Nordon in Blandford which began on February 14 was expected to last until no more than the end of the month, but works were expected to start in the town centre on February 28 for the laying of cables by utility companies Openreach and Gigaclear, followed by a continuation of the repaving project.

BLANDFORD'S newest town councillor Emily Rose Bray was congratulated and welcomed to her first meeting after winning the by-election for the Old Town ward on January 20. In her election address, she said she wanted to work closely with young people to build a future that they can thrive from and noting the invaluable knowledge and experience of older people to help the town progress but maintain its traditional charm and values. The turnout was 14 per cent. She polled 190 votes and her opponent Emma de Saram polled 35.

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Left to right: Mike Wells, John Short of VDub at the Pub, licensee of the True Lover's Knot Barry Norris and Bob Oliver, vice-chairman of the Parkinson's Society Dorset branch, with the giant cheque for £4,839.69.

Charity’s biker boost MOTORBIKE enthusiast Mike Wells, who has been living with Parkinson's for many years and who during lockdown began 'Painting for Parkinson's' at his home in Tarrant Rushton, has raised a total of £2,080 for the charity which supports those with the condition.

So far he has done nearly 100 commissions for friends and supporters of their pets, children and occasional motorbikes!

On Wednesday evenings he and his friends meet up at the True Lovers Knot pub in Tarrant Keyneston, where licensee Barry Norris has also been fundraising for the charity with a giant bottle on the bar, and last year collected £560.66 from customers' donations.

At a presentation in the pub, another £1,828.95 from the sale of items on the stand of the Norton Owners' Club, of which Mike is also a member, and the proceeds of the club Christmas raffle, were added, together with £393 donated from the profits of the VDub at the Pub in Wimborne last summer by his neighbour John Short.

A cheque for the full total of £4,839.69 was presented to Bob Oliver, vice-chairman of the Poole and District branch of Parkinson's UK.

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March 2022

Pupils tag their tiles.

Blandford's new minister Chris Beaumont demonstrates his drumming skills.

One of the new tiles which will be used in the church roof.

Minister helps drum up ‘graffiti’ support THE 'Tag-a-Tile' morning at Blandford Parish Church on February 12 was preceded by a special activity session for Year 6 pupils of Archbishop Wake Primary School, who visited the day after the installation of the church's new interim minister, the Rev Chris Beaumont.

Mr Beaumont treated the youngsters to a quick demonstration of his skills on a drum kit before joining them as they took it in turns to take a tile and write their name on it, ready for it to be added into the church roof to replace tiles which will not be reclaimed when the roof is repaired.

The children's permitted 'graffiti' activity was sponsored by an anonymous benefactor and is part of a fund-raising campaign for the roof, in which people are invited, for a £5 donation, to follow the example of those who worked on the building in the past and who left graffiti under the tiles.

Looking up above their heads at the roof of the 17th century building revealed the extent of deterioration of the plasterwork which is also to be repaired as part of the current phase of restoration.

Deteriorating plasterwork under the church roof.

March 2022

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March 2022

Legion’s tribute to a unique monarch A

SERVICE of Thanksgiving at the Royal British Legion heralded the start of the celebrations of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee on the date, 70 years on, of her accession to the throne in 1952.

Mayor of Blandford Councillor Lee Hitchings and newly appointed President of the Royal British Legion, Byron Quayle, both of whom addressed the gathering, led a parade of standards into the grounds of Legion House, where guests gathered in the garden, accompanied by The March of the Royal British Legion, played over the PA system.

The outdoor service and prayers were led by Mayor's Chaplain Emma Carmichael of the Blandford Evangelical Church.

Other participants included Freeman of the Town Dave Butler, who read a poem in tribute, and RBL member John Dallinson, who read poet laureate Carole Ann Duffy's 'St George's Chapel, Beside the Coronation Chair'.

Mr Hitchings described the

events preceding the formal accession when the then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip were in Kenya at the start of a tour of the Commonwealth.

Because of the time difference and difficulty in communications at that time, she learnt 24 hours after the event of the death of her father, King George VI. Mrs Carmichael gave thanks for the Queen's key Christian faith, and there was recognition of her courage, dignity, determination and dutiful service to the nation, the realms and territories overseas, and her counsel to a succession of 14 prime ministers, over the past 70 years.

The Union and Royal British Legion flags, which had been lowered at the start of the service, were raised during the singing of the national anthem.

There were similar acknowledgements of the Queen's accession at churches across the area, and in the afternoon, bellringers rang a quarter peel on the Spetisbury church bells which lasted nearly an hour to mark the anniversary.

Standard bearers enter the grounds of the Legion House in Church Lane at the start of the service of thanksgiving for the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Union Flag raised on the flagpole during the singing of the National Anthem at the conclusion of the service.

More pictures at forumfocus.co.uk

March 2022

Civic gathering in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

The President of the Royal British Legion Blandford branch Byron Quayle introduces the service of thanksgiving with a description of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Left is the Mayor of Blandford Lee Hitchings and right, Mayor’s Chaplain Emma Carmichael and RBL branch secretary Bryan Kelly.

Blandford RBL branch's new president Byron Quayle presents long service certificates of appreciation to Bryan Kelly, right, and David Jardine, left.

Service acknowledged THE chairman of Blandford Royal British Legion branch Terry Clarkson took the opportunity at the gathering following the service to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of the Queen to present certificates of appreciation to two long-serving branch members.

He introduced their new president Byron Quayle, a former member of the Royal Marines, and invited him to present the certificates to branch secretary Bryan Kelly and former poppy appeal organiser and branch chairman David Jardine.

He also noted that retiring president Gyan Tamang had been the first Gurkha president of an RBL branch in its history, congratulated standard bearer to the Blandford Royal Signals Association branch Norman Pearce on being chosen County Standard Bearer of the Year at the county AGM in January, and welcomed 16-year-old Bradley Miller, a youth member who is training to become a standard bearer and carried the standard for the first time during the ceremony.

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March 2022

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March 2022

Shed team use their skills to help the community THE Blandford Men's Shed, which launched in 2018 in the former woodworking building at The Blandford School in Milldown Road, has continued to be hard at work since reopening in October following the pandemic closure.

Like Men's Sheds across the country, which are supported by the UK Mens Sheds Association, it aims to be a larger version of the typical man's garden shed - a place to feel comfortable and pursue practical interests in a safe, relaxed, friendly and inclusive atmosphere, but more importantly to build a network of friendships between the members.

Activities usually involve making or mending in wood such as carpentry, and other woodworking skills, and feature reclamation, reuse and restoration.

Over the last few years they have been assisting Dorset Council in renewing the signposts throughout the county, and have done at

least 15, some with four different finger pointers. The original finger pointers had degraded over several decades, and the wood had rotted away in some instances.

The 'Shed' provided the labour for the pointers to have all the metal letters and numbers removed.

They were then stripped down to bare metal and repainted.

The actual pointers were cut from bare timber and treated to several coats of paint. It has been a real team benefit and a number of parish councils have given the 'Shed' very positive feedback.

The 'Shed' is no longer an entirely male preserve, and the men have been joined by a number of women who have also been busying themselves in a number of projects.

It is open to men and women over the age of 18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm.

Tabletop crosses were made for a local church, together with 'park

The park run markers have been invaluable on the North Dorset Trailway.

Tabletop crosses made for a local church.

run markers' which have been well used for the local events on the North Dorset Trailway.

A rabbit hutch was a commission for one of the members from a young relative, and a doll's house has also been completed.

To find out more phone 07900 046237, call Tony Harker on 07871 435174 or email blandfordmensshed@gmail.com.

Above: a doll's house made for some lucky child. Below: A rabbit hutch made for a member’s relative.

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March 2022

Solved: the baffling case of the vanishing apple trees THE planting and subsequent disappearance of an avenue of apple trees on the Stour Meadows at the end of January caused quite a stir and prompted a flurry of reports on social media as to where they might have gone.

One correspondent said: "The council planted trees both sides of the path last week from Langton Meadows bridge, maybe 40 or so in total, right up to the skateboard car park. They were all in place on last Friday and today, Monday, all disappeared. There were probably a dozen or so gardeners planting them so quite a costly exercise for them now to disappear."

Another said a friend had been devastated to see the trees, planted in the week beginning January 24, had disappeared.

"She contacted me with great glee to ask if I'd seen the fine avenue of apple trees which had been planted on the watermeadow. I went down and saw an avenue in its infancy. There

The tree planting team on Stour Meadows. Picture by Pat Patrick were 38 trees. Each was about five meters tall and they were all perfectly staked and labelled. I saw them on three different days and was looking forward to seeing them in the spring.

when I returned to look at them, they had vanished leaving no trace. There was not even dis-

turbed earth. There is no sign of them whatsoever."

It is perhaps a coincidence that 38 or 40 trees on one side of the path with a similar number on the other would make 70, the number intended to be planted as part of the town's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Pat Patrick, who pictured the team of planters on the day they were planted, was one of a number of people who thought at first they had been stolen, but said it turned out they had been mis-planted by the Rangers, who had relocated them.

Dorset Ranger Graham Stanley said: "They are all still very much on Stour Meadows, some on the bank screening the Brewery buildings and more over behind the attenuation pond and again by the bypass bridge."

"Today (Monday January 31)

Bare soil indicating from where the trees had been removed a few days later.

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March 2022

Two-for-one planting ensures healthy return

Replanting in progress at the end of the path along the meadow from the Preetz (Black) Bridge towards the bypass bridge. Picture by Pat Patrick.

Success at Shillingstone

Some of the trees replanted on the path towards the bypass bridge.

Picture by Pat Patrick.

Better progress was made in January at the Big Yellow Bus Project in Shillingstone, where there was a great turnout to the first of two planting sessions for a new orchard when 100 mixed fruit trees were offered, and there was a full take-up from supporters who were invited to sponsor and plant a tree in return for a £10 donation.

MEANWHILE at Fishers Close, Blandford, where a tree was felled after being badly damaged in a storm and found to be diseased, Dorset Council have planted four new trees - following their policy of planting two replacements for any that are felled, and in the knowledge that another at Fishers Close will shortly have to be felled because it is diseased.

An application has also been made to carry out tree works on three other trees. The crown of a Three of the four trees planted at Fishers Close copper beech is to be near the first which had to be felled. raised to three metres from ground level to create sufficient clearance for sight lines, and to 5.2m over the highway to create sufficient vehicle clearance.

The crown of another beech will be raised over the footpath to 2.3m to create clearance for pedestrians and again to 5.2m over the highway, together with a reduction of all lateral and upper crown branches on a large primary limb over the road by 3-4m to relieve weight on the union.

The crown on a third will be reduced by two metres to balance with the secondary crown and reduce the likelihood of failure due to decay.

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March 2022

Colin takes a short-cut for charity AFTER 31 years with the police and armed forces when he had to have his hair cut short, Colin Young, of Colin's Community Club in Damory Street, Blandford, decided just before the second pandemic lockdown to let it grow.

But his flowing locks were not popular with his wife Pam, and so he decided to lose them -

Colin Young prepares to undergo his overdue haircut.

but in a good cause.

He invited customers to sponsor his short back and sides and the restoration of his trademark goatie beard, and with the help of the razor of Lou Betts from Winston's Barber Shop in Wimborne, raised £240 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Club members Gary Fraser and Ash Guy added to the entertainment by turning up disguised as long-haired 'Albert Arkwrights' from the BBC sit-com 'Open All Hours' - their nickname for Colin.

Mrs Young said she was delighted to see Colin return to normal.

Colin Young with Gary Fraser (left) and Ash Guy disguised as 'Arkwrights' their nickname for Colin.

Recyclers highlight composting benefits THE beginning of spring is a perfect time to start thinking about making compost for our gardens, hanging baskets and window boxes, say Dorset Council's recycling team.

From March 1, Dorset Council are offering compost bins at prices as low as £6 and there is an extra buy-one-get-one-halfprice deal (plus delivery).

In their advice to householders, they say: "This is for a limited number of bins so hurry while the offer lasts. See getcomposting.com for details. We also offer up to two compost bins to schools, completely free. Further information can be found at: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/recycle.

"Composting is great for the environment. Up to two-thirds of the

contents of a rubbish bin can be composted and it improves all soils - helping to create healthy plants and reducing the need to water and fertilise. It also saves you money and is fun, easy and very satisfying.

"Remember that you can add some of your uncooked inedible food waste to your compost bin as well as garden waste. Egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds and fruit and vegetable peelings all make tasty food for the small creatures in your bin - although citrus peelings should be mixed in sparingly.

"It's also useful to put in torn-up cardboard egg boxes and scrunched up paper to add carbon to the mix and also to ensure there are air spaces."

TOWN councillors were told that preventing people putting themselves in danger by accessing the gantry at the back of the Corn Exchange are proving difficult due to the building's Grade I listed status, and advice is being sought from the town council's Corn Exchange consultants.

The council's operations manager has changed the angle of the CCTV covering the back of the office and arranged for temporary lighting, anti-vandal paint and signage to be added.

March 2022

15

16

Letters to the editor

Writer’s blind faith misplaced I HAVE to congratulate Mr Young (Letters, February) on his blind faith in the current occupant of Downing Street.

He claims that Johnson has made two mistakes but he must be working from an abridged list.

He also refers to a single party there appear to be 16 or more, one of which occurred on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral when the flags were flying at half-mast over Westminster and when everyone else, including the Queen, was following the rules.

Next Mr Young refers to Brexit where, in fact, Johnson inherited a mess of his own making after promoting the leave option to advance his own political career but based on a raft of lies which are now woefully unravelling.

Johnson also brought us through the pandemic with one of the worst per capita death rates in the developed world.

Finally, Mr Young repeats the lie fomented by the alt-right that Starmer failed to prosecute Savile when he was DPP. Starmer apologised for the prosecution failings but had no direct connection to decisions over the case whatsoever.

Mr Young, there are people who could have done better. The Tory party leadership race in 2019 overlooked both Jeremy Hunt and Rory Stewart - probably the biggest mistake the membership of the Conservative party has ever made.

Charles Ellis

SHAME on Mr Young regarding his disgraceful letter.

I suppose he is entitled to his opinion, but one of his assertions is unpleasant.

Even the Tory MP for this area, Simon Hoare, wanted the statement to which Mr Young referred withdrawn. He has tweeted that the public needs to be told about any fines issued and called for Boris Johnson to withdraw a false insinuation that the former head of the CPS, Keir Starmer, didn't prosecute sex offender Jimmy Savile.

Although Starmer was head of the Crown Prosecution Service, a fact check charity has confirmed that a different lawyer was responsible for Jimmy Savile's case.

Since Forum Focus is a monthly publication, the nonsense pedalled by Mr Young stayed around, unchallenged, for a month, so shame on Forum Focus for publishing the letter.

Michael Jones • • • • • I WITHDRAW as requested that part of my letter concerning the Jimmy Savile remark but leave it to individuals to form their own views on the matter.

In view of the fact that the statement was made in the House and widely reported, I consider that I was not the only one of the same opinion.

Colin Young

Shop help required WE are in urgent need of more volunteer help for our Friends of Blandford Community Hospital charity shop at Barnack Walk.

Volunteers help to keep our charity shops running, raising vital funds for the reach and scale of health services in and around Blandford. It has been a difficult start to the year with winter illnesses etc, leaving us short of help.

Volunteers can offer regular weekly or occasional 'ad hoc' help in the shop and training is provided.

Phone 01258 458390 during opening hours to speak to Suzanne Leighton or email dhc.friends.blandford@nhs.net Suzanne Leighton Charity shops manager

A very fond farewell I WOULD like to express my sadness at the loss of the Forum Focus from the perspective of an advertiser.

Forum Focus has been a constant support for my business since my very first day nearly 10

March 2022

years ago, having advertised in (almost) every edition since then.

I can't remember a single month where I didn't receive a new dieter enquiry because of my ad within the magazine. I put this down to its popularity due to the quality of the glossy full-colour magazine and the excellent reporting of the news that matters directly to those living in and around Blandford.

Not only has the magazine helped my business to grow and keep going through difficult times, but it has also allowed me to help many people to tackle their weight and health issues, becoming happy in their skin.

So I want to thank everyone in the Forum Focus team for everything over the years and to wish them all the very best for the future. Forum Focus will be very sadly missed by both readers and advertisers alike.

Nicki Edwards - The Cambridge Lady nicki-edwards@btconnect.com Mobile: 07904 331 589 Home: 01258 857 454

Repair Café reopens BLANDFORD'S Repair Café is now truly back up and running again with a regular booking at the Blandford Scout Hut in Eagle House Gardens (DT11 7BT) on the third Saturday of every month.

With the strapline 'Don't replace it - repair it', it is a community group for people in Blandford and surrounding villages to bring broken items to see if one of their team of volunteers can fix them.

There are people who can fix electrical items, bikes, clothes and ceramics. And there are drinks and cakes for people while they wait and meet new friends.

The café is free of charge but relies on donations of time and effort to make it work. Anyone or any business who can help out as a volunteer, bring a cake, donate a raffle prize or put up a poster is invited to get in touch by email to blandfordrepaircafe@gmail.com or call 01258 488977.

17

March 2022

Awards for school’s long-serving trio AWARDS representing nearly a century of service to Bryanston School have been presented to three members of staff.

They include Drew Beaver, now deputy manager of the sports centre, whose service spans 20 years, and Veronica Peck, now head of netball, who has been there for 30.

The third, Mariano Lechon, has been been providing meals, cakes and other gastronomic delights for staff and generations of pupils for more than 50 years.

He joined the catering team as a dining room assistant when pocket calculators were making their first appearance, colour televisions were still something of a novelty and as the school was about to establish itself as a pioneer in co-educational boarding.

He became head chef in 1979 and, although now semi-retired, he continues to be an extremely popular figure at Bryanston.

Mariano was presented with a magnum of champagne in recog-

nition of his long service at an award ceremony attended by current pupils and staff in the school's dining hall.

He said: "Having spent my entire working life at Bryanston, the toughest time was when it came to retirement as I feel so attached to the school and the entire Bryanston community.

"I've really enjoyed my time here, especially when it comes to serving the pupils and seeing them tuck into an increasingly diverse menu - so much so that I just couldn't stay away, and still work around 32 hours a week."

The school's acting head, Richard Jones, said: "While we often celebrate long-service achievements of staff, it is unusual to mark three service contributions at the same time.

"I applaud the dedication, expertise and commitment shown by Mariano, Veronica and Drew for what amounts to a century of support for the Bryanston community."

Another grenade turns up in the town river ANOTHER suspected explosive device discovered by a metal detectorist in the river Stour at the end of January caused the area to be closed off for its safe disposal.

The discovery of the First World War grenade follows a similar find last November by the same detectorists from the Dorset Magnet Fishing Community.

They reported it to Dorset Police, whose spokesperson said: "We

received a report at 1pm on Sunday, January 30, that a suspected grenade had been found in a river in the area of West Street in Blandford.

"Officers attended and a cordon was put in place for the safety of members of the public.

"Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts attended and carried out a controlled detonation. Officers left the scene shortly after 4.30pm."

A scene from Hefted.

Full house for Hefted A PACKED house greeted Multi Story Theatre in the Corn Exchange when they presented Hefted, an exploration of the notion of being 'hefted' or 'leared' - the connection between man and the land, and man's responsibility for it.

Tales of birth and death, of industrial revolution, invention and changing land use ended with an almost apocalyptic vision of life after The Flood in David Lane's dramatic narrative, which told of man's connection with the land from the year 1475 to an imaginary 2075.

The audience was seated either side of the Corn Exchange, with the action taking place between the two rows of seating, resulting in an intimate relationship between the actors and spectators, who could experience stories full of humour and tragedy, elation and anger, accompanied by song and descriptive sound and lighting effects.

The Artsreach promotion was hosted by Blandford's own Artsreach team and sponsored by Arts Council England, Dorset Council and Blanchards Bailey.

Council news in brief SPORTS clubs, who were allowed a reduced rate by Blandford Town Council for the rent and utilities of the pavilions at Park Road and Larksmead for the period from April to June last year, have been advised that they need to pay the full amount for the period from October to December last year when the facilities were back in use, and the full rate going forward.

• Difficulties with the disabled access to the Woodhouse Gardens pavilion have been resolved with new signage advising those with mobility issues to use the new entrance after it was discovered that the original door with the ramp is not suitable for mobility vehicles to enter.

18

March 2022

19

March 2022

Car fans gather with charity in mind A GROUP of car enthusiasts DT11 Modified and Southern Automotive with support from Sunrise Automotive - has launched a series of car meeting events to raise awareness and to fundraise for charities close to them.

This year the charity is Mind, and the first in a series of events planned for the year under the banner 'Motors for Mind' was advertised at short notice on social media. It took place in Tesco's car park at Blandford St Mary on the evening of Sunday February 6.

One of the organisers, Louisa Farrow, said: "The support we got within the car community was overwhelming, but extremely positive."

More than 70 vehicles attended to help raise awareness for mental health, and the organisers worked with Dorset Police, whose No Excuse team was present, to minimise antisocial behaviour.

Only one vehicle was seen leaving the car park recklessly and received a ticket from officers.

A spokesman from the No

A huge turnout for the Motors for Mind meeting in Tesco's car park.

Excuse team said: "After speaking to the organisers, who weren't expecting such a huge turnout, they said they wanted to arrange a meeting for those struggling with mental health.

"The meeting was all goodnatured with organisers having a strict policy in place regarding antisocial behaviour and driving at these events, which was good to see."

20

Oh, those lovely bathing suits!

A pretty blue and white polka dot dress, still fashionable today.

Museum fashions of the 50s honour the Queen’s jubilee BLANDFORD Fashion Museum reopened for the season on February 21 after advanced notice in The Times, which showed costume manager Stella Walker publicising the latest exhibition celebrating the 1950s to coincide with the Queen's accession and her Platinum Jubilee year.

The lovely Georgian façade of Lime Tree House has been returned to its former glory after a restoration project, and the inside is looking just as spick and span.

Spokesperson Carole Fornachon said: "Even if you don't remember the 1950s, you will absolutely love a wallow in nostalgia with our stunning display.

"It includes swimming costumes and sun suits (remember them!), a bridal dress and absolutely covetable evening wear for men and women - together with picnic flasks, straw hats, union jacks and other patriotic symbols.

"It is a triumph of Stella Walker and her team's incredible hard work while overcoming the chaos of the renovations."

Other new displays include an exquisite 1907 Christening gown made by a French mother for her new baby boy.

Stella Walker shows some of the Blandford Fashion Museum's 1950s collection.

Picture courtesy of The Times.

March 2022

A young girl flies the flag in a pretty frock.

A beautiful black ball gown.

21

March 2022

Date set for launch of town’s Arts Hub FREE Expression director Kate Seeger has announced a launch date for the new Blandford Arts Hub which is under development at the rear of Nightingale Court in the town.

She said: "It's been a long wait for the Blandford Arts Hub (BAHub) official launch but it's finally happening after what seems like years. Due to a combination of Covid and planning, this launch has been postponed multiple times. It's definitely happening this year though, and preparations are under way.

"So save the date, Saturday May 21, for our official launch. Not only will we be open that day but will have various activities and stalls for all the family to have a much-needed fun day out.

I would love to tell you the exact details but that will have to be

nearer the date. This cannot happen, at least via Forum Focus. On the one hand I feel excitement for the launch but on the other I also feel a sadness for it's a sad day indeed, the end of what's been a real asset to Blandford, and certainly for those organising community events.

"This is the last Forum Focus issue and so I also want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their support over the years. Let's hope between writing this and it going to press someone will have come to the rescue."

She invited anyone seeking more details to visit the Nightingale Court garden (the cut through between M&S and East Street) any time before the event to talk to her about the plans for the day, or pick up a leaflet.

Help needed to create new nature reserve A NEW nature reserve being developed at Fifehead Neville near Sturminster Newton is a partnership between a local landowner and non-profit CIC '9Trees', where the plan is to create an oasis for struggling wildlife and plant over 800 trees.

This Organic Soil Association farm in Fifehead Neville has dedicated five acres back to wildlife and 9Trees are looking for help.

The project is led by Michael Cunningham, who has lived and worked in the area as estate skills lecturer at Kingston Maurward College before dedi-

cating his life full time to the project.

He said: "We are so happy to be part of the reversal of biodiversity loss in the county and also help mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change. This will be our seventh project in our third county."

There will be opportunities to help with tree planting, eco matting and an introduction to photography course in March, April and May. For more information email info@9trees.org or see 9trees.org/blog.

The BAHub in development at Nightingale Court.

22

The View from the Hill

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

W

OULD the establishment of a premium market for pasture-fed meat split the farming community down the middle?

We would love to retail our own beef and lamb, but when 50 beefies fatten over a two-month period in summer, and 250 lambs all reach their best in January and February, we would have a continuity problem.

It is fine to proclaim the benefits of pasture-fed, but how do we keep the nation fed for the rest of the year? Fresh is best, of course, so freezing is not the answer on such a huge scale.

These arguments need to be taken on board by those who would criticise our industry for climate/health reasons. Ask 10 vegans or vegetarians why they have chosen that route and you will probably get 10 different answers, some of which might not stand up to scrutiny if we could find out how and where the vegan diet is produced.

It all points to the continuing need for rational, calm debate.

Over 55 per cent of the UK is permanent pasture: humans can't digest grass, but ruminants can turn it into food that is climate friendly, nutrient dense and packed with essentials.

A trip to the Oxford Real Farming conference was planned for the

March 2022 first week of January, so when it went virtual for Covid reasons, a couple of mates who suffer a bit of a paddling habit suggested we still went to Oxfordshire, but dressed rather differently, and that we should take a couple of boats with us.

The Thames rises in Gloucestershire, quite near Cirencester, although there is some dispute about exactly where; it is a moveable feast, depending how much it has rained and where the water table is. It becomes navigable before Cricklade, which is where we began our trip, next to the cricket club.

It had rained quite a bit over Christmas so the river was still quite full, though its level doesn't vary a great deal, regulated as it is by weirs and Should read just : 'Three of our year-old calves waiting for warmer weather and the sluices. Having purchased a grass to grow to transform them from scruffy, slightly muddy individuals with licence, we felt entitled to incredible pongy breath into rippling hunks of shiny beef by mid-summer. employ the services of the lock keepers as we passed, who were unfailingly friendly, though some were less keen to open lock hard and the plants can't cope phate causes algal blooms which gates for us than others, so we with the volume of sewage, starve the water of the oxygen so sometimes had to drag the vital for healthy water life. which gets diluted by rainwater. canoes out of the water and carry them around the locks.

Our cluster group on the Dorset Wessex Water, in our own Stour has had many presentaregion, is not very different. It is It wasn't long before one of our tions on the importance of keepnumber managed to get a duckeasy to find information in the ing soil and phosphate out of ing when he couldn't bend public domain about how much water, and any sensible farmer enough to get under a low conoutflow emits from their riverside understands that letting his procrete bridge - annoying for him treatment plants through the ductive soil wash into the river is so early in the day, but very year. pure madness. How can maize entertaining for the rest of us.

It's not pleasant to recall the be so valuable that it justifies Halfway through the morning we much-trumpeted privatisations of such loss of soil down the river? noticed that this section of the the public utilities in the 1980s, Further on down the river river had burst its banks, so we which have resulted in them towards Lechlade, we met a paddled off into the field only to being owned by enormous intergroup of wild swimmers, on their find ourselves surrounded by national corporations more interway to take a refreshing dip in maize stalks, and no hint of a ested in paying dividends to the river, cheerful, and dressed cover crop to stabilise the soil. shareholders than upgrading in an assortment of brightly Let's be frank, this was not a ageing and inadequate infracoloured gowns.

Did they really good advertisement for responsistructure. know what they were about to ble farming; the soil will be It begs questions when we find cover themselves in? washed into the river, along with the water companies trying to offOnly a few days later the nationattached nutrients such as phosset their pollution by paying farmphate, and cause huge problems al media took up the story of how ers to reduce their applications of in the water. The silt covers the much sewage finds its way into manures and fertilisers and grow gravels so important for fish and the river from Thames Water other aquatic life, and the phostreatment plants when it rains cover crops.

23

March 2022

Charity cyclists gear up for annual ride THE 34th Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride is due to take place on Sunday July 3, with four routes to choose from, all of which will again be coming through Blandford.

The online entry has now opened and cyclists of all abilities are being encouraged to sign up and help support the needs of those with cancer as the country continues to battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Ride organiser Peter SmithNicholls said: "Last year was a difficult and uncertain year for everyone, but we hope we can plan with more certainty this year FOOTFALL in Blandford town centre will be monitored thanks to Dorset Council's Welcome Back Fund which is contributing to an automated counter at a location opposite the Corn Exchange.

Accessible picnic benches have also been located at the rugby, football and cricket clubs and at the cemetery, and new planters are being purchased.

and re-establish the number of riders for this annual event."

Despite a drop in the number of cyclists taking part in 2021 due to the pandemic, the 2021 Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride still managed to raise over £40,000.

The ride is sponsored by Sunseeker International and supported by Primera Sports, the Hendy Group and Coles Miller Solicitors. Thanks to their help all the money raised and donated by the cyclists can go directly to help support people living with cancer.

This year the usual four distances of 38, 48, 63 and 100 miles will be available for cyclists to choose from and as an added incentive to encourage the fundraising, Primera Sports will award prizes to the top fundraiser in each category.

Cyclists can enter online at macmillanbikeride.co.uk. The ride starts in Corfe Mullen and full support is provided around the course by marshals, bike mechanics and refreshment stops.

The Macmillan Bike Ride team thank their supporters.

Local removals specialists BACK2MARKET are local, family-run removals and clearance specialists covering Dorset, Somerset and beyond. At the helm are husband and wife team, Paul and Claire Beddow.

They undertake a wide range of removals and clearances of homes, offices and commercial premises, a packing service or box and packing materials for people who want to pack themselves, and short and long-term storage.

They also offer garden, garage and outbuilding clearances, interior and exterior cleaning services, and a probate clearance service including valuations and transportation of items to auction.

Back2Market were the first clearance business in the south-west to become Which? accredited Trusted Traders. (See Page 32)

24

Blandford new Interim Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Christopher Beaumont, with the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, following his licensing and installation in Blandford Parish Church.

March 2022

Warm welcome for new interim priest THE Revd Christopher Beaumont officially became interim Priest-inCharge of the Parish of Blandford Forum, with a ceremony in the parish church on Sunday, January 23.

The licensing was performed by Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, and the installation by the Archdeacon of Dorset, the Ven Antony MacRow-Wood.

The congregation was welcomed by the Rural Dean, the Rev Justin Pottinger, and in her address, the Bishop spoke of 'hope in a world of paradox' at the start of a new era in the ministry at Blandford.

Those from Mr Beaumont's previous church in Leicester thanked him and prayed for his ministry in Blandford, and there were thanks that he had responded to the call to serve in the parish, in which he was installed with ceremony, receiving the keys to the church with the toll of a bell.

He, his wife Cat and three children, Elise, Edward and two-yearold Nathan, who throughout the

service kept leaving his pew to join his mum on the platform, were welcomed on behalf of the community by town Mayor Lee Hitchings and town and county councillor Noc Lacey Clarke, Daniel Carter and Jo Davis representing Blandford primary and Bryanston Schools, and by representatives of other town churches, Blandford Camp and Blandford Guides.

Prayers for all sections of the community were accompanied by a recognition that Christians in Blandford were working more as one than just as 'Churches Together'.

Mr Beaumont announced that there would be a joint service for them all on January 30, together with a new Tuesday morning prayer session in addition to that on Thursday evenings.

Following the service refreshments were served in the Corn Exchange, and a recording of the service was broadcast online for those unable to attend.

Period of change in local church structure MR Beaumont's appointment comes at a period of change within the organisation of the churches locally, and he comes from a civil service background but also one in which he worked to revitalise a church seeking to grow.

Working as Associate Vicar in a resourcing church in Leicester, he helped develop new congregations, as well as leading staff in the day-today life of a church and navigating through Covid.

The vacancy at Blandford was advertised last summer to lead the Anglican team serving the Blandford area as part of a pastoral reorganisation within the Milton & Blandford deanery which in recent years has seen a number of clergy move on.

Following the departure of Dr Michael Foster from the Chase Benefice and of Jonathan Triffitt as Rector of Blandford in 2020, a three-year appointment was offered for a minister for the Chase Benefice who could help reshape how the church worked in the benefice and wider Deanery, which includes nearly 40 parishes grouped in a series of Benefices.

Revd Dr David Miell has been welcomed to the Tarrant Hinton Rectory as unpaid Associate Priest, and The

Chase Benefice.

Adjacent benefices have now started to work together towards probable reorganisation of the parishes, with the Revd Carolyn Couzens, priest-in charge of the Lower Stour Benefice (Spetisbury, Charlton Marshall & Blandford St Mary), taking pastoral responsibility for Tarrant Keyneston and Tarrant Rushton.

That for Tarrant Gunville, Tarrant Hinton and Tarrant Monkton is taken by the Revd Belinda Marflitt, priestin-charge at Stourpaine, Pimperne and Durweston with Bryanston, who announced in January that she would be leaving at the end of February.

All Saints Church at Langton Long remains in the Blandford and Langton Long parish but has now joined with the Lower Stour Benefice under the pastoral care of Rev. Couzens, whose former Bridge Benefice has been split between the Red Post and Wimborne Benefices.

West of Blandford, authority is awaited to advertise for a successor in the Okeford Benefice to their Rector since 2015, the Revd Lydia Cook, who has become Rector in the Otter Vale Mission Community in Devon.

25

March 2022

Bowls community pays tribute to Joy Steele TRIBUTE has been paid by Bowls England to Joy Steele, of Alexandra Street, Blandford, who passed away suddenly but peacefully at Dorchester Hospital on January 13, aged 74.

The much-loved wife of Sid, adored Mum of Julie and Karen, 'Granny' to Krista and Charlotte, Elsa and Ines, will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends.

Her funeral service was held on February 4 at Blandford Evangelical Church, where she

OBITUARY had worked most recently after previous employment with Horrocks & Webb, Blandford Post Office and Dixons.

In retirement, Joy, alongside her husband, passionately devoted 10 years to developing junior bowls in Dorset, and was widely recognised as someone who engaged and welcomed everyone into the sport.

She was recently nominated,

Death notices HOWLAND James (Jim): 1930-2022 Passed away peacefully at home with family on January 1. Jim was a Director of the Howland Furniture Group until his retirement to Dorset in 1984. Always full of goodwill, he will be remembered with love and respect by friends and colleagues in the High Wycombe Furniture Industry. A private family funeral held at Poole Crematorium on February 4. Donations in memory to the Stroke Association through Colin J Close Funeral Services, Peel Close, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU. ROGERSON David: Passed away peacefully on Friday January 14, aged 82 years. Much loved husband to Elizabeth (Betty), daddy to Suzie, grandpa to Hannah, Helena and Christopher. Funeral service took place on Wednesday February 9 at Holy Rood Church, Shillingstone. Donations if desired to Alzheimer's Society can be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3LQ. Tel: 01935 816817.

ARNOLD Caroline (Warren): Passed away peacefully at home on January 22, aged 87 years. She will be sadly missed by her 4 children, many grandchildren, all her family and friends. Funeral Service held at All Saints Church, Langton Long, on Tuesday February 15, followed by committal at Blandford Cemetery. Enquiries to Lesley Shand Funeral Service, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DR Tel: 01258 453425 JEANS Ronald 'Ron': Of Shaftesbury (Formerly of Durweston).

Passed away peacefully on January 24 in Salisbury District Hospital with his family by his side, aged 93. Loving husband to Kathleen, dad to Brian, Roy, Trevor and Elizabeth, brother to Barbara and the late Betty and Herb. A loving grandad, great grandad and friend to many.

Funeral service at St James Church, Shaftesbury on Thursday February 10 was followed by Interment. Donations if desired to The Friends of St James may be sent to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset.

SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Joy Steele alongside Sid, for the Unsung Hero award at the Bowls England Awards Night on February 19, and as a mark of respect, the national body suspended voting for the awards for 24 hours.

Their tribute read: "Within two years of being asked to help with four juniors in 2011, Joy and Sid had taken over the junior section and had 23 youngsters on the books. The numbers of young

people taking up the sport in Dorset boomed, increasing between 2015 and 2016 to 38.

"To keep the new players entertained and enthused, new tournaments and matches were introduced to increase the competition, and in May 2018 Joy and Sid were instrumental in setting up and running a 'Festival of Bowls' at which nearly 100 people of all ages took part in fun activities and challenges.

"Joy sacrificed her own bowls and dedicated entire days to youth development. In recognition of her and Sid's efforts, the pair received the Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation in 2021.

"Joy's legacy will be remembered throughout the country as counties across England were often in touch to discuss ways to emulate their success in their own areas.

"The success that Joy has had with teaching the value of bowls as a sport to young people will ensure the game has a bright future.

"Our thoughts are with her husband Sid and their family at this time."

26

March 2022

Oliver! Who could ask for more?

RESIDENTS at Colten Care's Whitecliffe House care home in Blandford showcased their acting and singing talents in a mini production of the musical 'Oliver!'.

Since the beginning of the year, the home has rung to the sounds of toe-tapping tunes such as Consider Yourself, Reviewing the Situation and Pick a Pocket or Two. Companionship team member Caroline Pugh is a cellist and pianist who graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and now leads many of the music and drama activities at the home.

She said: "We have so many musical residents and everyone involved in the production was happy to put their heart and soul into rehearsing songs and short excerpts ready for a performance to other residents and staff."

Lead character Oliver, played by resident Sylvia Drew, was very convincing in her delivery of the famous line: "Please, sir, I want some more", while Maureen Smith's quiet humour proved a good choice for Dodger and Lois Ramsden excelled in the role of crafty Fagin.

Born in London's East End, Shirley Thomson was the perfect Nancy.

And to complete the line-up, Coralie Jackson was an austere Mr Bumble and home manager Chris Lee was a suitably dastardly Bill Sikes.

Caroline added: "Singing is a fantastic activity for health and wellbeing and is something our residents really look forward to each week. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the fun and laughter enjoyed by all."

Cast members of Oliver!

Coralie Jackson as Mr Bumble.

Maureen Smith as Dodger.

Croquet set for April start Sylvia Drew as Oliver.

Shirley Thomson as Nancy

Lois Ramsden as Fagin.

PLAY will be starting on the croquet lawns at Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club, the home of Winterborne Valley Croquet Club, on April 1.

Members will be able to enjoy their skilful, fascinating and social sport, and potential members can apply through the club website at wvcroquet.co.uk, or by emailing the club at membership.wvcroquet@ gmail.com.

Young and old are invited for a free taster session by applying to the same email address. The club encourages young players and complies with safeguarding rules.

Chair Tim Dennis said: "We are looking forward to play starting for the summer season and to welcoming new members, offering tuition and a friendly playing environment including joining club competitions, league matches, friendlies, and fun days."

March 2022

Hammer falls at £16k for historic items of Blandford furniture A George II walnut settee and six side chairs, ascribed with near certainty to John and William Bastard of Blandford, sold for £16,000 (plus buyer's premium) at an auction in January.

They were described in the catalogue from Lawrences Auctioneers in Crewkerne for the sale as c.1740, with rectangular upholstered backs and seats, the settee having scrolled arms. The frames had walnut cabriole legs carved at the knees with shells and husks at the front linked by turned stretchers and on squared feet, and the settee measured around 65" wide, 42.5" high and 27" deep.

"It is very possible that the chairs and settee could have been made by John and William Bastard of Blandford at the time of the alterations to the south front of Creech Grange carried out in 1739-40 by another Blandford man, the architect Francis Cartwright.

"It is known that the two worked

together on other houses of the gentry in the area. In Nathaniel Bond's account book for September 1741 is an entry 'pd.

Bush for carriage of chairs from Blandford' and for May 1742 'paid Mr. Bastard's bill £14.9.0' "We are very grateful to Polly Legg for sharing the detail of her research into the Bastard brothers."

They were among items which sold for more than £200,000 formerly housed at Creech Grange near Wareham until its sale by the Bond family in 1975.

Lawrences' director Richard Kay said: "The appealing combination of quality, rarity and good provenance always attracts collectors."

Fellow director Anthony Kilroy said: "The local connections, matched with fine quality and condition, caught the eyes of discerning buyers. We were delighted to be able to refer to good historical background and scholarly research in order to achieve these terrific results."

27

The walnut settee and one of the six chairs believed to have been the work of John and William Bastard and sold at auction for £16,000.

PLANS by Amfax Ltd to build a two-storey extension to the southwest of Redberry House on the Clump Farm industrial estate have received no objections from Blandford Town Councillors who say it conforms to the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan. The twostorey extension will provide four stand-alone units, and a further first-floor extension will contain offices.

28

The DAG team, secretary Lorna Hill with, standing left to right, chairman Carolyn Carter, treasurer Nicci Brown and maintenance trustee Pete Collins.

CLASSIC car and military vehicle owners are invited to display pre2000 classics at The Spring Countryside Show, Turnpike Showground, Motcombe SP7 0AS on April 23 and 24.

This new show will generally be focusing on local crafts, food and drink, cookery plus rural life, woodland, gardening and much more.

Classic cars are also wanted for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show on August 17. For more details contact the show office on 01747 823955 or info@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk.

March 2022

Disability group’s 10-year milestone THE Disability Action Group DAG - will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in its home in Nightingale Court, Blandford, this year.

The charity has gone from strength to strength since its opening in 2012 by Jack Delaney, the disabled teenager who carried the Olympic torch through the town that year, when it had just a dozen scooters available for hire.

It now has over 200 members, and more than 100 items of equipment out on long- and short-term hire. An experienced team of volunteers administer the charity and maintain the vehicles, and there is a spacious ramp giving ease of access to the premises.

Thanks to generous donations of equipment no longer needed by their owners, it now has plenty more available to those who for whatever reason find themselves with restricted mobility.

Chairman Carolyn Carter said: "We are in need of more volunteers, and particularly someone with electronic engineering experience who can help in our workshop for a few hours a week, and

those with basic literacy, keyboard and customer service skills to join our rota of office volunteers."

Founded first over 30 years ago to fight for the rights of the elderly and disabled - a role now largely fulfilled by other agencies - it was realised at the turn of the century that a mobility scooter loan scheme was needed for those unable to buy their own equipment.

In 2012 the decision was taken to make a modest charge for scooter and wheelchair hire so that the charity could afford to open its own premises and expand its operation to benefit more people.

TOWN councillors have raised no objection to proposals for new signage at Colten Care's Whitecliffe House in White Cliff Mill Street which is designed to make it easier for motorists to identify the care home. They felt the new signs two projecting signboards replacing and repositioning one of the existing signs and a wall-mounted fascia sign - were in keeping with the street scene and did not adversely impact on the conservation area.

29

March 2022

Film show funds can help refugee project THE small Blandford Welcome Group charity, which is working to bring a refugee family, originally from Syria, to live in Blandford, has organised a series of film shows at The Blandford School as part of their fundraising for the project.

Welcome Group member Audrey Burch attended a Blandford Town Council meeting to explain about the local efforts being made for the resettlement of refugees.

There is already one Syrian refugee family living in Blandford, and the Welcome Group is hoping to resettle another, stressing that they will come from a UN refugee camp, probably in Greece, Lebanon or Turkey, and are not illegal immigrants but are classified as highly vulnerable.

The first of the films, each with short talks by the producer or director, is on March 9 and will feature Notting Hill, one of the most enjoyable RomComs of all time, with Q&A from the producer Duncan Kenworthy, who lives locally and is one of the UK's most successful recent filmmakers.

The second film, on April 8, is At Her Majesty's Pleasure, a series of comic sketches from Monty Python, the Goodies, Beyond the Fringe and Peter Cook, all filmed live at a ground-breaking theatre performance in 1976, which will be preceded by a talk by the director, Roger Graef, who also lives locally.

Further events are yet to be announced. For more information see blandfordwelcome.group.

Care team renew appeal for clothing donations AFTER a year beset with difficulties, including Brexit and Covid, Blandford Cares was expecting its sorting room at Blandford United Reformed Church to be almost empty by the end of February.

They are open for receipt of donations with more outlets than ever open to them to deliver aid where it is most needed, and have been appealing particularly for more items of men's clothing as well as the usual priorities of socks, (new) underwear, toiletries, shoes and warm clothing.

Two of their team booked to volunteer at the Refugee Community Kitchen in Calais in early February and take aid to Care4Calais, and they have received significant donations

from individuals and a church Christmas collection, allowing them to send another £400 to the two projects.

They are also supporting the Blandford Welcome Group in their bid to house a second Syrian family in the Blandford area, and have strong links working to support Afghan emigres in transit and a convoy to Syria which was planned for late February.

Their financial report for the year 2021 shows that a total of over £7,800 was received from donations and sales, including record sales on eBay, the majority of which has been distributed to the projects they support in this country and abroad, in addition to making deliveries of needed items.

Planning round-up A REPLACEMENT roof to a rear extension at 12 Edward Street, Blandford, has been opposed by town councillors, who say the proposal, which is being considered by Dorset Council, will be out of keeping with the roof scales in the conservation area, and so an unwelcome addition to it.

There were no objections to single-storey rear and side extensions to: 34 Elizabeth Road, which they felt would be an improvement to the property; a double garage/outbuilding and sunroom at 1 Parklands; a first-storey extension over an existing garage at 1 Lockeridge Close; a rear extension and terrace in place of an existing rear extension at 32 St Leonards Avenue; or new render and cladding to a new two-storey extension at 11 Bayfran Way.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Treads needs more trustees as it moves up a gear

T

reads Young People's Advice and Information Centre has experienced an increase over the past 12 months in the number of young people seeking support with their emotional and mental well-being and has been kept particularly busy creating and delivering new projects.

Young people have been able to access one-to-one support and attend a range of innovative projects currently including Side by Side, Heads Up and Time 4 me, helping young carers, tackling mental health issues and developing anti-bullying support.

Mark Williams, current Chair of the project for the past 12 years, said: "In what has been a particularly awful time for everyone this past two years, it has been great to see the difference we have made to young people helping them to overcome hurdles and anxiety, learning to chill out and most importantly make lasting friendships."

He also indicated "that with funding already in place to deliver our exciting programme for the coming year, we really need more volunteers to come on board and help run the project as trustees and provide the direction and drive that we need to move forward.

"We are specifically looking for people who feel that they can offer general skills that would be useful to help run a charity for young people. It is also time that I hand over the batten to someone else to become our new Chair soon so, ideally, we are also looking for someone to come forward to take over this role later this year."

If you are looking to give something back to the community you live in and want to make a difference, please contact Mark Williams at youthsupport@treads.org.uk for more information.

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March 2022

Brewery charity funds Help us through the pass £1m milestone crisis, plea from NHS LOCAL family brewers, Hall & Woodhouse, raised a total of £126,389 through various charity partnerships over the course of the past charity year, bringing the company's total fundraising over the past decade to £1,103.000.

Lucinda Gray, community relationships manager at Hall & Woodhouse, said: "We could not be prouder of the incredible efforts shown by our team and what they have collectively achieved.

"To be able to take the total money raised in the last decade to over £1 million is an extraordinary milestone, and I thank all our team for their ambition and dedication to make this happen.

"Our pub teams have faced many challenges over the last few years and yet they continued to prioritise charity fundraising activities because it is simply the right thing to do and our guests have responded generously in support."

Pub charity partnerships, where

each managed house team and the team based at the brewery selected their own charity partner to support within their local community, were launched in 2020.

They took part in a number of events and activities, including a Guinness World Record-breaking pub quiz and a challenging group paddleboarding excursion.

Team member Jon Mead raised £1,867 for Dorset Mind by cycling to each of the company's 50 pubs in Dorset, and the Crown Hotel in Blandford raised £1,300 for the Blandford Foodbank by hosting a night with Meatloaf tribute act, Meet Loaf, performing his greatest hits.

The company's charity dish offered on the menu at all its managed houses raised almost £18,000.

Activities in 2022 include the return of the Dorset Beer Festival to be held at the brewery on Saturday, June 25, in support of Dorset Mind.

DORSET NHS and social care has asked the public for help in managing exceptional demand.

Seasonal pressures and the continuing Covid-19 pandemic mean there is a very limited number of beds available in hospitals and care homes across Dorset, and there are high numbers of staff who are off work, either with Covid symptoms or isolating.

Dr Forbes Watson, a local GP and Chair of NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "We'd like to thank all our hardworking teams for their resilience and continued efforts to support Dorset people in these challenging circumstances "We'd also like to ask for the continuing support of Dorset people in using NHS services wisely.

Relatives of those in hospital play a valued role and we thank those who are supporting their loved ones to leave hospital so that they can be more comfortable and recover much more quickly in their own homes.

"Also, if you haven't had your first, second and booster Covid19 jabs or have changed your mind, it's not too late."

Everyone can help by using NHS services wisely to get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time by contacting 111.nhs.uk or calling 111 if they are unsure about where to go, contacting their local pharmacist or GP practice for ongoing or minor health issues, and only ever calling 999 in a medical emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

A DEVELOPMENT of 15 homes at Thorpe Farm, off Marsh Lane, Winterborne Kingston, has been refused outline permission by Dorset Council. The application from Watson Poultry Farms Ltd was for the demolition of former egg production buildings and erection of 15 homes on the 0.62 hectare site to the east of the village.

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March 2022

Regular diary events

From left: Jack Philips (head of performance sport) and Alex Fermor-Dunman (director of sport), with Alice Smith, one of the many Bryanston pupils who took part in Bath University's research project.

School’s key role in sports injury project GROUND-breaking results from research carried out using cutting-edge equipment in Bryanston's performance sport suite have been published in the world's most respected peerreviews sports science publication, the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, A major research programme organised by specialists in the Department of Health at Bath University has shown how targeted muscular training can mitigate the risk of one of the most common and serious injuries for aspiring young athletes.

Using Bryanston equipment, the specialist skills of their performance sport team led by Jack Phillips, and 35 pupil volunteers at the school, it investigated and helped to explain the risk factors of knee ligament damage in adolescent female athletes who are up to eight times more likely to suffer such injuries than their male counterparts, pinpointing the training exercises that can help minimise the risk.

Alex Fermor-Dunman, Bryanston's director of sport, said: "We were delighted to be

approached and to host such an important research project as the outcomes are of great significance to all young female athletes and their coaches.

Personalised training and support is particularly important as children develop and mature during their adolescent years."

Dr Sean Cumming, a world expert on growth and maturation in sport and exercise who led the University of Bath's project, said: "We were able to produce detailed data to explain why young women are at much greater risk of knee ligament injury. The research results are, quite literally, game-changing for adolescent female athletes, so we are really appreciative of the help provided by everyone at Bryanston throughout the planning and delivery of the programme."

Bryanston's performance sport suite, developed under the watchful eye of performance specialist Alex Chapman, who is now with the English Institute of Sport, is one of the most advanced of its type at any UK school.

Every Monday 2-4 and Thursday 10-1: Kurling, Winterborne Whitechurch Village hall, details 01258 881416 Every Monday and Friday: Lunchtime Bingo, Royal British Legion, Church Lane, Blandford, 12 noon Every first Monday (except August): Blandford & District Floral Group meets Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, 2pm, visitors £6, details 01258 452889 Every third Monday: Blandford U3A Scrabble, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, 2 to 4.30pm, see blandfordu3a.co.uk for other U3A groups 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 Every first Tuesday: Blandford Breast Cancer Support Group, Pimperne village hall, 2.30pm, details 01258 860706 or 453853 Every third Tuesday: The Macular Degeneration Society, Royal British Legion, Church Lane,11.30am-1pm Every Tuesday: Little Hands Mother and Toddler Group, Okeford Fitzpaine village hall, 9 to 11am, book in advance through Little Hands Facebook Group or call 01258 861511 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 Sing Together, 2.30 to 3.30pm, Blandford Connect Centre, Heddington Drive, Blandford Every Tuesday and Friday: Methodist Lunch Club, bookings 07799 516 735 Every Wednesday and Friday: Blandford Community Fridge, Blandford Youth & Community Centre, Milldown Road, open 9-11am Every Wednesday: Methodist Church coffee morning, 10am to noon Rokit community choir, Methodist Church, Blandford, 7.30pm

Every first Wednesday (excluding August and January): Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, 7pm, Brewery Visitor Centre, Blandford St Mary, see blandfordstmarypc.org.uk Every Thursday: ‘Messy Mice’ Free Baby and Toddler group, 9.30 to 11am Okeford Fitzpaine CE Primary school Hall (term time only) St Nick's Café, St Nicholas' Church, Durweston, breakfast served 8.30am to noon Age Concern Blandford, Parish Centre, 10am to 12 noon, details 07305166418 or email: ageconcernblandfordforum@mail.uk Square Dancing, Spetisbury Village Hall, 2-4pm, details 01202 731012 Every Thursday to Monday: Blandford Fashion Museum open 10am to 4.30pm, The Plocks, Blandford, see blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk Every second Thursday: Folk Night, The Saxon Inn, Child Okeford, 8pm Every Friday: Durweston village coffee mornings, village hall, 10am to 12 noon Table tennis, Spetisbury village hall, 6.30pm, £2 per person Every first and third Friday: Bridge (U3A) in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, 2-5pm details 01258 450544, see blandfordu3a.co.uk for other U3A groups Every Saturday: Artori Academy, Blandford Corn Exchange, 1112:30pm (7-10yrs) and 13-14:30pm (11-16yrs) Every third Saturday: Cat's Protection League coffee morning, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion Blandford Repair Café, Blandford Scout Hut, 1.30 to 4pm, email blandfordrepaircafe@gmail.com or call 07979887668 Veterans Hub, Poppy Stables, Legion House, Church Lane, Blandford, 10am to 2pm Every Sunday: Blandford Methodist Church service 10.45am, book a place by phone on 07799 516 735

32 MARCH Tuesday March 1: Blandford Breast Cancer Support Group, Pimperne village hall, 2.30 pm, speaker from the Food Bank, details 01258 860706 or 453853 Thursday to Saturday March 3 to 5: New date for Pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' at the Village club, Iwerne Minster, 7.30pm, tickets 01747 811339 Saturday March 5: Charity Yoga for Mind, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 10am to 12 noon, details mandalayogadorset@gmail.com or 07734 050665 Table Top Sale, Child Okeford village hall, 10.30am to 12 noon, details 01258 861055 Sunday March 6: The Ridgeway Singers & Band present Tea with William Barnes, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 3pm, see artsreach.co.uk Rob Gee in Kevin, King of Egypt, Milborne St Andrew village hall, 7.30pm, see www.artsreach.co.uk Monday March 7: Raise the Commonwealth Flag, Blandford Market Place 11am Wednesday March 9: Film screening of 'Notting Hill', The Blandford School, tickets £10 supporting The Blandford Welcome Group, details 07935 973227 or info@blandfordwelcome.group.com Film Night, 'King Richard', Charlton Marshall village hall, 7 for 7.30pm, tickets £5, details 07749 213647 Moviola presents 'The Pebble and the Boy', Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm Friday March 11: Wessex Acoustic Folk present The Ciderhouse Rebellion + Becoming Branches, Blandford RBL, 8pm, tickets 01202 732239 or wimborne-acoustic.co.uk Saturday March 12: Blandford Museum Garden Coffee Morning 10am Horse Racing Night, Pimperne Village Hall, 7pm Mayor's Charity Bingo, Blandford Corn Exchange, eyes down 7.30pm Moishe's Bagel, The Exchange, Sturminster Marshall Memorial

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. With the closure of Forum Focus, this listing may continue elsewhere in print or online. Email niccitab15@gmail.com or phone 01258 459346 with details of events going ahead, either virtually or in person.

See page 31 for regular events.

Hall, 7.30pm, see artsreach.co.uk An Evening with the Mill Singers, Charlton Marshall village hall, 7 for 7.30pm, tickets £8 to include wine/soft drink/nibbles, details 01258 455113 Sunday March 13: Fontmell Magna Art Club Exhibition, Fontmell Magna village hall, 2 to 5pm, free entry, tea/coffee/cakes, supporting Air Ambulance Monday March 14: Raise the Commonwealth Flag, Blandford Market Place, 10am Thursday March 17: Museum Archaeology Club lecture, 'The Roman Town House, Dorchester', Blandford Parish Centre 7.30pm Friday March 18: Bingo, Child Okeford village hall, eyes down 7.30pm, in aid of new roof fund The Replicas, The Old Powerhouse @Bryanston Club, 8pm Wednesdays March 23 and March 30: Lenten Lunches Spetisbury Church 12-2pm, homemade soup, bread, dessert and tea or coffee £5 Friday March 25: Blandford & District u3a: Robin Clarke on "2000 years of paper": 2 pm at Durweston Village Hall.

Details 01258 628079 Last Friday talk, tba, Blandford Parish Centre, 6.30pm Wessex Acoustic Folk present Tradarrr, Blandford Corn Exchange, 8pm, tickets 01202 732239 or wimborneacoustic.co.uk Saturday March 26: Easter Community Expo, Blandford Corn Exchange, 10am to 1pm Blandford Literary Festival in a Day, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford Library and

Dorset Rural Musical School, 10am to 9pm, see blandfordliteraryfestival.com Mayor's charity concert 'Outta Space - a musical oddity' with the Blandford Stour Valley Band, Blandford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, tickets £5 Durweston Choral Society present Mozart’s Requiem, Durweston Parish Church, 7.30pm, details 01258 472253 Sunday March 27: Bobs Quiz, The Old Powerhouse @Bryanston Club, 7 for 7.30pm Monday March 28: Panda Preschool Easter Bingo, eyes down 7.30pm at The Royal British Legion, Blandford Thursday March 31: Archaeology Group Finds day, Blandford Town Museum, 10am Wednesdays April 6 and 13: Lenten Lunches Spetisbury Church 12 noon to 2pm, homemade soup, bread, dessert and tea or coffee £5 Friday April 9: Film Screening, ‘At Her Majesty's Pleasure' (sketches from Monty Python, The Goodies etc), The Blandford School, tickets £10 in support of the Blandford Welcome Group, 07935 973227 or info@blandfordwelcome.group.com Saturday April 9: Blandford Museum Garden coffee morning, 10am Friday to Sunday April 15 to 18: Easter: Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday Thursday April 21: Archaeology Group lecture, Iron Age Excavation at Blandford, Blandford Parish Centre 7.30pm Friday April 22: Easter Egg Hunt in Woodhouse Gardens, 10am to 12pm, sponsored by Sarunds, book at ticketsource.co.uk/blandfordforum-town-council/t-onqvzj

March 2022 Saturday April 23: Mayor's Charity Race Night, Blandford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm start Monday April 25: Blandford Town Annual Assembly, Blandford Corn Exchange and online, 6pm Friday April 29: Blandford Museum Last Friday talk TBA, Blandford Parish Centre, 6.30pm Friday to Sunday April 29 to May 1: Teddy Rocks, Charisworth Farm, teddyrocks.co.uk Monday May 2: Bank Holiday Saturday May 7: Paul Kerensa: The First Broadcast, Blandford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, see b-cp.co.uk Friday May 13: Blandford Town Mayor Making ceremony, 11am Thursday to Sunday June 2 to 5: Queen's Platinum Jubilee and Bank Holidays 2: Beacon Lighting, Langton Meadows, Blandford, and tree planting, Bryanston 2 to 3: Beer Festival, The Old Powerhouse, Bryanston 3: Thanksgiving Service, Blandford Parish Church 3&4: Exhibition - 'Blandford through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II', Corn Exchange 4: Tree planting, parish churchyard, children's treasure hunt, Woodhouse Gardens 5: Fun Day, Marsh & Ham lower car park and grassed area, Blandford Friday and Saturday June 17 and 18: DorsetFest family-friendly music festival, Warren Farm, Bulbarrow DT11 0HQ, see dorsetfest.org Saturday June 18: National Civic Day Sunday June 19: Child Okeford Open Gardens Tarrant Valley 10k race, Tarrant Monkton, 10.30am, details 07799360261 or see tarrantvalley10.webs.com Saturday June 25: Armed Forces Day Saturday and Sunday June 25 and 26: Iwerne Minster Open Gardens Sunday June 26: Blandford Hidden Gardens Thursday Monday August 25 to 29: The Great Dorset Steam Fair