Sherborne Times January 2016

JANUARY 2016 | FREE

A MONTHLY CELEBR ATION OF PEOPLE, PLACE AND PURVEYOR

FAMILY ROAST Coffee with the Dick-Reads plus Winter Visitors with Dorset Wildlife Trust Vintage Cars with Richard Bromell Seville Oranges with Lisa Osman Shopping Guide with Elly Vvaller Garden Design with Alan Dodge

e exclusiovffer r reade NYR Organic

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk

C

radled in hills of cable-knit green sits an unassuming farmhouse. Smoke unfolds from its chimney, horses graze in its fields and gentle-eyed dairy cows greet passing cars with enlightened indifference. There is a suggestion of life, a hint of someone at home, but nothing to imply that this is in fact the bustling home of Sherborne’s very own coffee roasting family, the Dick-Reads. In this issue we learn how Reads coffee, enjoyed in homes and coffee shops across the country, started life as a bud of an idea amidst the burgeoning stateside coffee culture and grew to become a successful family business.

2 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’

W

elcome to a New Year and a brand new look for the Sherborne Times. We say goodbye and thank you to Editor Lesley Lison who started this publication and has run it tirelessly since 2008. With a new team come new ideas but our remit remains - to celebrate the town and villages of Sherborne, champion its people and give voice to its purveyors.

Welcome too to new friends, writers and contributors, Elly Vvaller, Eliza Adams, Katharine Davies, Richard Bromell, Sally Wellbourn, Annie Gent, Peter Henshaw, Mike Riley, Gemma Loader, Sasha Matkevich, Joanna Loutsis, Marcel Wadman, Anna Light and Paul Gammage. And a hearty welcome back to many familiar faces.

I hope you enjoy your copy of the new Sherborne Times.

Please join the conversation, share your thoughts, tell your story.

The Sherborne Times is a publication we can call our own.

Here’s to a wonderful 2016.

Glen Cheyne Editor editor@sherbornetimes.co.uk @sherbornetimes

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 3

CONTRIBUTORS Editorial and Creative Direction Glen Cheyne Design Andy Gerrard Photography Katharine Davies Features Writer Eliza Adams Print Remous Ltd, Milborne Port Distribution Team Claire Pilley Christine Knott Geoff Wood Jill Siely Richard & Heather Betton-Foster Roger & Mary Napper Sarah Morgan Contact 01935 814803 07957 496193 @sherbornetimes editor@sherbornetimes.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk

Sherborne Times is printed on Edixion Offset, an FSC® and EU Ecolabel certified paper. It goes without saying that once throughly well read, this magazine is easily recycled and we actively encourage you to do so.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither Sherborne Times nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Sherborne Times does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission from Sherborne Times.

Additional photography contributors own and www.shutterstock.com 4 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Alan and Sue Dodge Bailey Ridge @YourBaileyRidge baileyridge.co.uk

Joanna Loutsis BSc (Hons) Chiro The Sherborne Rooms @chiroactivejo chiro-active.com

Alison Nurton Butterfly Bright @AliNurts butterflybright.com

Lisa Osman All Hallows Farmhouse School for Cooks & Makers @cooksandmakers allhallowsfarmhouse.co.uk

Andrew Fort Fort Financial Planning ffp.org.uk Anita Light & Paul Gammage EweMove Sherborne @ewemoveyeovil ewemove.com Annie Gent Sherborne Prep School @Sherborneprep sherborneprep.org Canon Eric Woods Vicar of Sherborne @SherborneAbbey Colin Lambert Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce @SherborneCOT sherbornechamber.co.uk Elly Vvaller Dear to Me, Fine Stationery @DearToMeStudio deartome.co.uk Gemma Loader BVetMed MRCVS Kingston Veterinary Group @TheKingstonVets kingstonvets.co.uk Gillian M Constable Dorset Wildlife Trust @DorsetWildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk Jeremy Le Sueur 4 Shires Asset Management @4ShiresAM 4-shires.com Jill Cook Counsellor @JillCookPCT jillcook.co.uk Jimmy Flynn Milborne Port Computers @MPortComputers computing-mp.co.uk

Marcel Wadman BscHons, Pod, SRCh, MChS London Road Clinic @56londonroad 56londonroad.co.uk Mark Newton Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership @swanhousevet newtonclarkepartnership.co.uk Mike Riley & Peter Henshaw Riley’s Cycles @rileyscycles | rileyscycles.co.uk @DCNSherborne | dcn.org.uk Natasha Williams Oxley Sports Centre @OxleySports oxleysc.com Philip Hastings Onward Business Driving @OnwardDT businessdriving.co.uk Richard Bromell ASAVF Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers @CharterhouseAV charterhouse-auction.com Rory McFarlane Mogers Drewett Solicitors @mogersdrewett md-solicitors.co.uk Sasha Matkevich The Green Restaurant @greensherborne greenrestaurant.co.uk Sally Wellbourn Dorset Wildlife Trust @DorsetWildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk Dr Tim Robinson MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom Glencairn House Clinic glencairnhouse.co.uk doctortwrobinson.com

26 6 Listings

A pick of what’s on this month in and around Sherborne 8 Unearthed

A new feature recognising and championing emerging young talent 10 Shopping guide

A colourful trip into town with Elly Vvaller 12 Exclusive reader offer

From Neals Yard Remedies

JANUARY 2016 32 Seville oranges

The welcome return of Lisa Osman from All Hallows Farmhouse, School for Cooks and Makers

50 Endings and new beginnings

With counsellor Jill Cook 51 The art of listening

35 Duck with orange sauce

A delicious recipe from The Green’s Sasha Matkevich 36 A fine vintage

Richard Bromell offers a sneak preview of two thoroughly handsome vehicles coming up for auction 38 Happy helloes

53 Security part three

Backup, restore and recovery with Jimmy Flynn 54 Landlords and legionellosis

A new property column from EweMove’s Anita Light and Paul Gammage

The thrill of winter murmurations

Mark Newton-Clake welcomes the next generation of companions

17 The beauty of trees

40 Bovine lameness

58 Turn down the noise

18 Cycle Sherborne

A modern welfare and productivity issue for dairy farmers

20 Fresh beginnings

42 Winter blues

61 Living wills

14 Birds of a feather

With Annie Gent, Head of Pastoral Care at Sherborne Prep School 22 Tweed stitch purse

Alison Nurton’s monthly pattern 24 Planning ahead

The holistic view on treatment 45 Personal best

The benefits of a personal trainer with Oxley Sport Centre’s Natasha Williams

Landscaping your garden with Alan Dodge

46 Alternative healthcare on the high street

26 Reads Coffee Roasters

49 Orthotics explained

57 Defence stock fighting fit

Filtering investment advice with Andrew Fort

62 Space, the final frontier

Driving safely with advanced driving instructor Philip Hastings 64 Directory 69 Crossword 70 Wiping the slate clean

With Canon Eric Woods

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 5

WHAT'S ON Listings _________________________ Friday 1st New Year’s Day Walk

From Sherborne Abbey porch.

Learn more of Sherborne’s ancient past with Blue Badge Guide Cindy, £5. Optional hot chocolate afterwards in the Vida Comida, Swan Yard, £1.

_________________________ Saturday 2nd 10.00am – 12.00pm Family Saturday Hauser & Wirth Somerset

Hauser & Wirth Somerset invites families into the gallery for Family Saturday on the first Saturday of every month. These free sessions offer families a unique experience of art, design and nature. This is a free event, however advanced booking is essential as there are limited places. To book a place please email: celeste@hauserwirth.com or call 01749 814060. www.hauserwirthsomerset.com

_________________________ Monday 4th - Sunday 31st Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

50% off entry to all Dorset residents in January! Simply show proof of post code on entry to take advantage of this fantastic offer. 01929 462537 www.monkeyworld.org

_________________________

6 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Wednesday 6th 7.15pm Film Night – The Transporter Refuelled (PG-13)

The Queens Arms, Corton Denham. 01963 220317 www.thequeensarms.com

_________________________ Tuesday 12th Learn to Draw with James Budden

Digby Hall, Sherborne ArtsLink’s tutor James Budden is starting an independent weekly evening class on learning to draw. £150 for 10 sessions. For full course details and booking contact James at: 01935 817651 jamesbudden@btinternet.com _________________________ Wednesday 13th Sherborne Flicks - 45 Years

Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne £6 from Sherborne TIC www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

_________________________ Saturday 16th Butterfly Conservation Action Day

Terrace Fields, Sherborne 01963 23559 / 07981 776767 nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk

_________________________ Saturday 16th Book Fair

Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne. 9:30am-4pm 01803 613356

_________________________

Wednesday 20th 7.15pm Film Night – Everest (PG-13)

The Queens Arms, Corton Denham. 01963 220317 www.thequeensarms.com

_________________________ Sunday 17th Kokoro - The new music ensemble of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Dorchester Corn Exchange 3.00pm (doors and bar 2:30pm).

01305 265840 www.bsolive.com, www. dorchestercornexchange.com

_________________________ Saturday 23rd Auction of Pictures, Books, Beswick, Antiques and Interiors

Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers, Sherborne www.charterhouse-auction.com.

01935 812277

_________________________ Sunday 24th 7.00pm Burns Night

The Queens Arms, Corton Denham

_________________________ Sunday 31st Simon Weston My Life: My Story

Dorchester Corn Exchange.

7.30pm (doors and bar 7pm). £16/£14 members and concessions. The Falklands was the conflict of a generation and one that many will never forget.

JANUARY 2016 For the first time ever Simon is taking to the stage to tell his story – with no holds barred.

01305 265840 www.dorchestercornexchange.com

_________________________ Sunday 31st Sherborne Young Musician 2016 entries close

If you are a teenage instrumentalist or singer then we would love you to take part in the Sherborne Young Musician.

You need to be at or above grade 6 ABRSM or equivalent. The first event will be on 12 March on Sherborne followed by an all-expenses paid festival in July in Slovakia for the best 5 soloists from March. Disciplines are Woodwind, Strings, Brass, Piano and Voice. For details and an application form please contact: 07825 152251 kevin.waterfall@btinternet.com. _________________________

Workshops _________________________

Butterfly Bright Workshops throughout January. Patchwork/ quilting, sewing, jewellery, embroidery, cake decorating, ceramic buttons, paper cutting, 81 Cheap Street, Sherborne 01935 817303. www.butterflybright.co.uk

_________________________

Winter Landscape Photography Workshop with Stephen Spraggon Saturday 16th, 10.00am 4.00pm, Hauser & Wirth Somerset 01749 814060. www.hauserwirthsomerset.com

_________________________

Markets _________________________

Pannier Market Every Thursday and Saturday on the Parade

Sherborne RFC _________________________ Saturday 9th 2.15pm A Marlborough v Sherborne _________________________ Saturday 16th 12.15pm H Sherborne v Walcot _________________________ Saturday 23rd 2.15pm H Sherborne v North Dorset _________________________ Saturday 30th 2.15pm H Sherborne v Royal Wootton Bassett _________________________

_________________________

Country Market Thursday mornings, 9.15am-11.15am, Church Hall, Digby Road

_________________________

Saturday Antiques & Flea Market Every 4th Saturday, 9am-4pm (exc. April and December), Church Hall, Digby Road

_________________________

Monthly Book Fair Every third Saturday, 9:30am-4pm Church Hall, Digby Road

_________________________

Big Little Market Every fourth Sunday, 11am-4pm, Digby Hall, Hound Street

_________________________

Vintage Market Last Saturday of every month, 08.30am to 3.30pm, Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Rd

_________________________

Sherborne Town FC _________________________ Saturday 2nd A Cadbury Heath FC v Sherborne Town FC _________________________ Saturday 9th H Sherborne Town FC v Hallen FC _________________________ Saturday 16th H Sherborne Town FC v Welton Rovers FC _________________________ Saturday 23rd A Clevedon Town FC v Sherborne Town FC _________________________ Saturday 30th A Winterbourne United FC v Sherborne Town FC _________________________

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 7

UNEARTHED Unearthed is a new regular feature recognising and championing emerging young talent - be it creative, academic, sporting, entrepreneurial or otherwise.

Send your stories to editor@sherbornetimes.co.uk

JAMIE ROBINSON Aged 10, Sherborne Prep

Y

ou have to admire the drive of 10 year old Jamie Robinson. Not content with competing at first team level for Sherborne Prep in hockey, rugby and cricket, Jamie tried his hand at the somewhat gruelling challenge of biathle events - the continuous transition of a 500m run, to a 50m swim, to another 500m run.

Competing his way successfully through the regional and national events ensured Jamie’s qualification into both the European and World championships. Following a team silver at the World event in Georgia, Jamie went on to pick up 3 gold medals at the recent European championships in Turkey.

Jamie’s training regime of 11 hours swimming and running each week certainly isn’t every 10 year old boy’s idea of fun, but then not every 10 year old boy represents their country and brings home 3 gold medals in the process!

KATHARINE DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY Portrait, lifestyle, PR and editorial commissions 07808 400083 info@katharinedaviesphotography.co.uk www.katharinedaviesphotography.co.uk

8 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

The Only Estate Agent in Sherborne that’s open Anita and Paul Branch Directors EweMove We work harder to sell or let your home. To request a FREE Market or Rent Appraisal, visit: Sherborne EweMove.com/Sherborne or call Anita or Paul on 01935 350 350

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Rent Your House in Days and Save ££Hundreds with our Baa-rilliant

FREE

* Find

Tenant

Find Out What Your Home is Really Worth

Get a FREE Instant Valuation Report Using our quick, online tool!

Visit EweMove.com/Sherborne

W e ' r ne ope 24/7!

Scotland

Part of the EweMove Flock

01935 350 350 “

“I’m Speechless”

"

*Subject to a twelve month property Management agreement

North East

Yorkshire and the Humber

North West

East Midlands West Midlands

Wales South West

“Am

azi

lettings lettings agency agency

East of England

5 STAR

South East

ng”

“ In c r e d ib

le ”

Tenant Vetting Process

Ian Snow cushion, £18 Melbury Gallery

Wallace & Sewell scarf, £110 Melbury Gallery

Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks, £13.50 Midwest The Stationers

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT Elly Vvaller, fashion & interiors stylist and creative director at boutique stationery brand Dear to Me, takes us shopping in Sherborne.

This month we’re seeking out hidden treasures and embracing all things bright, bold and beautiful.

10 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Star Friendship bracelet, £25 HiHo

Jessica nail varnish, £6.95 Margaret Balfour

Fur Pom Pom keyring, £25 The Circus

Merchant & Mills repair kit, £15 Butterfly Bright

Pack of six constellation notecards and envelopes, £12 Dear To Me, Fine Stationery www.deartome.co.uk

Beetle jewelled brooch, from £45

The Circus

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 11

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER FREE NYR ORGANIC SKIN CONSULTATION AND MINI FACIAL to the first 25 readers to register in store at The Sherborne Rooms

plus

WIN A POT OF NYR ORGANIC AWARD WINNING FRANKINCENSE INTENSE CREAM, WORTH £55 To enter, simply register your email address at The Sherborne Rooms Entry closes on 31st January 2016

56 Cheap Street. Tel: 01935 507290

12 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

OUR CAR INSURANCE ISN’T ON COMPARISON WEBSITES Because the right car insurance for you starts with the right conversation with us.

Call 01935 813 285 for a quote or pop in NFU Mutual Branch, Roberts Court, Digby Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LB

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER Sally Welbourn, Dorset Wildlife Trust

On the afternoon of a cold and dry winter’s day, the sky may darken and suddenly a deafening harmony of chitter chatter will fill the air. One of wildlife’s most spectacular winter sights is approaching – a swooping and swirling flock of birds.

W

inter is the best time of year to put on a hat, scarf and gloves and head out to see a huge variety of migrating and flocking birds. Our winter visitors will include birds from Eastern Europe and even species from

14 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

the far northern regions, such as redwings and fieldfares from Scandinavia. Whilst starlings are a common sight in the UK, not all are residents, so the sight of a ‘murmuration’ of starlings during the winter is still a very special sight.

Why does this happen? Birds can move easily and quickly, so they make the most of an annual trip to the UK, with an abundance of food and a warmer climate to enjoy.

Flocks of birds display advanced social skills, which will help ensure their survival at this time of year. The main advantage of a large flock of birds is safety in numbers – they can distract predators with the sheer size of the group, mesmerising potential threats and distracting them from preying on individuals in the flock. Large groups of birds also stay warm and hunt together, increasing their chances of success and survival.

Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves are an excellent place to witness these special wildlife sights this

winter, but you are just as likely to see some great wildlife activity in your own garden. Leaving food and water out for birds this time of year can make up an essential part of their diet and it’s also advised to avoid cutting hedges or Ivy until the end of winter as the berries provide birds with food and the greenery provides shelter.

Murmurations are one of the best winter wildlife spectacles on offer and most people searching for flocks of migrating birds won’t be disappointed this time of year.

Find out more about DWT reserves at: www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves and share your photos and videos with us at: www.facebook.com/ dorsetwildlife or www.twitter.com/dorsetwildlife

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 15

The Joinery Works, Alweston Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5HS Tel: 01963 23219 Fax: 01963 23053 Email: info@fcuffandsons.co.uk

www.fcuffandsons.co.uk

DESIGNERS AND MAKERS OF BEAUTIFUL FINE BESPOKE JOINERY SINCE 1897

THE BEAUTY OF TREES Gillian M Constable, Dorset Wildlife Trust

I

write in early December, yet to reach the shortest day, and there are hints of spring. Several late winter flowering shrubs are already in flower and I have seen 6 Iris unguicularis flowers outside the Sherborne School sports centre. I spotted the first two weeks back; a promise of better days already.

Last year they continued to flower for months.

In winter we can see the structural beauty of trees; the solid, majestic Oaks, the tall, thin Ash trees and the Willows trailing everywhere. ‘The Great Trees of Dorset’ written by 2 DWT staff has a list of 35 of our county’s great trees. Judge Wyndham’s Oak, at Silton, is a magnificent specimen. Holwell’s Oak, (pictured), in Stony Lane is listed and stands proud. Already the flowering parts of the trees are forming. The catkins, male flowers, on Hazel are visible but the tiny, red female flowers are difficult to spot even in the spring.

In a lecture about trees my attention focused on comments about Ash trees; some trees bearing only male flowers, some only female and some possibly a mixture, and then the final comment

- it is possible for a tree to change sex. In early November the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire, estimated to be 5000 years old, hit the headlines.

It had always been recorded as a male tree, never a fleshy, red aril to be seen. This year 3 red arils have been spotted and this led to ‘interesting’ press reports and even a mention in The Economist. The botanists say Yews have been known to do this before and is possibly due to environmental stress.

Are you feeling in need of some post-Christmas outdoor work benefitting wildlife? How about joining one of the Conservation Action Days organised by Butterfly Conservation (Dorset group)? There is one on 16th January at the Terrace Fields Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). See www.dorsetbutterflies.com for more details of this and other Action Days.

Sherborne’s DWT January meeting, 20th 7.30 in Digby Memorial Hall, is titled ‘Antarctica; Wildlife and Explorers’ Huts’. Our speaker, retired molecular biologist and author, Roger Hull relates experiences from 24 days on a Russian icebreaker. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 17

"Imagine a car that costs peanuts to run, never needs filling up and can be parked for free" 18 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

CYCLE SHERBORNE Peter Henshaw, Dorset Cyclists Network Mike Riley, Riley’s Cycles

S

herborne is a lovely place to cycle, it really is.

Well, as long as you avoid the A30 at rush hour and Bristol Road or Lenthay Road at school run times. It’s compact enough to cycle right across in 10 minutes (make that 15 after a good lunch at the Digby Tap), is surrounded by lovely countryside and some very quiet roads.

In this column, Mike Riley of Riley’s Cycles and I will be taking a look at what it’s like to cycle around town and its hinterland. We’ll have suggested routes and destinations – the best roads and tracks to ride, the most inviting cafes and pubs to visit. There will be advice on safer cycling, maintenance and we’ll also be touching on some of the more prickly issues around traffic, congestion and potential car-free routes.

Cycling can be sociable.

Dorset Cyclists Network (of which Anna Finch and I are the Sherborne reps), the forthcoming Sherborne Cycling Club and the Bradford Abbas cycling group all have (or will have) regular rides which between them cater for all speed and abilities, whether you want a fast road run, to get muddy on a mountain bike or a more gentle re-introduction to cycling.

This is all great fun but cycling is also a practical means of getting around. Imagine a car that costs peanuts to run, never needs filling up and can be parked for free outside any shop in town (as long as you’re not blocking the pavement). It doesn’t exist of course, but the average bicycle does all of that.

Let’s take a typical Thursday morning. I live right on the edge of town, but a quick five-minute ride sees me past Riley’s Cycles, stopping at the Country Market. Park right outside the hall

(there’s a handy tree if the cycle stands are full) to pick up cheese, butter, eggs and one of Jo Osment’s legendary ginger cakes. Nip round to the bottom of Cheap Street, and park next to the Conduit to load up from the fruit and veg stall. Then push up Cheap Street to the butcher and baker before heading home.

Put like that, it all sounds a bit hectic, but it’s easy on a bike. Even easier if you have electric assistance on the way home, and we’ll be covering the whole issue of electric bikes in a future column.

Having read this far, you probably have a bike in the garage, or maybe you’re thinking of buying one. Even better, maybe you’ve been given a brand spanking new one for Christmas?

Whatever it is, there’s no need to wait until spring before going for a ride. The walkers don’t, so why should cyclists?

But you will need some warm and waterproof gear. At the very least, a decent jacket which gives you freedom to move and make hand signals. Gloves are another must, unless you have cast-iron hands. Helmets are a matter of personal choice, but I never go out without hi-vis of some sort – you can now buy tailored hi-vis which fit well. Much more of this and hi-vis will become the new black!

And lights. Remember the old Ever Readys?

They weighed a ton, got through single-use batteries like there was no tomorrow and had all the candlepower of an adolescent glowworm on a bad day. Modern LED lights are cheap, lightweight and the batteries last for yonks, so there’s no excuse for not being seen. Once upon a time, the Ritz was the place to see and be seen.

Now it’s Long Street on a bike.

"there’s no need to wait until spring before going for a ride"

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 19

FRESH BEGINNINGS

Annie Gent, Head of Pastoral Care, Sherborne Prep School

As a parent of young children myself and despite all the excitement and joy it brings, it is with almost a sigh of relief that the chaos of Christmas ends and the chance to start afresh glints in the winter sunlight.

20 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

C

hildren are wonderful creatures – often frustrating and hilarious in equal measure and are no doubt, in my mind, the most delightful companions to work with on a daily basis. This New Year we will spend time at schools going through New Year resolutions, talking about how lucky we were at Christmas and generally feeling over satiated by the festive season. The chance to set ourselves targets in January is always so tempting, although national statistics suggest under 50% actually maintain their resolutions past the initial month of good intention!

However, the start of a new year does offer us the opportunity to change – to move forward, to better ourselves. We like this chance to ‘start over’, to rediscover our inner selves, to stop eating chocolate every night or only stick to the odd glass of wine. Children from a young age will come bounding in to school telling their teachers that this year they will be spelling every single word correctly; will never, ever forget to do their homework or will limit themselves to one pudding per week (something that is impossible to manage at our school!). It is wonderful that we aspire to seek perfection and to be a model citizen but we are all human and therefore by nature we are flawed.

Somehow that is really what makes us so special. If we can learn to recognise our weaknesses, we will hopefully persevere to become the people we aspire to be.

We must allow our children to go through this process. They will fail. Things will not always go their way and they will

We need to encourage our children to live their lives

make mistakes, but this is life, and a very important part of growing up.

If we are never allowed to fall, how will we ever learn to fly? The job of parents and teachers is becoming more challenging as children expect more, as they live in a world of instant gratification, and we are all playing catch up. The truth remains though, that children thrive on consistency, firmness and fairness - all of which are simple, effective and cost nothing.

A balance between celebrating the successes and the not so positive outcomes as learning opportunities creates mindful, independent and aware children who grow into positive and active members of the community.

Carol Dweck, one of the world’s leading researchers and authors in the field of motivation and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, coined the terms ‘Not Yet’ and ‘Growth Mindset’. The author entreats us to allow our children to grow at their own pace, to be proud of what they achieve but to remain humble and thoughtful towards others.

We need to encourage our children to live their lives, not by a series of empty platitudes or shallow rewards, but by embracing the joy that is to be found within the more intangible things in life, such as family, friendship, generosity, altruism, kindness and perseverance. It is our job as educators and parents to provide a solid foundation for children not to mollycoddle and fight every battle for them but to give them the tools to face any small adversities head on, thus developing strength of mind in readiness for the challenges they may face later in life.

It is our privilege and our responsibility as parents and educators, to nurture all those children in our care, to bring out their individuality and their unique talents, because our love affection and hard work today will shape the generation of tomorrow. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 21

TWEED STITCH PURSE Alison Nurton, Butterfly Bright

J

anuary is a time for organising yourself for the year ahead and what better project to start you off with than a purse to keep your crochet hooks in. You can line it with fabric if you like and make several in a variety of colours to keep different things in.

Supplies:

6mm Knitting needles 3 balls Debbie Bliss Rialto Chunky one each in colour 43010 (pale blue) (A), colour 43011 (teal) (B), and colour 43007 (mustard) (C) A co-ordinating button Tapestry needle to sew up Abbreviations

RS – right side WS – wrong side Sl – slip Yf – yarn forward Yb – yarn back

Offer Special is article quote th ff any %o to get 10 ss yarn Bli Debbie ary out Janu through

Method

Starting row. Cast on 43 stitches, set up row (WS) using colour A, Purl.

Row 1:(RS) Using B, Knit 1, *yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, Knit 1*, repeat from * to end.

Row 2: (WS) Using C, Knit 1, Purl 1 ,*yb, sl1 purlwise, yf, Purl 1*, repeat from * to last stitch, Knit 1.

Row 3: Using A repeat row 1 Row 4: Using B repeat row 2 Row 5: Using C repeat row 1 Row 6: Using A repeat row 2 repeat from row 1 until work measures 28cm and cast off.

Fold the bottom edge up (keeping wrong sides together) with approx 5 cm left over to create the lid of the purse, and sew up each side. Make a button loop with the spare yarn (I crocheted a chain and sewed it on) and sew on a button.

22 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

ps: Please note that from 1st January we are moving!

You can find us upstairs at 81 Cheap Street above Abbey Brides. Read more about our move at www.butterflybright.com

DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST

H azlegrove P re -P reP Join our Squirrels for pre-school fun...

Sing and Dance on Tuesdays and Parent and Toddler Group on Wednesdays ‘If you can talk you can sing, if you can walk you can dance.’

Zimbabwean proverb

Do please come and visit us to find out more about Hazlegrove.

Next Open Mornings Tuesday 2 February and Saturday 6 February at 11am For more information call Sarah-Jane on 01963 442606

Hazlegrove, Sparkford BA22 7JA www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 23

PLANNING AHEAD Alan Dodge, Bailey Ridge

Looking out over your garden during these quiet winter months do you find yourself pining for what was, or imagining what could be?

24 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Y

our garden’s downtime and these cold, dark months might not be immediately conducive to thoughts of laying on a soft lawn, sun on your face, or tending the barbecue, cold drink in hand, but it is in fact the best time to be planning for it. With skeletal winter gardens we are presented with a bare framework, a blank canvas and time - time to plan, design and research. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!”

New ideas need time to be carefully thought through, a new tree may provide the shade you want on the terrace in summer but will it block a particularly pleasant view of the garden from the house? Extending the patio will give more space for outdoor living but will it upset the proportions of the garden? And so on. Here I write about my approach to most projects I am asked to work on.

To give you an idea of the time involved, I think the quickest turn-around I have managed to design

a small garden in is 3 weeks. So please do not call in early March and expect a design within a week and the landscaping completed before Easter!

As a designer you tread a very fine line creating someone else’s garden. At the end of the day you are a facilitator, getting your client from A to B using your experience, knowledge and judgement to crystallise their ideas into a practical and attractive garden.

As I drive to a new project I am already taking in the geography of the surrounding area, the property’s setting and mentally noting the type of planting that is used and thriving locally. It is important, but not essential, that a new garden fits in. My first meeting is all about looking and listening, looking at what we have to work with and listening to my client's ideas.

This is where a folder of images and ideas is so useful. “Pictures speak a thousand words” and it can be a great insight into not only my customer’s likes but also dislikes. Knowing what you have to work with is the baseline for your design. There are companies who will survey your property for you with all the latest satellite gizmos but I prefer to do this myself using a tape measure and optical level. The reason is simple, by scrabbling around the garden you get to know it much better, you discover all the nooks and crannies and invariably find one or two points which need clarifying. A set of photographs from various angles are invaluable when you may be 30 miles away in your studio, a compass reading of where north lies and it’s off to the drawing board.

Yes, I still use a traditional drawing board.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages for garden design do exist and are great for making changes to existing designs, reproduction and even e-mailing around the world, but having been taught to use pencil and paper as an engineer, understanding the geometry of the design helps me visualise what is going on and, more importantly, how it will be put together. Once the findings of the survey have been marked, I usually work to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 for larger gardens, and the position of all relevant features, i.e. existing trees, walls, gates etc. are plotted, the fun begins!

Where do you start? A question which I have asked myself many times in my formative years but less so now as experience has taught me that my own Computer Aided Design package, “my brain”, has already been working on the design in the background! It’s a good idea to read through the notes from your meeting and display any visual images given to you along with the “as is” photographs you’ve taken. The first consideration must be what overall “style” of garden you will be creating; this decision will be partly dictated by the style which suits the property and its setting, and of course your clients own personal taste.

Styles range from Formal, Country, Cottage, Mediterranean, Tropical, Japanese, Woodland, Town, Modern, Contemporary, or a combination, at one time it was thought rigid boundaries existed but today elements of several styles can sit comfortably within the “main” style. The secret is of course, in the design!

To start with do not get too hung up about detail, think on a very broad scale and don’t be afraid to sketch basic shapes of various elements onto the plan. If working to a formal style, sketch formal shapes, squares, rectangles and circles, if it is a more relaxed style, use free hand curves as well. This will be a testing time! You are putting together a multidimensional jigsaw puzzle of length, breadth, and height as well as colour, texture, seasonality and exposure to the elements, to name but seven! Viewing the garden in “plan” view helps reduce the conundrum temporarily to two main variables, width and breadth, providing of course the rest, and particularly height, are eventually considered, especially where there are level changes. If you are designing your own garden don’t expect the solution to leap off the page at you straight away, you cannot force creativity.

I find on some days ideas pour onto the paper yet on others nothing seems to work, in which case, leave it for a while and research some inspiration… only one glass, mind!

Next Month: Designing Your Garden, The Layout Plan www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 25

"It was 1993 and Starbucks were having a ball" 26 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

READS COFFEE ROASTERS Words Eliza Adams, Glen Cheyne Photography Katharine Davies, Emma Lewis

W

riting about a rural coffee roasting business could easily slip into a Dorsety-Worsety tome of work-life balance and the artisan dream. It could be a perambulation into the craft of coffee roasting or a how-to guide designed to educate you in the fine art of brewing.

In this, our inaugural feature, we’re setting out our stall by tugging at the threads others leave untugged. This, dear reader, is a love story.

A visit to Reads Coffee Roasters, where I am to meet founders Giles and Charlotte Dick-Read, takes me to the western edge of Sherborne and to a beautiful old house presiding over Limekiln Farm. Horses stand ready in ramshackle stables, the organic dairy herd watch from a distance and Badger the (black and white) cat welcomes you in.

Behind the front door, requiring a hefty shove, are the Dick-Reads, a family going about their day in the way that families do. A house full of teenagers, dogs and all that goes with it appears somehow, to flow effortlessly alongside the demands and distractions of running a business. >

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 27

I am quick to assume that this scene had been carefully stage managed for my benefit but after only a short time in Giles and Charlotte’s company I come to realise that family is clearly their first priority. The organic growth of their coffee roasting business seems to have happened without contrivance or calculation. It is motivated by the simple desire to be together as a family. From this foundation Giles and Charlotte have shaped their careers around a common interest and one that enabled them to build a business from home.

Having known each other since childhood, Giles and Charlotte balance each other professionally and personally. The friendship of their youth eventually blossomed into romance just as Giles, weary of London, decided to fly to Vancouver for a year of self-discovery. After leaving his Canada base to tour the west coast, Giles found himself working at the centre of the coffee culture explosion. It was 1993, coffee shops were appearing on every corner and Starbucks were having a ball, opening an average of two new shops every day.

Back in London meanwhile, Charlotte, working with Café Rouge, was contending with life in the coffee dark ages. Weekly transatlantic telephone conversations inevitably turned to the topic of coffee with Charlotte, relaying news of suppliers and roasters. The stateside thirst for speciality coffee was yet to be echoed here and the UK industry was lagging behind the couple’s shared knowledge and enthusiasm. Having immersed himself in the science, philosophy and business of coffee, Giles returned to London and promptly established himself as Pret A Manger’s first “Coffee Guy”. He trained their baristas and introduced systems that would contribute significantly to the company’s success.

Giles and Charlotte married, and settled for some years at a cottage in Oxfordshire. With space on a nearby farm available to him, Giles bought his first roasting machine - a beautiful, shining red Ambex 15 kilo that he strokes affectionately while recollecting his early experimentations.

Back then, for Giles, roasting coffee beans was a hobby, something to fit in around his day job.

This unassuming workhorse of a machine however enabled them to explore the viability of roasting professionally and has remained their sole roaster until only very recently.

28 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

The three Dick-Read children have the artful flair of an experienced barista and the patter of seasoned traders

A growing family then gave purpose to the couple’s relocation to Sherborne. Here they would be close to both sets of parents and embrace a slower pace of life. By now established as something of an industry expert, Giles was often called upon to train baristas across the UK and advise companies on the implementation and use of technologies.

Giles and Charlotte’s parallel paths through the coffee industry, a shared interest and common value has somewhat inevitably culminated in them running a thriving coffee roasting company of their own. Far from the clattering coffee house energy of London and California where they began carving

their niche, I find myself at their kitchen table, drinking coffee, surrounded by the paraphernalia of everyday life and begin to feel rather at home.

It might just be the Aga of course but there is a genuine warmth here and it is extended to the regular flow of visitors dropping in to pick up their bags of freshly roasted beans.

After coffee I am given the tour. Eager springer spaniels leading the way, we take a gentle trot from the farmhouse to the adjoining office, then onto the roasting barn. Giles hauls open a huge sliding door which makes for an appropriately dramatic entrance into his domain. Then, the smell. Oh, the smell. A heavy, heady, intoxicating rush of warm > www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 29

Giles and Charlotte have shaped their careers around a common interest air floods over me. It’s almost tangible and I can’t help but draw long deep breaths. The faithful Ambex still present is now dwarfed by a very serious looking piece of engineering - the Probat P25 Mk2, a Teutonic powerhouse and the first of its kind in the UK. Giles leads me past rows of hessian sacks containing a range of beans sourced from various specialist growers. He still insists on collecting the shipments of beans in person from Tilbury docks. Giles is excited by the arrival of a new Kenyan bean that forms today’s roasting schedule; he cuts opens the sack, his first experience of this particular bean and the scent just bursts free. It can only be described as ‘green’ – a blend of freshly mown grass, podded peas and springtime woodland walks. Giles smiles as he runs his fingers through the raw beans, musing on 30 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

the method of roast he has planned for them.

Part of Giles’ remit as a consultant to the coffee industry is ensuring that companies understand how to get the best out of their chosen machine.

Whether that be bean-to-cup vending machines in service stations, or the top end, hand grinding artisans. Giles is keen to point out that what they create at Reads is a high quality ingredient, one which can be used and misused like any other.

“It’s not my place to tell people how to drink their coffee, some like a straight cup of espresso, others want it milky with two sugars and I think it’s important to encourage people to drink what they like. But I do want to help people understand the science of coffee and that by applying this understanding they can make a consistently and notably better end product.”

Back outside, it’s easy to overlook the vintage grey horse-box at rest in a corner of the yard, as an ageing feature of the Lime Kiln farmstead. It is however a gem of a conversion that the whole family pile into to sell their coffee at festivals, fairs and events throughout the South West. The three Dick-Read children already have the artful flair of an experienced barista and the patter of seasoned traders. These family outings can see them serving upwards of 600 cups a day. That’s a lot of coffee but their collective attention to detail never waivers.

They have been trained by one of the best in the business and know that even with the best beans, it can go easily wrong.

To call this a lifestyle business doesn’t really do it justice. Giles and Charlotte work incredibly hard whilst somehow managing to make it

look effortless. Both fondly claim the other is the driving factor behind their success but this is clearly a joint effort, not just from Giles and Charlotte, but the whole Dick-Read family.

As our time draws to an end, Charlotte and their eldest daughter leave to tend the horses while Giles walks me to my car. Looking back at the farmhouse and already missing it, I comment on how perfect this is. He looks around and takes it in as if seeing it for the first time. “Sometimes we are so consumed with running the business and juggling family life that we forget to look up. But when we do we are very quickly reminded of just how lucky we are to be here, together as a family, doing something we love.” www.readscoffee.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 31

SEVILLE ORANGES Lisa Osman, All Hallows Farmhouse, School for Cooks & Makers

T

he marmalade season has begun! This timely arrival of Seville oranges and their bitter acidity is the perfect remedy to cut through the excesses of the festive season. There cannot be a more anticipated fruit that arrives on our shores. The Seville brings warmth and sunshine to our kitchen table. A fresh beginning as we anticipate the year ahead.

Personally I love the positivity and excitement as I select the very first fruit from the greengrocer's shelf. It is reminiscent of welcoming back an old friend with your arms wide open and a smile on your face while relishing the opportunity to revisit all of our favourite recipes together.

Sevilles have a very short season from December until late February.

They are widely used for making classic marmalade. Select firm fruit that are free from blemishes. Look for a bright orange skin that has a beautiful citrus aroma. Cut their tough skin in half and you should discover lots of pips. Whilst these bitter oranges are recognised as our favourite marmalade ingredient, celebrate their sharpness and use the juice to replace a squeeze of lemon while you can.

reserve expert Vivien Lloyd advises that P 1kg of fruit should yield 3kg of marmalade.

Meet Vivien at our farmhouse cookery school this February when she will teach you the skills of making this traditional preserve. www.allhallowsfarmhouse.co.uk Always use cane sugar to make marmalade and we select organic fruit from Ave Maria for the best results.

Sevilles don’t keep particularly well but you can freeze whole fruit to preserve throughout the year.

Give yourself plenty of time when preserving.

It is not a process to be rushed but the stages can be spread over two days.

32 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

COOKS TIPS You cannot beat homemade marmalade spread thickly on toast but don’t just save it to start the day.

Add a generous tablespoon to your favourite gingerbread recipe.

Mix with a little orange juice and brandy as a quick sauce for duck or pancakes.

Spread a generous layer of homemade marmalade on the base of a pastry case.

Top with egg custard and bake slowly until set for a rich dessert.

Mix with mustard and use to glaze a gammon ham.

Katharine Davies

OTHER SEASONAL TREATS Sprout tops

hred finely, stir fry S with lardons of smoked bacon and serve with toasted pine nuts.

Roughly chop and wilt in a saucepan with 3 tablespoons of water and 50g of melted butter. Cook over a high heat and continually toss the chopped leaves as they wilt. Drain, season and serve immediately.

Jerusalem artichokes

crub well and slice S into 1cm rounds, coat in olive oil and chopped rosemary.

Roast until tender.

Serve as a purĂŠe with game or make into soup with homemade chicken stock.

Combine with sliced potato to make a gratin.

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 33

From our table to yours Delicious, frozen ready meals, made in Sherborne using only the very best local ingredients Free local delivery on orders over ÂŁ15* Available from Sabins Deli, Sherborne, Trenchermans, Compton Park, Sherborne, The Village Stores, Charlton Horethorne and Bishops Caundle Community Stores Order by phone on 01935 816037 or email info@olives-kitchen.co.uk View our product range online at www.olives-kitchen.co.uk *Free delivery available within all DT9 postcodes

Same Auld, Same Auld?

For a fresh take on your accounts, speak to Hunts.

The Old Pump House, Oborne Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3RX T: 01935 815008 E: info@huntsaccountants.co.uk @Hunts_Sherborne W: huntsaccountants.co.uk

34 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

COFFEE BREAK

DUCK WITH ORANGE SAUCE Sasha Matkevich, The Green

The Bakery Café 1 The Green, Sherborne, DT9 3HY 01935 813264 The-Bakery-Cafe @BakerycafeS Kafe Fontana 82 Cheap Street, Sherborne DT9 3BJ 01935 812180 kafefontana @kafefontana www.kafefontana.co.uk Oliver’s Coffee House 19 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PU 01935 815005 Olivers-Coffee-House @OliversSherbs www.oliverscoffeehouse.co.uk Old School Gallery Boyle’s Old School, High Street, Yetminster, DT9 6LF 01935 872761 www.yetminstergallery.co.uk The Pear Tree 4 Half Moon Street, Sherborne, DT9 3LN 01935 812828 @peartreedeli www.peartreedeli.co.uk Sabins Deli 5 Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3HY 01935 816037 @SabinsDeli www.sabins.co.uk Zest Cafe 1 Abbey Road, Sherborne, DT9 3LE 01935 389192 www.fourleafcloverclub.org.uk

Sasha Matkevich, owner and head chef at The Green offers his take on our orange theme with a gorgeously sweet and easy to prepare Duck with Orange Sauce.

Duck with Orange Sauce

Serves 6

4 tbsp. red wine vinegar 700ml veal stock 300g duck wings (chopped) Juice of 4 oranges Zest of 4 oranges (blanched) 45g caster sugar Cook the sugar, vinegar and orange juice in a frying pan on a low heat to a golden caramel.

Add your veal stock and bring to the boil. Add the chopped duck wings and again bring to the boil. Lower the heat and cook for 25 mins. Pass the sauce through a sieve and season to taste. Add orange zest and serve. Alternatively store in the fridge without zest and add when ready to serve. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 35

A FINE VINTAGE Richard Bromell ASFAV, Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers

I must confess to being a complete car nut.

In fact, anything which has wheels and an engine, although I am probably safer in something with four (or more) wheels rather than two.

1930 Rolls Royce Brooklands Special ÂŁ18,000-22,000 36 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

1953 Austin Healey 100, current owner for over 40 years and which delivered Santa Claus to a Somerset village school for many years £44,000-48,000

A

bout 15 years ago a client approached us to sell some of the contents of her house near Crewkerne. Her husband had passed away and over the decades they had been together, he had amassed a huge collection of paintings, furniture, books and ceramics. He also collected classic and vintage cars and it was these which gave the lady the biggest problem – what would she do with them? And so we conducted our first classic and vintage car auction.

It was hugely exciting clearing out the barns which stored all the cars and motorcycles, once we had got past the Heath Robinson security measures!

As a schoolboy, I imagined every barn had a vintage Bentley in it, waiting for me to discover it, but in reality, it is usually just old scrap metal.

Moving forward 15 years and our classic car and motorcycle division has developed into a leading specialist department. We travel extensively to see a wide variety of cars and motorcycles, with no two cars and clients ever being the same.

Recently we have been instructed to sell a collection of motorcycles from a Devon estate.

The deceased gentleman had collected nearly 20 classic British motorcycles with a view to restoring them in his retirement. In reality, he bought the bikes and stripped them down pending further

restoration, so we now have a giant jigsaw puzzle of engines, frames, gearboxes and wheels to put together, not aided by the fact many of them were stored in his flat which happened to be on the first floor of the property – whether or not he ever rode any of the bikes up and down the stairs we will never know, but the collection is estimated at up to £30,000 when it goes under the hammer on Sunday 7th February.

A week after this classic motorcycle auction is our classic car auction. This time we have a collection of cars from an estate, again near Crewkerne! These vehicles are in an altogether better state, having all been enjoyed on the open road recently. Included in the collection are a trio of stately Rolls Royce motor cars comprising a 1960 Silver Cloud II, a 1930 Brooklands Special and a Silver Shadow.

Also looking for a new home in the auction is a 1953 Healey 100, which has been in the same ownership for over 40 years. The Somerset owner restored the car in 1976 and has used it on a regular but sparing basis ever since, covering less than 70,000 in 6 decades. For many years, this sports car also had the honour of driving Santa Claus to the village school to deliver the presents, no doubt giving the reindeer a break at a busy time of the year! www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 37

HAPPY HELLOES

Mark Newton-Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership

It's been another busy month at both clinics with lots of happy helloes to new puppies and kittens and a few sad goodbyes to much loved older pets.

W

elcoming in the next generation of canine and feline companions gives everyone at the surgery great pleasure, following their progress through early development into maturity. We are even happier when we know the match between animal and human is compatible. We must remember that most dog breeds were developed to fulfil a purpose, to work for their living. Nowadays, these natural working dogs are expected to become household pets and behave accordingly despite their hunting/gathering genetics. So if you are planning a new canine addition to your household in 2016, give us a call for a chat about the various breeds and we will try to match them to your lifestyle.

Cats are a little different! Non-pedigree moggies are out-bred and so have genetic diversity and therefore general pussy-cat characteristics.

The pedigrees have very special and unique characteristics which, like pure-bred dogs, are fairly predictable. I have always wanted one of the Asian breeds but have always ended up rehoming strays or semi-feral cats brought into the clinic. The individual personalities of these cats make them so rewarding as pets, if a little quirky. Rehoming cats is usually very easy as they invariably settle into their new families very quickly, providing no other cats are there already. Rescued dogs can be more of a challenge, depending on their history, so it is even more important to consider whether the breed is appropriate to your lifestyle and domestic situation. We strongly encourage the adoption of homeless pets but it must be done with some 38 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

forward planning! Let’s hope this January does not see an upsurge in animals looking for new homes, as we know a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

Writing this little article at the end of November, I have no idea what the weather will be like in six weeks’ time (or in six days’ time, come to that). If it’s snow and ice, expect your cats to camp out in the warmest part of the house and refuse to go out at all. If so, the necessary evil of litter trays becomes an issue so remember the rule of one per cat plus one, with the option of a cover. Like most of us, cats like a little privacy and so think about where you position your trays and the type of substrate used. At the practice we use a recycled paper litter that is excellent but you might need to experiment to find out what suits. Avoid the dusty, hard granular varieties as they have been linked to feline asthma. Dogs respond to cold depending on their breed; my Border terrier, Trilby, saw snow for the first time when he was about 3 years’ old and was so delighted by it he could hardly contain himself. Can a love of snow be inherited? Hard to believe but the breed was developed for the northern borders of England and he’s certainly hairy enough. Some people think he and I look alike! Anyway, if you are out with your dog in the snow this winter, just think of what might lie beneath the surface, hidden from view. To my disappointment, there is still a lot of redundant barbed wire out there trailing on the ground.

Lastly, may we wish you all a very happy and peaceful 2016 and we look forward to seeing you at Swan House or Wyndham Hill.

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 39

BOVINE LAMENESS Gemma Loader BVetMed MRCVS, The Kingston Veterinary Group

Lameness is a major and increasing problem in dairy herds. Factors such as intensive farming, poor nutrition and modern genetic development are contributing to what has become a significant welfare and productivity issue. It causes great distress to the cow and has serious consequences for the farmer in terms of the herd’s performance and longevity. Here we look in more detail at the causes of lameness and the appropriate treatments.

Digital Dermatitis

Probably the most common cause of lameness.

It is caused by a bacteria and is highly infectious.

Animals can act as carriers of the disease and spread infection, without showing any clinical signs.

Cows with digital dermatitis usually have red raw, painful lesions on the heel of the foot.

40 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Animals may shift weight onto the toe whilst walking, or shake their feet when standing.

Treatment on an individual level is to clean the foot, then apply topical antibiotic spray. If a large proportion of the herd is affected, then foot bathing is advised.

Control of digital dermatitis can be achieved by

intensive farming and poor nutrition are contributing to what has become a significant welfare and productivity issue Sole Ulcers

maintaining underfoot hygiene (e.g. removal of slurry in yards) and regular preventative foot bathing.

White Line Disease

This is a condition whereby the sole of the hoof separates from the side wall. This area of the foot is a weak point, where stones and foreign material can get trapped, and cause abscesses.

Trimming the affected area of the hoof is required to allow drainage of the infection. Some cows will require additional antibiotic and in some cases a block needs to be applied to the healthy claw allowing pressure to be taken off the affected claw.

Prevention is based around attention to cow tracks and concrete yards, whereby stones and sharp material should be avoided. Cows should not change direction or pivot rapidly, as this leads to excess force on the white line, therefore tight turns in buildings etc should be minimised.

Sole ulcers are very painful lesions and result from a pinching type effect, where infection and/or bruising forms between the sole and underlying soft tissues. These lesions are often associated with trauma. There is usually a time lag between the initial trauma and development of the lesion, as the problem starts deep in the hoof tissues and takes time for the bruising to come out. This can be up to a couple of months.

Treatment can be difficult and some lesions may never fully resolve. The aim of treatment is to relieve the pressure on the affected claw and transfer the weight onto the healthy claw. This is achieved by applying a block to the good claw, which acts to lift the claw up and take weight off the bad one. The lesions can also be trimmed to help relieve the pressure.

Reducing bruising of the sole is key to managing sole ulcers. The development of bruising is most often triggered by soft soles. Slurry and moisture and inappropriate nutrition will cause the soles to soften, so diet and hygiene need to be addressed.

Foul Of The Foot

This is another infectious cause of lameness.

The skin between the claws becomes infected by a bacteria secondary to initial damage to the tissue. The area between the claws and above the hoof becomes swollen, inflamed and often hot to touch. The area can discharge pus and some tissue may start to slough away. This condition usually produces a characteristic foul smelling odour.

The lesion should be cleaned and topical antibiotic applied. Bandaging of the foot may also be necessary.

In severe cases systemic antibiotic should be used.

Good hygiene is essential in preventing this condition. Foot bathing can also be beneficial which helps to control the bacterial population. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 41

WINTER BLUES THE HOLISTIC VIEW ON TREATMENT Dr Tim Robinson MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom, Glencairn House Clinic

We are now in the grips of winter – the cold, wet and dark is upon us. As a consequence there are many folk who get the Winter Blues, also known as SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

P

art of this is due to the hormone Melatonin naturally produced in all of us during the dark; this has a sedating effect, bringing on malaise and lethargy, all features of depression.

There are a number of strategies and remedies that reduce and / or prevent SAD. As the root cause is lack of light it makes sense to top-up your UV exposure. A winter sun holiday will help but a Light Box is more realistic and affordable! Studies have shown that 20-30 minutes in front of one on a daily basis reduces the incidence of SAD. Go ‘on-line’ to find one – they cost about £30.

Dietary measures are helpful to address SAD. Studies have shown Vitamin B, Vitamin D, the mineral Selenium and omega 3 fish oils are of benefit. A mixed balanced diet containing fruit, vegetables, nuts and grains, as well as oily fish (salmon and mackerel) will ensure adequate intake of all these food components. Vitamin D is made in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight but this is in short supply during the winter months. Top-up with a Vitamin D supplement – either alone or as part of a multi-mineral/vitamin – but don’t forget that eggs and milk are also good sources of Vitamin D. The depressive thoughts of SAD can be reversed

42 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

by taking exercise. A hearty walk, swimming, running, cycling at least 5 times per week will generate endorphins, the ‘natural high’ chemicals.

Exercising with a friend or club introduces a social element which is also a natural tonic for SAD. The herbal medicine St John’s Wort has been shown in studies to be effective in mild to moderate depression. Check with your GP that other medicines you may be taking are not going to clash with it. Homeopathic medicines are also effective through the holistic approach; the ‘whole person’ is taken into consideration in order to arrive at the prescription individualised to the patient.

If the simple measures listed do not seem to be helping, seek advice from your GP who will be able to gauge your depression. A short course of an antidepressant from the Prozac family may be needed to dig you out of the pit and get you thinking more constructively again. Talking therapies and counselling may also be needed to reverse and extinguish those negative thought patterns. With SAD you can feel very alone - but always remember you are not alone. SAD is very common and there are always friends and family who want to help.

Dodge Interiors

..for all your interior needs

Winter Sale Starts 29th December Discounts on all furniture and flooring 28 Cheap Street Sherborne DT9 3QD 01935 818150

www.dodgeinteriors.com

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 43

STEVEN LIKES TO GO THAT EXTRA MILE FOR CLIENTS. THEN ANOTHER ONE… Let’s face it, a lane in the Mendip Hills isn’t the obvious place to find solicitors. But then, Mogers Drewett isn’t your obvious kind of law firm. As well as delivering specialist advice and support on a wide range of legal issues we also try and help where it matters most – in the community. We’re proud to be involved in many local charitable causes, including raising funds through our enthusiastic – and lycra-wearing – cycling team.

ON YOUR SIDE. AT YOUR SIDE md-solicitors.co.uk T 0800 533 5349

Proud to Partner

PERSONAL BEST Natasha Williams, Oxley Sports Centre

S

ometimes we all need a little help. When it comes to exercise even the most regular gym goers could benefit from personalised advice and guidance. Whether it’s to have a personalised programme or to be pushed and challenged during a workout, seeing a trainer for guidance is a must. There are a number of reasons why seeing a personal trainer could be the next step that you need.

You need a challenge

Working out alone may mean that even though you’re in the gym you may be inclined to hit the stop button a little sooner, lift lighter weights or skip a couple of reps. Having someone really push you through a workout will leave you feeling energised with a sense of achievement – motivating you to come back for more.

You’re not seeing results

It may be that you’ve been following the same workout plan for a while or been working out with no real plan. Sitting down with someone to go through what you’re doing both in the gym and at home, and what you're eating could enable you to achieve more and be more effective.

You need to be made accountable for what you do

Making an appointment or setting up regular sessions or reviews will mean that you have to update someone else on what you’ve been doing.

Knowing you will face these questions will make it harder for you to skip your sessions.

You have a specific injury or condition

Seeing someone who is GP Referral or Pre/Post Natal qualified can greatly help you to get the best out of your workouts. They can ensure that you stay safe, working within your capabilities to deliver the most effective and appropriate session to reach your goals.

You’re training for an event or occasion

Having someone knowledgeable in your corner in the lead up to a sporting event can give you a push to beat a previous personal best or if it’s something new, set a solid bench mark for future events. Or it could be that having someone help you get into shape for a wedding will push you through to the big day.

You’re bored of the same workout

Having a refresh and update regularly will prevent you losing interest in your workouts. Getting bored may mean that you stop exercising completely which will set you back. There are new and interesting developments happening all the time in the fitness industry which could introduce you to something you haven’t tried.

Taking this into consideration, January is a key time for many to make big changes to their lifestyle.

Working to a goal such as those set during the upcoming Oxley Sports Centre’s Shape Up Challenge have the possibility of rewarding not only your health but also your pockets. Those who stick to the challenge and make significant changes will be rewarded with a free month’s membership, making sticking to your New Year’s resolution that much sweeter!

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 45

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE ON THE HIGH STREET

I

Joanna Loutsis BSc (Hons) Chiro, The Sherborne Rooms

have been a McTimoney Chiropractor for eight years now. I truly love my work. I meet amazing, lovely, inspiring people every day and have the privilege of working with them towards gaining optimal fitness and function. The words “I no longer have pain” bring me such job satisfaction.

As a McTimoney Chiropractor, I see all kinds of people of various ages. One phrase I seem to hear with disturbing frequency is “it’s to be expected at my age” and I have genuinely heard this from people in their forties. It also seems to be a depressingly regular quote from GPs. According to the NHS website, GPs spend an average of 9 minutes with each patient.

In that time they must take a history, perform an examination, make a diagnosis and decide on the appropriate course of treatment. Referrals for physiotherapy can take several weeks. It’s unsurprising that some people feel they have not been given enough time or care.

The average life expectancy in this country is somewhere between 85 and 89 years old. That means the majority of us are not even middle aged at forty. Why then, do we not consider ourselves to be in our prime until at least sixty years of age???

Could it be that the attitudes towards musculoskeletal conditions have not changed since the 1950’s when the average person tended to live to around 65 years old?

This thinking is clearly unhealthy. No one should expect to be in pain and discomfort. Aches and pains are not inevitable and there is something you can do about it.

Investing in your future is not a new concept when it comes to financial matters, we should have the same attitude to our health. “Prevention is better than cure”. The right postural advice, diet, exercises and physical manipulation can have a profound effect on not only your health now but the long term wellbeing of your future self.

Alternative HealthCare Providers are highly trained in their fields. They continue to train throughout their professional lives - as a Chiropractor, it is a legal requirement of my Professional Registration to provide evidence of my continued professional development. We have no legislational restrictions on our time and can usually see you within days rather than weeks.

An holistic approach to health care means that we will treat the whole person rather than symptoms.

We look for the cause of pain and ways to prevent it. I offer postural advice, specific exercises, lifestyle changes, nutritional therapy, appropriate referral and many muscle release techniques alongside the Chiropractic manipulation. We also endeavour to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere, in which people feel comfortable and cared for.

The words “I no longer have pain” bring me such job satisfaction

46 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Upstairs Downstairs Interiors

Introductory Decleor facial offer Just ÂŁ36 through January! bespoke curtains. blinds. upholstery. loose covers. fabrics. free estimates The Old School Rooms, Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS Tel: 01935 813 831 Email: info@updowninteriors.co.uk www.updowninteriors.co.uk

Plus receive 10% off any recommended Decleor products when you have a facial 1 Trent Court, Trent, Sherborne DT9 4AY

01935 851221 beauty-barn.co.uk

With dedicated and experienced staff, specialist equipment and passion, Queen Thorne can develop and maintain gardens for all to enjoy. www.queenthorne.co.uk Tel: 01935 850848

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 47

Pam Bingham Designer & Maker of exquisite wedding & evening dresses Period costume her forte Bridal alterations

}

Swimming Pool Fitness Suite

Group Exercise Call reception on 01935 818270

for more information or go to our website

www.oxleysc.com

01935 814459 pambingham.co.uk

www.facebook.com/oxleysportscentre

Complementary Health Clinic • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Acupuncture Pilates Shiatsu Podiatry & Chiropody Osteopathy Counselling Child and Youth Counsellor Physiotherapy EMDR Therapy Beauty Therapy Aesthetic Doctor McTimoney Chiropractor Manual Lymphatic Drainage Soft Tissue Sports & Remedial Massage

Tel: 01963 251860

www.56londonroad.co.uk Email: info@56londonroad.co.uk 56 London Road Milborne Port, Sherborne, DT9 5DW Free Parking and Wheelchair access 48 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Central Heating Installations, Servicing and Maintenance • Gas Appliances Installed, Repaired and Serviced including LPG • Landlord Safety Certificates

01935 473240

info@smithgasengineers.co.uk www.smithgasengineers.co.uk

WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS AND WHAT DO THEY DO? Marcel Wadman (BScHons, Pod, SRCh, MChS), The London Road Clinic

O

rthotics for the feet are used to influence and change the way we walk or to rehabilitate post trauma. There are various types and each has its limitations. Of the true orthotics, these can be prefabricated purchased via stores and the internet.

Or bespoke, in which case a model of the foot is sent to a laboratory, onto which the orthotic is fabricated, thereby fitting your foot perfectly, with a precise prescription formulated by your practitioner and based on your personal biomechanical assessment.

Store purchased orthotics vary in that the orthotic has a pre-set prescription which is set to the same for both left and right feet.

Your requirement might need a higher prescription on one side.

If this is confusing, think of it like the difference between reading glasses bought in any store and prescription glasses from the opticians.

The materials used vary greatly and a recent NHS study showed that the prefabricated orthotics has an active, accurate prescription for approximately 8 weeks. The bespoke kind can last up to 2 years, providing your requirement does not change over this time, when an amendment can easily be made.

What is the difference between an insole and an orthotic?

Orthotics influence and change gait, insoles on the other hand can be as simple as providing padding or cushioning, generally for comfort. There are times however, when this needs to be modified due to saying a bone deformity, malalignment or pressure sore, in which case it is termed an “accommodative� insole (accommodating the wound or deformity).

How can I help?

It is estimated that up to 70% of the population will require some sort of orthotic intervention at some point in their life time. If you have aching limbs, knee pain without arthritic involvement or tired painful feet and ankles, you may benefit greatly from orthotics. The first stage involves a full biomechanical assessment to determine a treatment pathway.

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 49

ENDINGS AND NEW BEGINNINGS Jill Cook, Counsellor

T

he last few weeks will have been very full for many of us … friends, presents, food and I hope that you will have had time for enjoyment of the things that matter to you. There will be those who have worked as usual over this festive period, keeping us all going, carers, shop workers, postmen and women not to mention all those who keep our services working. I would like to say thank you to you all for your work so that I can have my celebrations in comfort.

After the chaos and mayhem of the festive period January can feel a little flat and sometimes empty. The house can feel rather quiet after the occasional over excitement of young children and the fact that the fridge is not being constantly emptied by older ones as they return to school, college or university. It’s great to have the busyness and energy that our young people bring to our lives and its absence can leave a gap. However, this period can give us time for reflection, time to take stock and contemplate what challenges we face for the coming year and what we might like to change.

January can be, for many, a time of new resolutions.

I can remember vividly at the age of about eight, making a resolution that I would be good. When I told my parents about this and they told me what they thought being good involved I decided that I wouldn’t do that after all! This memory set me thinking. Making meaningful resolutions can be much easier to do than sustaining them.

When making my resolutions I like to reflect on the last year. What were the good things that I loved and enjoyed and how I might achieve those feelings again. It can be helpful for us all

50 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

occasionally to take time to reflect on the positives as it is so easy to lose them when things get tough.

Two years ago I started to try to write down one thing each day that had given me pleasure.

I wrote it on a slip of paper and put it in a jar by the phone. Some days the things I wrote were ‘big’ things like success in a race for my grandson and on other days it might have been the fact that the rain stopped in time for me to get from the hairdresser to the car without getting soaked!

Reading these things at a later date always makes me smile. I don’t manage to do it every day but I still do it.

Resolutions involve new beginnings. A decision to exercise more, for example may involve you in a new way of organising your life. In order to do that you will have to let go of something you did before, even if it’s something like watching several hours of television in the evening so you can get to an exercise class. So new beginnings are usually accompanied by an ending, a letting something go.

As we are letting go of an old thought or behaviour it is important that we really want to do it. Anyone who has tried to give up something because they feel they ought to will know the difficulty that involves. Giving up because you want to doesn’t make it easy but at least it’s your commitment to yourself that might help you sustain the decision when the going gets tough! The eight year old me didn’t have that commitment!

So at the beginning of this New Year I wish you all well and that you can make the year the best it can be for yourself and those around you whatever resolutions you make.

10% off all Neal's Yard Remedies orders when you have a therapy booked

Servicing • Repairs • Installation Therapy Rooms offering a range of different clinics located in the centre of Sherborne Medicinal Herbalist Aromatherapist Reflexologist Doula Hypnosis Past Life Regression McTimoney Chiropractor EMDR Therapy Psychotherapist

Swedish Holistic Massage Sports Injury Massage Nutritionist Shiatzu Massage Bowen Technique & Lymph Drainage Massage

01935 507290

FREE

Skin Consultation

www.sherbornerooms.com 56 Cheap St, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BJ lorettalupil@gmail.com facebook.com/thesherbornerooms

BOILER SERVICING, REPAIRS & INSTALLATION BATHROOM INSTALLATION & GENERAL PLUMBING FULL HEATING INSTALLATION UNVENTED HOT WATER LANDLORD CERTIFICATES GAS, OIL & LPG DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CONTACT PATRICK O’LOUGHLIN Office: 01935 815613 Mob: 07590 121599 Email: phelpsgas@yahoo.com 18 Ludbourne Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3NJ

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 51

THE ART OF LISTENING Colin Lambert, Sherborne Chamber of Trade

F

irstly, happy New Year from Andrew and his team here at the Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

I have started the year reflecting, as many businesses do, on what lies ahead and making time to plan and develop a strategy. Maybe it’s time to follow up on all the leads you obtained from the numerous Christmas parties, gatherings and the non-stop procession of fun and frivolity throughout December?

What did strike me however, when attending the many wonderful functions, was that no-one seemed to listen!

I attended one breakfast function in early December where each member of the group stood and talked for 1 minute. I was surprised to see that no-one was actually listening; some were scribbling notes, some were sending texts on their mobile phone and some were, like me, a bit nervous about standing up and speaking for 1 minute.

At the next function I attended I was explaining the virtues of joining the Chamber of Trade only to find the person gazing around the room, sort of listening to me, but in reality looking for someone else. Someone spoke to me and I found myself doing the same, nodding without really concentrating on what was being said. I spoke to someone else who managed to answer my sentence for me before I had finished talking. I asked them a question but the answer delivered bore no resemblance to the question asked. Try listening to any politician on the television or radio and they already have their statement prepared irrespective of what the questions may be.

How good are you at listening?

We do live in a world where our attention span is getting shorter and shorter and we are all losing 52 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

the ability to listen. Listening is actually a skill which can be developed to not only help you, but more importantly your customers.

How do we do it? Here are a few pointers.

• Always face the speaker and make eye contact. Your client or customer will then relax as they feel heard.

• Be attentive and relax yourself. Remember your facial expressions and posture are sending a message.

• Listen to the words. A nod and a smile will convey that you are listening. Do not drift off (I am guilty of this one) to your next job, with some stock answer up your sleeve. Do you drift off ?

• Never interrupt or try to impose your solutions.

This is often hard if you are impatient or going for the hard sell. Another bad one for me. You? • Try to ask questions to ensure understanding.

Seek clarity or try paraphrasing to ensure you fully understand what your customer truly needs, rather than what you think they need.

• Give thought to what they say, give it consideration, dwell on it and the rest.

• Try to feel what the speaker is feeling.

Pay attention to what isn’t said in non-verbal cues. The hands, the face and the posture all say a great deal.

• Give the speaker feedback. Use empathy and reflect back what you have heard.

Here at the Chamber we need all these skills to listen to our membership, understand their desires, interests and needs.

One of my new year’s resolutions is to consciously listen and apply some of the above points. It’s not easy in this hectic world but why not join me for the rest of January? You will be surprised at what you see, hear and achieve.

H

appy New Year and welcome back to my latest ramble! So what’s this all about? Backup is creating a copy of your important data, Restore is getting your data back if you’ve lost it and Recovery is another thing altogether; getting your system back up-andrunning after a disaster.

Happy New Year and welcome back to my latest ramble! There are two basic methods of backup available to you today; removable devices and online. A removable device is either a USB memory stick or a removable hard disk and the simple difference is the size. A USB stick is probably between 8 and 64 gigabytes of storage (you can get bigger but they are expensive) whereas a removable hard disk would be between 500 gigabytes and 1 terabyte in size.

So how much backup space do you need? Most computers we see have between 20 and 80 gigabytes of data made up of some documents, some pictures and some music. You’ll see therefore that a memory stick, whilst useful for a quick copy to take from one computer to another, is not really practical for a proper backup. A removable hard disk is much more suitable, robust and long lasting. Whatever you do, you must never move data from your PC to backup as the whole idea is to have TWO copies of your precious data in case of failure.

Let’s dispel a myth here - don’t be worried about how much stuff is stored on your PC in terms of documents, pictures and videos; it won’t affect the

speed of your PC one little bit. The speed of your PC is dented by the programs you’ve installed and have running at any one time. Don’t go deleting pictures in the hope that your PC will speed up again, have it cleaned up properly.

Once you’ve got your backup device, then it’s simply a matter of copying your data from your PC to your device. You can do this manually, use the Windows Backup system that came on your PC or use any of the many proprietary backup programs. If you are a Mac user then use the built in “Time Machine” backup system. If you accidentally lose a file or have a disaster with your PC then it’s simply a matter of restoring your data from your device using the same method as you used to create the backup.

On-line backup is a paid-for service (about £35 a year) where your computer uploads all your data to a secure storage server for safe keeping.

It automatically updates every day and restoring is simply a matter of downloading your data again.

I always recommend this method as it's automatic and you don’t have to faff about with sticks or other USB things; furthermore you don’t have to remember to do it!

If you’re uncertain (or unwilling) to undertake any of the above and you’re worried about losing all your memories, you know where to come!

Coming Up Next Month…

To Windows 10 - or not to Windows 10 www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 53

LANDLORDS AND LEGIONELLOSIS Anita Light and Paul Gammage, EweMove Sherborne

As a landlord, are you prepared for Legionellosis? Anita Light and Paul Gammage, branch directors of EweMove Sherborne, tell you all you need to know in their new monthly property column.

I

t’s hard to talk about but important to know, as the landlords legal obligation is often being completely overlooked.

Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including the most serious legionnaires’ disease. Outbreaks of the illness occur from exposure to legionella growing in purpose-built systems where water is maintained at a temperature high enough to encourage growth. For example cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools used in all sorts of premises (work and domestic). People contract legionnaires’ disease by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols), suspended in the air, containing bacteria.

As a person who is responsible for water systems you have certain duties under health and safety law. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) all cite the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice L8 as the recommended guidelines for the management of risk of exposure to legionella.

Landlords who provide residential accommodation or who are responsible for the water system(s) in their premises are responsible for ensuring that the risk of exposure to legionella in those premises is properly assessed and controlled.

54 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

All water systems require an assessment of the risk, which landlords can carry out themselves if they are competent, or employ somebody who is. In most residential settings, a simple assessment may show that the risks are low and no further action may be necessary. An example of a typical lower risk situation may be found in a small building. For example a housing unit with small domestic-type water systems, where daily water usage is inevitable and sufficient to turn over the entire system.

If the assessment shows the risks are low and are being properly managed, no further action is needed but it is important to review the assessment regularly in case anything changes in the system. It is important that water is not allowed to stagnate within the water system. To manage the risks during non-occupancy, consideration should be given to implementing a suitable flushing regime or other measures such as draining the system if it is to remain vacant for long periods.

In a nutshell, a legionella risk assessment is now required by law and as a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure this is carried out. The good news is there are now many specialists in this field that can carry out the assessment for you and help you comply with health and safety legislation surrounding this.

For more information visit the Health and Safety Executive website, www.hse.gov.uk/ legionnaires/what-you-must-do.htm

Earning enough on your investments?

We offer experienced, personalised investment management for private clients We are experts at managing income portfolios We keep the costs of owning financial assets down to enhance returns We offer our clients superior financial planning Contact us today for your free portfolio review and see how we can help you improve returns Call Jeremy Le Sueur on 01935 813380 or email info@4-shires.com www.4-shires.com

Expert Asset Management

21 The Old Yarn Mills, Westbury, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3RQ 4 Shires Asset Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The value of investments and the income you get from them may fall as well as rise, and there is no certainty that you will get back the amount of your original investment.

Looking for a mortgage?

• Mortgages - including First Time Buyers, Help to Buy, Home Movers, Re-mortgages and Buy to Let

• Life Insurance • Critical Illness Insurance • Private Medical Insurance • Income Protection • Business Protection • Commercial Finance

Contact me for an initial no cost, no obligation consultation.

Abacus Financial Options Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Please refer to our website for details of our fee structure.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments of your mortgage.

Joanna Kemp

Mortgage & Insurance Adviser

Tel: 01935 815849 Mobile: 07813 785355 Email: jk@abacusfinancialoptions.co.uk Web: www.abacusfinancialoptions.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 55

Local relationship banking At Handelsbanken relationship banking still lives up to its name.

You only ever deal with people you know by name, and key decisions are made locally by us at the branch.

Our aim is simple, to provide the best possible service to our customers. That’s why Handelsbanken has been rated number one amongst British banks for customer satisfaction and loyalty for seven years running in an independent survey (EPSI Rating, October 2015).

Ground Floor, Motivo House, Alvington, Yeovil, BA20 2FG Tel: 01935 471923, Fax: 01935 472053

handelsbanken.co.uk/yeovil Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered in England & Wales No. BR000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No. 502007-7862. Head office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

LTD

FRANKS

MAINTENANCE GROUP Building repair & maintenance | Home refurbishments | Facilities management services

Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

CALL OU

2sev4en

T

56 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

• • • • •

Heating & Plumbing Refurbishments Carpentry Kitchen Fitting Bathroom Fitting

01747 826656

info@franksgroup.co.uk www.franksgroup.co.uk

• • • • •

Wall/Floor Tiling Plastering Hard Landscaping Painting & Decorating Mobile Scaffold Tower Hire

DEFENCE STOCK FIGHTING FIT Jeremy Le Sueur, 4 Shires Asset Management Ltd

W

ith the recently announced £12bn increase in UK government defence expenditure, the undervalued defence stocks in the UK look good value for investors.

As the UK government has also committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defence, growing about 0.5% ahead of anticipated inflation, the outlook has been further enhanced. One company is set to be the main beneficiary.

The giant of UK defence is BAe systems or the merged British Aerospace and GEC’s defence business (they combined in 1999).

BAe is the prime contractor to the UK government on most of the key weapon programmes or in joint ventures on those programmes.

These include a third share in the two UK carriers being built, a circa 20% stake in the joint strike fighter built in the UK, 33% in the Eurofighter, the contract to build the new generation of nuclear weapon submarines and other major programmes. In addition, BAe has a significant cyber warfare division and a large US defence business. Finally, BAe owns Royal Ordinance, manufacturers of circa 85% of the UK Armed Forces ammunition.

The shares trade on circa 13.5x this year’s earnings and have yield of 4.2% (as at 23/11/15). There is a chance of upgrades to profits, but even without that the shares look good value in these uncertain times.

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 57

TURN DOWN THE NOISE Andrew Fort B.A. (Econ.) CFPcm Chartered MCSI APFS Certified and Chartered Financial Planner

F

inancial services can be noisy. Every day, thousands of articles, blogs, broadcasts, podcasts and webcasts are published, shouting for your attention. It would be easy to think that if you do not listen carefully and sift out the best ideas - the ones that could help you find the highest returns - then you will not achieve your investment goals.

Actually, you might find the opposite to be true: trying to keep up with the latest investment fads can be detrimental to your longterm performance, rather than beneficial to it. The noise of all those messages can drown out the relevant signals.

So how do you decide what’s important?

It starts with having a strong investment philosophy, which will prove to be rewarding over time. A philosophy based around some of the most enduring ideas in finance; ideas that help to achieve financial goals by systematically harnessing the power of capital markets.

At their core, these fundamental concepts have remained the same for decades. As research evolves into how markets work and as our understanding improves, investors can develop their approach accordingly. Investment returns are precious and easy to lose in dayto-day management; it makes no sense to pay 5% in fees to chase a 4% return.

A robust, enduring approach, with a disciplined long term view will help filter the noise and allow you to focus on what works, not what’s being sold.

58 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Our Visofold doors open effortlessly, gliding on stainless steel rollers allowing unrestricted thoroughfares and the maximum use of space and light.

The signature smooth contours and curved clean lines create an attractive aesthetic that will compliment any home, whatever your taste or style.

Manufactured from our factory in Sherborne all of our aluminium products are available in whatever colour you wish.

For more information visit our website or come down to the showroom.

Unit 1a > South Western Business Pk > Sherborne > Dorset > DT9 3PS billbutterswindows.co.uk 01935 816 168

BRYAN C. COOPER LTD

A Traditional Family Run Building Company

Established over 45 years

Renovations, Extensions and Alterations ~ Patios, Boundary Walls and Fencing Purpose made Joinery ~ Internal and External Decorations ~ Bathrooms and Kitchens Wall and floor Tiling ~ Repairs and Maintenance ~ Roofing and Fibreglass Systems 96 Newland, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3DT Email: bccooperltd@btconnect.com Web: bryancooperbuilders.co.uk

Your Life, Your Money, Your Future

Trusted, professional, fee based advice We live in a complex world. At FFP we aim to remove complexity, replacing it with simplicity and clarity so that our clients can enjoy their lives without worry Telephone: 01935 813322 Email: info@ffp.org.uk Website: www.ffp.org.uk

FFP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

60 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Tel: 01935 814946

Work in Sherborne and the surrounding area; including London, Bristol and Bath • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting • Wooden & PVC window repair and replacement • Wooden & PVC fascias and soffits repair and replacement • Iron & PVC guttering service • Plastering, rendering, floor screeding

• Waterproof tanking, damp proofing • Flooring • Tiling • Painting • Decorating • Carpentry • Loft insulation • General handyman work

t: 01935 389440 m: 07809 238525 biskupmaintenance@gmail.com www.biskuppropertymaintenance.co.uk

LIVING WILLS

Rory McFarlane, Mogers Drewett

What are they and how do they differ from Lasting Powers of Attorneys for health and welfare?

W

e all know that a Will is a document that governs what happens to our estate on our death. But what is an Advanced Directive (sometimes known as a Living Will) and what, if anything, does it have in common with a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare (LPA)?

Provided you have mental capacity, you have the right to refuse medical treatment or to state the circumstances in which you do not wish treatment to be offered to you. You could discuss this with your GP and ask to have your wishes formally recorded as a note in your medical records. You could also choose to record your wishes formally in a separate document known as an Advanced Directive or Living Will. If an Advanced Directive includes a refusal to receive life sustaining treatment, it must comply with certain formalities: the document must be signed by you and witnessed and include a statement confirming that you understand you will die as a result of your refusal. A valid Advanced Directive is legally binding on a doctor and will be followed.

If you have made an Advanced Directive before 1 October 2007, you should review it to ensure that it complies with new law introduced from that date by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. There is a risk that a so-called Living Will, particularly if home made, will no longer be effective following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act. As its name suggests, an LPA for Health

and Welfare allows you to appoint one or more attorneys to take decisions on your behalf in relation to your health care and personal welfare.

Such decisions can range from what to wear, eat and where to live, to expressly authorising your attorneys either to consent to, or to refuse, life sustaining treatment on your behalf. Your attorneys are responsible for making these decisions on the basis of what they consider to be in your best interest. Ultimately, they can still be overruled by doctors responsible for your health care.

What takes precedence, an Advanced Directive or an LPA? If you had made an Advanced Directive and subsequently make an LPA authorising your attorneys to make decisions relating to life sustaining treatment, the Advanced Directive is revoked and the decision rests with your chosen attorneys. Conversely, if you have a valid LPA authorising your attorneys to make such decisions and you subsequently make a valid Advanced Directive, the Advanced Directive will take precedence, revoking the attorneys authority to make such decisions under the LPA. If you are contemplating making or reviewing a Lasting Power of Attorney or Advanced Directive (or both), it is vital to take legal advice to discuss your options and to ensure that your wishes are properly discussed, that the documents do not contradict or over-rule one another and that they comply with all the necessary formalities.

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 61

SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER...

Philip Hastings, Onward Business Driving

F

requently, whilst running training sessions and driver awareness courses, I’ll ask a group (usually around 30 or so) “Who hates tailgaters?”. Usually 30 hands shoot up, with much shaking of heads, rolling of eyes, and expressions of annoyance that there are so many bad drivers out there.

I then follow it up with another question: “Who here tailgates?”. This is always followed by an embarrassed silence, where, unsurprisingly, no hands go up! Everyone looks slightly uncomfortable that no-one else has admitted to it.

The truth is, of course, that most drivers tailgate much of the time, even when they think they don’t.

Everyone knows it is a really dangerous practice but everyone still keeps doing it. The reasons given are many and varied: being ‘in a hurry’ when

62 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

everyone in front is ‘dawdling’, or being ‘stuck’ behind a ‘slow’ vehicle.

There are really two types of ‘Tailgater’: passive and aggressive. The passive tailgater - the most common type - is by far the more dangerous. This is the ordinary person who is just drifting along in the traffic, their mind elsewhere: on work, relationships, money worries, listening to the radio, controlling noisy children or deep in conversation.

When something occurs, they often have to react in a hurry, hitting the brakes or swerving. A collision with the vehicle in front or being hit from behind, is often the result. Most will blame the ‘carelessness’ of other drivers, when really the fault is their own inattention and failure to plan ahead.

‘Aggressive’ tailgaters are generally less dangerous (although the opposite might seem the case!)

because, as a rule, they are paying full attention to what they are doing, which is usually actively trying to overtake. They are still, of course, posing a serious risk to everyone around them, because, although they are concentrating on getting past, that is probably all they are thinking about, and fail to allow for other eventualities.

So how do we cope? Well, first we must look at our own driving standard and really consider whether we fall into one or other category. Drivers of a certain age will remember the old line “Only a fool breaks the two-second rule”, although very few employ it. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed point, like a lamp post, you must be able to say the phrase, slowly and evenly, before you pass the same point.

If you have a ‘tailgater’ behind you, the key is to unobtrusively open up your space ahead, to give yourself more time to deal with upcoming problems. This will allow you to control the speed, if not the distance, of the vehicle behind. Flashing

your brake lights will only aggravate him/her.

With the extra space, you will not have to stop in a hurry and therefore the risk of being hit by the tailgater diminishes as a result. If the space in front is big enough and the road conditions allow it, an aggressive tailgater will overtake you and will then be in front, where you can easily keep an eye on him/her. A passive tailgater probably won’t notice the space ahead and will stay behind you: just keep control of your space and their speed.

Yes, Time and Space is the key to safety, not ‘quick reactions’ (which many drivers mistakenly think they have) or even powerful brakes (which usually result in the vehicle behind climbing inside your boot!). Advanced drivers don’t need ‘quick reactions’ or amazing brakes: they just leave plenty of space at all times (even in stationary queues), and their activity behind the wheel involves constant 360 degree observation, planning and anticipating everyone else’s movements. They know that it is impossible to collide with empty space!

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 63

A treasure trove of beautiful designer fabrics, yarn, haberdashery and home wares.

Providers of craft workshops including sewing, patchwork, embroidery, knitting and crochet Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm Digby Road, Sherborne, opposite the Abbey 01935 817303 www.butterflybright.com

Covering South Somerset & North Dorset Small Business Support

Networks & Cabling

New PCs & Laptops

Wireless Networks

Repairs & Upgrades

Broadband Setup

Virus Removal

Disaster Recovery

The Weighbridge • High Street • Milborne Port • DT9 5DG www.mpfix.co.uk

01963 250788

EMDR - a supportive, effective therapy.

Eye Movement, Reprocessing and Desensitisation • Trauma • Anxiety • Low self-esteem • Phobias • Depression Tel: 01747 825288 Mobile: 07966 002927 www.fullstoptherapy.co.uk

Home Selection Service and Budget flooring available Carpets ~ Naturals ~ Vinyls ~ Contract Flooring Proud Member of BNI ~ Yeovil

Tel: 01935 426185 Mobile: 07855 743796 Therapy & Addiction Services

glen@inspiration4floors.co.uk www.inspiration4floors.co.uk

KNOTT ROOFING Keeping your family and business safe Contact us on paul.pcelectricals@gmail.com or 07974 155624 for a free quote www.pcelectricals-dorset.co.uk

Wills Plumbing and Heating Ltd Local & Reliable Plumber Gas safe registered, fully insured

♦ New Build ♦ Renovations ♦ Gas boiler servicing ♦ Bathroom installations ♦ Free quotes ~ competitive prices Email: wills.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk

Telephone Malcolm 07885 420609 64 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

Slating, Tiling, Leadwork New Roofs and Re-Roofs GRP Fibreglass Flat Roofs General Roof Repairs Contact Ian Roofing Specialist Mobile: 07985 435847 Tel: 01935 812895 Email: ian.knott78@btinternet.com

Yeovil rne & Sherbo ing d surroun areas

24 hour emergency callout General plumbing and heating Evening and weekends Friendly and professional service No job too small Tel: 01935 584 034 | Mob: 07718 476 549 richard_oakleigh@oakleighplumbing.co.uk www.oakleighplumbing.co.uk

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES LTD All Pet Accessories Retail & Wholesale

01935 411859 Find us at Forward Garage on the A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil

SHERBORNE SURGERY KINGSTON HOUSE, LONG STREET, SHERBORNE DT9 3DB (Ample parking) Tel: 01935 813288 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm Saturday 8.30am - 11.30am Surgery Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 10.30am, 4.30pm - 6.00pm, Saturday 9am - 10.30am www.kingstonvets.co.uk Woodlands Equine Clinic 01963 210604 Shavehill Equine Clinic 01747 822799

Wayne Timmins Painter and Decorator • Dulux Approved • Interior and Exterior • All Jobs Considered For a free quote call tel: 01935 872007 mobile: 07715 867145

Perfect Paws Dog Grooming

Westbury Works, Westbury, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EL Tel: 01935 817744

DAVE THURGOOD Painting and Decorating interior and exterior

07792 391368 NO VAT

www.sherbornedecorators.com dave.thurgoodstfc@btinternet.com

FENCING & GATES Supplied and erected by the

SHERBORNE & DISTRICT FENCING Co. Free Estimates No VAT

01935 330095

SHERBORNE GARDEN ANGELS • SOFT & HARD LANDSCAPING • FENCING & GATES • ALL BUILDING WORK • TREE SURGERY & HEDGECUTTING Tel: 01935 389392 Mob: 07738 860680 www.sherbornegardenangels.co.uk Any job considered. Free quotations. No vat

Suppliers and Manufacturers of quality Signage, Graphics and Embroidered Workwear

T: 01935 816767

info@swsigns-sherborne.co.uk www.swsigns-sherborne.co.uk

Unit 14, 0ld Yarn Mills, Sherborne Dorset DT9 3RQ www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 65

Residential Care Home Sturminster Newton, Dorset

Rated “outstanding” by the CQC in September 2015 • Gold Standards Framework “Beacon” status for End of Life Care – reaccredited 2015 • “Silver” Food for Life Catering Mark – reaccredited July 2015 • National Care Awards National Winner “Care Chef 2014” Would you benefit from some extra support during the long Winter days?

This multi-award winning home has recently been rated “Outstanding” by the CQC bringing it into the top 50 care homes in the UK. If this sounds inviting then why not experience our respite and day care service. We would be delighted to welcome you into our home.

Please ring us on 01258 472511, email us on care@nazareth-lodge.co.uk or view our website www.nazareth-lodge.co.uk for further information.

2016 Days Out Bodyguard, Bristol Hippodrome Saturday 30th January, £65 (Club £63)

Holidays 2016

Torquay

4-7th March

Dartmoor Drive & Lunch

Join us this March on a long weekend away to

Sunday 31st January, £29 (Club £27)

Torquay, including visits to Dartmor National Park

BBC Studio Tour Saturday 13th February, £42 (Club £40)

Exeter City Sunday 28th February, £13.50 (Club £11.50)

and Sidmouth. Price includes Luxury Coach Transport and Accomodation.

From £195 2016 Day Trips & Excursions brochure available now

For further information, or for a 2016 brochure call the office now!

01935 423177 | www.taylorscoachtravel.co.uk

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 67

Enjoy winter cocktails and zakuski

Menu du Jour Offer

3 courses for £20 or 2 with a glass of wine*

“"Perfect in every way" Trip Advisor November 2015

3 The Green, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3HY 01935 813821 @greensherborne www.greenrestaurant.co.uk *Available from 1st January. Evenings Tuesday - Thursday and lunchtimes Tuesday - Saturday

PROUDLY ROASTED IN SHERBORNE 1

2

READSCOFFEE.CO.UK

3

4

7

5

6

3 6

1

8

4

8

5

4

9

7 9 6 5

10

9 7 6

11

2 9

1 2 12 14

15

17 19

16

18

20

22

6

3

13

21 23

9 2

5

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 section contain all numbers between 1 and 9 JANUARY SOLUTIONS 1

2

3

4

7

24

8 3

25

15

16

11

12

Answe rs in our Febru ary issue 13

14

17 19

DOWN 1. Wagered (7) 2. Pied ___ : bird (7) 3. Lyrical poem or song (5) 4. Belief (7) 5. Metric unit of capacity (5) 6. Do extremely well at (5) 9. Coming before (9) 14. Annoying (7) 15. Four-stringed guitar (7) 16. Most difficult (7) 19. Put out a fire (5) 20. Becomes sound again (of a wound) (5) 21. Out of the way (5)

6

9 10

ACROSS 7. Andre ___ : former US tennis player (6) 8. Winged monster of Thebes (6) 10. Fighter (7) 11. Health professional (5) 12. Long poem (4) 13. Performer (5) 17. Decay (5) 18. Gull-like bird (4) 22. Baking appliances (5) 23. Settled oneself comfortably (7) 24. Mirthless (6) 25. Grown ups (6)

5

8

22

20

18

21

23

24

25

3 6

1

8

4 4

5

r7s 9

we

6 5Ans 9 r u in o 7 ry ua Feb6r e 2 9 u 1 2 iss 6 3 9 2 5 8 3 www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 69

WIPING THE SLATE CLEAN Canon Eric Woods, Vicar of Sherborne

D

o you make New Year’s resolutions? Over the years I have tried but I’m afraid I seldom keep them for very long. Yet there is just one which I have observed, more or less, for many years now, and that is to sit down around New Year’s Day to re-read the first few pages of a book written in 1937 by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, at that time desperately trying to sound a wake-up call to German Christians to be aware of what was happening all around them in the Third Reich. How is this for the first words of a first chapter?

‘Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We are fighting today for costly grace.

Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjack’s wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut prices. Grace is represented as the Church’s inexhaustible treasury, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without Dietrich Bonhoeffer asking questions or fixing limits.

Grace without price; grace without cost!’

As I say, I’m no good at New Year’s resolutions – but I read that first chapter of Bonhoeffer’s book every year for three reasons. First, because I believe cheap grace is still the deadly enemy of our church and of every Christian. Second, because I know that I am often tempted to take the route of easy popularity and half-hearted discipleship by preaching and practising cheap grace myself. Third, because I know in my heart of hearts that in the

70 | Sherborne Times | January 2016

end cheap grace offers people nothing.

I think we all know deep-down that real and authentic living is costly. We all know that there are no joys without sorrows, no laughter without tears, and no sunlight without clouds. Just think about last year, 2015. I am sure it brought you many joys and many blessings. But didn’t 2015 bring you a crop of sins and sorrows as well?

Things you thought or said or did and are now utterly ashamed of: hot words, angry words, jealous words, mean-minded actions, nasty little deeds, evil thoughts? You would do anything to have the slate wiped clean. And then along comes the Church and says ‘Never mind. We all do it.

Forget about it. Don’t worry.

God is good.’

It won’t do, will it? It doesn’t cleanse the wound of guilt and remorse and sorrow. Real forgiveness, real healing, needs something more astringent than that. Iodine hurts, it stings, it brings tears to the eyes, but it cleanses, it allows healing and new growth. Would you have the love and forgiveness of God be anything less? Do anything less? No, nor would I. The January sales may be on but there’s nothing worth having in the spiritual bargain basement. The love and forgiveness of God cost him everything.

And, as the old hymn puts it, ‘love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.’

Have a happy – and holy – New Year.

Crafting quality timber buildings and gates since 1912

Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH Tel: (01963) 440414 | Email: info@sparkford.com | @sparkfordtimber www.sparkford.com

ADD A TOUCH OF CHARACTER Traditional cast and hand forged ironmongery, carefully aged for a unique rustic finish.

e E xclusivTimes e n r Sher bo er Offer Re ad

10%

t discoun online nuar y in Ja JAN S H ER B o u Q te :

HOOKS HANDLES HINGES LATCHES BOLTS SCONCES FURNITURE KNOBS WINDOW FITTINGS The Rustic Merchant, Chilton Cantelo, Somerset BA22 8BE T: 01935 851660 E: info@therusticmerchant.co.uk

www.therusticmerchant.co.uk