Sherborne Times February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 | FREE

A MONTHLY CELEBR ATION OF PEOPLE, PLACE AND PURVEYOR

WHEN A TREE FALLS

The story of a chair with furniture maker Matt Belfrage plus

Painting the Modern Garden with Julian Halsby Forced Rhubarb with Lisa Osman Literary Review with Wayne Winstone Valentine Gifts with Elly Vvaller The Dartford Warbler with Sally Welbourn The Battle of Agagia with Luke Mouland

e exclusiovffer r reade ng i The Doinm Ro www.sherbornetimes.co.uk

The oaks and the pines, and their brethren of the wood, have seen so many suns rise and set, so many seasons come and go, and so many generations pass into silence, that we may well wonder what “the story of the trees� would be to us if they had tongues to tell it, or we ears fine enough to understand. ~Author unknown

2 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

F

WELCOME

rost may threaten underfoot but the cockles of our heart remain warm beyond measure thanks to the generous words and enthusiasm of you, our readers. The tremendous response to last month’s relaunch was unexpected to say the least. To know that our endeavour is being so well received means the world to us.

Thank you.

And so to February - Elly Vvaller, takes us shopping for romantic gifts, Dan Chiappa-Patching entertains enquiring young minds, Alison Nurts keeps us warm, Lisa Osman makes our mouths water and Jill Cook makes us think. Meanwhile writer Jo Denbury and photographer Katharine Davies spend a morning with furniture maker Matt Belfrage at his idyllic workshop in Trent, where he forms beautiful bespoke pieces from storm-felled and dying trees.

I am very pleased to welcome new writers in the form of art historian Julian Halsby, genealogist Luke Mouland, Giles-Dick Read of Reads Coffee and Wayne Winstone of Winstone’s Books.

Have a great month, and, as ever, please do join the conversation, share your thoughts, tell your story. This is your platform.

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

Alan & Sue Dodge Bailey Ridge @YourBaileyRidge baileyridge.co.uk Alison Nurton Butterfly Bright @AliNurts butterflybright.com

Julian Halsby MA (Cantab) FRSA julianhalsby.com Lisa Osman All Hallows Farmhouse School for Cooks & Makers @cooksandmakers allhallowsfarmhouse.co.uk

Andrew Fort Fort Financial Planning ffp.org.uk

Luke Mouland Kith and Kin Research @lukemouland kithandkinresearch.co.uk

Anita Light and Paul Gammage EweMove Sherborne @ewemoveyeovil ewemove.com

Mark Lewis Symonds & Sampson @symsam symondsandsampson.co.uk

Distribution Team Claire Pilley Christine Knott Geoff Wood Richard & Heather Betton-Foster Roger & Mary Napper Sarah Morgan

Dan Chiappa-Patching Sherborne Prep School @Sherborneprep sherborneprep.org

Mark Newton-Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership @swanhousevet newtonclarkepartnership.co.uk

Contact 01935 814803 07957 496193 @sherbornetimes editor@sherbornetimes.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk

Colin Lambert Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce @SherborneCOT sherbornechamber.co.uk

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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 contributor's own and www.shutterstock.com 4 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

Canon Eric Woods Sherborne Abbey @SherborneAbbey

Elly Vvaller Dear to Me, Fine Stationery @DearToMeStudio deartome.co.uk Giles Dick Read Reads Coffee Roasters @reads_coffee readscoffee.co.uk Gillian M Constable Dorset Wildlife Trust @DorsetWildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk Jason More & Adam Corbin The Dining Room @Diningsherborne thediningroomsherborne.com Jemima Munro 56 London Road Clinic @56londonroad 56londonroad.co.uk Jill Cook Counsellor @JillCookPCT jillcook.co.uk Jimmy Flynn Milborne Port Computers @MPortComputers computing-mp.co.uk Jo Denbury Freelance Journalist @jo_denbury

Martin Armand The Sherborne Rooms @MartinArmandPT @thebarbersherbs Mike Riley and Peter Henshaw Riley’s Cycles @rileyscycles rileyscycles.co.uk @DCNSherborne dcn.org.uk Rhys Horsman Oxley Sports Centre @OxleySports oxleysc.com Richard Bromell ASFAV Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers @CharterhouseAV charterhouse-auction.com Sarah Tait @RealArtsLink sherborneartslink.org.uk Sasha Matkevich The Green Restaurant @greensherborne greenrestaurant.co.uk Dr Tim Robinson MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom Glencairn House Clinic glencairnhouse.co.uk doctortwrobinson.com Sally Wellbourn Dorset Wildlife Trust @DorsetWildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk Wayne Winstone Winstone's Books @winstonebooks winstonebooks.co.uk

40 6 Listings

Things to do in and around Sherborne this February 10 Unearthed

Filmmaker Noah McIntyre 12 Shopping guide

Valentine’s gifts with Elly Vvaller 14 Exclusive reader offer

The Dining Room

16 The Dartford Warbler

with Sally Welbourn of Dorset Wildlife Trust 19 For the record

Dorset Wildlife Trust, Sherborne Group 20 Bright ideas for dark nights

with Dan Chiappa-Patching of Sherborne Prep School 23 Sherborne ArtsLink 26 Crochet hot water bottle

Alison Nurton’s monthly pattern 28 Painting the modern garden

with Julian Halsby

FEBRUARY 2016 32 Designing your garden - part two

58 Body & mind

34 All mod comms

64 Valuing the weird and wonderful

Alan Dodge of Bailey Ridge walks us through the layout plan with Charterhouse auctioneer and valuer Richard Bromell 36 The last charge

Remembering Sherborne’s fallen. The great cavalry charge of Agagia 1916 40 When a Tree Falls

The story of a chair with furniture maker Matt Belfrage 46 Winning cups

Coffee in the field with Giles Dick-Read 50 Forced rhubarb and ginger giscuits

with Lisa Osman

52 Chef's recipe

with Sasha Matkevich, Jason More and Adam Corbin 54 The impact of weather

Animal care with Mark Newton-Clarke

56 Cycle Sherborne

with Martin Armand, Rhys Horsman, Dr Tim Robinson, Jemima Munro, and Jill Cook

with Symonds and Sampson’s Mark Lewis 68 Right to rent

Advise for landlords from EweMove’s Anita Light and Paul Gammage 70 Crisis? What crisis

Investment advise from Andrew Fort

72 To Windows 10 or not to Windows 10

Talking IT with Jimmy Flynn 75 Procrastination

Putting things off with Colin Lambert 80 Literary review

Revisiting Andrey Kurkov’s ‘Death and the Penguin’ with Wayne Winstone 81 Crossword 82 The insights of outsiders

with Canon Eric Woods

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 5

WHAT'S ON Pick of the Month

Wednesday 17th 4pm Angel Heart and Rattlebox Theatre – Freya: A Viking Saga

Nether Compton Village Hall

Freya, a Viking girl and friend of the gods, is in a bit of a pickle; she’s about to become a giant’s dinner! Freya must use all her wits to escape old Gorm’s cooking pot. The rivalry between the Norse gods and the Frost Giants is brought humorously to life in this colourful re-telling

Listings _________________________ Friday 5th 11am Sherborne ‘Snowdrop’ Memorial Service

Sherborne Roman Catholic Church. Run by Weldmar Hospice, Marie Curie and the Yeatman and hosted by Sherborne Churches Together.

All are welcome.

_________________________ Saturday 6th 10am - 4pm Laurence Belbin Art Exhibition

Hosted by Wessex House Dental Practice, Westbury. Coffee, cakes, and raffle to raise money for Dentaid _________________________ Saturday 6th 10am - 12pm Family Saturday Hauser & Wirth Somerset 6 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

of two famous Viking myths and Freya’s own saga as Angel Heart and Rattlebox Theatre go ‘a-roving’ together through the Viking world. This delightful family show is full of boisterous gods, dunderheaded giants and the music of the fjords. Suitable 4+. Tickets £5, £18 family from 01935 413220 Viking Weapons ‘n’ Warfare Pre-Show Workshop!

Using an impressive array of reconstructed clothing, armour, weapons and props, including a few genuine Viking artefacts These free sessions offer families a unique experience of art, design and nature. To book a place please email: celeste@hauserwirth.com or call 01749 814060. www.hauserwirthsomerset.com

_________________________ Saturday 6th 7:30pm The Devil’s Violin – The Forbidden Door

St Nicholas Church, Sandford Orcas. Breathing new life into the ancient art of storytelling, drawing on influences from Folk and World to Jazz and Classical, the music and story work as one, transporting you into a world of the imagination.

Expect love, loss, drama, danger, horror, humour, twists and trials Suitable 12+. Tickets £9, £7 u18s from 01963 220208 or Sherborne TIC. “A scintillating

that are over a thousand years old, learn how the Vikings fought and what weapons they used in battle! This exciting pre-show workshop culminates in children actively taking part in a Viking shield wall, using a fabulous array of realistic looking foam-latex weapons, shields and helmets to get a ‘hands-on’ experience of what it felt to be in Viking battle formation. Take part then sit back and enjoy the exciting new Angel Heart and Rattlebox show.

Workshop spaces limited. Enquire when booking. Suitable 7+ www.artsreach.co.uk combination of music, sound and story” The Times www.artsreach.co.uk www.thedevilsviolin.co.uk

_________________________ Wednesday 10th 7.30pm Sherborne Flicks: Suffragette

Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne. Tickets £6 from Sherborne TIC

_________________________ Sunday 14th 2pm Valentines Day Walk

Join Blue Badge Guide Cindy on a Winter’s walk to learn of Sherborne’s ancient past.

Meet at the Abbey Porch and afterwards enjoy an optional hot chocolate. Walk £5. Optional hot chocolate £1.

_________________________ Wednesday 17th 2.30pm Sherborne W.I.

FEBRUARY 2016 “Historical Dances”

Catholic Church Hall, Westbury. Presented by Mr & Mrs McDonald, specialists in French dancing from the court of Louis XIV. New members and visitors always welcome at a cost of £3.

_________________________ Thursday 18th 2pm Sherborne Area over 50’s Group invite you to Bingo

Catholic Church Hall, Westbury.

Every 3rd Thursday. Eyes down 2.20pm. Prizes and cash. £3 entrance includes the 6 games and refreshments. Additional cards £1 _________________________ Friday 19th Mixing Children with Wildlife

Castle Gardens, Sherborne. Free half term activity. For more info please call: 01935 814633

_________________________ Saturday 20th 9am - 11am Community Big Butty Breakfast

Alweston Village Hall. A FREE child’s butty breakfast (for children up to 10 years old) with the purchase of an adult breakfast. Children’s activity table plus preserves and cakes.

Food Bank collection at the hall.

A community event organised

by Folke Church _________________________ Sunday 28th 2pm - 4pm Divine Union Soundbath

Experience the relaxing and healing sounds of Tibetan Singing. Bowls with vocal overtoning. Oborne Village Hall, DT9 4LA. £10. Pre-book: 01935 389655

_________________________

Friday 13th March Sherborne Sports Centre 10k Run

REGISTER NOW www.sherbornesport.co.uk/10k

_________________________

Workshops _________________________

Butterfly Bright Patchwork/ quilting, sewing, jewellery, embroidery, cake decorating, ceramic buttons, paper cutting.

Tuesday 9th - Pyjama bottoms, Wednesday 10th - Popcorn petal crochet cushion cover. 81 Cheap Street, Sherborne 01935 817303. www.butterflybright.co.uk The Slipped Stitch 1 Cheap Street, Sherborne Mon 1st - 10am - 1pm Knitted Slouch hats £25. Thurs 4th - 7-9pm - Sewing up and finishing techniques £20. Thurs 11th and 25th - 7-9pm - Crafty Get Together £2. Sat 6th - 10am - 3pm - Improvers Spinning Workshop - £50. Sat 13th - All day - Troubleshooting Saturday £5 for up to 3 projects you need help with. Sat 13th - 10am 1pm Felted Flowers £32.50.

Mon 15th - 10 - 11.30am Children’s workshop - Needle felted flowers £9. Weds 17th - 10 - 11.30am - Children’s workshop - Learn to Embroider £9. Fri 19th - 10am - 11.30am - Children’s workshop - Needle Felted Creepy Crawlies.

Thursday 25th - 10.30am 12.30pm - 4 week beginners Crochet Course starts £80.

Friday 26th - 10am - 1pm -

Knitted mittens £25. Monday 29th 10am - 12pm - Learn how to knit socks, £20. All workshops can be booked on our website www.theslippedstitch.co.uk/ workshops or by calling the shop on 01935 508249 _________________________

Markets _________________________ Saturday 13th 8:30am (trade) 9:30am (public) to 4pm

Chasty Cottage Antiques Fair Dealers, food and refreshments.

Up to 35 stands. Entrance £1.

Digby Hall, Hound St.

_________________________

Pannier Market Every Thursday and Saturday on the Parade

_________________________

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, 8.30am to 3.30pm, Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Rd

_________________________ www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 7

WHAT'S ON Talks & Lectures _________________________ Monday 1st 7.30pm Insight Lecture: The Drama of our Salvation With Canon Eric Woods

Memorial Hall, Digby Rd. Tickets from the Parish Office in the Close. £5. 01935 812452

_________________________ Wednesday 3rd 2pm & 8pm NADFAS: Marvels in Silver: Georg Jensen Jewellery

Lecture by Sally Hoban BA (Hons) MCIPR. Digby Hall, Hound Street

_________________________ Thursday 4th 2.30pm The Scented Garden

Free talk. Castle Gardens, Sherborne. For more info please call 01935 814633

_________________________ Thursday 4th 8pm Magna Carta. Lecture by Professor Nicholas Vincent

Digby Hall, Hound St. 01963 370899

_________________________ Saturday 6th 2:30pm My Life on the Fairgrounds

Talk by Kay Townsend.

Presented by Blackmore Vale & Yeovil Association in support of the National Trust. £3 ” members £5 guests inc. tea/ ant i l l i biscuits. Digby Hall, a - rHound St. 01747 838810“ B a

_________________________ Thursday 11th 2.30pm Seed sowing, pricking out and potting on

Castle Gardens, Sherborne.

Free talk. For more info call 01935 814633.

_________________________ 8 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

Thursday 11th 7.30pm Herbs at Little Groves Nursery

Talk by Becky Groves. £2. Digby Hall, Hound St. 01935 389867. _________________________ Friday 12th 7pm for 7:30pm The Poyntington Lecture “My Year as Lord Mayor”

With speaker Sir Alan Yarrow, Lord Mayor of London until November 2015. The Gryphon Conference Centre. Tickets to include canapés and a glass of wine. £12, from A. Rodger (01963 220759); J. Oliver (01963 220637); and Winstone’s Bookshop, Cheap St. _________________________ Wednesday 17th February 7.30pm ‘Bee Aware’ - a talk

by Brigit Strawbridge

Dorset Wildlife Trust, Sherborne Group. Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road

Thursday 25th 7.30pm Painting the Modern Garden

A lecture by Julian Halsby.

Digby Hall, Hound St. Tickets £9 to include wine, available at the Tourist Information Centre or on the door.

(Read Julian’s article on page 28)

_________________________

Sherborne RFC _________________________ Saturday 13th 2.15pm H Sherborne v Wimborne _________________________ Saturday 20th 2.15pm A Sherborne v Wimborne _________________________

Sherborne Town FC

_________________________ Saturday 6th H Sherborne Town FC v _________________________ Bradford Town FC Thursday 18th 8pm _________________________ Henry III and the Building Saturday 13th of Westminster Abbey A Gillingham Town FC v Lecture by Professor David Sherborne Town FC Carpenter. Digby Hall, Hound _________________________ St. 01963 370899 Saturday 20th www.sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk A Street FC v _________________________ Sherborne Town FC Thursday 18th 2.30pm _________________________ “ Wednesday 24th Swallows, Swifts, Martins and other Summer visitors A Cadbury Heath FC" v Castle Gardens, Sherborne.

Sherborne Town FC Free talk. 01935 814633 _________________________ _________________________ Saturday 27th Wednesday 24th 7.30pm H Sherborne Town FC v Insights into Magnetism Barnstaple Town FC Science Café Lecture by Dr _________________________

“I’m Speechless”

Sharon Strawbridge. Raleigh Hall, Digby Rd.

_________________________

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They are professional in what they do, yet put me at ease so I feel confident to ask them anything that I am unsure about. From initially contacting them online I feel we have had their constant attention. Whereas other more traditional agents are either unavailable or slow to respond. The photos, description & overall presentation of our house sale have been superb. I feel that this has been a significant factor in securing us a buyer within hours of being marketed. I can’t recommend Paul & Anita at EweMove highly enough.

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

Send your stories to editor@sherbornetimes.co.uk

NOAH MCINTYRE 18, The Gryphon Sixth Form

G

ryphon Sixth Form student, Noah McIntyre has already experienced a career high that most budding filmmakers can only aspire to. Noah was chosen, by production company Done and Dusted, to help film and produce U2’s recent iNNOCENCE+eXPERIENCE concerts in Paris. Noah describes this as “quite possibly the best experience of my life, and one that I will never forget.” “I was even complimented by Bono and The Edge for my good work!”

Noah’s interest in film and television production goes back a long way and he has worked tirelessly during his A levels to build his portfolio; producing and editing his own short films. These range from short commissioned promotional videos for local companies such as Panther Martial Arts and Yeovil Golf Club, to documenting the Bridport Hat Festival! Clearly a talented young man, Noah’s passion for filmmaking shines through all he does.

Examples of Noah’s film and photography projects can be seen on his Arknstuff blog: www.arknstuff.wordpress.com

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

10 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

QUALITY HOME INSURANCE CAN’T BE RUSHED Because time spent on a real conversation allows us to appreciate the finer details.

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.

Heart shape chopping board, £35 Sabins Deli

Whispering Angel rosé wine, £18.99 Vineyards

Kiss mug, £11 Circus

Cashmere scarf, £190 Circus

Letterpress greetings card, £3.25 deartome.co.uk

HEARTLAND You needn’t go further than Sherborne’s historic Cheap Street this February to find your loved one that all important Valentine’s gift.

Elly Vvaller, fashion and interiors stylist, and creative director at boutique stationery brand Dear to Me, follows her heart…

12 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

Penhaligons shaving soap, £36 Abbey Pharmacy

Leather bracelet with heart charms, £16.50 White Feather

Aston necklace, £40 Abbey Brides

Set of heart tea spoons, £17.95 Almondburys

Ladybird books, £6.99 Winstone's Books

Kids top with heart motif, £17 Circus

Chloe Love Story eau de parfum, £47 Abbey Pharmacy

Straw bag with heart motif, £49 Circus www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 13

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER

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The Dining Room Westbury Sherborne DT9 3EH 01935 815154 info@thediningroomsherborne www.thediningroomsherborne.com

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14 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

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We have the experience to help you successfully secure and enhance your financial future by offering specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: • Investment planning

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For further information, or to request your complimentary guide to wealth management, contact:

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The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www. sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Wild Dorset

16 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

THE DARTFORD WARBLER Sally Welbourn, Dorset Wildlife Trust

T

his time of year is ideal for migrant bird watching, but some birds living a bit closer to home are also a delight to watch, and can be seen all year round. The Dartford Warbler is special to Dorset as not only is it a rarity to spot, but its ideal habitat is heathland, of which we have plenty!

The Dartford Warbler does not migrate, but survives the winter feeding on invertebrates in the thick growth of heather and gorse on heathland such as Upton Heath nature reserve, near Corfe Mullen. Sadly now a rare and threatened species, its decline began due to a severe winter in the 1960s, where the numbers plummeted to just 11 breeding pairs, 4 of which were in Dorset.

Since then, numbers of these special birds have increased, but we can not take their survival for granted as the habitat they live in faces threats. In the state of nature report 2013, we found out that lowland heathland in the UK has shrunk in area by 80% since 1800, with habitat loss continuing through the 1980s and 1990s. Causes of this include development and lack of correct management.

Heathland fires also directly impact Dartford Warblers as they nest on or near the ground.

In 2010, after a particularly harsh winter, their numbers had already declined once more, yet they were faced with a devastating heathland fire in the summer of 2011 which seriously damaged one third of Upton Heath in Dorset.

Heathland restoration work carried out by conservation organisations such as Dorset Wildlife Trust on its heathland nature reserves is a vital way to help the species survive and ensure they have new territories to explore, if the worst should happen. We’ve already seen their numbers increase again since 2011.

It is now more important than ever to ensure that Dartford Warblers have suitable habitat to live in. Conservation work on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves is essential to help Dartford Warblers survive so visitors can enjoy the rare sight of this distinctive and hardy bird. www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

FACT FILE: Common name: Dartford Warbler Latin name: Sylvia undata Conservation status: Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.

How to identify: 13cm, dark grey/brown with long tail, red eyes and a dark red chest with white flecks. Often spotted when heard singing

a rattly, scratchy warble whilst perched on top of a gorse stem.

What they eat: Insects Where to see: Heathland – Visit www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves for more information. Likely to see them on coastal gorse in the Winter.

When to see: All year round.

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 17

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

Wild Dorset

FOR THE RECORD

Gillian M Constable, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Sherborne Group Committee

T

he mild and very variable weather towards the end of 2015 allowed us to get out for some local walks to complete an endof-year ‘wild flowers in bloom list’. We recorded the highest number since starting in 2004 – 28 species. One which always gives me great pleasure is Winter Heliotrope. Not because it is of great beauty; just its lovely perfume. Two summers back we went on a guided walk at one of DWT’s quarries on Portland where they had been working very hard for several years to eliminate decades of invasive flora and return the quarry to its former natural habitat. Winter Heliotrope was one of the species for elimination.

Each month DWT has a ‘species of the month’ for which it would like to receive records. In December it was Mistletoe. We knew of one local tree with a few bunches. With little effort we found three more trees bearing bunches of Mistletoe, one with over 50. This type of ‘citizen science’ helps DWT to build a more extensive knowledge base of our county’s flora and fauna.

The species for January is Red Fox; you might

remember seeing one – get your record in via the DWT website which has more information and the February species.

In late December we saw Bumblebees on several occasions; probably the White-tailed. I love seeing bees but find identifying Bumbles very difficult even when my photos are not too bad. Typically they were searching Ivy for the last of the nectar and pollen to sustain them during the colder months. Interest in bees has increased with the realisation of how much we depend on them for pollination. The neonicotinoids problem is still unresolved and recent research suggests the fall in butterfly numbers is also attributable to the chemical.

The Sherborne group’s February meeting, 17th Digby Memorial Hall 7.30, has the title ‘Bee Aware’. Brigit Strawbridge, our speaker, will bring us up to date with current thinking. She has an excellent website from which her passion for bees is obvious. www.beestrawbridge.blogspot.co.uk

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 19

BRIGHT IDEAS FOR DARK NIGHTS Dan Chiappa-Patching, Sherborne Prep

Being a boarding master, one of the challenges I relish most is ensuring that our children are busy and active in these darker weeks, and despite the reduced opportunities for playing outside at the end of the school day, there are still so many fun things to do that don’t involve a television or smartphone. I thought I would share my Top Ten favourite ideas with you; they won’t break the bank or require large resources, and can make for very contented children.

20 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

Board not Bored

Whilst there are so many exciting board games out there at the moment, it is interesting to see how many of the classics our pupils enjoy playing. The big hit of the moment is chess, but Cluedo and charades are also extremely popular. It is always fun to dig into a forgotten cupboard, so why not hunt around and blow the dust off your old Monopoly or draughts set. Even if you haven’t got them at home I bet grandparents have got some half-forgotten board games tucked away.

Amazing Adaptations

I’m constantly amazed at how creative our children can be, and whilst it may astound us as adults, it is par for the course for young brains to constantly be ticking over. Endless entertainment can be found in the time it will take them to design a new board game and cut out cardboard to make the game pieces, or to simply update and personalise an existing game. How about providing a few Sharpies and some card and update/design your own Monopoly board with the local street names and shops?

heavier items. The more technologically minded pupils here last year decided to create some stop motion animations using the iPads and their abundance of Lego!

Crafty Delights

Everyone loves to receive homemade cards or gifts, and card making and designing useful trinkets with card and fabrics is a great way to spend an evening, whether boy or girl. This year for Christmas we opted to save on wrapping paper and instead purchased a long roll of plain paper that we decorated with stamps, splotches, ink, paint and anything that came to hand.

If your child is especially keen on this sort of activity perhaps you could make a calendar together of all the birthday or thank you cards they would like to send this year, and start building up a stock.

Bake Off Challenge

Something I have found that can engage all ages and abilities is character creation. The boarders at the Prep can while away many happy hours over a term, inventing characters and stories, designing and drawing them and even working in groups to create scenarios, so you can always invite some friends over to join in the fun. A perfect outlet for this has been the resurgence of the good old fashioned Dungeons and Dragons role playing games. A pencil, some paper and a few dice are all that are required - as well as a little time and a great dollop of imagination.

Having spent some time running my own coffee shop before I joined The Prep, cakes and bread are a bit of a passion of mine and I really enjoy baking with the boarders. It’s a messy, but fun activity and there really is nothing better than watching bread rise - and then being able to eat it once baked!

A bake off challenge within the family or amongst your child’s friends is a great activity for a birthday party. It is easy to set the rules and the type of baking to suit the age group, from simple rice crispy squares and fridge cakes to more demanding bakes.

A more ambitious project for teenagers at a loose end might be to see if they can plan, shop for, and prepare a family meal - a skill that will come in very useful later in life!

Larger than Life Lego

Miniature Olympics

Creative Characters

Lego has made a wonderful comeback and the best of it is the simplest - the little coloured blocks. Children always love a challenge, so why not suggest an attempt to build a Lego tower as tall as themselves, or to reach the door frame. For older children they might enjoy an experiment to see if they can make a Lego bridge to span a certain gap, and the game could be stepped to see if they can construct it to take gradually

I am not suggesting that they should rearrange the furniture and try to hurdle the sofa, but with a little imagination and some miniature course construction, it is remarkable how much fun you can have with marbles. Children can design a course where they race against each other or where they attempt to complete the course in the best time. It is especially enjoyable to play this game with Maltesers and a straw! > www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 21

Fashion Frivolity

This is possibly more appealing to girls than boys but easily adapted to suit your child’s particular interests. With a supply of pens and paper, ask your child if they can design a few outfits for a particular famous person, or for a particular occasion. You could also invite a child to design a superhero suit or their own inventive ideas for a space suit or a Bear Grylls suit, fully kitted out with every conceivable gadget. If you have some spare or old fabrics children might also love sewing an outfit for their favourite bear or doll, or making a mini tent or tepee for their Sylvanians or Lego figures.

Music Maestros

You’d be surprised how many everyday items can be turned into musical instruments… older children could get creative with a bottle band, where they fill a number of bottles with different amounts of water so they make different notes when they blow across the tops, and then crack on with some composing. Younger children can make shakers out of tubes or pots and some dried peas, and upturned plastic containers or metal saucepans make wonderful drum sets - if you are willing

to lend your wooden spoons! Technologically keen teenagers might enjoy attempting to record snippets of different sounds such as a tap running, a door shutting, a microwave beeping, and then using their phones or computers to compose a percussion piece.

Bookworm Heaven

Evenings in the boarding house are a delight for avid readers as there is always time made for reading just before bed. Evolving this into also keeping a book journal or even starting to work on their own book is a fantastically creative and rewarding pastime. For the less sure readers, finding a book with a few characters and plenty of talk and then sharing out the roles to family members is an engaging way to encourage younger readers to read aloud. Something we often do with our younger boarders.

Whatever you do with your children this Winter I wish you a great deal of fun together!

Dan Chiappa-Patching is Director of Boarding at Sherborne Prep, and lives on site with his wife, Michela, a food journalist, and his two young daughters. www.sherborneprep.org

DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST

22 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

SHERBORNE ARTSLINK Sarah Tait

For a small market town rich in history and cultural interests, ArtsLink is one of the most valuable, if under-trumpeted jewels in the Sherborne crown.

F

ew boroughs can boast an enterprise which offers similar opportunities to its population.

Since 1984, ArtsLink, a registered charity run by a small team of dedicated staff and a board of volunteer trustees, has provided ‘arts’ in various guises to the population of Sherborne and surrounding district. Every year, hundreds of people enrol in the painting and craft classes given by professional artists, many of whom have highly successful careers of their own outside the teaching sphere. Others join the expeditions to operas, ballets or to national galleries for special exhibitions and even cultural study tours to Italy or Vienna.

Beyond these, since 2011 ArtsLink’s special Big Lottery funded project TakePArt has offered free drop in events for children, young people and their families, such as the poplular Arts Buffets which includes painting, crafts, costume making, as well as theatre projects and reading support groups (an example of this being the Story Cake Club). Nearly two thousand people have taken part in these in the last year, gaining confidence along with practical skills; their feedback speaks for itself – over 90% of

participants declaring themselves to feel happier and more creative as a result of taking ‘PArt’.

Last year, ArtsLink went into construction with its Arts Cabin in Tinney’s Lane, in partnership with the Sherborne Youth Centre and with much assistance from local community volunteers. Now open, it provides young people with a creative work space and is for hire by the wider community.

ArtsLink was also involved in the nearby, Sherborne Mural, depicting the history of the town.

As the end to the Lottery Fund period approaches, ArtsLink is engaged in a new bid for funding, for a bigger and better programme of events, aimed not just at young people and their families but also to other members of the community such as elderly and those who live alone or who have special needs, along with their carers. This would include dance and music therapy and participation art in many other guises.

We are fortunate indeed to have such an asset in our town. www.sherborneartslink.org.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 23

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To find out more about the opportunities this exciting development could hold for your child, please visit www.leweston.co.uk or contact the Admissions Team tel: 01963 211010 Email: admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk A Catholic Foundation which welcomes pupils of all denominations Leweston School Trust is a registered charity number 295175

24 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

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CROCHET HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER PATTERN Alison Nurton, Butterfly Bright

Supplies:

5mm crochet hook 1 ball of 50g Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a colour of your choice Tapestry needle to sew in ends Method to fit 500ml bottle (mini size) Method

Starting Row: Chain 20 plus 1 Row 1: 1htr into 2nd chain from hook, 1htr in each stitch to end (20 sts), turn Row 2: chain 2, 2 htr into first st, 18 htr, 2 htr in last stitch. (22 sts), turn Row 3: chain 2, 2 htr into first st, 20 htr, 2 htr in last stitch. (24 sts), turn Row 4-17: chain 2 then htr in each stitch to end (24 sts), Turn Row 18: (start to shape the neck) chain 2 then htr2tog, 18 htr, htr2tog (22 sts), Turn Row 19: chain 2 then htr2tog, 16 htr, htr2tog (20 sts), Turn Row 20: chain 2 then htr2tog, 14 htr, htr2tog (18 sts), Turn Row 21: chain 2 then htr2tog, 12 htr, htr2tog (16 sts), Turn Row 22: chain 2, 2 htr into first st, 14 htr, 2 htr in last st (18 sts), Turn Row 23: chain 2, 2 htr into first st, 16 htr, 2 htr in last st (20 sts), Turn Row 24: chain 2, 2 htr into first st, 18 htr, 2 htr in last st (22 sts), Turn Row 25: chain 2, 2 htr into first st, 20 htr, 2 htr in last st (24 sts), End. Repeat to make second side and then sew the two sides together with your tapestry needle. You can add a decorative trim if you wish or embellish with a crochet motif if desired.

If you are having problems with the pattern do pop along to our free Yarn Bee every Friday morning 10am-12pm.

We also have a crochet club on a Wednesday evening from 7.30-9.30pm which you are welcome to come along to! www.butterflybright.com 26 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 27

PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN Julian Halsby MA (Cantab) FRSA RBA

A major exhibition has just opened at the Royal Academy examining the work of artists who designed, planted and painted their own gardens. The leading name is, of course, Claude Monet whose garden at Giverny is known to many, but there are other fascinating artists who devoted much of their creative life to building and painting their own gardens.

Auguste Renoir, Monet Painting in His Garden at Argenteuil, 1873. Oil on canvas, 46.7 x 59.7cm. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT. Bequest of Anne Parrish Titzell, 1957.614. Photo (c) Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT

28 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

G

ustave Caillebotte, the son of a wealthy industrialist and an important member of the Impressionist group, was a keen gardener who planted and painted his own garden at Petit-Gennevilliers by the Seine. Like his friend Monet, he studies plant catalogues and even built himself greenhouses to further his chrysanthemum collection. He almost certainly influenced Monet to transform and expand the garden of the house he bought in Giverny in the 1880’s. Monet was as serious a gardener as he was a painter, and devoted most afternoons to discussing the development of his garden with his staff, as well as physically working planting and pruning. He devoured horticultural magazines and catalogues and was often invited to judge flower shows at the highest level. Monet did not just paint flowers, he painted specific specimens of which he was often justly proud, such as dahlia imperialis, dahlia juarezii or iris germanicus. Painting his garden in Argenteuil in the 1870’s Monet proudly depicts an epiphyllum, newly imported from Mexico, in a fashionable Japanese planter.

Henri Martin, a reclusive figure, bought a house near Labastide du Vert near Cahors in the Lot and devoted most of his life to developing and painting the garden, usually bathed in the sunlight of the South. His pointillist technique was well adapted to the subject and through his eyes we see his garden in every season. Henri Le Sidaner did much the same in his garden at Gerberoy near Beauvais. His work, also in a pointillist manner, is wonderfully evocative of summer evenings and one can almost smell the heady perfume of his beloved roses. Le Sidaner devotes some 30 years to creating the perfect garden which he records so brilliantly on canvas.

It was not only French artists who developed their gardens to paint – Max Liebermann was devoted to his garden near Wannsee, Berlin and Emile Nolde repeatedly painted his colourful garden on the Danish border at Seebull. Banned from painting by the Nazis, Nolde painted a large number of personal watercolours, his ‘secret paintings’, which were often of his garden. In Spain Joaquin Sorolla travelled widely looking at

Moorish gardens before building the Casa Sorolla in Madrid with its wonderful scented gardens.

This exhibition is international in outlook. We discover the wonderful garden scenes of Gustav Klimt painted during summer holidays on the Attersee, we see John Singer Sargent’s paintings of English gardens and his fellow American Childe Hassam painting Celia Thaxter’s garden in Appledore off the coast of Maine as well as James Tissot, a Frenchman who created and painted his own garden in St John’s Wood in London.

The exhibition also includes modern painters such as Matisse and Kandinsky both of whom loved gardens and gardening. The exhibition ends with a section entitled ‘Gardens of War and Regeneration’, a reminder that the First World War inflicted great damage not only on the combatants but also on society in general. Monet could hear the guns from Giverny and worried constantly about family members fighting at the Front. Many of his garden paintings from the War years reflect his unhappiness, especially the weeping willow series often painted in sombre colours. When the War ended he dedicated his large waterlily cycle – ‘Les Grandes Decorations’ – to be installed in the Orangerie to ‘the fallen men of France’.

Monet was as serious a gardener as he was a painter

Julian Halsby is an art historian, author, lecturer, critic, and practising artist.

Painting the Modern Garden The Royal Academy, Piccadilly 30th January to 20th April 2016 Artslink is running a coach to the exhibition.

Monday 14th March 2016 leaving Sherborne at 8.30am Tickets £65/55 Friends (£51/41 Coach only for Friends of Royal Academy) Phone 01935 815899 See our listings section for details of Julian Halsby forthcoming Digby Hall lecture ‘Painting the Modern Garden’ www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 29

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30 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

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32 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN PART TWO - THE LAYOUT PLAN

I

Alan Dodge, Bailey Ridge

n last month’s article, we drew up the survey findings of the existing site, broadly sketched in the elements on the wish list and so now we need to develop this into the Layout Plan.

This plan will show where all the elements of the garden will be situated and arranged logically, ergonomically and attractively. Developing the layout plan is iterative, a trial and error process, so don’t be concerned if you end up with several concepts of different merits. There isn’t just one layout for each garden, all solutions should be considered and the selection based on how best they fulfil the brief. I often copy my baseline plan several times so that I can do just this, keeping an open mind and then presenting the various options to my client for a final decision.

I have two general rules when it comes to garden layouts: A house would be a pretty uninteresting place if there were no internal walls dividing the various living spaces and likewise a garden can be considered similarly. So rule one is what I call the “Rooms Outside Theory”, the terrace might be considered the living or dining room, a lawn the lounge or a playroom for children, perhaps a barbecue area the kitchen, a quiet seating area a study, the herb or vegetable garden another room and so on. The divisions however are not hard boundaries like walls but more subtle, using perhaps beds, borders, low lavender hedges, trellis or changes in levels. Rule two is one of my favourite sayings: “a good design should lead the visitor around the garden”. I am always interested to see how a visitor explores or is lead around a garden un-prompted, how the garden invites them perhaps off the terrace and along a path attracted through an archway or pergola by a glimpse of a colourful border at the end or the inviting curve of a lawn beyond. I suppose this is where experience helps in knowing how shape and form can combine to achieve an interesting, attractive, yet practical layout. Ah yes, my favourite word this time, “practical”. The layout of the design will be its backbone, its structure, not only should it be

practical to construct but it should be practical in use and maintenance. From my days as an engineer almost anything is possible to build but at what effort or cost? Something we will discuss in a future issue. When developing the layout, visualise what will be required to achieve your ideas. I quickly learnt this when I designed and laid a sunken patio for a client in the garden of his second floor flat in London. All the excavated material and all building materials had to be transported through the kitchen, along a narrow corridor, then up and down two flights of stairs! Most importantly, try and visualise how the finished garden will look and be used. Analyse views created by your ideas from important positions, the kitchen or lounge window, where you might entertain on the terrace, the view of your house from the end of the garden and how it will be complemented by the new garden. A good tip here is to take your plan and visualise how it will look from an overlooking window. Lay the various shapes out in the garden with some light coloured sand or a hosepipe and retreat to an upstairs bedroom to consider their shape and how each element would look within the boundaries of the garden. This is the clincher because at this stage it is so easy to get the size of various elements wrong.

The whole area should have scale and harmonise with the size of the house and the boundaries of the garden.

The layout plan will be the foundation of the garden, sometimes termed the “hard landscaping” plan, it must be accurate and give enough information for constructing walls, paving and any structures as well as setting out bed, border and lawn shapes. It is probably the most critical time in the design process, the time when things will get set in stone, literally! It may be relatively easy to move a tree half a meter to the left or right if it hinders a view but moving an entire green oak pergola or stone wall will be, at the very least costly!

Next Month: Part Three - Detail and Cost www.baileyridge.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 33

ALL MOD COMMS Richard Bromell ASFAV, Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers

H

ands up if you received post is not dead, and never will a tablet or iPad for be. There will always be a large Christmas? If not, then number of people who like to did you treat yourself to one in put pen (or ink) to paper. Over the January sales? I suspect quite the centuries companies have a number of you who are reading invented all sorts of accessories this have. Technology has clearly (or apps as some might call them had a huge impact on our lives today) to help us send a letter. and in the way we communicate Today these accessories can with each other. command vast sums of money When I was young, we always Low-Tech Antiques - a fine late 19th at auction and are highly sought century leather, tortoiseshell and made telephone calls after 6pm after, such as Dunhill Namiki silver inlaid stationery box, included as it was much cheaper (usually fountain pens which regularly in the Charterhouse 19th February auction £500-800 with my father timing me). sell for over £5,000.

According to OFCOM statistics If shopping on a more modest (2015), 93% of adults use or own a mobile phone budget and looking for something of a decorative in the UK. Talk is now cheap as are some of the appeal, how about this superb late Victorian phones. I remember the early “brick” telephones leather stationery box? (pictured) Originally 30 years ago with their £2,000 a year contracts and designed to store paper for letters and envelopes, very little phone coverage. Today, these early mobile this is the sort of present to give someone who phones are design icons – if we ever have one in our pretty much has everything. Dating to circa 1880, collector’s auctions it always generates more interest it has a tortoiseshell front beautifully inlaid with than a Victorian chest of drawers. silver and is estimated at £500-800 in our silver Landline and mobile phones are not the only and jewellery auction on Friday 19th February. way of communicating of course. You can tweet, It was discovered in the attic of a Somerset FaceTime, post on Facebook or send images and house after we received instructions to clear the captions on Snapchat to name but a few. However, property. It had been stored there for many years it is perhaps email which has taken over a larger and survives in excellent condition for something part of our private and work life, probably at the nearly 140 years old, especially as the rest of the expense of letter writing. home was in a dire state and would have made an But writing a letter and sending it through the excellent contender for Secret Hoarders!

34 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

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THE LAST CHARGE Luke Mouland, Kith and Kin Research

A

s the First World War centenary commemorations continue apace, both locally and nationally, this month we remember those who took part in the Egyptian campaign of February 1916; more especially, the men of The (Queen’s Own) Dorset Yeomanry who so gallantly laid down their lives during the great cavalry charge at Agagia on February 26th. Many of these men were, indeed, local to Dorset; and a good number local to Sherborne, having signed up for service at “B” Squadron headquarters in Higher Cheap Street on the outbreak of the war.

The campaign itself was a strategic move to end the German and Ottoman sponsored Senussi uprising, which had been threatening British supply lines through the Suez Canal since December 1915. Early that month a British column had been attacked at Duwwar Hussein, and another was repulsed at Wadi Hasheifiat some days later. In the February a reinforced column under Brigadier-General H. T. Lukin advanced west along the coast to recapture Sollum, and, en route, attacked a Senussi encampment at Agagia.

As the Senussi rebels retreated, they were cut 36 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

off by a decisive charge by the Dorset Yeomanry.

Sabers drawn, the yeomen advanced quickly over the open sandy plain, riding headlong into a hail of machine gun fire as the rebels formed a rearguard action. They bore down on them in two steady waves, and at approximately fifty yards the charge was sounded and they broke into full gallop; the Senussi, “running in all directions, shrieking and yelling and throwing away their arms and belongings.” Their commander, General Gaafar Pasha, surrendered, and the remaining three hundred or so rebels caught out in the open were hacked down and killed in a “scene of terror as is quite impossible to imagine.”

Of the 196 officers and men of the Dorset Yeomanry that went into action on that day, thirtytwo were killed and twenty-six severely wounded.

Five of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice are now recorded on Sherborne’s war memorial, situated on the Abbey green.

Trooper William Norman, the seventh son of Frederick and Rebecca Norman, of Home Farm, Lenthay, had been expected home in April; an old member of the yeomanry, his term of service was

nearing completion, and at 26 years of age, he was the oldest Sherbornian to die. He was described by his parents as “the best of sons.”

Fighting alongside him were Troopers Cooper and Dunn, who had both been lodging in Westbury in the months leading up to the war.

Edward John Cooper was born at Haydon, the second son of Benjamin Cooper, an agricultural labourer, and his wife, Fanny. He enlisted in the Dorset Yeomanry at Sherborne and embarked with his regiment for Egypt in November 1915, where he met his death three months later. His obituary records that he had for some time been employed as a butcher by Mr. Mark Parsons, of Cheap Street, “by whom his services were highly spoken of.” He was 18 when he died. Sailing with him for Egypt in November was Percy Victor Dunn, who had joined the regiment for duty the previous June.

A native of Beaminster, he was the same age as Cooper, and had come to settle in Sherborne as an employee at the local milk factory.

The remaining two Sherbornians to fall on that day both resided in Cheap Street before the war. Trooper Trevor Chaffin was the son of

local studio photographer, William Matthew Chaffin, and his wife, Kate. He had enlisted with the Dorset Yeomanry about two years previous, and had seen active service in Gallipoli where he was twice struck down with dysentery. Prior to the war he was in the employ of Mr. Spiller, and when mobilised had not yet completed his apprenticeship.

William Henry Diment, meanwhile, was the son of a local fishmonger, and had also served with the regiment in Gallipoli and been invalided out with dysentery. According to the local newspaper he had joined for duty in March 1914, and was a keen cricket player and member of the Congregational Brotherhood.

On this, the centenary of their deaths, let us remember the sacrifices made by these brave men, and all those, on both sides of the conflict, who were involved on that day.

Luke Mouland is a genealogist, probate researcher and writer www.kithandkinresearch.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 37

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MATT BELFRAGE Words Jo Denbury Photography Katharine Davies

A

n aged stable block comes into view; high grass surrounds it, a fifteenth century dovecot and maybe a house. All sheltered by the tall spire of Trent’s village church. An old black lurcher potters about oblivious to the whir and buzz of cutting wood.We are standing outside Matt Belfrage’s workshop, a disused stable in the middle of an ancient farmyard. Not far from here is a room where Charles II hid while on his escape from the Roundheads and the area still retains an eerie sense of rural quiet. >

40 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

"It is true that a carpenter is dictated to, by the wood that he works with"

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 41

Sixteen years ago Matt took over the stables. At the time they were packed to the rafters with old tractor tyres and Matt spent three days clearing them out, not to mention the mice who had made it their home, and stripped the space back to its whitewash walls and bare floors. Then he set up his workbenches and tools as well as a wood-burner that now doubles as a stove for a hot lunch - and began his business as a bespoke furniture maker using only sustainable and local recycled wood.

His passion for trees began as a child, when Matt spent hours climbing and building treehouses. Before disease set in and the penultimate ‘cull’, Elms were his favourite trees ‘they have low branches which makes them particularly good for climbing,’ he recalls. But a brief spell as an architectural model-maker took him away to London and ultimately Sydney. Then in the mid-90s he moved with his wife to Trent and Matt rediscovered his passion for working with wood.

Matt’s self-taught voyage into working with 42 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

wood began with reclaimed pine planks from the disused Babycham Factory for a range of coffers and chests. From that he started to look further for unwanted wood. He recalls the moment when a neighbour narrowly missed being killed by a bough from a Beech tree that stood in his garden.

As Matt puts it, ‘the tree shed an arm’ - his choice of words only proving his love for the trees further - but it was decided that it should be cut down.

The tree produced four tonnes of wood but rather than sell it for firewood the neighbour wanted to create something that would commemorate the tree and Matt suggested making a bespoke kitchen from the wood. So began Matt’s career of recycling wood that would otherwise be burned.

It is true that a carpenter is dictated to, by the wood that he works with; by its grain and its purpose. Matt explains that when he sources a tree he always knows where it has stood, he counts it growth rings and gains a sense of what it has witnessed. The wood tells a story of its life – the

hot summers and cold winters that it has seen – the pips, burrs and ripples in the wood all create a grain that has to be worked with.

As Matt says it is his job to work with what nature has produced and strike a balance between practicality and beauty. To let the straight grains become planks and the twisted knots decorative.

It is a waiting game as it takes a long time for seasoned wood to dry out. Sometimes it is years before Matt can use a favoured piece of wood and his clients have to be patient. But what they can be sure of is that they will have a piece of furniture that has heritage and provenance, that can be passed down to their ancestors.

He lifts up a piece that he is working on. It is walnut and in it you can see the marks from gun-shot lodged in the wood, intentionally left

by Matt as part of the tree’s legacy. Another part of it was burned and this leaves a further dark patina. All these moments in the tree’s lifetime will be incorporated into the table. It’s what makes

the work so particular and special. No piece of furniture is ever the same thanks to the tree from which it came.

Among the coffers, tables and sideboards is a range of individually designed bespoke combbacked Windsor chairs made in a variety and mix of timbers including elm, sycamore, walnut and burr elm. The seats for three chairs sit side by side on the workbench, each bearing the deep grooves gouged out of the wood to make the soft curve of the seat that so typifies this chair. It’s musclemaking work, especially if the seat is made of Elm, a hard wood that will last for a lifetime but takes a long labour to mould.

All the wood that Matt uses is locally sourced from Dorset or Somerset, either from trees that have blown over or have been felled because they are sick. When word gets out that there is a tree, Matt will head over on a tractor with the miller in tow and together they will plank up the wood.

‘It’s such a rewarding business because unless > www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 43

When word gets out that there is a tree Matt will head over on a tractor with the miller in tow 44 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

I used the wood it would be burned.’

As Matt collects wood as and when it becomes available – and often from the Trent estate – clients are always able to choose from a range of stored timber. Although choices tend to be made according to preference for tonal colour, patinas and grains are also taken into consideration and careful placing of particular of pieces wood according to its use are made to give every piece of furniture the balance and personality that is the signature of his bespoke work.

But it is not just the large pieces that are used and the rest discarded. Small branches and pieces with particularly intricate burrs or the like are honed down to make jewellery boxes and even Somerset apple wood is used for spoons and chef ’s range of servers and chopping boards.

This work requires small intricate tools that must be learned, the quality of the craftsmanship in the tools – Matt prefers the old Sheffield steel and wooden handle types as they are stronger – is as important as the hand and eye that is using them. Handling these boxes and spoons has its own therapeutic quality too that is not lost on Matt. Rehabilitating wood that is old and worn out into an object that is new and can be used again brings a promise of a future.

As we walk around the disused farmyard Matt remarks on how the place was once a hive of activity where people worked and that he still likes to involve local young people to serve a kind of apprenticeship and give them an opportunity to get away from other parts of their lives and work with wood. One of his most recent recruits went on to study furniture design and left college with a first in furniture design before returning to work with Matt.

We are witnessing a resurgence in the popularity of traditional handmade crafts and bespoke cabinetry, which bodes well for Matt.

A man at one with his work, quietly getting on with what he does best while waiting for the next tree to fall.

Matt will be at the Sherborne Castle Country Fair in May www.mattbelfrage.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 45

Food & Drink

mudguard for a makeshift table, damp sandwich rapidly dispatched, then on to the main event‌

46 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

WINNING CUPS LAST OF THE YEAR Giles Dick Read, Reads Coffee Roasters

I’m often asked ‘What’s the best cup of coffee you’ve had recently?’. On the part of the questioner, there may be a hope that I’ll drop the name of some exotic bean or undiscovered café.

U

nfortunately, for me at least, the question usually leaves me blank…struggling to come up with an answer that I think will satisfy.

Coffee, much like beer, is of such subjective judgement that I more often than not find that the best experiences come from the situation, with mood or desperation at that particular moment having a huge bearing.

Even the very best Kenyans won’t hit the spot if I’m not ‘in the mood’, whereas a McDonalds black coffee, after an early start and hours at the wheel can sometimes seem a lifesaver in more ways than one!

So, here’s simple parameter, the Winning Cup in question for this piece should be the ‘Best’, most memorable or most needed over the past month or

so. The number of café trips has dropped off with Christmas, so, the outstanding cup this month was not only much needed and physically welcome, but also extremely good and, as it happened, my last of 2015…

Take one of the many recent wet days, New Years Eve as it happened. After no small amount of behind the scenes preparation on the part of Charlotte, a boy is out hunting, with parents following on. He’s extremely well cared for out there and loves every second of it. I’m not a rider so follow on a lightweight motorcycle, perfect for stand up riding and offering great views over the high hedges.

Rucksack items other than the inevitable waterproofs: a thick cheese and pickle sandwich, couple of mince pies and a flask of coffee. >

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 47

The coffee…20 freshly ground grams of Rwanda Cyiya Red Bourbon from smallholders in the Nymasheke District. 300 ml water, just off the boil, paper filtered straight into the pre-warmed flask via a simple Melitta cone…with an appropriate sized dash of just warmed (not hot) milk. No clever machine, very simple.

After a beautiful start to the day, late lunchtime arrives with rain now stuck well in for the day.

One of the beauties of a motorcycle is that you are well dressed for even the most miserable weather.. helmet is waterproof; boots, jackets and trousers make light of thorns and mud and, being well padded, natural seats. Shelter found from the strong south westerly which, in order to enjoy the perfect view of the B&SV working a covert around a nearby farmyard, takes the form of a thick, thorny, but protecting hedge.

Hail surprisingly, arrives in a hard shower so my opposite aspect proves all but perfect. A rivulet of cold water developing down the back of the neck, but otherwise cosy and tucked well into the thorns.

Muddy mudguard for a makeshift table, damp

sandwich rapidly dispatched, then on to the main event…would the coffee still be hot? Yes! Hot enough. Will the milk have wrecked it (usually a yes in a flask), No!...surprisingly - a factor, I expect, of not trying to keep it for too long. The little cup that makes up the lid of the flask is just the right size for a couple in quick succession, helping down the mince pies. Rwanda, particularly the Bourbons, make for a smooth, full-bodied brew with elements of African fruitiness…perfect for the moment!

Revitalised by the well travelled brew, and after a moment’s reflection on the extraordinary difference between the coffee’s origins and the place of drinking, it’s back up the road for a short ride in teeming rain and rapidly failing light to collect the boy, load up our respective charges and head for home.

A thorough hose down, animals, humans and motorcycle alike, then for the satisfied, weather worn riders and maternal groom, only one thing for it, a proper cup of tea! www.readscoffee.co.uk

COFFEE BREAK

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

48 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

The Dining Room is a beautiful restaurant situated in the stunning surroundings of the 8th Century Sherborne Abbey and 15th Century almshouse. We cook sensational traditional British food with a respectful nod to the past and an eager fork in the fresh ideas of contemporary dining.

MONDAY to SATURDAY 12pm to 2pm • 6.30pm to 9.30pm SU NDAY 12pm to 3pm • 6.30pm to 8.30pm Westbury, Sherborne DT9 3EH

01935 815154

info@thediningroomsherborne www.thediningroomsherborne.com

Food & Drink

FORCED RHUBARB

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

roduced in West Yorkshire in an area known as the ‘Wakefield Triangle’ these gorgeous pink sticks of tart deliciousness manage to fill the hungry gap of British ‘seasonal fruit’ single handed. The resurgence of rhubarb’s popularity is due to the determination of grower Janet Oldroyd Hulme. Representing the last few family-run farms, Janet has battled to ensure that Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb was awarded the status of ‘protected designation of origin’ in 2010.

The organic rhubarb is lifted in November and then encouraged to grow in long, warm, dark sheds and then harvested by candlelight. It grows with such ferocity that a popping sound can be heard as the buds burst into life. Great care is needed to gather this labour intensive crop which deserves to be cooked gently to enjoy at its very best.

Cooks Tips Wash, trim and place in a non metallic dish to gently poach, uncovered in the oven. Cook with a little orange juice, fresh ginger and sugar.

The tender stems will keep their shape and make a delicious compote to serve with yoghurt or custard.

Strain the juice and use to flavour a cocktail – perfect for St. Valentine’s Day. Mix with whipped double cream and vanilla for a traditional fruit fool. Serve with homemade ginger biscuits.

OTHER SEASONAL TREATS Chicory – serve finely shredded with anchovies and toasted pine nuts for a winter salad or cut in half and braise with a little homemade vegetable stock, top with croutons and lardons of crispy bacon to serve for lunch or supper.

50 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

Savoy Cabbage – blanch the largest leaves in boiling water and immediately plunge in chilled water. Use to line individual greased pudding basins and stuff with diced, blanched carrots, sautéed onion, celery and fresh chopped thyme.

Fold the overlapping cabbage leaves over the stuffing and then cover with foil to reheat. Invert to serve.

Alternatively roughly chop and stir fry before adding to creamy mash and softened leeks for a comforting Colcannon.

Stu Culley

Stu Culley

ALL HALLOWS GINGER BISCUITS 225g (8oz) self raising flour Half a teaspoon of salt – we like to use Maldon and grind this in a pestle and mortar Two teaspoons ground ginger Two teaspoons of mixed spice A generous grating of nutmeg 110g (4oz) butter 110g (4oz) caster sugar 2 tablespoons golden syrup - warm the tin (with lid removed) in some hot water to enable you to pour the syrup easily You will need a flat baking sheet lined with parchment.

1. Preheat the oven to 175 C or Gas Mark 4 2. In a food processor combine flour, salt, sugar, spices and butter together or rub mixture together in a bowl with your finger tips to resemble fine crumbs.

3. Add warmed syrup to mix and continue processing so that the mixture comes together forming a soft dough. Or, if working by hand, use a wooden spoon and continue mixing so that all of the ingredients are combined.

4. Once you have formed a soft dough, divide this into equal pieces and roll each into a small ball.

5. Allowing plenty of space for the biscuits to spread, place dough balls onto lined baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes.

6. Once cooked, carefully transfer to a wire cooking rack and continue to bake remaining shaped dough in batches. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 51

FORCED RHUBARB TATIN WITH MARMALADE ICE-CREAM

VANILLA BEAN PANNA COTTA WITH TEXTURES OF FORCED RHUBARB

Sasha Matkevich, Head Chef and Owner, The Green This is one of my favourite classic rhubarb recipes and a wonderful combination of flavours. If you can’t find marmalade ice-cream (try Heston from Waitrose malted milk & marmalade), we make it fresh here at the restaurant so please do come and ask me for some!

Jason More & Adam Corbin Head Chefs, The Dining Room For the Panna Cotta:

1 ltr double cream, 150g caster sugar, 1 vanilla pod, 3 gelatine leaves, 50ml Cointreau Method

350g puff pastry 150g caster sugar 125g whipping cream 50g unsalted butter, diced 500g rhubarb cut into 7.5cm pieces 25ml Gran Marnier 4 scoops of marmalade ice-cream

1. C ut the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape out the beans 2. Bring the cream, sugar and vanilla including pod to the boil 3. Remove from heat, cover and leave to infuse 4. Soak gelatine leaves in cold water until soft 5. Squeeze and add to warm cream mixture 6. Whisk in until dissolved 7. Pass mix through a fine sieve then add Cointreau 8. Transfer to moulds and refrigerate over night

Method

For the Rhubarb Gel:

Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 200c/400f 2. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper, brush with melted butter and sprinkle some sugar on top 3. Arrange the rhubarb in the shape of rectangles on the tray 4. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into rectangles of the same length as the rhubarb 5. Prick it well and transfer it to the fridge to rest for about 10 minutes 6. Fit the pastry on top of the rhubarb, tucking the edges down well to hold the rhubarb in place 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is nice and golden brown 8. Meanwhile, put caster sugar into a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of water 9. Dissolve the sugar and boil until it caramelises 10. W hisk in the Gran Marnier (take care the Gran Marnier may ignite) then add the diced butter and cream 11. Pour the sauce over the pastry and serve with marmalade ice-cream 52 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

200g rhubarb, 1 tspn caster sugar, 1g agar agar per 100ml Method

9. Poach rhubarb until very soft, then puree 10. Add sugar, reheat and stir in the agar agar 11. Simmer for 2 mins and remove from heat to set 12. Blend until smooth For the Batons of Rhubarb:

200g rhubarb, 150g caster sugar, 1pt water Method

13. Peel rhubarb and chop into batons 14. Poach in stock syrup of sugar and water for approx 5 mins or until tender. Remove.

For the Candied Rhubarb:

200g rhubarb, 150g caster sugar, 1pt water Method

15. As batons. Then transfer to a baking sheet and dry in the the oven on a low heat until crisp

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

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 53

THE IMPACT OF WEATHER Mark Newton-Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership

Protection from the elements by living in warmth and comfort comes with its own costs, most apparent in those species evolved to coping with living outdoors.

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ebruary! Not my favourite month I must confess but it has some merits. Umm, well it’s closer to Spring although this year I fear it might be the coldest time of this winter.

Since our daffodils were out before the snowdrops around Christmas, it’s all going to feel a bit strange. The impact of weather on wild animals and those that live outside will of course be much greater than the effect on our companions, our dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents. But protection from the elements by living in warmth and comfort comes with its own costs, most apparent in those species evolved to coping with living outdoors.

The rise in popularity of cold-climate dogs (Huskies, Malamutes, Newfoundlands etc.) over the last few years has just highlighted the problems heavily-coated breeds have in our warmer/wetter climate. Some of these problems are skin-related and one of the most common is a painful and distressing condition called acute moist dermatitis, or wet eczema.

Characterised by a patch of painful, irritating wet skin and fur, the lesion is localised and inflamed and can often be malodorous. This is a surface skin infection, caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus intermedius) promoted by licking and chewing and started by a single thorn-prick or flea-bite. Treatment is best started early and I favour a combined approach using anti-bacterial washes supplied by your vet (NEVER use Dettol or TCP on animals, they are too irritant) after very gently clipping out the affected area. This 54 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

might mean sedation and pain relief are sometimes necessary in severe cases. Bacteria like warmth and moisture; so make the affected area cool and dry!

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are usually needed to ensure a speedy resolution.

As a footnote, horses suffer a similar problem known as “rain scald” or “mud fever” that is caused by a fungus/bacterium (Dermatophyllis congolensis) and well-known by horse owners.

Similar treatments are used, illustrating the many similarities in conditions of the different species.

Wet weather takes its toll on our animals’ feet even more than their skins. Working dogs who are out all day don’t have the luxury of the wellies donned by their owners so their pads and nails become soft and prone to injury. The modern practise of flail trimming thorny hedges produces a carpet of potentially penetrating foreign bodies,

finding their way between toes and into every nook and cranny. Although not as bad as their Summer counterpart, the grass seed, the blackthorn certainly gives us problems at this time of year.

If some of the thorn is visible you might think it would be easy to just pull out; well, if there is enough to grip using tweezers and your patient remains perfectly still, removal at home is possible.

Follow-up first aid would involve soaking the affected part in saturated epsom salt solution (magnesium sulphate) or table salt and applying some safe antiseptic such as Savlon (cetrimide) which is non-irritant in low concentrations.

Infection that might result from the penetrating wound is always possible and the most important would be tetanus, caused by the soil-borne bug Clostridium tetani. Susceptibility to tetanus differs between species, dogs being quite resistant, horses

very much less so. This is the reason horses are regularly vaccinated against tetanus whereas dogs are not. However, I have seen several cases of tetanus in dogs and so deep, contaminated wounds should always be properly cleansed and then the patient treated with penicillin.

The clostridial bacteria that cause tetanus are very sensitive to simple penicillin and early treatment will kill the bugs and so prevent the production of the toxin that causes the muscle spasms we associate with tetanus (which means muscle spasm). Of course, your dog may not be the perfect patient and the wound may already be painful and infected. This is the time to call us!

Mark is Principal Veterinary Surgeon at the Newton Clark Veterinary Partnership newtonclarkepartnership.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 55

CYCLE SHERBORNE

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

olitary cycling can be wonderful – it gives you time and space to think, without distractions.

A psychologist would say that this complete focus on one task is good for us, driving out every worry from work problems to world peace via what to have for tea. In short, cycling keeps you sane.

But it doesn’t have to be solitary, because pedal power can be one of the most social activities on the planet. Here in Sherborne and the villages we’re spoilt for choice, with at least four groups offering everything from gentle rides around the lanes to full-on sportives.

Let’s start with DCN – Dorset Cyclists Network. DCN is Dorset’s very own club, campaigning for better cycle facilities right across 56 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

the county. We ride most Sundays, starting 10am in Culverhayes car park and riding for 3-6 hours including the all-important coffee and/or lunch stop. From mid-April we do a Thursday evening ride, leaving Culverhayes 6pm and riding 1-2 hours, sometimes with a pub stop en route. DCN rides are at the more leisurely end of the spectrum, so if you’re just getting back into cycling, or fancy a gentler ride, these are for you. Everyone is welcome, and for the keen types, we may be running some additional longer/faster rides.

If interested in any of these, contact me on sher@dcn.org.uk.

Digby Etape (love the name) is an all-new group which had its first meeting in January and aims

to run fastish road rides. The name comes from its regular venue and rides start in Sherborne on Sunday mornings all year round, with Wednesday evenings added when the days lengthen. A “modest fee” will cover admin costs and Etape will be registered with British Cycling, which provides insurance for club rides and even access to competition licences, if that’s your bag. Contact Anne-Marie Knegt, am.knegt@hgluk.com, 07888 692339.

Don’t live in Sherborne? Bradford Abbas cycling group meets on Wednesdays at BA Sports and Social Club around 6.30pm in Spring and Summer. There’s a choice of a slow 20 miles or fast 40 miles, and the BA group have also organised long distance adventures, such as Tour de France routes in the Alps, weekend rides and sportives. If you live in Thornford (or even if you don’t) meet outside the Kings Arms at 6.45pm on Summer Tuesdays, where the Thornford Social Cycling Club sets out on a 10-20-mile ride.

Then there’s the CTC, which if you haven’t heard of it is a sort of cycling RAC, which campaigns, organises rides, holidays, insurance and provides all sorts of other services to cyclists. Well worth joining, whatever sort of rider you are. The Wessex and Blackmore Vale sections both organise longer day rides local to us – for details, go to www.ctc.org.uk/local-groups. PH

HELMETS IN A NUTSHELL Cycling has unwritten rules of etiquette that might fill a book the length of War and Peace. On the subject of helmets, nothing looks more cool than the pro rider cruising down the boulevard wearing a broken-in cycling cap, and nothing looks less cool than walking into the coffee shop still wearing a helmet.

But although they’re not compulsory, helmets can save loads of grief.

Comfortable, stylish helmets for adults and fun kids helmets are available to suit every cyclist. At Riley’s we sell the Lazer range as worn by British Cycling team, and very good they are too. Being a cycle shop, we do hear of accidents, fortunately not all involving head impacts or injury.

But I remember one helmet wearer had mild concussion and a smashed up helmet but living to ride again, while a non-helmet wearer suffered brain damage, and later died. It is great to have freedom to choose whether to wear a helmet or not, but please make it an informed decision. MR

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 57

Body & Mind

THE POWER OF MASSAGE

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Martin Armand, Masseur, Nutritional Advisor, Fitness Coach, The Sherborne Rooms

he world of fitness and nutrition can be a frightening place. Every day – especially in the New Year, it seems – we are bombarded by various ‘experts’ claiming that their diet or range of products is better than the last and will help you be the best you have ever been. Although it’s commendable to push a healthy lifestyle and fitness as part of a New Year’s resolution, the unfortunate truth is that in their enthusiasm, many people start out by overdoing things. At best, this might mean setting a pace that is impossible to maintain; at worst, it can lead to injuries or niggling problems that refuse to go away. Without guidance and support it is all too easy to quit and fall back to old ways and embedded habits.

Massage is a highly effective way to improve body and mind. Your massage will be tailored to your individual needs: a holistic massage will relax you, putting you into a meditative state whereas sports specific techniques will aid muscle recovery from soreness and injury. Sports massage isn’t just for those who do sports. You may have an ongoing problem that is affecting your life: lower back pain, sciatica, tension and stress causing knots and tightness in your muscles. Many of these issues can be resolved with regular remedial massage. Further individualised support and guidance to help you make achievable, lasting changes within your lifestyle will prevent the issues coming back; this might include looking closely at your day-to-day routines, fitness and nutrition.

Benefits of massage

• Boosts immunity • Relieves tired, still joints and fatigue 58 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

• Lowers blood pressure • Relaxes the body & mind, thereby reducing anxiety, tension & stress • Enhances good sleep • Improves skin tone through better circulation • Increases energy levels • Improves muscle ‘tone’ and strength • Shifts cellulite • Removes toxins • Assists with faster recovery • Reduces risk of injury Massage can help you come back to a more productive and stress-free you, ready to face whatever life or training may throw at you. facebook.com/thesherbornebarber facebook.com/mahealthandfitness

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DISPELLING FOOD MYTHS

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Rhys Horsman, Senior Fitness Instructor, Oxley Sports Centre

e’re already a month into 2016 which means everyone’s New Year’s resolutions are well underway.

The most common resolutions revolve around exercise, losing weight or getting fitter. While gyms get busier this time of the year and the sales of at-home workouts rocket there is one small mistake most people make, trying to outrun a bad diet.

Whether you’re trying to put on muscle or simply trying to lose weight, what you eat when you’re not working out is almost more important than the actual exercise you

participate in. In theory it’s simple, burn a thousand calories, go and eat a thousand calories; however in reality it’s slightly more complicated than that.

Unfortunately nowadays we’ve all become drowned in the message that calorie counting is the way to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This couldn’t really be more wrong; for instance eating more calories won’t ruin all the hard work you put in at the gym, instead it’s more likely to aide you in losing weight and getting fitter. As long as you are taking in the right calories then there is no reason to lower your daily intake when you start an exercise programme, it may even be worth increasing your intake so you have more energy during your workouts. Your daily calories should be spread out so you have 60% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 10% fat. These should then be formed from so called ‘good calories’ instead of ‘empty calories’. Empty calories are foods that serve no nutritional purpose at all, things such as sweets, fast food or crisps. Our good calories are formed by foods that are either high in protein such as chicken and eggs or by foods high in good healthy fats such as nuts and seeds. When it comes to carbohydrates, the best sources have a low Glycemic Level and thus won’t cause a spike in blood glucose and insulin levels. These include things such as sweet potato and rice. These are perfect for pairing with a chicken breast straight after a workout; you’d get the protein to help aid muscle recovery and the carbohydrates to replenish your energy stores.

Even with all this in mind it’s understandable that completely revolutionising your diet takes time and effort. The easiest way to improve your diet is committing to making two changes you can stick to, either by cutting out fizzy drinks or making the effort to prepare healthy meals in advance. Starting small is still a start and this can lead to big changes. Soon enough your New Year diet will become a lifestyle. www.oxleysc.com

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ACNE TREATMENTS – THE ALTERNATIVES

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Dr Tim Robinson, MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom, GP & complementary practitioner

cne is a common skin complaint that can lead to embarrassment and selfconsciousness. When it is severe it may cause scarring which can be permanent. It occurs as a result of excess production of oil from the sebaceous glands beside the hair follicles due to hormonal stimulation. The function of the oil is to prevent the skin from drying out. However if the drainage ducts to the skin surface become blocked, the oil builds up and forms a black head. This then becomes infected with harmless skin bacteria which lead to an inflammatory immune reaction, resulting in red, tender pimples and spots.

Over the years it has been claimed that acne is not influenced or caused by poor diet. However now there is clear evidence that good nutrition is contributory to acne clearance. A mixed balanced diet that includes the full variety of vegetables and fruit, as well as nuts and seeds, provide all the antioxidant vitamins and minerals that reduce inflammation and sebaceous gland oil production.

Another important food to be included in the diet is oily fish that contain omega 3 essential fatty acids; these have anti-inflammatory properties that not only dampen down inflammation in the skin but also in the joints and circulation. Studies have also shown that people whose diets contain excessive refined carbohydrates and sugars (high glycaemic index foods) have a higher incidence of acne compared with those who eat unrefined low GI foods. Chocolate has also been blamed for causing acne but there is no evidence for this.

In fact dark chocolate (containing greater than 70% cocoa) is an extremely rich source of antiinflammatory antioxidants. Avoid white or milk > www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 59

Body & Mind chocolate as these contain less antioxidants as well as excess fat and sugar. The mineral Zinc, known for its immune enhancing properties for dealing with the common cold, is also helpful, as are vitamins A, E and C. Conventional medical treatment for acne is with topical creams such as Salicylic Acid and Benzyl Peroxide. These break down the oily plugs that block the hair follicle drainage ducts, which lead to the spot formation. Mild to moderate severe acne is treated by your GP with antibiotic creams and / or tablets. Severe acne is treated by hospital skin specialists with a course of Roaccutane over 4 months, in which close supervision with blood testing is needed.

there is clear evidence that good nutrition is contributory to acne clearance

Complementary medical treatment for acne can be very effective. There are a number of homeopathic remedies such as Sulphur, Silica, Kali Brom and Calc Sulph, prescribed by a trained practitioner, can be very helpful. The appearance of the acne along with the general characteristics of the individual patient is taken into account in order to make the prescription. Herbal medicines such as Chasteberrry, Sage and Red Clover taken internally on the advice of an herbalist also have a role to play. Studies have also shown that external application of Tea Tree has been as effective as Benzyl Peroxide. The physical treatment called hydrotherapy with regular facial saunas aid clearance of the sebaceous ducts around hair follicles. As always a combination of treatments, the integrative approach, may produce the best results in acne clearance. www.glencairnhouse.co.uk www.doctorTWRobinson.com

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LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

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Jemima Munro, HCPC Chartered Physiotherapist, 56 London Road Clinic

s a physiotherapist, February is a common time when I start to see people who have started the New Year with great intentions of getting fit and healthy.

Maybe they are in training for a new target for this year or perhaps just trying to get ready for that skiing holiday. Unfortunately, whatever the reason that may be driving them I see a number of people who have overdone it. I believe a big cause of this is setting initial targets too high and fundamentally not listening to their bodies.

So I thought it might be useful to give a few helpful pointers to try and keep you on track to achieve that target you are aiming for.

Posture

• No matter what position you are exercising in, good posture still applies • Make sure that your body is straight • Equal weight is going through both feet if the exercise requires it • Your shoulders are relaxed • No slumping, instead think of “lengthening” your body Breathing

• Don’t stop breathing. It may sound like a bizarre thing to say but when you are concentrating on an exercise or “bracing” yourself it is easy to do. This tends tends to increase tension and doesn’t encourage your natural stabilising muscles to work • A helpful tip to remember is to exhale when you are taking the load or at the hardest point of the exercise (unless told otherwise)

Pace

• There are a lot of high intensity workouts being encouraged at the moment which are great but still remember to be realistic about what you are actually doing and pace the exercises.

Quality

• Whether you are doing your activity slowly or quickly always try to maintain good quality movement which largely involves the points above.

• This can also be a way of deciding whether to do more repetitions or laps. If you cannot maintain good quality movement as you are doing the activity, then I would suggest this may be the time to stop. As I believe it is at this point and after when injuries are most likely to occur.

question of our ability to listen. When it comes to giving our attention in terms of listening, there is a big difference between truly listening and the contrivance of listening to appear interested. To a great many people, ‘listening’ is simply the act of waiting for the other person to stop talking. It is no wonder then that common ‘misunderstandings’ can lead to such inflated and avoidable fallouts. Only when we truly listen can the very often crucial subtexts of a conversation be revealed.

Building on Colin’s ‘Art of Listening’ article, counsellor Jill Cook reflects this month on the importance and benefits of really listening…GC

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

Have Fun

• Finally make sure you are still enjoying what you are doing. As time goes on some programmes may become repetitive or maybe too easy. So mix it up a bit.

Ultimately I believe that our bodies love movement so keep going but what we need to remember is that we also need to listen to them and respect them. Give them a chance to repair and change. If you do get niggles from exercising listen to what your body is saying rather than pushing through it. Finally, if problems are occurring then maybe get someone to check your exercises or training programme as you are doing it. Make sure no bad habits have slipped in. Or seek out a Health professional who may be able to get you back on track. www.56londonroad.co.uk

_______________________________________

A casualty of the distractions and interruptions of modern life, attention, has, in itself, become the centre of attention in certain corners of the media. The current publishing phenomenon of colouring books for grown ups and the repackaging of mindfulness as the latest in a long line of quick fixes, suggests perhaps that something is askew.

In last month’s issue, Colin Lambert raised the

I

Jill Cook, Counsellor

am writing this article in January and when you read it I will be starting to deliver some training on the beautiful Isle of Guernsey. The training is an introduction to counselling skills and is designed for anyone who is interested in enhancing the quality of their communication. This has set me thinking, yet again, how important our communication with others can be to the quality of our relationships.

How many of us have found ourselves in a situation where we are trying to explain something to another person, only to find that as soon as we start to speak, the other assumes that they know what we are going to say and fully understand what we want?

If we are lucky that will happen but often we can feel that we have not been heard and are misunderstood.

So what does a good conversation feel like? I recently heard someone describe it as like a dance!

When you dance with someone you don’t try to ‘win’ but you work together, trying not to tread on each other’s toes or kick each other in the shins.

When it works well each participant respects the space of the other and co-operates to make the dance as satisfying for each other as they can. > www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 61

Body & Mind It is two people working together, not two soloists trying to hold the stage for themselves.

Just as with dancing where there are many different dances, with conversations there are many different ways of communicating. Some dances suit some people better than others but they all have some basic steps. Only when we’ve learned the basic steps can we branch out confidently, being a better communicator.

So what are these basic steps that might help us? Any conversation consists of listening and speaking. Listening is an active thing; it’s not something we do passively.

We need to concentrate, to let the other person know that we are listening. I wonder if you have experienced someone ‘listening’ to you whilst looking at their phone.

We need to understand what they are saying without constantly interrupting. Someone who asks you so many questions you feel like you’re being interrogated is not likely to encourage you to be open.

So now might be a good time to reflect on what your style of listening is. Are you an interrogator, someone who is impatient to have your say in the conversation, ready to make a judgement and give advice without hearing the whole story or someone who just barges in, starting an important conversation without seeing if the time is ok for the other person? There are many other things that we can learn about ourselves if we take the time to think about this. It may be helpful to reflect on a time when you felt someone really listened to you and another situation when you really didn’t feel heard and notice what made the difference.

Whether you are having a conversation with your partner or best friend, a work colleague or one of your children, the quality of listening is important. Just about everything we do depends on a conversation; how we plan, how we influence others or are influenced ourselves, how we solve problems and offer support are just some of them.

Take time and care with your conversations and you will find that the quality of your communication will improve and then the quality of your relationships and that can have a positive effect on your life. jillcook.co.uk

_______________________________________ 62 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

CITIZENS ADVICE INFORMATION

C

itizens Advice is currently running a campaign called “Talk About Abuse”, which aims to increase understanding and awareness of domestic abuse.

Last year one in fifteen women and one in thirtythree men experienced domestic abuse at the hands of their partner or former partner. One in four women and one in nine men have experienced this kind of abuse at some point in their adult lives.

Domestic abuse can be physical, mental, emotional or financial and can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, class or ethnic background. That said, some groups are at greater risk of experiencing abuse, for example people with a physical disability, long term illness and/or mental health problems.

People who suffer from domestic abuse often find it hard to seek help. This is where family, friends and colleagues can help. While it is difficult and delicate, we know that proactively talking about whether somebody is experiencing abuse rather than waiting for them to broach the subject - makes it easier for victims to disclose.

If you suspect that someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse you can help by starting a conversation, listening and, if possible, suggesting ways that they might seek advice. It will be up to the victim to decide what to do but open and honest acknowledgement from supportive friends can be the spur they need to get help.

One source of free, confidential and impartial advice for this or any other problem is Citizens Advice. Call Dorset Adviceline on 0344 2451291.

Where possible an adviser will give advice over the telephone but if your problem is more complex, an appointment can be made for a face to face interview with Sherborne CAB, at the Manor House, Newland, DT9 3JL. Alternatively visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or our local website www.westdorsetcab.org.uk _______________________________________

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Property

64 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

VALUING THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL Mark Lewis, Partner, Symonds & Sampson

W

e are very fortunate at Symonds & Sampson to see some wonderful properties but occasionally we are asked to value something so unique that our grey cells need to work overtime.

Our archive of comparable evidence and the experience of our many Chartered Surveyors is invaluable but the most challenging valuations can be for something which is sui generis (of its own kind) like a petrol station, sewage works or scrapyard. Very few change hands so finding a good, similar property is remote. It is amazing, however, that upon sending an email around the firm an answer will return with ‘funnily enough I valued one last week’.

One of the best ways to value property is, of course, to test the market by selling it. Let buyers tell you what they think it is worth and then the market price is established. In this case our skills at auction are invaluable.

Over the years I have been asked to value a ruined folly at Milton Abbas with pedestrian only access, a beach hut at Mudeford near Christchurch which slept 3 but there was only a certain number of times that you could stay overnight during the year and a summer house on the North Cornish coast. The latter was a stone house built by Gustavus Lambert Bassett and Lady Bassett would often retire to the purpose built folly to read or take tea with the ladies after an exhilarating dip in one of her 6 tidal baths, hewn out of rocks below by her father Lord Dunstable. The family believed in the health giving qualities of cold, salty water.

I did not have a clue what they were worth, all were unique, but found buyers and attracted interest from all over the UK and so we now have a comparable.

Other lots that have stretched our experiences have been a windmill on the Dorset/Wiltshire border that had been converted to provide viewing platforms allowing inspirational views over the

countryside, a beach at Castle Cove in Weymouth overlooking what was the Olympic sailing park and attracted worldwide interest, a chicken shed that had been converted to a house without planning consent at Little Johns Farm, site of the Reading pop festival and some public toilets in Bridport.

After we sold the toilets the Daily Mail ran a headline ‘The Most Expensive Loo in England’.

One of the most extraordinary, however, was when I was invited out to look at a property that had been built underground near Wincanton. It was set in about 2 acres of pasture land which had been immaculately tended to include a wind turbine for the electricity, a reservoir to collect rainwater and its own septic tank. The property had been built without planning permission but through a quirk of the law the owner obtained a Certificate of Lawfulness which meant that anybody could live at the property. It was an amazing place as electricity was quite limited but it was very cosy with a wood burner belting out heat in the corner.

When we marketed the property we again had terrific interest and guided the property at £160,000, literally with the thought ‘let’s see what happens’.

Our client became quite stressed before the auction and said to me at 12noon, with the auction starting at 2pm, “just sell it to the first person who walks in the door and offers you £160,000.” I told them that I couldn’t do that because there would be a riot as we had at least 50 people turning up to bid but he couldn’t bear to be in the room so went down to the Digby Tap and waited. When I found him after the auction his first words were “don’t tell me it didn’t sell” but when I told him that it had sold for £240,000 he was flabbergasted. It ended up being a very long evening and I was driven home once the pub closed! symondsandsampson.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 65

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Milborne Port, Nr Sherborne - ÂŁ850pcm Light and spacious unfurnished 3 bedroom family home offering large sitting room, utility, conservatory, large garden, WC and garage. Available.

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www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 67

Property

RIGHT TO RENT

Anita Light and Paul Gammage, EweMove Sherborne

Last year probably fell into the “Annus Horribilis” bracket for many landlords with the changes to letting legislation and then the Chancellors Autumn Statement. There’s so much to think about these days and to add to that, from February 1st landlords effectively become an extension of the UK Border Agency!

F

rom February 1st landlords will have to conduct the appropriate checks to ensure that their prospective tenants have the right to rent property in the UK. What does this mean practically? There are 4 basic steps to conducting a Right To Rent check: Step 1: Establish the adults who will live in the property as their only/main home.

Step 2: The landlord/managing agent must obtain original versions from the acceptable document list. The documents are categorised, in the most basic sense, according to whether the applicant has a time limited right to be in the UK or not.

Step 3: The documents must be checked in the presence of the holder of the documents.

Step 4: Make copies of the documents and retain them recording the date of the check. The landlord/agent is not entitled to keep the original document provided by the prospective tenant. In conducting the check the Data Protection Act should be adhered to.

Full details of the document lists and any other query relating to Right To Rent can be found in the Code of Practice on www.gov.uk Landlords found to be in breach of the Right To Rent face a penalty of up to £3,000.

When should the checks be done? Landlords/ agents should check all prospective occupiers’ right to

68 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

rent before granting a residential tenancy agreement.

Progress and Review: February 1st is effectively the national rollout of Right To Rent that was trialled from December 2014 in parts of the West Midlands. The feedback from the initial trial is being reviewed by an expert consultative panel set up by the Government.

Immigration minister James Brokenshire said: “Landlords with property in England need to prepare now for the new Right to Rent scheme to ensure they are ready for 1 February. Ahead of the scheme’s roll out, we have been working closely with an expert panel to make sure their feedback is taken on board and to design a scheme that is as simple and light touch as possible. Many responsible landlords have already been undertaking similar checks - these are straightforward and do not require any specialist knowledge.

Right to Rent is part of the Government’s wider reforms to the immigration system to make it stronger, fairer and more effective. Those with a legitimate right to be here will be able to prove this easily and will not be adversely affected.

The scheme is about deterring those without the right to live, work or study in the UK from staying here indefinitely.”

Anita Light and Paul Gammage are branch directors of EweMove Sherborne ewemove.com/sherborne

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www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 69

Finance

CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

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

The new year has started badly around the world, stockmarket falls in China prompting falls elsewhere, UK shares having lost 5%. Anxiety is a completely natural response to these events. Acting on those emotions, though, can end up doing us more harm than good.

M

arkets are often volatile for many different reasons. Among the issues frequently splashed across newspaper front pages are global growth fears, policy uncertainty, geopolitical risk, Saudi Arabia v Iran and even the Ebola virus!

In many cases, though, these issues are not new. The US Federal Reserve started its exit from quantitative easing last year. Much of Europe has been struggling with sluggish growth or recession for years and there are always geopolitical tensions somewhere. Markets do not move in one direction.

If they did, there would be no return from investing in stocks and bonds. As to what happens next, no-one knows for sure. That is the nature of risk. Investors in the meantime can protect themselves by diversifying broadly across and within asset classes. For those among us with an anxious disposition, here are seven simple ‘truths’ to help you live with market volatility: 1. Don’t make presumptions Remember

70 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

that markets are unpredictable and do not always react the way the experts predict they will. When central banks relaxed monetary policy during the crisis of 2008-09, many analysts warned of an inflation breakout. If anything, the reverse has been the case with central banks fretting about deflation.

2. Someone is buying Quitting the equity market when prices are falling is like running away from a sale. While prices have been discounted to reflect higher risk, that’s another way of saying expected returns are higher. And while the media headlines proclaim that “investors are dumping stocks”, remember someone is buying them. Those people are often the long-term investors.

3. Market timing is hard Recoveries can come just as quickly and just as violently as the prior correction. For instance, in March 2009— when market sentiment was at its worst — the US S&P 500 turned and put in seven consecutive months of gains totalling almost 80 per cent.

This is not to predict that a similarly vertically shaped recovery is on the cards every time, but it is a reminder of the dangers for long-term investors of turning paper losses into real ones and paying for the risk without waiting around for the recovery.

4. Don’t forget the power of diversification While equity markets have turned rocky again, highly-rated government bonds have flourished. This limits the damage to balanced fund investors. So diversification spreads risk and can lessen the bumps in the road.

5. Markets and economies are different things The world economy is forever changing and new forces are replacing old ones. This applies both between and within economies. For instance, falling oil prices can be bad for the energy sector, but good for consumers. New economic forces are emerging as global measures of poverty, education and health improve.

6. Nothing lasts forever Just as smart investors temper their enthusiasm in booms, they keep a reserve of optimism during busts. And just as loading up on risk when prices are high can leave you exposed to a correction, dumping risk altogether when prices are low means you can miss the turn when it comes. As always in life, moderation is a good policy.

7. Discipline is rewarded. The market volatility is worrisome, no doubt. The feelings being generated are completely understandable and familiar to those who have seen this before.

But through discipline, diversification and understanding how markets work, the ride can be made bearable. At some point, value re-emerges, risk appetites re-awaken and for those who acknowledged their emotions without acting on them, relief replaces anxiety. ffp.org.uk

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S

o come on then! How many of you have upgraded to Windows 10? … and why?

The operating system (OS) on your computer is what makes everything work: it integrates the mouse, keyboard, screen, disk drive, printer, networking and other peripherals together, and presents them to you in a manageable manner. It then manages all the other software on your PC like email, internet, word processing, pictures, music & videos and makes them accessible at the click of a button. Since the PC, as we know it, was born back in the 80’s there have been a series of operating systems from the unfriendly DOS (disk operating system) through various iterations of Windows up to the latest version.

Why? It’s simple really; the PC hardware continues to develop: more memory, faster multi-core processors, hard disks with storage unimaginable only 5 years ago, flat screens, wide screens and USB memory sticks the size of your thumb nail that could store the equivalent of 50,000 old fashioned floppy disks! The OS has to know how to manage these new devices. As an example; good old Windows XP was designed before the DVD was invented so it never knew how to use it: You had to install some other supporting software to get it to work. The later OS had this built in of course. So you will see that new PCs have to have the latest OS to be able to manage the new hardware.

We still get asked to sell PCs with Windows 7, rather than 8, 8.1 or 10, as the users don’t like the changes. But this is a bit like asking for an old 60w light bulb when there is a 5w LED bulb available that will do the same job. Times move on and you 72 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

have to go with the flow or get left behind!

A new PC or laptop has new hardware that is better managed by a new OS, so when you get a new computer, be realistic, and get used to the latest stuff. Do you want your new car to be just like your old car; no you don’t! You expect it to have all sorts of new stuff, and so it is with a new PC. What’s all this upgrading about then? It’s free to start with, and if your PC is of good enough specification then why not? If you upgrade now, then when you come round to buying a new PC a couple of years down the line you’ll already be used to the new OS. I admit that there are some issues with printer, sound and graphic drivers not being compatible, but these are easily fixed and should not stop you. Just like your new car, the buttons and switches are all over the place, but it still has a steering wheel, gear lever and three pedals.

Of course many older machines are not recommended for upgrade as the hardware is simply too old and slow to reap the benefits. If that is your situation, then simply wait until your PC has reached the end of its useful life and then get a new one; it’ll have Windows 10. We are led to believe that Microsoft will discontinue the habit of numbering their operating systems from now on and will simply call it “Windows” as all upgrades will be free until you need a new PC, then you’ll just get the latest anyway! If you get stuck, you know where to come.

Coming Up Next Month …

That’s the Wonder of Wireless computing-mp.co.uk

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PROCRASTINATION Colin Lambert, Sherborne Chamber of Trade

In my January article I talked about listening skills and how one of my New Year’s resolutions was to consciously listen rather than be distracted. Another of my New Year’s resolutions is to stop procrastinating

F

irstly, I would like to congratulate Glen on taking over the Sherborne Times and its new look appearance and layout. Glen also sent me a schedule of deadline dates for producing this article which is a good example of business management and organisation. Being the organised person I am, I put the date in my diary and then forgot about it!

As part of my ongoing CPD (Continual Professional Development) I am studying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Abraham Maslow wrote about humans striving to reach their full potential, but only once more pressing needs have been met. These needs followed a predetermined hierarchy. As such my need to write 500 words for this Sherborne Times article would appear to be lower down my priority list than many others, which are often perceived rather than actual needs. How do we resolve this?

My trusty assistant Fran has just shouted at me “Colin, you do the job you dread the most first and get it out of the way”. My procrastination continued by making her a cup of coffee.

I have just noticed the lawn needs cutting (hang on, it's January!) and I really must catch up on my twitter feed. No Colin, stop procrastinating and finish this article. Do you procrastinate?

Crikey, I have just remembered I have a Chamber of Commerce Executive meeting this

evening and I am sure there were a couple of jobs I needed to do beforehand.

As you can see it is very easy to get distracted from doing the jobs you really need to do. I know I have to write an article for the Sherborne Times but I have a committee meeting to attend in 2 hours.

Meetings are also important (when not distracting you) as it focuses the attention and brings to the forefront the jobs that are important and gives you an opportunity to express yourself, review your aims and objectives and maybe reset your short term goals. These meetings are just as important whether it is a committee, a director’s meeting, a staff meeting or even a meeting with yourself. Do you ever hold a meeting with yourself?

However, this is still not getting the article written.

I know I have this job to do, I know I have to do it and I know the longer I leave it the bigger and more urgent the problem will become. Writing this article is now such a priority that I am going to have to stop procrastinating and actually finish it.

Getting the job done is something I will talk about further in next month’s edition. For now why not join me in tackling the job you have put off for the longest and as the well known sportswear strapline says: “Just Do It” sherbornechamber.co.uk

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 75

Residential Care Home Sturminster Newton, Dorset

The only care home in Dorset to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection in September 2015 Nazareth Lodge is a residential care home situated in the vibrant market town of Sturminster Newton.

It has been under the same private ownership for more than 23 years and under the same manager for 13 years.

Full respite and day care services are available.

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www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 77

Turnbulls Electrical Solutions Polite, Reliable and Trustworthy

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Wills Plumbing and Heating Ltd A treasure trove of beautiful designer fabrics, yarn and haberdashery Providers of craft workshops including sewing, patchwork, embroidery, knitting and crochet Open 10-4pm Mon, Thurs, Fri. Closed for workshops on Tues, Weds and some Saturdays 81 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BA 01935 817303 www.butterflybright.com

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Unit 14, 0ld Yarn Mills, Sherborne Dorset DT9 3RQ www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 79

LITERARY REVIEW Wayne Winstone, Winstone's Books

Death and the Penguin, Andrey Kurkov. (Vintage) £8.99 Exclusive Sherborne Times Reader Price of £7.99 at Winstone's Books.

Please bring a copy of this review with you to claim your discount.

L

argely brought on by ‘Scandi’ crime novels there has been an exciting trend in publishing to introduce readers to interesting foreign writers. With the publishers obsession with new titles, it’s always worthwhile bringing books to reader's attention, that have been brilliantly translated but are older titles. One such extraordinary gem is Andrey Kurkov’s Death and the Penguin. Long after I read this darkly comic book and I have quiet moments in trains, planes and automobiles, its scenes come flooding back with wonderful intensity.

This curious book set in modern day Kiev, has contract killings, executed journalists and rampaging political corruption, all in an environment of profound moral chaos, not unlike the writer's own surroundings. Kurkov documents the absurdities of the lifestyles enjoyed by the criminal elite with a cheerful simplicity but as news emerges daily from modern day Ukraine, the tale becomes more real.

Onto the book. Our main character Vicktor is a depressed, frustrated writer who craves recognition. He lives with Misha, a king penguin he acquired when the zoo was giving hungry animals away to anyone able to feed them. Instead of adopting a pet, however, Vicktor has landed himself with a soul mate, for Misha too seems lonely and both creatures are displaced, the penguin from the Antarctic and Vicktor from a past that disintegrated along with the Soviet 80 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

Union. Vicktor’s depression lifts however when a newspaper editor commissions him to write obituaries of living local dignitaries. Then he notices that as soon as he finishes an “obelisk,” the subject tends to die. “The less you know, the longer you live!” the editor tells him, although Vicktor hardly needs the advice. In a society where organised crime and old-style corruption rule in tandem, not knowing is an essential survival skill.

Kiev’s oddly scheduled deaths — part of a mysterious campaign to clean up the country — brings strangers to Vicktor’s door and strange gifts too: money, cryptic messages, a gun! Increasingly bewildered, Vicktor is also given a child, the daughter of a friend who must flee town. “He’s gone,” Vicktor tells four-year-old Sonya, “You’re to live here,” an explanation that she, already wise, accepts. The world Kurkov creates has a feeling of mild delirium all witnessed silently by the stoic penguin providing Vicktor with both a confidence and a conscience.

“A tragicomic masterpiece” Daily Telegraph “A black comedy of rare distinction and the penguin is an invention of genius” Spectator

Wayne is proprietor of Winstone Books, Winner of South-West Independent Bookseller of the Year 2014 and 2013 8 Cheap Street, Sherborne winstonebooks.co.uk

PROUDLY ROASTED IN SHERBORNE

READSCOFFEE.CO.UK

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www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 81

THE INSIGHTS OF THE OUTSIDERS Canon Eric Woods, Vicar of Sherborne

J

ust back from my post-Christmas break, our first port of call had to be the supermarket.

And the first thing that greeted us there was a mountainous pile of hot-cross buns, while the message on the tannoy tempted us to buy one packet and get another free.

My first thought was that Sainsbury’s had got into a muddle with its seasons. But of course it hadn’t: long gone is the time when greedy little boys like me didn’t even see a hot-cross bun until the beginning of Holy Week, and weren’t allowed to eat one until Good Friday itself. Now they are available all year round, and the sense of a treat and the significance of the treat have both vanished.

Many of the traditional seasons and rhythms of the year have been so badly eroded that probably even most churchgoers will have forgotten that the last day of Christmas doesn’t occur until this month. Christmas, like Advent, Lent and Easter, is a season of 40 days, and ends on 2nd February, which some of us still call ‘Candlemas’ but which is properly known as ‘The Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple’. That’s a bit of a mouthful, but it celebrates the time when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to dedicate him to God, according to the Jewish Law. What fascinates me is that the clergy in the Temple, who must have officiated at hundreds of such services every week, saw nothing special in the boy Jesus and his country parents. But one old

man in Jerusalem, Simeon, was watching and hoping and praying for the coming of the Messiah, and prompted by the Spirit he hurried to the Temple and took the child in his arms and cried, ‘Now, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see.’ And one old woman, Anna the prophetess, instantly recognised in the child Jesus, the one for whom all Israel was waiting.

In fact none of those who you might have expected to understand the significance of the birth of the Messiah – the professional religious types and the rulers of the land – had the first clue about what was going on. The ones who did were much lower down the pecking order. First there were the shepherds, who in those days were regarded as the lowest of the low: uneducated, illiterate, smelly, rough and – worst of all – irreligious, because their work kept them from fulfilling their religious observances and obligations. Then came the Wise Men – foreigners, with funny accents and different beliefs. And finally those two old folk getting dangerously past their sell-by date, Simeon and Anna.

In other words, the people with the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the hearts to understand about the coming of Christ into our world were all on the margins of society. The ones with insight were outsiders. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

Christmas, like Advent, Lent and Easter, is a season of 40 days

82 | Sherborne Times | February 2016

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