Sherborne Times August 2016

August 2016 | FREE

A MONTHLY CELEBR ATION OF PEOPLE, PLACE AND PURVEYOR

SEASON TO TASTE with chef and restaurateur, Sasha Matkevich

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk

T

WELCOME

he recent days spent working on this little publication of ours have been the hottest of the year. It is at times like this that I remind myself of how lucky I am to be able to run a magazine from the comfort of a garden bench with a sleeping dog for an arm rest.

We do ask a lot of the weather though - too hot, too cold, too wet. I’d imagine it has enough to contend with, managing the fragile balance of our ecosystem without having to worry about Claire and Simon’s holiday plans. Summers needn’t be gauged by the quality of weather of course but it certainly helps.

Thankfully then, it takes more than a splash of rain to keep the hardy talents of Katharine Davies and Jo Denbury from crafting another wonderful feature. It’s made all the more easy when the subjects of said feature are the thoroughly outdoorsy Matkevichs.

Sasha Matkevich, head chef and owner of The Green restaurant, takes us with him on a family jaunt to Eype, in search of lunch. For Sasha, ‘lunch’ is often something picked from a bush or pulled from the sea which, of course, is how it was always intended.

It’s taken a while to encourage Sasha into the limelight.

Gentleman, family man, acclaimed chef and sometime artist, he’s not one for seeking attention. With swathes of regularly contented diners ready to spread the word on his behalf, Sasha is more than happy to let his food and customers do the talking.

Have a great month.

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

CONTRIBUTORS Editorial and Creative Direction Glen Cheyne

Richard Bromell ASFAV Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers @CharterhouseAV charterhouse-auction.com

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

Design Andy Gerrard

Mike Burks The Gardens Group @TheGardensGroup thegardeneronline.co.uk

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

Jemma Cable Dorset Wildlife Trust @DorsetWildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Jennie Loader Sherborne ArtsLink @RealArtsLink sherborneartslink.org.uk

Malcolm Cockburn Sherborne Scribblers

Andrew Maddock Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce @SherborneCOT sherbornechamber.co.uk

Photography Katharine Davies Feature Writer Jo Denbury Print

Gillian M Constable DWT Sherborne Group @DorsetWildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Distribution Team Maggie Belly Richard & Heather Betton-Foster Sarah Copley Christine Knott Sarah Morgan Roger & Mary Napper Claire Pilley Judith Rust Geoff Wood Contact 01935 814803 07957 496193 @sherbornetimes editor@sherbornetimes.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk Sherborne Times is printed on Edixion Offset, an FSC® and EU Ecolabel certified paper. It goes without saying that once thoroughly well read, this magazine is easily recycled and we actively encourage you to do so.

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

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

Additional photography: contributor’s own, Shutterstock and iStock 4 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

David Copp Jenny Dickinson Dear to Me, Fine Stationery @DearToMeStudio deartome.co.uk Giles Dick-Read Reads Coffee Roasters @reads_coffee readscoffee.co.uk Alan & Sue Dodge Bailey Ridge @YourBaileyRidge baileyridge.co.uk Sue Fisher Mini First Aid @KateBallMFA minifirstaid.co.uk Jimmy Flynn Milborne Port Computers @MPortComputers computing-mp.co.uk Andrew Fort Fort Financial Planning ffp.org.uk Millie Furby The Slipped Stitch @ThSlippedStitch theslippedstitch.co.uk John Gaye Sherborne Literary Society sherborneliterarysociety.com Mark Greenstock Sherborne Literary Society sherborneliterarysociety.com Angela Hunt 56 London Road Clinic @56londonroad 56londonroad.co.uk Rose Joly The Sherborne Rooms ediblerose.co.uk thesherbornerooms.com Colin Lambert colinlambert.co.uk

Sasha Matkevich The Green Restaurant @greensherborne greenrestaurant.co.uk Mark Newton-Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership @swanhousevet newtonclarkepartnership.co.uk Kitty Oakshott Upstairs Downstairs Interiors @updowninteriors updowninteriors.co.uk Lisa Osman All Hallows AGA Approved Cookery School @cooksandmakers allhallowsfarmhouse.co.uk Barry Reid BSc (Hons) DEM Private Maths Tutor dorsetmathstutor.org Peter Henshaw & Mike Riley Riley’s Cycles @rileyscycles rileyscycles.co.uk @DCNSherborne dcn.org.uk Dr Tim Robinson MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom Glencairn House Clinic glencairnhouse.co.uk doctortwrobinson.com Helen Stickland Winstone’s Books @winstonebooks winstonebooks.co.uk Natasha Williams Oxley Sports Centre @OxleySports oxleysc.com Maria Wingfield Digby @CastleEnquiries sherbornecastle.com Canon Eric Woods Sherborne Abbey @SherborneAbbey sherborneabbey.com

42

AUGUST 2016

6 What’s On

30 Interiors

76 ‘Wrapped up’

Your monthly events guide for Sherborne and its villages

Sitting comfortably with Kitty Oakshott of Upstairs Downstairs Interiors

on Christmas Day

10 Unearthed

32 In the Garden with Mike Burks

Freddie and Hamish Simpson

The wonders of planting by the moon

78 How to Develop

12 Shopping Guide

34 Extending the

Jenny Dickinson hits the beach

Flowering Season

Financial planning advice with Andrew Fort of FFP

16 The Seahorse

with Jemma Cable of Dorset Wildlife Trust 17 Tadnoll Reserve

Gillian M. Constable of Dorset Wildlife Trust Sherborne Group visits this important heath and wetland 19 A Summer of Imagination

with Sue Dodge of Bailey Ridge

Mark Lewis goes above and beyond for one happy couple Asset Allocation

80 Sherborne Chamber

36 From Garden Boy

of Trade & Commerce

to Friend of the Family

A local business update with Chamber president Andrew Maddock

Maria Wingfield Digby looks back on her family’s friendship with Capability Brown 40 “A” Words

Talking collectables with Richard Bromell

83 What’s New?

Jimmy Flynn brings us up to speed on tech developments

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84 Folk Tales with Colin Lambert

Creative activities for children with Jennie Loader of Sherborne ArtsLink

42 SASHA MATKEVICH

Colin meets the effervescent Cindy Chant

48 Antibiotics, Use and Misuse

86 Sherborne Literary

22 Maths Exodus

Festival Preview - Terry Waite

There’s a new tutor in town

Vet Mark Newton-Clarke discusses the ongoing battle with bacteria

24 Exercise and Pregnancy

52 Food and Drink

with Natasha Williams of Oxley Sports Centre

with coffee roaster Giles Dick-Read, Lisa Osman of All Hallows Cookery School, The Green’s Sasha Matkevich and resident wine expert David Copp

26 Mini First Aid

Staying Safe this Summer with first aid trainer Sue Fisher 27 Children’s Book Review

Helen Stickland of Winstone Books reviews the charming and beautifully illustrated Painting Pepette 29 Ripple Stitch Cushion Cover

A new bi-monthly pattern from Millie Furby of The Slipped Stitch

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60 Cycle Sherborne

Weston-super-Mare and back, on an electric bike 64 Body & Mind

Eating Seasonally and Locally with Rose Joly, Reflexology with Angela Hunt and Eczema Treatment with Dr Tim Robinson 74 Estate Agents or Marketeers for a Digital Age?

In the run up to October’s festival we will be previewing some of the event’s key speakers 88 July Morning by Malcolm Cockburn

The continuing series of short stories from local writing group Sherborne Scribblers 92 Literary Review

with Mark Greenstock - In a Land of Paper Gods by Rebecca Mackenzie 93 Crossword 94 Saving Dorset’s Disappearing History

with Canon Eric Woods

with Anita Light and Paul Gammage www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 5

WHAT'S ON Listings

Thursdays 4th, 11th,

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18th 6pm-7:30pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30am

Sherborne Pubs

Sherborne Town Walk

Walkabout - Route 2

Tuesdays from Sherborne TIC,

Barry Brock will lead an evening walk

Saturday 6th 2pm-4:30pm

Post Office, Cheap Street. 1½-2 hrs

pubs, ending with a pint in one still

In the field next to the Village Hall,

Long Street and South Street. Limited

including a children’s fancy dress

Digby Road and Thursdays, from the with Blue Badge Guide Cindy. Only

£5 for a thousand years of history about this beautiful ancient town. 01935 815341 Keep up to date with

www.sherbornewalks.wordpress.com.

See Cindy's feature on page 84

line via www.maperton.com

____________________________ Chetnole Fete and Flower Show

open. Route 2: Newland, Castleton,

live music and lots of entertainment

places, must be booked in advance. £5

per person. Meet in Waitrose car park, Sherborne. 01935 389611

____________________________ Thursday 4th 11am-12pm

Tuesdays and Fridays

Treehouse Theatre – Storybox

Tour in the Abbey

- The Hare and the Tortoise

10:30am every Tuesday and 2:30pm

With an exciting mix of music making,

Sherborne Abbey. 01935 812452

there may even be the chance to meet a

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Maperton, Wincanton BA9 8EJ or on-

around the sites of Sherborne’s vanished

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every Friday. Free (donations welcome).

head from James Scott, Dykes Cottage,

dressing up, singing and storytelling,

parade, races, circus skills, face painting, tombola, raffle, chippie van, white elephant, cakes, books and plants,

coconut shy, human fruit machine, welly wanging, classic cars, Pimms

stall, cream teas, alpacas and if weather permits, donkey rides for children, and a fun dog show in the ring. Entrance is £1 for adults and free for children.

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real live tortoise! Suitable for ages 2-8.

Thursday 11th 7:30pm

220163 www.artsreach.co.uk

Gardeners’ Association Summer

Sandford Orcas Village Hall. 01963

Sherborne and District

____________________________

Show

sensory play, toys, and nursery rhymes box.

Friday 5th 7pm

Digby Hall, Hound St,

inc. making coil pots, mask making,

Performance Night

inspired by our collections. Indoor and

Snacks, soft and hot drinks available.

Children’s ‘Circus of the Sun’

is for music, poetry, art, storytelling,

Castle Gardens, Garden Centre,

entertainment we can all enjoy. Holwell

01935 814633

Mondays 10:30am-1pm Messy Museum Mondays Open for free access to our art materials,

A range of activities with a weekly theme,

Holwell Variety

and digging for dinosaur “bones” - all

Live music, SwapShop. B.Y.O. booze.

Friday 12th 2pm-4pm

outdoor treasure trails. Free admission

£4 suggested contribution. The evening

Fancy Dress Summer Party

games, or any other form of shared

New Road, Sherborne. Free to attend.

but donations gratefully received.

Sherborne Museum, Church Lane,

Sherborne, DT9 3BP. 01935 812252 Sunday 31st July - Sunday 14th

Village Hall, DT9 5LL. To perform,

Sherborne. 01935 813679

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exhibit or get involved email Music@

Friday 12th - Sunday 14th

____________________________

Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ and Gala

BearCatCollective.co.uk

Opera in Oborne

The ideal venue for musicians of all

Saturday 6th 6pm

Sunday Concert. An international soloist

supportive atmosphere where they can

“Opportunities for Cavalry”

of dedicated, internationally celebrated

Western Front?

and Cheap Street Church, Sherborne

of small arms of the period. Wine and

Sherborne Summer School of Music and Concertfest ages and abilities to meet in a friendly,

The 2016 Nicholson Lecture

enhance their skills through the help

The Elusive Dream of The

teachers and performers. Sherborne School

The lecture will be supported by a display

Abbey. For more details: 01342 893963

soft drinks can be purchased at the

summermusicschool@btinternet.com

6 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

church from 5:30pm. Maperton Church, nr Wincanton BA9 8EJ. Tickets £15 per

will be performing an unabridged version of The Marriage of Figaro 12th-13th.

Intermezzo Soloists will be performing a

selection of popular arias and a few ‘show

tunes’ on the 14th. St Cuthbert’s Church, Oborne. For tickets call: 01935 812738

____________________________ Saturday 13th 2pm-5pm Compton House Cricket

AUGUST 2016 Club Open Day

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Lots of fun games and activities for

Thursday 25th 2:30pm

bar, silent auction, ice cream, cream

Christmas Dinner

the whole family, BBQ, Pimms tent,

Grow your Own

tea, stalls. The Park, Over Compton

Free talk. Castle Gardens,

(off the A30, behind Fortune Palace, between Yeovil and Sherborne)

www.comptonhousecricketclub.org.uk Sunday 14th Oxley Sprint and Junior Triathlon Family friendly sprint triathlon based out of Oxley Sports Centre, Bradford Road, Sherborne. For further details

07887 356687 www.wessexwizards.com Sunday 14th 2:30pm-4pm Music In The Park Bring a picnic and enjoy a free

family concert of light music from Sherborne Town Band. Pageant

Gardens, Sherborne DT9 3NB. www.sherbornetownband.co.uk

Yetminster Irish Dancers, No Mean

Friday 26th 2pm-5pm

taken to villages around Sherborne

Kwik Cricket and Games

performances in certain pubs in

7-16 years. Tackle the bouldering course

Fri 19th - the entertainment will be

Sportz+ Bouldering,

during the day followed by evening

Event for children with disabilities, ages

Sherborne. Sat 20th - full day

and lots of batting and pitching games.

of entertainment in Sherborne

commencing with street dancing and

music in the morning followed by open

end with a musical extravaganza Gala

Concert in the Digby Hall commencing

at 7:30pm. Tickets will be available from Sherborne TIC or 01963 251255 www.sherborne-douzelage.org.uk

My Life in Family History/

Summer Theatre School

Criminal Ancestors

12-18 year olds can join Actiontrack

David Hawkings will talk about his

show then perform it at the end of the

about ‘Criminal Ancestors’. Somerset

____________________________ Thursday 18th 2:30pm The Gardening Calendar, July - December Free talk. Castle Gardens, New Rd,

own family history research and then and Dorset Family History Society,

Saturday 27th -

Street), Sherborne. Members: £8.

Stock Gaylard Oak Fair

389611 www.sdfhs.org

from the Heavy Horse Loggers Team,

The Parade, (bottom of Cheap

Sunday 28th 10am- 5pm

Non-members: £10. Pre-book 01935

Over 200 exhibitors, plus demonstrations

____________________________

Mere Down Falconry and Adams

Saturday 20th 12noon-2pm

Sherborne. 01935 814633

The Wandering Winds

Friday 19th- Saturday 20th

Two musicians playing a range of

Sherborne International Music and Dance Festival Lidová Muzika (Czech Republic),

Siguldietis (Latvia), Wessex Morris Men, Treacle Eater Cog Dancers,

Sherborne. 01305 252266

until 5pm in the afternoon. The day will

Saturday 20th 2pm-4:30pm

Booking essential 01935 815899

Oxley Sports Centre, Bradford Road,

air performances in Pageant Gardens

Monday 15th - 19th

week. Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne.

____________________________

Feet. Also, local food, drink and crafts.

____________________________

Performance Company to devise a unique

New Road, Sherborne. 01935 814633

Lunchtime Concert music from classical to folk to pop,

including a special selection of Dorset

folk songs of which some originate from Sherborne itself. Sherborne Museum.

This event is free but donations are welcome. 01935 812252

Axmen, workshops for our younger

visitors and lots of local produce.Visitors will also have the chance to have a go at

axe throwing, archery and tree climbing.

Tickets £8.50 Adult, £3.00 Child (under 3’s free), £25 Family Ticket. Available in advance on 01749 813899. Stock

Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton DT10 2BG. www.stockgaylard.com

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 7

WHAT'S ON Sunday 28th 2pm

The Julian, Cheap St, Sherborne.

____________________________

www.theslippedstitch.co.uk

(trade) 9:30am (public) to 4pm

Call 01935 508249 or visit us to book.

Saturday 6th opening 8:30am

____________________________

Chasty Cottage Antiques Fair

1980 Motorcycles and 3 Wheelers.

Every Wednesday night

Up to 35 stands, homemade food and

Historic Vehicle Rally Roar Run and Concours for Pre-1970 Cars and Light Commercials plus pre

Sherborne School Courts. 01963 250450

from 7:30pm

____________________________

Modern Jive

Monday 29th 1:30pm

Great exercise, great music, great fun!

Bank Holiday Special

You don’t need special clothes, a partner

refreshments available at coffee shop

within the fair. Entrance £1. Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne. 01963 370986

____________________________

or any experience. The Sparkford Inn, Nr

Saturday 6th 10am-1pm

018284 or see www.strictlyjive.com

Sale and SwapShop

years of history! Or £10 to include

Saturday 20th

crafts. In the Swap find clothes,

Whatever the weather. Meet at

Miniature Garden Workshop

Lasts approximately 1½ hours.

a garden inside a container. Gravel and

Guided Walk of Sherborne Join Blue Badge Guide Cindy for

a gentle stroll around this historic town. Only £5 for a thousand

Yeovil. BA22 7JH. Call Roy on 07811

Monthly Table Top

____________________________

Good local used items, produce and

a Dorset Cream Tea at the end!

11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm

Sherborne TIC. No need to book.

Gardeners of all ages are invited to create

Wheelchair-friendly. 01935 815341

container will be provided free of charge.

____________________________

Workshops and Classes

Plants can be purchased from the garden centre. Castle Gardens, Garden Centre, New Road, Sherborne. 01935 814633

____________________________

cookware, books, CDs, DVDs, bric-

a-brac and toys all donated at events over the summer that need a new

home, come and grab yourself some

bargains! Sellers: £5 per table, set up

from 9am. Holwell Village Hall, DT9 5LL. samantha-jane-@hotmail.co.uk

____________________________ Saturday 6th 2pm-4pm Summer Fete

____________________________ The Slipped Stitch

Fairs and Markets

Regular Knit and Natters (every Tue and

____________________________

(every 2nd Thurs, 7pm-9pm), plus crochet,

Cake stall, raffle, tombola, lucky

dip and more. Free entry. St Johns’ Almshouse, Sherborne.

Thurs, 10am-12pm), Crafty get together

Pannier Market Every Thursday and

Saturday 13th 10am-4pm

knitting and needle felting classes.

Saturday on the Parade

Shabby Chic,

____________________________

Vintage and Makers Market

Children's workshops

Country Market

throughout the Summer

Thursday mornings,

Memorial Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne,

Monday 1st 10am-12pm

9:15am-11:15am

Needle Felted Sea Creature

Church Hall, Digby Road

____________________________

Saturday 20th 9:30am-4pm

Monday 8th 10am-12pm

Farmers’ Market

Book Fair

Crocheted Flower Headbands 7+ £9

3rd Friday in each

Monday 15th 10am-12pm

month 9am-1pm

New, second-hand and antiquarian books

Sew a Cushion Cover

Cheap Street

Monday 22nd 10am-12pm

Saturday Antiques

Mini Knitted Bunting 7+ £9

and Flea Market

Friday 26th 10am - 12pm

Fourth Saturday every month

Saturday 27th 8:30am-3:30pm

Needle Felted Animals 6+ £9

(exc. April and December)

Vintage Market

Church Hall, Digby Road. 9am-4pm

Over 30 sellers of vintage items.

Keyring Charms 6+ £9

with Pompom Tassels 8+ £14

8 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

____________________________

____________________________

DT9 3NL. Free admission. 01749 677049 www.westcountrycraftfairs.co.uk

____________________________

(also magazines, prints, postcards and

ephemera). Memorial Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne DT9 3NL. 01803 613356 colinbakerbooks@btinternet.com

____________________________

AUGUST 2016 Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne.

Saturday 20th

____________________________

____________________________

07809 387594

Martinstown CC

Bank Holiday Monday 29th 10am

Compton House Cricket Club

Car Boot Sale

Over Compton (Behind Fortune

In aid of Folke Church. Alweston

A

Palace on A30). Every Wednesday

Playing Field, nr Sherborne.

6pm-8pm. Senior (14+) practise, nets or T20 match 07962 663472

____________________________

www.comptonhousecricketclub.org.uk

Sport

Dorset Division 2

____________________________

Start 1:30pm

Every Thursday

Sherborne County Cricket Club

Saturday 6th

7:30pm-8:30pm

Terrace Playing Fields

Stalbridge 2s

Dorset Cricket League Premier 1

Ashmore A

Over 30’s Touch Rugby Sherborne School floodlit AstroTurf,

www.sherborne.play-cricket.com

Saturday 13th

Horsecastles Lane. £2 per session. First

Start 1pm

to www.sherbornetouch.org.uk or call

Parley CC

A

____________________________

Swanage CC

H

three sessions free. For more details go

Saturday 6th

Jimmy on 07887 800803

Saturday 13th

A

Saturday 20th

Branksome and Parkstone Saturday 27

H

Cattistock A ____________________________

DAYS OUT & HOLIDAYS with TAYLORS COACH TRAVEL Days Out

Holidays

____________________________

____________________________

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The Grand Old City of York

Saturday 13th August

26th - 29th August

£15 (Club £13), Child £13

4 Days £395

Tiverton Horse Drawn Barge

Taste of France

Saturday 13th August

8th - 13th September

£30 (Club £28)

6 Days £595

Blenheim Palace & Lunch

German Christmas Market

Saturday 27th August

12th - 16th December

£46 (Club £44)

5 Days £325

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

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Seaton & Sidmouth Sunday 4th September £14 (Club £12)

____________________________

2016 Day Trips & Excursions brochure available now.

For further information please call 01935 423177. www.taylorscoachtravel.co.uk

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 9

UNEARTHED FREDDIE AND HAMISH SIMPSON (AGED 6 AND 3)

T

he Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASSF) was founded in memory of, and inspired by, Olympic Gold medal winning sailor and Sherborne resident Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE. Andrew’s two young sons Freddie and Hamish are already demonstrating a natural flair on the water and are just two of the many budding sailors training at their father’s Sailing Centre.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre (ASSC) is located at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, venue of the London 2012 Olympic sailing. It is a fully accredited RYA Training Centre and the heart and home of the Foundation’s activities.

As you might expect from one of the world’s greatest sailing venues, the Academy facilities are outstanding. It attracts many current and former British Sailing Team members as well as serving as a base for the Foundation’s Ambassadors. Don’t be surprised therefore to find yourself sharing the water with some of the greatest names in international sailing.

A group of children from Weymouth have been receiving support from the ASSC in realising their dream to race at a national level. Last month the young team travelled to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk to compete in the National Schools Sailing Association (NSSA) National Youth Regatta. This week-long event promotes enjoyment of the sport through mass participation and a rousing team atmosphere. The children camp together and race both individually and overall as a team. The ASSF actively supports programmes such as subsidised regatta places and the Training the Trainers scheme, where adult volunteers gain qualifications to help raise standards and increase participation at their local teams.

Roll on Rio and beyond! www.andrewsimpsonfoundation.org www.andrewsimpsonsailing.co.uk

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

10 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

Discretionary Fund Management and Stockbroking services As individual as you are

PETER HARDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Established 1993

40 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JG Tel: 01747 855554 9 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3PY Tel: 01935 315315 Web: www.peterhardingwm.co.uk

THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS CAN GO DOWN IN VALUE AS WELL AS UP, SO YOU COULD GET BACK LESS THAN YOU INVEST. 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. Rowan Dartington is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group.

Rowan Dartington & Co. Ltd. Is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 2752304 at Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4RD. TWK71_07/16

SHOPPING

Inspirational beach reads, £18.99 & £20 Winstone's

Don't forget your bucket and spade!, from £2 The Toy Box

Sunsport Boules Alsace Set, £30 The Toy Barn

SHE SELLS SEASHELLS Jenny Dickinson of boutique stationery brand Dear to Me Studio shares her favourite Sherborne finds. www.deartomestudio.com 12 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

Telescopic Fishing Net, £3 The Toy Box

Selected Baskets from £12, Starfish, £4.50 both Old Shambles Vintage How many creatures & features can you spot using these Usborne Seashore Spotter Cards, £6.99 Winstone's

Adorn your sandcastle in style. Maileg Flagpole, £18 The Circus. House of Marbles Windmill, £2 The Toy Barn

Handmade Sailcloth Deckchair, from £170 Quba www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 13

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

OAK FAIR 27th & 28th August 10am-5pm

A special event for those interested in woodcraft, timber, the countryside and conservation.

Over 200 exhibitors, plus demonstrations in the arenas from the Heavy Horse Loggers Team, Mere Down Falconry and Adams Axmen, workshops for our younger visitors in the kids area and lots of local produce in market square.

Visitors will also have the chance to have a go at axe throwing, archery and tree climbing. Tickets £8.50 Adult, £3.00 Child (under 3’s free), £25 Family Ticket.

Available in advance on 01749 813899.

Sponsored by

Smooth snake tongue © Steve Davis

www.stockgaylard.com

Wild Dorset

THE SEAHORSE Jemma Cable, Dorset Wildlife Trust

S

eahorses are perhaps one of the most recognisable species of marine wildlife in the UK. Unlike anything else seen in nature, with their horse-like head, long snout and tail, they could be compared to an exotic and mystical creature. In Dorset, we are very lucky that both the short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) and the spiny seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) can call our shores their home.

Seahorses are delicate creatures and are very hard to see, but spotting one can be very rewarding. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) Marine Conservation Officer, Emma Rance comments on a 2010 dive “We had to be very patient but meeting a seahorse is just the most wonderful experience, they looked so relaxed and peaceful. It’s made me feel very protective of them.”

The short-snouted seahorse is found in rocky and gravelly areas whereas the spiny seahorse is

more likely to be found in underwater meadows, hiding in seagrass and wrapping their tails around it for stability. One area you can find this habitat and where there is a seahorse population is Studland Bay. DWT is recommending this area is designated a ‘Marine Conservation Zone’.

A big part of the struggle to protect Dorset’s marine habitats is that they are largely unseen.

Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched the Marine Conservation Fund, which specifically focuses on protecting our unseen marine world. www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/dmcf DWT has launched a seahorse adoption scheme to help boost their work. As a gift to yourself, or someone special, you’ll receive a cuddly toy, regular updates and a fact sheet for a one-off donation of £20. The first 10 people to adopt will also receive a free Seashore Wildlife Guide.

Phone Jodi Hibbard on 01305 264620. www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

THREE SEAHORSE FACTS The male gives birth The female transfers eggs to the male’s pouch, where they hatch and develop. The male then gives birth to perfect tiny replica seahorses – he even has contractions!

16 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

They can look smaller to predators Seahorses can turn their back to predators to make themselves look thinner – this is thought to help with their camouflage in the wild.

Seahorse literally means ‘horse sea monster’ Their scientific name hippocampus comes from the Ancient Greek word hippos meaning ‘horse’ and kampon meaning ‘sea monster’.

TADNOLL RESERVE Gillian M. Constable, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Sherborne Group Committee

A

ugust is a quiet month for the Sherborne DWT group however if you look at the DWT web-site you will find a selection of organised events at their centres around the county. You might prefer a quiet walk at one of their reserves and I can recommend Tadnoll where we walked recently, only seeing two dog walkers, and there is always my favourite, Kingcombe.

Tadnoll reserve has a common boundary with Winfrith and a walk around both is easily organised. It was some time since we had been there and past visits had typically not been in a high summer month. We parked at the Tadnoll access and were greeted by excellent information boards, one for each season, and walk information. We completed, very slowly, the circular walk. What a delight; the track was a broad swathe of short grass and everywhere there were patches of wild flowers to investigate.

The summer information board indicated the possibility of seeing the Silver-studded Blue butterfly and although butterflies were scarce, surprisingly within 100 metres we were watching

a pair and one settled long enough to get a reasonable photo. The different heathers were just coming into flower and we found several patches of orchids. In the wet areas, the yellow flowering spikes of Bog Asphodels were starting to dominate the landscape, also Round-leaved Sundew plants were pushing up flowering spikes.

The information board indicated that in August the Marsh Gentian might be found.

In the past we have accessed the reserve from Winfrith, not such an easy path, and found interesting lichens and fungi. DWT has developed a larger wetland area there and built a bird hide. We must get there another time since on our last visit it was still very recently constructed.

We were exceedingly lucky to choose a beautiful late afternoon for our visit which enhanced it. We are so fortunate to have such wild places to visit. I recommend a visit to Tadnoll and you could also include the wonderful Whistler church windows at Moreton. www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 17

DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST

18 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

Family

A SUMMER OF IMAGINATION

K

Jennie Loader, Sherborne ArtsLink

eeping children and young people positively engaged throughout the summer holidays can be a challenge. Having access to activities which stimulates young minds, enables them to meet new, like-minded, similar aged people, gets them away from screens and enables them to explore their capabilities and imaginations by trying new things is so important.

The Sherborne ArtsLink TakepArt Summer 2016 programme offers just such opportunities.

Theatre, dance, singing, drawing and making sessions are available from 8th – 25th August in Sherborne. The programme engages professional performers and artists to share their skills and knowledge, with something available for everyone between the ages of 4 – 18. Some activities are just for young people, some just for children and some for families to explore together. Due to funding by the Big Lottery, ArtsLink is able to offer this range of art-based, creative activities free of charge.

One of the highlights of the TakepArt Summer 2016 programme is sure to be the Summer Theatre School from 15th – 19th August. This five day intensive experience will enable up to 30 teenagers to imagine, create, rehearse and finally, perform a new and unique show. Actiontrack Performance Company are again engaged to deliver this with ArtsLink and will ensure an experience equal to the past four years. The amazing show, created during the week, is open to a public audience and will be staged at 7:30pm on Friday 19th August at Digby Hall,

Hound Street. As yet there is no title, no one knows the content, but it is guaranteed to be a spectacle showcasing the talents of local young people, many of whom will not have performed in this way before.

There is no need for the audience to book and entry is free, with donations gratefully received.

This is the fifth year that ArtsLink has offered this broad range of free activities. The charity has been able to do this due to funding from July 2011 to September 2016 for the TakepArt project from the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.

This funding has enabled the charity to deliver a whole range of projects to the local community including targeted work with vulnerable young people and disadvantaged children, generally to families in the town, plus the Sherborne Mural and building the Arts Cabin. As this source of funding draws to a close, ArtsLink is committed to continuing its work with children and young people and is seeking new sources of money to support this important area of work.

Details of all the free activities available and how to book a place can be found in the TakepArt Summer 2016 leaflet which you can download from ArtsLink’s website www.sherborneartslink.org.uk.

It is also available at the Sherborne Library, Tourist Information Centre or the ArtsLink office in The Manor House, Newland. For further information about any of the events and activities which ArtsLink undertakes please visit www.sherborneartslink.org.uk or call 01935 815899. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 19

SUMMER SHOW

MARCUS HODGE

THE JERRAM GALLERY Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LN

TOWARDS CHARMOUTH BAY

www.jerramgallery.com

01935 815261 info@jerramgallery.com Monday - Saturday

NG ly NI Ju PE 30th

O ay rd tu Sa

16 20

A new contemporary gallery celebrating the sublime beauty of wood, located in the heart of Sherborne.

Presenting carefully curated art, sculpture and design exploring the unrivalled versatility of wood as a medium for creative expression.

Privileged to showcase: Silas Birtwistle, Celia Dickson, Go Carbon, Longpré, Helen Moyers, Rod Page, Tom Raffield and Peter Vernon.

Mon: By prior arrangement Tues – Sat: 10am – 4.30pm Sun: Closed The Grain, The Grain Loft, South Street, Sherborne DT9 3LU T: 01935 814208 Email: info@thegraingallery.co.uk www.thegraingallery.co.uk

20 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

bridport & west Dorset open studios

50 artists 35 venues

20-29 august 2016 explore our vibrant art scene www.bos2016.website

Family

MATHS EXODUS

Barry Reid BSc (Hons) DEM, Private Maths Tutor

I

was finding prison life tough. The seemingly endless repetitiveness, the lack of hope for the future and the underlying, all pervasive daily tension. The potential for a minor situation to explode from nought to a hundred, in no time at all, ever present. I’d been here two years now. In all that time I’d not been involved in any major incident.

I’d seen lots of petty stuff. Swearing, nicking the odd toilet roll, tagging furniture out of boredom, but probably the most depressing aspect was seeing guys I’d been put with reappearing for another spell of incarceration, only months, possibly even weeks after they’d shaken my hand and said, “Good luck.

Probably never see you again mate.”

The Education section of the prison was pretty run down. It came as a bit of a shock, having retired from a job as head of a maths department in an inner city Manchester school, where I allocated my yearly budget to whiteboards, class computers and the latest set of shiny textbooks. I’d started teaching Money Management to inmates due for release and been presented with a box of chalk, (“Whiteboard rarely works chum. They keep nicking the bulbs!”), my personal safety alarm (very reassuring) and a set of dog-eared textbooks that I thankfully noticed didn’t use pre-decimal currency.

Staff morale was surprisingly high, with a kind of trenches humour, but the soul destroying lack of ambition of most of the lads I taught was taking its toll. I realised how much I missed the naïve

22 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

enthusiasm of the new school intake, the smile on a kid’s face when they finally ‘got it’, the sheer drive and determination of the ‘A’ level student fighting for that university place.

I started private tutoring not knowing if I would be able to make a real go of it. The Dragons’ Den would have sat there with shaking heads and ripped into me. I didn’t research the market, had no idea what the competition was like and even who my target audience was. An advert in the local paper, a message in the local library and let’s see what happens. In the first few weeks three customers. An entrance exam hopeful for the local Grammar, a struggling GCSE pupil and an Oxbridge candidate fearful of not making the cut. Quite an eclectic mix.

This isn’t going to be dull. I needn’t have worried about the bailiffs knocking on my door. Within two years, word of mouth had delivered me a thriving clientele. I don’t think I’d ever been happier. Ambitious youngsters, giving their all for an hour and really seeing improvement.

Then a move to beautiful Dorset. Country lanes, septic tanks, sheep and tractors, hay fever, the dawn chorus and a decided lack of rain. Everybody in the village knows my name before I’ve even met them and word of mouth seems to spread like wildfire. Sharpen those pencils kids! www.dorsetmathstutor.org

FREE

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Call 01935 816 111 natasha@gingerand pickle.co.uk 41 Cheap Street | Sherborne | Dorset DT9 3PU

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Summer Fun at Leweston Both adults and children are invited to enjoy the use of Leweston’s extensive grounds and facilities this summer.

SUMMER CLUB

4 July – 31 August Enjoy membership of Leweston’s Summer Club with access to the swimming pool, tennis courts and extensive grounds

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For more information and to register your interest please contact office@leweston.dorset.sch.uk or telephone 01963 210783 www.leweston.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 23

Family

EXERCISE AND PREGNANCY Natasha Williams, Duty Manager, Oxley Sports Centre

I

know from experience that discovering that you are pregnant can be both exciting and scary all at the same time. You begin to prepare for your new arrival and you want to do what is best for you both. There is a lot of information out there online, from books, family members and friends, and sometimes it can be a bit much.

One of your biggest worries may be your changing body. You begin to feel different as well as look different. Each person goes through a different experience and it is important to remember that. Some may suffer from nausea and be satisfied just to get up in the morning! Others feel invigorated and keen to keep busy (that may however change eight months down the line!).

The following advice is intended to help keep both you and your baby safe and comfortable whilst exercising during pregnancy.

24 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

The latest guidance is that it is recommended for women to take regular exercise before, during and after pregnancy. This applies to those considered to be active as well as sedentary. It is worth noting, that before you undertake any form of exercise whilst pregnant that you first consult your doctor or midwife, especially if you have any medical complications. For those already keeping active it is a perfect time to maintain your habits. If you are starting something new, take it gently to begin with, building up to making healthy choices for the future.

So, why should you keep active? I know in my first pregnancy that all I wanted to do was to eat ice-cream and relax (as there’d be little time for that soon enough!) but the following reasons soon got me off the sofa. • Doing exercise will help you to control your

to make sure that you’re getting it right. There are some simple things that you can do to ensure this.

• Avoid impact in the tummy area (obvious, both worth noting!)

• Keep cool by avoiding hot environments and wear loose comfortable clothes • Keep well hydrated • Avoid doing anything that means you could lose your balance and fall • Gradually reduce the intensity of your workouts throughout your pregnancy • After your first trimester avoid lying flat on your back as this can reduce your blood pressure • Remember that your joints will become softer due to hormone changes so again, avoid impact to prevent injury and don’t over stretch yourself • Always stop if you feel dizzy or unwell • Finally, listen to your body. There will be a time that it all gets too much and that’s fine, take it easy.

weight and that of the baby. Babies born at a healthy weight are less likely to develop diabetes or cardiovascular problems later in life.

• Being active will help to control your blood pressure. Higher blood pressure can lead to your baby being born early or other complications for you towards the end of the pregnancy.

• Active women are lower risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. This could cause complications in your pregnancy and lead on to Type 2 diabetes later on.

• Women who are fitter tend to have shorter and easier labours and then recover quicker afterwards.

• Babies born to more active mothers tend to cope better with the labour.

That covers the why, so now the what. You’ve decided that you want to be active but you want

So far this has been a bit general. You’re asking, “What EXACTLY do I do?” So, this all depends on where you are already. Pilates and Stretch & Tone are great for working your inner core muscles in a gentle way to prepare you for labour. Swimming, Aqua Aerobics and Indoor Cycling are all low impact options to get you moving, building up cardio fitness. BodyVive is also suitable to start for the first time during pregnancy as it involves light cardio and strength work. BodyPump uses light weights and will help to build or maintain long lean muscle tone. Or a personal trainer in the gym can give you 1:1 guidance throughout your pregnancy.

Getting back into shape following pregnancy can be a challenge. Just remember one step at a time, your body is an amazing thing and has created life. Don’t be too hard on yourself as there is more to life than skinny jeans! When you are ready, find time for you and come back to it gradually.

Oxley Sports Centre offers a crèche service three mornings a week. Take a swim, use the gym or try a class and let them take care of your little one while you take care of yourself. For more advice or information on classes, the swimming timetable, personal training or the crèche please visit www.oxleysc.com www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 25

Family

STAYING SAFE THIS SUMMER Sue Fisher, Mini First Aid Trainer, Dorset & Somerset

S

ummer is finally here (we hope!) and Sue, from Mini First Aid has some handy tips to help keep you and your family happy and healthy over these warmer months.

As the paddling pool is dragged out for some garden fun and we head off for our summer holidays in the sun, we first of all want to highlight the importance of water safety. It’s a sad fact that drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death of children in England and the number of deaths are increasing year on year (according to the National Water Safety Forum).

Here are our top water safety rules:

children the correct swim practice from an early age.

• For peace of mind all parents should learn basic first aid and know CPR.

• Never leave babies and young children alone in a paddling pool or even a bath. Babies can drown in as little as 3 inches of water.

• Children under the age of 8 must never swim alone and must be accompanied by an adult.

• Flotation devices such as arm bands and inflatable rings do not replace the need for parental supervision.

• Never jump or dive into water without checking the depth or water temperature.

• Make sure you and your children do not swim straight after eating. Always allow up to 90 minutes before entering the water.

Travelling abroad

Don’t forget that water safety begins at home: • Fence off garden ponds.

• Empty paddling pools after usage.

• Supervise children’s bath time.

• Join a swimming group that teaches babies and 26 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

Stings

We often get asked on Mini First Aid courses what to do if a pesky wasp or grumpy bee stings their baby or child. Don’t panic. To remove a sting never use tweezers, this will squeeze the venom into the skin. Instead, scrape a credit card across the skin to remove the sting. Use a cold pack to relieve the pain as well as a big cuddle! If there is serious swelling, contact a medical practitioner.

If you need to contact a doctor whilst on holiday or have a medical emergency, it can be a scary experience, particularly if you don’t speak the language. Being prepared is the key to staying calm. If you have a trip abroad planned this summer especially with small children, here are a few handy first aid tips: • Pack a first aid kit. We have medical supplies and ready-made kits available at all of our classes.

• Have a look at our website for useful medical translations in French, Spanish and Italian and for our summer blogs which include this information.

• Remember the emergency number to call in Europe is 112.

Wishing you all a safe and happy summer!

To find a Mini First Aid course near you or to read their summer blogs, please visit www.minifirstaid.co.uk

CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

Helen Stickland, Winstone’s Books, Independent Bookseller of the Year 2016

Painting Pepette by Linda Ravin Lodding, Illustrated by Clare Fletcher (Templar) £6.99 Ages 4–8

J

Exclusive Sherborne Times reader price of £5.99 at Winstone’s books.

oin one little girl named Josette as she searches 1920s Paris to find the best artist to paint a portrait of her stuffed-animal rabbit, Pepette.

After seeing all the fine portraits of her family in her house in Paris, Josette decides that her stuffed-animal rabbit Pepette needs a portrait of her own. The two of them set off for Montmartre, the art centre of 1920s Paris, to seek out an artist to paint Pepette’s portrait. They encounter Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, and Henri Matisse, who all try their hand at capturing the rabbit.

Picasso gives Pepette two noses and three ears which doesn’t sit well with Josette. Dalí gives Pepette very droopy eyes so Josette says “no thank

you” and moves on. Chagall paints Pepette flying through the clouds. Josette points out that Pepette doesn’t fly and is afraid of heights so they decide to keep going through the square. When they meet Matisse, he paints Pepette pink, with lots of colourful dots and splashes covering the canvas.

It’s a beautiful piece of art but it’s not Pepette.

Giving up, Josette and Pepette make their way home. Josette is upset that no one was able to capture the true essence of Pepette. Who could capture her soft grey ears, her heart-shaped nose and all her wonderfulness? And then it comes to her - she, Josette, is the perfect person to do this. www.winstonebooks.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 27

THE

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Interior fabrics with fantastic savings! www.thefabricbarn.co.uk • Call: 01935 851025

Dodge Interiors Upstairs Downstairs Interiors

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Summer Sale Discounts on all furniture and flooring

bespoke curtains. blinds. upholstery. loose covers. fabrics. free estimates The Old School Rooms, Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS Tel: 01935 813 831 Email: info@updowninteriors.co.uk www.updowninteriors.co.uk 28 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

28 Cheap Street Sherborne DT9 3QD 01935 818150 | www.dodgeinteriors.com

RIPPLE STITCH CUSHION COVER Millie Furby, The Slipped Stitch Following our coastal theme this month I took inspiration from the sea when designing this cushion cover.

You will need:

100g DK in colours A(blue) and B(Navy) 50g DK in colours C(green) and D(teal) we used Classique Cotton DK 4mm hook Needle to sew ends in 14in cushion pad 4 buttons Foundation row: Work in Colour A Chain 60.

Row 1: 1tr in 4thch from hook *1tr in each of the next 5ch, tr3tog over next 3 stitches, 1 tr in each of the next 5ch, (1tr, 1ch, 1tr in next ch) repeat from * 2 more times. 1tr in each of next 5ch, tr3tog over next 3ch, 1tr in each of next 5ch, 2tr in last ch.

Fasten off. Turn Row 2: Colour C Work in FRONT LOOPS only on this row Ch3 (counts as 1st tr), 1tr in 1st tr *1tr in each of the next 5tr, tr3tog over next 3 stitches, 1 tr in each of the next 5tr, (1tr, 1ch, 1tr in next ch space) repeat from * 2 more times. 1tr in each of next 5ch, tr3tog over next 3ch, 1tr in each of next 5tr, 2tr in last ch. Fasten off. Turn.

Row 3: Colour B work in BACK LOOPS only on this row. Ch3 (counts as 1st tr), 1tr in 1st tr *1tr in each of the next 5tr, tr3tog over next 3 stitches, 1 tr in each of the next 5ch, (1tr, 1ch, 1tr in next ch space) repeat from * 2 more times. 1tr in each of next 5ch, tr3tog over next 3ch, 1tr in each of next 5tr, 2tr in last ch. Fasten off. Turn.

Rows 2 and 3 set your pattern. We used the following colour pattern for our cushion cover: Row 1: A Row 2: C Row 3: B Row 4: A Row 5: D Continue until your cushion cover measures 28in.

Fasten off. Fold into an envelope cushion cover (so the top and bottom overlap). Sew both side edges.

Sew buttons on. They will fit through the (1tr, 1Ch, 1tr) point.

NB: If you are a tight crocheter, use a 4.5mm hook.

Get 10% off Classique Cotton DK when you present this pattern at The Slipped Stitch . www.theslippedstitch.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 29

Interiors

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? Kitty Oakshott, Upstairs Downstairs

S

ome people might remember a children’s programme on Radio 4 called Listen with Mother which the presenter always introduced with, ‘Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin.’

That was the signal to families all over the country to settle down and listen to a story – sitting comfortably.

This brings me to the question, how comfortable are your chairs? Did they appeal to you in the shop because of their design but you found when you got them home the seats were very flimsy and the upholstery minimal? Can you only sit on them for a short time before getting cramp or pins and needles? Maybe some of your chairs were originally stuffed with horsehair that over the years has gathered into awkward lumps?

So often these are special armchairs that have been in the family for a couple of generations and the idea of disposing of them fills you with horror.

Yet it is so important to have a chair that supports your back, is wide enough to sit in easily or maybe slouch or flop down on. Have you noticed, for instance, that sitting for a long time on some chairs results in a nagging backache that takes ages to go away? However much you love your great-aunt’s high-backed Edwardian chair, just ask yourself if you can relax in it. Remember that these days most of us are taller and probably fatter than our grandparents so it’s not surprising that chairs made for them are not quite right for our body shapes.

You don’t need to throw them out however 30 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

grotty they appear because it’s likely they can be restored to look as good as new, be much more comfortable and not cost a fortune. Wobbly arms and legs can be strengthened, webbing renewed, seats can be made longer to suit the man with long legs and, of course, they can be re-upholstered or re-covered to fit in with your décor.

Don’t forget that if your budget won’t run to reupholstering, there are definite advantages in having loose covers. They are cheaper, they can be changed more often and they can be removed to be cleaned. If you become tired of the fabric colour or the design, or decide to put the chair in another room where it clashes horribly with everything else, it will not be hugely expensive to renew the covers, making them very practical.

Think about using fabrics that are in keeping with the period of the chair or choose a plain but luxurious fabric such as velvet in a period colour.

Alternatively, depending where you are going to put the chair, look at the modern fabrics with their exciting colours and textures. Consider tweeds, linens or tartans. Take care, though, because the chair has to ‘accept’ these fabrics otherwise you will be irritated every time you look at it!

Whatever you decide, remember this: never throw out a chair that seems past its prime. It is not difficult or expensive to give it a new lease of life so that once more you will be sitting comfortably! www.updowninteriors.co.uk

"So often these are special armchairs that have been in the family for generations and the idea of disposing of them fills you with horror."

Finley Midnight Blue Velvet Armchair www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 31

Gardening

IN THE GARDEN

with Mike Burks, Managing Director, The Gardens Group

MOON PLANTING

S

ummer holiday reading should be frivolous and take one away from the cares of the world, however, this year I decided to take Gardening and Planting by the Moon by Nick Kollerstrom with me. It is a tradition that we discuss our reading material over a glass of wine in the evenings but no one was hugely interested in my book this year!

The influence of the moon has been acknowledged by the human race for tens of thousands of years and many still use it to decide when to carry out certain tasks in the garden.

Before you dismiss this and turn the page consider the effect of the moon on our tides – the shifting of vast quantities of water in and out twice a day under the influence, to a great extent, of the moon.

We have to believe in this otherwise we would come unstuck quite quickly during the next visit 32 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

to the seaside! As many plants are more than 90% water it then seems likely that they also would be affected in some way.

I am of course simplifying the principle but it seems that water availability changes during the month depending on the phases of the moon and that there is more moisture at the surface of the soil at full moon than at new moon. Indeed, there is lots of gardening folklore that goes with this including the assertion that only weeds pulled in the last quarter (up to the new moon) won’t regrow. This makes sense as that is when the soil would be at its driest. It isn’t straightforward though because there is evidence that rainfall is at its highest on average 3 or 4 days after the full moon and the new moon. A farmer from Glastonbury told me recently that the wells on his farm were at their fullest at the full moon.

This availability of water then determines harvesting in some cultures, for example crops that need to be stored, such as hay, grapes for drying, felling timber should be harvested after the full moon (when the moon is waning) whereas grapes for wine would be harvested before the full moon (when the moon is waxing).

Planting times also are determined by the phases and in simple terms leafy crops should be planted when the moon is waxing whereas root crops should be when the moon is waning.

There are clearly other factors in place including, Kollerstrom suggests, the 11-year solar cycle where crop yields have been shown to be much greater when the sunspot activity is at its highest. Kollerstrom also discusses the influence of Saturn and Jupiter but the influence of an ice cream swayed me more than either of these planets and so I lost a little concentration at that point.

I have discovered along the way that many wine buyers from the large supermarkets only taste wine at specific phases, that maternity wards are busier at certain phases of the moon and that, of course,

the word ‘lunacy’ acknowledges the effects of the moon. I have also read that horse breeding success is moon determined too but my knowledge is weak in that arena!

Around this time of year of course, there is the harvest moon, which is on Friday 23 September this year. This is often thought to be useful because of the extra light meaning that the harvesting can carry on into the night. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘wine moon’ because of grape harvest at this time.

Many modern gardeners including a large number of organic gardeners follow moon gardening principles and report great success.

Others are limited as to when they can carry out tasks but there is hard evidence that the principles follow true and scientific experimentation which confirms that the moon is an influence. Whether you decide to follow the rules or not it certainly is intriguing and stimulates the gardening mind.

I may take a thriller on holiday next time though! www.thegardeneronline.co.uk

QUEEN THORNE LAWN & LANDSCAPE

Specialists in wild flower meadows, lawns and hard landscaping.

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

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 33

Gardening

EXTENDING THE FLOWERING SEASON Sue Dodge, Bailey Ridge Plants, Landscaping & Design

E

xtending the flowering season in the garden requires some organisation and preparation and a little hard work as the year rolls by.

Regular visits to your local nursery help to keep you in touch with what is on offer and looking good. Adding a few plants every season will help you create borders that are interesting and colourful throughout the year.

Autumn is a time to plant lots of trees, shrubs, 34 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

grasses and hedgerows. Choose plants that ‘do it all’, are strong and hardy, provide fresh spring leaf colour, flowers, fragrance and autumn colour. If in doubt what to choose, ask at your local nursery for help. (Some nurseries, like us, provide a bed design service). It is in autumn that we can anticipate the spring by planting a great deal of spring flowering bulbs, like narcissus, aconites, snowdrops, crocus, tulips, hyacinths and cyclamen. Bulbs do not

"Adding a few plants every season will help you create borders that are interesting and colourful throughout the year."

always flower right away, they sit in the earth and wait for spring to appear and then they will give you the splash of colour you need. Whether you plant them at the front of borders, along the base of an existing hedgerow or merely scatter them randomly under your apple trees bulbs, they will always succeed one way or another and keep coming year after year. For winter colour, a quick fix can be achieved by filling a few gaps, containers and hanging baskets with winter flowering pansies and violas, heathers, bellis daisies and don’t forget to put in some wallflower plants in the border that will flower in spring.

When spring comes along and the earth warms up, plants start to grow and fill out, and this is the time when gardeners really get to grips with their garden’s weeding. Feeding the beds and borders with well rotted manure, compost, bonemeal or slow release fertilisers will encourage growth and flowering. Most of our flowering shrubs will be performing now. The weather is milder, there are more opportunities to get out and the daylight hours are longer. Little wonder that this is the time of year when most gardeners have a go! As spring turns to summer, most of our herbaceous plants and roses will come into their own. Cut down flowering perennials like lupins, delphiniums and foxgloves by a third or more to encourage bushy growth at the base and they may possibly flower again for you. The hanging baskets will be filled with colourful annuals and as one flower peaks and fades another will open to replace it. Removing spent flowers and seed heads is crucial and will encourage growth and repeat flower in most cases.

Gradually summer turns to autumn. We can still add colour to the borders. Have the foresight to plant exotic lilies, canna lilies, dahlias, chrysanthemums, gingers, agapanthus, hydrangeas etc in pots. These pots can be placed mid border when gaps appear, to heighten the senses when the garden is fading away. The last flushes of repeating roses can also be enjoyed. Roses are a labour intensive crop and to get the best of them will require dead heading, protection from aphids, blackspot and rust, watering well and feeding. Give them a good feed at the end of July and this will help to produce blooms up until the first frosts. www.baileyridge.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 35

Gardening

FROM GARDEN BOY TO FRIEND OF THE FAMILY Maria Wingfield Digby Sherborne’s best kept secret is the magnificent and largely unaltered landscape garden created by Capability Brown at Sherborne Castle. 2016 marks the tercentenary of Brown’s birth and a nationwide festival celebrates this milestone. The castle has been awarded Ambassador Site status acknowledging this garden’s importance. A new exhibition is on display in the Castle, which draws on evidence from the archives to explain Brown’s impact and legacy on the garden.

I

n November 1752, Edward, 6th Lord Digby, inherited Sherborne Castle in Dorset from his elderly Uncle, who died at the advanced age of 92. Edward had been living at Coleshill, the Digby seat in Warwickshire. Not far away, a young gardener named Lancelot Brown was undertaking his first freelance commissions at Newnham Paddox and Packington Court. Edward was himself only 22 when he inherited, and was keen to modernise both the Castle and the Park, which had not seen any changes for the last thirty years.

Within six months of inheriting Sherborne, he had sent a parcel of plans to Mr Brown in London, for him to assess their capabilities. The result was a commission from Lord Digby to create a lake in the valley below his new home. Brown spent two years supervising the work, his first commission in the West Country, and his new lake transformed the Park at Sherborne. Visible from the main road, it acted as an advert for his talents, and the contacts he made in Dorset opened up new commissions for his growing practice.

Twenty years later Brown returned to Sherborne again to landscape the area around the house. This time, he was the most successful and sought-after gardener in the country and his relationship with the Digby family was on a more equal footing. He stayed in the castle, dined with family and quickly became a favourite. An entry in the family archives explains why; ‘22 January 1777: Mr Brown came 36 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

from Lord Milton’s whilst we were at dinner and was very agreeable’. Two days later, Lord Digby’s younger brother recorded, ‘Captain Robert Digby went with regret to Minterne before breakfast, sorry to lose any of Mr Brown’s company’. Robert was busy creating a garden at his own house at Minterne, not far away and keen to pick up tips.

In October 1779, Lady Digby came back from Weymouth expecting to meet Brown. A servant was dispatched to Milton Abbey to enquire after him, but he was not there either, so Lady Digby returned to Weymouth the next day. Two days later, Brown arrived at Sherborne after lunch, and word was sent to Weymouth. Lady Digby set out at first light to make the 30-mile journey back to Sherborne, in order to make the most of Brown’s visit.

Every year after that, Brown would call in at Sherborne, usually in the late Autumn. The visits were probably social, at least in part, although they usually included a ride around the Park. His last visit was in November 1782 when he stayed two nights. He died three months later.

The exhibition “Capability Brown at Sherborne Castle” can be seen during normal opening hours: Sherborne Castle is open daily except Mondays and Fridays, Gardens and Tea Room at 10am, Castle at 11am with last admissions at 4:30pm. www.sherbornecastle.com

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 37

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Antiques

"A" WORDS

Richard Bromell ASFAV, Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers

Kitchenalia – An 18th century steel Lark Spit £150-250

M

any auctioneers are simple folk working in the business of antiques and collector’s items. I always knew I would not be destined for a technical position such as an engineer who works in the smallest of tolerances.I like nothing more than to say “It looks £1,000-1,500” where I feel an engineer would want to say “It is £1,237.64”. Auctioneers also like to chat and are generally quite affable people. I have always excelled at chatting, and remember when aged 12, my French teacher told me I had the worst case of verbal diarrhoea he had ever come across. So chatty is good in my line of work, but I sometimes feel auctioneers use words to impress clients or correct them when they use an incorrect word or phrase such as Art Deco when they mean Art Nouveau.

My first mentor to me impressed me nearly

40 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

30 years ago when we were busy cataloguing a collection of knives. Knives come in all shapes and sizes and from all over the world. Today knives are strictly controlled and rightly so. As a Cub Scout, back in the early 1970’s, I remember my first sheath knife that went everywhere with me in the holidays. This was followed by a Swiss Army multifunction type knife, and then, rather bizarrely, and I have no idea what I thought I would do with it, was a 16 inch machete with a saw back – not the sort of knife nowadays you can walk down Cheap Street with on a Saturday morning without being arrested. But it was my mentor cataloguing a knife with a thick leaf shaped blade from the Philippines which got my attention as it was called a Moro Barong, and today, whenever I see another Moro Barong, I always think of my first mentor.

Other words, which I think auctioneers may

Automobilia - Ideal for the man-cave, but not allowed at Richard’s home, an enamel sign sold by Charterhouse for £500

have made up over the years, are what I call the “a” words such as kitchenalia and automobilia. These are huge markets with collectors looking to source rare and unusual items to furnish their workshops, hideouts, kitchens and garages.

As you can imagine, kitchenalia relates to items used in the kitchen. Items can be functional as well as decorative – T G Green Cornishware storage jars have been made for decades and are just as popular today as they were when they first came out in 1926. But kitchenalia can also be a tad gruesome by today’s standards, and we have one of the more gruesome lots of kitchenalia going under the hammer in our September 23rd collectors auction which is an 18th century Lark Spit.

Made of steel, it has a bell shaped rack adjustable rack to roast your Skylarks, or other small birds, three at a time. Yes, today, we frown on such practices preferring chicken to Skylarks,

but back in the 18th century it was probably the height of roasting technology and today this piece of kitchenalia is estimated at £150-250.

As a company, we hold 8 specialist classic and vintage car and motorcycle auctions a year. When emptying garages or selling collections, we often come across automobilia. Automobilia items include car mascots, enamel signs and petrol pump globes. What was once a common sight beside the road or in a petrol station can command high prices today.

Over the years I have been partial to buying the occasional lot of automobilia. Most of this has not been allowed anywhere near the home by Mrs B, and I certainly don’t think she will entertain the Lark Spit from the September collectors auction in the kitchen either! www.charterhouse-auction.com

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 41

SASHA MATKEVICH Words Jo Denbury Photography Katharine Davies

S

asha Matkevich has a soft spot for vegetables.

‘My grandmother was a vegetarian,’ he recalls, ‘she taught me a respect for food, how to plant, grow, pick and prepare it, that has been with me ever since.’ Home for Sasha was in the foothills of the Caucasus mountains in Russia. It’s a bountiful, beautiful landscape with a rich soil that cultivates one of the best vegetable gardens of the world. A place not far from the Silk Route where spices from the east meet the produce of the west and where culinary skills are faithfully passed down from generation to generation. This helps to explain why now, many years later, as head chef and owner of The Green, one of Dorset’s finest restaurants, that Sasha is still careful to source the best produce and ingredients that he can find locally. >

42 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 43

It is a far cry from the Caucasus foothills but life at The Green is a family affair and the skills that his grandmother taught him are now being passed on to his own children. You are likely to find ingredients on the menu that have been foraged

by Sasha and his family – wife Ailsa, two sons Tom, 12 and Hector, 9 and daughter Lena, 15 alongside those of well respected local suppliers.

Sasha and Ailsa met in Russia. After attending Sherborne Girls School, Ailsa had gone on to read Russian at Bristol University and then moved to Russia to work. Sasha had left home and arrived in St Petersburg to study art. Shortly after they met Sasha was called up for the obligatory military 44 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

service. ‘After two years service I knew I couldn’t return to art,’ he explains. ‘I had begun to cook while in the military so I continued to study catering.’

The two got together while in the Baltics and in 1996 Ailsa encouraged Sasha to emigrate and join her in England. They lived in London for 10 years while Sasha trained at the Halkin under Stefano Cavallini and the Michelin starred chef Philip Britten, who has since gone on to form Solstice – a supplier of top-quality vegetables. They then made the move to Somerset where Sasha joined Michelin starred chef Adam Fellows at the Mulberry Restaurant, Charlton House before making a name for himself at the Devonshire Arms

"The berries are the spoils of a day spent foraging the prickly contours of Dorset’s coastline."

in Long Sutton. In November 2012 he took over as owner at The Green, building respectfully on the restaurant’s reputation while creating a menu and culinary aesthetic that is very much his own.

Sasha continually strives to keep the menu fresh and in harmony with the seasons. ‘Diversity in what we eat is important. For our wellbeing, yes, but also to keep our diet exciting. If we are eating fish, let’s think about including seaweed and fish eggs, not just cod.’ Take for example the restaurant’s popular grilled scallops served with sea buckthorn berries, ‘Sea buckthorn berries have many more health benefits than goji berries, and a lot less air-miles,’ says Sasha. The berries are the spoils of a day spent foraging the prickly contours of Dorset’s coastline. Once harvested, the berries are preserved for use over the year ahead.

‘Sometimes the children complain about having to search for food,’ laughs Sasha, but for him it is important that children learn where food comes from and what they can eat locally.

Another favourite are ceps, (also known as porcini or penny bun mushrooms) which he forages with sous chef Max. ‘You have to be very careful when foraging,’ explains Sasha. Take a guide book and vigilantly identify what you are picking. You must also be respectful, picking only what you need (don’t be greedy) and being sure to leave at least half the plant so that it can recover. Be mindful of the rules of the countryside,’ he recommends.

Come the summer, a favourite pastime – on a rare day off – is to head to the coast with his family for a day picnicking, fishing and foraging.

‘The excitement is in the never knowing what you are going to find and the thrill of eating it,’ Sasha explains as he eyes up the beach in search of a potential spot to set up camp away from the on-shore breeze. ‘Seasonality is everything,’ says Sasha, ‘the availability and abundance of particular foods comes and goes, almost weekly and that is of course how it should be, how nature intended that we sustain ourselves from the land and the sea.’

At this time of year family picnics often consist of mackerel, caught on lines by Sasha and the two boys, along with crab and traditional Russian skewers packed with minced meat that can be easily roasted on the barbecue. There is also always a pot of cooked kelp seaweed to hand. It is a food that is fastbecoming popular because of its health benefits, > www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 45

46 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

particularly as a source of iodine. Once foraged the kelp is cooked very slowly at a simmer to tenderise it then eaten as a savoury snack on flat breads or an accompaniment to the meats. The flatbread doubles as a plate with small pieces of fish and vegetable added so that everyone, including the children, can graze and mix the flavours. This idea of grazing over small dishes is something that has developed in the restaurant under the name of Zakuski. A Russian style of preparing and serving food with it roots in the Mediterranean traditions of tapas and mezze.

Dishes are ordered and then served from the kitchen as they become ready. It makes for a wonderfully leisurely way of spending time with friends, sharing and exploring a palette of exciting flavours and textures without indulging in a larger plate. Where else could you sample the likes of lamb bitchoki with roasted red peppers, spicy puy lentils with mint yoghurt, ham hock rillettes with handmade rye bread and the ever-popular triple cooked chips with Dorset truffle mayonnaise in one sitting?

These intricate, tasty meals in miniature are ‘how we ate at home in Russia,’ explains Sasha.

‘The dishes would be prepared and laid out on the table where we would all take a little of each, tasting and sharing each flavour. Now visitors to The Green, particularly vegetarians will tell me “do whatever you want”. They trust me to come up with something different. There are also regular customers who come back looking for certain ingredients such as the ceps sauce which we often serve with a fillet of beef.’

One of Sasha’s passions is the revival of culinary traditions lost over the years to the unsustainable and unseasonal sense of consumer entitlement.

He strives for his customers to experience the incomparable flavours of the highest quality, locally available and in season ingredients. His aim is a return to the fundamental principles of sourcing, preparing and eating food. ‘It’s why, at The Green, our menu is ever-evolving. People’s palettes change too and I want to introduce them to the exciting new flavours we discover. It is in my blood and something that I will continue to do for as long as I cook.’ Babushka would be proud. www.greenrestaurant.co.uk See Sasha’s recipe for Meadowsweet Mousse on page 58 www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 47

Animal Care

ANTIBIOTICS, USE AND MISUSE Mark Newton-Clarke MA VetMB PhD MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Partnership

48 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

J

ust about everyone knows antibiotics have revolutionised treatment for infections and how previously fatal diseases can now be successfully cured. The story behind Fleming’s discovery of penicillin has become a medical legend, rated alongside Jenner’s development of the first vaccine against smallpox. With the advances made in pain relief and anaesthesia over the last 100 yrs, more complicated surgical techniques could be developed, paving the way for the multidisciplinary method of modern medicine.

The central role of antibiotics in current veterinary and human medical practise has, unfortunately, led to a degree of complacency.

We have been guilty of taking them for granted.

Although there are side-effects and adverse reactions associated with their use, antibiotics are regarded as first-line treatments for many presenting complaints, not all of them caused by bacteria. As a result, bugs get a good look at their arch-rivals and have developed a number of strategies to avoid their effects. This resistance has grown over the years and now threatens to make many antibiotics useless, forcing us to turn to the lesser-used and often less well tolerated medicines.

There are several major reasons why bacteria are winning the battle but basically it’s evolution.

With the very short time required to make a new generation (minutes), bacteria rapidly self-select any mutants that are less susceptible to the effects of an antibiotic and so a resistant population can grow very quickly. There are even little circular bits of DNA (called plasmids) that can be passed between bacteria, carrying the genetic information that confers resistance. Even bacteria of different types can swap plasmids so that resistance can be spread from one type of infection to another.

Advances in DNA technology has meant that at least we can find out exactly how bacteria become

"We will always be fighting against the essential life-force that has shaped life on Earth."

resistant and this knowledge can help us to invent new ways of by-passing that resistance, so making those bacteria susceptible to treatment again.

The fact that natural selection lies at the heart of bacterial resistance to antibiotics means that we will always be fighting against the essential life-force that has shaped life on Earth. The obvious conclusion to draw is we are not going to win this war! Maybe not but we can and must win a few more battles.

Research is our weapon, funded by governments and pharmaceutical companies, who need to start moving antibiotic development up the priority list. It all takes a lot of money though, and years of work before a new product is licensed and ready for use.

Which means we need to get cracking.

To compliment the strategy of developing new antibiotic drugs we need to try to slow down the rate of resistance. The best way to do this is by using our existing antibiotics more wisely and selectively, by prescribing them only when “necessary”. So how do we know when they are needed and therefore necessary? Well, it’s often not easy because by the time tests have proven a bacterial infection (rather than a virus or other disease process), the patient may be too ill to recover even if the right antibiotic is given.

What’s more, isolating bacteria can be a bit hit and miss and so a bacterial infection may never be proven. So do we prescribe antibiotics early and possibly inappropriately, increasing the chance of resistance if we are wrong but saving the patient if right? Not surprising that early use (and hence some over-use) is common as the consequences of withholding treatment could be fatal.

So what’s the answer? We need to be more selective in our use of antibiotics and remind ourselves that in most cases, antibiotics complement our immune systems, rather than being the only factor in recovering from an infection. To help our natural immunity, we need to be fit and eat a healthy diet, as true for humans as it is for animals.

We also need to invest more in medical research, understandably dominated by cancer and the diseases of ageing but now must address a problem just as pressing. After all, if we and our animals die of septicaemia in early or mid-life, we will have little need for treatments for geriatric problems. www.newtonclarkevet.com www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 49

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Food & Drink

Giles Dick-Read, Reads Coffee Roasters

Emma Lewis Photography, Tarte courtesy of Lou Worrall!

ONE CUP WONDER

I

t’s not uncommon for me to find myself staring at a blank face when serving from our grey trailer at an event. ‘Just a normal coffee please’, comes the reply when I ask what they would like... but, what exactly is a ‘normal coffee’?

I guess much depends on your nationality but for us Brits I reckon the norm is good old filter coffee.

Of all the brewing methods available to me it’s the one I regard as my staple. Cheap, quick, simple and brilliantly consistent, it’s how I test all our coffees when it comes to making real world taste notes and such like. It’s ideal for just a single cup and makes sense of having a range of beans on hand so you can choose a brew to suit your mood. You’ll find that the flavours develop beautifully through a filter cone, fruity notes from African beans, body from chunky 52 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

Sumatran’s and all else between.

Filters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from the one-cup cone right up to monster machines that’ll make tens of litres at a time. You can brew straight into your mug or make up a thermos flask that’ll keep the coffee fresh for ages.

Hot plates tend to stew the brew, so rather than make up a jug and let it spoil, the stand alone filter cone is the hero for me.

There’s no brewing method that better demonstrates that ‘You only gets out what you puts in’. Filter is perhaps the most literal way to make coffee. The papers clean the brew as they filter so you get a clear liquor, full of detailed flavour rather than any chewy bits. Keeping it simple has always worked for me – grind it, brew it, drink it.

A basic plastic cone costs less than £3, smart china not much more, papers around 3 pence each, add in around 12 grams of decent coffee for a mugful and you’ve got a cost per cup of around 20 pence.

Bearing in mind George Clooney’s capsules, which carry less than half the amount of coffee whilst costing nearly double, the little filters make good financial sense too. They take up little or no space and don’t break easily - more than can be said for most machines. You can cut out the papers by going for a permanent mesh type but I never think the brew is quite the same and cleaning them is a fiddle easily avoided by dropping a near dry paper straight into the bin.

So, how to use this one cup wonder? Take the 1785 ratio as a starting point (17.85ml hot water per gram of coffee, in case you missed the piece a few issues back), grind 12-14 grams fresh beans, fine to medium, pop into a paper-loaded cone sitting on top of a warmed mug. Some like to pre-wet the paper but the main trick is to wet the coffee with around 35ml hot water, leaving it for a few seconds to expand as it absorbs the liquid.

Then, gently pour on hot water, off the boil, aiming directly onto the coffee itself – a jug with a pointed spout is really helpful at this point, there are even special ones made for the task. Main thing is to try not to run it down the side of the filter as it’ll

pick up and flow under the grounds, weakening the brew. For 12 grams of coffee, 215ml hot water gives me a perfect cup. Using scales makes it so much easier and more consistent, but scoops and a good eye are fine, if you prefer.

Filter cones are a trendy brew method right now, all of the best roasters I know swear by them, but a word of warning, some use huge coffee doses to extract all the subtleties out of the beans – as much as 28 grams per cup in some cases.

Regardless how it tastes, you’ll get the caffeine hit for each and every gram - that’s two double espresso’s worth, so beware!

The great thing about this little device is that it allows you to make your coffee exactly the way you ‘normally’ like it. Extra coffee for a stronger brew, more water for milder or bigger cup, a finer or coarser grind to alter the extraction/drip rate…go right ahead, there’s no chance of George Clooney dictating to you, although maybe that’s a disappointment for some!

Reads stock filter cones of various shapes and size, papers, hand grinders, Aeropress, Moka Pots and all sorts of other practical paraphernalia for the coffee aficionado. They’re also shortly launching a regular delivery service for Sherborne. For further info go to www.readscoffee.co.uk or call 01935 481010.

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82 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3BJ 01935 812180 kafefontana @kafefontana www.kafefontana.co.uk

Boyle’s Old School, High Street, Yetminster, DT9 6LF 01935 872761 www.yetminstergallery.co.uk

19 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PU 01935 815005 Olivers-Coffee-House @OliversSherbs www.oliverscoffeehouse.co.uk

4 Half Moon Street, Sherborne, DT9 3LN 01935 812828 @peartreedeli www.peartreedeli.co.uk

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 53

Food & Drink

Lisa Osman, All Hallows AGA Approved Cookery School

WHAT TO EAT IN AUGUST‌

W

e love living deep in the Dorset countryside but every so often I yearn to kick of my shoes and paddle at the water’s edge, breathe in the sea air and perhaps collect a few shells.

Packing a picnic with produce grown from our garden and sitting on the beach for a few hours is a true pleasure. So if we have the opportunity to snatch an August afternoon at Mudeford Quay or along the Jurassic coast, we grasp the moment with open arms and no hesitation.

We are now picking courgettes by the armful and always trying to find new and exciting ways to use this abundant vegetable. Before we escape to the shore we usually nip out to the vegetable patch to gather a few more and quickly turn them into fritters or a savoury roulade. Try finely grating a couple - you will need about 200g (8oz) and add a little salt and allow to stand for a few minutes.

Then using your hands to squeeze the grated courgette as dry as you can. Mix this with two egg yolks and seasoning, then in a separate bowl, whisk three egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold this into the mixture. Spread evenly into a lined Swiss roll tin and bake at 180C Gas Mark 4 for around 12 minutes or until set. Turn out on to clean baking parchment or greaseproof paper and, when cold, spread with cream cheese and fresh herbs before rolling up. Wrap well and chill. Cut and serve in slices when you reach your destination.

The first of the tomatoes are also ripening so now is the time to enjoy them just as they are, alongside a good cheese and some artisan bread.

We are blessed with both cheese makers and craft bakeries in Dorset so take your pick. Later in the 54 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

month when you are facing (hopefully!) a glut of tomatoes, make a Gazpacho which is an ideal hamper standby. Roll up your sleeves and begin to stock your larder with chutney or homemade ketchup. Or cut them in half and arrange in an baking tray drizzled with a little oil and balsamic to be slow roasted. Enjoy their intense flavour beside a softly poached egg and buttered toast perfect for Sunday brunch.

When you finally reach the seaside, like me you may just want to sit and stare at the waves and perhaps wander to the shoreline. But if you have

Later in the month look out for…

Sweetcorn - visit the pick-your-own and then try on the barbecue or griddle. Or if you are in need of a hug, make a large pot of chowder for the ultimate comfort food that is warming your heart and doing you good.

Squash - will soon be making an appearance, they are great for simply roasting with a drizzle of your favourite oil, then serving with roughly chopped goat’s cheese and some air dried ham beside a handful of rocket. Or make a spelt ‘risotto’ with caramelised red onions and fresh thyme from the garden. an inquisitive nature and prefer to forage, I suggest you look out for Sea Buckthorn which grows in the sand dunes. Whilst tricky to harvest, these bright orange berries have become highly regarded as another ‘super food’. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and E, but protected by very sharp thorns and can burst on contact when you try to pick them. If you persevere their juice is ideal for making a delicious jelly or can be combined with citrus for marmalade. www.allhallowsfarmhouse.co.uk

About Lisa Osman Lisa lives in Wimborne St Giles and teaches at her AGA approved cookery school with rooms in a Georgian farmhouse on the edge of the village. Lisa also offers bespoke classes at your home (wherever that may be!) and corporate team building events for clients of North Cadbury Court in Somerset.

Lisa has been an arbitrator of the Great Taste Awards since 2013 and is a Slow Food Chef Alliance Member. Her Sherborne Times features can be found at www.allhallowsfarmhouse.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 55

Food & Drink

MEADOWSWEET MOUSSE Sasha Matkevich, Head Chef and Owner, The Green with Jack Smith, Apprentice Chef

Ingredients

500g whipping cream 50g meadowsweet 120g natural yoghurt 3 leaves of gelatine 8 confit kumquats

200g milk 80g sugar Half a lemon 8 caramelised walnuts Fresh mint

Method

1. C ombine the milk and meadowsweet together in a pan, bring to the boil and leave to infuse.

2. Bloom the gelatine in cold water for 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whip the cream to soft peaks while gradually adding the sugar, keep refrigerated until required.

4. Strain the meadowsweet infusion into small 56 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

pan through a fine sieve 5. A dd the gelatine while still warm and dissolve into the meadowsweet infusion on a very gentle heat.

6. Take off the heat and add yogurt and the juice of half a lemon.

7. Into the whipped cream, gently fold the yogurt and meadowsweet mixture.

8. Pour the mixture into a large ceramic dish and refrigerate for two hours.

9. To serve, decorate with caramelised walnuts, confit kumquats and fresh mint.

Bon appetit www.greenrestaurant.co.uk

Tom Matkevich with foraged meadowsweet www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 57

Food & Drink

BEAUJOLAIS David Copp

W

hen my mentor Georges Bouchard first drove me down to the Beaujolais, he told me: ‘In Burgundy we make vins de garde, wines for keeping: in Beaujolais they make uncomplicated, fresh, fruity red wines for drinking almost immediately and certainly within the year.’

Most ‘uncomplicated’ Beaujolais was consumed in the bars and bistrots of nearby Lyon soon after it was 58 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

made, normally served in a 45cl pot (a small carafe) with a water tumbler rather than a wine glass.

In those days more than half the total Beaujolais production was sold in this way or as Beaujolais Nouveau, officially released at a minute past midnight on the third Thursday in November and on sale in Parisian bistrots and smart French restaurants in London by lunchtime the same day.

When the fashion for Beaujolais Nouveau declined in Paris and London, the vineyard area was somewhat reduced. The growers began to concentrate on making better quality wines in the ten Cru appellations of Haut-Beaujolais, the northern part of the region which lies just south of Macon.

Their principal market is the gastronomic centre of the region in Lyon, a prosperous city once

the centre of the French textile business. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Lyon supplied silks and taffetas, velvets and satins to royal palaces across Europe. It also furnished the salons of the Sun King’s many mistresses. Lyon now shows off its culinary specialities including rich game stews complemented by the best of the Cru Beaujolais wines such as Julienas, Fleurie, Moulin a Vent, Brouilly and Morgon.

The response to these quality wines has also been positive in England. Most good wine merchants such as Waitrose and the Wine Society, Vineyards and The Somerset Wine Company at Castle Cary offer a variety of the Beaujolais Cru wines at prices between £9 and £19.

For those of you wishing to explore Beaujolais at home I highly recommend starting with the Wine Society’s Exhibition Appellation Beaujolais wines because they have been carefully chosen to typify the different styles. Such wines will keep for 5-10 years but I recommend you drink good vintages such as the 2013 or 2014 at two or three years, when they are younger and fresher.

Personally, I prefer to drink Beaujolais in the summer months because the wines are lighter in alcohol (than Burgundy and Claret) and also lighter in style.

They are made from the Gamay, an exuberant and joyous variety that thrives in the granitebased soils on Beaujolais’ gently rolling hillsides.

The granite base-rock provides wines with a sound structure, good acidity and thereby freshness, and supple tannins. The sandy top soil drains easily, keeping the granite base-rock warm which really helps the Gamay achieve full ripeness in most summers.

Until recently most vineyards were planted with bush vines which require a great deal of hand work and make the wines relatively expensive. However, the vines are now increasingly trained on wires and can be more easily maintained and harvested without loss of quality.

If you are planning to motor down to the south of France why not turn off the autoroute and take lunch in any one of the lovely little villages such as St Amour, Fleurie or Morgon.

Select the wine you want to try and then ask what food would best suit the wine you have chosen. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the experience. www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 59

E

lectric bikes – surely they’re just for pootling around town on, aren’t they? Or for the lazy to avoid pedalling too hard.

Anyway, they’re ‘cheating.’ Well not in my book, and in any case, if riding an electric bicycle which musters half a horsepower (technically 250 watts, the legal limit) is cheating, what does that make the average car?

An electric bike with a big battery is like a car with a massive fuel tank – you can go a long way without refuelling. My bike with an XXL-size battery might be capable of 100 miles in a day without recharging. Then again it might not (to say nothing of the rider). Either way, there was only one way to find out.

0 Miles: 6am, and it’s raining, so I have another cuppa. At 6:30am it’s still raining, but not quite as much, and I set off into the dark. Yesterday I was looking forward to this ride, but now I’m beginning to wonder why.

10 Miles: Cross Podimore roundabout on the A303, normally a traffic hell but still very quiet just after 7am.

20 Miles: Hit rush hour traffic at Glastonbury (yes, it does have one), battling against a headwind – this would be hard work on a pedal cycle, but on a pedelec you just keep plugging away.

60 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

30 Miles: Over the Somerset Levels, which are completely flat until you climb the massive hill over to Wedmore. It’s stopped raining now but still hard to tell whether the weather consists of low cloud or high mist. I get overtaken by a couple of sporty lycra types on road bikes – reassure myself that despite not having electric assistance, they are 30 years younger than me, far fitter and their bikes probably weigh half as much as mine.

40 Miles: Near Cheddar, join the Strawberry Line, a disused railway path, and the sun comes out! The Mendips loom, very picturesque, but surely we’re in for some serious hill climbing?

No, because the path squeezes around the edge, through a tunnel and we pop out the other side.

Check battery – four lights left out of five.

50 Miles: Weston-super-Mare and drop in to see my mate Steve Parry who makes one-off bicycles and, increasingly, electric versions. His latest creation is a Harley-Davidson-style custom (‘It’s great,’ says Steve, ‘traffic gives way to it!’).

Now I’ve got to head for Bristol and the shortest route is the A370, which isn’t too busy as we’re beyond rush hour.

60 Miles: Stop at Brockley Stores, which bakes its own quiches and does a good line in pork pies.

That’s one good thing about pedal power, even

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

with electric assistance – you really can eat all the pies and it doesn’t matter.

70 Miles: Bristol is hot, noisy and hectic. Under the graffiti’d motorway underpasses, a quick stop to look at Brunel’s famous Clifton Bridge and head south on the main A37 out of town. Sticking to this main road all the way south wouldn’t be much fun, so I follow the official cycle route along quiet lanes through Chew Magna and...there are the Mendips once again, only this time there’s no railway path to take us round the edge. Even with electric help, my legs can’t make the climb – have to get off and push.

80 Miles: On top of the Mendips, we sail over the rolling hills, still with three lights showing on the battery. Dropping off the other side, we hit 36mph, which feels like breaking the sound barrier.

Down to Wells for a well deserved cup of tea with a lovely view of the Cathedral.

90 Miles: Main road back to Glastonbury, which isn’t as bad as it sounds (certainly outside Festival time) and soon the Tor hoves into view.

We’re now down to two lights on the battery and the bike feels less perky than it did this morning, but then so do I. 100 Miles: Climb away from Glasto and at the top of the hill we hit the magic 100-mile mark.

Celebrate with a banana.

114 Miles: 6:30pm and make it back to Sherborne. Plug the bike in for a long recharge and me for a long hot bath. Touring on an electric bike – it can be done.

At Riley’s we like to keep up to date. Recently we had a training course on the new Shimano Steps electric bike drive system. After the course we installed the latest software update on our Steps bikes. The upgrade added automatic gear changing.

On a quick test ride to the Town Bakery for scones the Wallerang bike performed brilliantly; I just chose the power level, set auto mode and pedalled swiftly uphill at a comfortable, steady pace with a quiet buzz occasionally to tell me the bike was adjusting the gear. The Steps system was good before, but now it is excellent and all just by a software tweak, I can’t wait for the new off-road system!

Here is an anecdote which amused me: Visitor: “electric bikes are the dark side” Bike shop owner: “And when did you last ride your bike, Obi Wan?” Ebike owners have been shown to ride more often and go further, The Force is with them. www.rileyscycles.co.uk, www.dcn.org.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 61

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Body & Mind

EATING SEASONALLY AND LOCALLY

O

Rose Joly, Holistic Nutritionist, The Sherborne Rooms

nce upon a time, people ate certain foods only when they were readily available, accessible and in season. These days, however, it is extremely easy for us to forget about seasons when we eat. Thanks to modern food processing techniques and worldwide distribution of resources, most foods remain available year-round.

Supermarket shelves look the same in December as they do mid July, and we are able to buy any type of food we want, irrespective of its seasonal availability.

Just because technology makes it possible for us to have oranges in winter, it doesn’t mean we should eat all foods whenever we please. The disadvantages of living in a technically advanced period with modern day food practices have revealed themselves in the form of an increasing number of food intolerances and allergies, higher level of obesity, modern chronic diseases like type2 diabetes and much more.

According to many scientists, researchers and natural health experts, eating the right kinds of foods during the right times of year and avoiding them otherwise is crucial to a healthy lifestyle.

Seasonal foods are a way of reconnecting with the organic cycle that nature intended for us.

Benefits of eating seasonally:

Better nutritional content and overall health To maintain the appeal of out of season fruits and vegetables, shops often display them in such a way that have us forget their natural origin (usually thousands of miles away). Non-seasonal foods require an altering of nature’s rules in order for them to survive the improper season in which they are brought into the world. Therefore, these foods are often full of pesticides, waxes, preservatives and other chemicals that are used in order to make them look fresher than they are. This naturally compromises the nutrition level of the food.

64 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

By eating freshly harvested produce, you will be rotating your foods, thereby keeping your body from developing intolerances to certain foods and reaping the health benefits of a diet that is diverse and naturally detoxifying. Seasonal foods also have a much higher antioxidant content than nonseasonal foods.

Sustainable and environmental benefits - By eating seasonally, you will also be supporting the local farmers and local markets, which, in turn, works well for the sustainability of the entire economy. Seasonal eating helps the environment by reducing the number of food miles your food has to make before it reaches your table.

Economical benefits - It doesn’t cost the earth to produce seasonal foods at a time when they are naturally and readily available. Seasonal foods are cheaper to produce and hence, cheaper to buy as well.

Choose wisely and consciously - Our ancestors ate seasonal food because they didn’t have much choice.

We, on the other hand, can make the informed and educated choice of opting to eat only those foods that are grown seasonally. Coordinating our diets with the cycles of the seasons naturally cleanses us and builds health for the body.

As a Holistic Nutritionist and busy Mum, I fully understand the challenges of eating well and staying healthy. My principals focus on the basics: how to buy, prepare, and enjoy fresh, local, unprocessed foods. With my lifestyle-focused approach, I can help you achieve optimal health by designing a plan that’s right for you, as an individual. www.ediblerose.co.uk www.thesherbornerooms.com

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Body & Mind

REFLEXOLOGY

Angela Hunt, Reflexologist, 56 London Road Clinic

I

first became interested in reflexology in the 1990s when my father received treatments alongside his conventional treatment for cancer in the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. He found it very beneficial; helping to reduce pain and being able to relax.

Having been in nursing for many years I made the decision, in 2000, to study complementary therapies and alter my career path, starting with massage and progressing to reflexology, Indian head massage and latterly, hot stone massage, aromatherapy and facial rejuvenation. I am a member of the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA) and am registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Reflexology, which is around 5000 years old, is based on the theory that there is a map of the body on the souls of the feet and when pressure is applied to the reflex points with the thumb or forefinger, it stimulates the related part of the body. It can also be carried out on the hands, ears and face. Reflexologists do not claim to cure or diagnose and cannot guarantee that it will work for everyone, but it can help to restore the body’s natural balance, encouraging it to heal itself.

A consultation is carried out in the first instance to assess whether reflexology is suitable for the

66 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

individual. It is then followed by an examination of the feet showing the condition: colour, smell, temperature and texture all give an insight into the health of a person.

During a treatment any painful areas on the feet can indicate problem areas in the related part of the body. Feedback from the client and problem areas found by the reflexologist all help to build a picture and, by working on these areas, helps to unblock the energy channels running through the body.

Reflexology can help with many physical and psychological conditions and over the years I have practised, there have been a wide variety. In some cases only one treatment is required; others may need several. Some examples are: anxiety, arthritis, back pain, digestive disorders, fertility, hormonal imbalances, migraine, sinusitis, sleep disorders, stress and many more.

For the past six years Angela been working with the Yeovil and Sherborne branch of the M.S. Society and treats members on a regular basis. She has recently joined the team at 56 London Road Clinic and is available on Fridays from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. www.56londonroad.co.uk

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68 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

ECZEMA – THE HOLISTIC VIEW ON TREATMENT Dr Tim Robinson, MB BS MSc MRCGP DRCOG MFHom, GP & Complementary Practitioner

E

czema is a common skin condition that responds more effectively to a holistic approach in which conventional as well as complementary treatments are combined.

Eczema is characterised by itchy dry red areas of the skin generally or in localised patches typically over the elbows, knees and hands. Itching brings relief but unfortunately this sets up the itch-scratch cycle which results in soreness, watery weeping and even bleeding. The skin becomes thickened, cracked and even infected.

There are many causes for eczema; external factors such as direct contact by chemical and plant irritants or internal factors such as allergies to food or air-born particles - house dust mite, mould spores, dog hair and cat fur. Eczema is also an inherited condition running in the family which is due to a particular protein in the skin being absent, leading to an ineffective skin barrier. To reduce eczema flare-ups you should try to avoid skin irritants and chemicals such as soaps, detergents, antiseptics, perfumes, hair products and bubble bath.

Regularly vacuum the bedroom and use microfibrous mattress / pillow covers to reduce house dust mite exposure. If you suspect food allergy you could experiment with milk and/or egg exclusion over 4 weeks to see if the eczema settles down.

As eczema is a dry skin condition, conventional treatment with generous application of moisturising creams and lotions will rehydrate the skin. Use soap substitute and emollient in the bath – don’t soak for too long and the water should be body temperature. Upon getting out pat yourself dry, don’t rub as this will re-start the irritation.

Oats in an old sock put in the bath is another simple measure to moisturise the skin. Moderate and severe eczema usually needs steroid cream to dampen down the inflammation. However prolonged use should be avoided as this can lead to skin thinning and pigmentation. Antihistamine cream or tablets can be helpful.

The complementary treatment of eczema could include nutritional, homeopathic and herbal approaches. Studies have shown omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils reduce the severity and itchiness of childhood eczema – this can be mixed into the food for babies and toddlers. A mixed balanced diet will contain all the minerals (zinc and selenium) and vitamins (A,C and E) necessary for maintenance of a healthy skin. Probiotics containing healthy gut bacteria taken in pregnancy and infancy may reduce the chance of eczema developing in childhood by boosting the immune system and strengthening the gut wall against food allergens.

Homeopathic medicines such as Sulphur, Graphites and Arsenicum can be very effective in the management of eczema. Application of Hypercal cream soothes as well as encourages healing of raw areas. Seek advice from a homeopath who can match the type of eczema with a specific remedy or better still the ‘constitutional’ type of the patient. If an allergy to house dust mite is suspected the homeopathic medicine prepared from the mite itself can bring relief.

Herbal treatments can control the symptoms of eczema; treatment usually requires the advice and guidance from a herbal practitioner. The same applies to herbs given on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurvedic medicine.

So far I have only covered the physical aspects of the eczema patient. In holistic care we consider the mental aspects with equal importance. It is well recognised that tension and anxiety can exacerbate eczema; so often flare-ups can be linked to some stressful life event or situation. Dealing with this is important and mind-body therapy with meditation, yoga and counselling, particularly CBT, are all worth considering to precipitate a more effective and longer-lasting cure for eczema. www.doctorTWRobinson.com www.glencairnhouse.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 69

The Old Vicarage Leigh, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6HL

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Set in its own secluded, beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland and meadow, and with stunning views overlooking the Dorset countryside, it’s hard to resist the charms of the Old Vicarage. As soon as you step through the front door of this charming country house, you’ll discover an oasis of comfort, warmth, calm and relaxation.

Our highly trained staff ensure that everything - from the mouth-watering food and drink and the stylishly cosy bedrooms to the wide range of activities - will make the Old Vicarage truly a home from home. We have been recognised by the Cinnamon Trust as being one of the best pet friendly care homes in the country.

To arrange a visit please call on 01935 873033 or email info@tovic.com

We understand what makes a property unique to the area and the market.

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To speak to your local Knight Frank team and arrange a free market appraisal please contact us on 01935 812236 or email sherborne@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk @KFSherborne

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www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 73

Property

ESTATE AGENTS OR MARKETEERS FOR THE DIGITAL AGE?

Anita Light and Paul Gammage, EweMove Sherborne

T

imes have changed. Long gone are the days when the estate agents high street office was the first port of call for prospective sellers and buyers. Where do you look for your next home? Surveys have recently shown that 97% of home buyers start their search online.

At the time of writing, searching on Rightmove for properties within a 5 mile radius of Sherborne returns 989 properties including those Sold Subject To Contract. There will no doubt be some duplicates and of course the search will be filtered but hopefully it makes the point that you really must make sure your home stands out from the crowd.

The data from the portals shows that the average time a person takes to review a page of 10 properties is 28 seconds. Effectively you have 2.8 seconds to capture your prospective buyers eye, entice them into clicking on your property and dazzle them with the attributes of your soon to be sold home. Point to note, make sure your lead-in description that appears in the search results really gets over the best attributes and lifestyle opportunities of your home.

How else can you make sure your home is the one that catches the eye?

According to the portals, professional photography generates 61% more traffic. Discuss with your agent and agree what the killer photo will be. Is it an internal feature or the standard front of house shot? Does the house have an amazing back garden or fantastic views? Whatever the choice make sure the lighting is correct, a dull photo will be dismissed in a nano second never mind being considered for 2.8 seconds!

Another major contributor is floor plans. A lot of people will not look at the details of a house if they do not see the floor plan logo. 2D floor plans are pretty standard these days. Floor plans that

74 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

are coloured help to distinguish room types and help buyers to get a better feel for the home. Floor plans with plots showing the gardens, out-houses and parking really help to sell. And even better are 3D floor plans, again with the grounds. This really gives the buyer a very good perspective on the home. Discuss floor plans with your agent and make sure you maximise your chances of buyers clicking on your home and even more importantly making an appointment to view.

Now professional photography and floor plans are a massive aid to selling your home but for them to have a chance of working there is an even more fundamental marketing point to get correct.

The marketing price of the home. Next time you go onto a property portal and enter your search criteria have a look at the price bands. Vanity pricing works in the high street but if you price a house just below or just over a portal threshold then you are limiting the number of prospective buyers. As an example if a house were priced at £199,950 a buyer starting their search at £200,000 will not see your property! Due consideration should be given to the accompanying price mechanic, e.g. “Offers Over” “Guide Price” “Fixed Price” etc. It’s really important to understand how best to use this message to achieve the full market value of your home.

By getting the points above correct you will stand out from the crowd. More buyers will click on your home leading to more viewings. The more people that view your home the better, as it enhances the chance of an offer and if we’re lucky multiple offers and the chance to achieve full market value. www.ewemove.com/sherborne

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Property

‘WRAPPED UP’ ON CHRISTMAS DAY Mark Lewis FRICS FNAVA, Partner, Symonds & Sampson

P

eople often ask me when is the right time to sell a property and traditionally we would say springtime, after Easter, April-June but in recent years people’s buying habits have changed considerably. In August 2015 we had one of our best months of the year closely followed by November and December.

I was surprised a few years ago, however, to receive a call on one of the most special days of the year. I had shown a house to a lady in mid-December and she was very enthusiastic about purchasing but said that her husband who worked in London must come and see it to give his blessing. When he came down the following Saturday he decided it wasn’t right and not for her. He wanted to live in the country and enjoy all the benefits of village life but had heard that the roads became quite mucky during the winter when tractors and cows were moved and he didn’t want to get his 4x4 dirty. This was the seventh house his wife had liked but he always found an excuse not to buy. My grandmother would have described his wife as being at her ‘wit’s end’.

On Christmas Day I was driving to my parents’ house with my family in the car when the telephone rang and it was the husband saying that he would like to make an offer for the house they had viewed two weeks before. I dropped the family off and went down to the office to find

76 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

my client’s telephone number and rang him. He was in the middle of a drinks party and when I wished him Happy Christmas he wondered if I was telephoning all of my clients to do the same.

“Only the ones where I have received an offer this morning for their property.” After a bit of to’ing and fro’ing we agreed the sale but there was no great enthusiasm from the buyer and, rather than thank me for working on Christmas Day, he just said “Good” and put the phone down.

I have often wondered what was happening in his household on Christmas Day. In my imagination he gave his wife her present but the perfume his secretary had been sent out to buy was either the wrong kind or the slinky nighty was dismissed with a “if you think I am wearing that!”

It may have been a ring that was thrown back at him and he may have thrown his arms up in horror and said “well what do you want?” to which she would reply “I am fed up with living in this rented house, you know the house that I want you to buy for me and that is what I want for Christmas.”

Whatever was going on, it made my client’s Christmas and the sale went through in early January. They moved in on Valentine’s Day but I sold the house for them 3 years later when, very sadly, they got divorced. www.symondsandsampson.co.uk

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www.gahotel.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 77

Finance

HOW TO DEVELOP ASSET ALLOCATION Andrew Fort B.A. (Econ.) CFPcm Chartered MCSI APFS, Certified and Chartered Financial Planner, Fort Financial Planning

I

n last month’s column I explained the importance of identifying the type of life that you want to live in the future – goal setting, if you will. After all, if you were embarking on a road trip you need to know where you want to end up as well as how you’re going to get there. You need to turn your goal into an investment plan. What return on your investments do you need to achieve your ideal life? What level of risk will you be comfortable with? How often will you check your investments still fit your ultimate goal?

Your risk tolerance is one of the critical ingredients in deciding what you’re going to invest in. Picking investments that are riskier than you can handle can lead to some pretty ugly outcomes.

But choosing investments that aren’t risky enough, that don’t have the right potential for growth, can also be a roadblock in reaching your goal. Your risk tolerance can and probably will vary depending on your goal. Your goal could be a holiday of a lifetime in 5 years’ time or possibly being able to retire early.

If you have more time (or if your timeline isn’t fixed), you have a greater ability to take risk, kind of like choosing a route you’re not as familiar with.

On the other hand, if you’re starting your journey a little late, you have less room for unexpected detours. In that case, you’d be better off taking a “safer” route. As you can see, your risk tolerance, time horizon and ultimate goal all need to work together when you’re deciding what to invest in.

Allowing yourself plenty of time to get to a destination is always a good strategy. When it comes to investing, the more time you have, the more you can benefit from compounding returns.

Albert Einstein, well known for being smarter than the average bear, once called compound interest “the greatest mathematical discovery of all time”. In the investment world it is often referred 78 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

to as ‘magic’ or an investor’s ‘best friend’.

Asset allocation is the key. Start with the big picture, not the details. Imagine you’re relocating and you prefer sunny, dry weather. How will you make sure you pick a new home in a place you’re going to enjoy? Just checking today’s weather won’t tell you much. To know whether a certain location meets your needs, you’d have to understand more about its overall climate.

Asset allocation, the way you divide your portfolio among asset classes such as shares, bonds and property, is the first thing you should consider when getting ready to purchase investments, because it has the biggest effect on the way your portfolio will behave. Just like it’s not a great idea to base your relocation on a current run of nice weather in Bognor Regis, choosing investments on a whim is unlikely to be a winning strategy over the long term. Different asset classes tend to act in specific ways, kind of like the investing climate they inhabit. By choosing how to divide your portfolio, you have a certain amount of control over the experience you’ll have as an investor.

There’s no “best” asset allocation, just like there’s no “perfect” climate for everyone, it all depends on what makes you comfortable and gives you a good shot at meeting your goals.

Once you’ve set up your own personal investment strategy, it needs to be reviewed regularly. As we have seen recently and throughout history, the world is constantly changing and by making slight adjustments along the way, you are more likely to keep on track and ultimately achieve your goals.

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www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 79

SHERBORNE CHAMBER OF TRADE & COMMERCE

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Andrew Maddock, President

p and down the country, there are tales of doom and gloom regarding the state of our high streets. Here in Sherborne, we have a different story to tell and we are delighted to welcome new stores.

In recent times we have seen a number of new brands open their doors in the town.

We have welcomed Rolfe East Estate Agents, Quba Clothing, Abbey Hearing Centre, Crew Clothing, Retail Therapy, Mountain Warehouse, St James’s Place Wealth Management and Totally Polished Nails & Beauty Salon.

That’s quite a situation to boast about. Of course, it is sad when a shop closes, leaving a premises vacant. But it is pleasing to see these units being filled relatively quickly. From what we have heard, shoppers are enjoying these new offerings.

The Chamber is here to support these new shops and offer valuable networking opportunities so the owners can soon get to know other likeminded professionals. We’re a friendly bunch and look forward to the new life these retailers will bring to our town and the chamber.

We’d also like to stress that the Chamber also supports businesses in outlying villages, which may not have such an organisation.

One such business is The Grange at Oborne.

Manager Jonathan Fletcher said: “With the hotel situated in a small village, it can be quite difficult to keep up with what is going on in Sherborne – I used to find that hotel guests would tell me about events before I knew of them! I have been a member of the chamber for several years now and find that it really helps to keep us in the loop

80 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

about what is going on in Sherborne; the email notifications are very useful.”

We would like to thank all the businesses for their patience during the A30 road closure. It was, indeed, painful, but an absolute necessity. These things cannot be ignored and the work required was urgent. It was pleasing to see some businesses using it to their advantage and the pop-up beer garden outside the Crown was a great idea.

The Queen Elizabeth Day was also a fantastic success. Events like these help to bring visitors into the town, who, in turn, will hopefully spend money with our local businesses. The feedback has been very positive and there are already calls for an annual event.

Just a reminder that the next business breakfast will be held on 25th August at the Eastbury Hotel. Economic Development Officer, Rebecca O’Neill, of South Somerset District Council will be explaining what economic development is and what your District Council can do for you and your business. In her presentation, she will provide an insight into the projects that her team are currently working on.

Rebecca started working for SSDC in May of 2015 and prior to this completed a PhD at the University of Birmingham in Local Government studies while working as a consultant for the Institute of Local Government Studies. She works primarily on projects concerned with tourism, broadband and managed office space.

For more information, visit www.sherbornechamber.co.uk

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82 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

W

here do I start? So much stuff, but not always practical or relevant to life in-and-around Sherborne. You may remember a few months ago that the FBI tried to persuade, and then coerce, Apple into unlocking an iPhone believed to contain terrorism data. Apple successfully resisted and the FBI then paid $1.3m to some Israeli company to hack into the phone and they found…nothing! On the subject of phones, the dear old Blackberry is finally coming to an end. You’ll still be able to buy the brand, but it will use the latest Android operating system just like most phones except Apple.

CityFibre’s national fibre network will be pushed into service to help some of the UK’s most disconnected communities get access to ultrafast broadband in partnership with fibre-to-the-premises provider Gigaclear. They specialise in providing community-led fibre broadband to villages and hamlets left untouched by BT. Both firms said they had recently raised “substantial” new investment in the need for alternative providers to BT Openreach to begin to deploy ultrafast fibre networks more widely. “It is a national embarrassment that residents and businesses in rural areas have been left in the digital dark ages. Pure fibre infrastructure is the 21st century utility and is an essential component to everyday life.” The residents of Milborne Wick will be overjoyed at the news!

Perhaps the most interesting idea is Intel’s “wire-free” PC, in which wireless technology will

replace display, charging and data transfer cables.

Intel will show an experimental laptop that has no ports and relies completely on wireless technology to connect to monitors and external storage devices.

Place a laptop on a table and it’ll automatically start charging. Intel wants to make wireless chargers as easy to find as a Wi-Fi signal, and wants to bring the technology to cafes, restaurants, airports and other public places so laptops can be recharged without power adapters. The first laptops with wireless charging could come out next year.

Microsoft have finally back-pedalled on the Windows 10 upgrade that installed itself without the user’s consent. For most of the past year, clicking on the red “X” at the corner of the window is how you opted out of the upgrade; Microsoft’s silent update treated this “X” as a confirmation of a scheduled update. The latest update now gives the user the chance to decline the free upgrade. Too little, too late, is my opinion!

Finally, anybody with a Microsoft email account (Hotmail, MSN, Outlook, Live) will soon no longer be able to use it with the Windows Live Mail program as the email technology has moved on beyond its capabilities. Users will have to upgrade to Outlook 2013 or 2016, or just use the webmail app instead. As always, if you need help, you know where to come!

Next Month: Day-to-Day (The Local Alternative) www.computing-mp.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 83

FOLK TALES with Colin Lambert

BLUE BADGE CINDY

T

here I was, sitting outside the Digby Tap, caressing my beer, when I overheard someone talking about dating. An amazing girl called Cindy organises walks for singles, around Sherborne, every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10:30am. The website was very discrete - it looked more like a site for guided walks than a dating agency. It said to meet at the Tourist Office.

Salon Fish is my first port of call to see my hairdresser. ‘Justin, I’m going on a blind date and need to look good’. Justin smiles and says, ‘Leave it to me’. My hairdresser is also my therapist. Is yours?

Tuesday 7:30am. I’m nervous, in the shower, taking ten deep breaths under freezing cold water, as you do. Shave, trim my moustache, aftershave, some magic gel in my hair and I’m all set to go.

I’m told the key to dating is to be a good listener and ask ‘open questions’, whatever they are.

‘Hi Cindy, I’m Colin’ and then my open[ing] question; ‘Tell me about yourself. I assume your website is a cover?’ She gave me a rather blank look but away she went.

Born in Uxbridge in 1939, Cindy’s earliest memory was seeing bedclothes hanging from the roofs of bombed-out buildings near Heathrow airport.

She didn’t see her Dad much until the war 84 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

ended and then her sister was born 9 months later.

That makes sense. She went to Lewes Grammar School for Girls (she was brainy) whilst living in a village shop and post office in East Sussex owned by her Dad. She remembers the smell of paraffin lamps and the joys of village life. Supermarket chains put her Dad out of business.

She was told on leaving school, to become a nurse, teacher or secretary. Nurse it was to be. By 18 she’d moved to the Royal London in Whitechapel, East London to train as a State Registered Nurse. Not enough action for a girl like Cindy; she went off hitchhiking around Europe before becoming an air hostess for Freddie Laker’s Airways flying into Rio, India and Hong Kong for 6 years. Wow, this girl is fun! I want to know more.

Late 20’s she was back nursing in Roehampton, became restless and ran away to Sherborne.

By 1967 she was theatre sister at the Yeatman Hospital. A local man swept her off her feet.

Married in 1970; divorced in 1980. A spell as matron at Knighton House Girls Prep School, a midwife in Taunton and then a Health Visitor.

This girl moves fast. She took her Blue Badge in tourism (Weymouth 1997), met a new man and bought an upmarket B&B in North Wootton,

as you do. Sadly, nothing lasts forever and she caught the next bus back to Sherborne, where she’s remained ever since. She says she’s single but I’m beginning to wonder who this Walter dude is that she keeps mentioning.

The truth comes out as we stand admiringly in front of the Abbey. Walter was a womaniser, got Bessie pregnant which annoyed Elizabeth, having just given him Sherborne Castle as a present (some say they were lovers). Walter was a philosopher, an astronomer, a scientist and even dared to question God. Sadly, that was Walter’s downfall. Shortly after Elizabeth’s death, Walter was invited to a party, at the Tower of London, that was literally to die for.

Alas another of Cindy’s men fell by the wayside.

I enquire about her home and social life. ‘I wake every morning at 6:30am without an alarm, have a cup of tea and a bowl of porridge. My favourite meal is egg and chips’.

She then lowers her voice and asks, ‘Do you know about the monks with the floggers?’. I flinch at her forwardness but can’t help myself, ‘No? Tell me more!’. With echoes of 50 Shades of Grey whistling through my mind, we make eye contact. Stumbling for words and with a bellyful of butterflies, I awkwardly ask, ‘How long have you been running your dating site?’.

And there it is. The glare. My legs wobble a little and Cindy puts me straight, ‘I don’t run a dating site, I’m a Blue Badge Guide, this is Sherborne Walks - historical dates, not blind dates!’ A lot of visitors to the town find Cindy on TripAdvisor, ‘I’ve had some good write-ups recently. I also do family reunions, birthday parties, give talks to schools and historical groups. I have a particular passion for Dorset’s churches’.

She looks at me again, smiling now and says, ‘You’re nice. You might do, but don’t print that!’.

We’re both in stitches by now.

You too can enjoy the feisty, funny and throughly wonderful company of Cindy every Tuesday and Thursday. Just head to the Tourist Office for 10:30am. The value of her £5 charge is immeasurable.

Cindy Chant, thank you so much for brightening my day. I’m still giggling as I write.

Find out more at www.sherbornewalks.co.uk or read Cindy’s blog at www.sherbornewalks.wordpress.com www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 85

SHERBORNE LITERARY FESTIVAL PREVIEW John Gaye

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TERRY WAITE

erry Waite CBE has led a somewhat eventful life. Born in 1939, the son of the village policeman in Styal in the county of Cheshire, there can be few clergymen who have been mentioned in two pop songs, been taken off in Yes Prime Minister and mentioned in the TV programme The Royle Family.

It was an allergy to the dye of his uniform that truncated his first chosen career in the Grenadier Guards. But the Army’s loss was the Church Army’s gain which is where he started his training and studies in London. Then, after a period as Education Advisor to the Bishop of Bristol, he moved in 1969 with his new family to Uganda where he worked as Provincial Training Advisor to the first African Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi and, in that capacity, travelled extensively throughout East Africa. They lived in exciting times, they witnessed the coup of Idi Amin in Uganda and both he and his wife narrowly escaped death on various occasions. During this time he also was responsible for setting up the Southern Sudan Project, establishing a programme for development for that poor benighted country.

In 1972 he moved back to Europe, to Rome where he became an International Consultant to the Medical Mission Sisters, a Roman Catholic order. From his office in Rome this role took him all over Asia, Africa and Europe.

Eventually in 1978 he returned to the UK and in 1980 the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, appointed him as his Assistant for Anglican Communion Affairs. Once more, in this new role, he was on his travels representing the Archbishop in many countries worldwide.

Not least he organised the very first visit of an Archbishop of Canterbury to China as well as visits to many other countries.

It was only shortly after taking over this role that Terry Waite did his first hostage negotiation when he successfully arranged for the release of 86 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

eight hostages in Iran, all of them members of the Anglican Church in that country. Then in 1984 he once again used his skills negotiating the successful release of four hostages from Colonel Gaddafi’s Libya. The following year he succeeded in getting the release of his first two hostages in Lebanon.

Following that record of success but against advice, in January 1987 he once again travelled to Beirut to negotiate the release of the remaining hostages there. He was dealing with the Islamic Jihad Organisation, which held the men captive.

He agreed to travel to meet the captors and he was promised safe conduct.

This group failed to keep their word and took him hostage on 20th January 1987. He remained in captivity for 1,763 days of which the first four years were spent in solitary confinement. He was eventually released on 18th November 1991.

Taken on Trust, the account of his captivity, was written shortly after his release. It quickly became a best seller both at home and internationally.

Since then he has devoted his life to writing, lecturing and humanitarian activities. He has gone on to write two more books: Footfalls in Memory, a follow-up to Taken on Trust; and Travels with a Primate, a humorous account of his travels with Robert Runcie.

In 2012 he returned to Beirut for the first time since his release. Here, he had a reconciliation with his captors and laid to rest some of the ghosts from the past.

25 years later Taken on Trust is being re-released in September with a new foreword and final chapter.

Terry Waite will be speaking at the Sherborne Literary Festival on Thursday 13th October at 7pm in the Abbey.

His new book, 'Out of Silence: Memories, Poems, Reflections' due out in November, should be available at the Festival. www.sherborneliterarysociety.com

Photo: Alamy www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 87

JULY MORNING Malcolm Cockburn

‘Oh dear’ I say out loud, as I do each morning apropos of nothing except the transition from dreamy waking to serious contemplation of the day ahead. The pink dawn has already turned to a fine summer day. It is July and the beech trees at the end of my vision are dark and dense in heavy leaf. I make tea and return to bed. ‘Thursday, WI Market, I need a cake and some butter and after that I should visit old Jacques in the Hayes care-home.’ Radio 4 and Tomasz Schaffenacker with the weather - ‘a fine morning in the South West but rain will spread to the region in the afternoon.’ The news follows and it won’t be any more cheerful on the third time around so I rise and face the real day.

All along the street it’s ‘Good Morning, how are you?’ A question I invariably answer regardless of whether an answer is wanted or not. At the fruit stall there is a bunch of shoppers. ‘Hello Malcolm,

88 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

I’m buying some of those yummy strawberries to indulge myself while I watch the tennis this afternoon’. ‘Yes’ I answer dubiously, having not the slightest interest in tennis. ‘I can’t wait for the final this weekend to see how Murray shapes up to Federer’ she continues; so not to be rude I say, ‘Well I think I’ll buy two pounds of those apricots and make jam this afternoon while you indulge yourself in strawberries and tennis.’

I move on to the WI Market (now renamed the Country Market).

‘Hello Ruby’ I say addressing the dog. In reply Ruby only wags her tail but I know she is saying ‘I trust you to have a little amuse bouche for me when we visit you later.’ Ruby is part poodle so she speaks some French. I choose a round fruit cake from the cake stall and farmhouse butter from Betty Goodfellow. We reminisce about the old days in Hilfield. ‘I was so sorry to hear that Alan Bastone died’ I say. ‘Yes, he did so much for the community.’’But Sylvia Coffin goes on and on, I visited her last week and she talks as much as ever. Do you remember when her mother and Les were alive? You could never get a word in edgeways.’ ‘Please give my best wishes to Dick’ I say, ‘Cheerio Betty!’

Back in Cheap Street something is going on. A shouting, knot of people are running up the street by the Methodist Church. ‘There’s been a robbery.’ ‘Where?’ ‘At the watch shop, apparently Miss Newcombe is being held hostage.’ ‘Someone said he’s got a gun.’ At this moment there is the Dah de Dah de Dah of a police car and, without wishing to rush too obviously, I walk up the street at a good pace. ‘A customer felled him with a rugby tackle.’ ‘Then the young men from Marsh’s ran across and sat on him.’ ‘The police took ever so long to come, they put handcuffs on him.’ ‘What a thing to happen in Sherborne!’

It is all over now and I sit in the Church Yard and listen to a couple at Newcombe’s shop window; they had missed the drama.

‘I like that watch’ she says, ‘lets go in and buy it.’ ‘But the door is closed, it’s shut’ he says. ‘Well, how ridiculous, on a Thursday morning.’ I contemplate my favourite tomb-stone: 'Not till the looms are silent and the shuttles cease to fly Will God roll up the curtain, and reveal The Reason Why'

www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 89

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LITERARY REVIEW Mark Greenstock

In a Land of Paper Gods, Rebecca Mackenzie (Tinder Press), £16.99 hardback, £8.99 paperback Exclusive Sherborne Times reader price of £15.99/£7.99 at Winstone’s Books

A

mong the less familiar names we are going to see at this year’s eagerlyawaited Sherborne Literary Festival is that of Rebecca Mackenzie. She has already earned widespread admiration with this debut novel published earlier in the year. Writing about daughters of missionaries at a Chinese boarding school was never going to be easy, but she rises to the challenge with great verve. Rebecca herself is a child of missionaries in Asia (she was brought up in Thailand and the Indian subcontinent) and is adept in Japanese martial arts. So when we meet Etta, alias Ming-Mei, alias Henrietta S. Robertson, is she going to be a vehicle for exorcising the ghosts of the author’s own past, or is something rather different going on? It’s a complex and deeply ambiguous story framed by an external context of the developing Sino-Japanese War in 1941 and an internal context of the spiritual fantasies and conflicting social experiences of the subject and her contemporaries, narrated for the most part in the first person. Simmering tensions develop which lend an atmosphere of foreboding to the otherwise humdrum and highly organised life of the schoolgirls. It is comparable to The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver or Things

92 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe in that the missionary ideals of the adults are to some extent subverted by the narrative; but there is great integrity and humanity in the portrayal of the schoolchildren and their mentors. The disturbing final scene on board the ship taking Etta home to England suggests a decisive revision of her childhood mind-frame.

In the ‘Author’s Note’ tucked in at the back of the book, Mackenzie reveals that this novel was inspired by a visit to China and by photographs of two mountains which provided the atmospheric landscape for the story of the 11-15-year-old Etta. The great strength of the book is Rebecca’s descriptive writing, dialogue humour and perceptive character portrayal. She is already engaged on her next novel and we look forward to seeing her in Sherborne in October. A writer to watch!

Rebecca Mackenzie will be talking about her book at the forthcoming Sherborne Literary Festival 12th16th October. See www.sherborneliterarysociety.com for further details www.winstonebooks.co.uk

SUDOKU

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

ACROSS 1. Garden flower (8) 5. Paul ______ : former England footballer (4) 8. A central point (5) 9. Laughable (7) 10. Person who mends shoes (7) 12. Disentangle (7) 14. Levels a charge against (7) 16. Argues against (7) 18. A very skilled performer (7) 19. Opposite one of two (5) 20. Emperor of Rome 54-68 (4) 21. Low-spirited (8)

Down 1. Nips (anag) (4) 2. Turn upside down (6) 3. Kinsmen and women (9) 4. Rigid; stern (6) 6. Cloud of gas in space (6) 7. Raise one's ______ : show surprise (8) 11. Astronomical phenomenon (5,4) 12. Rare (8) 13. Raise up (6) 14. On the beach; on land (6) 15. Item worn on the head on a hot day (3,3) 17. Push; poke (4) www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 93

SAVING DORSET’S DISAPPEARING HISTORY Canon Eric Woods, Vicar of Sherborne

A

s a member of the Dorset Archives Trust, I recently bought tickets for a fundraising evening for the Trust held in the wonderful setting of Kingston Lacy, that elegant country house near Wimborne Minster. From the 17th to the late 20th century it was the seat of the Bankes family, who had previously resided at Corfe Castle, until its destruction by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. My wife and I heard a fascinating lecture about the history of the Bankes family – a story which grows and grows as the Trust works steadily through over 800 boxes of family documents entrusted to it by the present owners, the National Trust. There are deeds, wills, diaries, estate plans, architectural drawings and much more. The talk was fascinating.

I am a keen supporter of the Trust, not least because the Abbey’s extensive archive is housed at its headquarters, at the Dorset History Centre in Bridport Road, Dorchester, near The Keep.

So too are the Almshouse archives, and the early records of Sherborne School. And there are local government and court records and gaol registers; family and estate records and those of local societies and schools; maps, plans, wills and diaries; photographs and local newspapers – and of course church records, including baptisms, marriages and burials. There is a splendid reading room where members of the public can call up records and peruse them, and the Centre is hard at work making digital copies of its documents, especially the most fragile which do not benefit from being handled. The oldest document it holds is dated 965. As the Centre says, ‘A thousand years – a 94 | Sherborne Times | August 2016

million stories.’

I have been fortunate to visit the temperature, humidity and light-controlled storage facility at the Centre, where there are eight miles of shelving! Most fascinating of all is the Conservation Laboratory, where I saw a highlyskilled conservator gently separating a pile of legal documents which had suffered terrible water and mice damage. Modern techniques allow much that appears to have been lost to be salvaged and preserved for future generations. I learned that the Centre seeks to identify documents in private hands which would benefit from being lodged in a more suitable and secure environment – they would love to hear from you if you have boxes of old records collecting dust!

All of this costs a great deal of money and county record offices have been as hard-hit by cutbacks in funding as most other branches of local government. The Dorset History Centre has responded by creating the Dorset Archives Trust, a registered charity which helps to fund new conservation projects, the cataloguing of archival collections and the purchase of both vital equipment and records which come onto the market. There are talks, workshops and visits arranged for members. I am very glad to be one.

Perhaps you might consider joining too and doing your bit to help preserve what the Trust calls “Dorset’s disappearing history”?

For more information go to www.dorsetarchivestrust. org or email enquiries@dorsetarchivestrust.org www.sherborneabbey.com

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