Sherborne Times April 2024

Amorning trudge through swampy woods of wild garlic and the hoo-ha of crows can make for an affirming start to the day. Top it off with a good espresso and the rest takes care of itself.

We’ve been drinking coffee in England since the 1600s. I say we but coffeehouses of the time were exclusively male institutions, open only to those of privilege and influence. They were hotbeds of political and philosophical debate. Some became known as ‘penny universities’ – a place where ‘ordinary’ men could, for the price of a penny, join the debates and broaden their minds. Such was the influence of coffeehouses that ministers of King George II feared they were spawning grounds of political dissent and wanted them banned.

As incubators of original thinking, the early coffeehouses hatched many institutions recognised today. Jonathan’s Coffeehouse proved such a fertile venue for the city’s expelled traders that it evolved to become the London Stock Exchange. Another, Lloyd's Coffeehouse, became Lloyd's of London, the oldest insurance marketplace in the world.

A few hundred years later, through the ebb and flow of social trends and 60 years of freeze-dried grit, speciality coffeehouses are back at the cultural helm. Mercifully liberated from bygone bigotry, today's coffeehouses are just as likely to host toddler mornings as they are board meetings. We’re lucky in Sherborne to have so much choice. We’re also lucky to have the likes of Graham Cox and his team at Bean Shot Coffee determined to stir things up.

Long black to go please.

Have a great month.

Glen Cheyne, Editor glen@homegrown-media.co.uk

Editorial and creative direction

Glen Cheyne

Design

Andy Gerrard

Photography

Dave Watts

Features writer

Claire Bowman

Editorial assistant

Helen Brown

Social media

Jenny Dickinson

Print

Stephens & George

Distribution team

Jan Brickell

Barbara and David Elsmore

Douglas and Heather Fuller

The Jackson Family

David and Susan Joby

Liz Lorton

Jean and John Parker

Hayley Parks

Mark and Miranda Pender

Claire Pilley

Caspar Sheffield

Joyce Sturgess

Ionas Tsetikas

Lesley Upham

Paul Whybrew

PO Box 9701

Sherborne DT9 9EU

07957 496193

@sherbornetimes info@homegrown-media.co.uk sherbornetimes.co.uk

ISSN 2755-3337

Sherborne

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CONTRIBUTORS

Laurence Belbin

Sarah Berkley Sherborne Town Council

Rachel Billington

Elaine Blake Sherborne Prep

Elisabeth Bletsoe Sherborne Museum

Richard Bromell ASFAV Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers

Mike Burks The Gardens Group

Paula Carnell

Jack Clarke Dorset Wildlife Trust

David Copp

Rosie Cunningham

Victoria Darvall Mogers Drewett Solicitors

Reverend Jim Edie

St Paul's Church and The Gryphon School

Adam Ellis Adam Ellis Studio

Barbara Elsmore

James Flynn Milborne Port Computers

Simon Ford

Jan Garner Sherborne Scribblers

Craig Hardaker Communifit

Dawn Hart

YogaSherborne

Andy Hastie Yeovil Cinematheque

Sarah Hitch

The Sanctuary Beauty Rooms and The Margaret Balfour Beauty Centre

Richard Hopton Sherborne Literary Society

Jules Horrell Horrell & Horrell

James Hull The Story Pig

Annabelle Hunt Bridport Timber & Flooring

Clifton Jelbert Sherborne Douzelage

Lucy Lewis Dorset Mind

Jude Marwa

Paul Maskell

The Beat and Track

Nigel Masters Cameratina

Tom Matkevich

The Green Restaurant

Sandra Miller BSc, MSc, BCNH Dip, FDN-P Wholistic Health

Gillian Nash

Mark Newton-Clarke

MA VetMB PhD MRCVS

Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons

Hilary Phillips Hanford School

Rebecca Price BVetSci MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health

Mark Salter CFP Fort Financial Planning

Jeremy Small

Sherborne Cycling Club

Louise Smith

Sherborne School

John Stokoe CB MBE

Castleton Probus

Val Stones

Amanda Wallwork

Edward White

The Gamekeeper's Larder

Roger White

Art & Culture

ARTIST AT WORK

No. 65 Nine Rooms, Amanda Wallwork

Oil, plaster and paper, 9 blocks each 30 x 30cm

Nine Rooms was created back in 2004 when I was artist-in-residence at Sherborne House. Usually immersed in geological deep time and prehistoric archaeology - for this project I had to wrench myself forward to the 1720s and beyond. However, the traces of the past are always present and this piece is one of several works responding to the interior of the building at the time. Most of the upstairs rooms were empty - filled only with dust, sunlight and shadows, soft light falling across bare wooden floors, the odd remnant left behind of its former use as a school – an exam paper here, a textbook there, the last maths lesson still on the blackboard. Rooms once rich with

colour had been painted in gloss Magnolia, chipped and peeling - revealing a hint of former glory beneath. My paintings are constructed from multiple layers of oil paint on a plaster surface, repeatedly built up, worked into and sanded back - exposing the layers beneath. A process capturing the passing of time and presence of the past.

amandawallwork.com

@amanda_wallwork

Nine Rooms and other work will be on show as part of Housework – the inaugural exhibition at The Sherborne, 27 April - 13 July. thesherborne.uk

Children go free

Emerge & Reveal

The Newt in Somerset celebrates the best of our county, under the watchful eye and loving care of our farmers, gardeners, chefs, bakers, cheesemakers and cyder makers. Soil stirs and early bulbs emerge, awakening senses as frosts thaw. Embrace Equinox, British Summer Time and a flurry of celebrations

Our full 2024 programme is live online, packed with events, tours and workshops from our expert team. Plus, discover Members’ Spa Days, now running Mondays to Fridays.

Join us for our Spring holiday celebrations

29 March – 14 April

Garden Day Weekend

4 – 6 May

Visit our website to discover more about Newt Membership. Free entry for children (0-16 yrs) when accompanied by an adult member.

Stay . Visit . Shop

thenewtinsomerset.com

@thenewtinsomerset

ON FILM

The two films coming up this month at Cinematheque couldn’t be more of a contrast, apart from the fact that they are both excellent. At the Swan Theatre on 3rd April we show Women Talking (2022), an adaption of Miriam Toews’ bestseller by Canadian actor/director/screenwriter Sarah Polley.

Polley was a child actor on Canadian television before breaking into feature films, mostly leftfield independents such as Hal Hartley’s (very odd!) No Such Thing (2001), or the strange Splice (2009) where human DNA is mixed with animal genes to create a human-animal hybrid. Both were commercially unsuccessful but are worth looking out for if you enjoy weird. Taking up directing greatly changed her critical acceptance, particularly Stories We Tell (2012), a documentary she wrote and directed, exploring her own family secrets. It received overwhelming critical approval and is judged to be included as one of the top 10 Canadian films of all time.

Sarah Polley employs a stellar cast for our April showing of Women Talking, with Francis McDormand, Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy, Rooney Mara and Ben Whishaw standing out. This tale of abuse, but also solidarity, follows women in a remote Mennonite community often waking from sleep bruised and battered or even pregnant. Their religious leaders suggest it’s God’s punishment for their sins. Slowly the truth becomes apparent and the women must decide whether to stay or leave. Despite their lack of formal education, they articulate universal big ideas of hope, fear, obedience but also fury. This isn’t a depressing film but a thoughtful discourse on collectivity as the women, in a rousing final scene move towards their fate together. This is a powerful, intelligent film.

‘Polley’s direction is perfectly calibrated and precise, with the flow of speech choreographed and delivered like a dance by her gifted cast’ Tricia Tuttle, London Film Festival 2022.

On 17th April our showing is All That Breathes (2022), the first film ever to win Best Documentary at both the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals. It follows the story of two Muslim brothers, Nadeem and Saud, who run from their flat a tiny hospital for birds in Delhi.

Andy Hastie, Yeovil Cinematheque

Women Talking (2022)

They mainly rescue injured black kites struggling to survive in an overcrowded, rubbishstrewn contaminated environment. Director Shaunak Sen describes his film as a love story between man and bird, as the two brothers struggle to keep up with the sheer number of these magisterial creatures requiring treatment. He was certain he didn’t want to make a nature documentary or a ‘sweet film about nice people doing nice things’, but he wanted to reflect on the ‘entanglement of human and non-human lives’. With beautiful, sweeping shots of kites in flight, Sen makes the case to reconsider these abundant, disdained carnivores. ‘Birds normally occupy the fringes of our vision. I wanted to centre them’.

A stone-cold masterpiece’ Film Companion Magazine, ‘There is no denying this movie’s power’ New York Times.

Two thoughtful and inspiring films at Cinematheque this month.

cinematheque.org.uk swan-theatre.co.uk

Visit Cinematheque as a guest for £5, or take out a membership for the rest of the season. See website for details.

Wednesday 3rd April 7.30pm

Women Talking (2022) 15

Wednesday 17th April 7.30pm

All That Breathes (2022) 12A

Cinematheque, Swan Theatre, 138 Park St, Yeovil BA20 1QT. Members £1, guests £5

All That Breathes (2022)

Lydia Blakeley, On the Beach, 2022, oil on canvas, metal, powder-coating, wood, solid silicone cord, plastic, 100 × 150 ×

in © Damian Griffiths. Courtesy the artist and Niru Ratnam, London.

Photo: Damian Griffiths

23 March - 20 April

Open Thursday - Saturday 10am - 3pm

07816 837905

kellyross@theartstable.co.uk

CONFESSIONS OF A THEATRE ADDICT

Rosie Cunningham

Many excellent theatrical productions are on the horizon which can be overwhelming, particularly as the prices of tickets vary enormously. The trick is to catch plays locally before they transfer to the West End, ferret out the lower-priced tickets that theatres offer or grab single tickets at the last minute. I met a young playwright recently who explained how hard it was to get her play on stage because few theatres are willing to take a chance on a newcomer, particularly as popular productions only just cover their

costs. The Mary Wallace Theatre in Twickenham is making that leap of faith. Good for them.

Jez Butterworth’s long-awaited new play, The Hills of California, is directed by Sam Mendes and is his first play since Jerusalem in 2009. The action time-travels between the summer of 1976 as Veronica, matriarch of the Sea View Blackpool guesthouse, lies dying of cancer upstairs whilst her adult daughters bicker downstairs, nursing their individual disappointments, and 1958 which was the decisive year which divided

Laura Donnelly in The Hills of California (Harold Pinter Theatre)

"Veronica tries to control not only her daughters but their future, which results in revelations that are truly shocking"

the family and curtailed their childhood dreams of a life on stage. There is unease and barely suppressed conflict throughout as Veronica, played by the hugely talented Laura Donnelly, tries to control not only her daughters but their future, which results in revelations that are truly shocking. On at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 15th June and well worth the wait.

I saw A View from The Bridge, starring Dominic West as Eddie Carbone, at the Ustinov studio at the Theatre Royal Bath. Apart from the hugely uncomfortable, cramped seats, this was a wonderful evening with an excellent piece of theatre written by the American playwright Arthur Miller and directed by Lindsay Posner. The stage is small, which reflects the oppressive atmosphere of an overcrowded dingy apartment where Sicilian family members clash and Eddie’s inappropriate and unspoken sexual desire for orphaned Catherine suggests a situation barely under control, making the simmering action so fragile and frightening. West plays the character of an irrational, petty, jealous, tortured soul with magnificent pathos. The play is transferring to the West End and will run from 23rd May at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for 11 weeks only.

Matt Smith plays the titular role of Dr Stockmann, in Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People at the Duke of York’s Theatre, which runs until the 13th April. The play revolves around Stockmann, the hero whose quest to speak the truth about the contaminated town spa water which is making visitors ill, is repulsed by the town’s people who rely on the business for employment and prosperity. The circularity of arguments for and against publishing the facts is a deliberate dig at the frustrating nature of democracy.

If you have a moment to pop into the Royal Academy, you will not be disappointed by the exhibition Entangled Pasts, 1768-now: Art, Colonialism and Change in the main gallery until 28th April. The ‘show-stopping’ sculpture by Tavares Strachan in the courtyard, entitled The First Supper, is a play on Leonardo’s famous mural and celebrates black historical figures. The iconic work Flaming June by Frederic, Lord Leighton, is on display there throughout 2024 and will lighten the soul and raise your spirits.

haroldpintertheatre.co.uk trh.co.uk

thedukeofyorks.com royalacademy.org.uk

Image: Mark Douet

AN ARTIST’S VIEW

Laurence Belbin

Arecent trip to Bridport one Saturday to mooch about the market took up most of the day. Moving up and down the stalls having a good look at garden sieves, brass door handles, step ladders, saws and a host of other things, I felt a drawing coming on! So much to see and so many angles from which to choose from, meant I could have drawn for the rest of the day. I wanted to try and capture all the hustle and bustle of a busy day of trading and pick a view to identify it as Bridport. I settled on a particularly hectic couple of stalls which incorporated the church in the background. Although the people were never still, there was a pattern to the way they all stood about reaching and rummaging, regardless of their shape and size. Once you get used to that, you can pick your person and place them wherever and still be true to the scene.

I started off with an HB pencil, just as well because although I was pressed up against a wall and out of people’s way I was barged into and a 2” line was scrawled across the page! I sorted it. It was a very enjoyable short period of time but I was ready for a break. Just down the road is a proper pub, ‘The Woodman’, where I selected my ale and found a corner where I could spread out a bit and finish the drawing with ink. I am happy with my effort.

This market drawing got me thinking of others I’ve done over the years. It is a subject I like and I was reminded of a pen and wash I did in 1991. Not quite so local, Chiang Mai or Rai in Northern Thailand – I can’t recall exactly which one. There things are a little different as you

can see. Their wares are still out on the pavement but spill out onto the road where trucks, tuktuks and bikes swerve to avoid it. The smells of street food, fish and rotting vegetables pervade and the noise of shouting is a constant between buyers and sellers. I think it sounds even louder when you can’t understand the language. I love all the canopies strung up in confusion along with the washing. The overhead wires add to the slightly shanty look as if they are holding it all together! The size of this drawing is about A3. It was done with a little pencil work then with pen and diluted ink washes.

My time here was limited as we were passing through to begin a trek in the mountains staying with various hill tribes. It is a treasured memory and means more to me in some ways than the photos. I did more work there, watercolours and drawing, whenever I had the time. It would cause much interest amongst the hill tribe children who would gather around me even standing right in front to block my view! Still, not a patch on Bridport!

laurencebelbin.com

Laurence's drawings will be on show at his Westbury studio during Dorset Art Weeks 25th May – 9th June. Venue 3

THE MUSIC OF PUCCINI

FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

Nigel Masters, Executive Director, Cameratina

It was a wonderful surprise when Sir John Tomlinson, one of the greatest Wagnerians Britain has ever produced, agreed to direct and sing in Oborne. It was an even greater surprise when he chose to work on Puccini.

All was explained when it turned out that one of Sir John’s earliest roles as a student was the bass, Talpa, in Puccini’s Il Tabarro. We had asked Sir John to choose an opera to direct that was suitable for a small cast of young professional singers and would both broaden their experience and stretch their skills. He went back to his days at The Royal Northern College of Music and to the piece that he found both the most stretching and the most rewarding, Il Tabarro.

The fact that this year is also the centenary of Puccini’s death makes it even more appropriate to take the chance to reassess the full range of his amazing output.

Il Tabarro is arguably Puccini’s darkest piece. Written at the height of his career, with La Boheme and Tosca fast becoming the international hits that they remain today, Puccini wanted a subject that would both continue his ‘ verismo’ style of taking stories from real life and allow him to experiment with a different range of emotions and sounds. As such, Il Tabarro is a natural development from La Boheme and Tosca towards his late masterpiece Turandot. The music of each piece can be heard as the opera unfolds.

The story of Il Tabarro, in true ’verismo’ style, is set against the grinding poverty of life on the canals of Northern France at the beginning of the twentieth century. Michele, the barge owner ploughs back and forth along the waterways from Rouen to Paris. Giorgetta, his wife, dreams of being free of this grey, claustrophobic life. When Luigi, a young stevedore from her childhood home in the suburbs of Paris joins the crew, Giorgetta is grabbed by the chance for freedom and romance. But tragedy is awaiting her.

As might be imagined, the chance to sing for Sir John and Susanna Stranders, our Artistic Director, in

such a challenging piece has proved a great attraction. As Susanna writes:

‘I was most encouraged that almost 150 singers from across the globe applied for this year’s Puccini project, of which the final cast of seven joining us in Oborne this April is thrilling. I have every confidence that they will take away as much from the weekend of workshops and performances as we will take away from hearing their glorious potential and artistry. I am passionate about supporting and nurturing the very best emerging opera talent in this country. As Artistic Director for Opera Cameratina, I have the ideal vehicle through which I can channel this passion.’

The two starring roles of Michele and Giorgetta went to Felix Kemp and Victoria Armillotta. Felix has already sung minor roles at Covent Garden and is clearly destined for great things. For Victoria, who has only just graduated, this is a real breakthrough for her. As she says:

‘As a young singer who has just finished conservatoire education, an opportunity like this is golden: to interpret my favourite repertoire while learning from and working with the country’s top industry professionals is a special combination and a huge privilege. Thank you Opera Cameratina. I’m sure I will develop artistically from this opportunity and I hope it will lead to other exciting future projects.’

As well as working on their roles in Il Tabarro, the seven singers have been invited to prepare one of their favourite songs either written by Puccini himself or by one of the composers he influenced or who was an influence on him. Given the darkness at the heart of Il Tabarro, the singers were given a hefty nudge towards Puccini’s lighter side. The resulting mix of much-loved arias and some surprising choices, along with some of Sir John’s own favourites will make up our Sunday evening recital.

Singers have often found that they get the most out of workshops and masterclasses in which great artists like Sir John challenge their pre-conceptions

about songs they believe they already know well. To test this, we have asked our seven singers to screw up their courage and perform one of their choices for the evening recital in front of Sir John and Susanna in an Open Rehearsal earlier in the afternoon. Both the singers and we, the audience, can share in Sir John’s insights. This is certainly learning the hard way as far as our performers are concerned.

And, if you want to hear how much the young singers learn from their ordeal, you can get tickets for both the Open Rehearsal and the Recital to appreciate the ‘before’ and ‘after’ performances.

Of course, the real test is whether all the work on weekends such as these pays dividends for the performers’ later careers. For those of you who joined us two years ago for our weekend dedicated to the French composer Pauline Viardot, we can now offer the proof. Claire Lees, who you will have seen singing in Cinderella in Viardot’s opera, has just been given the lead as Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro at Garsington, one of the top roles in UK opera this summer.

We cannot guarantee that Victoria or Felix or any of our other five singers will scale the same giddy heights but if you want to be able to say you were able to pick out the next Claire Lees, you need to be in the Oborne audience this April.

Saturday 20th April 6pm

Il Tabarro by Giacomo Puccini

Tickets £40

Sunday 21st April 2pm

Open Rehearsal for Puccini Recital

Tickets £20

Sunday 21st April 6pm

Recital: Sir John Tomlinson and special guests shine a light on songs and arias inspired by Puccini

Tickets £40

St. Cuthbert’s Church, Oborne

Further details and all tickets are available at cameratina.org

Sir John Tomlinson

Felix Kemp

Victoria Armillotta

Isabel Garcia Araújo

Elizabeth Lynch

Rhys Meilyr

Susanna Stranders

Dominick Felix

COUNTER CULTURE

Paul Maskell, The Beat and Track

No. 30: Psychedelic Rock: Hazy Daze

Psychedelic rock, with its mind-bending sounds and mind-expanding lyrics, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of not only British music but music the world over. From its humble beginnings in the mid-1960s to its resurgence in the 21st century, psychedelic rock has continued to captivate audiences with its experimental spirit and boundary-pushing creativity.

The roots of psychedelic rock in the UK can be traced back to the early 1960s, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones incorporating elements of Eastern mysticism and drug-induced introspection into their music. However, it was the emergence of bands like Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience in the mid-1960s that truly pushed the boundaries of what was possible in rock music.

Pink Floyd, with their groundbreaking album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, released in 1967, ushered

in a new era of psychedelic experimentation. Songs like Interstellar Overdrive and Astronomy Domine showcased the band’s innovative use of studio effects and unconventional song structures, laying the groundwork for countless psychedelic acts to follow.

Meanwhile, other bands like The Beatles and The Byrds were also making waves with their own brand of psychedelic rock. Albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and The Notorious Byrd Brothers pushed the boundaries of studio production and songwriting, inspiring a new generation of musicians to explore the outer reaches of musical possibility.

1966/67 saw the release of some huge contributions to the psych scene with albums by the 13th Floor Elevators (The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators), Love (Forever Changes), Captain Beefheart (Safe as Milk), The Red Krayola (The Parable of Arable Land) and the Electric Prunes (The

Electric Prunes). As a whole the scene erupted with these bands expressing themselves with psychedelic/ introspective lyrics and a blend of garage rock, blues and avant-garde experimentalism that shocked and wowed audiences in equal measure. The key word was freedom when it came to psychedelic music. The music reflected the drug-fuelled times of selfexpression and the disregard for restraint when it came to music and many other things in life.

Psychedelic rock bands of the 1960s often courted controversy due to their association with drug culture, explicit lyrics and countercultural themes. Their music and performances, characterised by experimental sounds, rebellious lyrics and colourful visuals, challenged traditional values and authority figures, sparking censorship efforts and resistance from conservative groups. Concerts were sometimes seen as chaotic and disruptive, while album artwork, like that of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, provoked outrage with its surreal and psychedelic imagery. Despite the controversy, psychedelic rock bands became symbols of the broader social and political movements of the era, embodying the spirit of rebellion and experimentation that defined the 1960s counterculture.

As the 1960s gave way to the 1970s, psychedelic rock continued to evolve, with bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath incorporating elements of psychedelia into their heavy blues-rock sound. Meanwhile, newer bands like Gong and Hawkwind embraced the more cosmic and experimental aspects of the genre, taking listeners on sonic journeys through space and time.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a decline in the popularity of psychedelic rock, as punk, new wave and electronic music took centre stage. However, the spirit of

psychedelic experimentation never truly died and in the late 1990s and early 2000s, bands like The Flaming Lips, Spacemen 3 (later Spiritualized) and The Brian Jonestown Massacre brought psychedelic rock back into the mainstream consciousness with their trippy visuals and sprawling, psychedelic soundscapes.

Today, psychedelic rock continues to thrive, with a new generation of bands like Tame Impala, Temples, the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and my personal favourite King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard carrying the torch for psychedelic experimentation. Whether it’s through their intricate melodies, lysergic lyrics or mind-melting live performances, these bands are keeping the spirit of psychedelic rock alive and well in the 21st century.

The history of psychedelic rock is a colourful tapestry of sonic innovation, experimentalism and mind-expanding creativity. There are many more gems out there that haven’t been mentioned above – a plethora of mind expansion just waiting for you to plug into. Psychedelic rock continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in music, inspiring listeners to expand their minds and explore new sonic territories. So, put on your headphones, close your eyes and embark on a psychedelic odyssey. Enjoy the trip!

thebeatandtrack.co.uk

Saturday 20th April from 8am

Record Store Day

The Beat and Track, 4 The Old Shambles, South Street, Sherborne. Independent record shops across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture. Over 400 limited edition titles will be released. recordstoreday.co.uk

Mondays 11am-12.30pm

Nature Writing for Fun

Sherborne Library, Hound Street

Fun creative writing exercises, using nature and the outdoors as inspiration.

Mondays 1.30pm-3.30pm

Craft and Chat Group

Sherborne Library, Hound Street. Bring along your current project and meet others.

Mondays & Thursdays

1.30pm-4pm

Sherborne Indoor

Short Mat Bowls

West End Hall, Sherborne 01935 812329. All welcome

Mondays 2pm-5pm & Tuesdays 7pm-10pm

Sherborne Bridge Club

Sherborne FC Clubhouse, Terrace Playing Fields. 01963 210409 bridgewebs.com/sherborne

Tuesdays 10am-12pm

Fine Folk Dancing

Charlton Horethorne Village Hall £3 per session. Beginners welcome. 01963 220640.

Every last Wednesday

WHAT'S ON

Military History Talk via Zoom £5, information jameskrporter@aol.com

Every 1st Thursday 9.30am

Netwalk for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Pageant Gardens. @Netwalksherborne

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday 10am-12.30pm

Castleton Probus Club

The Grange, Oborne, DT9 4LA New members welcome. edwardhiscock6@gmail.com

Thursdays 2pm-5pm

Rubber Bridge (September-April)

Sherborne Bowls Clubhouse, Culverhayes car-park. 01963 210409 bridgewebs.com/sherborne

Thursdays 2pm-4pm & Fridays 11am-1pm

Digital Champions Sessions

Sherborne Library, Hound Street Bookable sessions for help with basic skills using your own device or a library computer. sherbornelibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Thursdays 7.30pm-9.30pm

St Michael’s Scottish Country

Dance Club

Davis Hall, West Camel. £2. New starters very welcome. 07972 125617 stmichaelsscdclub.org

Fridays 3.30pm-5pm

Children’s Board Games Club Sherborne Library, Hound Street Drop-in for children age 5 and over. Play board games, including chess, or bring one of your own.

Every Saturday 7.30pm-10pm

Whist Drive

Trinity Church, Lysander Road, Yeovil BA20 2BU. £5 including raffle. Contact Nigel 01935 862325

Every Sunday until 28th April 11am-11.30am

‘Present Tense’ Spotlight Talks

Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, BA10 0NL. Free, dropin talks exploring the work of exhibiting artist Paloma Proudfoot. hauserwirth.com

Until 20th April ThursdaySaturday 10am-3pm

Henrietta Hoyer Millar: Dorset Landscapes

The Art Stable, Child Okeford DT11 8HB. 07816 837905 kellyross@theartstable.co.uk

3rd

Members free; visitors £10 theartssocietysherborne.org

A weekend of music celebrating Puccini. Sir John Tomlinson will explore the dramatic roles created by Puccini, his influences and his followers Against the grinding poverty of the French canals, Il Tabarro tells of Giorgetta’s tragic dream of escaping her claustrophobic marriage. Directed by Sir John Tomlinson.

Saturday 20th April, 6pm £40

Shining a light on songs and arias inspired by Puccini. At this Recital, our young stars are invited by Sir John to join him in their favourite music by Puccini and his associates.

Sunday 21st April, 6pm. £40

Share the insights of Sir John Tomlinson and Susanna Stranders at an Open Rehearsal as our seven young opera stars rehearse some of Puccini’s favourite arias.

Sunday 21st April, 2pm. £20

St Cuthbert’s Church, Oborne www.cameratina.org

Monday 1st sellers 7am, buyers not before 7.30am

Alweston Car Boot Sale

Sellers £5, buyers - by donation. Proceeds to Folke Church and Alweston Village Hall. 01963 23436

Wednesday 3rd 3pm and 7pm

The Arts Society SherborneMaking Sense of Portraits in Country Houses

Digby Hall, Hound Street. £10 for nonmembers theartssocietysherborne.org

Wednesday 3rd -

Saturday 6th 7.30pm

Milborne Port Opera

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

Milborne Port Village Hall

Adults £16, concessions (Wednesday only) £12. Tickets mpopera.co.uk or Waynes Butchers. 07711 691928

Thursday 4th 7pm (staging)

7.30pm (judging)

Sherborne and District Gardeners’ Association Spring Show

Digby Hall, Hound Street

Visitors £3. 01935 389375

Friday 5th – Sunday 7th

Sherborne Travel

Writing Festival

Powell Theatre, Abbey Road DT9 3AP

Curated by Rory Maclean, featuring talks from the UK’s leading travel writers and photographers. Tickets starting at £10 available from sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com

Saturday 6th 2pm

Jim Gibb Memorial Lecture

‘Sherborne Old Castle: Caring for the Collection’

Digby Road Memorial Hall, Digby Road, DT9 3NL. £5, free to Sherborne Museum members. Refreshments available.

Tuesday 9th - Tuesday 16th

10am-4pm

Art Exhibition – Oils and Metals

The Gallery, Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Bell Street. Free. hilary.ball@mac.co 01258 446441

Tuesday 9th 8pm-9.30pm

Singing Bowl Soundbath

Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne DT9 3LN £16 please book in advance 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

Thursday 11th from 7pm

An Evening of Designer and Sustainable Fashion

Lemon, 81 Cheap Street. A selection of Dolce & Gabbana and boho chic.

Friday 12th 9.30am

Public Welcome to Observe Work of Douzelage

Digby Hall. £8. 01963 251255 or marydmc38@gmail.com

Friday 12th 5pm

Piano Recital - Ana Manero Cheap Street Church. £8. 01963 251255 or marydmc38@gmail.com

Saturday 13th 10.30am-4.30pm

White Tara Healing Retreat Day Oborne Village Hall, DT9 4LA £80/£60 concs centreforpuresound.org white-tara.co.uk

Wednesday 17th 11am

Sherborne ProbusMeeting with the President

The Grange Hotel, Oborne DT9 4LA

Thursday 18th 7pm

Talk - ‘Saving our Swifts and Local Biodiversity –How Can We Help?’

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne Climate Cafe refreshments available from 6.30pm

Friday 19th 7.30pm

Ruth Rogers & Simon Callaghan in Concert

The Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls Tickets £20 available from events@sherborne.com 01935 818212

Saturday 20th from 8am

Record Store Day

The Beat and Track, 4 The Old Shambles, South Street. Over 400 limited edition titles will be released - recordstoreday.co.uk

Saturday 20th 10am-12.30pm (last repair 12.15pm)

Repair Cafe

Cheap Street Church Hall, Sherborne Bring household items to be repaired and avoid landfill. Volunteers and repairers needed.repaircafesherborne@ gmail.com or @repaircafesherborne

Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st

Opera CamertinaFrom Darkness into Light:

The Many Shades of Puccini St. Cuthbert’s Church, Oborne Further details and all tickets are available at cameratina.org (See preview page 18)

Sunday 21st10am-3pm

The Sherborne Market

Local producers, suppliers, food, art & crafts. thesherbornemarket.com

Sunday 21st 12pm-5pm

National Garden Scheme Dorset - Garden Open for Charity Frankham Fm, Ryme Intrinseca, DT9 6JT. £7, children free. Light refreshments. ngs.org.uk

Sunday 21st 1.30pm-4.30pm

Sherborne Folk Band Digby Memorial Hall. Suitable for all levels and all instruments.

WHAT'S ON

info@sherbornefolkband.org sherbornefolkband.org

Sunday 21st 2pm-4pm

‘Present Tense’ Reading Circles Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, BA10 0NL. Free, open discussion group with exhibiting artist Christopher Page. hauserwirth.com

Thursday 25th 7.30pm

Emerald Jazz Concert

All Saints Church, Martock TA12 6JN £10 from Guardianstickets@gmail. com 07547 213992 Martock Gallery, Martock Newsagent (cash only) or £12 on the door. martockonline.co.uk/events

Saturday 27th 2pm and 3.45pm

‘Present Tense’ Drawing Workshop

Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, BA10 0NL. Free, drawing movement sessions with exhibiting artist Vanessa Garwood. hauserwirth.com

Saturday 27th 2pm

Annual Duck Race Nether Compton

Sunday 28th 2pm-4pm

Singing Bowl Soundbath Oborne Village Hall, DT9 4LA £16 Book in advance 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

Planning ahead

Thursday 2nd - Thursday 9th May

Sherborne Abbey Festival Venues across Sherborne The annual, week-long celebration of music returns! Opera, choral, classical, jazz, swing and more. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/sherborneabbeyfestival or

call 0333 666 3366. Free entry to many performances. sherborneabbeyfestival.org

Sport

Sherborne RFC

The Terrace Playing Fields, Dorchester Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NS sherbornerfc.rfu.club Men’s 1st XV (3pm KO)

Saturday 6th Frome (H)

Saturday 13th Plymstock Albion Oaks (H)

Sherborne Football Club

The Terrace Playing Fields, Dorchester Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NS sherbornetownfc.com

Men’s 1st XI (3pm KO unless otherwise stated)

Tuesday 2nd (7.45pm KO) Blackfield & Langley (A)

Saturday 6th

United Services Portsmouth (H)

Wednesday 10th (7.45pm KO) Hamble Club (H)

Saturday 13th Andover New Street (H)

Wednesday 17th (7.45pm KO) Lymington (H)

Saturday 20th

Moneyfields (A)

MARKET KNOWLEDGE

EDWARD WHITE, THE GAMEKEEPER’S LARDER

Welcome to Sherborne Market.

What brings you here?

My partner Ellie runs Occasions, the florist shop on Cheap St and she suggested we try Sherborne Market. We gave it a go and have never looked back.

Where have you travelled from?

We are a small family-run business based in Shepton Beauchamp.

Tell us about what you’re selling.

We sell award-winning venison products fresh, and also cooked, to take home.

Where and when did it all begin?

My father and I are part-time gamekeepers and have always harvested wild venison for the table, friends and family. After having amazing feedback on our burgers and sausages we decided to turn it into a food business.

Two years later we are doing three markets a month, selling to ten local pubs and attending many county shows and festivals. We have also won many awards at the Taste of the West.

What do you enjoy most about selling at markets?

We enjoy seeing our customers’ faces after tasting our samples for the first time. We get such good feedback and the customers of Sherborne are so lovely.

If you get the chance, which fellow stallholders here at Sherborne would you like to visit?

Thornwood Forge as they are great people and I have an interest in knife-making.

Where can people find you on market day?

We’ll be in Pageant Gardens.

thegamekeeperslarder

Edward White and his father Anthony

Image: Guy Harrop

Hand picked & selected artisan market

Flying the flag for local featuring local producers, suppliers, amazing food, arts and crafts.

Markets held between 10am - 3pm on the dates below.

April 21ST

May 19th

June 16th

July 21st

Aug 18th

Sept 15th

Oct 20th

Nov 17th

Dec 15th

10am - 3pm

WONDERWALL

In conversation with Adam Ellis, provider of wallpaper murals to The Sherborne

Tell us a little bit about Adam Ellis Studio and what you do.

Adam Ellis Studio was founded in 2005 and consists of a small but perfectly blended team of graphic artists, illustrators, archivists and project managers. Pictures are at the heart of what we do, expressed through our bespoke wallpapers, limited edition prints, custom fabrics and site-specific installations commissioned for both public and private interior spaces. We work closely with our clients, many of whom we have worked with for a long time and with whom we have developed a bond of trust that allows for creative freedom.

Our designs are characterised by strong colours and bold motifs, often referencing traditional printing techniques. Our substantial collection of antiquarian prints is central to our design process and the starting point for any new design. I first started collecting prints while a student at the Slade School of Fine Art and the studio now houses an extensive archive. Subjects range from zoology to botany, topography to architecture and everything in between.

Our bespoke range of wallpapers are all made to order and tailored for the intended space, unlike a repeat pattern. This allows meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all details are precisely positioned around the space. The studio is based in West London and extends into our gallery space, allowing us to show new artwork and wallpapers, together with selected pieces from the archive.

How did you get involved with The Sherborne and what attracted you to the project?

Jeremy Lee, Commercial Director of The Sherborne, contacted the studio to work on this exciting refurbishment after seeing our work at a restaurant in Oxford. We’re honoured to be involved as we believe art can breathe new life into any space. We were attracted to the project due to the unique history of the property and the creative opportunity it presents.

Where will we be able to see your work in the House?

Our scope includes bespoke wallpapers and individually framed artwork pieces for the various key spaces around The Sherborne, particularly the Bistro and The Palm Room. The Bistro is a space that was close to Michael Cannon’s heart, the founder of the project, and it is his vision for the artwork that we intend to bring to life. For the Palm Room, we’ve taken inspiration from the name itself to design a highly impactful bespoke mural. The mural includes a giant banana tree that envelopes the bar area and

is complemented by over-size, bold prints all hung in natural wood frames.Also very important to the scheme are the fabulous washrooms, for which we are developing a whimsical and immersive wallpaper in glorious metallic finishes.

What makes this special project stand out for you?

This project certainly stands out to us. We’ve enjoyed working closely with Jeremy and The Sherborne team. We share their design aspirations and goals to celebrate the history of the house, the local area and

the surrounding community. It’s an honour to be part of this project.

What other exciting projects have you worked on?

We’ve recently completed projects including the W Hotel Budapest, Prince de Galles and La Fantaisie in Paris, and Sexy Fish Manchester. Notable previous projects include Ivy Brasseries & Ivy Asia, Annabel’s, Scott’s, Harry’s La Dolce Vita, and Harry’s Bar.

adamellis.com

thesherborne.uk

THE PROBUS CLUBS OF SHERBORNE

John

Stokoe CB CBE, Castleton Probus

Living in the beautiful Abbey town of Sherborne, there is a rich seam of activities with which people can get involved. There are societies and organisations to meet many cultural and academic tastes but if you desire simply to immerse yourself in a relaxed, stimulating social environment, there are the Probus Clubs. Not many people know about Probus and the community fellowship the many clubs offer.

Conceived in the UK in 1965 as a retired businessmen’s lunch club, it is now an international organisation with local groups which support and embrace retired professional and business people. They have contributed a great deal to their communities and on full or semi-retirement are seeking an opportunity to meet and socialise in a relaxed environment.

In Sherborne, a town of 10,000 inhabitants, we are exceptional in being able to support three groups of Probus; one ladies’ and two men’s. Each club, though formed with the same values and ideals, is subtly different, though the gender make-up speaks for itself. Previous attempts to combine the ladies’ and men’s clubs in Sherborne, despite the best of intentions, were doomed to failure - with objections from both sides!

Each of the three clubs, though varied in their approach, follows a similar pattern of activities, usually involving a form of social gathering with fascinating and informative speakers. They all meet fortnightly with separate special events organised at various times of the year.

The Castle Ladies Probus Club, meeting on a Tuesday, has around 29 members, gathering in the Cheap Street Church Hall to have coffee and listen to a speaker. The two men’s clubs, each around 40 strong, again start with a gathering over coffee but differ in that the fortnightly activities, based at The Grange Hotel in Oborne, involve a lunch after the speaker has concluded.

The Sherborne Probus Club, meeting on

Wednesdays, offers an optional two-course set lunch for all attendees when the talk ends and the Castleton Probus Club, meeting on Thursdays, offers an informal, individual choice lunch for those who wish to stay on. Both clubs have popular wine raffles. In addition to club outings at least twice a year, there are summer garden parties and Christmas lunches, to which spouses, partners and friends are invited.

The names of the clubs do not reflect geographic areas but were chosen simply to capture the essence of the town. The fact that there are two men’s clubs arose from simple logistics - the Sherborne Club grew too large for appropriate venues to host so the Castleton Club emerged.

All three clubs add to the social mix of Sherborne, enabling members to meet in a stimulating and convivial environment. Invariably each member brings a wealth of experience they are encouraged to share. Such engagement creates a rich tapestry of life and the shared experiences which emerge continue to surprise both new and long-term members alike.

Each club encourages new members to join. Finding members tends to be through contacts and networking, often the best way to find new and interesting people to add to the mix. The clubs tend to rekindle old friendships and encourage new ones - the Probus experience is rich, rewarding and extremely satisfying. Should you wish to benefit from membership, the undersigned would be happy to help.

Judith Mitchell, Castle Ladies Probus judithmitch@btinternet.com

Howard Westlake, Sherborne Probus howardwestlake@btinternet.com

John Stokoe CB CBE, Castleton Probus johnstokoe2@btinternet.com

DOUZELAGE GM24 SHERBORNE WELCOMES 140 GUESTS FROM 24 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Clifton Jelbert, Sherborne Douzelage

Many residents of Sherborne and its surrounding area will have been aware of the numerous special fundraising events which have been organised by Sherborne Douzelage and have taken place over the last 6 to 9 months. The purpose of this was to cover the costs of hosting 140 or so delegates from across Europe who will be attending the 48th General Meeting of Douzelage International. Every year the GM is hosted by a different town and it is 18 years since Sherborne last did so.

A founding principle of the Douzelage, which was set out by the then Mayors of Sherborne and Granville in Normandy some 27 years ago, is to provide opportunities for young people to experience and learn about the cultures and traditions of other European countries. In the beginning, there were twelve towns, one from each country in the European Union, which later grew to 27 with the enlargement of the EU following the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Although no longer a member of the EU, Sherborne remains very much involved with and committed to the Douzelage Partnership of towns and its principles, which include being strictly non-political.

The theme of the conference this year is Well Being Through Nature and Music.

To support this theme, field trips to local nature locations have been arranged. Also, many youth delegates will be bringing musical instruments with them and will, under the guidance of Dr Rachel Milestone of Leweston School, rehearse and perform a concert during the event.

Another important element of this major event in the town is to encourage residents to participate as much as possible and they are encouraged to attend many of the events as observers. The Sherborne Committee also strongly encourages young people from Sherborne and other local schools to volunteer to assist at certain events such as the registration of delegates as they arrive on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th April. Anyone interested in offering their help should

contact Mary Clothier at marydmc38@gmail.com or telephone 01963 251255.

The detailed programme will be posted on social media and the websites of Sherborne Town and The Douzelage. The delegates will be divided in more or less equal numbers between the General Meeting which will take place in the Digby Hall and the Youth Meeting which is run and organised by the youth members themselves.

In order to mount this hosting exercise the committee of Sherborne Douzelage has needed to raise in excess of £40,000 to cover the costs of food, accommodation and transport amongst others.

The Chairman and committee of Sherborne Douzelage are hugely grateful to everyone who has either attended our events or made generous donations to help us reach the target. By the time you, dear reader, read this we hope to have achieved our target but late donations and sponsorship will always be welcome!

douzelage.eu

Friday 12th April from 9.30am

The 48th Douzelage General Meeting

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne Public welcome.

Friday 12th 6pm

Douzelage Concert

Cheap Street Church, Sherborne

Performers include musical scholars from Leweston School and the Sherborne Chamber Choir. Public welcome (limited seats).

Saturday 13th

Douzelage Workshops, Education and Youth Meetings

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne

Visit douzelage.eu for further details and full programme of events.

WEDDINGS AT THE MANOR HOUSE

Sarah Berkley, Clerical Administrator, Sherborne Town Council

Following a short cessation due to Covid, Sherborne Town Council is delighted to be opening the Manor House Chamber for wedding ceremonies once again.

Situated on Newland, opposite Paddock Garden and within walking distance of the town centre, The Manor House can date its origins back to the 15th century. The building’s frontage and sections of the interior feature early 19th-century Gothic Revival work and a very rare Oriel window adorns the first floor.

Upon entering the building you walk through the front hall and follow floors of natural stone and intricate parquet past a beautiful wooden staircase. Natural light fills the space courtesy of a circular domed window in the double-height ceiling above.

The Chamber itself is accessed through arched wooden doors and laid out with an aisle running down the centre to the front rows of beautifully ornate wooden chamber seats. Larger, wooden, high-backed chairs seat the wedding couple for the signing of the register below delicate chandeliers.

The Chamber is an atmospheric room steeped in history and makes a wonderfully intimate venue. It can

accommodate up to 31 guests for the ceremony and it is wheelchair-friendly with accessible facilities, including a hearing loop system. It is a lovely place to be married particularly if you are a local resident.

Our times for services are 11am or 12pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays and the Christmas break). Parking for the wedding car is available to the rear of the Manor House and plentiful guest parking is only a short walk away. Directly across the road from the Manor House, Paddock Garden offers the perfect backdrop for photographs. Sherborne Town Council also runs the Digby Hall on nearby Hound Street. With a licensed bar and garden area, it is the ideal accompanying reception venue.

Couples considering the Manor House as their wedding venue are welcome to come and have a look around. Please contact us at info@sherborne-tc.gov.uk to arrange a time.

The town council look forward to welcoming couples for their special day!

sherborne-tc.gov.uk/weddings-at-the-manor-house @sherbornetowncouncil

ART COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY - STUDIO BASED

City And Guilds Courses

Creative Techniques

Interior Design

Painting Techniques

Creative Sketchbooks

Printmaking Techniques

southwestartcourses.co.uk

SWAC Workshops

Silver Clay Jewellery

Acrylic Techniques

Still Life in Oil

Abstract Alcohol Inks

Perspective Drawing Appliqué

South West Art Courses

Compton Court

Coldharbour

Sherborne DT9 4AG 07549357138 / 07917190309

admin@southwestartcourses.co.uk

DISCOVER | EAT | SHOP | STAY | CELEBRATE

Welcome to Symondsbury Estate, set in the beautiful Dorset countryside just a stone’s throw from the Jurassic Coast. Join us for lunch. Browse our shops. Visit the gallery. Explore our fabulous walks and bike trails. Relax and unwind in our holiday accommodation. Celebrate your wedding day...

Upcoming Events & Workshops

Farm Walk with Alasdair McNab - Wednesday 10th April

Willow Chicken Workshop with Jo Sadler - Wednesday 10th April

Spring Feast with Chessie Rothera - Friday 12th April

+44 (0)1308 424116 symondsburyestate.co.uk

Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6HG

Yahya Payne, Toby Bowers, Callum Harwood, Josie Rossiter, Tom Massey

Standing in front of a sold-out audience, on a global stage, at an event which is live-streamed around the world, delivering a 10-minute talk on a topic you are really passionate about might sound intimidating to some. But five Gryphon students took to the TEDxShaftesbury Youth stage in March to do just that. TEDx talks are part of a global conversation on personal empowerment and the Shaftesbury event was focused on youth voice, with all speakers being under 18.

The Gryphon students faced serious competition from around the world for speaking slots, which shows the calibre of their talks. They were joined by other young speakers from Dorset and across the UK, as well as speakers from Taiwan and Singapore, all courageous advocates for the pressing issues of our time. Yahya’s talk was entitled ‘The Theatre of Global Injustice’ and he examined why some conflicts attract more political and media attention than others, highlighting wars in Rwanda and Syria. Toby, a keen biologist, delivered an engaging and entertaining talk on why we should all love bugs, combatting people’s fears about the more unpopular bugs such as wasps and spiders, and educating the audience on how valuable they really are. Josie spoke passionately about the creativity crisis, how the arts aren’t as valued in the education system as core subjects and why the government should fund them properly. Tom silently opened his talk with sign language as the audience watched captivated, before talking about why we should all be learning sign language in school. And Callum took to the stage to speak about the need for diversity in education, across all subjects, to ensure fair representation and inclusion for all students.

These young people represent the future and are unafraid of tackling the societal issues we face. The TEDx audience came away inspired and full of hope that the world will be in safe hands with this next generation.

gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

The Gryphon School 07808

Children’s Book Review

Lucy Bayley aged 13, Leweston School

Where The Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury Young Adult, £12.99 hardcover)

Sherborne Times reader offer price of £10.99 from Winstone’s Books

Iabsolutely loved Sarah Crossan’s Where The Heart Should Be! It is the beautiful, poignant story of a love-sick teenage girl and her family during the distressing hunger in Ireland. Sarah Crossan has captured this sorry, depressing time in a set of beautiful poems, which are thought-provoking, moving and ever-so-slightly funny. She has written about a time that should be recognised more: where families were torn apart by love, grief, and death, where

friendships were made, lost and found again.

Where The Heart Should Be is perfect for 13+ as it has some quite adult-themed content but mostly because most teenagers can relate to Nell and enjoy her subtle humour and romances. Sarah Crossan’s writing speaks out with clarity and truth, and I quite believed that it was real, almost forgetting it was fiction. I couldn’t put it down and was drawn in from the first page. 5 stars from me.

SUPPORTING BY LISTENING

Image: Emma Ogier

Elaine Blake, Head of Learning Support at Sherborne Prep

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Children and Families Act. This was quite a pivotal moment in the education of children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), heralding the SEND Code of Practice and its message of inclusion, aspiration and collaborative working. Although some children require more specialist provision, for many children and young people with SEND their needs can be met through good quality teaching, support and an ongoing dialogue between teachers, parents and most importantly the child.

The SEND Code of Practice highlights four areas of need: Cognition and Learning (such as dyslexia and dyscalculia), Communication and Interaction (for example autism and speech and language needs), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (for example attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Sensory and/or Physical needs. However, many of these needs are co-occurring so more recently there has been an increase in the use of the wider term of neurodiversity. This increased understanding has helped us to recognise that as well as some learning challenges there are many positive skills and strengths associated with SEND. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that you are more likely to own your own business if you have ADHD or that some employers actively seek people with dyslexia or autism due to their ability to problem solve, spot patterns and make connections. LinkedIn now lists ‘dyslexic thinking’ as a vital skill. Did you know that James Dyson, Steven Spielberg and Victoria Beckham are dyslexic? Or that Ryan Gosling and Simone Biles have ADHD? That the creator of Pokémon has autism or that Daniel Radcliffe has dyspraxia?

So how do we ensure that children with SEND are able to navigate the education system to realise their full potential? At the heart of their educational experience, there needs to be an ongoing dialogue that is child-centred. A one-page Pupil Profile is a useful tool in this process. This document is created with the child and includes information on their strengths and interests, the things they find tricky in school and the best ways that teachers can support them in the classroom. The Pupil Profile is updated regularly and ensures that the child’s voice is heard and that they feel included in the learning process.

One of the greatest pleasures of my job is seeing children grow in confidence and independence. It is a cliché to describe that we are all on a journey but for parents of children with SEND it can be a daunting process at the start. As well as navigating the myriad of forms, referrals and information there is the anxiety and realisation that their child may face extra challenges. But the children themselves begin to understand what works best for them and by listening and making reasonable adjustments, learning becomes more accessible and engagement, confidence and success follows. So just by including movement breaks in the classroom, presenting information in a different format from writing, using visual prompts to support learning or enabling children to use fidget tools to support concentration, small adjustments can expand the learning experience. As one pupil explained to me:

‘At first, it was hard. You think that having dyslexia means that you will never catch up. But it gets easier. Your friends help you and you find out what works.’

And that for me is the best part of working with children with SEND. You are a part of the start of the journey and then left to wonder where their special talents and skills will take them... our future entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and problem solvers. sherborneprep.org

COOL TO BE KIND

Hilary Phillips, Head, Hanford School

We are very pleased at Hanford this month. We have won an award! But more of that later. We are in the season of wind and rain and up to our knees in mud here at Hanford and many is the welly that has been lost whilst getting the ponies in first thing in the morning. It is not an uncommon sight here to see a forlorn little boot sticking up out of the mud and its owner hopping back towards the school building, towing or being towed by a pony!

The weather sparked a discussion in one of our chapel services. Following a reading about Jesus calming the wind on Lake Galilee, the girls talked about how the wind can cause all sorts of problems, blowing off roof tiles, uprooting trees and spreading rubbish to name but a few. However, they also came up with several ways in which the wind has a positive effect. How would seeds disperse, they asked, if not for the wind? They talked about energy from the wind and this led to them doing some useful research. Of course,

it being Hanford, the girls also talked about how riding up a hill then cantering over the top, allows the wind to blow right through you, leaving you exhilarated, breathless, laughing. It’s a personal spring clean!

Spring cleaning is a marvellous thing. Getting rid of clutter is so satisfying and the pleasure from clear surfaces is deep. However, if you are anything like me, it doesn’t take long for them to clutter up again. Back to the morning chapel discussion – I asked the girls what should be the most important thing that they could fill themselves up with once the wind had cleared out any internal clutter. They came to an agreement that filling yourself up with kindness would be a great plan. Kindness is much on our minds at the moment, because, like all schools we pride ourselves on our kindness. We want everyone to be kind to each other and to show compassion. We want to shout from the treetops that our school is a haven of kindness. And most of the time, it is. Of course, like any community, we have to acknowledge

that sometimes a little help is needed to keep on the right track. Our eldest girls are facing a period of uncertainty now as they prepare to head off to their next schools.

They are facing the impending change bravely and with excitement, but there’s also a certain amount of nervousness. They will all be moving to larger schools and we are working hard to make sure that they take the right things away from Hanford. One of the most important things we can do to help is to ensure their ‘kindness muscles’ have regular exercise so that they arrive in their new schools ready to make new friends and lend a helping hand to any who need it.

There is much research about the benefits of kindness and no doubt that it does us as much good to be kind as our kindness benefits others. However, I don’t know how much research there is about how hard it is to be kind. It can be so easy to say the wrong thing, to ignore the problems of others, to join in with the gang and that is why schools in particular should focus

as much on the curriculum of being kind as it does on Maths, English and all the rest.

Confucius said that being kind to others makes us wise and we could do with a bit more wisdom in the world, couldn’t we? Kindness also makes us strong and resolute. Kindness isn’t the same as niceness. It’s actively seeking to do the right thing.

And so, back to our award. We have been recognised by The Week magazine as being ‘Best of the Best for Kindness’. We are really pleased about this because the award acknowledges the fact that we are aware of when and how we need to guide our pupils to ensure that kindness is always at the forefront of their thinking. To us, the most important thing we can teach our pupils here at Hanford is to be honest about assessing when something isn’t right and to work towards rectifying the situation. That’s what will fit our girls for the future.

hanfordschool.co.uk

Images: Amelia Johnson

Saturday 27th April

Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 7 to 13

“Offers

HOMEMAKERS

Louise Smith, Engagement Officer, Sherborne School

We’ve had an idea…,’ said Senior Matron Rachel Hiscock as she sat down to lunch with me in the summer of 2022. ‘We should hold a conference for Matrons.’ And so, the Sherborne School Matrons’ Conference was born…

Fast forward almost two years, ahead of this month’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we have just hosted our second conference for school matrons, entitled ‘The Neurodiversity Toolkit’. The event is the brainchild of Senior Matrons Rachel Hiscock and Nicola Tayler, who devised the conference after noticing a dearth of training opportunities and conferences for matrons – in contrast to the considerable number of events for teaching and nursing staff.

As the School’s Engagement Officer, I’m always on the lookout for ways in which we can interact with the many schools our students join us from, and this fitted

the bill perfectly. While the majority of the school’s outreach calendar provides opportunities for students to experience aspects of life at Sherborne, this would be a chance to provide a professional development opportunity for key members of school boarding teams.

The passion the matrons have for their role is infectious, holding as it does a singular position within the structure of boarding school life: as Nicky says:

‘The matron’s role is different from any other role in school. We are not responsible for disciplining or assessing the boys. Nor do we teach them – not formally, at least. Our job is to make sure they have what they need to thrive in the context of their boarding house. For much of the time, though, it’s about providing opportunities for them to relax and share what’s on their mind.’

This speaks of the special calling shared by matrons across the school. ‘Our role is very much about

providing space in which boys can be themselves,’ says Rachel. ‘We’re adept at creating opportunities for them to chat and we’re very much in favour of absolute honesty. We’re non-judgmental and encourage the boys to be themselves in our company, as we are ourselves in theirs. It makes for a unique relationship.’

Following a welcome by Sherborne School’s Headmaster, Dr Dominic Luckett, this year’s event kicked off with a keynote speech from Franck Brown of Conscious Clarity and then a workshop session unpacking various strategies to support neurodiversity in the boarding house. The theme was taken through into the afternoon with talks by Sherborne’s Director of Boarding, Ben Sunderland, and the school’s in-house nutritionist, Jack Blades. For many of those attending, the best sessions of the day were the roundtable discussions where a plethora of topics were covered in quick-fire succession.

While this year’s event took the topic of managing neurodiversity in the boarding house as its central theme, its key aim remained the same as its predecessor; to provide the opportunity for these pivotal members of boarding staff to have the time to come together,

develop their knowledge and skills and share their considerable expertise with each other. As Dr Luckett said in his welcome address, ‘Boarding Schools just do not work without really good matrons. They make the house a home. I am hugely grateful for all that they do and we are proud to acknowledge and recognise the valuable role they play.’

The conference is a fantastic way of raising the profile of matrons across the independent schools sector. To spend time with our own matrons planning the event and then to witness the joy they find in each other’s company, to hear them sharing wisdom and anecdotes was a real privilege. It is my hope that it remains an integral part of our outreach programme, continues to grow in the years to come and even encourages people to consider a role in schools that they may not have thought of before.

sherborne.org

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It ran from 18th-24th March.

DRAWN TO THE LIGHT

White Ermine Spilosoma lubricpeda

Gillian Nash

When shadows are cast where moths hide among vegetation in daylight hours, perhaps surprisingly black and white coloration affords efficient camouflage to assist against predation.

The species’ common name ‘ermine’ refers to a resemblance to the winter coat of the unfortunate stoat as used to adorn the robes and capes made of its fur worn historically and still to this day by royalty at ceremonial and religious occasions.

The number of dots can vary greatly and may form lines and patterns or be completely random. Some individuals are devoid of any black at all having entirely white or grey, speckled wings but always with the usual fluffy white thorax and feathered jet-black antennae.

Its diverse habitat includes both rural and urban situations such as gardens, parks, roadside verges, heath, woodland and coastal areas - anywhere docks,

nettles, ragwort and other similar larval foodplants plants grow. The dark larvae may be found from July to September. When feeding is complete a pupa is formed inside a silken cocoon concealed among leaf debris at ground level. Here it will remain over winter until the emergence of the adult moth during its main flight season of April to July the following year. In southern counties, a second late summer generation is sometimes observed in favourable conditions.

The white ermine is resident and relatively common throughout most of the UK and although its distribution has increased, numbers have suffered a significant decline in recent decades in line with many other moth species.

Buddleia and other scented shrubs and flowers will attract this and other beautiful nocturnal nectar-seeking moths into your garden throughout the summer months.

HWall/Shutterstock

WILDLIFE GARDENING IN APRIL

Jack Clarke, Marketing and Communications Officer, Dorset Wildlife Trust

Large or small, your garden or green space can make a real difference to local wildlife and the way you choose to care for your garden matters. Collectively, they act as stepping stones across our towns and villages, helping wildlife find food, water, shelter and places to breed.

The warmer days of spring mean you can start sowing seeds for summer blooms – sunflowers are a firm favourite and provide nectar for bumblebees as well as seeds for birds in the autumn. Many attractive plants have more than one use in the wildlife garden. Companion plants such as marigolds and nasturtiums, are great for attracting pollinators, some of which will be natural predators (lacewings and hoverflies) that help control aphids. Herbs such as oregano and thyme are great for cooking but leave some to flower as they are a great source of nectar for insects. Chives and other scented herbs can also help deter aphids from prized plants, such as roses.

When selecting which flower seeds to sow or plants to buy, remember to avoid overly ‘frilly’ flowers. These have been bred solely for their looks and provide little, if any, nourishment to insects which struggle to battle through the ‘froth’ of petals for meagre supplies of nectar. Think about sowing some cornfield annuals in a sunny spot. These will give a cheery summer display in a large pot or flower bed and will be a great ‘café’ for insects.

Blackbirds, blue tits and great tits will be busy

collecting caterpillars and other insects to feed their brood. Blue tits are helping keep fruit tree moth caterpillars in check, providing a timely reminder that so-called ‘pests’ are important food for various species. You can help garden birds and insects by ditching the ‘bug gun’ and avoiding using harmful chemicals in your garden. Instead, let your garden find a natural balance of predators and prey.

Romance is in the air as newts begin ‘courting’ in garden ponds and looking for plants to lay their eggs on. You can help by adding plants such as water forgetme-not and brooklime – their leaves can be folded by newts to protect their eggs. Submerged plants such as native hornwort are great oxygenators and provide shelter for tadpoles and dragonfly larvae.

For more wildlife-friendly gardening advice visit: dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-friendly-garden

• There are three species of newt native to the UK: palmate, smooth and great crested.

• Each blue tit chick needs around 100 caterpillars per day to survive.

• There are thought to be around 500,000 ponds in Great Britain, plus around three million garden ponds.

Blue Tit with caterpillar

Image: Gillian Lloyd

Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) on chive

Image: Vaughn Matthews

Palmate Newt

Image: Philip Precey

A THROWAWAY COMMENT

Simon Ford, Land and Nature Adviser

Ihave recently joined the excellent new gym at Sherborne Sports Centre. There are a number of cycle machines and treadmills, each of which have screens, where you can choose high-quality videos of walks and cycle rides from around the world, while you are pounding away.

You can go to places as diverse as Canada, Costa Rica, Argentina, Hawaii, Taiwan, France, America, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland and Chile. It is a great taster of places to visit, as you climb mountain trails, visit waterfalls, walk through forests, along rivers and coastlines and go along country roads. Occasionally you see interesting wildlife such as the guanacos (relatives of llamas and alpacas), pelicans and colourful butterflies and it can almost feel like you are there. One thing I

have begun to notice is how little litter there is along the roads and paths.

I love walking the footpaths, bridlepaths and country lanes of Dorset and driving along the highways and byways of our beautiful country. I have been lucky enough to travel to many amazing countries on most continents around the world. In my view, Britain is every bit as attractive as seemingly more exotic countries on the other side of the world. However, one thing stands out alarmingly and depressingly and that is the appalling amount of litter thrown down in even the most beautiful places.

Fast food wrappers, plastic drink bottles, cans of cider and energy drinks, full dog muck bags, crisp packets, plastic vapes, cigarette packets and sweet wrappers are

everywhere. Every day, when I take the dog out for a walk, I pick up a whole variety of litter, mostly from around the streets of Sherborne, but also on the paths and lanes that radiate out from the town. If you drive along main roads, plastic is wrapped around trees and bottles and plastic are strewn in an almost continuous line along the verges. Even on the tiniest country lane, serving an occasional farm, there will be coffee cups and food wrappers thrown from the car or van window.

Perhaps even more worrying is fly-tipping, where everything from old sofas to washing machines, builder’s rubble, tyres and bags of rubbish are thrown into ditches, laybys, woodlands or onto the verge. The landowner or local authority has to come and remove the rubbish at great cost and inconvenience, at a time

when resources are very limited.

I think everyone who reads the Sherborne Times will agree that it is a very sorry state of affairs and getting worse. Despite all the news about the environmental crisis, micro-plastics in our soils and wildlife decline, a small proportion (or maybe not so small) of the population is too lazy and careless to dispose of their rubbish properly.

So, what can we do? I like to think that keeping Sherborne tidy makes people less likely to litter but I may be kidding myself as the next day there is more! However, there is a great initiative called Litter Lotto where you can win £1000 and other smaller prizes by picking up rubbish. Dorset Council also gives an additional monthly prize. We are also lucky to have an excellent active group of litter pickers who blitz different areas and keep them looking nice. One thing we can all do is secure our rubbish bins to prevent their contents being blown down the road on collection days.

When I was young, I remember collecting bottles and getting a deposit at the shop. This happens in many other countries across Europe and Canada –it is effective and should be re-introduced.

There is too much unnecessary wrapping on goods that we buy. This needs to be controlled and taxed, encouraging companies to move to less and biodegradable packaging. Big global companies from fast food and takeaway companies, drinks manufacturers, vape and cigarette businesses must take responsibility for the problems they are causing.

We need the government to significantly increase the penalties for littering and fly-tipping to make it a real deterrent and for prosecutions to be publicised.

However, all of these things should not be necessary if we can get British people to care and appreciate the environment. This starts as children, with families and schools teaching the importance of looking after the environment. Initiatives such as Forest Schools (Sherborne Primary School has one where I volunteered) are very important in instilling the importance of nature and the environment. Other countries around the world do not have anything like the problems we have and it must be possible to change the careless mindset some of us have.

I am looking forward to going out and seeing the primrose, campion and orchid-covered hedge banks and cow parsley-adorned verges this spring, without being sullied by litter. Please do your bit and help keep Sherborne and Dorset clean.

Flyby Photography/Shutterstock

CARETAKERS

Paula Carnell, Beekeeping Consultant, Writer and Speaker

What if you opened the Sherborne Times and realised that you hadn’t heard any buzzing of bees yet this year? Insects are definitely creatures we take for granted, swat or even ignore, yet when they’re not around, the silence is deafening. When colony collapse disorder first became a ‘thing’ with beekeepers going to their apiary to be greeted with silence, it was devastating to lose hundreds of thousands, sometimes, millions of bees.

Rachel Carson published her book Silent Spring

in 1963, warning of such an occurrence. A few years ago Professor Dave Goulson from Sussex University published his follow-up book Silent Earth. Sadly, many of the warnings given to us by Carson, have not been heeded and Goulson ‘s life’s work has been educating us all on the impact human activity and earth management have had on insect populations globally.

In summer 2022, I stood at the top of a field looking over the South Dorset vale to the sea. Despite the sun shining, there wasn’t a flowering tree or hedge in sight.

David Crosbie/Shutterstock

A sea of green, with tiny pockets of cottage gardens. The land was short of bees as there was nothing to feed them. By autumn 2023, that same land was buzzing with bees, and through the winter the honeybees and hibernating queen bumble bees have thrived as the owners of that land looked at it with the eyes of the bees. No colonies were brought in, the food was planted and the bees moved in by their own accord. Hedges were replaced, wildflower strips sown and crops and trees underplanted with herbal lays. The difference was astonishing in such a short period of time.

We’ve been seeing farmers across Europe and Wales protesting about the EU and more locally, the Welsh Government’s sustainable farming Scheme (SFS). At first glance, the plan looks reasonable to improve the environment for us all, not only the insects – ensuring that 10% of the land is covered by trees, along with stricter controls on fertilisers, pesticides and human and animal manure spreading. As a land manager, 2025 is not very far away. Plans for growing and managing livestock need to be undertaken with longer-term changes. Especially if all farmers are suddenly reducing livestock at once or trying to plant more trees and hedging, the costs would be prohibitive. When I was a child growing up in Yetminster, there were 8 farms in the village. By the time I moved to Somerset in the late 1980s, there were only 3 remaining working farms. During those times the land was being sold for housing, and the population in Yetminster expanded greatly in a relatively short period. Food production decreased. Somerset was slower off the mark with developments and only in the last 10 years have I seen Castle Cary expand at the same rate Dorset did 30 years ago.

Last month I relocated my business from a workshop at the wonderful Country Stores in Galhampton to the equally inspiring but different, Higher Farm in Sutton, the other side of Castle Cary. Higher Farm is a new enterprise run by two brothers with experience in regenerative farming in Italy. They are passionate about growing and supplying food to the local community – good, healthy food, grown without chemicals. I was so pleased when they approached me for advice on pollination and bees. Initially, they were expecting me, or any beekeeper, to tell them how many hives they had space for and how many tons of honey we could produce for sale in their new farm shop. Instead, I surprised them by explaining which bees they need to pollinate various crops and why I wouldn’t be bringing in hundreds of colonies of bees. They have

been spending the winter planting trees, native oaks, willows, sweet chestnuts, limes and many fruit trees. In amongst avenues of trees and hedges, they are growing vegetables and fruits. These plants will attract the bees and sustain them. Giacomo and Matteo are running marathons to fundraise to plant food forests in the region, spreading their plans for revolutionising farming. I cannot express how honoured and excited I am to be a small part of this revolution. As I have always been an entrepreneur, I have never been able to understand how farmers could have put up with being under the thumb of supermarkets and governments for so long. I understand if you are dependent on payments and following what government incentivises farmers to produce, yet there must come a point where those who know and understand their land stand up and say, ‘Enough. Let us have control of our land again and feed our community.’

The last few years saw so many starved of healthy local food, forced to purchase food in limited amounts from large supermarkets and often imported. As an island, we must prioritise growing the food we need to feed ourselves and not put the emphasis on growing food or livestock to meet quotas for export and to be transported around the world. Bees teach us to look after our communities, radiating circles of health and well-being, when we have a surplus we share it.

Although these times are difficult for so many farmers, the transition is inevitable. Let it be on our terms - let’s look after the soil and water for future generations. If the government one minute says ‘spray chemicals’, then the next ‘stop it’, these politicians have proven they are not experts in land management or even caring for the population. We depend on our farmers to work with the land they have known for generations, that they have been born into guarding and nurturing. Those of us who are not farmers have a duty to support them too, by showing that we will purchase their food rather than buying cheap, lower quality imports packaged in plastics and sold at great profit to the supermarkets. Let food be our medicine and medicine be our food, and trust that the nature around us is growing what we need to sustain us, with the support and care-taking of those who know the land. I’m all for transforming the West Country’s green deserts into flowering acres that feed the bees and the people who live here.

paulacarnell.com

OBJECT OF THE MONTH

THE TOBACCO JAR

Elisabeth Bletsoe, Curator, Sherborne Museum

Although Sir Walter Raleigh is often credited with introducing tobacco to this country, it is more likely that Sir John Hawkins displayed the plant two decades earlier along with other riches he accrued during a voyage to Florida in 1565. It was at that time considered a narcotic. Influenced by the habits of the people they conquered, tobacco had been smoked by Spanish and Portuguese sailors for many years, as it also had by the colonists whom Raleigh arranged to bring back from Roanoke Island in 1586. This initiated a craze at court which Raleigh further encouraged.

Francis Drake is believed to have played a far more significant role in the early development of the trade. He recognised its commercial potential and brought back huge quantities of leaves which were sold on to other merchants. Tobacco was first grown on a large scale in Virginia where during the C17th enslaved peoples were exploited in its cultivation. By the 1600s smoking was commonplace and causing concern. James I wrote A Counterblaste to Tobacco in 1604 where he condemned smoking as: ‘a custom loathsome to the eye, hatefull to the nose... neerest resembling the horrible Stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomlesse’. Despite this, he granted a charter to the Virginian settlers enjoining them to ‘make a profit by whatever means expedient’, the interpretation of which ensured tobacco’s economic survival.

By the early C18th men were prolific smokers, particularly in coffee and ale houses where publicans sold filled disposable clay pipes. Smoking was, however, frowned upon in polite Regency circles, where an interesting relationship developed between smell and personal space; the use of snuff was welcomed as far less intrusive. A letter in a London magazine opined: ‘every individual has a right to the pure respiration of the atmospheric element’. Society eventually adapted, as it had to, to the aroma of coffee, which was initially considered as offensive as excrement.

Smoking at home gradually became customary so

people felt the need to keep a tobacco supply and ‘jars’ were the means of safe storage. Cheap lead examples, such as ours, were introduced around 1750 and remained popular until the early C20th. Spacious enough to fit the whole hand, they often had a hollow lid in which was placed a piece of damp sponge to create the required humidity. Otherwise, a piece of apple or potato was used to maintain the flavour of the cured leaves. The jar was not only practical but intended to impress and display hospitality. The most fashionable were silver but Delft earthenware in blue was also considered very chic. Some were decorated with the family crest or animal emblems, unfortunately often with portrayals of heads of African slaves. Ours displays hearts and diamonds, perhaps reminiscent of card games played while smoking.

The Victorian middle classes came to believe each man smoked in his individual way, particularly after Conan Doyle’s fictional hero Sherlock Holmes rose to fame. This rationalised masculine consumption; tobacco, like fine wine, tailored clothing and mechanical gadgets could be appreciated only by tasteful, rational, bourgeois male consumers. While cigars and pipes were associated with masculinity, cigarettes were seen as more feminine or, worse, ‘foreign’. Working class smoking still revolved around the pub and conspicuous smoking in the street typically represented a rite of passage from boyhood to wage-earning manhood. Despite a backdrop of health scares and moral panics, the Victorian male individualistic attitude prevailed until at least the 1950s.

Tobacco was one of the first commodities within the capitalist system which, through its use, conveyed the complex idea that one could become different by consuming differently. This was intimately connected with the transformation from a hierarchical medieval society to a socially democratic, capitalist and industrial one.

Sherborne Museum is now open from Tuesdays to Saturdays 10.30am–4.30pm. Admission is free but donations are most welcome.

THE CASE IN QUESTION

Barbara Elsmore

Like many, I am sure, I have decided it is time for a clear-out. We have some excellent charity shops to help us in our endeavours that are so good my neighbour, who volunteers in one of them, was asked if the trousers that had been pulled off the rail by a customer came in another size as he was convinced by the quality of the items on display that he was in a conventional shop.

The things that are so difficult to dispose of are those that hold memories of former happy times. Just such an item is the picnic case in red leatherette given to my father when he left his job in Uxbridge for pastures new and we moved to Winchester in 1956. I was ten and my brother was seven. The picnic case was made by Sirram established in Birmingham in 1895 originally to manufacture bedsteads before branching out into picnic cases. Grandad and Granny had an older version in blue with metal flasks, sandwich tins and flower-patterned china plates. By contrast, ours was right up-to-date with fittings all in plastic with an ‘Atomic’ shaped flask - a style that was featured heavily at the Festival of Britain in 1951. The festival was held 100 years after the Great Exhibition to promote: ‘clean, bright and new designs in a country hitherto largely given up to gravy browns and dull greens. Bold strong primary colours were to be key to the future.’ Our up-to-date picnic case certainly fitted the bill.

Dad’s new job came with a car and this meant the novel enjoyment of heading off in the morning for a day at the seaside. The picnic case was joined by some folding chairs and a table. The coast was a picturesque drive through the New Forest to Milford on Sea, Highcliffe Castle, Bournemouth and sometimes over the ferry to Shell Bay and Sandbanks. Official car parks were few and far between and parking along the seafront was the way to go. We were never that early and so Dad often had to squeeze the Ford Anglia into some very small spaces which he was determined to get into no matter how tight they were. A little burner that worked with methylated spirit to boil a kettle was added so that a fresh pot of tea could be enjoyed at the picnic teas in the New Forest which became a regular feature of Sunday afternoons in the summer. There were certainly fewer cars on the road in those days but it didn’t feel like it when everyone tried to leave Hayling Island at the same time early on a Saturday or Sunday evening.

What fond memories are released through the family picnic case but what am I to do with it? At the moment this is still an unanswered question as I haven’t quite worked up the heart to bid it and the memories that go with it a final farewell.

SSLIPPERS

Richard Bromell ASFAV, Charterhouse Auctioneers

lippers are not a subject I know a vast amount about and yet I find myself looking into the subject of slippers. Research plays a large role in my job as an auctioneer and valuer. I have been down many rabbit holes in the past but it is all information, and I am partial to a bit of information.

Personally, I have never really had much interest in slippers. My feet are generally warm and toasty wandering through the house in a pair of socks in the winter. Whether this is down to being double jointed (or ‘hypermobile’ as we are in the 21st century) in my toes or due to (hopefully) good blood circulation – or possibly even a combination of the two – I do not know but they are warm which is all that really matters.

According to research online, often to be taken with a pinch of salt, slippers are a type of shoes falling under the broader category of light footwear, they are easy to put on and off and are intended to be worn generally indoors, particularly at home.

Hopefully, you found that as enlightening as I did, so why am I suddenly interested in slippers? Well, it is

because we have a pair coming up for auction!

Having had little or no interest in slippers, I now find myself wanting to own a pair. The pair in question are coming up (no, not an auction devoted to slippers) in our 3rd May specialist auction of textiles.

They date to the end of the late 19th century. Being some 130 years or so old they have survived in remarkably good condition. Made from wool, glass beads and leather, they are still lovely and supple. With floral beadwork decoration on a bright red ground, they make quite a statement.

I have seen and sold a lot of textiles over the decades. Many have not survived well. Generations of dogs, moths, house moves, a couple of world wars and direct sunlight fading them, quickly result in many being simply thrown away or discarded. But not these slippers, they are great, apart from one small point –I tried them on and they are too small for my big feet, much to the relief as usual by Mrs B. charterhouse-auction.com

A pair of late Victorian beadwork slippers, too small for Richard’s big feet

Forthcoming Auction Programme

2nd May

3rd May Silver, Jewellery & Watches

Antiques & Interiors

3rd May Textiles

Wine, Port & Whisky

31st May

Classic & Vintage Motorcycles

6th June

Classic & Vintage Cars

27th June

Further entries invited

The Larmer Tree Gardens

Nr Salisbury, SP5 5PY

Sunday 5 th May & B/H Monday 6 th May

Vintage, Artisan & Decorative Antiques Fair with Local Foodies

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website

www.thedorsetbrocante.co.uk

• Are you looking to move home?

• Are you planning any home improvements?

• When did you last review your mortgage?

• Do you need to reduce your mortgage payments?

• Is your current

coming to an end or do you need to remortgage?

Your mortgage is most probably the largest commitment and investment that you will ever make.

That is why it is so important to make sure you have the right mortgage for you that suits your individual circumstances.

Fully independent, and directly authorised, our adviser Chris Towell, is able to research every mortgage product available to the independent market, including those which are not available on the high street.

The first appointment is free of charge and we will then provide you with a tailor-made solution for your needs.

We believe in making the mortgage application process easy and straightforward for our clients, helping you to understand mortgages.

We provide our clients with an outstanding supportive service throughout the whole of the mortgage process. Existing clients return to us at renewal and are happy to refer new clients to us.

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

BEAN SHOT COFFEE

Words Claire Bowman Photography Dave Watts

Slowly, precisely, Graham Cox tilts the cup and adds the final flourish to the swan on the top of my flat white. I’ve seen some impressive latte art before but this is a masterpiece in frothed milk. ‘This is our Bella house blend,’ says the Bean Shot director, passing the coffee cup across the wooden counter. ‘It’s a combination of Colombian, Brazilian and Ethiopian beans – the Colombian and Brazilian providing the dark chocolates, the caramels, the rich, full-bodied part of that coffee, and the Ethiopian giving it a really natural sweetness. Our single-origin Rwandan, on the other hand, is known for its rich, boozy tones, while the Costa Rican single offers a brighter, citrussy and marzipan flavour. Each origin of coffee has its own unique flavour profile.’ >

A self-confessed coffee nerd, Graham and his team, Alex, Ashley and Ethan, have been serving up ‘Bloody Good Coffee’ in Sherborne, as their South Street sign boldly proclaims, for the past seven years. With its industrial, stripped-back aesthetic – all cement floors, hessian coffee bean sacks and wood-clad walls – there’s a ‘Shoreditch in Sherborne’ vibe to Bean Shot that’s apparent as soon as you step in the door. Grab a coffee to go, meet a friend, make a friend – the atmosphere is nothing if not relaxed.

‘What we’ve created here is a people space, a community space,’ says Graham, who joined Bean Shot shortly after Australian entrepreneur Nick Law launched it as a Somerset roastery supplying cafes and farm shops a decade ago. ‘Over the years, we’ve become a really good hub for customers to just chill out, enjoy themselves, be themselves and become friends with people they wouldn’t normally have met. You only have to look on our Instagram account to know we’re all about having fun. We want the cafe to be an exciting place to hang out and drink coffee that we’ve roasted ourselves.’

Sourced through an online platform called Algrano, which connects roasters with growers from all over the world, from Rwanda, Costa Rica and Ethiopia

to Peru, Colombia, Brazil and Guatemala, the coffee arrives at Bean Shot’s roastery in Bruton as raw beans – small and green with a distinctly grassy aroma. Roasted in small batches in a rotating drum (or, as Graham modestly describes it, a ‘glorified heated cement mixer’), the beans are then quickly transferred to special cooling bins to avoid the unpleasant ‘dry, acrid or burnt’ taste that comes with over-roasting. As each coffee requires its own depth of roasting to bring out the flavours, it is both a science and an art form. Luckily the Bean Shot team seem to have it cracked, with their popular Brue blend scooping two stars at last year’s Great Taste Awards and more going up in front of the judges this spring.

Having that direct communication with the farmer is, says Graham, not only key to ensuring the coffee has the very best flavours but is also a source of pride. ‘Last year I bought an entire crop from a farmer called Marina in Brazil, which is great because we know that the funds that we’ve given to her are going back into her community and are being used to better her crops. Our customers really appreciate the “crop to cup” story behind their coffee. They like the fact that it is ethically sourced and fairly traded and that we >

try to be as sustainable as possible with everything we do. All our milk, for example, is delivered in tenlitre milk churns from Bruton Dairy, which is only a stone’s throw from the roastery. That saves 3,000 single-use plastic bottles over the course of a year, which is an awful lot of plastic. It’s important to us to be making a very real and measurable difference.’

Keen to spread the love locally, Bean Shot have also collaborated with a number of businesses in Sherborne, creating an espresso spirit with Vineyards; a coffee stout with Parachute; swapped window displays with preloved clothing store Lemon; served coffee to customers queuing outside The Beat and Track on Record Store Day and have continually rotating artwork from local artist James Budden on the walls. In addition, in the build up to Christmas, Bean Shot teamed up with Lemon, The Beat and Track and Drinksmith, launching a ‘Disloyalty Card’ to encourage customers to patronise each other’s businesses, and last month invited chef Mat Follas to cook a three-course coffee-themed meal at Bean Shot.

Whether or not it’s the effect of the caffeine, there’s certainly a buzz in the air on the day of my visit. In the short space of time we’ve been chatting, a steady stream of people has joined the queue – commuters grabbing a coffee on the way to the station, parents swinging by postschool drop-off, dog walkers off on a stroll, tradespeople darting in between jobs, friends and couples settling in for a cappuccino and a catch-up. What’s more, they seem to be treating Graham and Ashley like old friends.

‘There’s a real rapport going between our staff members and our customers, and that’s how you generate friendships,’ says Graham, a former Gryphon School student who trained as a thatcher before moving into the world of artisan coffee. ‘For us, it’s a

real big thing that as a business we look after our staff. We make sure they’re well paid and enjoy what they do. My ethos is you work more than you are at home so you’ve got to make sure that your work life is really good. We train the staff as much as we possibly can and make sure everybody’s happy. Because in turn, they look after our customers.’

This customer-centric approach is what has grown the business over the past seven years, particularly since Covid. ‘We’re very big advocates of supporting whoever supports us,’ continues Graham. ‘We opened up for an hour last Christmas morning, serving free coffee. It was a little something in way of a thank you to our regular customers and to also provide a space for people living alone to come and see some friendly faces. We ended up serving over 150 coffees in the hour and received multiple messages throughout the rest of the day thanking us for opening. It was an amazing vibe and a great way to start Christmas! We’ll definitely be doing it again this year.

‘And we have loads of self-employed plumbers, electricians, garden maintenance people, tree surgeons – all the trades imaginable – dropping in for their coffee, who we help connect with our other customers. If someone tells us they’ve just moved to Sherborne, we’re like, “Great! Come in and talk to us, we know lots of tradespeople should you need them. Plumbers, Electricians, you name it, we can help find them.” There’s no expensive equipment required for being nice - no expenditure. At the end of the day, it’s just about being a good human being.’

beanshot.co.uk

bean_shot_coffee

Whether redecorating a room or two or decorating a whole home from scratch, it is so easy to become overwhelmed, agonising over the subtle differences between a dozen colour swatches. Add to this the thought of the dust and disruption decorating inevitably brings and the costs involved, and you have a melting pot of indecision. So, you seek advice from at least four friends, deftly field suggestions of outrageous colour combinations from the children and finally, at last, settle on a colour scheme.

Once the dust sheets have been folded and the furniture has been put back, there may be an instantaneous sinking feeling as you realise that you made a mistake. Or it may take longer as you gradually go off a trendy colour scheme that looked so striking on Instagram way back last year when you started planning.

Our homes are filled with personal objects with which we have deep emotional connections and these things can often be a source of inspiration for building a colour scheme. With sustainability and longevity in mind, it can be tempting to play it safe in terms of colour. Few of us feel comfortable living in a sterile white environment though and whilst a palette of calming neutrals has a timeless appeal, experimenting with colour can bring so much personality to a home. Fabrics are a ready-made colour palette and matching your wall colour to your curtains or even matching chintzy patterned fabric and wallpaper, gives a striking ‘decorated’ look, particularly suited to bedrooms or snug sitting rooms.

Whatever your colour preferences, there are a few tricks which can elevate your style. One of the comments that I hear most is, ‘I wish I’d been bolder.’ Often, we are scared to take risks and we compromise on an idea because it feels ‘too much’. If you want to make a statement with a dark or dramatic wall colour then I’m afraid there are no halfmeasures. Consider paint colours for every surface, particularly for the woodwork and ceiling, rather than playing it safe with off-white. By fully committing to matching the wall colour to the woodwork or by choosing a complementary contrast, the result will look far more considered and intentional. Colour drenching isn’t necessarily as scary as it sounds. Whether you choose a subtle neutral or something more striking, using the same colour across walls, woodwork and ceilings will give a space a calming, cocooning atmosphere and fewer visual breaks in colour can make a space feel bigger.

Whenever we decorate, we should be making a commitment to something that we’ll feel at home with for years rather than following the latest fad. It’s rarely practical to simply start again just because you may have changed your mind, not to mention expensive and wasteful. Should you find yourself in this situation though, a complete doover isn’t always absolutely necessary to pull things together and make a space feel right. It may be that something as simple as moving items from one space to another, playing with new layouts and colour combinations is all we need to do. Reusing curtains from here or rehanging a picture from there is enough for a refreshing update. Even tape or ribbon can be used as a border to define an interesting detail or disguise colour matches that just aren’t quite right.

Along with personal style, it is also important to be informed by what is appropriate to the style of the house. Particularly in older properties, some faddy decorating trends can feel jarring. If pops of neon are your cup of tea though, restrict them to small details. A great way to experiment and be brave with new colours in a kitchen, for example, is to keep the majority neutral but add a shot of fabulous colour on a separate cabinet, island or dresser. Dipping a toe in in this way is a great way to get an idea of how we feel about something which at first may have seemed a little too much. bridporttimber.co.uk

NEW HOUSING FOR SHERBORNE

Roger White, Architectural Historian

The subject of new housing is a topic of keen national debate and perhaps nowhere more so than in Dorset. It seems to be generally accepted that new housing is needed, with an evergrowing population boosted by unprecedented levels of immigration, and it is a very common complaint that local people, whose roots in the area may go back several generations, simply cannot find housing they can afford. And yet, while there may be a general grudging acceptance that there has to be housing development, when it comes to the crunch it can seem that any and every development proposal is met with opposition by the existing residents of the area concerned.

There are good reasons for this, of which one of the most compelling is that so many developments are just plain awful – badly designed, poorly constructed, lacking in infrastructure and with no sense of place. In practice, the majority of housing developments are the product of a small number of large national developers, who have little or no interest in tailoring their schemes to fit in with long-established local architectural idioms and local materials.

Elsewhere in the county, the hottest potato is probably the proposed development of circa 4,000 houses to the north of Dorchester. But in Sherborne, attention inevitably focuses on the prospect of hundreds of new houses on the west and north sides of

town, so it is interesting to try and discover what form this might take. As 98% of developable land around the town is owned by Sherborne Castle Estate, it will be the estate that releases the necessary land, that determines in the first instance where development takes place, and that has the power to ensure that it is of the highest possible standard. Previous prominent examples of developments on SCE land include Fosters Field, built in the early 2000s, and the Corelli development still under construction to the northwest. The former is generally felt to be a considerable success, designed and built not by a big developer but, at the insistence of SCE, by the Dorset firm of CG Fry, which has been heavily involved at Poundbury and has to its credit a number of smaller developments around the county that fit in well with their village surroundings. The latter is much more problematic because the firm originally granted an option by SCE to build was taken over by the large national developer Persimmon, entirely outside of SCE’s control. The then West Dorset District Council drew up an admirable design guide which, if implemented, would have ensured a consistently better result. Unfortunately, this was largely disregarded by Persimmon, and – as so often - there was no council enforcement.

Looking to the future, Nigel Jones, Development Consultant to SCE says that there is no prospect of a

St. Anthony's Square, Sherborne

large national developer being allowed to build on estate land again. However, the estate has been thinking hard about the way forward. West Dorset DC’s draft local plan concluded that a western extension towards Yeovil would be appropriate but, with the absorption of the authority into the unitary Dorset Council, everything has been put on hold pending the production of a new local plan – a very protracted process that is supposed to eventually see the light of day in 2026 (a draft is due next year). But much thinking has already gone on in the estate office about the way things will be handled and it will certainly differ from the past. For one thing, having hopefully obtained over-arching permission to develop, parcels of land would be sold gradually to regional developers ‘of quality’ (Mr Jones stresses this), with the estate controlling the development using contractual powers rather than relying on the local authority’s limited powers of enforcement (as revealed in the Corelli development). There would be a design code but the estate would not get involved down to the granular detail found at Poundbury. Throughout the process, the estate is keen to work with Dorset Council, Sherborne Town Council and the wider Sherborne community to ensure a result with many community benefits.

When it comes to the number of houses involved, Mr Jones is reluctant to put a figure on it but to get

the infrastructure right they need to discover from the education and health authorities how many houses are needed to justify such things as a new primary school and a new surgery or health centre. Once the parameters are established they will bring on board master planners and architects. One thing that won’t happen, Mr Jones says, is for any development to extend right up to the northern skyline that forms the backdrop to the town. Nor will the development be allowed to extend indefinitely towards Yeovil – certainly a possibility that concerns many residents.

A potentially controversial feature is SCE’s idea to reduce the A30 to single carriageway as it approaches the town from Yeovil, mainly because it feels that a dual carriageway is not ‘permeable’ – that in other words, it forms a barrier between what happens to north and south. This has obvious traffic implications but the estate maintains that north-south traffic is as much a problem as west-east and it is intended to lead traffic from the Marston Road away from the existing junction at Kitt Hill westwards through the new development so that it avoids the town centre.

All this remains in the future but it is encouraging that in the meantime the town’s biggest landowner is already convinced of the need to achieve the best possible results for Sherborne.

Fosters Field, Sherborne

tasks. Now is the time to plant ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, soft fruit and vegetables, as well as sowing seeds for summer bedding plants and potting up plants for tubs and hanging baskets. Feed your plants in pots and in the ground. Keep those little visitors in mind to create a wildlifefriendly haven along the way and make sure to put some time aside to give your lawn some love. You can pick up your trees, shrubs, seeds and pots any day of the week.

Monday to Saturday: 9am – 6pm Sunday: 10am – 4:30pm

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SPRING FAVOURITES

Itake great delight in rediscovering my favourite plants as they re-awaken and start to perform in the spring. Amongst these are the summer flowering Spirea but it’s their foliage which is the most impressive feature. Many such as Spirea Firelight have bronze-red young foliage which eventually fades back to golden by the summer. The best colour is on the youngest growth so hard, early spring pruning will promote lots of new growth giving excellent colour whilst also creating growth upon which the pink flowers will come later in the summer months. This annual form of pruning also keeps the plant at a controllable size. Other varieties include the oddly named Double Play Big Bang and the more simply named Goldmound, plus also the variety Shirobano which has green leaves but lots of pink and white flowers come the summer.

Probably the best flowers of any flowering shrub are the perennial wallflowers known as Erysimum. These are shrubby forms of wallflower and start performing in the early spring. Once the flowers start to fade it’s important to prune them off before they set seed so that the plant keeps producing flowers. One of the best varieties is Bowles Mauve but there are lots of other colours too such as Walberton’s Fragrant Sunshine and some with variegated foliage. The flowers are loved by pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies and will

give extra delight because of the activity around them.

Another favourite is the Abelia which are evergreen shrubs that flower from mid-summer right the way through the autumn. The common variety is Abelia grandiflora which has pink buds opening to white flowers in abundance. However, I also like those with golden foliage such as Francis Mason which gives extra colour interest through the darker months with its foliage and some excellent young red stems which are a further attraction. These are small shrubs and are suitable for most gardens.

I’m a fan of foliage above flowers and for small borders and patio gardens, the low-growing Pittopsorum will give shape and structure. A particular favourite is Tom Thumb with its neat spherical shape and purple evergreen leaves. I love it in the spring particularly when the young lime-green foliage comes out which contrasts with the older purple foliage before itself turning colour. I also like the variety Golf Ball which has bright green leaves and can be used as a low hedge which rarely needs clipping.

For out-and-out flower though and at a much smaller scale, look out for the Night Scented Phlox which has the delightful Latin name –Zaluzianskya! It is best described as an alpine and flowers through the spring and well into the summer with white daisy-like flowers with a red underside to the petals. The flowers

Mike Burks, Managing Director, The Gardens Group

Erysimum Bowles Mauve

Spirea

Abelia

Lonicera japonica

Sambucus Black Lace

Yi-Lin Tsai/Shutterstock

Tanja Klopper/Shutterstock

Caycebilly/Shutterstock

Pittosporum Tom Thumb

Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock

are often closed during the day but come out in the evening when the plant also emits a wonderful scent. This is perfect to be positioned next to a comfortable bench and is best enjoyed with a long, cool glass and with the sun setting! It’s a useful food source for moths at night too.

From down low to a climber, I really like the honeysuckle Lonicera japonica repens. Honeysuckles remind me of my mum and this is a particularly good variety as it is evergreen (or semi-evergreen to be perfectly correct) which will climb and nicely fill a six-foot fence. It is best in a sunny spot but will also cope with a certain amount of shade. The flowers, which will be from spring through to summer, are purple in bud opening to white and are wonderfully fragrant. It is loved by bees and other pollinators. Other great varieties include Lonicera Henryi with its orange and pink flowers and the variety Copper Beauty has wonderful young copper growth too.

We often get asked at this time of year for the Japanese Maple that flowers but what is being described in fact is the cut-leaf purple elder known as Sambucus Black Lace. This is a terrific shrub not just for the cut-leaf maple-like foliage but also for the pink-edged, white-scented flowers which come in the late spring. The best foliage is from the youngest growth so some gentle pruning is required but folklore suggests that good spirits dwell in elder trees so please ask their permission before you start cutting! thegardensgroup.co.uk

Night Scented Phlox

Kateryna Pavliuk/Shutterstock

Open lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch

Chocolate mousse with Chantilly cream

THE KITCHEN GARDEN

APRIL

Jules Horrell, Horrell & Horrell

Finally, it feels like spring is in the air, the daffodils are almost over and all our fruit trees are starting to blossom. When we moved here, almost 8 years ago, one of the first things we did was to plant a plethora of fruit and nut trees. We now use the fruit on our menu but with such an abundance, we also experiment with preserves, pickles and ferments, extending the season of when our harvest can be enjoyed. Last year, the wonderful Hazel from Jam Shed helped us and produced over 1000 jars filled with chutneys, jellies and jams, all made from our bountiful harvest.

Our kitchen garden is also ready to spring into action and after mulching over the winter with ‘ten tonnes’ of spent mushroom compost, a job the whole family joined forces on, the raised beds are now teeming with life. The new greenhouse is crammed full of trays with seedlings and it’s one of my favourite places to be at this time of year, cup of tea and notebook in hand. We sow a huge variety of seeds to fill our kitchen garden with flowers, fruit and vegetables for the seasons ahead. This year we have planted copious amounts of tomatoes and cucumbers, as these proved hugely popular with last year’s dining guests. By the end of June, no doubt the polytunnel will look like a jungle but it will provide plenty of weekly pickings to fill our table, with any excess being pickled or fermented.

In addition to our own kitchen garden and orchard, we also work with other like-minded growers. Cam, here in Sparkford, who set up Off Grid Organics last summer, grows an abundance of vegetables for our dinners. In early January, we met for coffee and chatted through our growing plans for the year ahead. Cam is now busy preparing and sowing, ahead of delivering the freshest bounty to us every week from May onwards. We also work with Tia and Nick at Wild Garden in Galhampton. Tia grows the most beautiful salad leaves and I look forward to my weekly visits when I pick up her freshly picked salad leaves and a couple of slices of homemade cake!

April hails the official start of the British asparagus season, on the 23rd, which is also St George’s Day. We source our asparagus from Red Barn Farm Shop in Mudford, where Liz and her team harvest early every morning, for the short 6-week season. Trips to Liz result not only in bundles of just-picked asparagus but also the sweetest red strawberries grown on a neighbouring farm in Chilton Cantelo. One of our favourite family lunches is a simple asparagus quiche followed by strawberries with Guernsey cream from Dave and Rosie at Hurdlebrook Farm.

Alongside growing and sourcing the food for our table, we are also keen collectors of local and vintage finds for the garden. We love nothing more than a visit to a reclamation yard or plant nursery. So for my birthday this year, Steve bought a living willow dome kit from Musgrove Willows, a delightful family-run business, located on the Somerset Levels since 1928. Building the structure became a bit of a family event. The dome now has pride of place near the greenhouse and is coming to life with masses of green shoots. We have since decided to stockpile dried willow so I’ll now sign off and disappear to the garden where I intend to build a collection of tepees and arches for our squash and climbing edibles to clamber over.

SNACK ATTACK

Sandra Miller BSc, MSc, BCNH Dip, FDN-P, Wholistic Health

There are certain moments in a parent’s day that can feel quite stressful! Hungry, tired children arriving home from school may be one of them. Home they come, throwing off their need to reign everything in all day, along with their school bags and shoes. The breadth of their vocabulary may be reduced to moody groans as they communicate the difficulties they’ve encountered at school.

We may sense a kind of familiarity with this behaviour. As adults, our control may be better than that which our children can muster at times but we can probably all relate to feeling hungry, in need of something before making it to the next meal and more inclined to reach for something convenient (possibly also indulgent) rather than healthy.

Choosing to meet ourselves and others where we are, rather than where we’d like to be, is so important. Goals to educate and not shame are significant too.

I believe these things help foster healthy attitudes towards food which tends to naturally result in healthier diets and lifestyles as a whole. Having said that, I know as well as anyone how challenging it can be to actually live by that at times!

Please bear all this in mind when I say that my ideal vision is for no snacking at all…but please don’t slam your copy of the Sherborne Times down on the coffee table in outrage just yet! Whilst you must, of course, tend to your child needing a snack at that moment, it would be good to take time later to consider what led to this situation. Does it happen regularly? Could there be an emotional component or are they experiencing genuine hunger alone? We should be able to make it from one balanced meal to the next without fading away. If one particular meal seems not to do that for our child, it’s going to be worth exploring why that is, so that positive change is possible.

Image: Katharine Davies

All children’s meals, and ideally snacks too, should contain all three macronutrients: proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. If we add fruits and vegetables to these, you’ll have a balanced meal which is more likely to be sustaining. Proteins can easily be sidelined but are crucial to whether a meal keeps fuelling us until the next meal. These include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, lentils and beans. Most of us have little trouble including carbohydrates in our meals. The common swap that elevates a meal is complex carbohydrates instead of refined ones. We want more root vegetables and wholegrains instead of sugar and an abundance of things made from flour, especially white flour. Healthy fats in a meal keep us going longer too. Some come along with proteins like cheese, nuts and seeds. Other healthy fat foods include olives, olive oil and avocados. Fruits and vegetables offer not just fibre, which offers a feeling of

fullness, but important nutrients. By applying a mental checklist for the three macronutrients plus fruits and vegetables to all three daily meals you should find that the snack attacks become naturally less frequent and troublesome. This checklist is also ideal when it comes to creating a snack when one is needed.

We don’t ban sweets and cake snacks in our household but we certainly do limit them. I also make swaps for healthier options and walk my children through the reasoning behind why. I encourage them to read ingredient labels so they can begin to make informed choices for themselves. It’s lovely to see my children happy with what they choose whilst avoiding ingredients such as artificial colours or sweeteners. The higher the content of sugar or other refined carbohydrates something is, the more I will typically insist they have it at the end of a balanced meal, which significantly offsets the blood sugar spike it would elicit on its own. This is literally a way of having your cake and eating it!

Now for some whole-food snack ideas. Your child should have an appetite for these if they are truly hungry. An apple can go well with some nut butter, cottage cheese or hard cheese. Fruit on its own may cause a higher spike in blood sugar but is still a great way to keep going until the next meal. Vegetable snacks can be surprisingly filling. The convenience of keeping some chopped vegetables prepared in the fridge can make them far more appealing. Oatcakes can make a filling, high-fibre, wholegrain and portable snack. Cheesy ones are low sugar with added protein and flavour without needing to spread anything else on them, which can be handy when out and about. Snacks with a long shelf-life to carry in a bag include nuts or bars which contain nuts. Nuts are useful alone but also to accompany sweet treats and reduce their impact on blood sugar quite considerably.

Circling back to the children struggling with hunger and tiredness at the beginning of this article, it will be a skill for life if they can be helped to learn to recognise when they are truly hungry. They might really need some downtime, be feeling thirsty or need a hug. True hunger builds slowly. Emotional hunger tends to be more urgent and has us seeking out indulgent foods rather than vegetable sticks. Happy feeding souls as well as bodies!

Free supplementary material on this topic is available at wholistichealth.co.uk

FRESH MOREL CREAM SAUCE

Tom Matkevich, The Green

Morel mushrooms are one of Britain’s most highly prized native ingredients and given the season starts in April, this sauce is a special way to showcase them as a fresh ingredient. With that said, it is still delicious with dried morels. It serves as a great accompaniment to a range of dishes, particularly with pan-fried meat and poultry, garnished with fresh tarragon. Even try stirring it through some pasta and finishing with freshly grated parmesan.

Ingredients Serves 4

250g fresh morels (or 30g dried morels, rehydrated), rinsed and cut into smaller chunks

2 shallots, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

300ml double cream

250ml dry white wine

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Olive oil

Method

1 Place a medium-sized saucepan on a medium heat. Add roughly 2 tbsp of olive oil followed by the shallot and garlic and stir frequently until softened and translucent but not browned.

2 Add the morels and white wine and simmer for around 15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by around half.

3 Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for a further 5 minutes or until it has thickened to a saucy consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

greenrestaurant.co.uk

Raw morels are poisonous and must always be cooked before consumption.

Candace Hartley/Shutterstock

EAT, DRINK, AND ENJOY THE VIEW

FROM FIELD TO TABLE

A Dorset cafe with a difference, we champion homegrown and celebrate nature. Meet our Tamworth pigs, feast on our artisan produce, and enjoy our idyllic views.

OPEN

Friday pizza 5-8pm

Saturday and Sunday 10am-2.30pm

FROM THE 11TH OF APRIL

WE ARE OPEN:

Thursday - Sunday 10am-3pm

Friday pizza nights 5-8pm (must book for pizzas)

Lavender Keepers

Sandford Orcas

Sherborne, DT9 4FG thestorypig.co.uk

Get in touch with James or Charlotte 07802 443 905 info@thestorypig.co.uk

THE CAKE WHISPERER

Val Stones

NO-BAKE MINI EGG EASTER CHEESECAKE

Our family loves cheesecake and Cadbury Mini Eggs so combining them both in an Easter chocolate treat doesn’t get any better. There’s a buttery crumb biscuit base topped with a no-bake cheesecake. This recipe uses about 8 small bags of mini eggs. It is important to weigh the lemon juice as it will set the cheesecake.

Preparation

20 minutes, chilling time for the base 30 minutes, cheesecake 3 hours

What you will need

9-inch (20cm) deep, loose-bottom baking tin greased with a silicon liner in the base, offset palate knife and icing bag fitted with 2D nozzle. Cake lifter. Serving plate.

Ingredients Serves 8-12

300g digestive biscuits

150g unsalted butter, melted

350g Cadbury Mini Eggs, crushed, plus 80g for decorating

600ml double cream

560g cream cheese

140g icing sugar

40g lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A few edible flowers, such as violas or primrose, to decorate

2 Pour the crumb mixture into the baking tin and press down firmly and evenly, place in the fridge to chill.

3 Whip the cream to soft peak, set aside 3 tablespoons for decorating the top.

4 Beat the cream cheese until smooth then add the icing sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Beat well –the mixture should thicken.

5 Pour the cream cheese mixture into the fresh cream and fold in until combined.

6 Add the crushed eggs and fold in gently, spoon the mixture into the baking tin then tap the tin on the worktop to get rid of any air bubbles, level off with a palate knife and place in the fridge to chill for 3 hours.

7 Remove the tin from the fridge and loosen the edges with a knife dipped in hot water, stand the tin on a bowl to release the cheesecake. Using a cake lifter lift the cheesecake onto the serving plate.

8 Place the remaining cream into the piping bag with a 2D nozzle, pipe 12 small rosettes on the top of the cheesecake and decorate with more chocolate eggs and flowers if you wish.

Method

1 Place the biscuits in a plastic bag and with a rolling pin crush them into fine crumbs, pour the crumbs into the melted butter and stir until all combined.

9 Serve immediately or it will keep covered in the fridge for 5-7 days. It will also freeze for up to 3 months (undecorated) and will need to be defrosted overnight in the fridge.

bakerval.com

A MONTH ON THE PIG FARM

James Hull, The Story Pig

It seems like only yesterday it was Christmas time and now I am writing for the April edition – this year is racing by as do all the others. As I write it’s a dark, quiet Monday evening and the radio burbles away in the background. The hours of daylight are pulling out fast now – long days stream ahead of me, which is lucky as I can fill every waking hour with jobs. It’s probably the busiest time of year for me but also the happiest. I am at present spending most of my time fencing, dreaming about fencing and living fencing. Our new garden is starting to take shape and the bones are being laid – the bones being copious

metres of metal estate fencing. I was nervous to start with – would I be able to get it how I wanted, with beautiful flowing curves, accentuating our undulating pasture land, providing the foreground to frame our view? I can say I am happy with what we are doing so far. Josh, my helper for the last two weeks, has worked with me tirelessly to make it as perfect as possible. I’m so pleased with it that I just love to stare at the curves we are creating.

Away from the fence, our pigs are giving me the runaround. I have one big pig that is escaping daily, sliding under the electric fence as if it weren’t there.

Image: Katharine Davies

Then, at the other end of the spectrum, I have little piglets doing the same thing, roaming all around except where they are supposed to be. I am trying to turn a blind eye to the little ones as I am so busy fencing but from where we are working I can see that things cannot be allowed to carry on like this much longer – soon I will have to bring this bad behaviour to an end.

By the time you peruse my words, we will have dismantled the tipi in the barn and put it back up outside, ready for the long summer months to come. The weather is going to be glorious as what else could it be after nearly six months of the most hideous weather has battered us? Nature always evens up so ‘sun’ it’s going to be… We can but hope. We love our outside setup. Our tipis stand majestically in the landscape – it’s where they are meant to be. All of you can come and share in the beauty of our little bit of heaven and eat the most delicious homemade breakfast and lunches cooked by Charlotte in her unique way. We have an Easter event in the planning. The events we plan always come around so quickly and this year I crazily suggested that we did some piglet racing. Charlotte was against this idea from the start, saying, it won’t work well. I assured her it was a great idea and it would be easy to organise. Now, with the event less than three weeks away, most of my piglets are turning feral and being the farmer who is doing most of the racing, I’m not so sure it was a good idea. I lay awake at three in the morning worrying about how I am going to turn them into model, calm ambassadors of their species. I’m still not sure, but I guess it will all work out on the day, somehow. Training is going to start soon!

Our lavenders in the poly-tunnel that we are growing ready for our new garden are bursting into life, with the softest of grey-green shoots reaching skywards. The ones in our garden are awaking too from their winter slumber – slowly, imperceptibly, they are becoming frothy balls of joy, soon to be joined by many more, until we have a landscape bursting with purple. Oh, how we will love that.

We have been busy planting 250 metres of native hedging on our boundaries, a real team effort and not an easy job in the mud as it was. We have a huge pond liner sitting in the yard waiting for me to build it a home. Oh yes, it is still very muddy in the pig fields but soon I’m sure all I will have to worry about is dust… bring it on soon, please!

Micro-dining experiences in an old cow barn and kitchen garden

‘A visit to Horrell & Horrell is like going to a friend for dinner, where you bring a bottle, relax, enjoy the food, and let conversation flow –whilst we take care of everything else’

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and the occasional Sunday lunch

To reserve a space at a dining experience or to enquire about private hire, please visit

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Sparkford, Somerset

AUSTRIAN WINE

David Copp

Austria offers a quite wonderful array of intensely pure wines. When you visit, the freshness of the mountain air is immediately apparent. Most Austrian wine comes from the Weinland Österreich in the east of the country where the Alps descend to the great Pannonian Plain.

There are many different soils: slate, sand, gneiss, loam and fertile loess in fields around the shallow Neusidlersee See. They produce a range of wines, a little more powerful than the gentle Rhine and mosel wines. This is the home of Austria’s own white grape the gruner veltiner which accounts for about a third of all Austria’s planting. Gruner, often called GruVe, pronounced groovy, is thirst-quenching fresh and fruity

with good acidity and flavour. In the best sites up-river from Vienna they are more full-bodied and can be intriguingly spicy.

If you are visiting Austria, a short boat ride upstream from Vienna will bring you into the heart of the winegrowing area. The wines here are fuller-bodied and more spicy: even a little peppery. They are delicious when matched with local cuisine.

Austria produces rather more white wine than red65% of production is white. However, there is a growing demand for their reds from around Carnuntum, south of the Danube, where you will find some wonderfully sited villages which have proved to be hotspots for the red grapes Blaufrankish and Zweigelt.

Vienna has more vineyards than any other capital city I have visited. They come right up to the main tram lines and surge up the hillside into the Vienna woods. The local demand used to be for light, red wines for the tavern trade but more recently growers have begun to make more sophisticated reds from the warmer south such as Thermenregion.

Steiermark in Styria, just north of Graz, is the place to find some of the very best Austrian wines and leading winemakers such as Gross, Polz, Tement and Hannes Sabathi who all produce beautifully elegant wines. Austria may be a relatively small producer compared to its neighbours Germany and Italy, but it does produce some gems worth making an effort to see.

Shake, muddle and pour with our talented bartenders on a Clockspire Cocktail Masterclass, or, don an apron and head to the kitchen for a days’ apprenticeship with Luke and the team.

Enjoy the Clockspire experience with our great value set menu ...and find out why we’re shortlisted as finalists in the prestigious Trencherman’s Awards!

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2 Courses £24.00

3 Courses £29.00

Served Weds &Thurs lunch and dinner, Fridays lunch only

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Pet, Equine & Farm Animals

• Operating theatres • Digital x-ray • Nurse clinics

• Separate dog and cat wards • Laboratory

Kingston House Veterinary Clinic Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3DB

Mon-Fri 9.00-10.30, 16.30-18.00

Sat 9.00-10.30

Tel: 01935 813288 (24 hours)

Email: sherborne@kingstonvets.co.uk

Grove Dene Veterinary Clinic

The Forum, Abbey Manor Park, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 3TL

Mon-Fri 8.30-12.00, 14.00-18.30

Sat 9.00-12.00

Tel: 01935 421177 (24 hours)

Email: yeovil@kingstonvets.co.uk Free

THE CIRCLES OF LIFE

Mark Newton-Clarke MAVetMB PhD MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons

Easter is by far my favourite festival of the year – the herald of spring and the start of another life cycle for many animals, wild and domestic. It’s the time for new lambs and tired shepherds, a demanding but rewarding period in the farming calendar. Forty years ago it was also a very busy time in the veterinary calendar, although these days I suspect veterinary intervention is minimal due to the higher skill level of livestock keepers and the economics of modern veterinary practice.

I was lucky enough to start my working life in rural Lincolnshire in the mid-80s when winters were real and the sight of a big, bright circle in the sky warming the land and the animals on it was more than welcome. Lambing season was a very busy time and in those days to perform three caesarean operations on ewes in a day was the norm, along with numerous calls for complicated obstetrics. My small hands came in very useful and I hope I always used them gently, even when a little force was required. One common condition in sheep that prevents a normal delivery is ‘ringwomb’ – an incomplete opening of the cervix. This becomes immediately apparent on an internal examination, a tight circle of tissue at the entrance to the ewe’s birth canal. Little feet, a nose or a tail is often felt on the other side, sometimes having a wriggle, a reminder of the urgency of the situation. I became pretty good at epidurals, hoping that as the tightness of the constriction was eased with gentle manipulation, pain for the ewe was minimised. The next step was to work out which lamb legs belonged to which head as with twins and triplets, all tightly packed into a fragile uterus, it was a tangle. I always used my left hand to unravel the puzzle of an animal’s insides and my right to do the manual work. A piece of plastic-covered washing line made the perfect snare for a lamb’s head that refused to stay in a straight line as traction was applied to front feet and if all was nicely lined up, out came the new addition to the flock.

Inevitably, every year there are a few lambs that need bottle-feeding, a time-consuming task but one usually loved by the farmer’s children and their friends. Although always intended to be returned to the flock when old enough, I have known several lambs that managed to stay in the farmhouse. On more than one occasion I’ve seen a lamb snuggled down in the dog beds, with the dogs! Growing up in a pack of dogs had the expected result of making those lambs think and act like dogs, chasing cars and cats and sometimes obeying commands. I always wondered how they would get on herding a flock of their own kind. I think everyone would end up

Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

running around in circles!

Nature is full of circles, astronomical, anatomical and sociological. Our personal lives and that of our pets, seem linear until you consider our bodies are just vessels for the transport of our genes. The next generation continues the process of spreading their parents’ DNA in the wider population in ever-expanding circles unless selective breeding is vigorously employed. This, of course, is the case with livestock and pedigree dogs and cats. As a breed’s gene pool is increasingly restricted, unless great care is exercised, inter-breeding between close relatives results in inherited disorders. As humans, we talk of ‘family circles’ with the understanding that

breeding within the circle is one of our great taboos. Although admittedly a much larger circle, a pure breed is basically a big family and quite the opposite is applied. Fair enough, responsible breeders know the ancestry of their animals and select breeding pairs to optimise health as much as possible but even in the vast human gene pool, we are all related to everyone else to a degree. Perhaps it’s time for us to appreciate the similarities between individuals and not the differences…and then persuade the world’s political leaders to do the same.

newtonclarkevet.com

SPRING LOADED

Rebecca Price BVetSci MRCVS, Friars Moor Livestock Health ClarkandCompany/iStock

Despite the inclement weather, we are all agreed at the practice that spring has sprung! Spring is definitely our busiest time of year, with seasonal block calving, as well as commercial and smallholder flocks lambing.

I think most vets must enjoy attending lambings and calvings – there is nothing better than attending a difficult birth and having a live calf or lamb at the end. More often than not they are up and about before we have finished cleaning off! The calvings and lambings we get called to are often malpresentations, where, for a multitude of reasons, the positioning in the uterus is incorrect. Identifying which legs are which can often be challenging when there are twins or triplets – being able to picture what’s going on inside is important to then begin the process of correcting it.

Other times, the calf or lamb is just too big to come out the back and we elect for a caesarean instead. A caesarean is major abdominal surgery and is not a decision to take lightly, though when we know the calf or lambs are alive it does help! Caesareans are a team effort and help is always needed from the farmer to pull the calf or lambs out and give them the necessary attention whilst the vet starts the stitch-up.

Most cows and ewes give birth naturally, and those which don’t are more often than not assisted by the farmer, rather than a vet. It is a very daunting task when you don’t have much experience – quite frequently we think it would be useful to have X-ray vision to determine what kind of tangle is going on in there!

We offer lambing and calving courses to give people the confidence needed to at least have a go. As well as covering the care of the dam and the calves and lambs post-birth, we try to offer good practical advice on how to identify what’s going on and how to correct it – putting ropes on, identifying front from back legs, correcting head position and knowing when it is likely too big to pull.

The courses are run on the farm and give attendees the opportunity to (hopefully!) see some lambings, and identify the different stages of labour – if the ewes get the memo!

Our next Lambing and Calving Courses are coming up soon. If you are interested please get in contact with us at the surgery – we’d love to have you along.

friarsmoorlivestockhealth.co.uk

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DECODING PIGMENTATION

Sarah Hitch, The Sanctuary Beauty Rooms and The Margaret Balfour Beauty Centre

Pigmentation is one of the most common yet complex skin conditions affecting men and women on our faces and bodies. Age spots, dark patches and pigmentation are signs that overproduction of skin pigment has occurred within the skin. This can be triggered by many factors which is why skin dis-colouration is so frequently seen.

All skin contains some level of the pigment melanin and the variety in our natural production of this molecule is what determines individual skin tone. Melanin is produced to protect skin cells from damage, for example when exposed to UV light. It is also produced in response to other stimuli, both internal and external, some of which can lead to excess melanin production and, in the worst cases, cancer.

Melanin is made by cells called melanocytes, which are scattered through the very bottom layer of our epidermis, which is the skin’s top layer. When these cells are stimulated by specific melanocyte-stimulating hormones a reaction occurs facilitating the synthesis of the pigment melanin. There are two types of melanin, a red, brown pigment produced in people with lighter skin tones, and eumelanin, a dark brown or black pigment produced in people with darker skin tones. This melanin is packaged up inside melanosomes which travel into the surrounding skin cells. As they travel a

supranuclear cap is formed to protect the cell nucleus and cell DNA from UV damage.

Pigmentation becomes visible as marks or spots when melanin deposits build up in the upper layers of skin because protein activity becomes misaligned. Certain triggers can result in increased melanocyte activity: meaning more melanin and increased pigmentation. Genetics play an important role but excessive sun exposure, screen exposure, hormones, certain medications and stress appear to be the main triggers.

Alongside natural stimuli, hormones play a crucial role, particularly for women. The reproductive hormone oestrogen can over-stimulate melanin production, particularly when exposed to sunlight resulting in large areas of pigmentation called melasma during pregnancy. Women taking birth control pills can also be affected by this and so in both cases it is a must to wear high sun protection factors when in strong sunlight.

Endocrine stress can trigger melanocytes into action and combined with lack of sleep, create free radicals which damage skin DNA and cause an increase in melanin production.

Solar Lentigines are caused by sun damage and are most common in those over the age of 40. Age spots, liver spots and sun spots are marks that appear all over the body but are most frequent on the face,

arms

hands as these areas are more regularly exposed to the sunlight.

Freckles are a short-term response by the skin after exposure to sunlight. They are not a sign of severe skin damage but indicate an individual is susceptible to UV damage making sun protection particularly crucial.

Protection and persistence are the keys to treating pigmentation. It can be challenging as it is usually caused by years of damage and reversing it will not happen overnight. Significant improvements can be made with advances in skin technologies, treatments and skincare products which can target the melanin over-production. Patience will still be required for the deeper markings because they are held in the lowest layer of the epidermis and take time to travel up and for the cell production to be normalised.

Protection against sun exposure should be the first and main focus of any treatment plan as unprotected direct UV exposure can immediately undo any progress made on your pigmentation. Once you have reduced or eradicated your pigmentation, future exposure to strong sunlight should be managed, and never without SPF protection.

thesanctuarysherborne.co.uk margaretbalfour.co.uk

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

Lucy Lewis, Dorset Mind Ambassador

April is National Stress Awareness Month and this year, we are particularly focusing on workplace stress. In today’s fast-paced world, workplace stress has become a common challenge for many individuals. From demanding deadlines to interpersonal conflicts, the modern workplace can often feel like a pressure cooker. However, managing workplace stress is crucial for maintaining mental wellbeing and productivity. Here are some effective strategies to help navigate and mitigate workplace stress:

Identifying Stressors

The first step in managing workplace stress is to identify the root causes. Take some time to reflect on what aspects of your job are causing you stress. Is it the workload, tight deadlines, conflicts with colleagues or something else? Once you pinpoint the stressors, you can begin to address them more effectively.

Establish Boundaries

Setting boundaries between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout. While it may be tempting to constantly check emails or work late hours, it’s important to carve out time for relaxation and leisure activities. Set specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible to maintain a healthy worklife balance.

Practice Stress Management Techniques

Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine to help alleviate workplace stress. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation and progressive muscle relaxation are effective ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Take short breaks throughout the day to practice these techniques and recharge your batteries.

Prioritise Tasks

When faced with a heavy workload, it’s important to prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. Break down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time. Learn to delegate tasks when necessary and avoid taking on more than you can handle.

Seek Support

Don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family or a mental health professional if you’re struggling to cope with workplace stress. Talking to someone you trust can provide perspective and emotional support. Additionally, consider joining a support group or seeking counselling to learn coping strategies and gain insight into managing stress effectively.

sirtravelalot/Shutterstock

Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is essential for maintaining mental well-being, especially in high-stress environments. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies or spending time in nature. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated are also important factors in managing stress.

Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and others in the workplace. Acknowledge your limitations and don’t strive for perfection. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and to take breaks when feeling overwhelmed.

Celebrate Achievements

Take time to celebrate your achievements and milestones at work, no matter how small they may

seem. Recognising your accomplishments can boost your confidence and motivation, making it easier to cope with workplace stress.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, it can be easier to effectively manage workplace stress and promote mental well-being. Remember that managing stress is an ongoing process and it’s important to prioritise self-care and seek support when needed. With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the challenges of the modern workplace while maintaining your mental health and resilience.

For more information about mental health support, visit dorsetmind.uk. If your mental health is affecting your daily functioning or causing you concern, please visit your GP. In a crisis call 999, or Connection Helpline on 0800 652 0190.

mentalhealth-uk.org

SHERBORNE CYCLING CLUB

Jeremy Small

Every Wednesday evening, at 6.15pm, from spring through to early autumn, something special happens in Sherborne. A group of cyclists head out from Culverhayes Car Park into the glorious countryside that surrounds the town. Or to be more precise, three groups of cyclists – Classic, Meritous and Epic. More on that later.

Since 2022, I have joyfully counted myself as one of these riders. For the next few hours, we lose ourselves in the rolling hills of west Dorset or the relatively flat territory of south Somerset. On a lovely summer evening, it is nothing short of wonderful. The long days at this time of year allow you to cycle in the light deep into the evening.

As you wend your way along the ‘Lost Lanes’ of this part of the world, you are treated to a patchwork of vivid colours and an ever-changing landscape – it is a real feast for the senses. If you are lucky, you may spot a herd of deer in a field, a buzzard soaring just above your head or a little egret idling in a stream. There are sometimes

hills to be climbed but the effort is always rewarded by breathtaking views and exhilarating descents.

After an hour or two of spinning, we are more than ready for the pub! Sherborne’s Digby Tap is the ideal place for a post-ride pint and chat with its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and good selection of local draft beer. The pub is also the venue for Sherborne Cycling Club’s (SCC) annual chilli and chips social night.

As our 2024 season approaches – rides start again on 3rd April - we are on the lookout for new members to bolster our ranks. One of the great things about the club is its diverse membership – we have male and female riders both young and old. The hope is we can continue to attract a range of people to ride with us – people who love cycling and the social side of the sport. For our members, it’s as much about catching up in the pub as it is about the ride itself – for example in December we enjoyed a Christmas party at the Plume of Feathers.

We have of course some very strong cyclists so if

you want to be challenged (riding in the Epic group), you won’t be disappointed. But if yours is a slower pace, you’ll find your groove with the Classic riders. We even have club awards across several categories, including Rider’s Rider of the Year.

It’s not treading the same path every week either. Each week offers a new ride, the promise of something novel to discover. What always astonishes me is the sheer variety of cycling routes that exist around Sherborne, all of them different and every one a delight.

SCC is a fun club where you can forge lasting bonds with like-minded people, kindred spirits even. I moved to Sherborne in 2022 and the friendships I’ve developed through my involvement with the club have really helped me settle into the area. Most of all though, I cherish the buzz I get after a Wednesday evening ride – physical and mental bliss you just want to bottle and sip a little whenever you feel the need.

It’s not just me, either. Alex Brinsford, roaster at Bean Shot on South Street, is well and truly hooked too. ‘If you want to go out for a casual spin, there’s a group for you, or if you want to go out and push it, there’s a group for that too. And of course, going for a pint

afterwards is a great way to finish and is always fun.

I read it recently in Geraint Thomas’ book: “You never feel worse after a ride”...and it’s so true. You might not really feel like going or it might be pouring with rain and muddy, but the moment you get out there doing it, you feel happier.’

Brinsford loves the fact there is a place at the club for anyone, regardless of their cycling ability - and the generosity of spirit that exists among the members. ‘I was encouraged to join the club by a friend. I didn’t know whether I would be able to keep up on the rides and wasn’t very confident. I only had this cheap aluminium bike I bought for 125 quid off Facebook Marketplace. But I went out on the Wednesday ride and it was great. What’s so good about Sherborne Cycling Club is the inclusivity...nobody gets dropped. That first ride they even cut the ride short because they could see my friend and I were gassed.’

So go ahead, don’t take my word for it, give us a go. You can simply turn up at any of the rides and you can be assured of a warm welcome.

sherbornecycling.club

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF STAFF POSE (DANDASANA)

Dawn Hart, YogaSherborne

If you were to take a peek into one of my classes around 10 minutes in, you are likely to find everyone sat on the floor with their legs outstretched not moving. You would be forgiven for questioning how this can be beneficial; where is the stretching, where is the yoga?!

Staff Pose or Dandasana is a foundational posture, often overlooked for its simplicity. However, its benefits include strengthening numerous muscle groups, enhancing breath control and engaging the often neglected pelvic floor.

So let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in this class of people sitting still. With our body upright, legs extended and feet flexed towards the ceiling, we are in a forward bend from the hips and getting a controlled stretch down the back of the legs into the heels. Our palms are resting lightly on the floor beside the hips with no weight taken by the hands.

That’s the basic shape, now comes the work. Still pressing gently into the heels we begin to draw the legs together, pressing calves and thighs inwards, engaging right the way from the feet up into the pelvis. Sink your

weight down into your sitting bones – this is your base. From here lengthen up through your spine. If you aren’t sure if you are straight you can start off against a wall.

Now we are bringing the upper body into line. Shoulders are soft, the head is centred. As you sit tall with the spine straight, the abdominals, back muscles and pelvic floor are activated to support the elongation of the spine. Regular practice helps tone these muscles, leading to improved posture and stability in everyday activities.

Now let’s add more attention to the pelvic floor; a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis, playing a crucial role in supporting the organs. As you press firmly through the sit bones and draw the lower belly in, you activate the pelvic floor. Ask your health practitioner or fitness instructor how to strengthen this action further. This is not just for women – we all have a pelvic floor and need to keep it strong to help prevent incontinence and improve sexual functions.

All of this attention on your body position and the sensations you feel offers a perfect anchor to keep your mind focused, especially if you struggle to sit still to meditate.

One more thing, it wouldn’t be yoga without awareness of the flow of your breath. As you hold the pose, focus on inhaling deeply, expanding the chest and abdomen, and exhaling fully. Conscious breathing will enhance relaxation, helping you hold for longer and leaving you feeling rejuvenated and centred.

In this bustling world, Dandasana offers a place where we can reconnect with ourselves and cultivate mindfulness. It also prepares your body for more advanced yoga poses building strength, flexibility

YogaSherborne

Sherborne, Milborne Port and Trent

• Hatha Yoga, outside when possible

• Relaxation and guided meditation

Contact Dawn for more details 07817 624081

@yogasherborne hello@yogasherborne.co.uk

Yoga Alliance qualified teacher

and awareness.

While Dandasana translates to ‘Staff Pose’, implying a posture of stillness and stability akin to holding or being a staff, its benefits extend far beyond just sitting. So, if you do happen to see someone in staff pose or practise it yourself, remember you are engaging in a practice that nurtures your whole self; body, mind and spirit.

yogasherborne.co.uk

Sandra Miller BSc, MSc, BCNH Dip, FDN-P Functional Medicine Practitioner

Diet and lifestyle coaching: a powerful path to healing and weight management

Scan to contact me or find out more www.wholistichealth.co.uk

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Part III: LIFE ON LIFE’S TERMS

Acceptance requires the understanding that we are not always in control. Life on life’s terms. I used to confuse it with giving in or giving up. But I’ve learnt that the true essence of acceptance is closer to defiance than defeat. Accepting my reality and embracing the gritty, raw brutality of my diagnosis was in itself the most defiant thing I’ve ever done.

I was transferred to Taunton for treatment, to Ward 9 at Musgrove Park Hospital. The haematology ward. The silver lining of being critically ill is that you get your own room with an en-suite. ‘It feels like a spa,’ I marvelled to my consultant. That evening I met my first nurse, Paul. He told me that everyone he saw in remission had one thing in common – they were stubborn. I told him that defiance was my middle name. ‘Well, you’re home and dry then,’ he smiled. Ward 9 made me feel safe. I knew I was in the right place the second I got there.

The following day I had a bone marrow biopsy; much like opening a bottle of wine, except the bottle was my hip and the cork a sample of my marrow. Not so like a spa after all. I broke a little bit at this point. It had been a traumatic two weeks. I curled up in bed and sobbed.

My biopsy results came back negative for the most common form of lymphoma and continued to be negative as we worked our way through the list, each type getting more rare and more complicated to treat. I regretted my previous desire to be a unique trailblazer. I’d never wanted to be more average in my life. By the time my diagnosis of T-ALL cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer) was confirmed, the only emotion I felt was relief.

I was booked in for a PET scan next, to show the exact level of cancer activity in my body. I mentally prepared for this, for what it might show, and was relying on it as a measure of where I was. I wanted a definitive in this sea of uncertainty. I ate a hefty breakfast, unaware that I was supposed to be nil by mouth before the scan. It had to be cancelled. I struggled to accept this. Analysing the PET scan results was going to remove some of the unknowns and I suppose I thought it would help me feel some sense of control. I like feeling in control. I am the fixer of our family – if something isn’t right, I commit myself to finding a quick way out. ‘It will be expensive and a hassle but there’s always a solution’ is something I say often…usually when we’ve lost the house keys or driven our car into a flood. I never wait to see what naturally

unfolds after a disaster – I leap into impulsive action to avoid the annoyance, the frustration, the sadness or whatever other emotion it may have brought with it. In doing this I have probably missed some of life’s most beautiful gifts.

Finally, I accepted that my entire situation was one of uncertainty – no scan results were going to change that. And I started to let go. My body was actually begging for me to do this; to rest, to take a break from trying to be in charge. I handed myself over to life’s natural flow and with that came a feeling of peace and, most surprisingly, one of strength. I wasn’t giving up or giving in – I was accepting the situation in front of me. It was liberating.

My first round of chemo was doxorubicin, administered by IV. The nurse told me to let her know immediately if I felt any discomfort. I said I would. The treatment lasts 20 minutes and at roughly 15 I felt something change. An added pressure in my veins. Emil asked if I wanted to call the nurse but I was desperate to get the full dose of chemo so I held on. I braved it until minute 19 when the pain became too much. Panic ensued amongst the staff as it was clear extravasation had occurred. Retraction was performed but I was left with a pretty decent burn on my arm. Nurses and doctors rallied around saying how rare it was to see this. Immediately I was frustrated by the fact it had gone wrong. Feelings of unfairness flooded in. I lamented over, ‘Why me?’ I took a few deep breaths and accepted the reality; this round had not gone smoothly and I couldn’t change that fact. Then I realised that the burn had been caused by my resistance to ending the chemo early because in that moment I’d confused acceptance for defeat.

Luckily, I had plenty more opportunities to perfect the art of acceptance. The treatment plan for T-ALL is arduous and its list of side effects is brutal. Loss of hair, loss of appetite, change in taste buds, neutropenia, infection, mouth ulcers, painful bones, anaemia, blood clots, insomnia, nerve damage, decline in fitness, muscle waste, loss of energy, instant menopause, nausea, immune suppression, diarrhoea, UTIs, constipation, chemical burns, anaphylactic shock, and the two I managed to avoid; sepsis and death. Each required acceptance of some sort. If my immunity was too low, treatment got postponed. This is hard when you are desperate to get to the end of the programme – when you get yourself psychologically prepared for the next round only to be told it can’t start. But, once I accepted the delay, I was able to see what that bought me instead…time to get stronger before being battered again, time out of hospital with my family and even a mini holiday with friends. There was always a silver-lining. As a runner I struggled to accept I could barely walk at times…but as soon as I did, I fell in love with walking more than I ever had with running. Losing my hair was hard but once I accepted my look, I wore my truth…my baldness…and with this came a sense of pride I’d never expected.

We can fight and resist and try to control but embracing reality showed me another way. Life on life’s terms is the good with the bad, the ups with the downs, the ebbs with the flows. It’s waiting long enough in the flood for the kind stranger to arrive and offer to tow you home. I used to see acceptance as a weakness but last year I learnt it was my greatest strength.

my_tumorandme

WELLBEING

Craig Hardaker BSc (Hons), Communifit

Image: Stuart Brill

We hope everyone has had the most wonderful Easter and enjoyed all the delights it brings. As I write my article the sun is shining, we are experiencing gorgeous blue skies and feeling just a slight increase in temperature! Winter will return to bite us for a few days I am sure but spring is definitely here. Our clients are happy – people seem to be very positive. It’s amazing the effect sunshine can have on our wellbeing. But what does that term mean and how can we help ourselves stay positive and healthy? Wellbeing can perhaps best be described as the combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social health. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. But what can we do to improve our wellbeing? It is so much more involved

than the suggestions outlined below but hopefully they are of value:

Nutrition

We need to eat a balanced diet in order to be healthy. This is of course both well-known and obvious but how often do we take a step back and take stock of whether we are indeed eating a balanced diet? Of the seven major groups of nutrients needed for a healthy balanced diet - carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and water – many questions can be asked, for example, ‘Are we eating or drinking the correct amount? Are we eating too many carbohydrates or drinking enough water in order to avoid dehydration? Is our mineral intake sufficient?’

Sleep

Sleep is by definition, a period of rest. Studies suggest that adults need seven or more hours a night of sleep. The best way to get a restful 7+ hours of sleep is to be consistent, making sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature as quality of sleep is as important as quantity.

It is also proven that removing electronic devices such as TVs and mobile phones an hour before you sleep can drastically improve your night’s sleep. For some, this may be difficult but trying to adapt your lifestyle to include ‘non-technology’ time could prove beneficial to your wellbeing.

Structured exercise

Physical activity has potentially a huge role in enhancing our wellbeing. Even a ten-minute burst can help with our mental alertness and energy, and create a positive mood. Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. Similarly, structured exercise will enable us to tackle physical areas we need to focus on the most. This may be weight loss, to strengthen a particular

The Old Vicarage

Leigh, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6HL

limb or joint or to improve overall movement. Such individualised targeted exercise and the positive results it will hopefully bring can prove significant in improving our wellbeing.

Walking

If structured exercise as described above is not possible then try walking. It’s simple, free and you only need ten minutes per day! Walking can help us maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat, prevent or manage various conditions, improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance, and increase energy levels. It can also be a great way to de-stress.

There are many other ways to enhance our wellbeing, but hopefully considering the four outlined above will help us on our way to improve. Maybe you already focus on some of the above? Regardless of present good or bad practice, take time to consider what alterations you could make to your lifestyle which will prove beneficial. Be the best version of ‘you’ that you can!

Wishing you a wonderful April.

communifit.co.uk

The Old Vicarage offers residential care for both permanent and respite stays. Set in tranquil landscaped gardens with stunning views, our home has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The home has won more than 30 national and regional awards for its exceptional care.

We currently have both permanent and respite vacancies. Call us today to book a viewing and meet our amazing team.

Call us on 01935 316800 or visit healthcarehomes.co.uk

GDPR POST BREXIT

DOES IT STILL APPLY TO ME AND MY BUSINESS?

Victoria Darvall, Associate Solicitor, Corporate and Commercial Mogers Drewett

Why the need for regulation?

In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, where data has become the cornerstone of business operations, safeguarding the privacy and rights of individuals has gained paramount importance. The General Data Protection Regulations (EU GDPR), implemented in May 2018, represents a significant milestone in the global effort to protect personal data. The regulations not only empower individuals, with greater control over their data but also place considerable obligations on businesses to ensure compliance.

UK GDPR refers to the adaptation and continuation of GDPR in the UK post-Brexit. After the Brexit transition period ended on 31st December 2020, the UK maintained its own version of data protection laws closely aligned with GDPR, in the form of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Do I need to worry about GDPR

when running my business?

EU GDPR and UK GDPR apply to all businesses. The UK GDPR applies to all UK businesses regardless of their size if they process personal data related to individuals in the UK.

Which data protection regulations apply to me?

If you have a UK business and process personal data relating to individuals in the UK, then UK GDPR will apply. If you process data relating UK individuals in the EU, or process personal data in the UK relating to individuals who are based within the European Economic Area, then both EU GDPR and UK GDPR will apply.

What do I need to think about?

All organisations that collect personal data should ensure that data subjects can review their privacy policy, which needs to set out a number of measures including:

• The categories of data the business collects

• The lawful basis for processing

• Data subject rights

All businesses should also have an internal privacy policy relating to the collection of employee data. If personal data is passed to any third parties in the operation of the business then a data processing agreement may be required.

Do I need to appoint a DPO?

If you are a business that processes personal data and has more than 250 employees, then you are required to appoint a formal Data Protection Officer (DPO) and register this person with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). If you have less than 250 employees, you are still required to appoint someone internally who will be responsible for all data protection if your business processes personal data. This must be a person with sufficient knowledge, seniority, and autonomy within the business.

What happens if I don’t comply?

The ICO regulates data protection and monitors compliance in the UK and has the authority to conduct audits and inspections. Non-compliance with GDPR can result in significant fines and penalties, making it crucial for businesses to understand and adhere to the requirements of the applicable regulations to ensure the protection of individuals’ privacy and avoid legal consequences.

If you have any concerns over current procedures and policies in your organisation it would be wise to seek professional advice.

mogersdrewett.com

COSTS AND SERVICE STANDARDS

Mark Salter CFP, Chartered FCSI, Fort Financial Planning

In the intricate world of financial services, two critical pillars stand tall: the costs and the services investors receive. These twin forces shape the landscape for investors, financial institutions and regulators alike.

In recent news, one of the UK’s largest wealth managers suffered a huge share price plunge –attributed to potential fee complaints and client refunds – which in turn has sent shockwaves throughout the industry. The missteps of this provider underscore the delicate balance between profit and service quality. Investors demand and deserve both. In this article, we unravel the complexities of costs, explore their impact and shed light on the delicate balance required.

Pounds and Pence: Beyond the Numbers Investing isn’t merely about crunching numbers – it’s about securing your financial future. But what does it truly cost? Let’s break it down:

Fees and Charges: When you invest, you’re not just buying stocks or bonds; you’re entering a contractual relationship with financial providers. These providers charge fees for managing your investments, executing trades and providing advice. The cost varies – some charge a percentage of assets under management while others levy fixed fees. Transparency is key here. Investors deserve clarity on what they’re paying for.

Hidden Costs: Beware any hidden costs. Transaction fees, bid-offer spreads and tax implications can silently erode your returns. It’s like paying for a gourmet meal and discovering an unexpected service charge. Savvy investors dig deep, scrutinise prospectuses and demand transparency.

Active vs. Passive: Active fund managers promise alpha – the elusive excess return. But their fees can be hefty. On the flip side, passive index funds charge lower fees

but mirror market performance. The choice boils down to cost-effectiveness and your investment philosophy.

The Human Element: Beyond the financials, consider the human cost. Time spent researching, analysing, and managing investments – your precious hours – are part of the equation. Balancing cost with value is an art. Seek advisors who align with your goals and provide personalised guidance.

Service Standards: The Bedrock of Trust Timeliness: The relationship you should have with your financial advisor or planner should mean that you can always communicate with them and cover any questions or concerns you have. Industry service standards dictate how swiftly queries are addressed, applications processed and complaints resolved.

Transparency: Trust thrives in the sunlight of transparency. Investors demand clear communication, accurate disclosures and fair treatment. Whether it’s explaining fees, risks or investment options, financial institutions must lay their cards on the table.

Accountability: Service standards hold institutions accountable. They’re the yardstick against which we measure their commitment to clients. When a firm falls short, trust wavers. Conversely, consistent adherence to the standards builds confidence.

Conclusion: Navigating the Rapids Investing isn’t a solitary journey – it’s a rafting adventure through turbulent waters. The cost of investing and service standards must be transparent.

If you haven’t reviewed your personal finances or investment portfolio recently or aren’t getting the level of service you expect then perhaps now is the time to arrange a review or get a second opinion. ffp.org.uk

IS IT WORTH IT?

James Flynn, Milborne Port Computers

As I have written in previous articles, I am a big fan of refurbishing or reusing tech and IT equipment. I mean, why would you want to spend more money on something than you need to if it’s in good condition? As we all know when buying a new car, as soon as you drive away from the forecourt you have already had a drop in price. It can be the same when you turn new tech equipment on – after using it, it drops in price from its original price tag, but in addition, new operating systems and software are constantly being developed by manufacturers. There is sometimes a fine line between what is worth upgrading due to the amount of money you need to invest into it to get it working reliably and with these new systems, and the actual age of the machine.

With the older computers that people have that were originally licensed with Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, the balance has now sadly tipped the wrong way. Historically you could upgrade the licence to Windows 10 for free, however, Microsoft will now not allow you to activate Windows 10 with Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 license codes like they used to. If you want to install this now on one of these computers, you will need to buy a license outright for Windows 10. Now before I started

writing this, I thought you would be able to just go to the Microsoft website and do this… Not quite the case. I quickly googled ‘Windows 10 Home license’ and you get 1000 different results with different prices! You can upgrade via the Microsoft store app on the computer and, to give you the official figures, it’s normally £120. Other places are available but be vigilant of where you go looking and buying.

This brings me to the ‘Is it worth it?’ Sadly, it’s probably a no. This is not only because of the age of the computer but the hardware will be of an age where it just won’t be able to keep up and sometimes isn’t compatible with software drivers. Another reason is that in October 2025 Microsoft will discontinue Windows 10 software making the computer software potentially vulnerable. This is Microsoft’s way of saving costs on supporting old operating systems and forcing you to spend more money with them. Therefore, I would say you’d be better off investing your money in a new or refurbished computer that is compatible with Windows 11, as this is going to give you the best value for money and likely to give the machine you buy more longevity.

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LOVE DENIED

Jan Garner, Sherborne Scribblers

Perhaps it was the heat, the music or the perfume of the honeysuckle. But in an idle moment, whilst sheltering under a parasol and listening to a Tchaikovsky concerto on my portable radio, vivid memories of a visit to my aunt many years before filled my thoughts.

It was a Sunday in 1976 and Britain was in the grip of a heatwave. Shrivelled weeds poked through the gaps in the pavement and a layer of dust covered my new sandals as I made my way along the road to her house. The row of tiny gardens that fronted the cottages overlooking the railway tracks were parched and neglected but, as I neared number three, the scent of honeysuckle that clung to its walls filled the air.

‘Ah, there you are,’ my aunt said as I stepped through the open door and planted a kiss on her cheek. ‘Come in out of the heat and sit yourself down. I’ll get you a cold drink.’

I downed the lemonade gratefully and stood dutifully still as she wiped the dust and perspiration off my face with a damp flannel. She was always like a second mother to me and, since my uncle’s death and guessing how lonely she must be, I had taken to visiting her more often. We were still catching up on our news when the clock my uncle had received on his retirement and which took pride of place on the mantelpiece, chimed four. ‘Time for tea,’ she said and got to her feet. After refusing my offer of help she disappeared into the tiny kitchen. I sat down at the table and waited.

‘What’s this?’ I said as she put down the tray and handed me a small box. ‘Something for you,’ she said as she busied herself laying out the tea things. ‘Open it.’ I pushed the velvetlined box containing the ruby and diamond ring back across the shiny Formica-topped table. ‘Don’t be silly Auntie. I can’t accept that.’

‘Why ever not?’ She slid the box back to me. ‘I shan’t wear it again – it won’t go over these any more.’ She held up her hands and wriggled her swollen arthritic fingers at me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and pictured the exquisite embroideries and fine silk lampshades those hands had made for the small design company that had employed her until the painful disease had eventually ended her working life. ‘I’ll leave it to you in my will anyway so why not have it now? You do like it don’t you?’

‘Of course I do – it’s beautiful – but what would Uncle Jim have said?’

‘He wouldn’t have said anything. He didn’t give it to me.’

‘Oh, I thought...’

‘Well, you thought wrong.’ Her face softened and I caught a glimpse of the pretty girl she must have once been. ‘His name was Stanislav,’ she said as she sat down, ‘I called him Stan. Although he was really far too good-looking to be called anything as ordinary as that. Over six foot, he was, and as solid as granite. He had a strong chiselled face and eyes as dark as the eyebrows that framed them. He was a junior member of a delegation from the USSR. Just before they were due to fly back to Moscow, he defected. He’d been here for just over a year when I met him.’

‘ Where on Earth did you meet someone like him?’

‘In the cemetery, just a stone’s throw from where I worked. When the weather was fine I often spent my lunch hour there. It was lovely and peaceful after the noise of the workroom.

It was a day in June and I was mid-way through a sandwich when he stopped and asked if I minded if he shared the seat with me. In no time at all we were chatting. His English was near perfect. In fact, as I found out later, he spoke several languages. He lived down the road in a rented room and was working as an interpreter for the Foreign Office. It might sound silly,’ she said, ‘but I think I fell in love with him that very day. For the rest of that summer, we were inseparable. He opened up a whole new world to me. He took me to the theatre, the ballet, to classical concerts and proudly introduced me to the works of all the Russian composers. Then, just before that Christmas and quite unexpectedly, he was assigned to accompany some diplomats on a trip to Berlin. Shortly before he left he gave me the ring and asked me to marry him. That was the happiest day of my life. His mother had given him the ring and her blessing to escape from their country’s harsh regime. Of course, when they said their last goodbyes, she knew if his plan was successful, she’d never see him again.’

‘How dreadfully sad,’ I said. ‘The poor woman. So what happened Auntie? Why didn’t you marry him?’

‘He didn’t return from that trip to Germany and I never saw him again. It was a few days after I had expected him that I started to worry. I went to his flat and let myself in. It was completely empty; it was as if he’d never been there. In desperation, I telephoned the Foreign Office. They denied any knowledge of him. It was shortly afterwards that I saw the newspaper headline: British Political Prisoner accused of spying on the USSR exchanged for a Soviet agent. For a long time, I wouldn’t accept that it could be him. I’ll never believe he was a spy or that he lied to me or his mother. I think, for whatever reason, he was taken back to his homeland against his will. I always prayed that he would somehow contact me but the years passed without a word. Eventually, I did my best to put the past behind me and in my early forties I married your uncle. He was a good man and I did love him in my own way but it wasn’t the passionate, all-consuming love I’d felt for Stan.’

My eyes filled with tears as I watched helplessly as she wiped away hers. ‘I’ve never forgotten him or his last beautiful words: “ty moya navsegda, moya lybov”“you are mine forever, my love.”’

SHERBORNE TRAVEL WRITING FESTIVAL PREVIEW

Richard Hopton, Sherborne Literary Society

Black Ghosts: A Journey Into the Lives of Africans in China

Noo Saro-Wiwa

The Chinese diaspora is a well-known, worldwide demographic phenomenon.

There are China Towns from London to San Francisco and Chinese communities in many countries across the globe. Dim sum is a universal dish. What is less well known is that there are substantial immigrant communities in China itself. One of these, immigrants to China from sub-Saharan Africa, in particular Nigeria, is the subject of Noo Saro-Wiwa’s second book, Black Ghosts. She will be talking about her book on Friday 5th April at the

Sherborne Travel Writing Festival in Sherborne.

‘In my lifetime,’ writes Saro-Wiwa, who has an Anglo-Nigerian background, ‘I had encountered infinite permutations of the immigrant experience, from Lebanese people in Guinea to Nigerians who live in Alaska or speak with Scottish brogues.’ Nonetheless, Africans living in China ‘held a certain intrigue’ for her. This ‘Sino-African fault line was a relatively new and unlikely bumping of cultural tectonic plates,’ one she was keen to investigate.

Saro-Wiwa’s first port of call was the city of

Guangzhou in southern China whose Xiaobei and Sanyuanli districts are home to the biggest communities of sub-Saharans in the country. The relationship between Africa and China has blossomed since the 1950s: the Chinese government supported African independence movements, providing weapons and military training, as well as inviting African students to study at Chinese universities. By the turn of the 21st century, China was providing huge loans to African nations for infrastructure projects. By 2012, China was selling billions of dollars worth of products to Africa; it is now the continent’s biggest trading partner.

Guangzhou is a major industrial centre; its factories ‘clothed a substantial portion of Africa.’ But there is a marked power imbalance between China and Africa. ’Across Africa,’ Saro-Wiwa writes, ‘the Chinese have bought up huge tracts of farmland and mining concessions…but in China, foreigners aren’t allowed majority ownership of even the smallest hole-in-thewall food outlet.’ As she explores Guangzhou, SaroWiwa meets a number of Africans, mostly men, who live and work in the city, some of them on short-term business trips. By and large, they have an insecure, coarse existence, hustling a living in an unforgiving foreign country. They all face discriminatory visa restrictions. Saro-Wiwa met one Nigerian man, Ikem, who despite being married to a Chinese woman and therefore having the right of permanent residence has to renew his visa annually. By contrast, unmarried American visitors can get ten-year visas.

These administrative restrictions reflect a wider prejudice in Chinese society against foreigners in general and black people in particular. ‘The Chinese reaction to Africans…was underpinned partly by a contempt for dark skin…and partly from a nativism which disdains everything non-Chinese.’ The country’s policy towards foreigners has had ‘the sort of hardline, ethnic-based rigidity that right-wing Westerners can only dream of.’ Certainly, the Chinese have no intention of integrating Africans into their society. Saro-Wiwa herself was acutely aware of the prejudice as she travelled around China: ‘It is galling to be Black, middle class and the object of derision.’

In Black Ghosts Saro-Wiwa records her impressions of other parts of China as she travels around the country. Her first trip from Guangzhou took her to Zhangjiajie in Hunan province, where she realises at once that ‘Seeing the sights in China is not for the faint-hearted.’ ‘I soon learned that sightseeing was a

mission, not a holiday, its rigours almost as demanding as any factory job.’

Later she visits Pingyao, a town renowned for its ancient walls and traditional buildings, a rare survivor of the destruction wreaked on China’s architectural heritage by Mao’s Cultural Revolution and the country’s more recent drive for modernisation. To reach Pingyao, Saro-Wiwa crosses Shanxi province, China’s historic coal-mining region, the source, she tells us, of a quarter of the country’s coal and a third of the world’s carbon emissions. ‘The industry is Victorian in its filth and working conditions.’

She travels to Wuhan before it acquired its global infamy as the source of Covid-19 and on to Beijing. She fell in love with Wuhan but in Beijing saw at first hand the social upheaval caused by China’s headlong rush for modernisation. She also visited the Yiwa International Trade City, near Shanghai, which covers four million square metres of space playing host to 75,000 wholesale outlets. Saro-Wiwa asked where the African products section was. ‘It’s about three kilometres away,’ came the reply.

Black Ghosts is a book predominantly about Nigerians in China but it’s also a book about Nigeria. Saro-Wiwa is, for example, surprised to discover that the ethnic rivalry between the Igbo and the Yorubaa distant echo of the Biafran secession and subsequent civil war in Nigeria in the late 1960s - is alive and well in the immigrant communities of China. Comparisons between the two countries can be unflattering to Nigeria, a country where, as Saro-Wiwa writes, ‘blackouts can momentarily darken entire airports and roads are cleaved by sludgy ditches’. On the other hand, China is a highly regimented, authoritarian society.

This is an engaging book written with journalistic verve, a sharp eye, an acute ear and no little humour which does much to illuminate the lot of the African ‘black ghosts’ living in China. The author’s talk at the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival promises to be an entertaining and enlivening evening.

Friday 5th April 5-6pm

Noo Saro-Wiwa - Black Ghosts

Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne DT9 3AP.A gripping insight into Africa’s ‘black ghost’ migrants in an unexpected land of opportunity. For tickets and information visit sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com

1. Monstrous creature (8)

5. Move fast in a straight line (4)

8. Negatively charged ion (5)

9. Is present at (7)

10. One event in a sequence (7)

12. Withstood (7)

14. Takes into custody (7)

16. Horizontal supporting beams (7)

18. Feeling of hopelessness (7)

19. Sully or blemish (5)

20. Depression in a surface (4)

21. Bulbous perennial herb (8)

1. Bars (anag) (4)

2. Applauded (6)

3. Egg-laying mammal (9)

4. Followed a route or signal (6)

6. Large artillery gun (6)

7. Sweet food courses (8)

11. Inherent (9)

12. Blew up (8)

13. Agreement or concord (6)

14. Far from the target (6)

15. Make an unusually great effort (6)

17. Unit

length (4)

MARCH

Literature LITERARY REVIEW

Rachel Billington

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

(Quercus £16.99 hardcover)

Sherborne Times reader offer price of £14.99 from Winstone’s Books

In 1965 three friends, Frances, Rose and Emily, visit a fortune teller and one of them is told she will be murdered. She will never disbelieve this dire future and allows it to dominate her life. So starts this wonderfully complicated story of disappearance and murder.

You have to keep your wits about you to enjoy the twists and turns of the plot. But then so does Annie, the narrator and principal character, who knows as little about the other characters as we do. Invited to meet for the first time her Great Aunt Frances and a lawyer who is dealing with her will, she finds herself in the small Dorset town of Castle Knowle and is thrown into a new world in which everyone knows more than she does. This includes shocking surprises about her own mother’s background. And then her own.

Saxon, should inherit.

Nobody seems quite what they appear on the surface. And to make matters more exciting for the intrepid reader-sleuth, the story unfolds both through Annie’s eyes and also in the diary that her Great Aunt kept in that destructive summer of 1965 and beyond. The answers when they come, hark back to the dysfunctional and threatening relationships at that time. The guessing game swings between past and present.

A sudden, if predicted, death and a strange command mean that she finds herself forced to play the detective, that is if she wants a chance of a large inheritance. Gradually three generations of Knowle’s inhabitants make their appearance, each one to Annie’s newly sharpened senses, hiding some sort of secret. There is the handsome detective Crane whose family suffered at the hands of her Great Aunt because the fortune teller had implicated a bird name in her murder. There is Joe, Rose’s son, who’s running an illegal drug business in his polytunnel, but still hiding something else. Rose herself still seems obsessed by Frances as if the past was ever present. There’s the odious Elva who is determined that her husband, Frances’s great nephew,

As another body is discovered and Annie gets nearer to unravelling the mystery, she puts herself into the line of fire. The strength of Kristen Perrin’s first novel is her strong portrayal of Annie, creating someone who, although weak and often unnerved, with a tendency to faint at important moments, is also determined to discover the murderer. She wants to be a writer and it seems to be the writer in her who works on understanding the characters and their motivation.

This is not a novel for those who want to be scared out of their wits but it is for those who want a wellconstructed drama, set in Castle Knoll almost as if under the artificial lights of a stage. The characters take their turn to show themselves and, as their disguises fail, reveal themselves in the brighter light of day. It is a Dorset story but not, I trust, a typical one.

sherborneliterarysociety.com

Rachel Billington’s latest novel, War Babies, is available now at Winstone's Books (Universe £12.99 hardcover)

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

Reverend Jim Edie, Sherborne Team Vicar and Chaplain to the Gryphon School

Christmas was an age ago, Easter is done, spring is firmly here – the merrygo-round continues. I wonder if you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut?

I am a fan of one of Dr Suess’ books Oh The Places You’ll Go! and how it reflects on life. The joys, the hardships, the successes and the challenges. I used to read it to my children. I am not sure they really took it in or understood the nuance but my hope that they would, was there! There is one of Dr Suess’ ‘places’ that I think speaks to those times when life just seems to be going nowhere. It’s called ‘The Waiting Place’ and here is a short extract:

’You’ll start to race […] headed, I fear, toward a most useless place. The Waiting Place… for people just waiting. Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or the waiting round for a Yes or a No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.’

Dr Suess provides a warning not to stay around in ‘The Waiting Place’ too long and I would agree. However, it is easy to get stuck in the ‘Waiting Place’ of day-today life; sorting out a busy family schedule, work, chores and other commitments. At times this can lead us to the question, ‘What is life really all about?’ There are of course other times in life when this question suddenly crosses our path – the death of a loved one or when facing another particularly difficult personal matter. As many of you will know, the motto of the Gryphon School is taken from John 10:10 and Jesus’ words that he has ‘come that they may have life and have it to the full’, but what does that even mean? Is it really true? Can I actually experience this? Does this historical character, Jesus, actually make a difference today, 2000 years on from his death? If so, where is the evidence?

It might not be much of a surprise to know that my answers to those questions are yes, Jesus does make a difference and yes, there is abundant evidence.Yet, it might be a surprise to know that I didn’t have the answers to those questions until I’d left home.I went to university as an undergraduate to read Geology, but I came away with a BSc plus the answer to a question that I now believe is the most important one we can ask; Who is Jesus?The answer to this question, I now know, brings ‘life in all it fullness.’Therefore, if you have questions around ‘What is it all about?’, I encourage you to explore that question too.

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