The Blackmore Vale August 21

ISSN 2634-8810

POLITICS

NEVER PRINTED August ‘21

Good People in this issue - and EVERY issue POLITICS

Andy PALMER

Two lines at the very top to thank the random bloke who fell into my inbox last year, and who has become a dear friend, as well as a wise and bossy sub-editor. We honestly would be lost without him.

KATE Adie

Childhood hero - the one who inspired me to write. We spoke. I swooned giddily. And then I argued with her over biscuit dunking opinions. Because I'm me.

Tracie BEARDSLEY Rachael ROWE Patient, fun, always says yes - and coos appropriately over cat spam.

Another quiet stranger in my inbox who has become an absolutely essential pillar of the team.

HEATHER Brown

My newest bestie. Appallingly talented, kind, funny, thoughtful, and fellow lover of cake.

ROGER GUTTRIDGE

Lovely Reg. Another new-found friend, and all round egg of magnificence. Never partakes in a 'quick' phonecall. It's a rule, I think.

AND Everybody...

I never have room to mention everyone. But I do just need to offer up a quick name check in this, our first birthday issue. Thank you. Thank you to Fanny Charles & Gay Pirrie Weir for unstinting help, support, wise brains and bracing talking-tos. Edwina Baines for never ever failing to surprise me. Barry Cuff - my litle ASMR page of soothing quiet. Gardener Pete. It's August Jobs. I got it. Simon Hoare MP - for book chat, sweary gossip and appalling behaviour over deadline keeping. Brigit Strawbridge, who never fails to teach me. Andrew Livingston, for bringing me evil alpacas, chickens licking lamp posts & Jeremy Clarkson. Karen Geary, with whom every month's a lesson. Rob Nolan - because have you SEEN his photography? Sadie & Hannah (more new besties - and they come with wine attached). Paul Birbeck. Brad & Susie. Barbara & James Cossins. Wayne. The ones I've forgotten because I'm me and I will have. Thank you to every single person who has contributed. And YOU. Because you're reading this. Which is why this erratic hotchpotch band are all still here. 2

Always free - subscribe here Front cover: I spy something beginning with D... by Marilyn Peddle

Animals

Art with Edwina Baines

Barry Cuff | Voice of the Allotment

Book Corner

Business News

Charity pages

Citizen's Advice Q&A

Community News

113

Deaths

Education

Equestrian

Family Law

Farming

Food & Drink

Health

114

Legal Notices

Letters to the Editor

Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

Meet Your Local

News

Night Sky

Obituary

Out of Doors

Photography

Police News

122

Property

Puzzles

Random 19 - Kate Adie

Rural Matters - CPRE

115

Services

Simon Hoare MP

116

Situations Vacant

Take a Hike

Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer

Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

103

What's on

Wildlife

One year ago this month, on a hot August night, we sat on the top of Rawlsbury Camp and Courtenay broached the idea of us launching a local digital magazine. I think he expected me to say no - but you’d think he’d know me better by now. Two days later we were launched. ‘The Blackmore Vale’ - the area. As different as we could be from the beloved local newspaper which Reach PLC closed early in 2020 - and yet the same in terms of being truly local, deeply-rooted in the community of our unique part of the world. We were told it wouldn’t work of course. We were told we had failed before we began. After all - what did we know about producing a magazine? I could write, but I wasn’t an editor. Courtenay was a photographer, not a publisher. And yet... we said yes. Contrary to popular belief we weren’t without skills - and what we didn’t know we found people to teach us. People who had forgotten more than we’ll ever possibly know. We were so very proud of that first issue, finally hitting publish (hours late... we never have learned to get done in good time. I write this at 01:23 Friday morning. But this is the earliest in a year. We’re improving). Looking back now I grimace in horror at that first issue. How far we have come in twelve short months. But that’s okay - we simply strive to learn, grow, and be better every issue should be better than the last. And our myriad of non-editor digital skills have never been more useful. Just this month we have reached over 115,000 people from our Facebook page. And we’re just getting started. Our first year was simply finding our rhythm. So thank you for staying with us - we do read every email, reply to every Tweet, appreciate every Facebook comment. Last Autumn when Lockdown 2 was announced in publication week (the most exhausting phrase I never knew existed until last August), we shrugged our shoulders and produced another issue inside a week, filled with over 200 local businesses struggling to stay afloat as country closed around them. Did it cost us? Yes. Time and money. Was it the right thing to do? Absolutely. We’ve met so many people, heard so many stories, made so many friends. We hope we’ve made a difference to others. We live in this community, we ARE our readers. We are so proud of the last year, so excited about the next one - but most of all we’re grateful for the amazing community that resides within the Blackmore Vale - and beyond, to the odd reader in the 36 other countries who stop by and catch up on our slice of north Dorset life. See you next month Exciting Things Are Coming!

NEWS

by Andy Palmer

Armed police chase suspected poachers across East Dorset A police helicopter and armed officers chased a gang of poachers across east Dorset on the night of Friday July 29th. They were called to an area near Blandford after a local person reported people in a 4x4 car targeting hares and damaging property. Officers followed the vehicle before it was abandoned and the men fled on foot. Four people were arrested in connection with the incident and two dogs were seized along with a suspected air rifle. The four men arrested were: • A 27-year-old, from Basildon, Essex, on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser at night with poaching equipment, possessing a firearm and suitable ammunition in a public place, driving a motor vehicle

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dangerously and driving a vehicle on common land A 24-year-old, from Romford, London, on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle dangerously and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place A 21-year-old, from the Cambridge area, on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser at night with poaching equipment and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place A 19-year-old, from Essex, on suspicion of controlling/ handling a dog in the course of/for the purpose of a hare coursing event, possession of a firearm and suitable ammunition in a public place and driving a motor vehicle dangerously.

All suspects have been released while inquiries continue. Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team is asking the public for increased

Hare coursing The lesser known cousin of fox hunting and deer hunting, this traditional country ‘sport’ was immensely popular in earlier times with thousands of people turning up to see the larger events and place bets. Coursing is the now-illegal activity of using dogs acting on sight to chase animals such as the brown hare and deer. In the late 1880s the Waterloo Cup, run on Lord Sefton’s estate at Altcar was so popular that carrier pigeons conveyed the results to major cities across the country. It is reported that when news of the winner reached London the Stock Exchange shut down for the rest of the day while traders celebrated their wins from bets placed on their hunting hound of choice, many of which become national names. The Waterloo Cup was the idea of William Lynn, proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel in Liverpool, who

vigilance as criminal gangs involved in coursing target farms in the Dorset countryside. While the activity is considered a hobby for those involved, large sums of money, often linked to organised crime, are used for betting on the dogs used. The highest number of incidents of hare coursing in the county occur in north east Dorset. To flush out hares, offenders will walk across a field, perhaps spacing out trying to locate and bolt hares, then release dogs on the hare. They will often use their vehicles to drive across the field, releasing dogs from moving vehicles, damaging not only soil or crops, but also gates, hedgerows and fencing. Farmers have reported being threatened by these individuals, who will leave livestock gates open on purpose. Read the full Dorset Police report on Coursing here

also conceived the still-held Grand National horse race at Aintree. The activity was banned under the Hunting Act 2004.

The dog will always win Hares have evolved to sprint at high speeds over short periods to avoid predators such as foxes. They cannot match the stamina of hunting hounds who will continue the chase until the hare is exhausted. Even if the hare escapes it is widely understood that its welfare is seriously compromised due to the trauma. According to the Hare Preservation Trust the number of brown hares in the UK has dropped by 80% since the late 1880s. Modern farm practices are thought to be the main cause of the decline. Hare hunting and coursing also had an impact. The brown hare is listed as a conservation priority in the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan. Always free - subscribe here

by Tracie Beardsley

Stormy summer clouds over the Okeford Hill Crop Circle, perfectly placed above the Blackmore Vale. Image © Droning On

POLITICS

Okeford Hill Crop Circle

A new Crop Circle recently appeared at the top of Okeford Hill near Sturminster Newton. Often suggested to be a paranormal phenomena, it’s widely accepted they are manmade constructions, created using ropes and boards. No matter what your belief on their origin, they’re a fascinating thing to see: the new one on Okeford Hill will continue to draw an increasing amount of visitors until the field is cut. But what impact does this have for the farmer whose land and crop has been used? We spoke to Dorset NFU who have been in contact with the farmer who owns the land and the crop on Okeford Hill: “Annoyance at the flattening of the crop, making it hard to harvest, and quite possibly wasting £600 worth of wheat, is tempered by some respect for the perpetrators who have made an admittedly pretty good job of this attractive geometric pattern. Local Dorset commercial drone photographer ‘Droning On’ was happy to catch the crop circle at just the right moment:

“After a thunderstorm the sun and heat returned, mist rose and golden hour made for some stunning views over Dorset. Whatever your views of such formations, I have to say this was an impeccably chosen location, and this is a well-executed crop circle.” There are no public footpaths through the field in question, and the circle is invisible from the popular routes across the hill. Local drone photographers have taken to the adjoining footpaths and made the most of the circle from the air, but the Dorset NFU spokesperson points out visiting the crop circle is inevitably pointless: “Not only is there no legal public access across the field in question, the only way worth seeing it is from the air; being close up gives you no clue as to the design.” “The damage from the circle is one thing in itself. But

more damage can be done by spectators at ground level. Please spare a thought for the farmer’s field, biosecurity, safety to wildlife, and farm staff as they have to clear up the flattened crop and prepare the ground for the next crop. The Okeford Hill Crop Circle was created while the crop was still green, when it should have been filling the grains by photosynthesis, which should have continued over the following weeks. Once flattened this will have ceased, and valuable yield lost. A crop like this costs a lot to grow; that cost is lost, as well as the return from the grain that will be left shrivelled on the ground, which may cause a nuisance by germinating in the next crop. Birds will land on the flattened wheat to feed on the ears, and where birds go, so do their droppings, not a good mix with a food product.

POLITICS The Okeford Hill Crop Circle near Sturminster Newton Image © Droning On

“Annoyance at the flattening of the crop, quite possibly wasting £600 worth of wheat, is tempered by some respect for the perpetrators who have made an admittedly pretty good job”

NEWS

by Rachael Rowe The UK Champion butchery team in the tiny village of Ludwell consists of (L-R) Dave Smart, Allan Seldon and Paul Buttling. Image: Rachael Rowe

Britain’s Best Bangers! A Blackmore Vale butchers shop has won one of the most prestigious awards in the meat industry for their sausages. T Buttling Butchers of Ludwell near Shaftesbury, work to a closely guarded family recipe and have been entering the Champion of Champions competition for around 20 years. This year their traditional pork and sage sausage won the judges over. The Champion of Champions award is run by the Meat Trades Journal with butchers entering their finest sausages from all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is unique in presenting the best quality sausages. There are regional finals which T Buttling has won several times and they have also previously been finalists, so clearly something was more than

just good. The 2020 competition was judged on 7 July in Crawley with T Buttling receiving the prestigious trophy for producing the best sausages in the UK and Ireland.

T Buttling

Cooked sausages are judged on shrinkage, any defects such as air pockets, and of course the taste. It is quite technical, but the judges are looking for a succulent wellreceiving filled product.”

Paul Buttling the prestigious trophy The Champion explained for producing the best of Champions how the finals worked. cup is proudly sausages in the UK “We have to displayed and Ireland. submit six on the shop raw sausages counter above and six cooked ones. There the award winning sausages. are 50 points to be won both On the back wall, among the for raw and cooked products. diagrams of prime cuts of meat The competition used to be at are several other trophies. They Butchers Hall in London, and also won the 2020 Craft Butcher then a top hotel, but this year Awards for their pork sausage. because of COVID, everything was online so I delivered the T Buttling have been quietly sausages to the headquarters in selling award-winning meat for Crawley and had to turn the car years; something Paul sees as a round.” team effort and not an individual success. Fellow butchers Dave My mind is racing just thinking Smart and Allan Seldon along about where you even start with with colleague Mario were all in judging a sausage. Paul outlined on the win. what the judges look for and But what do the local customers it all comes down to the finest think? quality: “They told us ‘we always knew “With raw sausages it’s all about you were winners. We always the filling, the texture, and knew the quality was good’,” the size as well as the smell. smiles Paul. Always free - subscribe here

by Rachael Rowe T Buttling is a fourth generation that over the years the standard butchery. The family has been of sausage making in this in the meat trade since 1898, country is so much better than firstly in London until the when I started.” family moved to the Dorset/ T Buttling is a fourth So what’s Wiltshire next for the generation butchery border and Champion of - in the meat trade took over Champions the Ludwell since 1898, firstly in winners? premises in London and then to 1978. All the “We’ll look the Dorset/Wiltshire meat is sourced at another border when they locally but Paul competition for took over the Ludwell also looks for a different type quality in his of meat,” says premises in 1978. suppliers. Paul. As if the So what difference has the standard could get much better Champion of Champions at T Buttling. I’d say we’re in competition made to the for a treat in the Blackmore industry nationally? Roger Vale with local businesses like Kelsey, one of the judges this one having a constant from National Craft Butchers eye on driving up quality for summed it up. customers. And the judges were right - those sausages ”I’ve been judging competitions are outstanding and absolutely for 30 or 40 years. I have to say delicious.

NEWS

Officially the best sausages in the UK and Ireland. T Buttling Butchers of Ludwell near Shaftesbury, work to a closely guarded family recipe. Image: Rachael Rowe

The butchers shop in Ludwell near Shaftesbury has been home to the Buttling family butchers since 1978. Image: Rachael Rowe

by Andy Palmer

NEWS

Founding members of the Branch circa 1921:, Charlie Stride on the left, Col William Whatman with the Standard

100 years of the Royal British Legion in Sturminster Newton The end of WW1 in 1918 saw millions of ex soldiers returning to civilian life, many of them bearing physical and mental wounds after four cruel years of industrialised slaughter not just in Flanders but in war theatres around the world and at sea. It would be inaccurate to say that they were ‘the lucky ones,’ but of six million men and women mobilised during the conflict, 886,000 were

killed and approximately three times that figure were wounded. A range of charitable organisations sprang up during and after the war seeking to help the ex-service personnel, many shocked by their experiences, cope with ‘ordinary life.’

In Sturminster Newton The ‘Old Comrades Association’ was formed in 1919 by Colonel William Whatman and this became a founding branch of the British Legion on July 28, 1921 when the many institutions were amalgamated under a common name.

Sturminster Newton remembrance parade circa 1981 Always free - subscribe here

NEWS WW2 60th Anniversary commemorations July 2005

The building was a wooden hut a cinema when mobile movies which Col Whatman arranged came to town. Its popularity to be brought from Blandford increased in the 1960s when a Camp. It was dance hall was placed where added, although “The ‘hut’ was a today’s Royal this was disused popular destination British Legion in 2016 due to stands, on Bath for local people, not the high cost of Road just north just ex-servicemen refurbishment of the town and women; it was needed. centre, on land When it was first used as a cinema donated by opened, the ‘hut’ when mobile movies the Pitt-Rivers was looked after estate. by Mr Robert (Bob) came to town.” The ‘hut’ as it Hatcher MM. was known, was Bob was a local a popular destination for local war hero, having been awarded people; not just ex-servicemen the Military Medal during and women, as it was used as the First World War. Bob was

appointed Steward in 1919 - a post he kept until he took over the Red Lion public house in the mid 1940s. This pocket of local history, our Royal British Legion, celebrated its centenary last month with an evening paying tribute to the work of the RBL, and to the various local organisations who have supported the Legion over the 100 years of its existence in the town. The presentations were followed by a buffet supper and a magnificent birthday cake created by Portia at Stur of the Moment, a surprise donation by the Club Chairman, Andy Conduit. It is not widely known that anyone can become a member of the RBL and help support generations of the armed forces community. Find Sturminster’s RBL on Facebook here.

1921 – a snapshot of England •

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• • • • • How Sturminster Newton would have looked to the RBL founders in 1921. Image courtesy of the Barry Cuff Collection

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Only men over 21 could vote (and women over 30 who met certain property-owning qualifications. It wasn’t until 1928 that women could vote equally with men.) There were 1.1 million domestic servants in England, earning way below the national salary average due to no minimum wage levels and deductions for bed and board. The average life expectancy for women and men was 60 and 56 respectively. The average house price £320 The average salary was £178 for men. For women it was £99. The average average car price was £270 - two thirds the cost of a house A litre of fuel, however, was only £0.03 A Pint of beer? That would be the same as the petrol - thruppence.

by Tracie Beardsley

COMMUNITY

“I Panicked When a Police Car Drove Up”

When a police car drove up to the Big Yellow Bus Garden Project (BYBG), alongside the Castleman Trailway between Blandford and Sturminster Newton, project co-ordinator Paul Williams panicked. It was lockdown. His community space was allowed to be open, but could he find his letter of authority? The uniformed officer got out. “I’m on a break. I just need time out for myself,” he explained. With that, he rolled up his sleeves and spent 20 minutes happily weeding.

landscape garden offers a giving nature a hand too,” says chance to wander and relax Paul Williams. “We’re pesticidefree and have a wildlife pond, under beautiful crab apple bird boxes and hedgehog houses trees or by the pond. One acre - you name is given over to a “...anyone can grab a spade it we’re doing it.” communal and help grow fruit and growing veg. Whether or not you’ve The project space. Rather than worked the area, everyone grew out Paul individual can take advantage of the of Williams’ allotments, produce... and cut your hugely anyone own bouquet of flowers – successful can grab education a spade again free of charge.” mentoring and help service in Sturminster Newton, grow fruit and veg. Whether supporting young people at or not you’ve worked the area, risk of becoming NEETS (not in everyone can take advantage of education, employment or the produce. “We put excess produce on the trailway to give away,” Paul Williams explains, “and also dispatch it to five sites locally for people to help themselves.”

Paul Williams recalls: “With the added pressures of Covid on top of his daily duties, he just needed something to take his mind off work. This sums up the value of this project perfectly.”

Flower fans enjoy the large cut flower area. Secateurs are on site so you can cut your own bouquet of flowers – again free of charge. The last acre is a wildflower meadow, with four beehives to help pollinate and produce honey, with plans for this to be sold locally with profits being reinvested into the project.

BYBG covers four acres of land split into three areas. The formal

“As well as the community benefitting from BYBG, we’re

The Big Yellow Bus Garden Project is a Health and Wellbeing space near Shillingstone which is accessible to the whole coimmunity

Paul Williams is the driving force behind the Big Yellow Bus Project - his work with troubled youths for Dorset Council lead him to opening a community wellbeing space for every generation.

by Tracie Beardsley

COMMUNITY

training). He rescued an old yellow bus and converted it into a classroom, offering the chance to learn skills in catering, car mechanics, forestry, construction and horticulture. Paul noticed the young people who migrated towards horticulture were of a more nervous disposition and faced mental health challenges including self-harming and suicidal tendencies. When funding for the project stopped (and the bus rusted away), the opportunity to take over the abandoned site was too good to miss. Paul Williams: “I thought, why not open it up as a health and well-being space for the wider community so everyone can benefit?” Suzie Rancourt joined BYBG during the third lockdown. “Already a keen, albeit, novice gardener, I was attracted by learning more as well as an activity to share with my twelve year-old daughter,” she says. “It has been an unequivocal life saver. As a single parent and key worker, circumstances have not been easy. The BYBG has been a genuine solace from the outside world. It has been so validating to watch not only the change in what we’re helping to create, but

also the positive effect it has on those that visit it. ‘’

their own self-esteem.” He also points out the intergenerational benefits Looking at the site now, it’s of adult volunteers working hard to believe alongside these that just two “Without forcing youngsters. years ago it was “Without forcing the issue, you’ve the issue, you’ve an overgrown got someone in mass of weeds got someone in and brambles. their 60’s chatting their 60’s chatting Paul Williams to someone who is to someone who is and dedicated 15 and passing on 15 and passing on their wisdom.” volunteers their wisdom.” waded through knee-high Future plans for thistles and hawthorn. Today BYBG include a garden room/ you’ll see people enjoying the classroom on site, and support space and volunteers of all ages for dementia sufferers, the working together. These include elderly and lonely. the troubled youngsters that There are two pop up Yoga Paul supports in his “real job” in events coming in August and a association with Dorset Council. ‘Picnic by the Pond’ on Saturday “Some young people, challenged 21st August, where families can by their mental health, come come with a picnic and enjoy here to work with me. When free entertainment provided by you’re planting lettuces local musicians alongside someone, it’s far easier Paul Williams: “I’m so grateful for them to open up and talk for the support we’ve already without the formality of sitting in received from local businesses a room staring uncomfortably at but more funding is always each other.” needed and we welcome more volunteers.” He adds: “It’s scientifically proven that if you get somebody To get involved, email Paul on to nurture something – it paul@eqcic.co.uk or call him on nurtures them back. When you 07850036117 get a young person to plant a Or simply follow The Big Yellow seed, water it and see it grow, Bus Garden Project on Facebook this has a knock-on effect for

Paul is thrilled with how the abandoned scrubbie field has been transformed in the formal gardens area - but insists there is still so much to be done. It is a calming and peaceful space with winding paths that all visitors enjoy a slow wander through.

by Tracie Beardsley

A COUNTRY LIVING

Sitting at the wheel he made from an old plastic dog’s bed, a washing up bowl and pieces of scrap wood and metal forty years ago. Over Jonathan’s shoulder you can see the door through to the firing room and kiln.

Fired Up: Meet the Dorset potter who moved 25,000 bricks to rebuild his kiln and start a new life near Shaftesbury.

When Dorset potter Jonathan Garratt relocated from Cranborne to near Shaftesbury, he moved lock, stock, and many pots - as well as dismantling a 25,000 brick kiln and painstakingly rebuilding his renowned pottery business at Jolliffe’s Cottage in the village of Stour Row. Seven years on, Jonathan has converted a car port to house his beloved kiln, and a former kindergarten has become his pottery studio. Here, this sprightly 67 yearold works to a choice of

eclectic music, surrounded by his beautiful creations made from Cranborne clay and all exclusively fired with wood.

Those that do will be pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices, with an elegant glazed pot available for under £10. Many of his stunning designs are also guaranteed frost-proof.

Flower pots in hot oranges, blue and greens, bird houses and ‘garden Jonathan is the punctuation’ He has no website first to admit - interesting that he had or social media artefacts an extremely presence but hopes privileged framed in clay and wood upbringing – his studio has the are artistically educated at Eton ‘atmosphere of a displayed College where he bygone smithy’. outside his studied ceramics studio. Inside and then on are vases, jugs, mugs and plates, to Clare College, Cambridge some inventively decorated where he gained a BA degree in using anything from mascara Archaeology. brushes to domestic sponges. “At Eton, I’d pretend to go for a run but sneak off to He has no website or social the art centre where I had media presence but hopes his a chance to indulge my love studio has the “atmosphere of a for photography, sculpture bygone smithy” where passersand finally pottery. I travelled by feel they can just pop in to through all the materials to find browse. my direction,” he says. Always free - subscribe here

by Tracie Beardsley allowing him the freedom to choose a creative path in life, unlike many of his peers who were forced into ‘respectable’ banking or legal professions. A glance at his impressive CV shows it was definitely the right career path.

A COUNTRY LIVING ‘open prisons’ many people are living in, with little or no outdoor space and the resulting ‘untapped fuel of creativity being supressed in humans.’ Jonathan may not be able to claim to have reinvented the wheel but he has certainly recycled it! Who else would see an old plastic dog bed at a dump and envisage it as part of a potter’s wheel? Along with an upside down washing up bowl, turned wood and some scrap metal, his home-made wheel has notched up 40 years of service and is still turning strong.

His many credits include exhibiting at London’s V&A Museum and the Royal College of Art. In the dead of night, he’s climbed trees in Canary Wharf to hang ceramic discs as part of ‘The Shape of the Century 100 Years of Sculpture in Britain’ exhibition. He’s also appeared at numerous exhibitions across Dorset and Inspirations for his “...an old dog’s Hampshire. wonderful designs bed, an upside come from books He’s a Fellow of the Royal Society down washing and other artists. of Arts (FRSA) - an up bowl, turned “We’re all thieves, award granted drawing on ideas wood and some that others have to exceptional individuals judged scrap metal; his already had,” he by the Royal Society home-made wheel says honestly. He of Arts to have also believes he’s has notched made significant only 50 per cent of up 40 years of contributions the artistic contract. relating to the service and is still “I make a pot - but Arts and is only turning strong.” what someone does awarded to those with it, where they who demonstrate put it, what they their support for social change. put in it – that makes up the other crucial 50% of the finished Talking passionately about effect.” people having the right to express their talents, whatever And sometimes his beloved background they may come kiln can take on a creative from, Jonathan has written to bent he never imagined. “My the Prime Minister about the kiln becomes an artist too –

Jonathan‘s gallery at Jolliffe’s cottage nr Shaftesbury is open to visitors.

sometimes firing the clay in a way I didn’t anticipate and the results can be extraordinary.” Clearly, this is a man who loves what he does, describing the sensation of “being airborne” when he’s at his wheel, a huge high as he and the clay create together. And, unlike many of his fellow Etonians, “no boring meetings to sit through and no need to wear a tie to work.” Jonathan welcomes visitors to his studio: Jolliffe’s Cottage, Stour Row, near Shaftesbury SP7 0QW 01747 858697 or 07549 020454 jonathangarratt82@gmail.com

Jonathan’s firing room with his stacks of blanks and the self-built kiln to the rear. He has been selling his pieces to Fiona Atkins, an experienced trader - now at Townhouse, Spitalfields - for thirty five years.

by Rachael Rowe

NEWS

The light and airy interior of Elm Yard Gallery is filled with beautiful, affordable art. Image: Rachael Rowe

Stop to See Strikingly Beautiful Art at Elm Yard Gallery For some people it is the vultures, and for others it is the metal cowboy that makes them slow down on the A3030 at North Wootton. Many people will have seen the recent cow sculpture funded by a community fundraiser in Sturminster Newton, and the giant metal soldier that got national attention. Now there’s another excuse to take a break, park up and visit the delightful Elm Yard Gallery. A unique door looking like something from Lord of the Rings leads into the bright art gallery that opened just before

Christmas last year, and closed swiftly again with lockdown. The door is the handiwork of on site sculptor Martin Galbavy. Owners Chris and Nicky Hannam have filled the space with work from local artists to complement the unique metal sculptures from partner Dorset Forge & Fabrication. The Elms Farmhouse Kitchen is the third business on site, providing light meals and refreshments. Nicky tells me she selects artists for the gallery and is about to choose more. There are paintings by Laurence Belbin and Caundle Marsh based

artist Sam Dodd. Sam uses acrylics and has recently added gold leaf to give an extra dimension to her nature designs. Glass art by Claire Waters is strikingly beautiful, and just when I think the gallery has a nature theme, the fun camper vans in artwork by James Frames change that assumption. There are colourful ceramics as well as Martin Galbavy’s iconic metal creations.

Martin Galbavy, Chris Hannam and Nicky Hannam with the cowboy scuplture

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All of us have probably stood in a gallery like this at some time and either not been inspired to buy a thing or found it beyond our budget. What is striking about Elm Yard is the amount of art that is tasteful and affordableand would look good in the average home. Nicky points to the armchair and laughs: “It’s very easy to sit in that chair, look at a piece, and fall in love with it.”

POLITICS

Martin Galbavy is originally from Slovakia and was Coppersmith metal sculptures but there is so of the Year in his country. He much more to the forge. Many sources his metal from reclaim smaller pieces are displayed in yards and the gallery and car boots, “All of us have are compelling but during to look at with probably stood in a lockdown, their intricate gallery like this at people welded metal some time and either fragments. brought old tools they not been inspired to They are thought he buy a thing, or found popular. An could use. it beyond our budget. intricate metal Martin also horse head What is striking about and child sculpts items from the old Elm Yard is the amount sculpture sold tools of people within three of art that is tasteful who have died hours of being and affordable.” so their family placed on has something social media NEVER PRINTED to remember them by. That’s recently. Martin Galbavy points something I wish I had known out the colossal hulk in the when clearing Dad’s “might come yard. I had passed the imposing in handy one day” tool collection. monster countless times from the road, but who knew it was People sometimes assume made from 140,000 ball bearings the yard only creates massive all individually welded together? “The supplier double checked we really wanted that amount,” laughs Chris Hannam. In the Hulk’s hand is a metal spiky coronavirus.

ISSN 2634-8810

NEWS

want to fight this coronavirus; so he was inspired to make the hulk.” It took him four months as a lockdown project see it as our jigsaw this month on p.93. Elm Yard is a fantastic example of businesses working together and creating inspirational art. Next time you are on the A3030, stop off at North Wootton to take a closer look at the dramatic metal sculptures and visit Elm Yard Gallery. Elm Yard Gallery is open from Wednesdays to Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/ ElmYardGallery/ Elm Yard, North Wootton, August ‘21 Sherborne DT9 5JW 1

Nicky explained: “Martin’s idea is that all of us

RURAL MATTERS - monthly column from the CPRE View over the Blackmore Vale from Ibberton Hill. Image: Rupert Hardy

On The Importance of Hedgerows In 2000 our then-future CPRE President, Bill Bryson, wrote: “For well over a thousand years hedgerows have been a defining attribute of rural England, the stitching that holds the fabric of the countryside together. From a distance they give the landscape form and distinction. Up close they give it life, filling fields and byways with birdsong and darting insects and the furtive rustles of rodents… Hedgerows don’t merely enhance the countryside. They make it.”

hedgerows are in poor condition. We welcomed the government’s Committee on Climate Change report in 2019 calling for a 40 per cent extension of the Some hedges are Bronze UK’s hedgerows, but sadly the Age, maybe even Neolithic, government has done little to in origin. As the first farmers implement this. This May the began clearing small areas for government announced an cultivation, they action plan to left strips of trees “In the 1980s the UK restore and as boundaries. enhance trees was losing 4,000 miles and peatland, The post-war of hedgerows a year.” but inexplicably decades were incredibly left hedgerows damaging with out. farmers encouraged to grub Dorset CPRE is involved in a new up hedgerows to intensify project, called Hedgerow Heroes, food production, although the to plant or restore over 15 destruction was much less kilometres of hedge across the marked in pastoral North Dorset country, including the planting of than in arable East Anglia. over 50,000 trees. In 1980 we called for an end On the Hinton Admiral to these grants and for the Estate straddling the Dorset/ same protection to be given Hampshire border, it involves to hedgerows as were given to the planting of 1.7 km of new trees. Yet in this decade the UK hedgerow and improving a was still losing 4,000 miles of further 1.3 km of existing hedgerows a year. hedgerow to create a better habitat for wildlife, and improve In 1990 the government’s firstthe amenity value of the area. Nowhere is this more true than ever Environment White Paper We are looking for similar in the pastoral landscape of accepted our case for statutory projects in North Dorset too, but North Dorset, with the added hedgerow also volunteers who would like realization of the protection, to help on the Hinton Admiral “This May the key role hedgerows although it was project. Most people are now can play in halting government focused on planting trees to biodiversity decline announced an action not until 1997 that hedgerow offset climate change, but do and tackling plan to restore regulations consider a hedge too. Remember climate change, by it is not just the birds, insects and enhance trees were finally capturing carbon introduced. In and small mammals that will be from the air and and peatland, but recent years grateful, but your children too. storing it in plants. inexplicably left the situation Thomas Hardy’s hedgerows out.” has stabilized, Rupert Hardy, Chairman “Vale of the Little but many Dairies” in the North Dorset CPRE

Blackmore Vale is characterised by its irregular patchwork of small fields divided by ancient hedgerows.

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thday to Happy Bir more Vale! Te Black

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POLITICS

Simon Hoare on Foreign Aid. Rebel – and Mr Awkward. A few weeks ago, North Dorset MP Simon Hoare was named among the new ‘Awkward Squad’ by the Spectator. A reference not only to the fact he defied the Tory whip and voted against the move to cut the UK’s Foreign Aid budget down to 0.5 per cent of GDP, but also a reference to the ‘awkward squad’ of socialist trade unionists and rebel MPs in the early 2000s who were a thorn in the side of Blair’s Labour government. Twenty-four Conservatives voted against the government including former Prime Minister Theresa May, former International Development

Secretary Andrew Mitchell, defense committee chairman Tobias Ellwood, ex-Cabinet minister Jeremy Hunt, and Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

with poverty here in the UK too. But we also have a sophisticated raft of services to help. In other countries this aid we give is quite literally the difference between survival and death. And whilst Having previously “Well, I fail to see how there’s never discussed with a right time voting to maintain Simon his policy the manifesto upon to do it, now of voting with his is utterly the which we were elected wrong time. conscience, and makes me ‘awkward’!” The UK has his occasional need to defy the a long and party line where he felt strongly, proud history of charitable I wanted to know why he had greatness – look at Live Aid, decided at a time of enormous at Children in Need, in fact at national debt that the £4bn the repsonse to any natural reduction in aid was important disaster… We’re a nation which enough to rebel on. has giving in its DNA. “Well, I fail to see how voting to maintain the manifesto upon which we were elected makes me ‘awkward’!” said Simon “For me, this is about many things. Firstly, this is not ‘charity’. It is helping our fellow men and women. And for all those quoting ‘charity begins at home’ at me, yes, of course we have terrible issues

“And I really do not like the little tables of foreign aid rankings – just because this country does less, or that country does more; these lists should bear no relevance to our own actions. “There’s no prize, there’s no meaning to the feelgood rankings – we simply need to do the right thing for the right thing’s sake.” Always free - subscribe here

POLITICS “Globally, the UK are a leader in to 0.7% of GDPR was seen by humanitarian and peacekeeping many as a forward-thinking, aid: our example is often looked progressive move, welcomed for and followed, and via ‘soft across the political spectrum as diplomacy’ places like Japan and the right thing to do. Simon is the Middle East become involved dismayed at the back-pedalling and engaged. At a time when we are banging “It’s easy to be generous when the drum for Global Britain, times are good, but far more this move meaningful “...not only is it the feels utterly to give during wrong thing morally, on self-defeating tough times. politically.” a political level I feel it We are the will come back and bite only member Meeting of the G7 us on the arse.” the 0.7% reducing our figure was commitment: made law in 2015, and it is and it’s a nonsense that an internationally recognised defies the maths. We haven’t target; charities such as Oxfam committed a specific amount, and ActionAid have warned that we’ve committed a percentage projects are being called off as a of GDP. Which literally means we result of the cuts. give less during lean years – it’s already built in to the equation! The UK was the first G7 nation to enshrine in law a commitment to Boris Johnson justified the cut in the UN development spending the House of Commons, saying: goal. The Conservative’s decision “We all believe in the principle to lock the foreign aid budget that aid can transform lives,”

and arguing that voting for the government’s motion “will provide certainty for our aid budget and an affordable path back to 0.7% while also allowing for investment in other priorities, including the NHS, schools and the police.” He added: “As soon as circumstances allow and the tests are met, we will return to the target that unites us.” Simon Hoare was dismissive of the test criteria ever being met “And to declare we cannot afford this, or to increase nurses pay, and yet we can spend over £200 million on a new Royal Yacht that even the Royal Family don’t want, is simply wrong. “The decision is simply easy politics – and not only is it the wrong thing morally, on a political level I feel it will come back and bite us on the arse.”

GARDEN OPEN &

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POLICE

The £350 cost of visiting beauty spots! Monthly news from the North Dorset Police Team. This month Sturminster Newton’s PCSO 5352 Mandy Robinson

Residents and nature lovers are not the only people drawn to beautiful north Dorset. Thieves love our area too, says PCSO 5352 Mandy Robinson. Thieves adore beauty spots. They love quaint old villages and towns. It’s not the scenery that excites them; it is all those lovely unattended cars. And to the anti-social element, unattended cars mean loot. Most of us, not all, hide away valuables which will draw a car window smasher all ready for a quick getaway.

with a damaged boot lock is not fun. What thieves do not like is completely empty cars with bare seats and floors. And you can deter them further with a note saying ‘no valuables left in car’ prominently displayed. Even if a thief tries your car, you’ll still be left with the severe inconvenience of a broken window – and the cost of up to £350 to replace it. The problem has been exacerbated with Covid as more people avoid crowded tourist sites and visit the countryside, which in turns means more unattended cars attracting more thieves.

Operation Relentless

The first thing thieves do is To show our determination assess what goodies there are to crack down on Antihalf-hidden under front seats Social Behavioyur (ASB) we and under old Tesco bags and work closely with housing coats on the back seat. Easy associations, local councils, pickings. businesses and schools to It is not good enough to secure find a resolution, as well as to your valuables in the boot, you deal with those must presume “Replacing a car involved. a vigilant thief is Operation window could cost watching you and taking careful you £350 – mending Relentless was note– and today’s a forced car boot is part of a national campaign thief takes no even more costly” to remind time to open residents and your car boot visitors that the police takes a – not only stealing your hardtough approach to anti-social earned property, but causing behavior. costly damage to your car, too. Better still, don’t take any There will be North Dorset valuables with you for your police officers attending the nature visit which you must Shaftesbury and Gillingham leave in the car. Driving a car

Show this year with a stand. They are there to answer your questions and discuss local issues and to make our community safer – please feel free to visit us.

New Banking Scam A vulnerable elderly man was visited in his home in Sturminster Newton by a female purporting to be from Barclay’s Bank. She obtained the man’s bank card and PIN and used it to buy goods – leaving the distressed victim with the job of getting his money back and changing his bank card. Your bank will never send someone to your home to ‘check’ your card and your pin. Never give any bank details to cold callers on the phone or in person. Politely refuse and call us on 101. Report suspicious activity either by calling 101 or via the police website https:// www.dorset.police.uk/do-itonline#report If a crime is occurring or a life is in danger phone 999. Do also follow the local north Dorset policing teams on social media to stay up to date:

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POLITICS

NEWS

Blandford Parish Church receives over £600,000 The members of the Blandford Parish Church Big Church Project are thrilled to announce that they have been awarded a grant of £664,400 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The decades of patching the roof will finally be over, as the funding is now in place for a complete refurbishment. Alongside the repair work there will be an exciting project to research, record and explore, with the help of volunteers, the lives of those who have been connected with the church; from Hannah, ‘a Black Woman Servant

With the support of Dorset Wildlife Trust and Caring for God’s Acre the church will monitor the biodiversity in the churchyard, one of the main green spaces in the centre of town; and carry out improvements for wildlife.

of Mrs Holder’, who was baptised in the church in 1770, to George Vince, a Blandfordian who died by falling over an ice cliff while on one of Scott’s Antarctic Expeditions; to investigate the relationship between the church and various communities including the Travellers. Sara Loch, Chairman of the Big Church Project, the group overseeing the project, said: “No more buckets scattered around the building! And we can make

the space, both inside the church and outside in the churchyard, a vibrant community resource.” All the tiles from the roof will be removed, so that the wooden battens underneath can be sorted. It is hoped that a majority of the tiles will be re-used, but some will have to be replaced, creating a chance to have their name/suitable message recorded in perpetuity on the underside of the new tiles. So look out for an opportunity to ‘Tag-A-Tile’.

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

by Andy Palmer

TALES FROM THE VALE

Tales From The Vale with Andy Palmer

Why is Hardy so popular?

Image: Hardy’s statue in Dorchester. His underlying obsession with brutal realism and tragedy stems from his own deeply unhappy life, specifically his doomed marriage to Emma Gifford. Initially they were happy together, but Emma was a higher social class to the poorer Hardy, which caused a rift in their relationship as Emma began to ‘look down on him’, including his novels, allegedly saying they were only fit for servants to read. Some years ago The Guardian created a fun infographic to find which of Hardy’s novels is the bleakest - the winner was Jude the Obscure, with Tess a close second!

A lot of locals revere the writer Thomas Hardy. I hate to be a party pooper but he’s just that little bit miserable and misogynistic for me. And his take on human nature is dubious, even by the standards of a 19th century male novelist with a drooping moustache and an unhappy marriage. I got a collection of his short stories from a Stur charity shop The Emporium (for books, CDs and DVDs the price is £1 for four; they’re £1.99 each in some Sherborne charity shops.) As a catalogue of misery Hardy’s tales are hard to beat. The first tale is called ‘The Withered Hand,’ so you can see the laugh out loud jollity contained. And take the full-length novel, Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The story? Tess has, you’ve guessed it, a bad time; seduced by an upper class bounder, cad and ocean-going rotter, Alec, with whom she bears a daughter which, naturally, she names Sorrow (later lamented in a 1960s song written by The Merseybeats, not David Bowie as I used to think). Sorrow dies (why am I not surprised). Tess falls in love with her wimp of a beau, Angel Clare, who knows nothing about her previous life and child. Marriage is discussed (alarm bells, a danger of happiness. Don’t worry, Thom’s

got it all planned.) So, Tess writes a confessional letter, asking the wimp for forgiveness, hoping he won’t mind her ‘shame’ and slips it under his bedroom door. The author being Hardy, the note goes under the rug. Angel doesn’t see it, which suggests lax housekeeping in the Angel household. What does that housemaid do all day? Thinking he read the letter and is pardoned (obviously she doesn’t ever say, ‘did you get my... erm, note, Ange?) they get married. Angel tells Tess of an affair he had (good one, Angel, wait ‘till you’re married). Tess forgives him, and mentions her indiscretion. Being a man (who’s had an affair) Angel is horrified and despite previous reassurances of undying devotion, hands her some money (all heart) and sails for Brazil as a sort of ‘sod you’ gesture – why he couldn’t move to Wiltshire or Devon, Yeovil, even, is a mystery. Actually, maybe Yeovil isn’t on.

Result? A further life of misery for poor Tess (she’s gone back to the rapist Alec, would she really do that, Thom?) which is not helpfully ended by her swinging at the gibbet for murdering him, after a search party finds her asleep at Stonehenge (laughably, really, it’s the first place they’d look.) Thanks, Thom. Another riveting, uplifting read.

The village hall committee. We’ve had some great events at our village hall that the whole community thoroughly enjoyed. The village quiz - £10 a ticket, including a super large portion of fish & chips – is always a sell-out. It’s surprising the talent that’s available in every village and hamlet in Dorset. One couple, with a background in hospitality, who recently moved into the village, offered to provide, at cost, a range of excellent curries for an evening (included in the £10 ticket). We didn’t have enough plates for the Always free - subscribe here

by Andy Palmer 65 or so people we’re allowed for each event so we used paper plates. We hadn’t thought that through. The bottom of the curry-laden plates began to disintegrate, so everybody suddenly had to eat faster to stop an avalanche of chicken korma engulfing our laps, causing vast amusement. Children, after a lifetime of entreaties by parents of ‘don’t bolt your food’, were delighted to be urged to ‘bolt your food.’

Our jumble sales, too, are fun (never thought I’d write a sentence like that).

TALES FROM THE VALE said, ‘I’ll take it.’ ‘Do you think I’ve got a future as an art forger,’ I asked, wrapping the priceless ceramic in newspaper and tossing it over the table to her. ‘No,’ she said. At the same session we had some old artefact which attracted no interest until a chap, slowly and carefully examining it, asked the price. ‘Fifty pence,’ I said. He smiled, ‘that’s a bit steep.’ ‘You misunderstand,’ I said, ‘I’ll give you 50p to take it away, I’m sick of looking at it.’ He laughed and gave me £1.

I always staff the bric-a-brac stall and among the ‘goods’ ranging from ‘interesting’ to ‘total crap’ (someone generously donated a used loofah?) were some real There’s a law that gems, including 1950s metal everything that can go Dinky cars, trucks, trains and wrong tends to go wrong before military vehicles. On a recent events. We anticipate the chip Antiques Road Show, a small van phoning two weeks before collection of similar toys went saying, ‘sorry, double booking’ for a few hundred quid. At our (which they’ll have known sale, I was selling them for a quid each – wish I’d watched the for months). A week before, we’re surprised if the electrics programme beforehand, I’d be don’t go on the blink. Part of able to buy a used loofah. the ceiling collapsing the night And we have fun: a young lady, before brings a hearty cheer for with heavy irony, asked me its inevitability. The plumbing the provenance of a dubious failure in the ladies’ loos will ‘Chinese’ vase. bring a round of applause. ‘It’s genuine 15th Century Ming But magically, it Dynasty,’ I “A week before, we’re always, always, replied, adding, comes together ‘and it comes surprised if the on the day. It’s with a certificate electrics don’t go on all hands to the of authenticity.’ the blink. Part of the pump and we’re ‘Can I see the certificate?’ she ceiling collapsing the British: we rally. smiled. night before brings a Non-committee members, Grabbing pen hearty cheer for its plumbers, and paper, inevitability.” joiners, roofers, I wrote ‘this friends of vase is almost friends, nuclear scientists, definitely, probably genuine-ish internationally renowned heart Ming-ish style dysentery and surgeons suddenly appear could, possibly, easily be worth offering their services. Jeff the £1 we’re charging. Sort of.’ Bezos turned up once to offer ‘Well, as it’s got a ‘genuine-ish’ certificate, it’s a bargain-ish,’ she some change for the cash

float. Helping with the dryingup was Queen Maxima of The Netherlands. And the most wonderful thing is the transformation of the village hall from a soulless interior to a bustling environment decorated with bunting and beautifully arranged flowers, usually from Peggy and Natalie on the committee. We’ll be inundated with smiling volunteers working and laughing in the kitchen serving up home-made cakes, clearing tables. The cakes! All the cakes are fantastic, but one show-stopper was made by Tony, a bluff Geordie whose creation was a Malteser Cascade Cake (above). It’s a work of art. He’s a northern man – I’d presumed he didn’t know where the kitchen was in his house. But all village hall committees need new people with new ideas: it’s interesting to be involved, especially if you’re a newcomer. Details of committee members are usually on every village notice board and they’ll welcome you with open arms.

MEET YOUR LOCAL

Meet Your Local: The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton

by Laura Hitchcock

Our regular column in which you discover the faces and stories behind the pub sign. This month we’ve been chatting to Barbara who owns The Langton Arms at Tarrant Monkton nr. Blandford.

How did you end up at The Langton Arms?

It was ‘our’ village pub, just down the road from where we lived on the family farm, when it went into receivership - we bought it from Barclays Bank in 1993. It felt like a good partner business opportunity for the farm - plus it was where we used to go courting in our Young Farmers days! Obviously, we were very naive, buying into a business we knew nothing about, but 30 years on here we are still!

on your own doorstep. Plus you can’t beat good local fish & chips on the beach, enjoying them with only the seagulls as competition!

Tell us about your pandemic? During lockdown, a lot of organisation had to be put into place - we pivoted focus, and concentrated our efforts on

the farm shop, which remained open. We kept two chefs very busy cooking pies and ready meals for our farm shop. All our staff helped to run our farm shop, organising the queuing public, and helping us sell plants for Baskets and Blooms Nurseries, who were going to stop producing and plough their plants into the soil. We helped them to keep growing, and for people to continue to enjoy their gardens in that much needed lockdown period.

What’s your favourite local place to visit on an afternoon off? I love going to the seaside! Swanage during lockdown has been wonderful. The views over Corfe Castle, Arne Nature Reserve and Old Harry’s Rocks are truly breathtaking - you never really appreciate what is

The Langton Arms’ atmospheric dining room. Always free - subscribe here

MEET YOUR LOCAL Flour and yeast became our best sellers as everyone at home became bakers! We were able to keep supplies going when the supermarkets could not.

The Langton Arms’ steak pie recipe has been a hit on the menu for 25 years.

What’s been your biggest challenge since taking over? What are you proud of? In 30 years of owning and running the pub, there have been many challenges; but I feel our main challenge has been the competition of the supermarkets - as it has been for many other businesses on the high street. Their cheap sales of alcohol and soft drinks, as well as their ‘meal deals’ for home consumption... we just cannot compete with their prices. I am most proud of still being here after 30 years! Surviving a fire in 2004 and rebuilding my business. The smoking bans also came into place, and all pubs had to reinvent themselves as foodled venues.

What part of the pub is your absolute favourite? We have so many lovely little areas, two small bars which are part of the 17th century old building. The converted stable is part of our 50-seater restaurant with a conservatory.

Our function room still has a fully operational skittle alley in it - but the best story of all is it in an old Nissan hut from World War 2, brought down and erected by the soldiers stationed at Blandford camp. Their beer was in big baths, and they used to scoup their beer mugs in!

Which dish is your most popular?

We’re all about the beef! It is from our own family farm in the next village. Our steak pie dish was created 25 years ago and is still the same recipe. Our steaks are matured on the bone for 28 days and our animals are all grass fed to give the full old-fashioned flavour (even our burgers are to die for!)

We have six guest rooms, a function/meeting room, and great gardens. We would like to rebuild our business after covid and make the most of the UK holiday market that will help to re-boost our economy. Our customers need the Great British Pub - it is the hub of the community. I believe if nothing else we need to enjoy the very simple things in life; great family, great friends & great food.

www.thelangtonarms.co.uk/

So what’s next - do you have big plans on the horizon?

The Langton Arms’ garden is a perfect spot to enjoy their popular Local Cheese Ploughman’s.

Barbara Cossins bought The Langton Arms, her local pub, in 1993 when it had gone into receivership. “it was where we used to go courting in our Young Farmers days!”

Guiding you along life’s fairways Time is precious; we want to spend as much of it doing the things that make us happy. So keeping on top of our finances and managing our wealth – a task that can be both time-consuming and complex – can often fall way down our list of priorities. We offer a friendly and approachable service, backed by the strength and security of FTSE 100 company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management; and being local means we’re here to help whenever you need us.

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OBITUARY

Brian Philip Harvey ‘Harve’ 27th October 1931 3rd July 2021 Brian was born at the Nags Head Inn, Mappowder as the middle son of Edward and Laura Harvey. He had two brothers - Roy and Michael. In 1960 he married Margaret (Newcombe), who was sadly taken from him by a long standing illness in 1992. The family lived at Humber Hill Farm, Mappowder, and Brian farmed alongside his mother, Auntie Margaret and Reg, mostly as a dairy farm - though for a while there were also pigs and chickens. Haymaking was hard work, with farming neighbours & family pitching in to help get the hay in. Brian’s decision to stack some bales on the roof of a car on one occasion may not have been one of his better ones! On his retirement in 1998 Brian moved to Hazelbury Bryan.

Retirement gave him more opportunity to enjoy life, and to do the things he loved. But he wasn’t quite ready to give up outdoor life completely alongside his good friend Ronnie Taylor he took on some gardening and traditional hedge laying. Leisure time was spent doing a variety of things - he was a regular at Wincanton Racecourse, enjoyed taking steam train trips around the UK, he was interested in flying and military aircraft and he attended air shows whenever he could. He also had part ownership in a greyhound ‘Quivers Angel’ with his friend Richard Ford, which led to many outings to Poole to see a race. Brian always enjoyed music and comedy, particularly The Goons (The Ying Tong Song was played at his funeral). Trips

to The Exchange provided an opportunity to see more live music and comedy; Jethro was a favourite. Before ill heath stopped him driving Brian could often be found in The Exchange Cafe on a Tuesday morning, having a chat and catching up with friends. Brian played skittles for many years for The Crusaders in the Blackmore Vale League, and occasionally for the Hunt League; the social side of the game seemed to play a greater part than the actual score! Some may also remember him as ‘The Mayor of Mappowder’ - complete with mayoral chain made from a milk churn lid and cubicle chain... His one and only official engagement was to present a cup to the winners of a charity football match at The Antelope, Hazelbury Bryan. Brian leaves a daughter, Helen, and son in law Tim, as well as many friends, with treasured memories. The funeral has taken place but donations in Brian’s memory can be made for The Exchange or The Injured Jockeys Fund through Peter Jackson Funeral Services.

EDUCATION

Fontmell Magna’s Gossips’ Tree

The Gossips’ Tree c1900. Image from the Barry Cuff collection

It’s sometimes known as the Cross Tree but a more evocative name is the Gossips’ Tree – and it’s just as appropriate. The present-day tree on Fontmell Magna’s mini village green is a

lime but its predecessor was an elm which fell victim to Dutch elm disease in the 1970s. For much of its history the old elm was equipped with seats to help villagers catch up on the gossip. As Sir Frederick Treves put it in his Highways and Byways of Dorset, first published in 1906, ‘In the centre of the village is a

very ancient tree with seats around it, where the gossips of the place congregate to mumble over flocks and herds, and the affairs of pigs.’ Exactly how old the elm was is debatable. One modern source suggests that it was planted on the site of a market cross in the 18th century.

The Gossips’ Tree today with Brookhouse in the background

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by Roger Guttridge But in his book The Old Stone Crosses of Dorset, also published in 1906, Alfred Pope speaks of a handful of elderly villagers who could remember the cross even then. This suggests it was still there a decade or two into the 19th century. ‘It stood in the centre of the village, and is said by the few old people who remember it, to have consisted of a “broken pillar” standing on four steps, which were about three years square at the base,’ wrote Pope. ‘Near it stood the village stocks and the Maypole.’ The ancient appearance of the elm in the early 19th century pictures suggests that tree and the cross must have stood side by side at one time. The Maypole survived until the

THEN AND NOW

Joseph Pennell’s 1906 sketch of the tree, drawn for Sir Frederick Treves’s Highways and Byways of Dorset

1930s and can be seen in the foreground of the early 1900s photograph. By the 1860s the ‘once venerable cross’ had become so dilapidated that the parish authorities decided to remove it ‘as doing no credit to so respectable a village’. Some of the stones survive in

private gardens. The lime was planted in 1977, the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The thatched cottages in the background are now one dwelling, Brookhouse. Across the road (behind camera) is a cottage called Gossips Tree.

Sunset from Hambledon Hill image: Laura Hitchcock 33

LOOKING BACK

by Roger Guttridge

Sixpenny Handley’s main street after the 1892 fire

Handley’s Blackest Day May 20, 1892, was the blackest of days in the annals of Sixpenny Handley.

In a matter of hours, a fire that started in a wheelwright’s yard near the church spread to much of the village, destroying 49 houses and making 200 people homeless. Damage was estimated at £10,000 (£1.3 million today). The wheelwright, who was clamping red hot iron rims on to huge wagon wheels, failed to spot that sparks were being carried away on the strong north-east wind. ‘Some of the burning material was carried by the wind on to some thatched cottages, and burning thatch from those was carried to others, and so on,’

recalled Helen Adams in an article published in 1972, when she was Handley’s oldest native inhabitant.

– battled against the flames and tried to rescue possessions. But without water or proper fire appliances, the task was hopeless.

‘There had been a dry spell and there was a shortage of water, ‘The fire, aided by the wind, added to which the wooden seemed to be possessed with well-heads were burnt so that demonic cunning, sparing one the water in the part to descend wells could not The wheelwright, who upon another be reached.’ was clamping red hot and then returning to iron rims on to huge devour what The thatch was wagon wheels, failed it had missed,’ tinder dry and soon most of wrote the Rev to spot that sparks the village was A Turing Bruce were being carried on fire. in an account away... The thatch was Most of the of the disaster tinder dry and soon published 90 menfolk were away in the years ago. most of the village fields. Those ‘It even was on fire. that were left – pounced down tradesmen, old upon the piles men, the parson and the doctor, of household stuff to destroy along with women and children them too.’ get in touch with Roger: roger.guttridge@btinternet.com

LOOKING BACK

by Roger Guttridge Among the properties consumed was a general store with large stocks of oil and candles. Soon the whole village was cloaked in a vast cloud of dense, oily smoke. One man was seen rushing out of a shed with his arms full of burning hens. A small boy, told to help save his family’s possessions, emerged clutching his bread and cheese lunch, which he carefully buried in the garden. The landlord of the Roebuck Inn is said to have saved his pub by offering free beer to everyone who helped him. The Bishop of Salisbury sent a former Handley curate on a mercy mission to his former parish. The envoy trudged sympathetically through the ruins, chatting to anyone he met,

until new houses could be built. The disaster aroused great public sympathy and clothing and other gifts poured in. In neighbouring villages, it was reckoned that you could tell A small boy, told to a Handley help save his family’s man because possessions, emerged he wore two or three clutching his bread waistcoats. and cheese lunch,

including an elderly woman, who gave him a graphic account of the fire. When asked later about his response to the tragedy, the woman sniffed contemptuously.

‘The pa’s’n?’ she said. ‘He be no sense! What do ’ee think his text were on Sunday?’ which he carefully In a rich Dorset A public accent, she buried in the garden. appeal was proceeded to launched, quote the text: attracting ‘We went drew vire and water, donations from far and wide. but Thou hast brought us unto a ‘So much was collected that wealthy place.’ when all claims had been met at ‘Tis true there was fire enough least £1,000 was left over,’ wrote but there weren’t no water to put the Rev Bruce. it out. And I ask you, sir,’ said the ‘Unfortunately, so much old lady gesturing towards the squabbling arose about the smouldering ruins, ‘would ’ee call further spending of this big this a wealthy place?’ balance that it was put into chancery where it has remained After the fire some families lived ever since.’ in army tents or shepherds’ huts

Sixpenny Handley’s High Street in the early 1900s after rebuilding. Image from the Barry Cuff Collection

EDUCATION

ADUL PHOT MAS

A basic introduc your DSLR. Increase your co photographs, fu how to perfect y room.

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ADULT FLORAL WORKSHOP Wednesday 11th August 1730-1930

Saturday

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21st August 0930-1130

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Set in stunning grounds of Clayesmore School and lake, with award winning local artist Moira Ladd. Price includes: • Painting kit-brushes • Paint • Paper/Canvas Friday Spaces limited 16th July

Price £100

14th August 0930-1130 Price TBC

ADULT PAINTING MASTERCLASS 1000-1600

Wednesday 28th July 1000-1600

Friday

13th August 1000-1600

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LT OTOGRAPHY STERCLASS

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Wednesday 14th July DAY 2 - The Digital Darkroom • Getting the most from Photoshop • Controlling exposure etc

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ADULT STAGE COMBAT MASTERCLASS EDUCATION

Uppercut Fight Company “We combine the safe practices of traditional stage combat with the creative approaches of the stunt industry. Not only do we cover practice of techniques, we also ensure our students understand the principals and mechanics of dramatic combat giving them the tools to build their own works of violence from the offset. We believe there is no right or wrong ! Just believable and safe. We have also done away with the outdated certificate system and instead introduced a multi media approach. We help our students to understand what works on film, we shoot the work and make it available for them to use as an accurate showcase of their abilities at the time. All of our instructors actively work in the industry. We are actors, fighters, choreographers and teachers, whether on film, television or performing live events such as immersive theatre or live stunt shows. Our instructors are up to date with what is happening in the industry. Dramatic violence is not something to complete. It’s a constantly adapting creative movement system that requires practice, involvement and influence from all over.” Spaces limited.

Tuesday

13th July 0900-1700 (Day 1)

Monday 23rd to Friday 27th August

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EDUCATION

Summer Term Buzz at St Andrew’s School Yetminster.

Sports Day We were able to enjoy a sunny sports day on Tuesday 22nd June with our family members. The PTFA sold cakes and refreshments and bought ice pops for the children to cool down with, after their many events. Year Six Leavers Although the visit to St Briavel’s Castle was cancelled by the Youth Hostel, we were able to organise two days of activities on 8th and 9th June. The children spent a day at The Oxley

Chris Loder MP, was very pleased to be invited to admire the work of the children

Centre, where they experienced climbing, kayaking and hamster balling on the swimming pool. The following day, they travelled to Weymouth for a day of sailing. This culminated in a camp out on the school field with a water slide and an inflatable assault course. A fish and chip supper was the perfect end to a perfect day. Art Gallery During the week of 12th July, the children proudly displayed their varied works of art in our very own art gallery. The preview

session was held on 12th July between 6.00 and 7.30 pm and we were joined by Chris Loder MP, who was very pleased to be invited to admire the work of the children in his constituency. Parents and family members were asked to come and view the gallery and appreciate the high quality of art work produced by their children. A huge ‘thank you’ to Heather Mitchell who organised the gallery and shared her expertise with our children.

Headteacher Mrs Simpson.

Commonwealth Gold Medal Winner Visit On Thursday 15th July, Adrian Patrick – Commonwealth Gold Medal winner - visited Gillingham Primary school as part of the Team Superschools Challenge. Team Superschools Challenge promotes an active lifestyle and inspires the next generation of sports stars. Adrian kindly showed the children his gold medal and explained to them how he had worked really hard, and as part of a team won the Men’s 4 x

400m Relay at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada. The children and staff were all very excited to meet a real life Gold medal winner; the whole school enjoyed taking part in lots of activities, asked lots of very good questions and the children even got to wear his medal.

Adrian Patrick – Commonwealth Gold Medal winner - visited Gillingham Primary school Always free - subscribe here

EDUCATION

Sherborne School’s RSM Will Loughlin

Being in the CCF is very much about being part of a team and looking out for each other; however, it is worth singling out one cadet for special mention as he prepares to leave the School. From the moment Will Loughlin (U6d) joined Sherborne School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) detachment in Fourth Form it was clear he and the CCF were a perfect fit. Will has achieved so much during his time in

18yr old RSM Will Loughlin leads the colour on parade in Sherborne.

the CCF; completing Ten Tors, guiding Sherborne to 2nd place in the national Rifles Cadet Cup, and being one of just 12 British cadets to be selected to go to Canada for six weeks to work with hundreds of Canadian cadets. Will was the top cadet on that course and invited back as a cadet instructor the following year (sadly cancelled

High Sheriff of Somerset How Sharp is His Sword? Recently the High Sheriff of Somerset visited Bruton Primary School and Upton Noble Church of England Primary School.

the children were especially fascinated by the ceremonial sword of office; How old is it? How long? Is it sharp? Why do you need it? They were wowed by the Queen being personally involved with

due to COVID-19). Will is Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dorset - marking him as a leading cadet in the county. Earlier this year Will became the only Shirburnian to be have been appointed Master Cadet. Will is Sherborne School’s Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, and also Chapel Warden and Head of School.

the appointment of the High Sheriff, and discovered what the role involves, how historically important it is and what it’s like being a Sheriff. The visit also included the switching on of the stunning waterfall in the sensory area at Bruton Primary school which has been generously funded through the proceeds of a staff raffle at The Newt, Castle Cary.

Thomas Sheppard Esq and Mrs Sheppard were in attendance to thank all the staff for their fantastic work over lockdown, to see the multitude of improvements and upgrades made across both school sites and to rededicate and officially open the dedicated outdoor learning areas at both locations. As the High Sheriff toured and spoke with each class,

EDUCATION

Community Rallied to Save Witchampton Year 4’s Trip Twenty minutes before the Witchampton Primary Year 4’s were to set off on their two day resdiential, the news came that the destination would not be able to take them.

Desperate to ensure the group of eight and nine year olds had a grand finale to their time in the school, the community leaped into action to make the two days a very special time for them.

set across the fields and lay on the school field watching the bats fly around their heads. A sleepover at school followed by a second fun day on the Play Trail at Moors Valley was a wonderful way for the children to celebrate their time together at Witchampton before they move up to middle school.

A day at Launceston Farm with the rest of the school was followed by an evening of a Krazy Kev funny show, team games, dinner brought in from the Witchampton Club, and ended with a fire pit and S’mores. The children watched the sun

Archbishop Wake Primary - first ‘Wildlife HERO’ Gold Award winners with Dorset Wildlife Trust The year 6 children from Archbishop Wake Primary School were recently the very first group to complete the Wildlife HERO Award from Dorset Wildlife Trust. Jonny Brown, Wild Brownsea Project Officer, said: “To achieve their bronze award, students participated in a brand new ‘Explore Brownsea’ virtual session all about the amazing wildlife on Poole Harbour’s Brownsea Island and the threats posed by marine plastic litter. The students wasted no time and got cracking with their silver and gold level awards by signing up to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s

Wildlife Gardening Champions Scheme and doing a bio-blitz in their wildlife garden. By completing all three levels of the award, the school earned fully funded activity trips to Brownsea Island where reserve staff and volunteers helped children get up close to the island’s fascinating wildlife. From pond-dipping and birdwatching to bracken-bashing and sweep-netting, 60 children aged 10 and 11 enjoyed their activity trips with Brownsea’s red squirrels being top of the bill! The Wildlife HERO Award is currently free to all maintained schools in Dorset as part of the Wild Brownsea Project.

The children enjoyed their ‘freshwater life’ surveying.

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EDUCATION

Tisbury Pre-School Leavers Enjoy A Day At The Farm Tisbury Pre-school took the oldest children on a Leavers Trip to Cholderton Charlies Farm at the end of term, to mark the occasion of them moving on to ‘big school’. The children enjoyed feeding the animals and watching the pig race! Tisbury Pre-school is a small rural community preschool, run by a voluntary management committee. They currently have sessions available for children aged 2+ - BV readers are invited to please get in touch for more information enquiries@tisburypreschool.co.uk

Sherborne Primary School’s artwork is on display all summer at Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management on Cheap Street, Sherborne.

Sherborne Primary School commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the Yeatman Hospital with a Whole School Art Project. Each phase has completed a selection of artwork inspired by the hospital.

All of the children across the school enjoyed the project and many felt inspired to continue to explore their artistic skills and to study specific artists of note. The whole project has been a lovely opportunity for the community to work together.

Sexey’s School Switched Yr10 Work Experience for A Skills Event. Sexey’s School’s Year 10 work experience week was a victim of covid; instead, a two day work skills event was organised, with talks from industry, work experience skills workshops, physical team building activities, and inspirational talks from hand-picked guest speakers. Students received expert tips on excelling during interviews. They took to the school field for a series of physical team-building activities led by the British Army.

There were enterprise challenges set by the Barclays LifeSkills team, including digitally designing and promoting a recyclable, eco-friendly water bottle. Day Two’s activities included creating a physical model of their design for a rehabilitated quarry, and then delivering a speech to convince the local council of the benefits

The Project was coordinated by Year 5 Teacher Ms Luka Babiy, and will be available to view throughout the summer holidays at Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management in Cheap Street Sherborne. of their scheme, answering questions from fellow students. Mr A Thomas, Assistant Head and Careers lead at Sexey’s School said: “We designed the Year 10 careers fair to be a fun mix of practical and theoretical sessions to give our students a comprehensive introduction to the world of work.

EQUESTRIAN

by Laura Hitchcock

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore win the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, 16th March 2021. Image: Steve Davies/Racingfotos.com

More Silverware for Local Girl Honeysuckle Honeysuckle, the historymaking champion mare bred here in the Blackmore Vale, broke new records at the Thoroughbread Breeder’s Association (TBA) annual Awards evening on 4th August when she won a pair of trophies. Honeysuckle, who ended the season the highest rated hurdler on either side of the Irish Sea, retained her ‘Leading Hurdler Mare’ title (Mickley Stud Trophy), whilst also making history as the first mare ever to be crowned ‘Leading Hurdler’ (Highflyer Bloodstock Trophy). A thrilled Doug Procter of 42

the Glanvilles Stud picked up the award. Seven-year-old Honeysuckle is from Glanvilles Wootton, just outside Sherborne, bred by Dr Geoffrey Guy and Guy’s coowners and managers of The Glanvilles Stud, Doug and Lucy Procter. She ended the 2020-21 season unbeaten.

on the studs, in the middle of winter when there’s very little daylight... you know, it’s bloody hard work. But everyone who works at our stud can walk into a pub and say ‘we bred Honeysuckle’. It means a lot.”

Doug and Lucy Procter attended the award ceremony and Doug - representing Dr Geoffrey Guy - accepted the Highflyer Bloodstock Trophy. In a warm acceptance speech for the Mickley Stud Trophy, Doug explained that the award was recognition for the whole stud team. “For people working Always free - subscribe here

When I spoke to Doug the next day, he explained that the recognition from the industry of what they have achieved as a stud meant a great deal; not just to his own family, but to the

extended family of the whole Glanvilles Stud. “We’re absolutely delighted!” he said, admitting that the party continued long in to the night.

EQUESTRIAN The annual TBA National Hunt (NH) Breeders Awards are the highlight of the annual awards calendar for the TBA. The dinner, held in Doncaster, celebrates British-bred success on the racecourse from the previous National Hunt Season. Horses are long-listed according to their form through the season, and that long list is reduced to a three horse shortlist for each category.

Leading Hurdler Award, the Highflyer Trophy, awarded to Honeysuckle. Peter Molony, racing manager for owner Kenny Alexander, Tessa Greatrex of Highflyer Bloodstock and Doug Procter of the Glanvilles Stud.

The shortlist is then voted on in a secret ballot by the NH Committee. The committee have three votes - a five, a three and a one - and are asked to select the horse whose results during the season have, in their opinion, most enhanced the prestige of British NH Breeding. The aggregate score for each horse is calculated, and the winner is the one with the highest score.

EQUESTRIAN Kingston Maurward’s first class equestrian facilities include an international sized indoor arena with top-of-the-range gel track surface, floodlit outdoor arena, solarium and a cross country course

Kingston Maurward Equestrian is Seeking Student Horses The Kingston Maurward College Equestrian team are looking for high quality ‘all-rounder’ horses between 15h and 17h who are skilled on the flat and over fences.

A variety of livery and long-term loan options are available to owners, with horses working a maximum of 1 -2 hours per day from Monday to Friday; all horses are ridden by students under the expert guidance of College coaches. Horses benefit from daily turnout (weather permitting)

and regular check-ups with a local saddler and bodywork practitioner. Kingston Maurward College is a BHS Centre offering full-time equine courses at Level 2 and Level 3 starting each September and apprenticeships which start throughout the year. All students do work experience with professional employers and many ex-students return to pass on their experiences to the next generation of students. First class facilities include international sized indoor arena with top-of-the-range gel track surface, floodlit outdoor arena, solarium, cross country course, and well-schooled horses and ponies.

Kingston Maurward is a show venue with competition-sized indoor and outdoor arenas – the centre welcomes international riders for teaching clinics and run weekly shows throughout the year; our horse owners benefit from a 20% discount on all show entries. The stunning 750 acre estate has easy access to beautiful hacks; whether on campus, or the nearby Thorncombe Woods, Puddletown Forest and beyond. For more information, please contact the Kingston Maurward Equine Team on 01305 215165 or email: tamzen.hannam@kmc.ac.uk

Riding on the Kingston Maurward Campus Always free - subscribe here

WILDLIFE

by Jeannette Hampstead

Recently in Hazelbury Bryan we had a sad incident where three adult and two baby hedgehogs were accidentally killed by a subcontractor cutting a grass verge with a tractor. Building works were about to commence and with the expected amount of traffic associated with house building, the verges were considered a hazard. As a Hedgehog Rescue I was appalled at the senseless and tragic loss of life of these beautiful little creatures, and indeed it appears that the whole of the village were up in arms. I keep remembering all the hedgehogs that were released in Hazelbury Bryan from our rescue so I could keep a closer eye on

them - but of course, that is just a romantic notion, and they ran away as fast from me as they would from any other person, possibly faster! So how do we live our modern lives along with creatures like hedgehogs? It has been wonderful to see the grass verges left to grow long, with grasses and wild flowers but inevitably there comes a time when they will need to be cut. The risk then is greater to the wildlife who have settled and made it their home. Would it have been better to keep the verges short all the time, cutting every few weeks so hedgehogs and other creatures think twice about making a home there? Farmers cutting fields for hay, gardeners with wild areas and even those choosing to have wild meadows are all to face this dilemma sooner rather than later. If we just consider the

The Prickle of Hedgehogs in Hazelbury Bryan

wildlife and cut the grass longer before cutting it to its required length it may help and give the wildlife a chance to escape. On a happier note our fund raising event on 26th June was a fantastic success and we raised a whopping £1500 to enable our little rescue to continue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped on the day. You are fantastic. Thank you if you came along and enjoyed the atmosphere. Jeanette is currently fundraising for a muchneeded new microscope: she needs to cover the £600 cost of a replacement. To help, please donate via Paypal here. “Without your help we would not be able to continue our valuable care of these beautiful, grumpy, smelly and endearing little creatures.”.

Jeannette wishes to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to all who came to the Hedgehog Craft Fayre on Saturday 26th June, helping to raise the grand sum of £1500 for the Hedgehog Rescue. “And special thanks to all the volunteers who made the day so special.”

ANIMALS

Pets and their Diet

Guest Post from Vetsmiths - the new independent small animal vets in the heart of Wimborne

Diet and the right nutrition has come a long way in the pet industry over the last few years and getting it right can often be mind boggling, particularly when you’re a first time petowner. Firstly, you need to establish your pet’s ‘life stage’. In other words, do you have a puppy or kitten, an adult dog or cat, or a more senior furry friend? What we call ‘life stage’ diets are tailored to your pet’s specific needs and will provide more of what is needed nutritionally during each stage of their life. For instance, feeding your new pup on specific puppy food will give them a diet specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs for their normal development. Puppies need to eat more in the way of protein (including higher concentrations of specific amino acids), fat, and certain minerals

than adult dogs. Growth and development take a lot of energy, so puppies need to take in more calories than adult dogs, even for those of a similar size. Secondly, look at the ingredients. If you’re a bit confused by the long list, then look for another food. The ingredients’ list shouldn’t be too confusing and you should be able to work out exactly what’s in the food. Food ingredients will be listed in quantity, so the first ingredient

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on the list, say it says chicken, will be what it contains the most of. Feeding guidelines for all stages of your pet’s life can be a bit confusing and we always recommend having a conversation with the veterinary nurse at your registered vets. They will be able to help and guide you throughout your pet’s life in the diet changes that need to be made. Most vet nurses also run what we call ‘weight clinics’ and can help if you think your dog or cat has perhaps put on little bit of excess that needs to be got under control. It’s important to establish your pet’s ‘body condition score’. Body condition scoring is a management tool designed to assess body reserves or fat accumulation of an animal. Your vet nurse will use this as a method of examining the nutritional status of your pet and guide you appropriately. As we said, it can be a bit overwhelming, but discussing your pet’s diet and any specific needs is always recommended. Always free - subscribe here

RESCUE ANIMALS

Red’s Looking for Forever Bed.

“Hello my name is Red and I am a 3 year old male Lurcher. I am a very sweet boy who loves to be in the company of people. I am anxious when left on my own, so I would need a home where I would not be left for long periods.

Red is a really lovely lad, who definitely thrives when he is around people and is at his happiest when he is snuggling into you. He does have a playful streak too and we are starting to see this more and more and he also enjoys having a run about with other dogs.

I like to have cuddles with my human companions and enjoy having a run. I can live with a confident medium-large sized dog and calm, older children. I cannot live with cats.”

You can find me and my friends in Dorset. Please use the contact details below to find out more: Tel: 01929 471340 lincolnfarm@mgar.org.uk

Bruce needs an extra special home

Eleven-month-old Shar Pei Bruce needs new doggie digs as soon as possible. “Bruce is a very bright lad who loves to snuggle up; his new adopters should be happy to share their sofa with him! He has a heart condition which potentially requires lifelong medication. He really does deserve to be the star of his own home. He loves watching the

Lola’s been waiting for over a year.

“I’m a 5 year old Mastiff Cross, and I have been looking for a home to call my own for 18mths - I have had a number of traumatic homes, and am now frightened of other dogs. “I look like Scooby Doo! I am the perfect house guest (with an occasional zoomie!) - a lazy couch potato. I am struggling to find a forever home because I am reactive towards other dogs.

world go by, he just needs to find the right family.”  Bruce is looking for an adultonly home, ideally with Shar Pei experience, with no visiting children. He loves his daily walks, meeting other dogs and people but he will need to be the only dog in the home. As Bruce will need to stay on lead in public it is essential he has direct access to a secure garden where he can play off-lead to his heart’s content. See Bruce’s details at Dog’s Trust Salisbury here.

I am very strong on the lead and I am muzzle trained. I only need short walks and would love to be your best friend, I just need someone who can love me for who I am. I am looking for a dogexperienced home who can handle my strength. I can be rehomed with children over 12 years. You can find out more about me at www. staffieandstrayrescue. co.uk/

Battens Solicitors

Dog bite personal injury claims

‘They’ve never done anything like that before’…….. or have they? Man’s best friend has proven good company for the owner and it is widely reported that increasing numbers of people in the UK have purchased a dog during the pandemic. Sadly, however, what has also increased is the incidence of poor behaviour in our once content animals, and, dog bite injuries. This seemingly out of character behaviour in pet dogs has been noted to rise during the pandemic; with owners’ day to day patterns changed beyond recognition. Recent advice published by The Dogs Trust website reveals the difficulty dogs have when a change in routine, such as lockdown, or lockdown relaxation, takes place. Problems with the dog’s behaviour then arise because their earlier experiences and memories do not match the new, changing routine. So, changes such as the owner suddenly being around or not being around, are enough to cause stress in the animal – and that’s when the behaviour can change to aggression and bites – a response to stress and fear. Such new and poor behaviour then becomes an established personality pattern within the animal. The owner is often aware of the poor behaviour but at a loss as to why their once docile dog is now behaving like a guard dog. This lack of understanding means that measures to reduce the risk of the effects of aggression – namely a dog bite - are not taken, such as using a muzzle or keeping the animal on a lead. Legal Position - Certain breeds of dogs for example Pit Bull terriers, as listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, will render their owners liable for the injuries caused by a dog bite. No previous poor behaviour in the animal needs to be proven, the owner is simply strictly liable for the injuries caused. (The owner is also likely to be criminally

prosecuted). This is because it is accepted that the dog is an animal that is likely to bite. Breeds of dogs causing injuries, but not listed under the Act, will only result in liability if the injured person can show that the dog was likely to bite. This ‘likelihood’ test can be a stumbling block for some dog bite claims. This is because proving a previous pattern of poor behaviour in a dog, an animal which is often unknown to the victim, can be difficult. Obtaining and producing evidence to show that a pattern of aggressive behaviour was present is so important. Such evidence can originate from vet records, neighbours, other incidents and local knowledge. If such a pattern exists, the victim will be in a stronger position to show the dog was likely to bite – and a successful claim may well follow. Our Service raising a claim - At Battens, we are experienced in bringing dog bite personal injury claims. We understand the need for evidence and how best to obtain it. We can identify when an owner will be legally responsible and know how to analyse the potential to raise a successful claim. We have seen an increase in incidents of late; particularly involving people out running for exercise in parks, footpaths and other public spaces where dogs can be off-lead. More than anything, through our experience, we understand the trauma of the experience, the nature of the injuries, the post-traumatic effect and difficulty it can create for the victim to gain confidence again in the presence of dogs. As has been noted in numerous press reports, dog bite injuries, particularly affecting children, can lead to extensive scarring and life changing injuries. For more information and advice contact Michelle Green on 0800 652 8411 or email michelle.green@battens.co.uk

Specialist Legal Advice and Solutions for whatever life brings - at home or at work

Battens Solicitors can help you make your next move, for you and your family Providing services for individuals and businesses, our expert teams are here to help you every step of the way

www.battens.co.uk Offices in Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Always Bathfree - subscribe here and London

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FARMING

Local Farm is helping young people feel needed, wanted and valued. A Dorset youth farming project was featured on BBC Countryfile in July. ‘Future Roots’ - based at Rylands Farm, a 30 acre smallholding near Sherborne - is the brainchild of social worker Julie Plumley. Having grown up on a farm herself, Julie wondered what potential there might be for kids struggling in the school system if they had the freedom of the farming environment. “I just thought about my dad. Farmers have to be a plumber, an electrician, do woodwork, fencing, animal care, veterinary... kids can be here all day with zero emphasis on their Maths and

Click to play the Countryfile episode - skip to 9:55 for the start of the Future Roots segment.

English ability. Farming allows them to see a different side to themselves.” The kids, aged between 8 and 18, come with a myriad of issues. “They could be involved in drugs and scared, but then they come here and they have hope, and a future, and people respecting them.” Julie has helped over a thousand youngsters turn their lives around since Future Roots opened its gates in 2008.

Everything is focused on learning by experience. This year in particular they have benefitted from being able to touch and hug the animals. Animal therapy helps them to build a relationship of trust which has a knock on effect with their human relationships too. Julie says, ‘Young people respond to being needed, wanted and valued.’

https://www.futureroots.net/

Specialist rural property solicitors. “A cut above the rest: very proactive, efficient and excellent at giving advice in rural and agricultural property, particularly farmland.” If you are a rural business, property or land owner, there are numerous legal complexities to consider. Trethowans provide a complete range of agricultural legal services, including: • • • •

Sales and Purchases Companies and Partnerships Estate Planning Private Water

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Renewable Energy Sporting Rights Tenancies Equine 01722 398137 info@trethowans.com www.trethowans.com Always free - subscribe here

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FARMING Combining on Rawston Farm in the Tarrant Valley in the 1960s. Image: James Cossins

Voice Of A Farmer by James Cossins, a 5th generation farmer in the Tarrant Valley.

We finally started our cereal harvest in July after being a week or two late.

Our first crop to harvest is the winter barley, grown for malting under contract to Molston Coors in Burton on Trent who produce many well known beers and lagers. At the beginning of harvest there is always a certain amount of trepidation as to how well the machinery and grainstores will perform, even after their winter servicing. Helped by ideal conditions we had no issues harvesting the barley, although it was a little hot. Thank goodness for airconditioning in modern combines and tractors! The grain was a little too dry, coming in at 11-12 % moisture when it can be up to 14.5% when it leaves the farm. The yields were average, with a lot of small grains, probably as a result of all those frosts and dry weather in April. We have had an abundance of grass to deal with as the cattle struggle to keep on top of it. All the silage pits are full, and we are now making silage bales and hay when the weather allows. Will

this mean we are in for a long and hard winter I wonder ?

feed - he points out he made a considerable financial loss!

On the cattle front we have had a disappointing time regarding bovine Tb. We had to retest three of our milking cows, to find they were inconclusive for the second time and so had to leave the farm for the abbatoir. A post mortem examination showed no evidence of Tb but that they may have been exposed to it. Very demoralising for us all now we have limited markets to sell cattle, and also at a much reduced price. We also now have to retest all the cattle again in September. The Government are trialling a vaccine for cattle against Tb; lets hope it proves to be successful and we can finally keep this disease under control.

In the last twelve months there have been 41 farming fatalities, including two children. The causes range from being struck by moving vehicles, injuries by livestock and machinery accidents. The industry is trying to address our poor Health and Safety record, and there is a national campaign by the NFU to ‘Keep Harvest Safe’ with much support and advice. Lets hope we can have a safe harvest in the field and on the road.

Looking through the farm diary from 100 years ago, July 1921 was also very hot and dry with many crops failing. My great Grandfather even had to sell some lambs due to the lack of

I would urge all drivers of machinery on the roads, especially country lanes, to drive carefully. Many members of the public have commented to me how intimidating large tractors can be when coming towards you. Happy harvesting and Keep Safe. James.

Combining in the Tarrant Valley in 2021 is a little more futuristic - less sociable, perhaps, but the air conditioning is no doubt more efficient than a flat cap! Image: James Cossins

In association with

FARM TALES

by Andrew Livingston

An ‘Alpaca-Shaped Evil Nemesis’ What’s your favourite brand promise? ’No tears’, ‘melts in your mouth, not in your hand’ and ‘gives you wings’ are pretty synonymous with some of the biggest companies across the world due to their exceptional marketing campaigns. What most people don’t know is that the single greatest marketing campaign has been sold to farmers across the globe: “alpacas keep foxes away”.

the local fox circling round the range looking for his next meal, Pepper is too busy gazing over the fence line, bleating at the cows and heifers.

Originals, so she can smack you with a spoon as soon as you are close enough.

Every summer we have the dreaded process of shearing. It’s not worth paying someone to shear one alpaca so we opt to do him ourselves… Why does he love a “I’ll admit I and it is a violent cow? I have no idea. have an adverse and brutal affair. But he seems pretty relationship with One visit from capable at chasing a vet and they off Bill, our pedigree Pepper, our farm’s would probably bull, weighing in at walking waste of advise sedating nearly a tonne. space.” him to do it. Realistically, we only Like a drunk have ourselves to blame. When hovering around the bar at a Pepper first came to the farm, Wetherspoons, you get too close he had a partner in crime, called and you are going to get covered Salt (no prizes for guessing that!). in spit! After Salt’s death a few years later we allowed the big brown We only do it so he is cooler ball to mingle with the cattle… in the summer, and so he’s Big mistake. Now he’s got an issue that needs got his best hairdo to woo the grazing girls out across the counselling - he looks like a Downs, but he screams and spits uni student trawling around a throughout; though technically nightclub at 3am. it’s incorrect to call it spit. It is “Now he’s got an Despite all of this, actually vomit. I try not to think too much about that. issue that needs Pepper’s worst

I do not know which creative salesman concocted this trait is that he is counselling notion, but they pure evil. Despite frankly are a he looks like his gammy green genius. What do a uni student teeth, he does you do once you’ve trawling around a look quite cute sold all the ice to nightclub at 3am.” from afar. But he’s the Eskimos? You not cute. He’s like flog big sheep your old Aunt Belinda, enticing with gangly legs to farmers, you over with her Werther’s obviously.

Recently, I have heard rumours that it’s actually burglars and not foxes that the alpaca keeps away. So if anyone wants a little more home protection I know of a particularly violent alpaca going FOR FREE, to absolutely anyone who will take him.

Honestly, I really don’t mean to defame the whole alpaca population, but I’ll admit I have an adverse relationship with Pepper, our farm’s walking waste of space. We seemingly have a constant issue with foxes attacking our flock of hens at Westleaze Farm and I really think Pepper ought to care a little more. When we do catch a glimpse of

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POLITICS

Pepper. Is he worth the salt? 53

POLITICS The last straight track is a parallel course to the Ox Drove above the Shire Rack - by taking it you avoid the road stretch up to the Drove from Middle Chase Farm, but the track is dead straight and high-hedged all the way: slightly monotonous. On a stifling hot day I’d be inclined to take the Ox Drove instead to make the most of the views.

Take a Hike... The routes we feature have always been created and walked recently by ourselves, so you know you can trust them - we aim for unpopulated routes with as little road and as many views as possible! You can always see the route and follow it yourself via the free Outdoor Active app - see all our routes here. The Ox Drove & Vernditch Chase - 12or 6 miles

(The pinch point in the middle is an easy point to split the route in two - the right hand circular was a shorter walk of ours which we have extended to make a decent day’s hike. If you want a shorter walk, simply slip the few minutes up the road in the centre of the route and you’re back at your car - come back another day and do part two) This walk combines wide chalk dopwnland views from the ridge walkway of the Ox Drove with long straight roman route sections through forest paths. It’s an easy going route on welldefined paths - lots of long easy broad stretches for you to enjoy the plentiful panoramic views, combined with the cool shady sections - this is a good one for a hot day!

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CLICK THE MAP TO SEE THE INTERACTIVE ROUTE ON OUTDOOR ACTIVE The path from the Ox Drove onto the Middleton Down Nature Reserve draws you down into the hidden valley.

What I expected to be a tiny little copse beside Middle Chase Farm turned out be a beautiful curved path through a cathedral-like stand of forest.

Much of the route looks like this according to the map, this path runs through the hedge boundary between two fields - it turned out to be an ancient green lane to Cobley Farm.

As we came down towards the road crossing at Pribdean Wood we were EATEN by horseflies - be aware if you don’t have any anti-bite spray on! The long straight stretch of Vernditch Chase tends to be very wet - in summer there are stretches which require careful navigating in all but the best footwear, in winter it will be very messy! There’s plenty of off-road area for parking at the start of the walk.

The Middleton Down Nature Reserve loop is rather unnecessary - but I do urge you to add the extra length on to see the beautiful folded valley, and the swathes of wildflower downland in the summer.

By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide

Secret Wine Gem In The Blackmore Vale Recently, whilst leading a tour group in the Shaftesbury area, we came across a welcoming hidden gem – the Melbury Vale Vineyard and Winery. The small family owned business is situated on 28 acres of south-facing, rolling hillside in the beautiful Stirkel Valley, renowned for its milling history. The Winery specialises in making artisan wines, liqueurs, brandy, aromatised wines and cider.

was delicious - the homemade rhubarb chutney being particularly tasty. Of course, a selection of wines (and nonalcoholic drinks) were available to accompany the meal. Before the group became too engrossed in sampling different wines, Clare took us into the vineyard, followed by a visit into the winery so we could see where and how the grapes grow, how they are produced and then sample the finished product all in one place.

The setting for the vineyard is surprising; normal wine-growing My group were enthusiastically wisdom suggests well drained, greeted by the owner, Clare ideally chalky, soils are best. Pestell who, together with her Melbury Vale Vineyard is at brother, bought Melbury Vale relatively high altitude, on heavy Farm in December 2003. By 2006 clay and greensand soil.Plus they had planted the vineyard, common climate conditions such and they built as late spring “...relatively high the winery frosts, early (now also a autumn frosts, altitude, combined craft distillery) mildew due with heavy clay and in 2013. to humidity in greensand soil, plus The airy the summer, dining and climate conditions combined tasting area with the pests such as late spring was a great (deer, badgers, frosts, early autumn setting for our pheasants, frosts, mildew due Ploughman’s starlings and Lunch - using to humidity in the wasps)... The bread from The summer....” venture was Vale Bakery, definitely local salad, meat and a selection experimental! of Dorset cheese products. It The site has the advantage of

being a sunny, south facing hillside that drains down to a river with reasonably Ph neutral soil, all of which help with vine growing. Like so many small enterprises, the pandemic adversely affected business. Their income relies on tourism alongside wholesale business to restaurants, hotels and pubs - with all of their usual outlets closed they had to work hard. The vineyard moved its sales online, and relied on random passing trade. As to the future, Clare said “English wines’ growing reputation for high quality and excellence means that both the wholesale and retail market is expanding. “We also provide glamping accommodation, and will soon have self contained holiday lodges too. We believe the tourism and UK holiday market will flourish. It is a beautiful place to visit and guests really enjoy the whole experience.” I can only agree. The vineyard is well hidden, but well worth a visit this summer. My group left happy, and came away with boxes of delicious local wine. Find out more at https:// mvwinery.co.uk. Always free - subscribe here

day h t r Bi

POLITICS

py Hap he to t ale V e r mo k c Bla

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Summer Together What does a Summer garden mean to you? Is it about just seeing the fruits of your labour? Vibrant flowers, beautiful smelling roses, and lush shrubbery, all coming to life and filling the gaps from winter, and those seeds you planted in previous months? Is it about showing this off and sharing your photos on social media? Do you enter competitions? Maybe you’re planting in memory of a loved one. Or is it simply about creating a welcoming space for friends and family? Probably a mix of all of the above. Summer in our gardens really does feel like the peak of the year, and we at Thorngrove understand the importance of this. It goes beyond a ‘nice bit of summer bedding’, or a lily on our kitchen window. There’s meaning and purpose to the effort we make, with this time of year feeling like the time we get to breathe it all in, and reflect. Whether our space is a few acres, or a few pots on a balcony, nobody’s reason for planting is less important than anyone else’s. Our subjective experiences with plants, and the different reasons we all have for planting something, are what make us interesting. One of the best parts about

The vibrance of summer on display at Thorngrove Garden Centre.

working at Thorngrove is hearing to share their thoughts, is those stories. It’s seeing the something we take much value smiles on faces when we’re from here at Thorngrove; and told about plants flowering with some summer still left to each year, and how even the go, we really would love to hear small potted plant brings life more from you all. to a corner of a home. We hear this during Summer more than We look forward to seeing you at any other time of the year, and Thorngrove soon. there’s a huge sense of pride There’s meaning and We would also that we take like to wish purpose to the effort the Blackmore in knowing we we make, with this serve such a Vale a Happy diverse group Birthday, and time of year feeling of people who express our like the time we get to look to us not own gratitude breathe it all in, and only for advice towards the reflect. and gratitude, staff, and all but as a place readers for they can express their own continuing to support us, and sense of pride when they’ve this joint effort in producing seen success from their own a marvellous community gardening. magazine. Here’s to more years ahead! Gardening is a universal language, and one of the many things that can bring people together in spite of the division we can often see in the world. Our humble attempt at bringing people some little bit of happiness, and as a place Always free - subscribe here

In association with OUT OF DOORS

POLITICS Left: Barrry’s 6’ tall Purple Magnolia Snap

The Voice of The Allotment Barry Cuff By mid July harvesting of crops was in full swing and our kitchen was filled with the scents of midsummer from bowls of large strawberries and vases of sweet peas. The rain of previous weeks had done wonders so that the growth of both vegetables and weeds was amazing. We were able to pick peas from our four rows of Hurst Green Shaft every 3-4 days. Most of these went in the freezer. The Carouby De Maussane mangetout and Purple Magnolia Snap both grew to about 6 feet, providing abundant pods for salads and stir fries over a period of four weeks. Haulms were removed from Foremost, Charlotte and Elfe potatoes during the first week, and then dug about ten days later. All three varieties gave good yields. On the 19th the first blighted leaves were seen on the remaining rows of maincrop varieties (Picasso and Rooster). Neither of these varieties have high scores for blight resistance. As rain and thunderstorms were forecast we decided to remove the haulms - conditions were perfect for the disease to spread rapidly. On surrounding plots

most varieties had the beginnings of the disease, while ‘Cara’ and ‘Carolus’ were quite free of blight. With the exceptional growth experienced during the month we had to remove the net cloches from all the Brassicas as the rows had become very weedy. We were pleased that only two plants had succumbed to the dreaded Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii). These were destroyed and replaced with spare plants. Normally we lose more plants to this insect pest. Was it because the very weedy rows had made it difficult for the flying midge to detect the plants on which to lay its eggs? Our broad beans had all been harvested by the 11th and the plants removed. Two rows of Musselburgh leek were planted in their place. More leeks (Tadorna) were planted on the 25th on ground where the early potatoes had been lifted. During the month we picked our first French beans and gherkins, and lifted carrots and beetroot as required. Our Moonlight runner beans are a mass of flowers and are setting well. The first tassels have appeared on the sweetcorn and the squashes have a lot of flowers. All our fruit bushes are giving good yields and go to making jam. and wine.

with Pete Harcom Head Gardener at Sherton Abbas Gardening All plants do best if you water them deeply instead of giving them small amounts of water frequently. When you water deeply, the water reaches the entire length of the plant’s root system. This in turn encourages the roots to go even deeper and makes the plant more drought resistant, since there are more roots to soak up water. Shallow watering encourages a shallow root system that is closer to the surface and dries out quickly.

Garden Jobs for August The unusually hot weather we had in July was a real test for some garden plants… (and gardeners!).

another especially thirsty plants - these need to be watched and watered carefully.

•

•Keep removing weeds.

To ensure your plants do well, keep on top of the watering, especially in hot weather - and do water throughly. Plants absorb water through their roots, not the leaves, so try to get the water onto the soil.

• Keep feeding all container plants with liquid fertiliser - once a week if possible.

• The best time to water plants is early morning. This allows the foliage to dry quickly, discouraging fungal spores. If you have to water in the evening, it is best to water at the roots only and not on the leaves (so avoid sprinklers), as this reduces any fungal problems when leaves are left wet overnight.

• Remove the long whip side shoots from Wisteria to approx 20cm from the main stem - (to 5 or 6 leaves). This will help control the growth and encourage flowing next year. Wisteria also needs pruning again in January or February next year.

• Plants in containers may well need watering twice a day - early morning AND evening! Hydrangeas in containers need to be kept well watered. Rhododendrons and Camellias also need to be kept moist - especially now, as next year’s buds are developing. Dahlias are

• Do also remember to enjoy the summer; sit back and plan for next year. ‘Now’s the Time’… to order next year’s Spring bulbs and perennials for this autumn planting. Pete pete@shertonabbas.co.uk

Recycling tips:

•

• Prune all summer flowering shrubs after the flowers are finished.

• Trim lavender plants after flowering to keep their shape.

•

• •

Conserve water wherever possible: use water butts, and old washing up water can be used for watering when cool. Don’t throw away the water when you boil veg. Pop outside and pour it over the weeds that are appearing on the patio. Scalding hot water is guaranteed to damage even the toughest of weeds! Old carpet can be used by gardeners in lots of ways; to cover compost heaps, lining ponds to protect the liner from stones in the soil, and use it as a weed suppressant on a veg plot. Lolly sticks can be re-used as useful plant labels. Don’t throw away those laddered tights: store outof-season flower bulbs and onion or garlic bulbs in a leg and hang in a cool, dry place. Cut into strips and use to tie plants. Slip over flower heads and secure with twist ties to collect the seeds (and more here). Always free - subscribe here

OUT OF DOORS

Dorset Flowers

Charlotte Tombs, an experienced Dorset flower farmer at Northcombe Flowers in Sturminster Marshall, sharing her growing year and seasonal thoughts with us.

This was HRH Princess Anne’s second visit to Blandford in as many weeks - this was taken on her visit to 13rh Signals on 1st June

I’m not always in a flowerbed! During July I took my daughter away to London for a few days as an end of exam and ‘what a horrid year’ treat. I always forget how much I love London; there are so many green spaces and so much evidence of the British being a nation of gardeners, with balconies and front gardens brimming with amazing plants some of which are huge as the frosts in the capital don’t seem to grip as they do in the country, (well at least not as harsh as my frost pocket. We had -6º this winter near Wimborne!).

One of my reasons for the trip was that I have wanted to visit the Garden Museum on Lambeth Palace Road for some time. It’s a museum in a beautifully renovated church, with a great café on site, and definitely a hidden gem. The museum explores and celebrates British gardens and gardening, with temporary exhibitions. I wanted to visit the ‘Constance Spry and the Fashion for Flowers Exhibition’.*

However I do think part of my love of London is that I can return home to beautiful Dorset and leave it all behind! We hadn’t been ‘in town’ since Spry has had a resurgence in February 2020 when Covid popularity hadn’t touched “...‘floral frogs’ those recently, any of our lives. partly Even though there vicious spikey things because of were rumblings found under your interest in of its existence mother’s kitchen sink her methods it still seemed for arranging very far removed that as a child always from our lives (it stabbed you under the and the materials was, however, nails...” she used. extremely There hard then to buy pocket sized is a rise in environmental antibacterial gel, which we awareness in today’s florists, applied before we ate or drank and a movement away from anything and actually thought it the horrors of floral foam and was a bit of a joke).

the detrimental effect it has on our planet. Her methods of using ‘floral frogs’ (those vicious spikey things found under your mother’s kitchen sink that as a child always stabbed you under the nails of your enquiring fingers), chicken wire and of course seasonal British flowers. The exhibition has been thoughtfully curated by Shane Connolly who, like Spry, designs for the Royal family. There was of course some shopping involved (my daughter is 16...), lots of walking and lots of eating; London on the whole was pretty empty, a very sad sight, I wonder how many business will survive. It was a pleasure to be in town though. Everyone respected personal space, and wore masks, and there was an air of excitement as England still had a chance in the Euros (remember that? No, me neither). *The Constance Spry Exhibiton runs until the 26th September. Always free - subscribe here

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THE RANDOM 19 QUESTIONS

The Random 19 with journalist, author and broadcaster Kate Adie.

Renowned war correspondent Kate Adie CBE DL is an English journalist, author & broadcaster. She was Chief News Correspondent for BBC News between 1989 and 2003, during which time she became a familiar household name, reporting from war zones around the world. Kate has lived in Dorset since leaving west Kate Adie. image © Ken Lennox London for her country cottage in the county in 2012. She fell in love with Dorset when working on farming programmes at BBC Bristol. “I love lumpy countryside, hills and water - and unexpected views, which is what I loved about Dorset.” 1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the area, not us!)? It’s my lovely neighbour, with intriguing names like Hammoon and Child Okeford I’m very much attached to the Cerne, Sydling and Piddle Valleys.

2. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car? Only my little dog had to hear it, thank goodness. He’s not telling.

3. Last movie you watched? Would you recommend it? I feel like I must be the only person in the world who hadn’t seen Casablanca, so I found

myself watching it on some obscure ancient movie channel the other evening. Humphrey Bogart et al, in a nightclub full of spies and foreigners and men with guns... It reminded me of a similar place on the border of Armenia and Turkey: full of suspicious-looking heavy drinkers waving bottles, deafening music, a brawl going on in the corner, and a nice man who insisted on introducing us to the large hairy bloke waving a Kalashnikov “Please meet our local MP...”

6. What would you like to tell 15yr old you? That, more than any of us appreciate at 15, your childhood has been lucky and loving, and will lead to a magical and fascinating life.

4. It’s Friday night - you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do? Watch terrible telly (so I can better appreciate the stuff that’s meant to be good), and eat a pomegranate (impossible to eat publicly). 5. Who’s your celebrity crush? I once interviewed Anthony Hopkins, and was so breathlessly smitten that I failed to notice his fellow actor next to him. When challenged about this back in the newsroom, I said Who? Mel Gibson, they said. 7. Chip Shop Chips or Homebaked Cake? Cake please. Always free - subscribe here

THE RANDOM 19 QUESTIONS First broadcast 4 June 1989. Chinese troops opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Kate Adie reported live. Despite the outbreak of “unremitting gunfire”, the protesters refused to leave. Kate Adie reported live from the scene.

8. If you were sent to an island for a year and could only bring three things, what would you bring? (the island is already equipped with a magical power source and a laptop) • A bath. • A trailer - full of gardening kit, with seeds and fruit tree saplings. • A Welsh harp (of course I can’t play one. But given a year, and no listeners...)

9. What book did you read last year that stayed with you? War Doctor, by David Nott. Extraordinary - and such a humane man.

10. What’s your secret superpower? An ability to read the paper, do needlepoint, throw toys for the dog, use the ipad - all while appearing utterly engrossed in a live Zoom. 11. What shop can you not pass without going in? Fudge. (and yes, I queried this with Kate. This isn’t a shop called Fudge. It’s literally “any shop that sells fudge…” Ed)

1. People will do anything to get on TV. 2. I thought I’d only had two glasses of wine... 15. Your top three mostvisited favourite websites (excluding social media!)? My browing history is mostly panic enquiries; “How much mini-lego can a puppy eat?” “Can you microwave a very frozen thing at the back of the freezer when surprise guests arrive?”

“I realised that 16. Favourite 12. Favourite crisp flavour? quote? Movie, every next Sea salt and black book or evening - and pepper. inspirational day - was a we won’t judge. ‘The only thing 17. The best bonus.” necessary for the biscuit for triumph of evil is dunking? for good men to do nothing.’ Chocolate digestives are not for (John Stuart Mill, 1867) dunking. 13. What’s the best evening you’ve ever had? When after a particularly close call involving a bullet, I realised that every next evening - and day - was a bonus. 14. A penguin just walked in the door wearing a panama hat. Why is he here? There are two possibilities:

18. What in life is frankly a mystery to you? Lots - so I got a job asking questions... 19. You have the power to pass one law tomorrow, uncontested. What would you do? Universal Credit. No one should go hungry.

BOOK CORNER

Voice of the Books Should I Stay Or Should I Go? The Clash were never known for prophetic travel advice. But our Green, Amber and Red list choices have never been so confusing. Still whether you’re passing time at an airport, on a Cornish beach or at home in the garden we have a selection of handpicked Summer Reads all £2off to help you relax and lose yourself in a good book. Wayne (just click the book covers to head to Winstone’s and buy - Ed)

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce - £8.99 In a devastating moment of clarity, Margery Benson abandons her dead-end job and advertises for an assistant to accompany her on an expedition. She is going to travel to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist. Enid Pretty, in her unlikely pink travel suit, is not the companion Margery had in mind. And yet together they will be drawn into an adventure that will exceed every expectation.

The Moth and the Mountain by Ed Caesar - 10.99 The untold story of Britain’s most mysterious mountaineering legend - Maurice Wilson - and his heroic attempt to climb Everest. Alone. In the 1930s, as official government expeditions set their sights on conquering Everest, Maurice Wilson conceived his own plan: he would fly a Gipsy Moth aeroplane from England to Everest, crash land on its lower slopes, then become the first person to reach its summit. Wilson didn’t know how to climb. He barely knew how to fly. But he had pluck, daring and a vision .

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BOOK CORNER

Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty £9.99 Evocative, raw and beautifully written, this very special book vividly explores the natural world from the perspective of an autistic teenager juggling homework, exams and friendships alongside his life as a conservationist and environmental activist. With a sense of awe and wonder, Dara describes in meticulous detail, encounters in his garden and the wild. The power and warmth of his words also draw an affectionate and moving portrait of a close-knit family making their way in the world.

Humankind by Rutger Bregman £9.99 Human beings, we’re taught, are by nature selfish, governed by self-interest. ‘Humankind’ makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are good. By thinking the worst of others, we bring out the worst in our politics and economics too. In this major book, Rutger Bregman takes some of the world’s most famous studies and events and reframes them, providing a new perspective on the last 200,000 years of human history.

The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante £8.99 Giovanna’s pretty face has changed: it’s turning into the face of an ugly, spiteful adolescent. But is she seeing things as they really are? Where must she look to find her true reflection and a life she can claim as her own? Giovanna’s search leads her to two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: the Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity. Adrift, she vacillates between these two cities, falling into one then climbing back to the other.

READER’S LETTERS

Letters to the Editor Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@theblackmorevale.co.uk I was saddened to hear that the Tourist Information Centre has closed in Sherborne with Dorset Council’s excuse being that there was very little usage by visitors to the town. Until 2019 I regularly volunteered at Sherborne Museum and we frequently had people coming in to ask where the Tourist Information was. We also had lots of people wanting to know how to get to the castles and their opening times requests that should have been dealt with by the TIC. It would probably not be feasible but relocating a small-scale TIC to the Museum could be beneficial both to the Museum and to visitors to the town. Mair Graham, Henstridge ***

Can I say how much I am enjoying the new ‘Night Sky’ column? I’m a (very) amateur astronomy student, and the new format with not only the guide to what to look for but also the fascinating insight into Mr Nolan’s photography has been nothing short of inspiring. I am currently researching the ‘how’s and what’s’ of purchasing the correct gear to work with my rather old telescope (with a new one on my Christmas List!) so that I can begin to dabble in the art of astrophotography myself. Thank you! N Travers, Marnhull ***

The newly published Elections Bill will allow ministers to define and curtail ‘campaigning’, could make coordinating opposition an offence, and permits political meddling in the Electoral Commission. A free election is one where

unaffiliated organisations, charities and even the person on the street can be part of the debate. And where independent groups like Best for Britain, can provide voters with information on parties and their policies. By putting restrictions on campaigning and cross-party cooperation, this bill stifles healthy opposition. It is an attack on the foundations of our democracy. Roger Brake ***

Now that the country has ‘opened up’ again, may I say how thankful I am that we here in Dorset seem to be moderate, level-headed and courteous as we go about our daily business. I have been shielding my husband for much of the last 18mths, and ‘freedom day’ filled me with fear; going into busy public spaces still concerns me, despite us both being double-jabbed now. Yet I have found to my relief that almost everyone continues to wear their mask, allow space in shops, queues at a comfortable distance - and long-missed friends have checked on whether ’hugs, hands or no-touchingplease’ are the order of the day when we have finally met. Thank you, to the whole community - most of these measures are to protect others as much as one’s self, and I am deeply thankful for the kindness and consideration from all. Oddly, the exceptions more often than not seem to be those of my own generation (in our ‘twilight years’ shall we say?) who are sniffing at the rules, and it’s the youngest - the least affected by covid - who are happiest to stick to the rules. Let’s keep on being considerate, thoughtful, and

keeping each other safe as the year turns and we head into what I hope will be our final difficult winter. Hannah Bremming, Verwood. ***

I read your (usually amusing) column The Random 19 in the July issue and was once again very disappointed. When asked her favourite crisp flavour, world famous novelist Tracy Chevalier answered ‘plain.’ Every one knows the proper answer to this question is Smoky Bacon, followed by Prawn Cocktail. I know she is from Maryland, USA, and we must allow for that, but her response makes me wonder how good Ms Chevalier’s books actually are if she is so glib over such important matters. If memory serves correctly, no one in this otherwise-excellent series has managed to get this very simple question correct - I sincerely hope your next Random 19-er will have far more sense. P Bone, Shaftesbury (I know. Kate Adie gets it wrong this month too. I’m SO disappointed in her. I promise you that I take this up with the Random 19-ers every month. You’re correct, of course - the right answer is, in fact, smoky bacon - Ed) ***

Walking down Sherborne high street after many months absence I was shocked to see so many shops have ceased trading and lay empty. I am confident that a lot of this is due to excessive rental rates, as is the case in most high streets. Surely some of them can be run on a short lease to help the hundreds of local artisans and crafts people sell their goods? Our town centres are going to seem like Poundbury (soulless) if this continues. V Larking, Henstridge Always free - subscribe here

CITIZENS ADVICE

A Citizen’s Advice.

A local expert from Citizen’s Advice answers a question from the public. This Month: Can you be forced back to the office?

Q: “I’ve been working from home; can my employer ask me to return to my normal workplace?” A: The short answer is yes. When you enter into a contract to work for an employer you have to comply with ‘reasonable management requests’. That means your employer can ask you to return to your normal workplace if your original contract specified that you would be office-based or based elsewhere. In practice, many employers are looking into or actively encouraging a blended working model - some time at home and some time in the office/ workplace. You can ask to keep working from home, but that doesn’t mean your employer has to agree. Start by having a conversation with your employer about your wishes, and consider making a ‘flexible working request’, which is a legal right all employees have. You can include your reasons why working from home is better for you and how it will also help the business.

What can I do if I’m worried about safety measures at work? Your employer has a legal duty to

ensure that your workplace does not pose a risk to your health and safety. Current guidance says employers should complete a Covid risk assessment and take steps to prevent transmission, including frequent cleaning and social distancing. This is due to be updated. While wearing a mask in an enclosed space will no longer be mandatory, employers will still be free to set their own policies like requiring workers or customers to wear masks. If you are unhappy with safety measures at your workplace, you could report your employer to the Health and Safety Executive, but ideally you and your employer can solve the issues together.

I’m uncomfortable about taking public transport, what are my options? Your employer’s duty is limited to things that are under its control, and so there is no clear legal position about whether it has to take into account the risks you face when travelling to and from work. That said, your employer should listen to your concerns if you’re worried about having to use public transport after being called back into work. You could reach an arrangement that you’re comfortable with, for example,

asking to travel at quieter times of the day.

What happens if I need to self-isolate? You shouldn’t go into work if you’re self-isolating because you have coronavirus symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. You must tell your employer that you have to self-isolate. It’s worth telling them in writing so you have a record for later use. If you’re unable to work from home, you may be entitled to benefits, sick pay or a selfisolation payment of £500 from your local council. If you’ve been furloughed before by your employer, you might also be able to furlough you for the period you need to self-isolate. See the Citizens Advice website for more information. Remember that the rules on self-isolating are changing. From the 16th August, if you’ve had your second vaccination, you won’t need to self-isolate if you have been in contact with someone who’s tested positive for coronavirus. If you have symptoms you’ll need to selfisolate until you test negative. For more information, call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk for details of your nearest Citizens Advice. Always free - subscribe here

ADVERTORIAL

Expert help from the team at Porter Dodson LLP. This week: Peace of Mind It has been reported that one in three of us will die without making a Will. There are numerous beneficial reasons for making a Will which include making future provision for a spouse/partner, distribution of sole assets, appointment of guardians for minor children, ensuring inclusion of step children as beneficiaries, future care needs for a beloved pet(s), avoidance of potential family conflicts and appointment of suitable Executors. An appointment to make a Will or review an existing Will would include a discussion of personal circumstances, together with some advice regarding Inheritance Tax planning, if necessary. Preparing for the inevitable is important and having a Will and keeping it up to date is essential. Many leave it late - for some it’s too late, and so distribution of their estate would be subject to the intestacy rules. Most of us can look forward to increasing life expectancy, but unfortunately that could come with the loss of full mental capacity to manage your own affairs. A registered Lasting Power of Attorney enables you to rely upon a trusted person(s) of your choice to make important financial, health and care decisions on your behalf, if and when you need it in the future. This puts you in control. An Attorney appointed by you under a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs can manage bank accounts, pay bills and sell a property for essential funding if required. Under a Health and Care Lasting Power of Attorney, the Attorney can attend meetings when key decisions are being taken to ensure your wishes regarding future care and even your wishes regarding life sustaining treatment are fully considered. The Attorney would always be entitled to receive relevant personal information and attend important meetings despite the much tightened General Data Protection Regulations (May 2018). Please do not hesitate to contact me if I you would like a helpful discussion and advice about the process. Lesley Hamilton Lesley.hamilton@porterdodson.co.uk Porter Dodson LLP

POLITICS FAMILY LAW

Life’s complicated. Instructing a solicitor shouldn’t be

Because no one can predict the future, we can help you prepare. Whatever you require, we will advise you with clarity and efficiency, offer value for money and an unparalleled level of legal advice.

Contact Lesley Hamilton in our Sherborne office on 01935 811135 to discuss your will and powers of attorney. We can also help with: • Family law

• Employment law

• Conveyancing

• Dispute resolution

• Trusts

• Commerical property

• Funding care

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info@porterdodson.co.uk www.porterdodson.co.uk 71

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CHARITY PAGES

Dorset in the pandemic Dorset Community Foundation have been providing support and grants to grass roots groups throughout Dorset during the pandemic. They have just released a report into their response to the coronavirus crisis. The report opens with a summary from Jeremy Mills, Chair of Dorset Community Foundation: “These last 12 months have, without doubt, been a time of uncertainty, anxiety, sadness and disruption never seen on such a scale in this country outside of wartime. “However they have also brought out the very best in us as a people. In Dorset we have seen charities and voluntary groups step up (despite losing staff and revenue), people who would never have imagined themselves volunteering coming forward to help their communities, and new groups materialising to meet the need on their doorstep. “I am proud that Dorset Community Foundation has stood squarely at the forefront of this effort. It was impressive

to see not just the extent of the response from the voluntary sector but the speed at which it happened. The Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund was launched in March 2020 just as the pandemic took its grip. Ever since, it has provided the essential funds the groups asked for – at the pace they needed them. “For the past 21 years Dorset Community Foundation has shown that it is highly adept at empowering the grass roots groups who do so much for this county. In a typical year 70% of the groups it funds have an income of less than £100,000 55% under £50,000. “So it was no surprise to see the bulk of the more than £1 million it has allocated over four phases going to these smaller groups, who have been magnificent. We have already been able to look at

the impact of phase one, and we know that almost 45,000 people have benefitted from the first £500,000 of grant awards. “This represents a phenomenal effort from our small staff of just four, as well as its trustees and supporters, who have worked tirelessly to streamline processes to assess and approve applications quickly. When we eventually look back at this tumultuous time, we will remember the heroism and dedication of our frontline workers who stood firm and steadfast in the teeth of this crisis. The voluntary sector deserves to be heralded alongside them.” You can read the full report on the Dorset Community Foundation website at https://www. dorsetcommunityfoundation. org/about/reports-andpublications/

Ward Goodman specialises in the charity, community and not for profit sector. Ward Goodman has a dedicated team of accounting and auditing professionals delivering a comprehensive range of POLITICS services to registered charities, community groups and not for profit organisations. The team are trained specifically to carry out charity accounting, auditing and reporting and to communicate effectively with Trustees, management and volunteers. Contact the team today for a free consultation.

New Living Legacy Fund will help grass roots groups support their communities A NEW fund to help grass roots groups tackling poverty and isolation to improve health and wellbeing is being launched by Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council.

The Living Legacy Fund is targeting the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area and has been boosted with a £50,000 injection from the council. The fund, which is now open for grant applications, aims to fund services and activities that bring people together to support one another, provide healthy social activities, support personal aspirations and skills and promote volunteering opportunities where possible. Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “There couldn’t be a better time to launch a fund like this, with voluntary groups struggling after 18 months of increased demand and lost fundraising opportunities because of Covid. “We want this fund to be a catalyst to rebuilding communities and giving groups the resource and certainty to meet the needs on their doorstep.” Cllr Jane Kelly, BCP Council’s lead member for Community

Engagement, said: “I am delighted and really excited that BCP Council are working with DCF to launch BCP Council’s £50,000 donation Dorset Community Foundation’s this fund, it Living Legacy Fund will help grass roots groups like Bournemouth is a fantastic Foodbank, which received £7,000 from the council via the Dorset opportunity Coronavirus Community Fund last year for community £80,000 to the community groups to receive some valuable foundation’s Dorset Coronavirus resource to continue or expand Community Fund. It made 13 their work. grants and benefitted more than 10,000 people. “The council is dedicated and passionate about helping our communities to flourish when they have had such a difficult time. Demand is high on services to help those who are in need, many people are facing social and financial challenges but we know that there are many fantastic people out there who can and will want to take advantage of this opportunity to start or continue communitybased projects.” She said the community foundation was an obvious choice for the council when looking to invest money into the voluntary sector. “It is a well-established and very trusted name in the voluntary sector and that really matters. It has a fantastic network and the aims of the Living Legacy Fund reflects our priorities recognising the strengths within our communities, building on those and keeping residents at the heart of everything we do.” Last year BCP Council donated

The fund will award grants of up to £5,000 and can cover running costs, staff and volunteer pay and expenses, capital expenditure such as IT or sports equipment or venue hire. Organisations which apply must work in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and priority for funding will be given to those based in the area. The funded activities must start within two months of funding and groups have up to 12 months to spend the grant. Applications do not need to be for new services, they can be for the continuation or expansion of existing services to meet changing needs or increasing demand. To apply for a grant, find out how to support the Living Legacy Fund or learn more about the Community foundation go to dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.

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CHARITY ‘DOERS’

26 Miles of Golf. Four friends who regularly play Golf together at Wincanton Golf Club took on an exceptional challenge on Friday 16th July. Dave, Graham, Matt and Mike are usually be found on the course early on a Sunday morning - but on this special Friday they played in support of Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race. The mission was to play a massive four rounds of golf that is 72 holes, the equivalent of walking a 26 mile marathon (assuming they all hit the ball in a straight line) (which they didn’t) in one day. Starting at 5.30am, the team completed the challenge 14

hours later at 7.30pm. “Prostate Cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, killing one man every At the start of the challenge: (L to R) Dave, Matt, Mike and Graham. 45 minutes to help raise awareness of this in the UK.” insidious disease explains team captain Dave “Thats the same time it takes to Mike added “Men are generally play three holes of golf. Thats why we’re taking on The Big Golf not good at discussing ‘things medical’ but we have just spent Race; to keep men in the game 14 hours together focusing on for longer. a fantastic cause – next time it’s It’s a cause which should be for my knees to be repaired!” close to every man’s heart Prostate Cancer goes un-talked It is still possible to donate via about and we are pleased to try the Team’s Just Giving Page.

Teddy20 invite you to help children living with cancer.

Teddy20 is a well-known local charity based in Blandford, set up in loving memory of the founders’son, Ted Newton 1999–2010. Their aim is to provide emotional and financial support to children and young people suffering from, and undergoing treatment for, cancer. Teddy20 are now inviting everyone to take part in their next two fundraising events: 1. The Teddy20 Jurassic Coast walk takes place on Saturday 4th September 2021. Fundraisers get to walk across the beautiful coastline from Lulworth to Bowleaze cove, covering approximately 12 miles. £15 sign up. No minimum sponsorship required. 2. The Teddy20 Skydive takes place on Saturday October 2nd 2021. Fundraisers will fall from 10,000ft taking in the breath taking views from above as they sore back to down Earth. £50 sign up. £450 minimum sponsorship. For more information or to sign up please visit https://www.teddy20.org/

Where to Find The Best Meat Boxes in the Blackmore Vale

POLITICS Local meat box suppliers either rear their own animals to their exacting standards, or source sustainable grass-fed, outdoor-reared meat from local farms. image: Robin Goodlad for the Dorset Meat Co.

by Rachael Rowe It’s barbecue season (come on sunshine!) and time for entertaining family and friends.

Or, you may just be looking at restocking your freezer. There are some great places to find locally sourced quality meat boxes in the Blackmore Vale with most offering a home delivery service. Here’s our round up of some of the best meat boxes avauilable in the area: all deliver to your door.

Happy Meat Company

Marnhull-based The Happy Meat Company is family-run and has a monthly meat box service. With their own Tamworth pigs & Dexter cows they offer a selection of free range meats in each box, ideal for families or stocking the freezer. They can also adapt to suit specific dietary needs. Do check out the Facebook page for videos of the delightful animals on the farm.

The Story Pig

With their own Tamworth pigs, The Story Pig at Sandford Orcas has a good range of free range pork meat boxes. There’s a selection ranging from

a barbecue box to a Quarter Tamworth but if you can’t find exactly what you need, give them a call and they will make up a bespoke one to suit your requirements. They deliver, but I recommend collecting your box so you can enjoy a coffee and the views from their new cafe at Lavender Keeper’s Farm and meet the pigs!

The Dorset Meat Company

Meat boxes from The Dorset Meat Company featured in The Independent recently as among the best in the UK. The company is owned by Jane and Nick Somper and based in Sutton Waldron. All the meat is from Dorset or Wiltshire grass fed animals and you can select from a wide range of box types and sizes or build your own. Choose from the steak boxes or a selection designed to fill the freezer- and it gets delivered to your door. There’s a wide range of meat from fresh venison to goat, lamb and more.

The Real Cure

Based near Shaftesbury, The Real Cure make their multi-award winning range of cured meats using wild deer for venison,

free range British pigs and grass fed Aberdeen Angus beef from Jurassic Coast Farm in Dorset to produce their Bresaola. Their salami, chorizo and air dried hams are made using traditional artisan processes of smoking, curing and air drying; the charcuterie meat boxes are great for entertaining or gifts.

Kimbers Farm Shop

Kimbers are a regular feature at Shaftesbury Farmers Market but you can also get meat boxes delivered. The farm at Charlton Musgrove has been in the same family for over 300 years and their Aberdeen Angus beef is first class. Meat boxes range from a Weekend box to a Gourmet Barbecue selection. They will also fix up a bespoke order if you can’t quite find what you need. We’re fortunate to have a wonderful selection of high quality meat boxes across the Blackmore Vale - do also ask at your local independent butchers, many source their meat locally, and will offer meat packs. The award winning T Buttling Butchers at Ludwell, for example (featured on p.8), have recently started selling summer barbecue boxes.

by Heather Brown

FOOD & DRINK

Canapés. Cheesy? Yes please.

We are all finally allowed to meet together again, and with in-person events beginning to reappear, here are some easy-to-make canapés to wow your friends. Two out of these three recipes don’t even require any cooking; just a layering of ingredients which when placed together taste incredible. Cheese is pretty versatile in a canapé and with so much local cheese on offer, it would be a shame not to make the most of it in these recipes. You can buy a soft goat’s cheese from just across the border in Salisbury from Rosary Goats Cheese. You can find soft cheese and blue cheese from

The Book & Bucket Cheese Company, as well of course some blue cheese from Dorset Blue Vinny. I would highly recommend getting hold of some local honey too if you can - the more local to you the better. You can find local honey in most farm shops across the county, as well as delis and in some local coffee shops too. Plus of course many villages will have a beekeeper who sells jars at their cottage gate. It tastes like the countryside and helps to make these canapés really sing.

Heather

Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Canapé image: Heather Brown

Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Canapé Ingredients

• • •

1 packet of ready rolled puff pastry* 1 small punnet of cherry tomatoes 1 packet of soft goat’s cheese

• • •

1 tube of tomato puree a little honey some egg or milk to glaze the pastry.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to Gas 5/180º fan. 2. Grease and line two baking trays with baking parchment. 3. Whilst you are getting the ingredients ready, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place onto one of the baking trays. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. 4. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 1-2 inch square pieces. 5. Place the pieces onto the baking trays and space out a little. 6. Spread a little of the tomato puree onto each square, leaving a little border of pastry around the edge. You can also add a tiny drizzle of honey here to mix into the tomato puree as you spread. 7. Glaze the edges of the pastry with a little egg or milk so that they turn golden in the oven. 8. Place a small piece of the goats cheese onto the pastry square, along with one of the roasted cherry tomato halves. 9. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is cooked.

*This recipe also works well with homemade puff pastry if you have the time to make your own. You can also use gluten free puff pastry if required. 76

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Heather Brown is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and a home economist with a passion for Dorset’s brilliant foodie scene. Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed, championing Dorset’s food and drink businesses, as well as working with food industry clients.

POLITICS

Grapefruit & Cream Cheese Canapé Ingredients • • • • •

Method

1 grapefruit 1. Peel the grapefruit and then remove the segments of the 100g soft cream cheese fruit as whole as you can (see a handy tutorial video here). 1 packet melba thins 2. Lay out the melba thins so you can easily top them. You a little local honey can break them in half if you would like smaller canapés. black pepper 3. Top the melba thins with the cream cheese (using teaspoons or a piping bag). 4. Grind some black pepper over the cheese. 5. Top with a grapefruit segment. 6. Drizzle the whole canapé with some local honey.

Grapefruit and cream cheese Canapé image: Heather Brown

FOOD & DRINK image: by Rebecca Smale www.rebeccasmale.com

Apricot and Blue Cheese Canapés. Ingredients • • • •

Soft dried ‘ready to eat’ apricots. Some local blue cheese. Some local honey. Walnut halves.

Method Simply layer together the ingredients; starting with the apricots, then some blue cheese, a walnut half and topped with a generous drizzle of local honey. This might sound ridiculously simple but the combination of these 4 flavours is incredible all together. I would strongly recommend getting local blue cheese and local honey as they pack much more flavour than a supermarket brand.

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by Sadie Wilkins, Indie Wine Merchant,

Red List Since the pandemic outbreak and consequent lockdown restrictions over the last year or so, we’ve noticed a real embrace from customers to take a break from ‘the traditional’. An area that this has been extremely apparent is with rosé wines – we are finally at a stage where the consensus from our lovely customers is ‘there is more to rosé than Provence’, which is music to our ears. As much as we love an outstanding glass of crisp rosé, it’s very naïve to believe that only Provence can produce such a beauty. The pink stuff aside, we have sensed a more adventurous wine palate from our customers across the board – we think due to travel restrictions and the appeal of literally experiencing a distant culture from a wine glass in the comfort of your own home, garden or local beach (yes beach, not bench!). So, this month, I wanted to do something a little different and showcase 5 little gems from a handful of countries on the travel ‘Red List’ at time of writing. Let’s go on a little wine trip together!

Argentina:

‘Karim Mussi Los Poetas Semillon’ If you like your white wines to have flavour but with a rounded, fresh vibe, then this wine should be in your wine rack. Tropical fruit, with some herbal notes, make it a perfect accompaniment with most fish dishes and summer salads.

Chile:

oak and a wonderful minerality throughout. A real treat that leaves you wanting more.

‘Bouchon Pais Salvaje’ This wine is one of the most labour-intensive wines to South Africa: produce as all the grapes ‘Niel Joubert Byker Chenin are hand harvested. Pais Blanc’ (pronounced pa- ees) is grown A new addition to our range in a forest and requires hand and just perfect for sunny days. harvesting on ladders – some For lovers of Sauvignon Blanc, of which are over five metres I always say that a Chenin ‘has tall. Hints of all the fruit of strawberry, “...experiencing a a Sauvignon cherries, distant culture from but without the spice and acidity’ and this even banana. a wine glass in the really is a little Delicious. comfort of your gem. own home, garden ‘Bouchon or local beach (yes Granito Uruguay: Semillon’ beach, not bench!).” Vinedo de los one of the best Vientos Notos wines I have Nebbiolo drunk in the last 5 years. This What a wine; fruity from start really is a wine that you can to finish with an awesome taste the 120-million-year-old medium to full bodied palate. soil on which the grapes have Most people associate Nebbiolo been grown from, hence the with Italy, but it really is worth name ‘granito’ – granite soil. sampling an alternative twist on The vines were planted in the the grape. This beauty has been 1940’s and have incredibly deep produced by a boutique micro roots. Complex fruit expressions winery at a crazily high altitude from start to finish with subtle in Uruguay.

www.vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Mapping Out the Dorset Foodie Feed. This month I had the pleasure of catching up with Heather Brown, our own amazing Food Writer and Columnist, to talk about the Dorset Foodie Feed website. Earlier this year Heather was accepted to become a a member of the Guild of Food Writers - the professional association of food writers and broadcasters in the UK. She works with national brands such as Marks & Spencer, Splenda and Roberts Radio as well as many local Dorset brands

Food writer and content creator Heather Brown a member of the Guild of Food Writers

such as Urban Guild, Purbeck Ice Cream, Conker and The Scented Botanist. The Dorset Foodie Feed website was started in 2011 by John Grindle, originally as ‘West Dorset Foodie’. John’s love of ‘great food, fishing and helping people’ grew the site, and he started taking on new Dorset writers. By 2015 there were four individual sites in the Dorset Foodie Feed family – West Dorset Foodie, East Dorset Foodie, North Dorset Foodie and Purbeck Foodie. In 2017 all four sites were brought together to create the Dorset Foodie Feed family. So what is it that Heather loves so much about the Dorset food scene specifically? Is there something special about

the food and drink producers in our county? “The community! I used to live in a place where the competition between businesses was fierce, but it’s the opposite in Dorset. Business owners are always willing to help someone out, lend a hand or make something bespoke for a menu or client. People are always willing and ready to collaborate too, which opens the door to new and fabulous flavours and experiences for customers, all made with local ingredients and created by local people.” So with your own business keeping you busy, what was it about Dorset Foodie Feed that made you take it on? “I have been writing recipes and restaurant reviews since 2013, and I joined the Dorset Foodie Feed team in 2015. When John wanted to retire, I jumped at the chance to take on the challenge, and I am so pleased I did. I made the decision to rebuild the entire site at the end of 2019 and relaunched in January 2020 who knew how timely that would be?! “I am so grateful that I could use Dorset Foodie Feed to help Always free - subscribe here

FOOD & DRINK connect new customers to local businesses throughout the Pandemic, and I am proud of how the site has grown and developed, with the Directory being added at the end of 2020. “It has been hundreds of hours of my time poured into a website and social pages that don’t earn me any money beyond the odd free meal, but it is such a privilege to be able to help the food and drink sector that have struggled so much this past 18 months. “I’m passionate about local food, and I was eager to make it really easy for locals to know where their local food businesses are (and of course to lead tourists to the smaller, hidden businesses they’ll love). I managed to secure grant funding from Dorset Growth Hub to employ a developer, and we built on the Directory feature to the site. “Now, customers can search a database of nearly 650 local food and drink businesses by using their postcode and/or type of business (farm shop, cafe etc). The businesses are then listed on a map closest to your location. “Dorset Foodie Feed has been posting recipes and reviews

since 2012, and all those reviews “Local people are looking out are linked to the listings; you of curiosity, simply to find new can check places close to out what “It has been hundreds them, regardless we think of business type. of hours of my time about the The comment I poured into a website restaurants hear over and and products and social pages that again is too, along don’t earn me any with reviews ‘I searched money beyond the odd using my from free meal.” other local postcode and bloggers and found an writers.” amazing shop just down the road that I So if I’m a small local food or didn’t know was there!’. drink business, can I be listed on the DFF map? Even if I’m a “Tourists are often looking for tiny business that simply makes cafes and restaurants and with jams... How much does it cost? that in mind, I have also curated Are there qualifying criteria? some shorter, recommended ‘great places to eat’ lists for “Its free to list and its free to use! someone who just wants to see You simply need to be a food some highlights, for a weekend and/or drink business based in break for example.” Dorset. I wanted to make sure that anyone could use the site to So what’s next for Heather as the find their local businesses, and directory continues to grow? that any business, large or tiny could list. “Once the summer season ends, All I need to get a business I’m aware local businesses listed is a link to your website.” will have some time to start to thinking about how they want to I was curious as to what type of move forward post-pandemic. business is the most searched There are some talented niche for on the site - are more people experts in Dorset that would hunting for a great cup of coffee, love to help and I’m currently some locally made cheese or working on how best to join honey or the best Sunday lunch? them together!”

The Dorset Foodie Feed interactive map directory currently contains almost 650 local food and drink businesses, listed by postcode and type of business. Click the map to search your own area.

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POLITICS Blanchards Bailey are a Dorset based law firm specialising in commercial and private law. Recognised by the Legal 500 as one of the top firms in the south west.

The Love Local Trust Local Awards and the Blackmore Vale: We’re 2020 Twins! by Barbara Cossins With 2020 being such a washout, a few things started to happen that we may have initially thought we were ‘immune to’, here in a country such as Blighty. Remember those headlines reporting a lack of loo roll, pasta and tinned soup as the nation leapt into panic buying mode? Whilst this was a worrying time for the big supermarkets, it was fascinating to see buying habits change; suddenly people were

appreciating local produce a lot more. They were buying from small farm shops - initially because the produce was available! In some instances, even growing it themselves, as we all started to live our ultra ‘Good Life’ in case the proverbial truly hit the fan.

previously have access to things like promotional leaflets, local freebie magazines and the like, you now simply could not get your hands on a copy for fear of contracting Covid itself. Whilst reducing our chances of picking up this virus, during this time it was with sadness that we lost some real gems in “During this our community time, we also that kept people eradicated ‘stuff’ connected, from pretty much particularly when it comes to local anywhere.” publications.

During this time, we also eradicated ‘stuff’ from pretty much anywhere. Go to a restaurant post-lockdown and you can expect to order from an app in many cases – no promotional table tat (a great thing for the environment), no newspapers kicking about at the doctor surgery... wherever you would

Barbara Cossins, second left, with the team at Love Local Trust Local - truly passionate about supporting our farmers and food and drink producers.

So, when we were approached by the team at the then-new digital Blackmore Vale, we were delighted that they were on the pulse and able to get up and running to share local news in a way that meant we could continue getting word out, promoting our businesses to real customers and prospective customers who may have a genuine interest in what we have to offer. During Lockdown 1.0, the team who had established the brand Love Local Trust Local, formed the very first Love Local Trust Local Food & Drink Awards. There was concern that midCovid could be a bad time to launch such an occasion, but the timing couldn’t have been

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POLITICS Blanchards Bailey are a Dorset based law firm renowned for their personal expertise, excellent client service and active role in local communities.

the timing couldn’t have been more relevant given the need to ‘source local’ becoming more prominent, so the Love Local Team pressed on. We found a real synergy with the team at the Blackmore Vale, who welcomed us to the fold and got onboard with supporting the cause of Love Local Trust Local; created ‘by farmers for farmers’, to support our Dorsetbased food and drink producers, but also created to educate the consumer on what they are really eating and how to understand where the produce has come from and what it really is. Our cause is such a relevant one for the team at the digital Blackmore Vale, so we were delighted to have them join us for the first year of the awards as part of the sponsorship and judging team, and they have continued with us into 2021, which we are so grateful for. Whilst digital thrives, as a wider organisation (with The Langton Arms, Rawston Farm Butchery & Shop, and Love Local Trust Local) we’ve felt a real concern for those who may be getting left behind in such a digital world. Whilst we continue to communicate inside our venues effectively, mediums such as print advertising have become exponential in their cost - and quite frankly out of reach for small businesses who have been hit equally hard through Covid. To help quell this social issue, the team are proudly running monthly social media workshops for those who have not entered into the digital world, or perhaps are less confident using the social media platforms they might already have. We had a great turnout for

the first session in July, where we offered cake and coffee, and our marketing team were on hand to get our attendees online and comfortable with how to use these digital mines of information! If you know someone who would benefit from one of these sessions, give us a buzz on either The Langton Arms 01258 830225 or Rawston Farm Butchery 07796801525 and we’ll get them booked in and connected with the likes of the Blackmore Vale so they can stay updated and abreast of local news. Following Blackmore Vale’s outstanding first year, we have been honoured to get involved and work with the team to keep the locals informed and educated on topics we are truly passionate about; James Cossins at Rawston Farm has really enjoyed contributing to the publication with the history of the farm (‘Voice of the Farmer’, p.51 this month). I myself have been honoured to contribute on various topics, such as the politics of the meat we are eating and what the Australian Trade Deal means, as well as promoting Love Local Trust Local and eating and ‘shopping local’ to the residents of Dorset. So with the digital Blackmore Vale celebrating their first birthday, we’d really love to offer them a very happy birthday, and a massive congratulations on a stand-out first year. Publications like this really are the crux of local communities and truly help to keep people connected at times when they need connection the most. We are proud to be a part of that story! Barbara Cossins

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Spire in the evening sun, Compton Abbas - Benn Churchill

We welcome photography submissions from readers - the only rule is that they must have been taken locally in the last month. From our submissions pile each month an image is chosen as our cover shot. If you’d like to join in, please either use #BVPhoto and tag us on Instagram (@theblackmorevale), share it in our Facebook Group, or simply email it to editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk. Sunshine on Grasses, Wimborne St Giles - David Williams

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY POLITICS

Red Legged Falcon Catching A Dragonfly - Paul Dyer

Spread Eagle Hill at sunset, Fontmell Magna - Mary Seer

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Almost touching distance in Okeford Fitzpaine - Jasmine Shiner Knowlton Church - Meyrick Griffith-Jones

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Marble White Butterfly in the early morning light and dew in the meadows near the River Stour Marilyn Peddle

Lavender Bee in Sturminster Marshall Robert Baker

NIGHT SKY THIS MONTH POLITICS

by Rob Nolan

This Month’s Image:

The Pillars of Creation Any keen Astronomer or Astrophotographer born before the early 90s will remember seeing the iconic image of the Pillars of Creation taken by Nasa’s Hubble Space Telescope in April 1995. These elephant trunks of interstellar gas reside in the Eagle Nebula (M16), specifically the Serpens (the serpant) constellation, some 6,500–7,000 light years from Earth. Dubbed the ‘Pillars of Creation’ because the gas and dust are in the process of creating new stars, while also being eroded by the light from nearby stars that have recently formed. The image is easily among the top

ten images taken by Hubble, and was revisited in 2014 to create an even more detailed high definition image of these incredible structures which can be seen here The Pillars of Creation | NASA. Whilst my telescope is no where near as powerful as Hubble, and with the Earths atmosphere and weather to contend with, I set out this month to capture this region of space as it has been on my ‘bucket list’ of objects to capture since I started astrophotography last year. Over a few nights at the end of July, as astronomical darkness

Find RPN Photography on Facebook here and on Instagram here. returned to our skies for just an hour or so each night, I set about collecting data on the Eagle Nebula which is relatively low in the night sky. The resulting image shows the Pillars of Creation nestled in the heart of the Eagle Nebula. The image was taken using a Skywatcher 200 PDS Newtonian Reflector Telescope and dedicated Cooled Astro Camera. I also used a Triband narrowband filter to reveal the fainter nebulosity within the image. At around 3 hours of total capture time, I’m ecstatic to have captured this amazing region of space from my very own garden in Dorset to add to my own collection!

The Night Sky, August 2021: what you can see this month: August is always a great month for Astronomy, and we have some fantastic events coming up!

Look to the middle of Capricornus in the southeast to find and explore this amazing world.

Best-known are the Perseid meteor shower; peaking on the 12th August, one of the most reliable displays of shooting stars to enjoy. In addition, the neighboring giants of our solar system Saturn and Jupiter are at their closest and brightest to Earth, making it a great time to grab that telescope and start exploring!

On the 10th August at around 8:45 pm, the crescent Moon will form a line with Venus, Mars, Regulas and Mercury. Look to the West low on the horizon.

Saturn reaches its nearest point to Earth on the 2nd August - a mere 830.8 million miles - but can be easily observed throughout the month. A small telescope can reveal the famous rings as well as the brightest moons out of its 82-strong collection. 88

On the 11th August, a beautiful sight to behold is the crescent Moon teaming up with the evening star, Venus, as you look to the West. During the second week of August, the Earth runs into a stream of debris left in the wake of comet Swift Turtle. The specks of cosmic dust smash into our atmosphere at a speeds of 130,000 mph which burn up causing the

bright display. The meteors appear to diverge from the same part of the sky, lying in the constellation Perseus. Stay up until after midnight on the 12th for a free fireworks display! The Moon will also be setting before 10:30pm, ensuring a great show. On the 20th August, Jupiter is at its nearest this year and opposite the Sun. At a distance of 372.8 million miles, with a pair of binocular held steady you will be able to see Jupiter’s four biggest moons. Switch to a telescope and you’ll be able to see the cloud patterns on this blazing Gas Giant. On the 21st August, a full Moon will team up with Jupiter, the second brightest planet. Always free - subscribe here

ART

by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

Sladers Yard - Contemporary Art & Craft Gallery, nr. Bridport Before the television series Broadchurch was filmed in West Bay, the little harbour near Bridport barely featured on the tourist trail - though locals have always claimed that the best fish and chips in Dorset could be enjoyed by the quay.

However, it was buzzing with holidaymakers on the sunny morning of my visit to Sladers Yard Gallery. Housed in the historic Georgian rope warehouse, its flower-filled courtyard is also home to the delicious Café Sladers. The Gallery itself opened in 2006 and has flourished under the ownership of Norwegian furniture designer Petter Southall and his wife, Anna Powell. Anna’s parents were both artists and although she is now curator and gallery director, initially she took up book publishing. She met Petter when he was studying sustainable design in wood at John Makepeace’s Hooke Park College. Over the years they have developed a reputation which means their work is sold worldwide: their customers return regularly and Anna has built up a close relationship with her stable of artists. Her enthusiasm and motivation

have never wavered from the moment she saw a customer fall in love with a painting, make a connection and become transfixed. Their ‘Summer Prints and Drawings Show’ (which runs until 12th September), now brings together seven acclaimed local artists and aims to explore the economy and discipline of the printing and drawing processes: Sally McLaren’s drypoint, aquatint and carborundum monoprints and Julian Bailey’s drypoint prints join Martyn Brewster’s silkscreen, linocuts, etchings and pen and ink drawings, Michael Fairclough’s aquatint prints, Vanessa Gardiner’s pencil drawings, Janette Kerr’s mixed media drawings and Alex Lowery’s drawings with pencil, gouache and acrylic. The warehouse setting is an appropriate location for their

works which are set off by stunning examples of Petter’s furniture. The atmospheric building was built in 1805 as a warehouse for Georgian merchants who were importing flax from Russia for the rope and twine trade in Bridport. The wooden pulley wheel has been restored by Petter with hemp ropes to lift examples of his furniture up to the first and second floors. Under the timber ceiling on the ground floor, my eye was immediately drawn to the brilliant colours of leading British print-maker Sally Image: ‘Wynford Eagle’ by Alex Lowery charcoal on paper 39 x 97cm 2021

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‘The Ebb and Flow That Goes on Forever’ - Janette Kerr mixed media on cartridge paper 88 x 134cm

McLaren’s Rock Surge. An artist who has become even more connected to the landscape through the recent lockdowns and subsequent release, her most recent prints are celebratory, exploratory, light in touch and brilliant in colour. Surrounded by customers enjoying coffee and delicious cakes, we viewed Julian Bailey’s greatly loved landscapes, particularly of the Dorset coast. These are in private and public collections throughout Britain including those of HRH The Prince of Wales. Julian studied art at the Ruskin School while attending New College, Oxford, followed by the Royal Academy Schools where he was awarded the Turner Gold Medal and later the Landseer Scholarship. Over the last three or four years, Julian has been developing his life drawing in Drypoint etching. Anna said “I am so very excited to be giving a selected number

of these Drypoints their first outing at Sladers Yard this Summer.” He has produced a new hardcover book, “Hold the Pose”, to coincide with the exhibition. I loved the sensitive expression in ‘Mermaid on a West Country shore’, which is based on a family friend, and set at Ringstead Bay. The viewer is left to fathom out the mythical overtones for themselves. We negotiated the narrow stair case to the upper gallery floor where I was immediately drawn to two huge dramatic black and white mixed media works, beautifully lit on an end wall. ‘The Ebb and Flow That Goes on Forever’ (above) almost exudes the salt and thrilling sublime essence of the waves. West Country artist Janette Kerr is the ultimate painter of the fierce power of the sea: her bold, expressive work is so exciting. To gain a real understanding of her subject matter, Janette begins on location (recently in

the Shetlands and in Svalbard, Norway), responding directly to the elements, with the sea heaving and crashing around her, the wilder the better. She talks to meteorologists, scientists and with the locals, looking for the stories of people who have lived, fished, explored or even died there. Vanessa Gardiner is a wellestablished Charmouth painter with a dramatically contoured style enlivened with lyrical curving lines. The vibrant cobalt turquoise of the sea is glimpsed in inlets through the rocks. I also loved her series of Headlands study pencil drawings which explore the raw beauty of these particular places. Vanessa initially draws on site so always stays true to the harsh, barren landscape as she sees it. Typical of her respectful attitude to the natural world, this discipline keeps her work fresh and vital.

by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

ART “My professional life has left me comfortable when working with many different media, from pen drawing to watercolour.” Martyn Brewster is one of Dorset’s major artists. Inspired by the natural landscape and sea on the Dorset coast where he lives, his atmospheric, abstract paintings combine seductive combinations of colour with vigorous lyrical compositions exploring the coastal light. He has developed his own silkscreen techniques which set colours against one another in abstract compositions. Michael Fairclough’s subtly coloured aquatint prints explore the immensity of sun, sky and sea. He masterfully portrays the effects of light emerging from clouds and playing on the water. In Lyme Bay II – Burton Cliff he captures the wonder of nature as the colours of the sky and sandstone cliffs fade with the setting sun.

Image: ‘Lyme Bay II Burton Cliff ’ by Michael Fairclough aquatint print 27 x 35cm

and wet rock or colossal shafts of light through clouds – and always, always changing texture, structure, rhythm and light. The texture and structure are in the paintings. The rhythms are those of the wind and the waves, of bird wings and calls, drawn out and slow or sharp and frenetic like the music of Donegal. The light is all-pervading.’

Alex Lowery’s strong, distinctive gouache studies of Portland and West Bay show the marching patchwork of rooflines against the lyrical contours of cliffs stretching away in the background. In the charcoal study of Wynford Eagle, the use of this medium to control the Image: ‘Mermaid on a West Country shore’ by Julian Bailey light as it

‘To me painting is about glimmering reflections of sea

Drypoint print with hand-painted gouache 24 x 28cm framed

falls across the contours of the West Dorset village is superb. The manor house and chapel nestle into woodland while the sloping contours of ploughed fields and ancient strip lynchets fall away below the winding lane reaching into the distance. With a little more freedom to roam this summer it will be well worth a trip down to the sea to visit this iconic gallery and exhibition - and of course enjoy wonderful seafood, coffee and cake in the courtyard! Gallery open: Wednesday–Saturday 10-4.30pm Café Sladers open: Wednesday–Saturday 10-4.30pm www.sladersyard.co.uk gallery@sladersyard.co.uk Dates for your diary! Child Okeford Art Trail Fri 27th Aug - Mon 30th Aug 11 am to 4 pm. There are 15 artists taking part in venues throughout the village. Free admission. Art Trail leaflets available in local shops. Refreshments available at Gold Hill Café. Always free - subscribe here

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

JIGSAW

Simply click to complete on your tablet, computer or phone - or there’s a download option if you prefer pen and paper.

This month’s jigsaw is Martin Galbavy’s amazing statue of the Hulk made from 140,000 ball bearings (see more of his work on p.16): click to complete (you can choose a different number of pieces to start with make it harder or easier, it’s up to you!).

HEALTH

Eight things you can do today to improve your gut health, your immune system, and your mood. by Karen Geary, a Registered Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify

It has been known for some time that what we eat can reveal connections between the gut and the immune system, but there is still so much we don’t yet know. For those of us who subscribe to the Zoe COVID-19 app, you may have recently read an article where they found in their studies that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables had a protective effect against COVID. A somewhat bold claim, as it is usually a bit more complicated than that. However, it is true that 70% of our immune system resides in the gut so it would make sense that we should take care of our gut health. And eating more plants is a great way to start – whatever our preferred way of eating. Our guts are like our gardens; we have to plant, feed and weed

regularly if they are to be at their very best!

But where to start?

1. Start with an apple a day.

Your Gran was right! Apples feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut to produce butyrate, a substance which plays an important role in the health status of our gut.

With clients, I always start with small changes and build up gradually – that “70% of our immune Pectin, directly way, it is more likely that new system resides in under the skin of habits can be the apple is where the gut.” created. the most beneficial substance is, so Here are eight ideas that are eat the peel! simple and easy for you to try: If eating apples gets dull, then each one of these can make a remember that cooked is fine difference, both for those who too. dislike anything remotely healthy Make a batch of stewed apple (come on, we all know one - you for the week (no sugar), leave know who you are!) but feel you the skin on, maybe add some should really eat more, and also cinnamon, and keep in the for those who already eat well, fridge. Eat with your breakfast but would like to do more. or have it for dessert. Always free - subscribe here

POLITICS

2. Switch yogurt for kefir.

6. Give kimchi or sauerkraut a try.

Whilst yogurt (natural, unsweetened), contains some probiotics, kefir contains much more and is therefore a better choice for gut health. Dairy and non-dairy kefir is widely available in supermarkets. Great paired with fruit for breakfast. Freezingdoes not kill the beneficial bacteria in kefir, so blend with some bananas and berries and make ice lollies.

These fermented vegetables are a great way to increase probiotics but start slowly – it takes a while to build up tolerance. One small portion a day to begin with.

7. Thirty plants a week.

This one’s for the dedicated! This can be done as a challenge and is a fun way to encourage kids to increase the amount of 3. One root vegetable plants in their diet. Individuals and two other plants a who eat at least 30 different plants each week have more day. varied gut bacteria. You can download a fun challenge chart If the idea of eating more plants to stick on your fridge here. Add seems overwhelming to you, nuts, seeds and berries to your three different breakfast, mixed types a day is a “Individuals who salad or soup for great place to start. eat at least 30 lunch, fruit and Consistency is key – different plants nuts for snacks, so every single day – work up to six each week have maybe a plantbased meal or teacups full. more varied gut two a few times a bacteria.” week for dinner, 4. Plants eg veggie chilli con (ideally veg) carne, lentil burgers, or just an extra portion of veg on the side. with every meal. And make liberal use of the freezer – frozen veg are often Most people can do lunch and better than fresh. dinner but often struggle with breakfast. Think a few salad leaves, avocado or tomato with 8. Swap alcohol for eggs, or some spinach hidden in kombucha. a fruit smoothie.

5. Half of the plate filled with veg.

I’m talking mostly plants not grains – so not half a plate of pasta. Variety is important, so not half a plate of carrots. Try for at least two, eg carrots and chickpeas, then see if there is room for something green too. Colours are important as they each provide different nutrients. Remember the expression “eat the rainbow”.

Kombucha is a fermented tea and is a potential source of probiotics and antioxidants. Only a small glass in order to build up tolerance slowly is all that is needed. Pick a low sugar variety - it’s only healthy when made properly. If you would like to learn more, I wrote a more detailed article last year here.

HEALTH by Mel Mitchell - experience Personal Trainer, group exercise instructor & sports massage therapist based in Sturminster Newton.

60 miles of Man Vs Lakes! I’m writing this after completing one of the most challenging things I have done both mentally and physically. The weekend of the 17/18th July saw me and a handful of my fellow Dorset Doddlers travel up to the Lake District to tackle the last ever ‘Man Vs Lakes’ race in what was the hottest weekend so far this year with temperatures reaching 29°C. The first day’s race (28 miles) started with us crossing the

Mel Mitchell , right, proud of her medal after completing the 60 mile two day ultra ‘Man vs Lakes’ in the Lake District

quicksands of Morecombe Bay immediately nervous. I mean, before heading off into what 32 miles is long enough, I didn’t was a rollercoaster of hills and want to make it any longer! forests. This included Rat Race’s infamous ‘vertical kilometre’ as Thankfully I found a fellow well as the opportunity to take runner to buddy up with, which a quick dip in the was a massive “...it dawned on relief for the both lakes themselves, me that I may have of us, keeping which I have to say was quite to face the ‘Sea to each other going refreshing in the through the Scafell’ 32miles blistering heat! picturesque views on my own: I was and gruelling the only one crazy climbs. As always the company of my enough to upgrade fellow Dorset you had asked to the second day.” If Doddlers was me 5 years ago without question one of the whether I would ever be running reasons I completed day 1 of the distances I do now I would this epic adventure, crossing the have said ‘you must be joking!’. It finish line in Coniston like the just goes to show that your body 4 musketeers. and mind is capable of so much more than you think it is. If you With 28 plus miles already believe you can, you will. in my legs, waking up and getting ready for the second Always happy to answer your day (32 miles) was in itself a questions - send them to me on mental challenge. In the bus melmitchellmassage@gmail. on the way to the start line com it dawned on me that I may have to face ‘Sea to Scafell’ on my own: I was the only one crazy enough to upgrade to the second day. Pretty sure there was alcohol being consumed at the time of booking... For those that know me, I’m renowned for getting lost, so with the second day being self-navigating I was Always free - subscribe here

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BUSINESS NEWS

Freedom Day Isn’t Feeling Very Free - with Ian Girling I hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer. This month I’d like to reflect on the opening up of the economy now that Freedom Day has taken place – albeit it felt very different to the huge celebratory day Boris originally talked about. With infection rates currently rapidly rising, Freedom Day wasn’t the big mask-tearing off celebration Boris was talking about just a few weeks ago. In fact we’ve seen a huge shift in the approach from Government in recent weeks with the message changing in several areas. The ‘everyone back to the office’ call has been diluted, and businesses are now being encouraged to think about bringing staff back – as opposed to the big return Boris was originally talking about. The ‘irreversible’ Freedom Day relaxations also do not seem to be irreversible - many businesses we speak to have real concerns as we look to the future. We recently undertook a snap survey with over 50 businesses attending an event

and the results highlighted the nervousness many are feeling.

the app tells people they need to self-isolate. We are already hearing about • 71 per cent of people would businesses that are having to rather not shake hands/have temporarily close due to staff physical contact at business having to isolate – add this to the events at this time. 18 per huge challenges businesses are ent were facing in terms of relaxed about recruitment, and “71 per cent of it and 11 per it’s clear our road people would cent were to recovery will rather not shake undecided. be a long one. hands/have • 28 per cent thought the physical contact at One service government business events at that has been was right vital during the this time.” to relax pandemic and is requirements there to benefit such as face masks and social and support all businesses distancing but 56 per cent across Dorset is the Business thought it was the wrong Gateway service. Funded by time. Dorset LEP and delivered by • 78 per cent thought there Dorset Chamber, this is a was inadequate guidance free information, advice and for businesses regarding signposting service, open to all Freedom Day. businesses in Dorset. • 62 per cent are concerned about the possibility of future You can call for advice on restriction being introduced support for your business, and after Freedom Day. this service helps businesses navigate the complexities We are of course very keen of publicly-funded business to see all businesses open up support. Whether it’s after what has been a truly information on grants, loans dreadful time, particularly for or advice for your business, we those businesses that have been can help. Call 01202 714800 and mandated to close. select Business Gateway. But common sense is absolutely vital within this, and we believe a See you next month - meantime sensible and cautious approach do connect with me on LinkedIn! is required. Infection rates are seemingly surging and we are Until next time, now facing the ‘pingdemic’ as Ian

BUSINESS POLITICS NEWS

The Wessex Group Wins Gold Shaftesbury-based family firm Wessex Group is celebrating its own Gold medal, having been awarded a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Health and Safety Award in recognition for the hard work it does to ensure the safety of not only its own staff, but also its customers, clients and contractors – making sure they all get home safely to their families at the end of every working day. RoSPA Awards are not given lightly – those organisations who receive one are recognised as world-leaders in health and safety practice. Nearly 2,000 entrants a year vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in the UK’s longestrunning Health and Safety industry awards. Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, said: “The UK RoSPA

Awards scheme receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide.

Some of the Wesses Group Electrician team

as a sister company in 1984. Wessex Wessex Group was created as Group Director Simon Morgan a central structure for the two said “It is the bedrock of our separate businesses, and today business to provide a safe the company is run by his sons working environment for our Alistair & Simon Morgan staff, customers and clients alike; it is our number one Julia Small priority. The RoSPA Health & explained To win this highly Safety Awards is one of “with this acclaimed the most prestigious and Gold award we recognise award on recognised schemes in the best of our first the world, with almost the best; attempt is a reflection of the 2000 entries every year those organisations diligence and and a reach of over 7 that have commitment million employees. gone the to ensuring extra mile, safe working raising the bar for the delivery methods at all times shown by of safety in the workplace. all of the teams.” Employees, wherever they may be should be able to go to work Wessex Electricals Ltd was safe in the knowledge that they founded in Shaftesbury in 1963 by Tony Morgan, and Wessex will return home unharmed and Fire & Security Ltd was launched healthy at the end of every day.”

BUSINESS NEWS

Brad Scoops ‘Best Estate Agent’ in Shaftesbury Meyers has been named as the ‘best estate agent’ in Shaftesbury by the British Property Awards. The assessment for the award was a secret and detailed process of evaluation including a series of mystery shopping calls and correspondence designed to test responsiveness, customer service and professionalism - all arranged by the British Property Awards’ team. Brad Hansford joined Meyers Estate Agents as a self-employed franchisee for Shaftesbury in September 2019. He now runs the successful Shaftesbury agency with his partner Tamsin Bell. Brad began working in property at the age of 18, and is proud to already be an award-winning agency in only his second year of trading as Meyers’ in Shaftesbury. “I am proud to be known for our reliability. We genuinenly care

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about our customers, Brad Hansford with his and I partner Tamsin believe Bell who run Meyers in it’s our Shaftesbury attention to detail and quality service which sets us apart. The past 18 months have been a challneging time for everyone, but the Estate Agency world has been turned on its head - from lockdowns stopping all business, to the ‘property goldrush’ creating unforseen workloads. Brad agrees “to be named as a British Property Award winner in this of all years is something special.” Brad Hansford has close connections with the local Shaftesbury community: In the past year, Brad has contributed £500 for the plants and flowers for a ‘outside garden area’ association with The Blackmore Vale Partnership (Local Doctor Surgery) supporting those with mental health problems, and he is also currently

working with The Headstrong Project, a local group who support men’s mental health in addition to setting up a voucher scheme in support of local businesses in the area. Mark Meyer, CEO, Meyers Estate Agents said “Over the past decade, Meyers’ unique business model has proved the need for an expensive high street presence is no longer necessary provided the systems are in place for agents to offer clients exceptional levels of service. All Meyers offices thrive on local connections, reputation and recommendations”.

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Ever wondered how hard it is to pull a Boeing 737? No, neither had we, but some of the team at Blanchards Bailey are going to find out this August. The Dorset-based law firm have put together a team of twenty professionals to pull the 35,000kg aeroplane 50 meters in as fast a time as possible. Of course, there is a great reason for this plane pull challenge; the goal is to raise as much money, as possible, for the firm’s charity of the year, The GAP Project run by Dorset Mind. The GAP Project provides ecotherapy support services to help improve people’s mental health by connecting with others and tending to allotments in Dorchester. The aim is to get people outside and more active by gardening and maintaining the charity’s allotments. The GAP project has been set up by Meyers Estate

BUSINESS NEWS contact we have endured has had a huge impact on people’s mental wellbeing. The GAP Project helps overcome those difficulties by facilitating safe interaction with others in a relaxing outdoor environment which is conducive to positive mental health.

Agents and Dorset Mind. Dorset Mind are independent The team at Blanchards Bailey and responsible for their own will also be volunteering at the funding - so when you donate, allotments to make sure they you know that are in tip-top “Dorset-based law your money condition! benefits people firm have put together What’s more, who live in the GAP a team of twenty Dorset. project has

professionals to pull the 35,000kg aeroplane 50 meters in as fast a time as possible.”

Their support groups educate people about the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, and how to develop new coping skills. The charity also run an accredited one-to-one befriending programme, designed to help people regain confidence and social skills.

Ben Jones, Partner at Blanchards Bailey said: “Mental health awareness is so vital, now more than ever. Our lifestyles have been considerably different over the last eighteen months and the restricted

recently taken on a second premises at Red Cow Farm in Dorchester to form a new eco therapy garden. We’re looking forward to helping the GAP project get the land ready for the next phase of this exciting initiative.” Please follow the link below to donate to such an amazing cause and to keep our ‘plane pullers’ motivated when their legs are like jelly. Every little helps! https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/bbllp.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Talking Menopause – ‘Trailblazing’ Dorset Chamber Event features on BBC News. Labelled ‘the last taboo in the workplace’, a Dorset Chamber campaign about the menopause has sparked nationwide interest. Women over 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the UK – currently there are around 4m women in the workplace of menopausal age. One in four women suffer debilitating symptoms because of it, and yet, two thirds of women report a lack of understanding in their workplace. The ‘Let’s Talk about the Menopause’ launch event was held online, and more than 60 people tuned in to learn about the very real impact the menopause has on a woman’s working life. Those present included British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) director general Shevaun Haviland, Labour shadow business minister Seema Malhotra and BCP Council leader Cllr Drew Mellor. An encouraging number of male delegates we spoke to admitted they were attending as they felt ignorant of the issue when the subject had been raised in the regular Dorset Chamber networking group. “The menopause is one of the last taboos.” Said Ms Haviland “No-one has ever really talked about it in the workplace and it’s something that affects probably

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50 per cent of our staff for 10 to 15 years of their careers.” Dorset Chamber’s campaign was declaimed as ‘trailblazing’ by Ms Malhotra, and BBC South Today felt it so remarkable as a business event that they featured it on their evening broadcast. A significant proportion of women step back from their careers or leave their jobs because of the negative impact of menopause and lack of support, warned keynote speaker Dr Sarah Hattam, a practising GP and expert on health and wellbeing in the workplace. The event was certainly successful in raising awareness of the menopause – one male attendee who wished to remain anonymous told the digital Blackmore Vale “I’ll be honest, I thought it was just a woman’s periods stopping. I’m so glad I attended. I mean, it’s the 21st Century – why are there still ‘taboo topics’ when these are such big issues for a huge section of our population?” Chief executive Ian Girling said: “Our poll during the event showed that nearly three quarters of women had

been adversely affected by the menopause. “It’s not about talking about embarrassing things, it’s about being able to say to a colleague or manager ‘it’s not a great day today, can you bear with me’. And it’s about helping men have more understanding. “It was a fantastic and powerful event but it was just the start.” For more details about support available visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/ menopause-resources/. Research from the independent Nuffield Health group found: • • • • • • •

About 13 million women in the UK are either peri or post menopausal Symptoms can last up to 15 years Over 60% of women experience symptoms resulting in behaviour changes One in four women will experience severe debilitating symptoms Almost half of menopausal women say they feel depressed A third of women say they suffer with anxiety Approximately two-thirds of women say there is a general lack of support and understanding Always free - subscribe here

WHAT’S ON

27th-30th August Shaftesbury Fringe is an open access performing arts festival that takes place every summer. It is a celebration of all things creative, and welcomes both new and established artists to perform and exhibit in one of over 30 unique venues within our town. Founded in 2016 by Andy Tebbutt-Russell & Samantha, Shaftesbury Fringe is fast becoming one of the key Fringe festivals in the country. Covid means the 2021 event will be a little smaller, and a bit later this year – but the organisers are delighted to have almost 100 performances taking place over four days of the August

Bank Holiday weekend. The aim is to have something for everyone - and between the music, comedy, dance, theatre (and everything in between) they’ve probbaly got you covered. It’s not just about the expected venues either - events are scattered throughout the town, rnaging from historic churches to cosy cafes and encompassing hairdressing salons and a dentist’s surgery! Take a look at the website and browse the 2021 Programme - maybe you’re looking for the ‘Singing Bowl Chill Out’? Lie down in Bell St United Church and listen to ‘a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath’. (£10) Or head to the Grosvenor Hotel for ‘a tour de force of epic

dimensions’ with The Bard of Windmill Hill (£5). Saturday night at the Two Brewers is to the sound of popular covers from the 60’s onwards from Georgie Girl (free). Sunday night at the Grovenor is an evening of songs and silliness with Shaftesbury’s very own male a cappella group ‘The Spponfeds’ (£Pay What It’s Worth) Download the Shaftesbury Fringe App for the easiest way to plan your trip to the Fringe (Apple & Android). You’ll find full details of every performance together with a planner to save your favourite shows. There’s also a handy map to help you find the venues.

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WHAT’S ON

The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival Returns on 11th & 12th September!

Arrangements are well in hand and it’s all systems go for the team behind Sturminster Newton’s Cheese Festival.

Nineteen Cheese Producers are already booked to make it a very special (and cheesy) event - as usual it’s planned to have the traditional food and craft stalls, real ale and real cider tents. Live music, Punch and Judy, Morris dancing, children’s entertainment and of course plenty of cheese making, cheese

tasting, cookery demonstrations and cheese-related events. Entry is £7 pp, children 15 and under go free. Tickets need to be pre purchased on line, remember to add free tickets for children if required, at www.cheesefestival.co.uk Just follow Eliza Mouse!

11th & 12th September

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WHAT’S ON

Sherborne Castle is open again! The Wingfield Digby family is delighted to announce that Sherborne Castle reopened it doors on Friday 23 July.

Visitors can walk in the footsteps of royalty & Sir Walter Raleigh, see magnificent staterooms and nationally important collections of art, furniture and porcelain. The key episodes of history come to life through the “Great Stories of the Castle” series. New for 2021: the recently restored billiard room, plus a new museum showcasing family curios such as • Lord Digby’s false teeth • a skull with a bullet that was lodged in the eye socket from the Civil war

Hollywood comes to Shaftesbury Arts Centre Shaftesbury Arts Centre is delighted to present the multiaward winning and critically acclaimed Lincoln Centre Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, recorded live at London’s iconic Palladium. Reprising her Tony Awardwinning role, “Broadway musical’s undisputed Queen” (The Sunday Times) Kelli O’Hara (Anna) takes to the stage alongside Tony and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (The King) in a “powerhouse” (The Times) performance. Also returning to her Tony Award winning role as Lady Thiang is Ruthie Ann Miles.

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17th Century Deed boxes lined with ‘the last sayings of a mouse, lately starved ina cupboard’

This immersive and interactive experience includes smell boxes to bring the displays to life. Children can take the Castle Quiz and enjoy the Garden Trail. Explore acres of ‘Capability Brown’ landscaped garden surrounding a lake - a free-todownload garden audio tour is available to intriduce you to 30 garden features including a cascade, fossil house, orangery, folly and Raleigh’s seat. And when you’re finished exploring, treat yourself to a West Country cream tea in the tearoom or a chilled glass of their very own Sherborne Castle wine? Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. With one of the finest scores ever written including Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance, and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King and I is a testament to the

The Castle & Gardens are open seven days a week: Gardens from 10am, Castle from 12pm (last admission to Castle 3pm). Up to four children free under 16 with every paying adult. There is no need to pre-book. www.sherbornecastle.com

lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theatre – it is the greatest musical from the golden age of musicals. Date: Sunday 15 August Time: 7pm Tickets: £15 and £7.50 for under 18’s available from the Box Office on 01747 854321 or online at shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/

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WHAT’S ON The family-favourite outdoor theatre company Illyria will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and they will be playing Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore at Castle Gardens in Sherborne on Wednesday 25th August. You can always rely on Illyria for fantastical sets, memorable performances and plenty of laughs along the way for children and grown-ups alike. These shows will be staged beneath the summer sky, so please remember your picnics, blankets, seating and warm clothes, so you can make the most of an evening of fast and furious madcap comedy in the walled garden. Doors will open at 6.30pm each night, with performances starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are now on sale from Castle Gardens and online via illyria.co.uk. Tickets cost £15 per adult, £12.50 for concessions and £5.00 per child (0-16).

Wednesday 25th August 7.30pm system the willow tree uses to fight off the caterpillar and join us as we explore what plants need to grow and survive.

A magical dance performance about the senses of plants! Sunday 15th August Come and join Peppina and Pimpernell on a magical journey into the senses of plants. Using dance, spoken word, music and installation two performers introduce young audiences to basic plant biology, exploring some of the wonderful things that plants are capable of doing.

The Greenhouse is a magical dance performance for young audiences and their families, and you’ll event plant your own plant to take home with you.

Fontmell Magna Springhead Gardens, Sunday 15th August three performances at 11.00am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Running time: 45mins (no interval). Suitable for children aged 4+ BOOK ONLINE HERE Please bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens

Discover how the apple tree makes sure that all his apples are red at the same time. Find out what secret messenger

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WHAT’S ON

We’re pleased to invite you to the next instalments of Make Well at The Guild Wiltshire on August 14-15 and September 11-12.

Get hands-on and develop new skills through our line-up of inspiring workshops (prebooking advisable)… • Try your hand at model making with Aardman Animations the team behind

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• • • • • •

Wallace & Gromit create your own wearable ceramics with Rose de Borman and Joely Clinkard learn the art of macramé with Kalicramé. Produce a graphical artwork using traditional letterpress with Mr Smith screen print and take home your very own tote bag with Miesje Chafer make a silver ring with Roderick Vere repair and revive your old clothes with Sally Walton

There is also the opportunity to be a part of the Bruton Correspondence School Mail Art project – all this alongside a programme of sound baths, yin yoga and breath work brought to you by Verve Festival. There will be a Hole & Corner pop-up shop, and a makers’ market, where you can see and buy work from some of the most talented up-and-coming craftspeople in the UK. Food, drink, live DJs and special offers all add to the fun.

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Pre-paid funeral plans

If you want your ashes sent into space, Holst’s The Planets played on your departure and your service broadcast on the web, have them. It’s your funeral.

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Drop in to see us today, visit us at funeralcare.co.uk or call us on 0800 243 380 Funeral homes in: Frome l Gillingham l Shaftesbury l Sturminster Newton l Warminster

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Enter BLACKMOREVALE21 at: funeralcare.co.uk/funeralplans or take this coupon along to your local funeralcare home. *Terms & Conditions: The voucher may only be redeemed against eligible Southern Co-op funeral plans costing £3,000 or more and will be deducted off the cost at time of sale. The voucher has no cash value and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotion. For full terms and conditions visit: funeralcare.co.uk/ funeralplanterms, request a copy from any Southern Co-op funeralcare home or by calling 0800 008 6878. This voucher is valid until 31/12/2021.

Available 24 hours Personal service day & night. Pre-payment plans, memorials, private chapel of rest.

Water Street Mere BA12 6DZ 01747 860361 www.lchillandsonfuneraldirectors.co.uk

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Trustee Role

Chair of People Subcommittee We are looking for a new trustee to chair the people subcommittee and to join our Board which is responsible for the overall direction, vision and oversight of Citizens Advice Central Dorset. ● ● ● ●

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Voluntary Position Covering the Dorchester, Gillingham, Sherborne and Weymouth and Portland Area Time requirement of 3 to 4 hours per month plus additional Sub Committee, Board and Executive Meetings Qualities: Enthusiasm, commitment to the aims of Citizens Advice and an interest in people, governance, social justice, training, policies and practises associated with staff, volunteers and trustees Closing Date: Tuesday 31st August 2021

Citizens Advice Central Dorset provides free and confidential independent advice services to people who live and work in the Dorchester, North Dorset, Sherborne and Weymouth and Portland communities. We are governed and managed locally but with the benefit of being part of the influential national organisation, Citizens Advice. We provide advice on for example Benefits, Employment, Debt, Housing and Consumer issues and have supporting projects such as Macmillan Benefits, NHS GP Surgeries, Energy Project, Multiple Sclerosis, and Mental Health The purpose of the subcommittee is to provide the appropriate support and help to the board of trustees, volunteers, paid staff, and others who may from time-to-time undertake work such as work experience, so that Citizens Advice is as welcoming, inclusive and effective as possible.The subcommittee oversees governance with the aim of ensuring all trustees, paid and volunteer staff and others are appropriately trained for their roles and have equal and fair opportunities for continuing education, support and, where appropriate, career and/or personal progression. Your experience, enthusiasm and skills will make a significant contribution to the Board and give valuable support to the Chair of the Board and Chief Officer. This is a voluntary, unpaid appointment, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid. The role provides you with a great deal of experience and satisfaction, the opportunity to develop your skills and utilise your expertise and knowledge from which you will gain further experience and much satisfaction. More details about us can be viewed on our website www.centraldorsetca.org.uk If you would like to discuss the trustee role further please contact Peter Green peter.green@centralca.org.uk

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PROPERTY

Voice of An Estate Agent:

The monthly commentary on the local property market from Susie & Brad, the north Dorset team at Meyers.

The PostPandemic Housing Market The current property market “resembles a supermarket in the early hours of lockdown: the shelves are bare”. The demand for houses is still very high; we have a huge list of applicants on our books looking for a home - to no avail. The ratio of sold to available properties is at its lowest ever level since 2002, and it has been a very difficult few months trying to manoeuvre our way through this new market, which simply cannot be maintained long term. However, a steady return to normality is predicted after

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September when the final stamp duty relief ends and the market becomes less frenzied. This should encourage more sellers to list their properties for sale and therefore initiate a greater balance to return. This is welcoming news to those in rented, first time buyers and investors. Until such time, and while the market remains in its current state, we have a few tips to help you secure your next home: 1. Get an Agreement in Principle from your mortgage advisors so you are ready to go if the perfect house comes on the market. 2. Ring around your local estate agents and register as an applicant, at the moment, we are often selling our houses to our registered applicant before they even hit internet portals.

3. Set up portal alerts (on sites such as Rightmove) so that you are notified as soon as a new property within your budget and location comes on the market. 4. If you are a current homeowner looking to move, ensure your home is either sold or up together on the market ready to be sold as soon as possible. On another note, we are delighted to announce that Meyers Shaftesbury won The British Property Gold Award 2021 and have been nominated for a number of further national awards! Please get in touch for any property advice or a free expert valuation on your home: Brad at Shaftesbury – 01747 352077 Susie at Blandford – 01258 690553

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PROPERTY Play the videos for an inside tour - or click the image to go straight to the property.

Nr Sixpenny Handley - 4 Dble Bedroom Detached Family Home: £700,000

Blandford - Outstanding extended & renovated 3 Bed Semi - £339,950

Sturminster Newton - Beautifully Appointed Four Bedroom Town-House - £315,000

Sturminster Newton - Peaceful 2 Bed semidetached cottage in town centre £180,00 123

POLITICS

4 bedroom detached house Warminster £500,000

4 bedroom detached house Winterborne Houghton £595,000

3 bedroom detached house Lyons Gate £375,000

3 bedroom terraced house Blandford Forum £345,000

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3 bedroom end of terrace POLITICS Yeovil £260,000

2 bedroom detached bungalow Shepton Mallet £275,000

Happy Birthday to the Blackmore Vale!

5 bedroom detached house Weymouth £900,000

3 bed detached house Bridport £550,000

4 bed detached house Sturminster Newton £960,000

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PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:

Next Publication Date:

3rd September

Submission Deadline:

30th August

Next Publication Dates:

1st October 5th November Further forwards - publication always first Friday of the month. Copy booking deadline always the Friday prior to publishing

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Descending into Folly, near Plush. Image: Laura Hitchcock

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The Blackmore Vale August 21

Articles inside

Take a Hike

Equestrian

News from the Hedgehog Rescue

Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

Rural Matters - CPRE

Fontmell Magna's Gossips' Tree | Then & Now