The BV Magazine, Jan 24

PROUD TO BE ONLY DIGITAL – WE LOVE TREES!

January ‘24

ISSN 2634-8810

The heart of the Blackmore Vale

The BV magazine - January ‘24

IN THIS ISSUE

Robert Cowley, MBE – magistrate, volunteer, actor, passionate campaigner ... and plumber – selects his Dorset Island Discs | Page 34

A forestry plan on farmland near Stourhead is proving contentious with the local community – Fanny Charles heard from both sides | Page 4

Local Flavours: celebrating the quality and diversity of food and drink in Dorset (with a pinch of Wiltshire and Somerset) with Fanny Charles | Page 80

A major new exhibition at Dorset Museum explores the life and work of the world-famous sculptor who lived on Bulbarrow for nearly 20 years| Page 72

Christopher Somerville’s 35-year journey chronicling Britain’s footpaths for the Times and the Telegraph | Page 12

Not bootiful at all. Andrew Livingston highlights a recent Channel 4 documentary exposing the concerning food safety and standards at a Bernard Matthews’ factory | Page 91

Front cover: common reed bunting by Rebecca Cooke

INDEX

We know, it’s a HUGE magazine, and the sections can change month to month. So we make it easy for you: just like grabbing the sections you like best from the Sunday papers, you can click the number below to jump straight to the section you want. Or you can just go make yourself a mug of tea and start from the beginning...

A Country Living – Chris Brown

107

Announcements

Art - Frink and O'Keeffe

Book corner

Community News

Dorset Island Discs – Robert Cowley

Farming

Food & Drink

104

Health

109

Jobs

Letters to the Editor

Local history

News

Night Sky

Out of doors

Politics

Puzzles

Reader's photography

Rural Matters – CPRE

Take a hike

What's on

Wildlife

Contact The BV Team: 01258 472572

Editor: Laura Hitchcock editor@BVmagazine.co.uk Advertising: Courtenay Hitchcock advertising@BVmagazine.co.uk Sub-editors: Gay Pirrie-Weir Fanny Charles Everything else: Try Courtenay, he’s the organised one...

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As an Essex girl from a big town, the first time I saw a buzzard, gliding away from the top of a hill near Shaftesbury, I genuinely felt like I’d seen a golden eagle. That was 30 years ago, but I’ve never tired of watching them. Some years ago, weirdly from almost the exact same spot, I saw my first ever red kite – a pair of them, in fact – and promptly fell in love. I literally stopped in my tracks, mouth open. The memory of that moment is so strong, triggered last week when I read Jane Adams wildlife column this month. I still remember the visceral thrill of seeing the unmistakeable forked tails, casually adjusting in the thermals, feathers flashing their rich golden red in the sunlight as they wheeled. It’s almost the middle of January – probably too late to wish you a Happy New Year (though I do). As I write, the sun has finally come out, after so many long weeks of the worst kind of flat, grey, depressing weather. And so. much. rain! It’s so easy in January to fall into a pit of gloom. Everything is darker, drearier ... and colder. But we mustn’t let it beat us. We learned many years ago that we simply must make a plan for something fun, to have something to look forward to. And it is essential, this month more than any other, to pause and notice the small things that bring you a little joy in an otherwise dreary day. I have been paying attention this week – here are some of the things that have caused me a small glow of pleasure. I hope they do you, and I’d love you to share your own suggestions as well: • The perfect strength HOT tea in the perfect mug • Lunch consisting of ready salted McCoys crisps, between two slices of buttered bread – pressed down for the satisfying grrnnncchh, obviously. • The piping tsurp of the gang of long tailed tits as they arrive for breakfast (and elevenses/ brunch/lunch/tea/dinner/and pre-dark snack) • Learning that the collective noun for long tailed tits is a volery • Putting on my favourite jumper • Finding a seven hour playlist of Disney songs on Spotify. This issue has come to you courtesy of Lion King, Moana, Tangled, Frozen, Tarzan ... • Watching a red kite from my bedroom window • Finding my lost gloves in the pockets of the coat I haven’t worn for two years • Ginger biscuits at the back of the cupboard (I make the same recipe every December, and I know it only uses half a packet. But I always buy two packets ‘just in case’, because at some point January always needs ginger biscuits at the back of the cupboard. I was right. Again.)

NEWS

by Fanny Charles

A view across part of the site, with a “forest” of tubes showing where Whitesheet Primary School children have planted hundreds of trees. The majority of conifer saplings are not sheathed – the protection is primarily for broadleaf trees. All images Fanny Charles

Right tree, right place, right reason ... wrong tree, wrong place, wrong reason? A forestry plan on farmland near Stourhead is proving contentious with the local community – Fanny Charles heard from both sides It sounds like a riddle or an ecoproduction (in 60 years), Bonham puzzle – and in some ways that’s Plain Wood will grow up to 1,000 what it is. But the right tree/ tonnes of timber a year.’ wrong tree question is proving The project has been strongly very contentious at Stourton, criticised by the Cranborne where Nick Hoare, owner of Chase and West Wiltshire Downs the Stourhead (Western) Estate, National Landscape (formerly is planting new woodland on the Area of Outstanding Natural Bonham Plain. Beauty, aka AONB) as well The proposal is as local residents, including to plant 190,000 Francesca Kippen and her trees – both husband Erik Ruane, who The further conifer and live in the historic Bonham you go with broadleaf, but Manor, adjoining the site. the majority will But it is supported and continuous be conifer, as funded by the Forestry cover the softwood timber Commission, and better it is for conservation organisations is what the country needs, such as the Royal Society wildlife says Nick Hoare. for the Protection of Birds ‘We will start (RSPB) and the National to thin in 15 to Trust, which owns the 20 years time. Stourhead Estate, with The woodland will be managed its Palladian mansion and by Continuous Cover Forestry. world-famous gardens, have It will never be clear-felled, but not objected. Wiltshire Climate continually thinned and allowed to Alliance is among organisations regenerate naturally. Once in full actively supporting the scheme.

The petition The Bonham Action Group has drawn up a Save Bonham Farmland petition, which to date has more than 530 signatures. Chaired by Councillor Bridget Wayman of West Knoyle, Wiltshire Council’s representative on the Cranborne Chase NL’s board. The petition, addressed to Steve Barclay, the current Secretary of State for the Environment, reads (in part): ‘Halt plans to smother 200 acres of thriving productive farm land with imported conifer trees for private lumbering, on the edge of Stourhead. The Forestry Commission has ignored objections, not complied with its own consent rules, and ridden roughshod over any opposition from statutory bodies such as the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Forestry Commission

NEWS needs to be accountable for: • Destroying prime food producing land • Scarring the AONB landscape • Breaking their own rules • Failing to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment • Failing to conduct a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment • Falsely claiming the land to be “unfavourable” • Awarding nearly £1m in taxpayer funded grant-aid on false premise ‘Instead of benefitting the environment, this forest will benefit a timber company. There is a place and a way to grow trees that do benefit the environment. For example, The Great Wood, Wiltshire, is replacing monoculture, coniferous trees with mixed, native, broadleaves for a biodiverse woodland that optimises carbon capture. ‘We must protect our prime farmland for continued food growth. Bonham farmland is classified as grade 2, Best and Most Versatile land, where the tenant farmer was producing 10t of grain per hectare. ‘We must protect the distinct feature of the open, greensand terrace, sweeping westward from White Sheet Hill, to be conserved for its unique landscape across plains of rich, food producing

A map showing the Bonham Plan planting scheme. This is one of the posters on view beside the old runway

fields as far as the eye can see. ‘We need to protect against the Forestry Commission marking their own homework, as judge and jury, to meet political tree targets at any cost. The consent process needs to be policed to ensure the Forestry Commission adhere to their own slogan to plant “The

Right tree, Right Place, Right Reason.” ‘We call on the government to: • Prioritise prime farmland for food production – no exceptions • Conserve the South West’s Cranborne Chase AONB • Make the Forestry Commission accountable

One of the disused runways on the old Zeals airfield, with the line of posters explaining the forestry scheme to the right of the track.

NEWS for their dereliction of statutory duties.’ Cllr Wayman says the whole process was conducted with disregard for local opinions and the impact on the community. The Bonham Action Group wants the Forestry Commission to review its approval and to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment, analysing the implications for the environment to provide the basis for an acceptable scheme to be put forward. In direct contrast to their slogan of Right Tree, Right Place, Cllr Wayman says, ‘the Forestry Commission’s behaviour brings us the opposite. This is the wrong tree, wrong place and there has been a failure of process throughout. The Forestry Commission must press the pause button, conduct a proper environmental assessment and consult with the local community so that a suitably considered scheme, which benefits both the environment (in an area which is deemed ‘sensitive’ under EIA regulations) and the community, can be put forward.’ Group members have also questioned a Forestry Commission (government) grant which they claim is around £900,000 for the scheme. Nick Hoare says this figure is wrong.

One of the posters placed on the old Zeals airfield

Nick Hoare in an old area of the Stourhead (Western) Estate woods

The grant, he says, is £600,000 ‘and it’s for the whole thing, over 15 years, including maintenance.’ Why no EIA? The lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment, the loss of productive farmland and the damage to an area defined as Greensand Terrace are the key concerns of Cranborne Chase NL, voiced by both the National Landscape’s principal landscape and planning officer Richard Burden and Wiltshire Council representative Bridget Wayman. Richard Burden says: ‘Back in 2019, I advised the Forestry

Commission that at least a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be needed, and the (then) AONB sustained an objection right through to the Forestry Commissioners considering the proposal (and grant aid).’ The NL’s statement warns: ‘The planting will permanently change its character and views to and from the area for decades to come. Neither an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) nor a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) were carried out, as both were deemed unnecessary by the Forestry Commission; contrary to the Forestry Commission’s own UK Forestry Standard.’ The NL says that this is also in direct breach of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It points out that Bonham Plain is Grade 2 agricultural land (described as the best and most versatile land) – not Grade 3 as was originally suggested and subsequently corrected. The National Landscape statement continues: ‘Trees are a vital part of some of the Cranborne Chase landscape, contributing to its character and an essential part of its biodiversity. However, the wrong trees in the wrong place can have a lasting and damaging

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NEWS

The view towards Whitesheet Hill – objectors are concerned about the loss of this greensand terrace area and the impact the tree-planting will have on views towards the downs

impact on the character of this nationally significant landscape and the public’s appreciation and enjoyment of it.’ The Forestry Commission view A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission sent the BV Magazine the following statement: ‘Wiltshire is benefiting from a significant increase in new woodland and trees, which will help bring the local community together and increase access to nature to improve wellbeing, increase local biodiversity and

help meet “national net zero by 2050” ambitions.’ As background information, the spokesman continued: ‘The Forestry Commission does not comment on individual applications for woodland creation. When assessing a woodland creation project, the Forestry Commission is committed to following forestry Environmental Impact Assessment regulations to determine whether a proposal would have a significant effect on the environment.’

A “baby” coastal redwood – one day this tiny sapling could be anything up to 130 metres (nearly 430 feet) high

In a 2020 blog on the gov.uk website, Mark Broadmeadow, climate change adviser at the Forestry Commission, sets out the framework of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), which the Commission is responsible for implementing in England. The government has made a commitment to plant up to 30,000 hectares of trees per year, across the UK, by 2025. Under the heading, ‘Right tree, right place, right reason’, the blog gives what is described as a ‘brief insight’ into sustainable forestry, concluding that the UKFS ‘will ensure that the standards for the planning, design and sustainable management of forests and woodlands in the UK use an approach based on internationally recognised science and best practice, with the right tree, planted in the right place and for the right reasons.’ An estate commitment When Nick Hoare, who is also a member of Stourton with Gasper Parish Council, took over the running of the Stourhead (Western) Estate in 2001, he says that maintaining and strengthening biodiversity was a key objective. Creating woodlands and growing timber had been an important feature of the Hoare family’s running of the Stourhead estate since the family bought it in 1717: ‘I am carrying on that

NEWS

The long-established Stourhead woods, with a working track, give an idea of how the Bonhham Plain Wood will feel in a few decades

process,’ he says. A former jet engine designer for Rolls Royce, Nick is related to the family which originally created the Stourhead landscape gardens in the 18th century. He is also distantly related to the part of the family which runs the private bank C Hoare & Co, founded in 1672 by Sir Richard Hoare. Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare and his wife Alda, whose only son died in the First World War, gave 3,000 acres of Stourhead Estate – comprising Stourhead House and Garden and four working farms – to the

The ‘contraption’ – this curiouslooking machine plants the tiny saplings. In an earlier life it planted strawberries on the fens in Cambridgeshire.

National Trust in 1946. Nick’s side of the family retained what is known as the Stourhead (Western) Estate. With his wife, Sara, Nick opened Stourhead Farm Shop in 2005, in partnership with Steve and Louise Harris. In 2015-16 they built four affordable homes for rent in Gasper. Cottages on the estate are only let to full-time local residents (no weekenders). Nick and Sara encourage walkers to enjoy the woods, and clubs and schools use the woods for activities including cycling, running and orienteering. Children from Whitesheet Primary School, along with many local volunteers, have been planting tiny saplings as part of the Bonham Plain project. The plans for the new forest were set out in posters with photographs and statistics beside one of the runways on the wartime Zeals airfield, where they would be seen by the many walkers. (See photographs of some of the posters). The claimed environmental benefits include the woodland absorbing at least

28,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next 30 years. However, says Nick, ‘this may sound a lot, but at our current rate this is the amount of CO2 that just 200 people will emit over that 30 years.’ While tree planting does help, it is only a small part of solving the climate crisis then: ‘Elsewhere on the estate we have improved house insulation, installed air and ground source heating, increased biomass heating and added solar PV panels to houses and farm buildings.’ The forestry scheme is also described on the estate’s website, stourhead.com Biodiversity answers While I was investigating the plans for Bonham Plain forest and sounding out local opinion, one word kept coming up – biodiversity. People who regularly walk in the woods at Gasper, Penselwood, around Alfred’s Tower and along Pen Ridge overlooking Somerset towards Glastonbury Tor, value the wide range of wildlife, plants and trees, and the sounds of a peaceful

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woodland that is only occasionally interrupted by the roaring buzz of a chainsaw. One ecology-minded local asked specifically about boxes for owls, bats and dormice, whether there would be public footpaths through the new woodland, and whether the existing wildlife-rich scrub (for example, along the old runways) would be retained. The answers were that the scrubby, straggling, overgrown hedges will remain, and that there are already wildlife boxes as well as raptor posts (where the presence of goshawks has been identified). Existing paths will remain, there will be new paths in the new woods, and a circular route will be created, connecting the Temple of Apollo in Stourhead gardens to the bluebell woods. The diversity of wildlife in the forests may come as a surprise, even to those who regularly walk on the many paths: it includes 13 of the resident UK bat species, goshawks and other raptors, 128 plant species, 248 moths and 26 birds. The rare birds recorded include the Marsh Tit, as well as the goshawks (Some of these figures come from a 2022 survey by Butterfly Conservation). Countering objectors’ claims that the new woodland will be a monoculture, Nick explains that there will be 13 species of broadleaf – beech, sycamore, birch and alder (‘this is not oak

NEWS country,’ he says), as well as of good quality timber is achieved shrubs and bushy trees such along with the provision of a wide as crab apple. There will be 14 range of ecosystem services.’ species of conifer, including There is no large-scale felling – Douglas fir, spruce, Western cedar the kind of clear-felling that scars – and some coastal redwoods, some hillsides in the Scottish famous as the giants of the Highlands. Instead, trees are American Pacific forests. (See replaced in small groups as photo of a recently needed, with planted ‘baby the aim over the The scrubby, redwood’.) years that natural overgrown hedges It will take many regeneration will remain, years for Bonham fills in the gaps Plain to reach the there are already and boosts the level of diversity biodiversity of wildlife boxes of the older the forest, while and there will be woodlands, but continuing to in the early years provide goodmore new paths it will be a good sized commercial habitat for voles, timber. hence a great hunting ground The UK currently imports 70 for hawks and owls, says Nick. per cent of the timber the Meanwhile, on a wetland area country needs. Continuous cover of the estate, there are signs of woodland helps to address this beavers at work, evidence of the imbalance, as well as providing way these beneficial mammals environmental benefits. ‘It are gradually colonising rural provides larger logs, which are waterways. needed for furniture and building, with knock-on benefits for carbon What is continuous cover? capture,’ says Nick. ‘It creates a The Stourhead (Western) Estate much more complicated habitat woodland is managed by David which benefits wildlife, and the Pengelly of Canopy Land Use, further you go with continuous experts in continuous cover cover the better it is for wildlife.’ management. As described by the Walkers in the Stourhead/Gasper Continuous Cover Forestry Group, woods may spot the occasional this system ‘is an approach to larger area of felling – these are forest management which aims usually where larch trees, infected to develop structurally, visually by the Ramorum disease (which and biologically diverse forests, also affects sweet chestnuts), have in which sustainable production been cut down.

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A lifetime of footsteps

Christopher Somerville’s 35-year journey as a walking writer, chronicling Britain’s footpaths for The Times and The Daily Telegraph by Steve Keenan Christopher Somerville has been walking for a living for 35 years. His walks have been published weekly in The Times for 15 of those years and, before then, in The Daily Telegraph. He has also written 40 books, the latest being Walking the Bones of Britain: A 3 Billion Year Journey from the Outer Hebrides to the Thames Estuary. It’s a lot of words about walking – but he regrets how parsimonious newspapers have become about space. ‘In the 1990s, when The Times was a broadsheet, I could write 1,500 words about a walk, with anecdotes and detailed transgressions. Now I only get space for 600 words.’ It’s not really a rant – Christopher is not by any definition a ranter. He was a teacher for 15 years before taking a different path and he speaks gently, with a permanent twinkle in the eye. He is now 74 and lives in Somerset. And he is a listener. It was a book by John Hillaby – Journey Through Britain (1968) – that first inspired him to write. He has, to date, filled 470 notebooks, all filed in chronological order on his bookshelves. When lockdown curtailed his walking, he used the time to rifle through these archives. In his recent talk at The Travel Book Company in Semley, he said:

Christopher’s original map for the Cerne Abbas walk on the following page – he starts with an OS map and then creates his own route

‘The notebook pages are creased and stained with mud, blood, flattened insect corpses, beer glass rings, smears of plant juice and gallons of sweat. Everything I’ve written about walking the British countryside has had its origin in these little blackand-red books.’ And in conversation later (we detoured to The Benett Arms in Semley!), he told me: ‘I find myself

NEWS interested in almost everything people tell me. View from the Hill is a compendium of a gazillion stories which I wrote down but which never got used in my articles. I thought: “I shall see if I can whip up a narrative of my last 40 years” and it became a book.’ Neglected footpaths Each of his walks is designed from scratch, researched and put together with his wife, Jane. As Jane is a botanist, he says: ‘I’ve effectively got two pairs of eyes. We walk together but have different ways of looking at things. ‘We choose areas from all over the country, then turn to the OS maps and try to work out a circuit of, say, six miles. Then we try to find a place to park that won’t upset anyone! ‘My favourite walk? Upper Teesdale, between the Durham and Yorkshire Dales, from Appleby to Middleton on Teesdale. One of the best walks in the world. I’ve done it many many times but printed it only once. As for my favourite bit of Dorset to walk in... impossible to choose! The coast of the Isle of Purbeck (where I went to school) and the cliffs around Golden Cap are very special, but so are Bulbarrow, Blackmore Vale and the downs. Plonk me down anywhere thereabouts and I’d be as happy as a sandboy.’ (Christopher is guest editor of this month’s Dorset walk – see one of his favourite routes around the Cerne Giant on the next page.) He says there are fewer people now taking this sort of walk, ‘to go on an adventure from a small footpath. One that is new, and a challenge. People are, for some reason, less confident about going out and forging a path. Now they’d rather do something like The South Downs Way or the Coastal Path – the big routes. ‘There are 140,000 miles of footpaths in the country but they are getting neglected. It is a bit sad. I see fewer walkers on my trails, and fewer walkers on local footpaths. Why? Farmers don’t maintain the paths and very few councils now have full time footpath officers.’ There is still, of course, an army of intrepid walkers inspired by Christopher who regularly leave comments and feedback on his articles. He tries to respond to everyone – he believes it is the polite thing to do. Has he ever had any criticsm? ‘Well, I have a left and right confusion. The newspaper subs usually pick up on any mistake but in one article, it did say turn left rather than right. I had a call from a person who said he was walking with 20 pensioners in completely the wrong direction. They were furious …” • See all of Christopher’s published Dorset walks on his website christophersomerville.co.uk

Christopher is known for his immersive, atmospheric writing, and his ability to bring a reader along on his walks with him. Here he describes a familiar route around Plush, published in The Times in 2018: Mist was rolling high on the Dorset downs as we came down a steep green valley into Plush. The little collection of houses lay under mossy thatch along their lane. A few cheerful drinkers at the Brace of Pheasants shook their heads at us over the weather. ‘Going out walking? You won’t see a thing!’ In the chalky holloway that lifted us to the heights of Church Hill grew primroses and violets, bluebells and pink campion. All had burst out together last week, at the first hint of spring warmth. Today the birds seemed subdued by the cold hand of the mist, but a blackcap suddenly produced a mellifluous solo among the oaks, short but sweet. As we reached the gaunt old barn at the top of the climb a roe deer went bounding away, leaping high over crops and fences. We followed the rutted course of the Wessex Ridgeway, an ancient drove road running east-west along the nape of the hills. The old cottage at Folly was once a drover’s inn, where the hardy drovers in their felt hats, stockinged feet soaped against blisters, would stop in for refreshment while their flocks cropped the wide verges of the Ridgeway. We passed through woods of oak and ash where bluebells made a hazy sky of the undergrowth, and dropped down a long flinty lane into Higher Melcombe. Lumps and bumps in the fields were all that remained of the medieval village deserted by its people after the Black Death deprived them of their feudal livings. But the handsome old manor house was still there, its chapel walls striped with flint. Blackbirds sang, and a tractor whined somewhere. We climbed away up a hedge towards a wood, invisible in the hill mist, roaring softly and mightily with a sea-like cadence. Primroses and cowslips spattered the banks of the hollow lane, and among them a hybrid of the two plants raised its dark yellow multiform head on a slender talk. We skirted the plunging slopes of Lyscombe Bottom, farmed with no pesticides or artificial fertilisers, and descended another deep-sunk old green road into Plush. ‘See anything?’ asked the same regulars in the Brace of Pheasants. ‘No, not a thing,’ we replied.

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Take a Hike:

Christoper Somerville’s Cerne Giant walk| 6.5 miles The Cerne Giant looked particularly rampant this morning, the low sun of early spring lighting up every detail of his splendid physique. No-one knows when this phallic wild man, brandishing a fearsome club and very clearly ‘pleased to see you,’ was cut into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas. Plenty of fun has been had with the Cerne Giant over the centuries – through history, childless couples would have sex on his mighty member to quicken their seed. In more recent times, advertising agencies have clad him in jeans and a condom, he has been paired with a giant Homer Simpson wielding a doughnut, and he has sprouted a grass handlebar moustache during Movember. Unadorned, though, he emanates the wildness, dignity and menace that his originators must surely have intended. We set out west from Cerne Abbas, blown along banks already thick with primroses by an icy east wind. Bees were bumbling there, and we spotted a great black oil beetle in jointed armour labouring through the grasses. The wind whistled through the leafless hawthorn hedges and trembled the new green spear-blade leaves of wild garlic up in Weam Coppice. At the ridge we passed the medieval earth-and-flint

bank of Park Pale, constructed to keep the hunted deer within Cerne Park. Beyond runs the Wessex Ridgeway – an ancient track, broad and green – hurdling the downs. We followed it north, past holly and elder hissing with wind, looking west to where hedges and field shapes undulated together across the chalk valleys under a clear-cut skyline. From Redpost Hill we cut east across big open fields jingling with flints, under the first lark song of the year, sweet and silvery in the upper air. A view opened ahead over the valley of the Cerne, with the thatched cottages and old gabled manor at Up Cerne far below. South, over the distant, unseen sea, a long cloud bar formed, streaming slowly to the west. In the hedge banks along the lane, violets made splashes of contrasting colour with the loud yellow of celandines, primroses, dandelions and daffodils. Back at the village we climbed Giant Hill, circling round the great chalk man before returning by way of Cerne Abbey – abbot’s hall, tithe barn, guest house and a tall porch hidden in a thicket, with an oriel window exquisitely carved. • CLICK HERE for more images and an interactive map (plus downloadable gpx file)

See all previously-published Dorset Walks on the website here. You can also find every route we’ve walked (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on OutdoorActive here (just zoom in/out on the map) – all include a downloadable gpx file.

TAKE A HIKE

All images © Christopher Somerville

CLICK THE MAP to see the interactive version and download a gpx file

NEWS

by Rachael Rowe

Claire Allen’s Epic Walk

‘I’m surprised I’m still here!’ The Dorset woman’s year-long journey walking Britain’s entire coastline is raising money for the homeless On a bitterly cold winter day, Claire Allen is striding out across Studland Beach towards Old Harry Rocks. It is one small stage in a massive challenge – to walk the entire length of Britain’s coastline in a year. However, right now there’s only one thought on her mind, especially with the biting cold. Where is she going to sleep tonight? A mighty undertaking Claire lives in Bristol now, but her family are from Okeford Fitzpaine in Dorset. She set out from John o’ Groats in Northern Scotland on 8th August 2023 – she has completed about a third of her total distance so far. She’s walking for charity, aiming to raise £25,000 to split equally between two charities; Only A Pavement Away and Shelter. When Claire started she was just planning a year out from her job, wanting to ‘do something different’. The presence of rough sleepers and having to find somewhere to sleep each night focused her attention on homelessness. Claire says: ‘I’m lucky. I haven’t experienced anything like homelessness and I have a support network and a family. But after months on the road I can say the hardest part about it is finding somewhere to stay each night. In summer it’s easy because you can simply camp. At this time of year it’s dark at 4pm and right now it’s freezing. It really makes you think about those less fortunate.’ The kindness of strangers Before 45-year-old Claire set out on her long walk around Britain she worked in the charity sector in Bristol as a communications and fundraising August 2023 – setting off! All images: Claire Allen

North Dorset’s Claire Allen is walking round the coast of Britain

professional. That exposed her to homelessness – but this walk has shown her a different perspective to living without a safe, secure base. ‘Walking down the east coast of Scotland, it was easier to find somewhere to rest because you can camp out anywhere. But when I got to England it was more of a challenge. I’ve had huge support from B&Bs, and even complete strangers who have a room free. ‘I’m more attuned to homelessness now. But what I have really valued is when people say hello. That small social interaction means a lot. So now, as I go on my way and see someone who is alone and looks homeless, I ask if they are OK. ‘Homelessness is a crisis that none of us can ignore. It’s visible in every town and city. Along the way, I’ve met people who are homeless and sleeping rough – and not one of them has chosen that life. Losing your home can be down to something as commonplace as a marriage break up, becoming unemployed or even falling out with your family.’

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Life on the road Claire usually walks 15 miles a day. She didn’t have a formal training programme before she set off, but as someone who does trail running she wasn’t unfit before the challenge. ‘I have found that just through walking each day, I’m getting a lot fitter. Apart from finding somewhere to sleep, the only other challenge has been the weather. There are funny moments too. One memorable night a fox got into my tent! Somehow it managed to find my food and spread things everywhere. I was brushing my teeth at the time and came back to find a real mess. ‘When I’m walking, my rucksack becomes a talking point – sometimes I look like a bit of a freak show. People are taken aback that I’m doing this on my own and usually ask where I’m staying and what I’m doing. It’s lovely to talk to people. Some even give me £20 when they hear I’m raising money for charity. ‘I keep my energy levels up with food. I must be the only person who has walked the length of Britain and put ON weight! I’m always thinking about food and coffee. To maintain my energy levels, it’s important to get a good night’s sleep, to eat enough – and try not to be tempted by too many doughnuts’ Now she has walked down one side of Britain and two-thirds of the way across the ‘bottom’, what has surprised Claire the most? ‘That I’ve stuck at it! I didn’t know how I would manage or have any idea how it would go. I didn’t At time of writing, Claire had reached Weymouth

tell too many people before starting out because I didn’t know whether it would even work. I’m also surprised at how generous people have been with donations.’ Claire is currently on the 630 mile stretch of the South West Coastal Footpath. Her most recent Instagram post – from Weymouth – says: ‘I’m now five months into this great big walk and still want to run screaming to the nearest station and jump on the first train home when I think about how much further I’ve got to go. So for now, it’s just one day at a time.’ • • •

To keep track of Claire’s progress, follow along on Instagram at clairesgreatbritishwalk. To donate to either Shelter or Only a Pavement Away, visit Claire’s JustGiving page: Claires-great-british-walk As well as support from hotels and guesthouses, Claire has received support from outdoor clothing brand Inov-8, which has provided her with top-of-the-range walking boots (she’s currently on her third pair!) and the Alpkit Foundation which made a grant of £250 towards the cost of equipment. 19

NEWS

West Sherborne: housing help or housing headache? Sherborne’s housing dilemma: Ted Howells examines the proposed West Sherborne development and its implications for the town’s future

In recent months, there’s been a lot of debate about the issue of housing in Sherborne. During the last decade, the affordability, demographics and supply of housing in the town has evolved. Since 2010, property prices have increased by 46 per cent, with an average price tag today of more than £360,000. In this same period, the town’s population has risen to over 10,300 people, and in 2021 the proportion of socially rented households had increased, while home ownership through mortgages or shared ownership had decreased. These societal shifts raise a fundamental question about Sherborne’s housing situation: but what’s the solution? West Sherborne For Sherborne Town Council, the proposed West Sherborne development provides the answer. In April 2021, the town council agreed a collective response to the Dorset Local Plan consultation and ‘supported’ the West Sherborne development. It was widely expected that the Local Plan – which outlines the need for 30,000 new homes in Dorset by 2038 - would be adopted by late 2023, but it has since been delayed until 2026. The concept of West Sherborne was devised by

The red blocks show the proposed development land

the overall introduction of at least 1,500 homes

Sherborne Castles Estate, which encompasses some 15,000 acres of land, in-hand and tenanted farms, and a range of agricultural, residential and commercial properties. It includes Sherborne Castle, the 1,200 acre ancestral home of the Wingfield Digby family, which has owned the property and gardens for over 400 years. It also includes the land to the north-west and western edges of Sherborne, earmarked for the proposed Sherborne West development. Working with Chesters Harcourt, NEW Masterplanning, and Andrew Cameron & Associates, the Estate has put forward a vision for the creation ‘of a new masterplanned neighbourhood in the west of Sherborne’ on this land. It’s envisaged that the development would extend from Marston Road, across the A30 and down to Lenthay Road. So what exactly is being proposed? Housing According to the town council’s response, any development – such as West Sherborne – should entail ‘new housing units comprising a mixture of small and larger homes rather than 1,200 homes of equal sizes’. It is proposed that the construction of 1,200 homes

NEWS Looking north east across the planned development site towards Bradford Road

would be delivered in instalments, similar to the process of the Barton Farm development. The town council’s members also expressed their desire for 500 affordable homes to be introduced, which they claim ‘would mean the overall introduction of at least 1,500 homes’. Any such development would need to be delivered in coordination with Dorset Council to ensure ‘adequate local provision’. Location The western side of Sherborne is an area which the town council acknowledges is situated away from the town centre and which lacks adequate infrastructure, as ‘the services are to the middle and to the East’. In addition, the location of the proposed development – especially extending south from Bradford Road to Lenthay Common – is known for its ‘high-water table and likelihood of flooding’. Infrastructure To accommodate such a proposal on this scale would need adequate infrastructure. It would require additional educational facilities, as the state-run Gryphon school and Sherborne Abbey Primary School ‘are nearing capacity and may need to be expanded’. Looking east from Lenthay Common

It would also require the sufficient provision of healthcare and retail facilities to accommodate the increase in homes, along with a drainage system and good broadband. Transportation In their response, town council members conceded that such a development would be ‘creating stress on the already busy [road] junctions within the town.’; this is particularly so when it is estimated that 1,200 homes would result in around 2,400 extra cars. To this extent, council members ‘support the proposals for the ‘civilising’ of the A30, with the potential to bring it down to a single carriageway as it approaches Sherborne to slow it down and reduce the potential for speeding.’ Members also endorsed proposals to electrify the local train network and consider new bus routes. Sherborne Town Council has stated their support for ‘holistic development that ensures the future economic, social and environmental health of our community’. • Read the council members’ response here. You can also find out more about the West Sherborne proposal here: westsherborne.co.uk Looking south from the A30, in the middle of the outlined development site, towards Lenthay Common

NEWS

Hive Hopes: North Dorset’s Buzz for Inclusion Robbie Baird unveils North Dorset Beekeepers’ ambitious plan for an accessible apiary, highlighting their fundraising efforts The North Dorset Beekeepers site in Shillingstone is remote – accessed by crossing a field and two wobbly stiles – and once you’re there, there’s no electricity, running water, or any other facilities you might expect. We do have a hut to store equipment in, and a corner of a field to keep the beehives (the apiary) ... but that’s about it. Not that we’re complaining – it’s better than nothing – but it does mean we can’t be as inclusive as we’d like. Hosting anyone but the fully able-bodied simply isn’t an option. Yet. Spreading the word about the importance of the honey bee, and training enthusiasts to become good beekeepers, has always been core to the Association’s activities. To do all of that, we really needed a teaching facility ... Dorset Council provided a glimmer of hope in 2023. Part of a field was on offer and, as we’re a registered charity, it would be for a peppercorn rent. Planning permission for a building was sought – and approved – and we were on! All we need now is £200,000 ... Working on it We have more than 150 members and many of them have stepped up to the fundraising challenge. Of course, we sell our honey and other bee-related products at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, the Sturminster Newton Cheese

Festival and at Dikes supermarket in Stalbridge. Donations have come in too – particularly from those repairing their roof, only to find they have a colony of honey bees living in it! Our members can help with that if the access route is safe, and we’ll save the bees! We’ll attend a swarm, too, if you have one in your garden. We even filled the Portman Hall in Shillingstone for an absolutely brilliant Bees a-Swarmen evening of Dorset stories and music, performed by the renowned Tim Laycock and Colin Thompson. Last summer we offered a series of Bees & Beekeeping experience days for the first time. They’re a fun afternoon, learning about the life of a honey bee and getting up close and personal with them as you open up a hive to see what goes on inside. Back at the hall, there are loads of other things to explore (check out how hairy a bee is under the microscope!) and there’s tea, coffee and cake. There’s always tea, coffee and cake when beekeepers are involved! These were a huge success, and we’re already booking 2024 dates. Why the bee? Most folk understand the need to protect the natural world, and that increasing biodiversity is a good thing. But nothing’s sustainable without the insects making sure the next generation of our native flowers, shrubs and fruit trees are pollinated. Those same insects are Artists impression of the new apiary

also a major food source for our native birds. Protecting insects and their habitat and fighting invasive species are important messages. Our experience is that, once introduced to the honey bee and its amazing life, and having watched the bees at work in the hive, nonbeekeepers realise just how precious our insects are. Can you help? We’d love to be able to welcome all comers, young and old, ablebodied and the not-so-ablebodied, to a new Honey Bee Centre and to continue spreading the word ... and yes, creating a buzz of excitement about these tiny, valuable creatures. That’s what keeps us going as we work to find the £200,000 we need. If you’d like to help us on the journey, you’ll find out more on our website and if you’d like to become a patron of the new centre or a business sponsor, just leave us a message and we’ll be in touch. • northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk

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Heritage healing

NEWS

The Museum of East Dorset’s reminiscence project engages the elderly, rekindling past experiences through tangible artefacts An innovative outreach project by The Museum of East Dorset is tapping into the power of memories for elderly people – particularly those with dementia. The museum’s skilled, awardwinning volunteers of the Reminiscence Team go into day centres, care homes, and senior clubs across East Dorset, offering their reminiscence sessions. With a treasure trove of artefacts from the Museum of East Dorset, each session is a journey through time. Museum Trustee Sue Cook explains: ‘We can theme the sessions accordingly to suit the people we’re meeting. Toys and Games, Wartime, Holidays by the Sea, Childhood and It’s a Man’s World are just some of the themes we can build around with all the items we’re so lucky to have access to.’ The museum’s array of historical objects are not being used simply for a dose of feelgood nostalgia; the sessions are used as a therapeutic tool that promotes emotional wellbeing, as well as building social interaction. That takes me back! ‘Our carefully curated collection of objects will transport

Trustee/Volunteer Sue Cook, with volunteers Brian Holloway and Mary Knowles and some of the objects

participants back in time, triggering memories and sparking conversations,’ says Museum Director Chezzie Hollow. ‘From the strong scent of carbolic soap to the feel of a vintage toy, each item has been selected to evoke a sense of nostalgia and encourage reminiscing.’ That tactile experience of holding a familiar food box or sniffing a familiar scent can unlock stories and emotions from the past – especially in dementia sufferers, who find far-off memories easier to access. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

Billy May, manager at Ferndown Plus day centre, says, ‘The visual memorabilia brought along for everyone to touch, feel and smell brought up lots of memories and conversations, and the team made the people we support feel valued and respected.’ The 45-minute sessions are free of charge, though donations are encouraged to help continue the museum’s charitable work. • To learn more or to arrange a session that could make a profound difference in someone’s life, please contact Mary Knowles at reminiscence@ museumofeastdorset.co.uk.

RURAL MATTERS

Blandford St Mary under threat from speculative development A revised housing plan faces backlash as locals challenge Hallam Land Management’s 135-home proposal, says North Dorset CPRE Hallam Land Management – a land promoter* not builder – has applied for planning permission for 135 homes in Blandford St Mary, just south of Blandford. It is a revised version of an earlier application to build 150 homes which had attracted considerable criticism from Dorset Council’s planning team, Blandford Town Council, Blandford St Mary Parish Council (BSMPC) and other consultees. Hallam Land Management is hoping this revised one will gain more traction, but it has already met opposition from BSMPC, Blandford Town Council and North Dorset CPRE. The proposed scheme offers little or no benefit to Blandford St Mary. Instead it swamps the hamlet of Lower Blandford St Mary and its listed church and houses. The ancient Ward’s Drove, an important east-west livestock route, would be compromised. No need for more North Dorset is in the fortunate position that its five-year housing land supply has been exceeded,

Illustrative Masterplan of the proposed development of 135 homes in Blandford St Mary

so planning decisions should follow the development plans. Previously, the balance was tilted in favour of sustainable development. The housing target for Blandford Forum and St Mary in the North Dorset Local Plan is ‘at least 1,200 homes’, and the September 2023 Housing Land Supply report showed that 1,225 homes will be delivered by 2031. There is no need for more housing, particularly since the recent approval of a further 490 homes in north Blandford and Pimperne, and certainly not for this speculative development on a site that is not allocated in either the North Dorset Local Plan or the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan. The proposed site itself is unsustainable, with most shops and services well over a mile away. Residents will therefore be dependent on their cars, which weighs heavily against the scheme at a time of climate emergency. It will also result in ribbon development, threatening the green corridor separating Blandford St Mary from Charlton Marshall, and the

NEWS View from Ward’s Drove across the development site

separate identity of both villages. Locals are aware that Blandford’s infrastructure is already under serious strain – in particular the schools and the medical practice. Traffic conditions are already poor. The recent approval of 490 homes in north Blandford will exacerbate the situation and this scheme would make it even worse. Road access onto the site will be difficult, if not dangerous. The land promoter has reduced the number of homes to reduce density, allowing more tree planting and open spaces, but the development is still likely to cause harm to the adjacent Cranborne The proposed Chase National Landscape and the setting site itself is unsustainable, of the historic heart of Blandford St Mary. with most shops Furthermore, good araand services ble land, which should well over a mile be producing food at a time of concern over the away. UK’s food security, will be lost. It should also retain its role as a carbon sink. CPRE strongly believes this development should be refused. No-one knows which builder might acquire the site from Hallam and there is no assurance of build quality. Cllr Malcom Albery, chairman of BSMPC, says: ‘Blandford St Mary parish and its environment are being destroyed by unnecessary development. The only beneficiaries of this scheme would be the landowner and the land promoter, Hallam Land Management.’ Local residents are encouraged to comment on the Planning Portal up to the 16th January at planning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ – the specific planning application is P/OUT/2023/07266. *The website of LPFD (the Land Planning and Developers Federation) defines land promoting as ‘providing “oven-ready” sites with planning permission that can easily be acquired and built out quickly by national, regional and SME house-builders.’ 27

POLITICS

A year of hope and action Embracing 2024 with optimism: Simon Hoare MP shares his vision for the coming year and pledges his service for North Dorset’s future Can I begin this first article of 2024 by wishing you, your families and those you love a very Happy New Year. I hope it brings everything that you wish for it. By the time you are reading this I am sure that many solemn promises, pledges and resolutions have either been amended, broken or abandoned. Is it not ever thus? When I was first elected as your Member of Parliament, I made a very clear resolution to serve you all with energy and enthusiasm. To do so with integrity. To represent in parliament the very best of North Dorset. Moreover, I vowed to be moderate and to work with individuals and organisations across the constituency, irrespective of party affiliation or voting history, if we shared the common interest of the residents of North Dorset. I also pledged that I would demonstrate independence of thought; not to be a creature of the Whips’ Office but rather to vote in parliament with the best of intentions and how I believed the majority of my constituents would wish me to do. I am not claiming that I have got everything right. Far from it. I am, after all, human and subject to all of the weaknesses and foibles that are the hallmark of our human DNA. I also said that I would retire as your Member of Parliament when the tangible honour and thrill of being your MP weakened or disappeared. That honour remains as fresh today as it did in May 2015, so, to that end, I want to confirm that I will be the Conservative party candidate at the next General Election (whenever it may be held). Fresh optimism A new year signals the resurrection of hope. Spring is (apparently!) within view, with all of the promises of new growth and birth that holds. I also think it is a time for optimism. The battle with Welfare should inflation is being won. always be a Over the coming months safety net – we should all start to feel the benefit of that in the never a realistic supermarket, shop or alternative to at the petrol pump. The work or a ‘way reduction in National Insurance contributions of life’ will make a real difference to many pay packets across North Dorset. The reduction in inflation clearly removes pressures for further interest increases. Recent announcements by mortgage lenders that they are cutting their rates are to be welcomed. The department where I serve as a Minister is responsible

for planning policy – as long as housing is in the right place, of the right design and with the relevant contributions to local services provision, then it should be supported. It allows the next generation of North Dorset residents to continue living in the area in which they were born, educated and have family and friends. It is then a real community bonus in my judgment. We will have a Budget in March and I hope we will be in a position to do even more to encourage home ownership, entrepreneurialism and some tax changes. For those not in work, the recent increases in pensions and other benefits are to be welcomed, providing, as intended, the social safety net below which no one can fall. Reforms to some benefits entitlement criteria – placing further impetus on the importance of work – should also be applauded as common sense, reinforcing the fact that work is good for the individual, their families and their communities. Welfare, for those out of work but who are able to work, should always be there as the aforementioned safety net – it can never be a realistic alternative to work or have the potential to become a ‘way of life’. Looking forwards We must also hope that the tragic and futile loss of life and communities in Ukraine and the Middle East comes to an end soon. I am as upset and angry as so many of you tell me you are. Let us work for peace and sustainable reconciliation. So, a New Year has dawned – a year in which we will have a General Election. While I know I will be seeking re-election I have no idea as to the outcome, or whether I shall be writing a New Year piece in 2025 as your Member of Parliament. I hope so. I shall continue to work to retain your trust, but, in the end, it will be up to you. All I can pledge is my service to you now, and hopefully, in the future. If you would like an appointment at one of the Advice Surgeries I hold throughout the year across the constituency, please email simon.hoare.mp@ parliament.uk. Best wishes for 2024, Simon

POLITICS

The fun of Christmas Eve in A&E I trust many BV readers enjoyed to the full their Christmas festivities with family and friends. Of course not everyone will have been able to enjoy it – some through misfortune, and others through essential work commitments. My partner Pam and I were among the unfortunate ones ourselves, but our experience gave us a valuable insight into one of the most essential pillars of UK society – our NHS. On Christmas Eve, Pam tripped, fell – and seemingly broke her arm. Arriving in A&E at 7pm we found the waiting room almost full. Nevertheless Pam was examined within 15mins, given painkillers, and booked for an X-ray – with a warning that due to a staff shortage there would be a long wait... When we were finally ushered into the X-ray area at 1am the extent of the problem became apparent. The ward was full of sick and injured people, and the medics were extremely busy caring for them. The staff

were deeply apologetic for the delays, and in return all we could do was thank them for working so hard through Christmas. The need to invest in the NHS is clear to everyone who unfortunately has to call upon its services. The same goes for our social care system, where poor pay and conditions contribute to record low staffing levels with a current 150,000 vacancies. NHS England data shows that 10,000 healthy patients were forced to stay in hospital on Christmas Day, because of a lack of the social care facilities needed for them to be discharged. That’s 10,000 beds which are then not available for sick and injured people.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement prioritised tax cuts over spending on health, and there’s no secret in the government’s creeping ‘backdoor privatisation’ of the NHS. This year brings local council elections, and possibly a General Election. This will be your chance to let local politicians know that health care is a major priority for all of us. Cuts to preventive and community care urgently need to be reversed. As Joni Mitchell once sang “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”. Let’s make sure we don’t lose more of our amazing NHS. Happy New year everyone. • Ken Huggins, North Dorset Green Party

Facing challenges with a spirit of optimism January is for looking forward but we should attempt to meet at the year ahead – and as a those challenges in a spirit of good Liberal Democrat, I look optimism, with conviction that forward with hope and optimism. they will be overcome. The key As someone once said: a sunny thing is to mix the spirit with the and optimistic seriousness, and not disposition equate optimism We need to won’t solve your with frivolity. problems, but it We cannot simply be a better will annoy enough wish away our version of curmudgeons and difficulties, and Britain: not a doom-mongers to there has been too British version make it well worth much of the latter the effort! over the last few of Germany We all know years. Regrettably, there are serious the work will also challenges that demand serious take time and it will cost money attention and serious answers – that’s in very short supply right 30

now. But with optimism there is also purpose, and that is what we really need and must sustain if we are to thrive in this turbulent world. One reason for hope and optimism is the knowledge that a General Election will be called this year. At last – we will have the chance, and duty, to give our verdict on this (desperate, wheezing and useless) government. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We will also have Dorset Council elections on 2nd May. We could even have a buy-one-get-one-free opportunity to get it all out of the way and

POLITICS done on the one day. Alas, only if Rishi Sunak has the courage to accept that the game is up, and that we must all have our say. A different way A better way ahead is clear. One that is more fair, more open and more free. I took some time this Christmas – between classic TV and the offspring’s latest Tik Tok memes – to read a great report by the Resolution Foundation, which I recommend to anyone interested in serious ideas for the UK economy and The Social Contract. There’s a small health warning, however – the report is weighty. But at least it is coherent and clear. It would also make heavy demands on a government that adopted it. More importantly, it would demand of us that we be serious too, and understand that the benefits will have costs. The bit that really stuck in my mind was at the end of a section criticising a Cameron-Osborne era notion about turning

Britain’s economy into ‘one like Germany’s’, with a broad-based, China-focused, manufacturing/ export economy. The UK today is the second greatest exporter of services in the world after the USA, with smaller – but important – leading edge manufacturing capabilities in specific, niche high-tech areas. Yet we have stagnated. I love Germany but as the report says, Britain has strengths and we need to play to them. We need to invest more, both reliably and regularly, and we need to value people much more. The report is spot on. We need to be a better version of Britain: not a British version of Germany – or anywhere else for that matter. So, I finished reading my Christmas homework seeing

a reflection of our values and some great ideas. I have a strong sense that Liberal Democratic policies are right for our times – and that we should all have grounds for hope and optimism in implementing them or at least in influencing a different government to do so, with rigour and energy. Liberal Democrats will field a strong team of candidates in the coming year of elections – for Dorset Council, as Police and Crime Commissioner and in the General Election. I am standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in North Dorset for the coming General Election and look forward to bringing seriousness and optimism to ballot boxes across our beautiful slice of Britain. • Gary Jackson North Dorset LibDems

Energy crisis: soaring costs and corporate profits From 1st January 2024, the price of energy for a typical household using gas and electricity and who pay by Direct Debit went up by another £94, rubbing more salt into the wound of the current cost-ofliving crisis. On an entirely unrelated note, the world’s five largest energy providers are expected this year to reward their investors with record payouts of more than $100 billion, following another year of record profits that continue to be triggered by Russia’s invasion

of Ukraine and its impact on global energy markets and gas prices across Europe. With a dysfunctional fossil fuel market driving energy prices sky high, 2023 was still the second hottest year on record in the UK (the top spot goes to 2022) seeing a wet summer bookended by heat waves of 33º in both June and September, alongside stories of ever more extreme weather events around the globe. It is clear that the case for owning our own, clean energy has never been

more overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a choice. With a General Election on the cards in 2024, voters will get the opportunity to choose between Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives (who have, in 12 years, failed to get to grips with the energy crisis and continue to renege on their environmental commitments), and Keir Starmer’s Labour Party with their vision of a transformative plan to create Great British Energy: a new, publicly-owned clean energy company that will harness Britain’s sun, wind and rain to create jobs, cut energy bills, accelerate net zero – and make the UK energy independent. • Pat Osborne North Dorset Labour 31

POLITICS

The quest for accountability: still fighting against Post Office injustices MP Chris Loder confronts the Post Office’s leadership, offering unwavering commitment to the Horizon scandal victims Before I proceed, I would like to wish you, your families and your friends a very happy and prosperous 2024 – I do hope you had an enjoyable Christmas. I was organist at no fewer than three carol services, and I was overjoyed to see so many people coming to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus through the nativity (always wonderfully performed by children) and through listening to lessons and singing carols. The arrogant board I am always delighted to spend time inn our post offices in West Dorset and with their staff and sub postmasters, especially the ones I see most in Sherborne, Beaminster and Dorchester. Their work is incredible. These people have for a long time been community-driven, and I would like to place on record how grateful I am for everything they do. But my respect for the senior management of the post office? Quite a different thing. I find them disingenuous, greedy and predatory – so much so that I called out their lies in the House of Commons last year. Not just about the Horizon system itself, but their own behaviour. The Post Office board attempted to award itself enormous executive bonuses which, after parliamentary intervention, were halted. This, when many people

deserving damages from the Horizon nightmare had not (and still have not) been paid, and when they have screwed down the transaction fees for our post offices to such a minimal amount that some postmasters can barely get by. Their arrogance is unbelievable.

But I want to let you know that I will stop at nothing until we: 1. Get Paula Vennells stripped of her CBE* 2. Remove the appeals and recompense process from the Post Office itself. 3. Get real and proper justice for every person who has been affected by this. 4. Get an answer out of Four point plan the Leader of the Liberal The Post Office Democrats as to why he Horizon outrage took £275,000 from the Post is something that Office’s legal firm who were has sickened me fighting the sub-postmasters. since being in Ed Davey, the current leader of Parliament. the Liberal Democrats, was Post Here in West Office minister in the coalition Dorset, thankfully government during this time. only one sub He should answer to parliament postmaster was why it is that, when he was the a victim of this scandal. But minister, he ignored the calls for that was one too many. Across help. Maybe the Lib Dems will be the country many were falsely able to shed some light on that in accused, and some have died next month’s edition. since – without getting their Ed Davey worked as a consultant names cleared. It is one of the on political issues and policy worst institutional scandals in analysis for Herbert Smith living memory. Freehills, from 2015 until I have spoken in the November 2021. House of Commons HSF is the firm I find them on numerous engaged by the disingenuous, Post Office during occasions about this and while progress the Horizon period. greedy and has been made, it During this time, and predatory needs to be quicker. continuing, many The Metropolitan sub-postmasters Police has this week announced were (and are) fighting to clear it is investigating criminal their names. proceedings. As always, if I can help, you The Mr Bates vs The Post Office can contact me by email: drama on ITV was shocking to hello@chrisloder.co.uk watch. So much is clearly laid out or write to me at and brought into sharp focus – House of Commons, we the public have frequently London, SW1A 0AA. looked on at this issue without properly understanding what *Paula Vennells has since actually happened. handed back her CBE

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DORSET ISLAND DISCS

Interview by Laura Hitchcock

Robert Cowley, MBE – magistrate, volunteer and plumber – selects his Dorset Island Discs He graduated from Cambridge and, to his father’s consternation, went straight into the family plumbing business – and he’s never looked back Robert Cowley from Sturminster Newton received an MBE for his services to the community in 2010. He has spent more than 30 years as a local magistrate. ‘It’s a big responsibility. I started in the days when there were courtrooms all round Dorset. Now there’s just Weymouth and Poole, but I’ve sat in Blandford, Sherborne, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, Wimborne ... local justice really was local! But it’s a quick way of learning about life, and quite a life changer as well, if you’re prepared to learn from it.’ But the Cambridge graduate is probably just as well known as a leading light in SNADS (the Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatic Society), as a passionate and tireless driving force behind the development of The Exchange – and also as the latest generation in the family’s 125 year-old plumbing business. ‘I’m not only Dorset born and bred – I was born just three houses down the road! My mum came from London, looking for a rest after the war. She had married But because my parents were very young, was widowed shortly involved with setting it up, for me afterwards, and moved to Dorset it wasn’t just “going and seeing for a new beginning. a show”. In those days we didn’t ‘Father was a self-employed have a hall, just the British Legion plumber, working very, very hard. hut. The stage was in pieces, Life was typical for an agricultural stored above the town in the 50s – pretty quiet, Dad insisted none of coffin shop and a lot of hard us would go into the the builder’s yard opposite. We work and not a family business. would literally huge amount of all head to Bath money around. He finished school Road and the ‘Mother soon in the morning and stage would be got involved started work that carried across with SNADS, the local amateur afternoon – he never the road and assembled! It was dramatic had a choice always second society. From nature to know really very that there were the two sides of a small I remember the annual play – back stage and on stage. pantomime. It was magical.

Robert Cowley

‘Everything changed when I was 11. My dad went to Blandford Grammar School, and hated it so much that he swore no child of his was ever going there. And we didn’t. I don’t know how he managed it, but we all went to Hardye’s in Dorchester. All three of us – my two brothers too – boarded in Dorchester during term time. I went from there to the University of Cambridge – I suddenly jumped into a completely different world. And I loved it, it was an amazing place to be. It was intellectually very stimulating and demanding, obviously. But I was equally fascinated really, by all the extras. Particularly because I was basically just a plumber’s son – I still used

to come home and lend a hand in the business during holidays. ‘Theatre was still something that interested me, and it’s what I spent my spare time on – but it had suddenly moved into a different dimension. I did a three-week season at the Edinburgh Fringe, sleeping on a floor, doing three different plays and marching the streets in costume handing out flyers. We did a Greek tragedy in the open air in Cornwall … It was an amazing three years. Which I then wrapped up by coming home and joining the family firm – not actually my plan at all! ‘I didn’t have a very strong drive to do anything in particular – I was studying English, which is a pretty open-ended sort of subject. ‘My dad had always insisted that none of us would be going into the family business. In later years we discovered that he hadn’t been given the choice himself. He finished his school certificate, signed off school in the morning and started work for his father that afternoon. No choice at all. Robert and Linda in a SNADS production of ‘Bitter Sanctuary’ by Rosemary Ann Sissons, in April 1983, in Sturminster Hall

DORSET ISLAND DISCS So he said that wasn’t going to lovely place to live ... and the happen to his children, and he attractions of being self employed set himself to educate all of us were quite substantial. So that’s as far through what I did. Three the system as we We naively thought or four years could go. later, my next The Exchange ‘It just happened brother effectively would run as the that as I was did the same finishing my final thing – finished Hall did – hire it, exams, he came his degree, went get the key, and run to New Zealand to Cambridge a bar on a table to visit me and for six months was taken very farming, and with an ice cream ill. He was told then came back tub for the money he wasn’t going and joined the to recover, and business too. certainly couldn’t carry on With the two of us working, father working. He didn’t want to let his actually recovered quite a lot – we customers down, and wanted had a few years of the three of us to shut his business down in an working together, which was great. orderly manner. At the time I was ‘Father was a master plumber, a effectively spare – I was planning high level of achievement, and it’s to go on to do a Certificate of a very old business. I’m largely Education, but came back first to retired now, and my brother’s help close the business. still working at the moment, with ‘And within six months, I thought. his son giving him a hand. The “I can see a lot of pluses here. It business started in 1896 – by the was all to do with the community time I retired, it had been going – we were a well-known, well125 years and three generations. established business, it was a We’re now on to the fourth, but that’s not long-term – he’s just helping out for a while. (we’ve heard that somewhere before - Ed). ‘When I returned to Sturmisnter, I got heavily involved with SNADS again. I was married, had two daughters, was working exceptionally hard, and SNADS was my relaxation. But my marriage went to pieces, and I was working even harder trying to cope with two children on my own. And then I met Linda – strangely echoing my mother she had arrived in Sturminster from London. She’s a better actor than me, and also a good director. We met in a rehearsal room in 1983, fell in love on stage … and we’ve been together ever since. ‘Because of my association with the dramatic society, I got involved with the Sturminster Hall committee – by then we had a hall! It was opposite the police station – and ended up chairing the new hall sub-committee, around the time the cattle market closed. ‘And then there was this huge site left empty in the middle of town, 35

DORSET ISLAND DISCS and locals will remember it was a complicated story. I ended up moving from the hall committee to the new hall sub-committee, and then to the project group for the entire market site, which included what became The Exchange. From that point on, I was involved in the whole redevelopment concept – but it was a very, very big thing. The way the whole site was developed was a community led project – by the time we had consulted, planned and seen off some unwanted developers, we had The Exchange drawn into the whole concept. People thought it was completely the council – it was built by the mad – we were effectively community – ultimately we raised replacing a one room hall with a 2.6 million pounds. big entertainment complex. ‘There were contributions from the ‘We then had to work through all councils. We got some huge grants. sorts of dramatics, getting the We were very, very lucky – and we actual planning permission that picked … full stop after grants, We was necessary in were told at the order to unlock ’This is the For the first time in time: the money that last gasp. There’s was necessary to 16 years, it’s a crisis. going to be no secure the site more money. We We need an extra ... but eventually just hit the right £20,000 a year just we did it. Half spot, if we’d been the site’s depth for the electricity: a year later, I was sold off for doubt we’d have we need people’s housing – but done it. goodwill housing to the ‘So it was built and design that the paid for, no debts, community the bills were all paid. But that also produced. And that left the near meant there wasn’t any money left! side of the site for the medical ‘We had rather naively thought centre, the supermarket, offices that we would be able to run it as and The Exchange, which sits on the Sturminster Hall functioned land given by the developer. – with a committee and just a But beyond that, the building was caretaker. If you hired it, you got built not by the developer, not by

the key, and if people wanted to have a bar, they’d get a one-off licence, and then run a bar on a table with an ice cream tub for the money. Strangely, The Exchange didn’t really work like that! ‘We’d been so obsessed with getting there that we haven’t really given that much thought to what happened next. ‘We tried to run it with volunteers – couldn’t do it. We took on someone part time, but that didn’t work either … we needed a manager, and eventually had to take on somebody without really having the money to do it, trusting they would generate the income. It took us ten years to stabilise financially, and then we really started to build some reserves, getting the whole thing really solid and secure. ‘And then came the pandemic. ‘We had the reserves, and we got a Cultural Recovery Grant, which saw us through the initial lockdown. But then things started to go pear-shaped because of course, it wasn’t just the one lockdown. And we’ve created eight jobs – eight people we’re responsible for. As we came out of the lockdowns, the confidence in the community was at rock bottom and people just didn’t want to be inside, sitting with other people. The income dropped to almost nothing. Gradually, over a couple of years, that’s picked up. But now, as confidence has increased, so the cost of living problems have cut in. And finally, we’ve been hit by the fuel prices. That has created,

DORSET ISLAND DISCS for the first time in 16 years, a potential crisis. In the last few months we’ve had some sellout shows, so that is generating income. But most of our reserves have been used up just surviving since 2020. With limited reserves and depressed income, we now need to find £20,000 a year extra for electricity. ‘Somehow, we have to magic it up. So that’s where we are. Our priority over the next six months is finding money. We need to bring in money, we need our ‘village’, we need people’s goodwill. Because we have to fund this immediate crisis – we know we’ve got something that works, and we know, given time, we can adjust and adapt. But we need the funds now to allow that to happen.’ A life in music And so to Robert’s eight music choices, in no particular order, along with how and why they have stuck in his life: Stranger on the Shore Acker Bilk This is going right back to my primary school days! It’s one of the most vivid memories I have of Sturminster Primary School. Two things stick in my mind – an open coal fire in the corner of the classroom, and this music, the melody coming through from the staff room next door. The headmaster, Fred Grinnell, played the clarinet. Stranger On The Shore was the thing in the early 60s.

Maybe 25 years later, I saw Acker and managed to book her. We let Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band her manager know that we had playing at Bryanston. He played a personal reason to persuade this song, and the her to come. As a effect on me was I was very nearly result, we have a extraordinary. It programme from killed – and we never occurred that night, which decided then that Elkie signed with to me it could do that – I was life was for living. “Thank you so straight back to much for inviting us Although we were to play for you.” It’s my primary school busy, and have classroom. That’s just extra special. the magic in a live five children, if performance. Sit Down, You’re we could do a Rocking The Boat thing, then we We’ve Got Tonight – National Theatre Elkie Brooks cast WOULD Well, this is simply We’ve gone to the Linda and me. theatre all our When we were first together, as is lives together, and all over the often the case, there’s some piece place – we love all sorts of theatre, of music or an artist that becomes from a big King Lear to tiny local ‘your song.’ – Elkie Brooks is ours. productions. Musical theatre, done When The Exchange first opened well, is brilliant. Linda, in the absence of any staff, A couple of particular ones was one of the people trying to have caught our imagination – book performers. She discovered Showboat was probably the first Elkie Brooks might be available, one, a brilliant production of that by the RSC and Opera North. But we saw Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre, and again when they brought it back. It could be any one of a zillion things because we’ve seen so many, but it just happens Guys and Dolls is the last show that we’ve seen. It’s at the Bridge Theatre, a wonderful new theatre in London, and it’s a wonderful, innovative production. It is amazing. The whole show is done on a huge floor in and among the audience. I simply had to choose one to represent our years of going to the theatre together.

DORSET ISLAND DISCS It Started with a Kiss Hot Chocolate This is because we acted together a lot – we have played parts opposite each other for years. I wrote and directed many pantomimes over the years in Sturminster, but Linda’s directed plays. And there was a period when I was so, so busy with the preliminary work for The Exchange and so on and I couldn’t do very much. Linda directed a production of Lucky Sods by John Godber. She asked me to produce it, to help get it on stage. We did something a bit different in terms of staging, borrowing something we’d seen elsewhere. We just thought “Okay, we’ll introduce this to Sturminster, even if it takes them a bit by surprise!”. And the music we used during the scene changes and so on was Hot Chocolate. That particular track just lights up that production. For me, it reminds me of working together with Linda, to put something on the stage that wasn’t quite what was expected. Swing Low Sweet Chariot China Black ft. Ladysmith Black Mambazo We’ve been fortunate to have visited Africa several times, so this is my Africa connection – though it is my slightly ‘easy’ African music. But this particular track has two lots of music going on at the same time. The backing vocal is of a crowd singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – and it features me with my brothers and a group of friends (and the other 75,000 people who were at Twickenham

that day!). We have spent 30 years going to Twickenham together, to nearly every International, and on that particular day there was an announcement that they wanted to record the crowd. So this is also 30 years of rugby with a very, very tight band of friends and my brothers. Sotto le Stelle del Jazz Paolo Conte: Concerti This could have been any one of a number of Paolo Conte tracks. We were in Venice, and spent two weeks trying to ‘live in Venice’ and not just be tourists. One night we went out for a meal, and wandered into an interestinglooking place. We spoke no Italian, the proprietor spoke no English, we were the only people there … it defies description, and it was one of the best evenings we’ve ever had. We got the full on Basil Fawlty treatment, full on The Godfather … and throughout the entire bizarre evening there was

equally bizarre music filtering through the wall from the kitchen. By the time we left we were really quite chatty with the proprietor – even in the absence of any actual language – and we did manage to communicate with him that we wanted to know what this music was. He wrote it down for us, and one of our projects the next day was to find a CD shop (not easy in the middle of Venice!). We bought The Best Of album, and since then we have bought more and more and more Paolo Conte. We even managed to see him live in London. He’s very unusual, it’s very distinctive. And to us, it’s Venice – and happiness. Shakey Ground Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra This is The Exchange, absolutely The Exchange. Paul Hart, who lived a couple of houses up the road, was an athlete, a musician and an artist. Most local people will know the mural he painted in the Coop. He ran the Barrelhouse Blues Club as a sort of rotating club at different bases. He had a huge number of musical contacts, so he could get some quite big names to come and do guest performances. And when The Exchange opened, it was absolutely what he’d been waiting for, for all these years. He was the other person who was really responsible for booking some of the bigger live acts. He brought in Andy Fairweather Low very early on. Alongside all this, the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra was a flexible group of around 25 local musicians, with Paul leading

DORSET ISLAND DISCS it and Johnny Mars his partner in crime. It’s quite difficult with that number of people to play together – you need a really big stage. So again, The Exchange was perfect. They recorded a CD and most of the tracks on it were played on Radio Two, where they had quite a bit of air time, because they were a rather unusual outfit. This particular track on the CD is a live performance from the Coade Hall at Bryanston. Paul died not so long after The Exchange opened, sadly, but the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra came back several times after that to perform there. It’s just a wonderful example of local talent, local enthusiasm. And flippin’ good music. The Boys of the National Defence Stavros Xarchakos ‘This is Greece for us. We’ve travelled a lot – only a few years after we got married, we had a serious road accident, I was very nearly killed. It was a long recovery time, and we decided after that life was for living. And although we were busy, and we had family – we have five children between us – we’ve always said we need to make time for ourselves to stay sane. After the accident, we decided that if we could do things, we would. So although we didn’t have that

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, 1982. Roger Rees played Nickleby (rt) and Smike was played by David Threlfall

much time, we set about traveling when we could. The first holiday we had abroad was to Greece – though we knew nothing about Greece! We absolutely fell in love with the village that we went to, and we carried on going back. The last time we went was five, six years ago. We’ve had many, many years of magic there. And part of that has been that we’ve always arrived and left from Mytilene, the main town. It’s just an absolute wraparound memory of eating in the tavernas of Mytilene, with Greek music as it should be. The save and the book There’s a tidal wave coming to your island, and you can only save one disc - which would it be?

‘I think I’d have to save the Paolo Conte. All the songs, you will have gathered, are there for the memories that go with them. I like music – I prefer it live, really, rather than sitting in a room listening to it, and there are other pieces of music that I might enjoy more for themselves. But everything on this list is just there for the memories. And Venice is a pretty good core memory for me. ‘Choosing a single book is very difficult ... but I will have to go for Nicholas Nickleby. There are other writers, and though I love Dickens he’s probably not my top-top favourite. But I was lucky enough, back in the early 80s, to see a particular production of Nicholas Nickleby. Trevor Nunn set out to dramatise the whole book – not to do an extract or condensed version, but the whole thing. What they eventually came up with ran for eight-and-a-half hours. If you wanted to see the whole thing in one day, you could, and break for meals. And it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen on the stage. I actually have a copy of Nicholas Nickleby with illustrations from that show, and that unlocks extraordinary theatrical memories. So again, it scores on two levels.’

Click to listen to Robert’s playlist on YouTube 39

A COUNTRY LIVING

by Tracie Beardsley

Oyez, oyez, oyez! For crying out loud! He’s ‘cried’ on Glastonbury’s pyramid stage … Robbie Wiliams is a fan … Tracie Beardsley talks to Chris Brown, the voice of Wimborne When moving to a new area, advice tends to be “join a sports or social club” to make friends. Not for Chris Brown, a newcomer who soon made himself the most recognised person in town by becoming town crier the same year he moved to Wimborne Minster. That was in 1998 – Now, 25 years later, Chris 40

still opens businesses and attends civic engagements with flourish and flair. He’s been crowned The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers Champion and is the current Dorset County Champion Crier – a title he has held five times. He’s appeared on postcards and even the back of buses promoting

A COUNTRY LIVING Chris Brown, Wimborne Minster’s town crier All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

Chris’s costume is based on a 17th century Serjant, whose job it was to raise the local militia, to keep order in the town

A COUNTRY LIVING

Wimborne Town. Also hailed the ‘Rock and Roll Town Crier’ because of his love of music and DJing (as DJ Dapper Dan), he hosts the Town Centre Stage at Boomtown Festival in Winchester, sitting on a throne to introduce acts, and he has even appeared on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. ‘That was definitely the craziest thing I’ve done,’ says Chris. ‘In town, I’m lucky if there’s 50 people listening to me. There were about 70,000 that day – I’d been adopted as mascot for Texan indiepop band The Polyphonic Spree. I’ve opened loads of their tours around the UK, but Glastonbury was definitely my biggest gig!’ He even impressed singing star Robbie Williams, who was captivated by his booming voice and flamboyant costume. ‘He told me he loved what I do as he shook me by the hand!’ recalls Chris. Being Town Crier is voluntary and Chris gives it his all, writing amusing poems or personalising messages, whether it’s opening a telephone box converted into a library in Sturminster Marshall or surprising an elderly couple celebrating their 70th anniversary. The

Chris is proud of his first ever eBay purchase – a First World War trench gas attack warning bell

former social worker says: ‘It’s about engaging with people, making announcements, attention-grabbing.’ However, this can lead to the occasional faux pas. ‘A few years before the Queen died, I was showing Prince Edward around the Physic Garden in Wimborne. I announced the

garden was dedicated to the memory of his mother. He looked at me in alarm. “She was alright this morning,” he said. “Is there something I should know?” ‘ Chris has spent time researching the origins of town criers. ‘They were the newsreaders of their time, communicating information and collecting taxes. Greek runners would run from town to town telling the news. Romans had town criers. I visited a remote village in Africa and they had someone to tell the news. We exist all over the world in slightly different forms.’ As well as herding people, the town crier was paid to be keeper of cattle pens. He

A COUNTRY LIVING

would impound strays and be paid a penny for each turn of the key that released them. In Wimborne, the crier also used to collect market pitch fees, deal with disputes, check quality and the price of goods. Beer adulterated by molasses? Veg too cheap? Even today all criers have royal protection and it’s illegal to lay hands on them or hinder their work. The search for hose Such bygone concepts of policing captivated Chris, who is keen on 17th century history. ‘I’ve been re-enacting civil wars longer than they actually took to fight! I investigated the role of the Town Mayor’s Serjant, whose job it was to raise the local militia, to keep order in the town – he was the forerunner of the modern police force.’ Chris took the idea of ‘men with muskets’ to Wimborne Town Council and, thanks to him, the famous Wimborne Militia now celebrates 25 years, with Chris as its Serjant figurehead. They recreate historical events such as the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion, and Chris’ resplendent red and gold uniform with jaunty tricorn hat reflects these military roots. It was designed by two Arts University Bournemouth students studying Costume for Stage and Screen. ‘My only problem in this day and age is finding woollen hose,’ laughs Chris ‘but I’ve got a costumier in Blandford on the case for me.’ His most important accessory is his bell. ‘It was my first ever purchase on eBay. By accident I forgot the decimal point and offered $5,000! Luckily, the American buyer checked the amount with me, and I got it for £50. It’s a British first world war trench gas attack warning bell – it had found its way back to the USA as a GI’s stolen souvenir!’ Chris’s greatest plaudit is being made honorary freeman of the town. ‘I can now drive my sheep through the town free of charge! To celebrate, I walked one sheep through the town – Wimborne Model Town!’ Chris is now 67, but do town criers ever retire? ‘Until I disgrace myself or fall over, no! I had polio when I was a baby which left me with deformed feet – hence my need to use crutches or a mobility scooter at times. The doctors told my mother I would never walk but she was a determined lady. ‘I love this role, though it takes me two hours popping to the shops. I know so many people.’

Quick fire questions: Top dinner party guests? Sven Berlin - an amazing artist and sculptor who lived in Wimborne Frank Zappa. Tony Benn – my dad worked with him and weirdly, both died on the same morning within minutes of each other. Glenda Jackson. My mum – it would be nice to see her again. She died in 1983. Book by your bedside? ‘I am Lazarus’ by Sven Berlin. I met him a couple of times and bought his artwork in auctions. He’s painted beautiful pictures of Wimborne. 45

ADVERTORIAL This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale...

Excitement in Stur for the upcoming Wedding Fair (FREE PARKING!) Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events Thank you everyone for your support with the ‘Make Stur Sparkle’ events, which SturAction helped to underwrite – we are already planning for next Christmas ... The next main event in town is the Wedding Festival starting with a display of wedding dresses in St. Mary’s Church on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd February. The Wedding Fair itself is in The Exchange on Saturday 3rd February from 10am til 3pm, and is free to attend. For more information on the fair please email sturminsternewtonweddingfair@ gmail.com The Car and Bike Enthusiasts will also be in town on the 3rd and there will be free parking on that first Saturday of the month, paid for by SturAction from funds raised by your support to our community shops. The Boutique is restocking after its pre-Christmas sale of posh frocks; come and treat yourself to a new look!

The new season is in at the pre-loved Boutique!

The FREE school uniform exchange inside the old Barclays Bank

The Emporium, Art Gallery and Dapper Chaps continue to be bursting with a range of fascinating things at knock down prices, and The Furniture Store is holding a sale. Time for a fresh new look for your home as well, perhaps? There are some amazing bargains so do come and look – yes you can afford it ... Upstairs in the Furniture Store is the free school uniform exchange. We have enough school uniforms for a host of children, all sizes and pretty much all local schools. 1855 is proving a great attraction

to the town, as we always hoped it would be. More than 80 traders means a constant turnover and something new every day. SturAction is your local charity, working to make Stur a good place to live, work and play – our only aim is to raise funds to invest in the town. We are always looking to welcome more volunteers to work as part of our family, whatever your skills. Can you spare even an hour a week? Please get in touch with Cheryl, our shops manager for a chat. She’s usually found in 1855 or via comcheststur1@gmail.com.

There’s a sale on at The Furniture Store

COMMUNITY NEWS

Young Hearts, Community Sparks Building bridges in Gillingham: sixth formers engage in community service, enhancing life skills and enriching the town with their spirited volunteerism Gillingham School Sixth Form have been working hard to build links with the local community, in a project led by assistant head of sixth form, El Little. Over the course of the school year, all students will undertake a half term of volunteering. The purpose of the work is to help develop skills of confidence, communication and community awareness among the students, while also having a positive impact on local residents and beyond. It is part of the wider Personal Development programme within Gillingham Sixth Form, which includes a focus on building leadership skills and providing enrichment opportunities for students. Old and young Last term students took on a number of different activities – one of the most successful was visiting residents at Fern Brook Lodge Care Home and The Malthouse Care Home, spending time chatting with the residents. Two of the students are members of TLW Dance Company in Shaftesbury, and they put their skills to good use putting on musical and dance performances at Fern Brook Lodge. The Malthouse residents were treated to home baked cakes! The students involved have found it a very rewarding experience getting to know the residents. One of the 6th formers, Poppy Marshall, says, ‘It was so interesting finding out about the lives of the residents before they came to the care home. I found it really uplifting and it always really brightened my day’. Care home staff reported that the residents really looked forward to the visits and loved the singing and dancing. Because the residents were not able to attend the school’s Christmas Carol Concert, on the last day of the school term members of the

school orchestra, led by head of music Liam Carey, visited Fern Brook Lodge to put on a Christmas music performance. Visibly helping Another group oversaw the organisation of the Rotary Club Shoebox Appeal within school, with individuals and tutor groups putting together shoe boxes to be sent to children in eastern European countries for Christmas. This involved promoting the appeal within the school, raising funds for donations, and organising the delivery and collection of boxes to be sent off. Further charity events have taken place in school, led by students, to raise funds for local organisations. There have also been students regularly litter picking on a Wednesday afternoon in Gillingham town centre – providing an opportunity not only to tidy the streets, but also to interact with local members of the community. The school has been support through the project by Dextra Group, who supplied the school with hi-vis jackets and lanyards with the school logo and slogan ‘Gillingham School Serving the Community’. This has allowed the public to see the positive work the students are undertaken. Over the coming months, the Sixth Form are planning to extend the community project further and to link with other local organisations to deepen the relationship between the school and town. 49

COMMUNITY NEWS

The North Dorset Cycle Ride – or run! The North Dorset Cycle Ride will take place on Sunday 19th May this year. There will be a 25-mile ride, as well as a 50-mile ride. And back by popular dcemand, the Family Ride introduced in 2023 will also feature again. Both the 25 and 50-mile rides will ‘enjoy’ the iconic Gold Hill finish. Races will start from 8.30am on Park Walk. Riders must wear a cycle helmet, and are encourages to ride at a leisurely pace – enjoy the countryside and remember that this is not a race! Full details of the ride and how to enter can be found on Shaftesbury Rotary Club’s website or on social media. All those completing a ride will receive a medal. All profits this year will be donated to the HOPE Charity. Shaftesbury Rotary Club extend

The annual North Dorset Cycle Ride finish line

their thanks to BV Dairy for sponsoring the event for the third year running. A new Easter Fun Run And if wheels are not for you, how about trying the two-legs version, and enter for the Easter Fun Run instead? Happening on Sunday 7th April there are both

5km and 10km routes – and yes, both also have a Gold Hill finish! All profits from the Fun Run to the Stars Appeal. • If you want to know more about the ride or the run, or would like to get involved with Rotary, please contact: hello@shaftesburyrotaryclub.org

Spare two hours a week to help children read Dorset Reading Partners (DRP) is looking for more volunteers interested in helping to inspire young children to read. If you love books, enjoy spending time with children and have two hours a week to spare (term time only), this could be the ideal role for you! Volunteers are placed in local schools and provided with comprehensive training, resources and full support from our team. Whether you are retired and looking for rewarding voluntary work, new to the area and keen to get involved in your local community, or perhaps thinking of a change in career and keen to gain some experience in school – this could be the perfect role for you. Volunteers go into school for two hours a week during term time. 50

They work 1:1 with the same four children over the school year, seeing each child for half an hour outside the classroom. Using resources supplied by DRP, they talk, share books and play games in order to build up children’s confidence and motivation, as well as their communication and

literacy skills. DRP are looking for confident, personable people from all backgrounds, with excellent literacy skills and an enthusiastic manner. Please do get in touch if you are interested, as DRP are currently recruiting for their next training course. dorsetreadingpartners.org.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

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

Jigsaw This month’s puzzle is a flooded river Stour at sunset in December – just click to complete!

COMMUNITY NEWS

A cry for help: new town crier wanted!

Dorchester is searching for a new voice to fill the role of its award-winning town crier. Alistair Chisholm, the voice of Dorchester for 27 years, retired on New Year’s Eve, marking the end of the year with his final cry. The town crier, an ancient role dating back to medieval times, was crucial when most of the population couldn’t read, making public announcements and proclamations. The tradition continues across the country, and the Dorchester crier remains a celebrated figure at civic events. Alistair Chisholm is leaving behind a legacy that includes multiple wins at the National Town Crier Championships and a record-equalling 11th national title in 2021. His tenure saw him herald significant moments such as the Coronation of Charles III and the 2012 Olympic torch relay. Reflecting on his career, he remarked it was a ‘fun thing to do,’ highlighting the importance of ‘wind’ to deliver a good cry! Dorchester Town Council is now on the hunt for Alistair’s successor. Interested candidates are invited to apply by 12th February by letter, explaining why they are suitable for the prestigious role. The town crier is required to write and perform their own cries and to attend

Alistair Chisholm crying in front of Dorchester’s Corn Exchange

major town events. A spokesperson for the council emphasised the role’s significance in promoting Dorchester’s rich heritage. ‘It is a nationally renowned position that serves an important function,’ they said, underscoring the desire to preserve this unique tradition. Shortlisted applicants will showcase their skills in a public performance, and the council stresses the importance of local history knowledge or the willingness to learn. Stepping into Alistair Chisholm’s shoes will be no small feat, but the opportunity presents a chance to become a part of Dorchester’s living history. 53

COMMUNITY NEWS

Do you have some time on a Monday morning? Home-Start Blackmore Vale are looking for a friendly volunteer to help at the Mother’s in Mind group, held near Sturminster Newton on a Monday morning from 10am to 11:30am. Mothers in Mind is a referralonly, supportive group for mums experiencing anxiety, loneliness, antenatal or post natal depression. If you have some free time, could be a general welcoming presence and would be happy entertaining toddlers and babies while mums take some time to chat and to engage in some craft activities, then Home-Start would love to hear from you. You might also be on tea and coffee duty, would be helping to set up and pack away from the session. For more information or to get involved please email office@ homestartblackmorevale.org.uk or call 01258 473038

New Thomas Hardy lecture series Dorset Archives Trust, in conjunction with the Thomas Hardy Society, have announced a series of three fascinating lectures examining different aspects of Hardy’s life and work, all referencing elements of his archival legacy. Dorchester, Hardy’s Casterbridge, is home to the world’s largest Thomas Hardy archive. It is inscribed by UNESCO in its Memory of the World as a collection of international significance – Dorset History Centre holds 150 boxes of the author’s records, ranging from the original manuscript of The Mayor of Casterbridge through poetry, correspondence, photographs and much more. The challenge is to make the entire collection accessible; currently it is not visible to the 54

outside world due to the lack of a digital catalogue. Dorset Archives Trust is working hard to raise funds for an archivist to lead an 18-month project, producing a detailed catalogue of the author’s extensive archive. It will then be made freely available to all online, encouraging engagement with Hardy’s life and works through the personal letters, photographs, notes and work he left behind. The first lecture is on Thursday 9th March 7pm: Thomas Hardy and Charles Darwin: Lives in Letters with Prof. Angelique Richardson and Dr Paul White. • You can find details of all three lectures here - all are via Zoom, and cost £10 each, or £25 for the series of three.

Thomas Hardy on his bike

COMMUNITY NEWS

A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues. In the postbag this month:

Top tips for dealing with a Christmas debt hangover

: ‘I got carried away in December, and now

I’m worried about the debt I’ve built up spoiling my family this Christmas.’

: If your spending ran out of control at Christmas, get advice as soon as you can from Citizens Advice or from another free confidential debt advisory service such as Stepchange or National Debtline. 1. Collect information about your debts – make a list of who you owe money to and how much you owe. 2. Check if you have to pay a debt – you’ll be responsible for a debt if it’s in your name and it’s something that the law says you have to pay, like council tax or water charges. You’ll also probably have to pay a debt if you’ve signed a contract to say you agree to give money to someone. 3. Work out which debts to deal with first. Priority debts are debts that can cause you

serious problems – mortgage, rent and council tax arrears, unpaid tax bills, court fines, gas and electricity bills. You need to look at your list, work out which of your debts are priority debts and deal with them first. 4. Once you’ve got your priority debts under control, you should look at all your other debts. They’re ‘non-priority debts’ because the problems they cause are less serious. Include credit cards and mobile phone debts. 5. Check if you can increase your income. Are you being paid correctly? Are you eligible for any benefits? 6. Reduce your regular outgoings. You might be able to save money by: • getting a discount on your council tax • getting a water meter fitted • switching to a cheaper broadband, TV, or phone deal • paying for your prescriptions in advance 7. Check your options for getting out of debt. You might be able to talk to your creditors and arrange a way to pay them, or make a formal agreement called a ‘debt solution’. You’ll need to decide what is the best solution for your situation – a debt adviser will be able to help you choose. It will depend on things like: • the type of debts you have • your total amount of debt • how much money you can pay towards your debt 8. Finally, learn from your mistakes. Start planning how you will do things differently next year. 55

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@BVmagazine.co.uk. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

where, as a youngster, I enjoyed many films and plays in their old theatre. I wonder if the writer of the postcard was a servant in the house in 1908. In my time there were still back stairs, a row of service bells on the ground floor and numerous pantries which would have been used for food, china, silver, linen, scullery etc. I moved back to Dorset in the 70s – we had a lovely postman called Sid Duffett who was probably related to the recipient of the postcard. Carolyn Staunton (nee Hunt), by email Memories of snowy Iwerne Minster The snowy Iwerne Minster scene in Barry Cuff’s December postcards is of the house where I grew up in the 50s and 60s – my bedroom was over that very porch! (image above) We had stables, a large garden and orchard – all of which now contain other new houses – and the house itself was turned into flats so there are numerous families where once there was just one. There were fields opposite where our ponies grazed and watercress beds to the right of the railings you can see, fed by the stream which passed under the road there – it’s hard to make out the bridge in the picture. We moved there soon after I was born in 1949 when my parents acquired the house from Colonel Aston’s widow and it became Preston Farm House. The farm itself was on the opposite side of the road, reached from a lane further along the road, but it had no dwelling. I loved it there and can still remember the names of our neighbours and friends in the village. We had hourly double-decker buses running between Bournemouth and Shaftesbury, a Co-op, a Post Office Shop, a butchers run by my grandfather, a bakery, a barbers shop, a garage, the Talbot pub (once run by my widowed great aunt!) and a village policeman who changed his name from PC Tit to PC Pitt to save his daughter embarrassment. My father had a milk round and daily deliveries in Iwerne Minster were made by horse and milk float driven by an ex-carter who whistled popular tunes throughout the week and hymns on Sundays. The annual village fête was held in the classrooms and grounds of Clayesmore School 56

Could Stur actually sparkle? I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the recent Christmas lighting in Sturminster Newton. The town, with its charming slogan ‘Make Stur Sparkle,’ had promised a festive display that would brighten the winter days. Unfortunately, the decision to once again use battery-operated lights on the street Christmas trees made it fall far short of that promise. The lights came on too late – they weren’t on at school run times – and even when they were on they were so dim you had to strain to see them as you walked or drove through town. And then the batteries would run out. The contrast was stark when compared to the town’s main Christmas tree, which was beautifully lit and demonstrated what the rest of the town could achieve. A few independently-minded shops clearly took the initiative to put up their own lights, which looked wonderful, but further highlighted the inadequacy of the rest. Instead of making Stur Sparkle, the trees instead rather dampened the holiday spirit. As a resident and a lover of Christmas, I urge the town council to reconsider its approach to next year’s trees. It cannot be beyond the whit of the Council – every other town and village seems to manage? A mains-powered and correctly timer-controlled arrangement, could, in fact, make Stur sparkle ... Name and address supplied ¡Olé! A bloke from Bourton who loves Barcelona (but supports Real); a wag from Wincanton who worked there; a copper closely connected to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

the Canaries; a raconteur revelling in it (though more comfortable in Italian); a systems analyst systematically learning it; two teens, friends of course, and many more. All were focused on communicating with the world … talking in a tongue not their own. ‘Which, what, where?’ - you may well ask. Spain, a Fiesta de Navidad and Spanish are the answers, as the local Spanish conversation group met at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton to celebrate Christmas. What fun! What an effort made to bring tapas and pinchos to share! What excellent company! ¡Olé! ¡Oh yes! Everyone is welcome to the group – from fluent linguist to the fervent Duolingo beginner. The best point of contact to find out more is Ros Eveleigh on 07818 038 031. Ros Eveleigh, Blandford December was a delight! I just had to write and say thank and WELL DONE for the December issue. The article on the clean boot hunt was eye-opening. I’ll admit, I saw the images first and – stunning though they were – I was ENRAGED. How dare you? I read on, ready to be further inflamed, and instead was met with humour, pragmatic sense, and a way to thoroughly enjoy the sight of a pack of hounds and riders in mustard coats again. I didn’t know Frederick Treves relationship to Dorset, the CPRE’s column (always interesting) was an excellent essay on a common sense approach to housing and planning, and the local history is always a delight (though I do miss Roger Guttridge). I found some great presents for a couple of tricky-to-buy-fors, the photography was as wonderful as it always is, the quiz was fun, and please tell Heather Brown her Boxing Day Leftovers sandwich was as delicious as promised. Where else can you find a magazine of such quality, entirely for free? We’re blessed to have you. Marion Stone, Wimborne. (Thank you Marion. And we miss Roger very much too - Ed)

Commercial & Private Law

Have confidence in the decisions you make. When it comes to giving advice, we take the time to get to know you and what you want to achieve, whilst making sure that we explain your options in everyday language. By working with us, you can be confident that whatever decisions you make, they’ll be based on sound legal advice that’s in your best interest. Contact us at: info@porterdodson.co.uk

www.porterdodson.co.uk

Then & Now mistake I’m writing to let you know that you have an error in Barry Cuff’s Then & Now this month. I believe the building shown on the postcard is, in fact, the New Ox Inn - just a few doors down from the Old Ox, but definitely a different building! Stuart Taylor, Blandford (You’re completely correct Stuart - you’re not the only one to write and tell me, and we caused quite a flurry of conversation on Facebook. Hands up, that one’s on me! – Ed) 57

POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

A wander through Winterborne Whitechurch This month Barry Cuff has chosen a couple of postcards of the village in which he grew up.

This is the school that grandfather, father and I attended. The sender, Mary Jones, was the infant teacher and wife of Thomas Jones, headmaster. Note the separate playgrounds in their time – bottom for the boys and top for the girls!). It was sent on 23rd December 1904 to the postmistress, Miss F Collis, at Iwerne Minster: ‘My dear Fan, A line to wish you a very jolly Christmas. I thought you would like a view of our house & school. It was taken from the church tower. Much love from Mary Jones’

POSTCARDS FROM A DORSET COLLECTION

A William Snook sent this card on 4th November 1904 to a relative, Miss E Snook, in Longfleet. The Snook family ran the Post Office, Telegraph Office, the bakery and Temperance Hotel in the village – and, as can be seen from the message, they produced postcards too! The thatched cottages were pulled down in the late 1970s. ‘Do you remember this spot – we are doing this at one penny each. I will send Jon another soon. Kind love to all’

LOCAL HISTORY

The forgotten slaves of the West Country

The Bombardment of Algiers, 27 August 1816 by George Chambers

Dorset’s forgotten ordeal: Rupert Hardy explores the impact of Barbary pirate invasions on local seafaring and family histories In recent years, many have focused on the iniquities of the transatlantic slave trade – but it is often forgotten that for more than 300 years, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall were at the mercy of Barbary pirates from North Africa. Countries as far north as Iceland were attacked, with the west coast of England a particular target. Estimates of the slaves taken from Europe between 1530 and 1780 total well over a million men, women and children. The story is a complex one and most of these ‘pirates’ were actually privateers or corsairs, operating under the mandate of sovereign states. Their existence owed much to the rise of the Ottoman empire, which expanded rapidly in the 16th century, threatening Europe. Privateers were effectively part of the Ottoman navy, checking all shipping and enforcing trade agreements. Their aim was not just to capture valuable merchandise and slaves for the

slave markets in North Africa, or to ransom their captives – they also paid tax on all the assets captured. It wasn’t just North Africans – privateers included English and Dutch nationals who had fallen foul of their home countries. One of the most infamous was John Ward, who led a mass desertion from King James I’s navy in 1604. He is said to be the inspiration behind Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. The Christian propagandists liked to convey a picture of dreadful deeds committed by Muslims, with no mention of the part that Christian Europe played. In the 16th century, the Knights of St John in Malta were attacking Ottoman ships and selling Muslim slaves. They were effectively privateers too. West Country attacks The impact of the raids on England by Barbary corsairs was noted from the late 16th century – partly as a result of an ineffective

naval deterrent. The situation was so terrible that an entry in the British Calendar of State Papers in May 1625 stated: ‘The Turks are upon our coasts. They take ships only to take the men to make slaves of them.’ Barbary corsairs raided coastal villages as well as ships out at sea. In August 1625, corsairs raided Mount’s Bay in Cornwall, capturing 60 men, women and children. It was feared that there were around 60 Barbary men-owar stalking the English coast the English coast. The situation was so bad that in that same year Charles I sent a mission to North Africa to try to buy back 2,000 slaves – it was reported that there were up to 5,000 English people in captivity in Algiers alone. Charities were also set up to help ransom the captives and local fishing communities clubbed together to raise money to free their own. In 1645, another raid by corsairs on the Cornish coast saw 240

LOCAL HISTORY men, women and children kidnapped. The following year Parliament sent Edmund Cason to Algiers to negotiate the release of English captives. He paid around £30 per man (women were more expensive) and managed to free some 250 people before he ran out of money. By the 1650s the attacks were so frequent that they threatened England’s fishing industry, with fishermen reluctant to leave their families unprotected ashore when they put out to sea. Dorset Although the situation was worse in Devon and Cornwall, Dorset was hit too. In the 1620s the Mayor of Poole reported that 27 ships and 200 sailors were seized off the Dorset coast in a ten day period. There are documents in Lyme Regis Museum listing a number of mariners taken captive in the 1670s, and the large ransoms paid to free them. The Dirdoe family of Gillingham were also affected – two male members of the family were captured in 1636, but one was freed the following year thanks to the Admiralty organising a small fleet to rescue them and others. Oliver Cromwell declared that any captured “pirates” should be taken to Bristol and drowned. Lundy Island, which corsairs had made their base, was attacked, but despite this, they continued to raid coastal villages.

There is a vivid account of the trade in Samuel Pepys’ diary in an entry from 1661: “Went to the Fleece Tavern to drink; and there we spent till four o’clock, telling stories of Algiers, and the manner of the life of slaves there! And truly Captn. Mootham and Mr. Dawes (who have been both slaves there) did make me fully acquainted with their condition there: as, how they eat nothing but bread and water. … How they are beat upon the soles of their feet and bellies at the liberty of their padron.“ The slave’s lot The ruling pasha had the right to claim one in eight of all Christians captured. The men were mostly used to row the slave galleys, but in winter they worked on state projects, such as quarrying stone or building new galleys. They were fed on bread and water, with only one change of clothing each year. The pasha also bought most of the female captives, who were either taken into the harem or ransomed. Slaves were of any skin colour or religion, but those who converted to Islam were normally saved from rowing the galleys. The rich were usually ransomed, while the poor would end their days dying of starvation, disease or maltreatment. Some have argued that North Africa was more of an interfaith-tolerant society than Christian Europe.

Ending the trade There was no formal system for ransoming slaves until after 1640, when the Catholic clergy played the biggest role in repatriating the captives (the Protestants were more disorganised). Many countries found the best response was to pay a subsidy to the Barbary States – Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli. Eventually in 1675 Sir John Narborough, with a Royal Navy squadron, managed to negotiate a peace with Tunis. A naval bombardment by the British then brought about peace with Tripoli. Algiers was attacked not only by British warships but also by the French and Spanish. The 18th century saw reduced corsair activity, partly as the Ottoman Empire was on the retreat. But then the upheaval in Europe caused by the French Revolution triggered renewed attacks as the respective European navies were busy fighting each other instead. After Napoleon’s defeat, the focus shifted back to suppressing the corsairs. Even the United States fought two wars against the Barbary States. After a formidable final attack by the British and Dutch on Algiers in 1816, more than 4,000 Christian slaves were liberated and the power of the Barbary corsairs was mostly broken. It did not end until France’s colonial occupation of Algeria in 1830.

Both these images are from a series by engraver Andreas Matthäus Wolfgang, who trained with his father and then, with his brother Johann, in England. On their return trip in 1684, the brothers were abducted by pirates and taken to Algiers where they were sold as slaves. They were only released, around 1691, after a ransom was paid. The series can be seen in the Lichtenstein Collection here – left is a Captain of an Algerian pirate ship and right is an Algerian pirate steersman 61

THEN AND NOW Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar places.

Lydlinch

THEN AND NOW

The A357 looks a little different at the Three Boars in 1904! Visually almost unchanged, but no longer a pub – and it would seem that ladies could walk down the middle of the road in relaxed comfort. The turn of the century photographer no doubt had a less nervous time standing in the road to take his photograph, too! This card was sent from Sturminster Newton to Lydlinch on 3rd December 1904. Above, the Lydlinch school card wasn’t posted so we don’t have a date, but it’s clearly pre-First World War and the bicycle that can be seen became widespread after 1900. The school is now a private house – missing its school bell above the porch, painted white and with a second floor added, it’s still easily recognisable.

NIGHT SKY

The Great Wall Cosmic wonders from the Dorset skies as astrophotographer Rob Nolan captures the Cygnus Wall from 2,000 light years away Happy New Year to all The BV readers! So here we long, and is a huge star-forming region. are, 2024 – and I think every UK-based amateur To put things into perspective, when we talk astronomer had only one wish for Christmas – about the distances of these deep sky objects and more clear skies! how far they are from Earth. Let’s just remind The theme for the end of 2023 was, quite simply, ourselves that a single light year is six trillion atrocious weather! As I write, I’m miles – that’s a six with 12 zeros really hoping we get to a decent cold behind it: 6,000,000,000,000 miles. The ridge is snap quickly so we can finally get The North American Nebula is approximately approximately 2,000 light years from some clear crisp nights. I for one am far behind in my target list! 20 light years Earth, just to really blow your minds So, starting off our 2024 skywatch, we this early in the year! long – and a have an image I acquired back in late The North America Nebula in its single light November, when we did actually have entirety covers a region more than year is six an entirely clear still night. ten times the area of the full moon, trillion miles but its surface brightness is low, so Long-standing readers may recall NGC7000 (The North America Nebula) normally it cannot be seen with the from the middle of 2022. However, naked eye. It took only three hours this image is a closer field of view, revealing of data to create this false colour Narrowband fine details within the impressive ‘Cygnus Wall’ image, which was captured using a dedicated region of the Nebula. This is the portion of the mono astrophotography camera and a 1000mm nebula that oddly resembles Mexico and Central Maksutov Newtonian reflector telescope, from America! The ridge is approximately 20 light years our very own skies over Dorset.

The night sky, January 2024 – Rob’s guide for your stargazing this month: A New Year brings a whole new 12 months of celestial events, from meteor showers and comets to rocket launches. As we make another full revolution around our sun, 2024 will be an exciting year for astronomy! Kicking off the year is a chance to see the return of an icy interloper that returns to our inner solar system every 6.2 years. Comet 62P/Tsuchinshan is a huge icy rock, more than 6 miles wide, and it will come within 47 million miles of Earth at its closest approach on 30th January. It will transit in front of the constellation Leo – you’ll need a dark sky to see it, and good night sky navigation skills or a computerized setup to find the comet in the night sky! There are several other comets that could be visible during February and March, so it’s a really exciting time for comet hunters! Come September we may get the chance to see another comet with the naked eye. Turning our attention back to this month, we kicked off the year with the Quadrantid meteor shower on the 3rd and 4th – don’t worry, I missed it too! On the 14th, look towards the Moon and you’ll spot Saturn close by shining brightly. On the 18th, the brilliant star near the Moon will be

our other gas giant neighbor, Jupiter. On the 30th, grab those binoculars and try to find Comet 62P/Tsuchinshan in the Leo constellation. There are some brilliant shining stars in the night sky at the moment, so why not take a tour of them? Find Orion in the night sky and you’ll see Betelgeuse and Rigel, accompanied by Sirius and Canis Major. Forming a giant arc above are Procyon, Castor and Pollux and Capella. You’ll also spot the unmistakable red giant Aldebaran. As the winter nights set in, the stars and constellations will become much easier to identify – but you’ll have to brave the cold to do so! In other news Fast forward to November and the Artemis 2 is NASA’s next step in the ambitious Artemis programme, which aims to put humans back on the Moon by 2025, to build a space station in lunar orbit and to lay the groundwork for sending humans to Mars. This crewed mission will fly beyond the Moon and complete a lunar flyby. A hugely exciting time for anyone born after the 1960s, with a taste of the adventure experienced during the Apollo programme – I can’t wait! Until next time, clear skies.

Find Rob on Facebook as RPN Photography here

BOOK CORNER With the seasonal excess, extravagance, sugar and waste firmly in the rear view mirror, our thoughts often turn in January to how to eat more healthily, and how to lower our carbon footprint. So this month I’ve picked two splendid titles that will help us do that – and save some money in the process. Happy New Year! Wayne.

Unprocess Your Life – Rob Hobson

January’s traditionally the time to re-evaluate what we eat. Following on from a year that saw the success of the book ‘Ultra-Processed People’ by Chris van Tulleken, the nutritionist Rob Hobson looks at our intake of food from another angle and examines the way ultra-processed food items can make up at least 50 per cent of the average family’s weekly shop. The term ‘ultra processed food’ doesn’t only include the obvious candidates like sweets and ready meals – so often a ‘healthy’ cereal or fruit drink falls into the category. So many things we eat have been through a multitude of procedures and places before we see it, even if we assume from clever packaging that it’s fresh. As our relationship with food convenience and cost evolves, this can be less obvious to spot. Helpfully, this book has an excellent breakdown of the official NOVA system of categorisation from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation. There are useful FAQs answered and then some

really useful information on buying and storing various foods. The recipes are really well laid out – straightforward, with appealing photographs of what you could be making to eat this year. The roasted red pepper, pesto and hot sauces are all particularly tempting, along with the spiced aubergine stew, not to mention the sweet potato brownies and the orange, cardamom and honey polenta cake!

The Green Budget Guide: 101 Planet and Money Saving Tips, Ideas and Recipes – Nancy Birtwhistle

Saving money doesn’t have to cost the earth. How can you remove even the toughest stains? How can you make the best use of your microwave but keep meals healthy and tasty? How can you remove mould safely? Sunday Times bestselling author and Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle is here to answer all of these questions and more, featuring 101 thoughtful, cheap and time-saving tips and tricks on how to run a budget and home, all while protecting the environment 66

WHAT'S ON @ THE EXCHANGE WILL GATER

FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY

THE REAL MANHUNTER LIVE!

FRIDAY 2ND FEBRUARY Former Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton will take you through his career – from cracking cold cases and chasing serial killers to writing books and making TV shows. (£14)

Astronomer Will Gater with this thrilling new show, delves deep into some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked: what’s ‘out there’, what are the stars, and what is our place in the immense Cosmos that we call home. Blending spectacular visuals, live demos and inspiring storytelling (£16/£12)

THE GEORGE HARRISON PROJECT FRIDAY 1ST MARCH

Enjoy the UK’s leading live music tribute to George Harrison, performing his bestloved hits from The Beatles, his solo career and The Traveling Wilburys. With hits My Sweet Lord, Got My Mind Set On You and many more! (£22)

SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY (£18)

WHAT’S ON

Dorset, your spring adventure awaits! Spring 2024 is set to bloom with the inaugural Dorset Spring Show, promising a vibrant celebration of spring flowers, food, farming, and more. Scheduled for Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April 2024, it’s a brand new event from the team behind the Dorset County Show. The Dorset Spring Show is a celebration of the arrival of warmer days after the chill of winter. Jason Bowerman, Chairman of the Show, says the event may be new, but it has old bones; ‘The roots of this event trace back to the Society’s annual Spring Horticulture and Homecraft Competitions Show. In 2024, we are taking this to a whole new level with the introduction of the Dorset Spring Show, set against the stunning backdrop of Kingston Maurward.’ Visitors can expect a range of experiences, from savoring local delicacies and discovering the art of food production to enjoying live demonstrations and engaging talks by local speakers. Entertainment will be plentiful, with local acts, hands-on rural skills workshops, and of course there’ll be lots of shopping opportunities. The highlight for many will undoubtedly be the chance to meet newborn lambs – a true sign of spring. A special focus of the Show will be the farm-to-fork journey, illustrating the agriculture sector’s vital role in feeding the nation. It will feature a variety

of speakers and rural crafters, showcasing the essence of Dorset. James Cox, the Show Organiser, shares his enthusiasm: ‘Speakers Corner, Floral Demonstrations, Agri Education Hub, Crafters Corner … there is so much happening in this new event, and you can be a part of it. For more than 170 years, the Dorset County Show has bid summer farewell in style. In 2024, we are also starting summer with a blooming bang through the Dorset Spring Show. We will have so much to announce over the coming months.’ Tickets are available now, with an Early Bird offer for adults at just £8, and free entry for children. • dorsetspringshow.co.uk.

Organised by Shaftesbury Rotary Club

ALL PROCEEDS TO STARS APPEAL

Easter Sunday 7th april 2024

Start at park walk - finish gold hill 10km run starts 10 am - £15 a head 5km run starts 10.30 am - £10 a head Under 16 HALF PRICE

The Repair Cafe from 10am to 12.30pm once a month at Cheap Street Church Hall, Sherborne. It is run by a team of volunteers, and visitors bring their broken items from home. Small, damaged objects, mechanical devices, jewellery repairs, clothing or children’s toys that need some TLC. 68

For more information & booking details (shaftesburyrotary.org)

WHAT’S ON

All Stars with the Sherborne School Swing Band

Friday 9th February, 7.30pm Dining Hall, Sherborne School Enjoy a three-course dinner and some foot-tapping numbers from the Sherborne School Swing Band

Tickets £30.00 (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

Scan the QR code to book, or email: tickets@sherborne.org Dress code: smart casual

WHAT’S ON

Hail apple tree! Hail good health! If the idea of “wassail” conjures up shivery images of rain-swept orchards, mud under very cold feet, people with leaves in their hair, and a lot of increasingly merry joshing with flagons of cider, mead or ale and blanks being fired into the air … think again. Working with Bruton’s At The Chapel cafe and arts venue, Oliver Dowding and Jane O’Meara have arranged a wassail with a difference on Saturday 20th January, to celebrate Dowding’s Apple Juice and Cider and raise funds for the locally based Pitcombe Rock Falconry. Rather than the usual wassail in the chilly ambience of a January night, this event is intended to be an introduction to traditional wassail and a fun event to celebrate Somerset’s great cider heritage and enjoy some singing and dancing with one of the area’s newest Morris sides. There will be a talk by Oliver Dowding, whose award-winning ciders include gold at the British Cider Championships (at the Royal Bath & West Show) for the Dry Still Cider (2023 and 2021), Kingston Black apple juice (2023) and Wild Orchard apple juice (2022). The ciders and apple juices have also won silver and bronze at the championships,

as well as Great Taste Award stars. Other speakers include Alan Wells of Pitcombe Rock Falconry and historian Andrew Pickering as well as Tracey Smythe of Castle Cary’s Maison Catelier, selling Wassail candles. Traditionally held on Twelfth Night, the wassail ceremony is intended to wake the apple trees from their winter slumber, chase away evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest. Jane describes this newstyle indoor event as ‘a collaboration’ between local business and groups to support the Pitcombe Rock Falconry, which has recently located after being made homeless last year. She says: ‘The evening will have a wassail theme, encouraging local people to discover the many varied ways in which people can celebrate wassail in the South West. At its heart, wassail is a celebration of local distinctiveness, which means every wassail will be different.’ At the Chapel has provided the venue, with an outdoor terrace. The event starts at 5pm, and the party should go with a swing, with mulled cider, and the recently formed Wild Moon Morris, a new Border Morris groupt. • You can book for the wassail evening here

Friday Lunchtime Recitals 1.45pm Cheap Street Church (unless otherwise stated)

Your Invitation to join us for a Service of Thanksgiving Sunday 10 March 2024 at 6.00 pm Sherborne Abbey, Dorset

12th January

Pianists

19th January

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists I

26th January

Strings

2nd February

Wind Band

9th February

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists II

23rd February

Brass

1st March

Woodwind

8th March

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists III

15th March

Jazz

22nd March

Instrumental and Vocal Soloists IV

A special occasion To mark the RNLI's 200th Anniversary By kind permission of the Reverend Martin Lee Rector Sherborne Abbey

(BSR)

FREE ADMISSION ALL WELCOME

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ

Photo: Stephen Duncombe

WHAT’S ON

Joint Schools’ Musical Showcase Wednesday 24th January, 7.30pm Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls

First-class ensembles from Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls and The Gryphon School perform in a superb showcase concert. Including performances from the Sherborne Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, the Sherborne Girls Madrigal Society, the Joint Schools’ Choir and the Sherborne School Swing Band!

FREE ADMISSION, BOOKING ESSENTIAL Scan the QR code or email: tickets@sherborne.org

Tindall Recital Series Wednesday 7th February, 7.30pm Tindall Recital Hall, Music School, Sherborne School

Benjamin Davey — piano

Clare Jackson — flute

Music to include:

La Flute de Pan Jules Mouquet Sonatina for flute and piano Eldin Burton Sunday morning Ian Clarke

Tickets £12.50 (to include a glass of wine)

Scan the QR code to book now or email: tickets@sherborne.org

ART

Great women artists in Dorset The new year, 2024, starts with Dorset exhibitions of two of the towering figures of 20th century art – both women. There is a major Elisabeth Frink retrospective at Dorset Museum and a collection of photogravures by the pioneering painter and leading American Modernist, Georgia O’Keeffe, at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre gallery. Fanny Charles

Elisabeth Frink in Dorset

A major new exhibition at Dorset Museum explores the life and work of the world-famous sculptor who lived on Bulbarrow for nearly 20 years One of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century, Dame Elisabeth Frink, lived at Woolland House on Bulbarrow in the heart of Dorset, from 1976 until she died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 62. To mark the 30th anniversary of her death, there is a major retrospective at the Dorset Museum. Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within is the first exhibition to focus on the significant body of work she produced at her Woolland studio. It explores her artistic process, personal life, the profound influences that shaped her work, our relationship with the natural world and her enduring legacy. Like many of her generation, whatever their subsequent career or life path, Frink was profoundly affected by the Second World War. She was part of a post-war school of sculpture known as the Geometry of Fear and much of her work was concerned with the exercise of power. She also had a strong interest in the human form and animals, particularly birds, dogs and horses. In its obituary, The Times defined her work as having Standing Horse by Elisabeth Frink; Dorset Museum collection, 1993. Artist copyright approved by Tully and Bree Jammet

three themes: “the nature of Man; the ‘horseness’ of horses and the divine in human form.” Elisabeth Frink was born in November 1930 at her paternal grandparents’ home, The Grange, in Great Thurlow, Suffolk. Her parents were Captain Ralph Cuyler Frink, a career officer in the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards, and Jean Elisabeth Conway-Gordon. With her mother, Elisabeth and her brother Tim were evacuated to Exmouth. Her father was one of the cavalry regiment evacuated from Dunkirk in the early summer of 1940. The war inevitably provided context for some of her early works. Growing up near a military airfield in Suffolk, she heard bombers returning from their missions and on one occasion was forced to hide under a hedge to avoid the machine gun attack of a German fighter plane. Some of her early drawings, before she went to art school in London, include wounded birds and falling men. She trained at Guildford School of Art and at Chelsea School of Art. She lived in France from 1967 to 1970 and moved to Dorset with her third husband, Alexander Csaky, in 1976. What it means to be human The Dorset Museum exhibition, which runs until 21st April, presents works from the collection that the museum acquired from the Elisabeth Frink Estate in 2020, featuring around 80 sculptures, prints, drawings and personal possessions. Many of these items, including working plasters that formed the basis of Frink’s bronze sculptures, are on public show for the first time. The works are arranged in eight themed sections, each offering a perspective on her life and art. The display, which features a partial re-creation of her studio, explores her creative methods and her connection with the natural world, including the contemplation of human-animal interdependence. Her work was profoundly spiritual, reflecting her humanist beliefs and dedication to human rights. Also on show are personal papers and photographs from the Frink Archive at the Dorset History Centre, and large-scale sculptures from Yorkshire Sculpture

ART Elisabeth Frink working on the Dorset Martyrs group, 1985. © Anthony Marshall/Courtesy of Dorset History Centre. Artist copyright approved by Tully and Bree Jammet.

Park and The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art. Elizabeth Selby, Dorset Museum’s director of collections and public engagement, says: ‘Elisabeth Frink was an extraordinary artist who explored what it meant to be human through her work. This

exhibition portrays Frink in a more intimate light, revealing her inner world and the major themes she explored in her sculpture, prints and drawings.’ Among the objects illustrating her life at Woolland are paintings by friends, a book inspired by Frink by her friend, Michael Morpurgo, family photographs 73

ART Elisabeth Frink on Bulbarrow Hill, c.1970. Courtesy of Dorset History Centre

and Seated Man (1986, on loan from Yorkshire Sculpture Park), which she placed by the swimming pool, the setting for many parties. Items in the re-created studio include plasters for sculptures including Walking Man (1989) and Leonardo’s Dog (1991), and there are photographs and archive film which convey the creative freedom Desert Head by Elisabeth Frink, was on loan outside The Exchange arts and community centre at Sturminster Newton for some years.

that Frink enjoyed at Woolland. A selection of original prints including Little Owl (1977) and Blue Horse Head (1988) shows how Frink mastered a number of printmaking techniques, lithography, etching and screen-printing, through collaborations with three major printmaking studios. Book illustrations including The Children of the Gods: The Complete Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece, highlight how her art often echoed her love of poetry, music, reading and her convictions. Her belief in the dependency of humans on the natural world and other species and her questioning of hierarchies that lead to injustice and acts of aggression are revealed through her sculptures of animals, including Standing Horse (1993) and Small Standing Dog (1991) as well as drawings and original prints. Sharing her work In the section Spirituality and Humanism, Frink’s art is viewed in relation to her own spiritual beliefs and her commitment to humanist ideas. Although raised as a Catholic, she was ambivalent about organised religion, but some of her sculptures, including Walking Madonna (1981), familiar to many local people from its site in Salisbury Cathedral Close, demonstrate an understanding of litany and sacred space, while showing a sensibility and respect towards people with religious beliefs. The Human Rights section explores her

ART commitment to interrogating human rights abuses, revealing how her work gives dignity to the victims and survivors of brutality, including sculptural tributes to martyrs and prisoners of conscience. Goggle Head (1969) and the Running Men series (1970s and 80s) were her most overtly political statements. There is a maquette for the Dorset Martyrs (1983), which pays homage to all men and women who suffered for their beliefs. The sculpture stands at Gallows Hill on South Walks, Dorchester. The final section, New Beginnings, honours Frink’s enduring legacy. The dying wishes of her son, Lin Jammet, were that the entire Frink Estate and Archive be given to the nation, ensuring that his mother’s vision of sharing her artwork within the public sphere was achieved. This generosity resulted in a significant cultural gift to 12 public museums across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with Dorset Museum receiving more than 300 works. Letters and archive material show how Frink was aware of the vulnerability of life – the theme of mortality was present in much of her work. In 1990, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery and treatment. Her hope for remission so that she could see her grandson grow up

Walking Madonna by Elisabeth Frink, 1981 © John-Paul Bland/courtesy The Ingram Collection. Artist copyright approved by Tully and Bree Jammet

became directed towards ideas of regeneration and rebirth, expressed in her Green Man (1992) artworks. Following its run at Dorset

Museum, Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within will tour to two of the Wessex Museum partners – Swindon Museum and Art Gallery and Salisbury Museum.

Elisabeth Frink’s paint box, c. 1990. Dorset Museum collection

ART

Georgia O’Keeffe: Memories of Drawings Georgia O’Keeffe has been a feminist icon for many years. Her voluptuous flower paintings have become a visual cliche – but there is so much more to this major artist, who was a leading figure in the American Modernists. A new touring exhibition, from the Hayward Gallery on London’s South Bank, brings a collection of photogravures of her drawings to Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre gallery, from Thursday 25th January to Tuesday 27th February. The drawings were produced by the artist between 1915 and 1963, reflecting the development of her art and her position as an important innovator, finding a balance between figurative and abstract, and capturing unique and challenging insights into both the cityscapes of New York and the vast mountainous deserts of the American South West, particularly New Mexico where she lived for much of her long life.

A portrait of Georgia O’Keeffe at Ghost Ranch, 1975, by American photographer Dan Budnik, (1933-2020), best-known for his work covering the Civil Rights movement, Native American life and portraits of artists.

Abstracts and etchings Born in Wisconsin in 1887, O’Keeffe died in New Mexico in 1986. Much of her work is on view at the O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, although visitors can also go to her home, Ghost Ranch, at Abiquiu, some miles from the city. She was best known as a painter, but drawing was central to her

practice. It was her charcoal abstracts which secured her inaugural exhibitions in 191617, organised by the prominent photographer and gallerist Alfred Stieglitz. They later married, but had a famously stormy relationship – he had affairs with other women and she increasingly spent her time in New Mexico. She used drawing as a language to evoke important moments and emotions – the curve of a flower petal, a desert horizon, the wave of one’s hair or the flow of a winding road. The works in the exhibition at Poole show her distinctive style and chart themes and motifs, from early charcoal abstracts through pencil drawings

and watercolours, to the powerful semi-abstract images of animal skulls and horns which she found on the desert near Abiquiu. Photogravure is a printmaking process that produces etchings with the tone and detail of a photograph through exposure onto a copper plate. The exhibition includes nine prints of her earliest charcoal abstracts alongside photogravures of works originally rendered in pencil and watercolour. Displayed alongside the drawings there are texts about why she made them. They are sourced from a fragmentary but often poetic text that she published alongside the collection in 1974.

Goat’s Horns II, 1945

Banana Flower, 1933

Drawing No.12, 1917, annotated with ‘maybe a kiss …’ by O’Keeffe

FOOD AND DRINK

The easiest, most comforting, Butternut Squash Soup This is the perfect comfort food for January - it’s so simple to make, really good for you and deliciously thick and moreish for those cold January days. The amount this recipe makes depends on the size of your butternut squash, but will feed at least three hungry people.

Ingredients • • • •

1 butternut squash Some good quality olive oil 1 small onion 1 generously heaped tbs of butter

• • • •

1 tbs maple syrup 300ml to 500ml of vegetable stock Some crushed chilli flakes A bit of cream or natural yoghurt to finish

Method 1. 2. 3. 4.

Heat your oven to gas 5/160º fan. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the butternut squash in half from top to bottom and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the inside of the squash liberally with olive oil and place it flat face down on the baking tray. Roast in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes (depending on how large the squash is), until the inside is soft. The skin will crinkle slightly and start to brown. 5. Remove from the oven and leave until cool enough to handle – at least ten minutes. 6. While the squash is cooling, chop the onion. 7. Add the butter to a small frying pan over a medium heat, and when melted add the onion. Drizzle in the maple syrup and cook gently together until the onion has softened and the buttery mixture starts to brown. Remove from the heat. 8. Take the butternut squash halves and scoop the lovely soft insides into a bowl (throw the tough skins away). Add the softened onions in their sweet buttery mixture into the squash. 9. Blend using a stick blender until it is a smooth, glorious, thick and tasty mixture. 10. Loosen the mixture with the stock – just add until you have reached the consistency of soup you like (I used about 300ml of stock but I like a lovely thick soup and my butternut squash was quite small). 11. This soup will keep quite happily in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat in a small saucepan and finish with a drizzle of cream or natural yoghurt and some crushed chilli flakes. 78

Heather Brown is a special officer for the Guild of Food Writers, and has worked in the food industry for 20 years. 79 She is a food writer and photographer, offering one-to-one help to local businesses for content and websites.

FOOD AND DRINK

The international taste of our Local Flavours

Crowds pour on to Great Field at Poundbury for the August one-day Dorset Food & Arts Festival, founded in the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year, 2012, which was also the year of the London Olympics, with the sailing events at Weymouth. The festival continues to celebrate Dorset’s food and drink and creativity.

Celebrating the quality and diversity of food and drink in Dorset (with a pinch of Wiltshire and Somerset) with Fanny Charles When I created the Local Flavours column in the organisers of food festivals and markets and people old BVM, 20 years ago, the name wasn’t original. generally involved in the local food scene. It was actually the title of a wonderful book by the great American food writer and cook Deborah Food, film and festivals Madison. Her Local Flavours was a celebration Although there were a few farmers markets around not of one county (or state) but of the food local – Bath had the first, starting in 1997 – the idea to farmers markets across the USA and around of a county-wide farmers market group was still the year. Quoting the then new when Dorset Farmers Markets president of her local Santa Fe came into existence in 2004. It was Farmers Market, Don Bustos, From Afghanistan followed in 2011 by the setting up of Madison defined the role of a a producers group, Dorset Food & to Zimbabwe – farmers market as ‘much more Drink, and then a growing calendar kombucha and than farmers selling produce of events celebrating the wonderful kimchi, baked ... they’re about protecting our produce that was being made farmland and water ... keeping across Dorset from Cranborne to goods from the farming traditions and Wootton Fitzpaine. Ukraine, spicy cultures alive ... about providing There were great DF&D events, stews from West communities with good food.’ including the Dorset Food & Arts Africa, charcuterie Festival at Poundbury and the The food campaigner Michael Pollan, whose most famous Athelhampton Christmas Fair, spread made with local advice is: ‘Don’t eat anything through the beautiful Tudor house wild venison, your great grandmother and a marquee in the gardens. craft gin, tastes of Two related events were the autumn wouldn’t recognise as food’ (In Defence of Food, 2008), Poland and Syria ... Screen Bites Food Film Festival, and described the book as the bank holiday Spring Tide, at The ‘indispensable’. Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock, That was what we rather ambitiously aimed to be created by Caroline (Caz) Richards in her role as with our own Blackmore Vale version. It must have visitor experience manager for the National Trust. worked because, all these years on, as I started to She collaborated with Dorset Food & Drink in 2012 talk to people about revive the Local Flavours name when it had just been ‘born’, but even after Caz left for The BV Magazine, I was surprised by how widely the National Trust she continued to organise the it was remembered by food producers, chefs, event as an NT volunteer. 80

FOOD AND DRINK Food stories past and present Twenty years of financial highs and lows, and massive changes in food production, hosp[itality and farming, as well as the growing threat of extreme events and the pandemic, have all affected the food and drink scene. But Dorset Food & Drink is still going, some of the farmers markets and events continue to bring the finest tastes of Dorset and the surrounding area to the foodloving public ... and there has been an explosion of diversity on the local food and drink landscape. It used to be that our “ethnic restaurants” were Chinese, Indian or Italian – and the food was not always authentic! Nowadays, you can make an A to Z of food and drink that runs from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, embracing kombucha, kimchi and fermentations from Japan and Korea, bread and baked goods from Ukraine, spicy stews from West Africa, charcuterie made with locally farmed meat and wild venison, craft gin, and tastes of Poland, Syria and many more countries and cultures. So this is what we aim to celebrate in the new Local Flavours. We want to introduce readers to this delicious and colourful diversity. We want to tell you where you can find this vast range of food and drink. We will bring you stories of food from the farm down the road and the ancient traditions of refugees from war-torn countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. We will dig into Dorset’s kitchens and family archives to find historic recipes that link us to our past ... and we will tempt you to try new tastes and products with exciting recipes, whether they come

Dorset’s own ’trumpet-blower’, Caroline (Caz) Richards, a Londoner who fell in love with Dorset and dreamed she was Tess of the D’Urbrvilles, is the coordinator of Dorset Food and Drink.

Key dates for your calendar Dorset Food & Drink has four major events planned for 2024: • Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens food festival, 30th March • Abbotsbury Swannery Food and Craft Fair, a new festival coinciding with the cygnets hatching, with food and drink, music and crafts, 26th-27th May • Dorset Food and Arts Festival, Poundbury Great Field, on the Saturday in August closest to the birthday of the late Queen Mother (4th August) • Athelhampton Christmas Fair, Athelhampton House, Puddletown, last weekend in November. (Dates may be subject to change – we will be updating the calendar as we go along). from centuries-old farmhouses or the makeshift cooking facilities of people who came here with nothing but memories. The face of DF&D Dorset Food & Drink, which operates under the umbrella of the Dorset National Landscape (formerly the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, aka AONB), represents food and drink businesses based in Dorset which produce, serve and sell great local products. It celebrates the producers’ connection to this beautiful county and helps to put residents in touch with them, as well as showcasing the best of local food and drink for people holidaying or visiting the county. Did you know, for example, that the historic Dorset Blue Vinny, exclusively made by the Davies family at Woodbridge Farm near Stock Gaylard in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, was the first British food product to be awarded PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status? The first co-ordinator of Dorset Food & Drink was Katharine Wright (now Parsons), whose indefatigable efforts put the organisation firmly on the West Country map, with support – as sponsors and founding members – from some of the biggest names in Dorset food and drink and farming, including NFU Mutual, Blanchards Bailey, Dorset Cereals, the Hive Beach Cafe, Purbeck Ice Cream, Moores Biscuits, Hall & Woodhouse, Ford Farm Cheesemakers, BV Dairy and Olives Et Al. The organisation has been a Community Interest Company since 2017. Since 2019, the co-ordinator has been Caz Richards, another power-house of energy and creative imagination, who describes her role as 81

FOOD AND DRINK

Celestria Duerdoth runs Derwen Farm and farm shop, near West Stafford, with her husband Chas. Lizzie, Dorset’s much-loved Baking Bird, queen of the brownies, crab tarts, sausage rolls and more, was wrapped up warmly for the Athelhampton Christmas Fair. “I’ve had a lovely day. The sun shone, I made a lot of people happy selling my buns and made a few bob too!”. A stalwart of Dorset Farmers Markets, she attends all the special Dorset Food & Drink events.

‘trumpet blower, critical friend, knowledge bank, mentor and event, festival and market organiser ... I also enjoy helping members, analysing and understanding trends, developing best practice and promoting DF&D to ensure we are the heartbeat of food and drink in Dorset.’ Born in Stoke Newington, Caz started coming to Dorset as a child: ‘My grandmother and aunt moved to Weymouth in 1973, so I spent most of my school holidays in Dorset – working on the beach in the summer with the famous donkeys, or wandering in Thorncombe woods, my head full of Hardy, imagining I was Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Little did I know back then that in 2008 I would be working for the National Trust in West Dorset and managing Hardy Country!’ Flavours Project The role of Dorset Food & Drink is multi-faceted, Caz explains, including improving sustainability, supporting local producers to strengthen the local economy and local food resilience, preserving local culture and enhancing a sense of community. A new Heritage Lottery-funded partnership with Dorset Race Equality Council has led to the development of the Flavours Project – offering opportunities to people from diverse backgrounds to come together to share experiences, reduce isolation, celebrate our global heritage and connect to nature, using food as a unifier. Activities range from picnics, shared lunches and recipe swaps to baking and cooking together, sharing food stories and traditions. Meet Ups are held in Sturminster Newton, Weymouth, Bridport, Swanage and Sherborne. • dorsetfoodanddrink.org 82

Healthy and delicious, some of the colourful Curious Kombucha fermented teas made in West Dorset

Shanty botanical gin and vodka are made with Dorsetforaged seaweed – founded by former TV cameraman Hugh Lambert, combining his passion for craft distilling and the “magnetic pull of the shoreline”

Where to find a Farmers Market • Poundbury, Queen Mother’s Square, fourth Saturday • Shaftesbury, Town Hall, first Saturday • Sherborne, Cheap Street, third Friday • Wimborne, Market Square, third Saturday The nearest Wiltshire Farmers Market is at Salisbury at the Poultry Cross, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. The nearest Somerset Farmers Market is at Frome, at Boyles Cross on the second Saturday of the month, and – as part of the Frome Independent – on the first Sunday.

MEET YOUR LOCAL Coffee and cake at the Green Cafe in Henstridge

The Green Cafe at Henstridge Rachael Rowe visits the cosy hub of community, coffee, and culinary delights which is building a reputation for its fresh fare and warm welcome When you open the door to the Green Cafe in Henstridge, you’re immediately greeted by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baking – and warm smiles from the team. On a wet, wintry day, the cafe is a welcome haven – but there’s a lot more to the menu than food. The Green Cafe is located at Henstridge in the Rainsford family’s Grassroots Garden and Aquatic Centre, a popular business owned by the Rainsford family; Misha Rainsford owns the cafe

Misha Rainsford (r) with Linda image: Rachael Rowe

‘We took over the cafe in September 2023, when the previous occupants left, so we’re in our fifth month. My family owns the site and my husband has done loads of work to build up the business. When I took on the cafe I really wanted to ‘macarons make it somewhere from Emily for the community. Some people come Rose Patisserie in every day, others in Sherborne, pop in weekly as coffee from part of their routine. Bomo Roast in And I want to make things affordable, Bournemouth, especially for families. and of course we For example, festive use Dikes.’ afternoon teas were a big success. I’d like to expand to cream teas outside in the warmer weather. We’ve also drawn in people who are just passing on the A357. ‘We make our paninis and toasties from scratch and everything is fresh on the day. We have freshlybrewed coffee and a range of cakes – and we cater for vegans, gluten free and dairy free. The menu of light lunches changes seasonally. ‘We’re very much here for the community. We have a support group for parents and carers of children with special needs that meets here. I also work for the local authority, and have an awareness of the 83

MEET YOUR LOCAL needs for people with disabilities and those who need support. For example, one of our tables has been raised so wheelchair users can sit around it comfortably. We’re also trying to get a knit and natter group set up.’ One of the issues with setting up a cafe is always finding the right staff. Already, Misha has built up a good team. ‘I have Linda and Alana who are local. And we have younger team members who live in the village to help at busy times like the weekends. ‘Our best sellers are definitely the toasties – especially cheese and red onion, though the brie and cranberry, and ham and chutney come in close seconds! Our soups are also popular. We do also ask customers for suggestions. Kids love our milkshakes, which we have in loads of interesting flavours including biscoff. ‘We source a lot of our supplies locally and as we’re so new we’re still tasting samples! The cakes come from Hunts – using a supplier like that helps us guarantee something is gluten free or complies with allergies. We get our macarons from Emily Rose Patisserie in Sherborne. Our coffee comes from Bomo Roast in Bournemouth – and of course we use Dikes up the road. ‘One of the biggest challenges we faced initially was that people thought we were closed! But we’re not, of course. Our signs helped with that – and also using social media. ‘We’re proud that the cafe is a nice, safe place for people – and that we’ve built it up from nothing. We really started from scratch; we even had to get crockery from the Honesty Jar! I’m also very proud of the team. Local people have told us: “This is what the village needs” and that’s how we want it. We want to support the community. ‘In the summer, we are planning an open area next to the cafe, where we can also have live music.’ The Honesty Jar Entirely separate from the Green Cafe, The Honesty Jar focuses on sustainability – you bring clean, reusable things you don’t need, and leave with new items. When we spoke, manager Samantha Flanders was busy co-ordinating various donations

streaming into the shed: ‘We handle 70,000 tonnes of donations each year. We base ourselves on the old barter and exchange method. Kids actually get it more than adults! Some families are in a routine where they’ll get the kids to drop off an old toy or book and pick up a new one. You donate a sum that you are happy with, no questions asked.’ Inside there are filing cabinets of crafting material, shelves of books, children’s clothes and toys. Rows of kitchen utensils and crockery, adult clothes and shoes, and ornaments fill the space. The more you look the more you see – there’s a real danger you’ll come out with more than you donated! In fact, it’s perfect for anyone looking to reduce their consumption, it’s useful for items for art and school projects, and it’s ideal if you are trying to stick to No New January, of course. Even the building has been recycled. Its previous life was as a primary school in Wales! The timber holding up the roof in the entrance comes from sustainable logging on Ham Hill. To get people thinking about how they can be creative with used items, the team also holds craft and sustainability workshops. With good walks in the area, the Green Cafe is ideal for a day out – get good coffee and a light lunch, plan your seed planting in the Grassroots Garden Centre and hunt for bargains in the Honesty Jar – all in one place. • Grassroots Garden Centre, Henstridge BA8 0SA Mon, Tue, Thu to Sat – 10am to 4pm Sun – 11am to 3pm Wed – Closed. Find them on Facebook here

ADVERTORIAL

OUT OF DOORS NEWS

A sneaky peek into the building of Thorngrove’s Winter Woodland experience

Smash those garden goals! New year, new developments at Thorngrove: January sees the unveiling of the renovated cafe and a host of garden plans and events 2024 is in full swing and we’re not slowing down here at Thorngrove in Gillingham. The garden centre reopened on 3rd Jan, but regular followers may have noticed the café remains closed. Fear not! It’s only for a short while longer as the café undergoes some exciting refurbishments of kitchen facilities and out front of house. Ben, manager of The Secret Garden Café, had this to say about the upcoming reopening. ‘The team and I have welcomed returning customers, and seen many new faces through 2023, and during that time we always receive lots of fantastic feedback. Our vision is to increase what the café offers, while continuing to provide a relaxing, inviting, and hassle-free setting to catch-up with friends and enjoy our diverse menu. We believe we offer something unique to the area and we can’t wait to welcome people back through the doors of the café when we reopen on Monday 15th January with new changes, and of course, a new menu.’ Be sure to stop by after the 15th to sample the new menu. We look forward to showing off the hard work that’s been happening behind the scenes!

Our café will also continue to function as an environment for our Employ My Ability (EMA) students to gain valuable work experience in a realworld setting. Across EMA, we’re all very excited by the updates coming to the café. If you stop by this year and enjoy your visit – please do consider dropping us a five star review on Google. In today’s world of online shop windows, it really helps, possibly more than you’d imagine! Garden plans Have you set your garden goals for 2024? It’s that time of year when many of us make plans and set our New Year resolutions – but even while much of your garden is lying dormant, you can take this opportunity to sketch out some new ideas and goals for your garden this year. Even if it’s just ‘add a new flower’. Perhaps a fruit tree, or making sure your tools are clean ... and of course don’t neglect the wildlife! We have a wonderful range of birdfeeders and bird food that will ensure the promotion of a healthy environment. Nothing beats the sight of a returning robin or the noisy tsurping of a large group of long tailed tits arriving. Make your garden a haven for the birds – across the garden centre, our beautiful selection of seasonal plants are on hand to bring some vibrancy to your home or garden this winter. With a few January sales in the shop (25% off all houseplants, and 50% off all Christmas decorations), there’s plenty of reasons to stop by and see us this month. Our events calendar continues to grow – visit our website today and check out the ‘Events’ section for news on workshops, crafts for children and more. We wish everyone a brilliant 2024 ahead, and we look forward to seeing you soon! • thorngrovegardencentre.co.uk 85

OUT OF DOORS

Embracing winter blooms

Winter-flowering cherry, Prunus x subhirtella)

Winter wonders in the garden: Charlotte Tombs discovers Dorset’s resilient blooms that brighten the gloomiest months We are lucky in the south of England with our milder climate. As we enter the depths of winter, and gardeners elsewhere in the country resign themselves to a dormant bare garden, there is a hidden world of beauty waiting to be discovered in the form of winter blooms. These resilient plants brave the cold temperatures and shorter days, offering a burst of colour and fragrance to uplift our spirits. Below are some of the winter flowering plants that bring me pleasure at this time of year and thrive in our Dorset climate. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) Snowdrops are usually the first arrival of spring. These delicate, bell-shaped flowers emerge from the often-frozen ground, their pristine white petals contrasting beautifully against the dark winter landscape. Snowdrops can be found in woodlands, gardens, and even naturalised in meadows. Their dainty blooms and subtle fragrance make them a true winter gem. 86

The snowdrops are already beginning to emerge. All images: Charlotte Tombs

Charlotte offers workshops throughout the year - please see northcombe.co.uk for further details.

OUT OF DOORS Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) Winter jasmine is a deciduous shrub that graces the winter garden with bright yellow flowers. Blooming from late December through to early spring, it adds a cheerful touch to any landscape. The arching branches create an elegant display, and the flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Hellebores (Helleborus): Hellebores, also known as Christmas Roses, are a winter favourite in southern England. These evergreen perennials produce clusters of nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and green. Known for their ability to bloom in even the harshest winter conditions, they are a reliable choice for gardeners looking for winter colour. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) Witch Hazels are renowned for their vibrant, spidery blooms that appear on bare branches during the winter months. The fragrant flowers come in shades of yellow, orange and red, adding a burst of colour to the winter garden. Witch Hazels are also prized for their attractive autumn foliage, making them a year-round delight. Winter-flowering cherry (Prunus x subhirtella) The winter-flowering cherry is a small deciduous tree that surprises with its delicate pink or white blossoms during the winter months. Blooming intermittently from November to March, this tree brings a touch of spring to a winter garden. Its flowers are a welcome sight on sunny winter days, attracting early pollinators. I’ve yet to own this tree but it’s on my own list of must-haves!

The distinctive petals of Witch Hazel are temperature sensitive; they become reflexed when cold and unfurl when warm.

Winter-flowering Viburnums (Viburnum x bodnantense) Winter-flowering Viburnums are a group of shrubs that offer light, fragrant blooms during the dark cold winter months. Their clusters of pink or white flowers emerge from bare branches, filling the air with a heady, spicy, sweet scent. These hardy shrubs are a valuable addition to any garden, providing both visual interest and fragrance during the winter season. A winter garden These lovely, hardy plants remind us of the beauty and resilience of nature. So – bundle up, grab a warm drink and venture into your winter garden to discover the hidden treasures that await. Embrace the magic of winter blooms and let them inspire you during the colder months. PS Please don’t forget to keep your bird feeders topped up this month!

The mythological physician Melampus was said to have observed the cathartic effect of hellebore on goats who browsed on the plants. Melampus used the milk of these same goats to cure the daughters of the King of Argos of a divinely inflicted madness, and hellebore was sometimes called melampodium.

The BV magazine, November ‘23

OUT OF DOORS

The Voice of the Allotment

There was fresh veg for Christmas It might be the depths of winter, but there’s still plenty of fresh produce on the allotment to enhance the summer’s harvest stores, says Barry Cuff Yet again, 2023’s weather often made the headlines. In our area it was wet, with more than 43 inches of rain. The driest months of the year were February and June. During the main growing season, the wettest were March, April, July and August, but a mild and very wet autumn and early winter did at least maintain growth. On the whole it was a good year for most vegetables – only our shelling peas suffered and gave lower yields during the dry spell. We had a constant supply of fresh vegetables throughout December, including ones for our Christmas meals, together with those in store. Here’s what we harvested through the month: •

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Potatoes (sagitta) – a new variety to us. They roast well and are excellent for jackets. Planted on 5th Apr, they were dug and stored in paper sacks 4th Aug. Good size and yield. Parsnips (Palace and Hollow Crown) – both roast well, and are sweet despite very few frosts. Sown direct 30th Apr, started digging mid Nov. We have a row left for next year. Carrots (Early Nantes) – the only variety we grow. No thinning, so a mix of sizes. We sow successionally; those lifted in Dec were sown 6th Jun, later sowings will be dug as needed. Brussels sprouts (Brendan) – a good variety that crops from Dec to Feb. Module-sown 6th Apr, and planted out 15th May (eight plants). Broccoli (Rudolph) – produced some very early spears ready for Christmas. Module-sown 12th May, planted out 30th Jun (five plants) Cauliflower (Cendis) – a reliable F1 variety producing excellent curds. Module-sown 11th May, planted out 25th Jun (15 plants) Leek (Musselburgh) – the only variety we grow. Pot-sown 14th May, and planted out 30th Jul on ground where potatoes were harvested. Winter squash (Butterfly) – an excellent tasting butternut, producing large fruits. Module-sown in greenhouse 1st May, planted out 4th Jun. Harvested and stored 15th Oct.

Winter salads There was a good selection of veg to go with our Christmas meals, tasting that much better as they were home grown and received no pesticides! To go with our cold meats we also had a good supply 88

Barry Cuff’s colourful winter salad

of fresh salad plants. With the exception of celeriac, they were sown/planted on the plot that had grown our potatoes, grown under fleece when there was a danger of frost: • Lettuce and spring onions – The last for this year, and grown under cloches. These survived because of the lack of frosts. • Witloof chicory – Forced blanched chicons. Sown on plot 6th Jun. Lifted, trimmed and planted in compost in the dark 26th Oct. These are cut-and-come-again. • Radicchio chicory – sown in modules 12th Jul, and planted out 27th Aug. • Various oriental mustards and leaves – all different tastes, shapes and textures. Sown on two dates, 13th and 27th Aug, these are also cut-and-come-again. • Autumn radishes – four Chinese varietie; Blue Moon, Red Moon, Daikon and Misato Rose. These make a very colourful addition to salads as well as a great taste. Two sowings, 13th and 27th Aug • Wintercress (like watercress) – Sown 12th Jul, it’s cut-and-come-again. • Celeriac (Monarch) – A versatile vegetable, it’s good sliced raw, stir-fried or added to soups. Sown in modules 10th May, and planted out 23rd Jun. • And finally we have a good supply of onions for cooking or salads.

OUT OF DOORS

Time for a plan There’s still work to be done in the winter, and gardener Pete Harcom suggests having an eye to the climate as you plan this year’s garden Experts are predicting that a changing temperature cycle in the oceans will make 2024 the world’s hottest year. With that in mind, it might be an idea to consider creating a lowmaintenance garden that looks good in the heat, thrives on very little water and still provides habitat for our wildlife. Here are a few ideas for plants that are drought tolerant: • Eryngium (amethyst sea holly) – this is a striking plant which is native to the Mediterranean. Most species are perennials, and they have showy, attractive thistle-like flower heads surrounded by spiny silvery-blue bracts. These sun-loving plants will attract plenty of butterflies and bees to your garden. • Lavender – this cottage garden favourite thrives in hot, dry conditions. It is heavily scented and loved by insects. • Verbena bonariensis (lollipop is a smaller-growing variety). • Cistus x pulverulentus sunset. (rock rose) – a low growing shrub which thrives in poor dry soils. • Pennisetum (fountain grass) –

very low maintenance and it has striking seed heads. • Yucca filamentosa bright edge – a structural plant, some hybrids can be large, but other varieties can also be used as container plants. • Osteospermum (African daisies) – these have very showy flowers and are easy to grow. • Sedum ‘Sunsparkler’ – this is great in rockeries and very easy to grow once established. • Hibiscus flower tower ruby – be aware these can grow to 3m! But they’ll have masses of flowers once established. • Rosemary (salvia rosmarinus) – another Mediterranean favourite, the evergreen shrub has aromatic leaves and small blue, pink or white flowers. This month’s jobs: It might be grey and damp out but even in January there are still plenty of jobs to do in the garden this month: • Clean up your pots, tools and greenhouse in preparation for spring. • Now is the time to order

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seeds and plants – from the comfort of your armchair! Continue looking after the wildlife — put out wild bird food, and leave some areas of your garden uncut for shelter until the spring. If your honeysuckle is very overgrown, now is the best time to cut it back hard to encourage healthy, new growth this spring. Cut back ornamental grasses – clip back the old foliage before new growth begins, to within a few centimetres of the ground. Check your climbers are securely attached to their supports with ties. Shred your Christmas tree and add it to your compost bins. The stripped down branches also make great pea sticks. Remove slimy patches from patios and paving by scrubbing with a broom or a blast with a pressure washer. Plant some amaryllis bulbs indoors now for spectacular spring flowers. 89

FARM TALES

Bootifully shocking, Bernard Andrew Livingston highlights a recent Channel 4 documentary exposing the concerning food safety and standards at a Bernard Matthews’ factory Talking turkey in January is probably a bit of a sacrilege. Mind you, if you are actually still eating a Christmas leftover turkey, brie and cranberry sandwich as you read this, I would be seriously concerned about your oncoming bowel movements! Despite its synonymity with Christmas, turkey is, in fact, available all year round – most children grow up eating breaded frozen turkey, probably in the shape of a dinosaur (although I’m thrilled to report you can now buy turkey unicorns too!) featured farmer (or farmers) is One of the biggest producers of labelled as cruel or at very least turkey in the country is Bernard uncompassionate and uncaring Matthews. If you’re over 45 for the welfare of the animals. It you’re probably already hearing is only ever true about a tiny, tiny a throaty Norfolk voice booming minority, but naturally they grab ‘Boootiful’ from your TV set. If the media’s attention. you’re younger and denying all This programme, however, knowledge … where have you was different. Rather than been? For a start, I know you animal welfare, the reporters know the turkey dinosaurs. The firm also employs more than investigated food hygiene and standards within the factory 2,000 people at its farms and where the birds factories, most of which are butchered and are in Norfolk. I have worked processed. My reason for talking I have worked in turkey turkey today is simple; I in the turkey factories of feel as though the news industry and I that broke last month similar size, have been around about Bernard Matthews and I was factories of similar just didn’t make the size and scale. shocked at noisy splash it definitely I was shocked what the should have done. with what the On 8th December, footage footage showed. Channel 4 aired How showed Inadequate Safe is your Turkey? In training, its dispatches series. The inadequate food 30-minute documentary included hygiene, inadequate equipment under-cover footage from inside and testing. We clearly saw Bernard Matthews’ Suffolk-based food contamination from the factory. factory equipment, with bits of blue plastic mixed in which Utterly inadequate food that it on its way to be As a farmer, I hate it whenever sold on supermarket shelves. programmes like this are shown Staff were even seen falsifying – in almost every case the

records to say that meats were correctly frozen to be safe for consumption. The most shocking moment came towards the end of the 25-minute programme when a worker gets their fingers caught and crushed in an operating machine. You can see the full episode on YouTube (video above) - it is worth the watch. Not what Santa ordered Since its release, the Bernard Matthews company has hit back. A spokesman told The Grocer that Channel 4 ‘set out to create a food scare where none exists’. The company was founded in 1950 when Bernard Matthews (the man) bought 20 turkey eggs and an incubator from a farm auction. He had a dream of making turkey affordable for the masses at Christmas, and his bussiness year on year. Mr Matthews died in 2010 and, in 2016, the company was bought by Ranjit Singh Boparan, founder and owner of 2 Sisters Food Group – the second largest poultry producer in the country, after Moy Park. To be frank, it’s not bootiful – and it’s not good enough. 91

FARMING

Navigating change with resilience in farming

The river Tarrant taken in the summer of 1965, showing its more typical flow Images: James Cossins

James Cossins reflects on Rawston Farm’s adaptive strategies in response to climatic shifts and evolving agricultural policies As I write this in the farm office, the rain is beating against the windows in this seemingly never-ending spell of wet weather. As a family we have measured the daily rainfall since 1960 – in 2023 we received 49 inches (1,225mm in new money) of rainfall. This figure is only to be beaten by 2012 with its 50 inches, and 49 again in 2014. Interestingly, prior to the year 2000 we have generally never reached above 40 inches. There are still Between 1960 and 1980 winter crops we rarely went above 35 to sow – many inches. Maybe there is something in the climate growers have change debate! We are given up and clearly experiencing decided to more extreme weather grow spring patterns. I know that I shouldn’t crops instead tempt fate but it does seem a long time ago that we experienced any significant snow fall ... So with all this rain, how have we been coping at Rawston Farm? This year we only have one group of cattle who are outwintered. We have to be careful to pick a field that drains well, is far away from any watercourses and has hedges all around 92

the field for shelter. They strip graze a forage crop and have access to straw or silage. Their electric fence is moved daily so they have a new piece of ground to go to. So far they are doing ok – with the presumption that it will not rain every day this winter! Incentive schemes with down sides January is a good month to reflect back on the last year, and also to prepare plans for the new year coming. 2023 was certainly a challenging year for all farmers and growers. We finally received some stability in the prices of the foods we sell, but most prices we received were considerably lower than the previous year. This made the harvesting of our crops – which largely needed drying due to the wet conditions last summer – even more costly to grow, with a lower price received at the point of sale. Even now, the prices of cereals appear to be static, with the traders telling us there is little evidence for any reason why they should increase. We were able to sow most of our winter crops, although some were a little late going in the ground. They have, however, begun to germinate so it looks as though we will get a crop from them. In many parts of the country there are still winter crops to sow – many growers have given up and

FARMING decided to grow spring crops instead, which has scale, the country’s food security will be at risk, and lead to a shortage of seed. the consequence will be yet more imported food. As we make our plans for 2024 we have joined There has been concern in the UK farming world DEFRA’s Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. over the running of the Red Tractor Scheme. This involves land managers being able to choose Currently we pay a membership to have our milk, from various environmental land management beef and crops assured with the Red Tractor logo options, for which we can be on the packaging, demonstrating financially rewarded for executing the goods have been produced to I am concerned – things like sowing pollen and a recognised standard. To achieve that on some nectar mixes in parts of fields, this we get audited every year to creating winter bird food crops and ensure that we are meeting the farms – even taking part or all of a field out of standards set out by the Red Tractor though the production, sowing a legume crop Board, thereby giving consumers the soil and land to be left fallow for two years or just confidence that what is bought with is productive – leaving grass areas untouched. the Red Tractor logo is produced in There is also an option for reducing large areas have this country, to a high standard. the amount of fertiliser used on been taken out of It appears that without any grassland and managing the grass so consultation to the members, a food production ‘green standard’ was going to be the grass is less intensively farmed. The management of hedges can imposed at an extra cost. A review is be included too, ensyring they are only cut on now taking place as to the running of the scheme alternate years, and cut late in the season. – the last thing we want to create is uncertainty Generally I support the scheme – it gives us among consumers as to what the Red Tractor flexibility on how we manage the land, while means. Consumers should be able to look for increasing benefits to the environment. At Rawston the red tractor and the union jack, safe in the we have taken some poorly productive parts of knowledge that the food inside has been produced fields which were uneconomic completely out of to a high standard and has come from this country. our cropping rotation. I am concerned, however, Many imported foods simply will not have been that on some farms – even though the soil and land produced to a similar standard. is productive – large areas have been taken out of I wish you all a happy New Year – let’s certainly food production. If this is carried out on a large hope we have a less challenging one!

The same spot of the river Tarrant almost 60 years later; it’s in full flow this month.

WILDLIFE The red kite, milvus milvus.

Dorset’s Sky Dancers They’re a rare wildlife success story: Jane Adams shares a brief, heart-racing encounter with one of our most elegant aerial acrobats 94

WILDLIFE

Maybe it’s because red kites aren’t a common sight in Dorset that spotting one is still a spine-tingling experience. That they’re an elegant bird goes without saying, but, for me, it’s their other-worldliness and their knack of appearing from nowhere that stands them apart from other birds of prey. One bitterly cold day, a friend and I climbed to the top of Melbury Hill near Shaftesbury. Mist frothed into the dips in the valley, and, as we fumbled with icy hands to take photos, a red kite appeared. We were above it, looking down onto its slender, outstretched russet wings, watching its distinctive forked tail twist this way and that. We saw the flight feathers, like fingers, reaching for invisible air currents. Close encounter Red kites are a rare success story in a landscape of nature declines. Susceptible to illegal poisoning and egg collection, only a handful of birds survived in the British Isles by the 1930s, all of them in Wales. But, with an increase in protections and reintroductions, their numbers have literally soared. So much so that they are now moving from their strongholds in Wales, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire to

The most common way to see a red kite is soaring noiselessly far above, with the forked tail twisting in the air currents

new counties, such as Dorset. I once came face to face with a red kite. I was on a lone bike ride down quiet country lanes, and as I approached a steep hill, something in the road caused me to stop. It was a red kite, just a few feet above the tarmac, flying straight at me. I froze, but before it reached me, it banked hard to the left and swept effortlessly up the hill like a Red Arrow jet.

My heart has never beaten so hard or so fast. We know instinctively that nature can enhance our lives, but do we know how to let it? As Sir David Attenborough once said: ‘… no one will care about what they have never experienced.’ So, this January, go in search of a red kite – if you see one, make sure you top up your awe and excitement levels.

Interesting red kite facts: • • • • • • •

Though their wingspan can reach nearly two metres, red kites can weigh as little as 800g, less than a mallard duck. Red kites live mainly on roadkill, but will also eat small mammals, birds, and, rather surprisingly, earthworms. When Shakespeare warned, “when the kite builds, look to lesser linen” in The Winter’s Tale, he was referring to the red kites’ tendency to ‘collect’. Nests have been found with all sorts of colourful decorations, from handbags to knickers from washing lines! The oldest wild red kite known in the UK was 25 years and 8 months when it died in 2018. The name ‘kite’ was first used for a flying toy in the 17th century. The word ‘glide’ is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon for red kite – ‘glee’. In Tudor times, vermin laws saw a bounty paid for each red kite carcass - no wonder there were so few by the 1930s! 95

WILDLIFE

The winter work has just begun

Fieldfare on hawthorn. Image: Chris Gomersall 2020VISION

Winter habitat management on the DWT’s reserves is under way, enhancing the ecology and supporting endangered dormice, butterflies and newts While summer may be the time for ‘making hay while the sun shines’, the dormant winter season is when the dramatic habitat management on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves takes place. Darker damper days see the tough work of coppicing and hedge laying and the scrub and pond management. This month, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) reserves manager Neil Gibson and reserves ecologist Steve Masters give BV readers an insight into their vital winter season work. Hedge laying • Nature reserves: South Poorton, Bracketts Coppice, Kingcombe Meadows • Target species: dormice, yellowhammer The traditional method of hedge laying (or plashing) has long been in existence to maintain hedges as

DWT reserve scrub management using robotic machinery. Image: Ben Atkinson

dense barriers for livestock – but it also prolongs the longevity of a hedge. Over time, hedges can require rejuvenation; they develop gaps, become top heavy and no longer provide good shelter. They can also spread out and suppress flower-rich grassland. The maintenance process entails cutting back the vegetation but selecting the best stems or pleachers to partially sever at the base, leaving some living tissue. Those are then bent over and laid down onto the earth or the previous laid stem. Once intertwined to hold in place, what remains is a thick, living hedge, which will provide cover for nesting and roosting animals and birds. Products resulting from hedge laying include firewood and flexible rods for hurdle and fence construction. Scrub management • Nature reserves: Fontmell Down, Powerstock Common, Townsend, Upton Heath • Target species: insects (especially butterflies), wildflowers In simple terms, scrub can mean anything from scattered bushes to closed canopy vegetation. On DWT nature reserves, it tends to be a mix of smaller woody shrubs, such as hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwood and hazel, encroaching onto a speciesrich grassland. Scrub is a valuable habitat in itself – providing shelter and nesting sites for a wide variety of wildlife. Generally, the aim is to manage the scrub to provide a range of ages of shrubs, rather than eradicating it. Many DWT reserves are internationally important for their grassland, so we must strike a balance between the two. A good example is Fontmell Down, a chalk grassland

WILDLIFE with a vast array of flowers, including ten species of orchid – plus, of course, the many animals (especially butterflies and other insects) that rely on them. Scrub constantly grows, so, if not kept in check, this habitat would eventually be lost. Grazing animals can help, but other management methods include volunteers with hand tools, staff or contractors with chainsaws – and very occasionally big machinery when appropriate. Often, valued nature reserve habitats need intervention to keep them in top condition for the wildlife they support. These interventions often replicate the conditions of the past, which may have been due to human activity or or now-extinct large animals. Scrapes • Nature reserves: Winfrith and Tadnoll Heath, Sopley Common • Target species: heath tiger beetle, scarce bluetailed damselfly, pillwort, marsh clubmoss, heath sand wasp, sand lizard Wet scrapes are shallow ponds that hold rain and flood water seasonally and remain damp for much of the year. They are created by digging into the soil and they work better with uneven edges and varying depth. These often-overlooked habitats are important across our nature reserves. There are a variety of species, especially some very rare invertebrates and plants, which depend on these areas.

DWT reserve scrub management using robotic machinery. Image: Ben Atkinson

We create dry scrapes on heathland, for example, by scraping off shrubby ericaceous growth, while digging down to expose sandy soils beneath. The excavated matter is banked up to form a south-facing mound, with a sandy face. This helps to ensure that plenty of consistent bare-ground habitat is available for wildlife across the site. Wet scrapes can benefit plants, birds, and more wildlife. For these, we create areas with shallow water grading through to muddy edges. These habitats are often created by ‘re-scraping’ existing scrapes as they become vegetated – sometimes all it needs is a bit of ‘roughing up’! Ponds • Nature reserves: Powerstock Common, Kingcombe Meadows • Target species: great crested newt Ponds are a habitat that often needs attention to ensure they do not become inhospitable for species which depend on some open water. Sometimes, donning waders and hand tools is just not enough, and the job calls for bigger machines. Winter is the optimal time for this – species such as newts are away from the ponds on land. It is crucial for some ponds to maintain deeper open water. This allows the pond wildlife to disappear into the depths for safety. Tougher plants and sediment can be removed easily with a digger, ensuring that work doesn’t need to be carried out again for years to come and the pond will gradually re-vegetate. Where possible, we also try to expand the network of ponds available on a nature reserve by creating new ones. This is beneficial, as ponds at various stages of succession provide a habitat for a wider variety of wildlife.

DWT reserve hedge, post-laying, being double-fenced. Image: Neil Gibson

• Visit our website to plan a trip to a Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserve where you can see first-hand how our winter management work benefits wildlife dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Goldfinch on Alder Tree Alex Montacute

Chilly goldfinch Carl Bovis

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY Golden plovers Sharon Towning

We welcome photography submissions from readers the only rule is that they must have been taken locally in the last month. Our cover shot is usually selected from our submissions pile. If you’d like to join in, please share it in The BV community Facebook Group or simply email it to us on photos@bvmagazine.co.uk

And your problem is? Roderick Payne 99

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Watching Elzbieta Sosnowski

Christmas cloisters Adie Ray

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY The New Year’s Eve Moon Sarah Strong

Sea mist Paul Waterkeyn

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Windy at Southbourne beach Idalina Robinson

Shining in the sun John Bishop

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Winter walk Will Mead

Bracken frost Trevor Stadd

HEALTH

by Karen Geary, Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify

Fasting – Yes or No? From ancient tradition to modern health strategy – expert Karen Geary looks at the science and her personal journey with fasting In 2012, Michael Mosley popularised the 5:2 fasting diet (5 days normal eating, 2 days very low calorie). Mosley’s approach was based on research conducted into Alternate Day Fasting (ADF), and as a consequence fasting, or time-restricted eating (eating in a defined time period each day), became much more prominent. For my entire adult life, I have tried every fasting practice; from short 14-hour overnight fasts to several days of water-only fasting. Over the years I have changed my views on fasting and what works. These are my insights into fasting well. First, a note of caution. Fasting will vary according to individual health conditions and may not be right for everyone. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting fasting if you have a medical condition, or are unsure. ‘Begin gradually, Pregnant or shifting meal breastfeeding women, those with times earlier and eating disorders or extending the medical conditions fasting period. should avoid Start with a 12 fasting.

hour fasting

Why fast? window’ Fasting is an ancient practice with a long history in different cultures. Today there are many approaches to time-restricted eating, each purporting benefits such as weight loss and broader benefits such as improved lipid levels, lowered blood pressure, improved mental 104

health and remission of type 2 diabetes. Fasting can be a powerful tool for accomplishing health-related goals. For weight loss, you naturally eat less calories. People who struggle to spread their calories during the day find it helpful to restrict intake to a specific period eg a later breakfast or skipping an evening meal. Insulin reduces because there is no or less calorie intake, which – given time and consistency – helps reduce blood sugar and improves lipid levels. Lowered blood pressure and improved liver markers are common. Potential mental health benefits and cognitive impacts of fasting are emerging – recent research has shown potential effects on brain health and mental clarity. What the science says Scientific literature on fasting is still evolving. I first researched it in 2015, and back then most of the research was on mice or young males. The original 16/8 model (16 hours fasting, eight hours feeding) came from a study using mice – but it’s not exactly a valid comparison. A 16/8 fast for a mouse is the equivalent of several days fasting for humans! There was less research on the elderly, women and post-menopausal women due to hormonal complexities, but more is becoming available. Even now, some research is not solid or has contradictory results, needing more studies using diverse populations. There is emerging research on fasting during chemotherapy, which I’m monitoring with interest. Longevity is often associated with fasting – some

HEALTH

claims are overstated but again there is always new research which I keep up to date with. . The best way I judge the success of different fasting methodologies is to combine what the research says with my observations in clinic with clients. The sweet spot is finding the best approach for an individual, and not just sticking slavishly to the latest approach or trend. It must work around lifestyle and what can be achieved consistently. Things I have learned: • Long term fasts (eg three day water fasts) can make you feel unwell and can contribute to lost muscle mass from lowered protein intake. I’ve yet to be convinced of the benefits vs. the misery inflicted. • It is hard (but not impossible), to hit a protein target on a 5:2 or ADF-style approach. This may affect muscle mass over the longer term. • A time-restricted eating window (eg 16/8 or 20/4) gives discipline and structure to those trying to manage their hunger and calories; in particular late night snacking. • Hypocaloric fasting – a very low calorie diet (like the 800 calories-a-day diet created by Michael Mosley, or the Fasting Mimicking Diet created by Valter Longo) – is not a true fast, but does help take away hunger pangs. If you are not metabolically healthy, it’s a great option, but the trade-off is likely lower muscle mass, so not something to do long term. • Fasting during the week preceding a menstrual cycle may exacerbate symptoms such as mood swings and cravings, so is probably best avoided or limited to a shorter window. Key tips for fasters • Stay hydrated, and prioritise protein and plants during eating windows/non fast days. • Circadian rhythm fasting aligns eating patterns with the body’s natural cycle, emphasising earlier eating and a longer overnight fast. By syncing with the body clock it may improve digestion, sleep and weight management. • Begin gradually, shifting meal times earlier in the day and extending the fasting period. Start with a 12-hour fasting window and gradually increase it to 14-16 hours, allowing your

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body to adapt. Try to maintain a consistent eating schedule, as irregular eating patterns can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. Consistency helps regulate hunger cues and supports better metabolic function. When breaking a longer fast, start with something light, perhaps a few nuts and fruit, before eating a large meal. Incorporate plenty of fruits, veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats. On non-fasting days, don’t eat between meals, leaving 4-5 hours between eating. Three meals a day with no snacks sounds dull, but it avoids compromising any benefits of fasting. Prioritise exercise, especially resistance exercise in order to maintain muscle. Fasting with a friend (sounds like a wonderful chatup line - Ed) is scientifically more successful. Try apps like Zero or Fastic to help keep on track with your fasting. They provide excellent educational content and have great reminders.

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HEALTH

Navigating New Year’s resolutions Dorset Mind Ambassador Lucy Lewis ignores the pressure of a ‘new year, new you’ approach, and reminds us to treat ourselves the way we treat others Around this time of year, many of us find ourselves caught in society’s whirlwind of resolutions and fresh starts. The pressure to set ambitious goals and embark on transformative journeys can feel overwhelming, often leading to self-doubt and anxiety. However, it’s crucial to recognise that the pursuit of selfimprovement doesn’t have to be a source of stress! Embracing self-compassion and setting realistic goals can simply pave the way for a healthier and more fulfilling journey towards personal growth. The pitfalls of unrealistic expectations The allure of a fresh, clean new year often brings with it hopes of instant and profound change. Societal messaging can sometimes portray the new year as a ‘reset button’ for our lives. But this mindset can set us up for disappointment and selfcriticism when we don’t achieve those big goals. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of immediate transformation, it is better to focus on gradual progress. Change is a process – small, consistent steps will lead to significant improvements over time. Celebrate the small victories and acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. It is good to want to work on yourself, but it’s equally important to establish objectives that are achievable. One way to do this is by adopting the SMART criteria for goal-setting – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Break down larger objectives 106

into smaller, more manageable tasks, allowing for a sense of accomplishment at each milestone. This not only keeps you motivated but also prevents the overwhelming burden of an enormous goal. The importance of kindness In the pursuit of selfimprovement, it’s easy to overlook the significance of being kind – to yourself. Sometimes we feel that if we are harsh on ourselves for falling short, we are less likely to make mistakes again. However, all we’re doing is making the journey of self-improvement stressful – and making us more likely to quit. Mistakes and setbacks are a non-negotiable part of progress and should not be punished. Instead of saying, “I failed,” reframe it as, “I experienced a setback, and that’s okay. What can I learn from this?” Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend facing a similar challenge. Seeking support Surrounding yourself with a supportive community

can significantly help your personal growth. Share your goals with trusted friends or family members who can offer encouragement and understanding. It can also be helpful to connect with others who share similar goals. Having a support system can provide valuable insights, motivation and a sense of accountability. Support systems are not just motivating – they can also allow you to see the contrast between how you speak to yourself and your peers following setbacks. Remember, you deserve the same kindness and understanding that you would give to someone else. Dorset Mind wishes you a very happy 2024! Support for you: • Visit dorsetmind.uk for local mental health support and ways to keep mentally healthy • Call Samaritans on 116 123 for free 24/7 emotional support • Call Dorset’s mental health helpline Connection for support on NHS 111 • Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger

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