The BV Magazine, July 23

PROUD

From the heart of the Blackmore Vale

IN THIS ISSUE

Renowned ethologist, passionate conservationist, inspiring activist; Dr Jane Goodall answers the Random 19 questions

Page 10

The remarkable career of Philip Sutton RA – an artist who has never followed fashion Page 16

Sophie Giles swapped working on an industrial estate for life as an island girl –Tracie Beardsley met Brownsea Island’s youngest ranger.

Page 24

What’s On? We’ve twelve pages of events, from music to supercars, fêtes to festivals – and a fringe.

From page 42

On the first day of his first archaeological dig, CPRE’s Rupert Hardy made a major discovery and uncovered a sad mystery

Page 31

Child Okeford’s most famous resident celebrates his 75th birthday

Page 6

Front cover: Summer evenings by Louise Revill

INDEX

We know, it’s a HUGE magazine. So we make it easy for you - just like grabbing the sections you like best from the Sunday papers, you can click the number to jump straight to the section you want. Or, y’know, just make yourself a coffee and start from the beginning...

As the mother of four adult (OK, one’s 16, so she just thinks she’s adult) children, I find myself constantly amazed and inspired by the attitudes and resilience of the next generation. They navigate a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and pressures; yet they continue to shine brightly, trying hard to make a positive impact. At every turn they are dismissed as ‘woke snowflakes’. Lazy sensitive souls who need to get a backbone. To face ‘real life’. To suck it up, buttercup, life’s not fair. Yet from where I’m sitting, I see a generation more tolerant and more inclusive than those who have come before.

Lewis Capaldi was a headliner at Glastonbury this year, and I’m sure anyone who saw his set will always remember it. He has made no secret of his battle with Tourette’s, and through the performance, his tics became more pronounced. Eventually his voice failed.

He simply stopped singing, his distress obvious. What struck me was the response from the crowd. The mass of ‘the youth of today’. No one mocked or jeered – instead, the vast sea of people raised their voices and sang for him. They carried him through, filling the spaces where he faltered.

The acceptance, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and compassion exhibited by the Glastonbury crowd was beautiful. An example of the strength of unity in a world that seems so divided. It filled me with hope. (if you missed it, click play on the short video below) Our young people may be shouting down the intolerant voices of their elders. They may be angry at the world we are leaving them to fix. But their resilience, search for authenticity, and their unwavering hope for a better future are a daily inspiration – and a guilty poke at my grumpy cynical self. They’re also ridiculously funny. When I grow up, I plan to be more like them.

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How is digital technology preventing ill health in Dorset?

With capabilities not even imagined in 1948, the NHS is leaping forward with technology not just to heal, but to prevent and manage.

It’s 75 years since the NHS was established in 1948, providing free healthcare for British people. The service has completely changed over its lifetime as healthcare has continued to evolve, and it has seen incredible developments – from the first pacemakers to the introduction of robotic surgery. One of the most exciting is how digital technology is transforming care and preventing people from getting sick or having an accident. We should all start seeing more technology in the NHS in the next few years.

Where technology is working

Many people are already benefitting. The innovations taking place go far beyond automated phone lines and appointments on Zoom. For example, 10,000 people with diabetes in Somerset use a digital platform to monitor their condition and learn more about how to help themselves –that’s a quarter of the county’s adult diabetes sufferers. The My Way Diabetes site is linked to GP data, so users can also see their medical records.

Hospital at Home is another major development in the NHS, enabling people who are medically stable to be cared for and monitored in their own homes, using a range of devices such as blood pressure monitors, oximeters (to measure the level of oxygen in the

blood) and more. The clinical teams looking after the hospital patients also care for those being monitored through the Hospital at Home programme, so there is continuity of care and even home visits where appropriate. In Dorset, the scheme has been extended to supporting oncology patients. Oncology consultant Dr Amelie Harle said: ’This innovative system, designed by patients and oncology teams together, provides patients with early advice at the onset of symptoms to empower a patient to safely manage milder symptoms at home or, when symptoms are more significant, to seek urgent advice from the Acute Oncology Hotline Service.’

Meet the Dorset DIIS

Heather Case is head of the Dorset Intelligence and Insight Service (DIIS) at NHS Dorset

Rachael Rowe

reports

and works alongside Janine Ord, head of population health management. The DIIS sounds mysterious, but is simply a database that has been developed to use anonymised NHS and social care data to pick up trends.

There are no large management consultancy fees here, or outside companies offering to build technical systems with a hefty price tag. Instead, staff in Dorset have created ways of using data to identify trends in the population. The population health management team then works collaboratively with GPs and hospital colleagues to detect where attention is needed. Janine gives an example of how the use of their data and technology is making a difference in North Dorset specifically. ‘We looked at ways of preventing falls, by predicting the types of patient who were at risk of falling in the next 12 months. First, we looked at data from those people aged over 65 who had experienced an injurious

The effect of social isolation is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day

fall, and we reviewed hospital data on fractured wrists and hips. Then we checked out any commonalities between them to identify those at highest risk of falling.’

Surprising causes

But it’s what happened next that shows how the Dorset database is working its preventative magic. Heather says: ‘We gave our anonymised data to the North Dorset GPs, who were able to identify the people most at risk of falling using our model and invite them to an event where they could get help and advice to prevent falls.

‘For example, one of the common reasons people fall is that they are taking so many different types of medicines, so a pharmacist was there to provide support and answer questions. We also had physiotherapists and occupational therapists with advice on exercises to improve balance and strength.’

The data analysis helped the team to identify the common factors in those at risk of falling. Heather found increasing age, combined with having multiple chronic conditions, was a significant major factor. They also found some surprising information. ‘Depression and social isolation were a feature

in some of those who had experienced falls. Probably because depressed or lonely people move less, they become medically de-conditioned. And another factor was those with urine infections – they were getting up to use the loo frequently in the dark, risking a fall.’

Asking the right questions

The team can tailor the Dorset database to look at any condition from asthma to high blood pressure, and then identify the gaps where work could be done to prevent ill health.

‘However, we’re also working with clinical teams – who need the time and head-space to be able do the work,’ added Heather. They work collaboratively with local clinicians to refine their

data models, making use of the clinical expertise to ask the right questions. When they initially reviewed the falls model, the data team could only find five per cent of the patients. But when the GP asked additional questions of the data, that rose to 33 per cent.

So what’s next for this exciting database in Dorset?

Heather has some priorities: ‘We’d like to look more at social care pathways (how people access both residential and community care in their home) and acute care, where a patient receives active, short-term treatment for a condition. Most of the work to date has been in primary care – general practice, community pharmacy, dental and optometry services.’

Janine has additional thoughts on the recent findings of the programme: ‘We’re working with social prescribers to try and identify the early signs of depression. It’s linked to social isolation, and it’s now understood that being socially isolated is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. ‘It would be wonderful to be able to prevent problems instead of constantly being on the back foot with chronic disease.’

As the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday, the once-futuristic opportunities for keeping people healthy and preventing chronic disease are already here – and need to be used!

Child Okeford’s most famous resident celebrates his 75th birthday

Starting life as a simple holiday purchase in Blackpool, the little yellow hand puppet became a national treasure.

By Rachael Rowe

Sooty and Sweep entertained thousands of children (and more than a few adults) during the 1950s and 60s, and probably millions more through the 70s, 80s, 90s and the new century. The delightful puppets are still recognisable today.

Unbelievably, it’s 75 years since Sooty first took a bow. But did you know he had a Blackmore Vale connection?

The beginning of Sooty

When the 30-year-old Harry Corbett was on holiday in Blackpool with his family in 1948, he bought a yellow glove puppet for 7/6 (37.5p in ‘new money’) to entertain his children.

As a part-time conjurer, he practised magic tricks with the bear, but little did anyone know how famous that puppet would become.

Originally called Teddy, the bear appeared with Harry on the BBC’s Talent Night programme in 1952. To make the puppet more

distinctive on black and white television, Harry blackened his ears with soot. The ear makeover also gave Teddy a new name –and forever after he was known as Sooty.

When Sooty won the Talent Night programme, he was given a regular slot on the Saturday Special in the 1950s. In July 1955, Sooty got his own

TV show, based on a series of sketches. Harry Corbett did the voiceover and created Sooty’s famous catchphrase: ‘Bye-bye, everybody. Bye-bye.’ Sooty rarely said anything, preferring to whisper mischievously in Harry’s ear.

A family of voices

But Sooty was lonely on his

In 1965 Harry and Sooty appeared on Desert Island Discs. Their luxury item was a trumpet, while songs included My Favourite Things by Julie Andrews

The Corbetts’ house in Child Okeford today, with Sooty, Sweep and Soo in the top right window

own, and soon he had a best friend, a grey-haired dog called Sweep, whose distinctive squeak was created by Harry Corbett’s brother, Leslie, blowing through a saxophone reed! Another chum, Soo the panda, joined the family in 1964. Her motherly tone was voiced by Harry’s wife, Marjorie. The Sooty Show – later becoming just ‘Sooty’ – ran from 1952 until 2004 and was then relaunched in 2011. It remains the longestrunning non-consecutive children’s show, according to the Guinness Book of Records.

The Child Okeford Connection

Born in Bradford, Harry Corbett – and, of course, Sooty, Sweep and Soo – lived with his family in Child Okeford, for most of his life. Behind the house on Station Road was an outhouse where Harry created the sketches and filmed the puppets in action. In 1962, an article in The Stage described their home as ‘a lovely old farmhouse in Dorset with a large paddock that housed the cavalcade of three Sooty cars, all emblazoned with an emblem of the puppet’. There was a caravan as well. According to the Kent and Sussex Courier in 1972, Harry disliked hotels and preferred a caravan when touring. At the time, Marjorie remarked: ‘The only thing I miss is the garden. We popped in recently, and the bulbs were just coming through.’ Although the Corbett family no

longer lives in the village, they are remembered with fondness by local people.

Gary Ridout remembers the Corbett household: ‘He (Harry) had brick stables at the back, which he turned into a small studio where he made props and did some filming. My claim to fame is I own one of the aluminium lighting poles that ran across the ceiling! I bought it when they were moving house to use as a mount for a CB radio aerial. I once delivered a bed to them and was very surprised when the woman’s voice who opened the door was the voice of Soo.’

The Corbetts were very much part of the village. Sara Crane recalls: ‘He used to come into the pub opposite [the Union Arms, now a private home] with his missus. She was lovely.’ The pub was the Union Arms, now a private home. On New Year’s Day 1976, Harry was

awarded the OBE – but the award was actually intended for the Steptoe and Son star Harry H Corbett, who was an avid Labour supporter. Someone had left the middle H out of the recommendation by Harold Wilson!

In the end, both Corbetts were awarded OBEs – on the same day – and there was a miniature medal for Sooty at the investiture.

In 1976, Harry retired following a hearth attack, and Sooty and Sweep were taken over by his younger son, Matthew. However, Harry found it difficult to let go, and even after Matthew Corbett bought his father out for £35,000, Harry continued touring with his one-man stage show. In 1989, Harry Corbett and Sooty played to a packed-out audience in Weymouth before returning home to Child Okeford. He died in his sleep that night.

Sooty remembered

There is still one small reminder of the Corbetts’ time in Child Okeford today. The house where they lived and created Sooty sketches is a private home. But, as you walk by, take a look at the upstairs window. You will see three distinctive figures – Sooty, Sweep and Soo are gazing out at the street below as the owners’ lovely nod to their connections with both the house and this Dorset village.

Sooty, Sweep and Soo still keep an eye on the village

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Freedom of Cremona for Dorset conductor

Shaftesbury farmer Sir John Eliot Gardiner, one of the world’s greatest conductors, has just turned 80 and has been touring Italy

Sir John Eliot Gardiner, who has championed the music of Claudio Monteverdi for nearly 60 years, has been honoured with the citizenship of Cremona, the city where the great composer was born in 1567 – and the home town of the greatest makers of violins and other stringed instruments, Stradivari, Guarneri and Amati.

The ceremony was a highlight of a short Italian tour by John Eliot and members of his Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists. The award recognises his contribution to music, particularly his recordings and performances of Monteverdi’s operas and secular and sacred works, bringing the ‘father of opera’ out of relative obscurity. Using historically informed performances and period instruments, the conductor has brought these 400-year-old works

to international recognition and demonstrated that they are absolutely relevant to 21st century music lovers. The citizenship ceremony at the 800-year-old Town Hall was attended by the Mayor of Cremona, Italy’s culture minister, the director of the annual Cremona Monteverdi Festival and civic dignitaries and musicians. After receiving the

Light streams into the ancient Frari church in Venice, where a French film crew recorded rehearsals and performances of Monteverdi works, by members of the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists. Monteverdi lived and worked in Venice for 30 years and is buried in the Frari.

honour, John Eliot spoke movingly of Monteverdi’s humanity and the importance of music in these difficult and dangerous times. The Monteverdi tour included filming and rehearsals in Venice and Mantua – both places where Monteverdi worked – and Rome. It culminated at Cremona, with a concert of his sacred music as the grand finale of the 40th Monteverdi Festival. The performance in the church of Sant’Agostino received a standing ovation.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner, who was 80 earlier this year and took part in the coronation of King Charles, farms near Shaftesbury. He is one of the world’s leading conductors, renowned particularly for his recordings and concerts of music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms – and Monteverdi.

Last year, he was awarded the honour of Cavaliere di Gran Croce of the Order of Stella d’Italia, presented by the Italian ambassador, Inigo Lambertini, at a ceremony at the Italian Embassy in London.

At this year’s Proms, John Eliot will conduct the Monteverdi Choir and his Orchestra Revolutionnaire et Romantique in Berlioz’ The Trojans, the first time this massive opera has been performed at the world’s greatest music festival.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner (centre) at the ceremony of citizenship in Cremona

Renowned ethologist, passionate conservationist, inspiring activist... Dr Jane Goodall answers the Random 19 questions

Dr Jane Goodall made her name by quite literally redefining what it means to be human. Through her work with wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, she set the standard for how behavioural studies are conducted. She was born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall in London in 1934. When her father was posted to France early in WWII, Jane, her mother and younger sister Judith moved to her grandmother’s home in Bournemouth, which she has counted as home ever since. ‘When I was ten, I dreamed of going to Africa, living with animals and writing books about them,’ she told CNN in 2017. ‘We didn’t have any money, I was a girl, and the war was raging – so everyone except my mother laughed at it.’

Increasingly unhappy with the restrictions of school life, 16 year-old Jane wrote in an early 1951 diary: ‘Woke up to be faced by yet another dreary day of torture at that gloomy place of discipline and learning, where one is stuffed with “education” from day’s dawn to day’s eve.’

A dream of Africa

Nevertheless, she won two school prizes for essay writing and her exam grades were good enough to go to university. But her family couldn’t afford it, so instead she enrolled at secretarial college, and moved from one clerical job to another. Her opportunity came via an old school friend, who invited Jane to spend a few months at her family’s farm in Kenya.

Jane credits her mother, Margaret Myfanwe Joseph –affectionately known as Vanne – with recognising her talent and passion at a time when girls were often discouraged from pursuing serious professions. Keen to nurture Jane’s ambitions, Vanne promptly said yes, despite

society’s attitudes to allowing a young woman to board a ship to ‘deepest, darkest Africa’.

Jane immediately fell in love with the country, and took an office job in Nairobi, where she met the paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, curator of Nairobi’s natural history museum.

Leakey was impressed by her and offered her a job.

What Jane didn’t know was that

‘When I was ten, I dreamed of going to Africa ... everyone except my mother laughed’

Jane Goodall in Gombe National Park

© The Jane Goodall Institute / Shawn Sweeney

Leakey was actually looking for someone to research chimpanzee behaviour, but didn’t want someone carrying the baggage of preconceptions of a university education. Leakey, according to National Geographic, believed Goodall’s lack of formal scientific training – along with her passion for animals – would make her the right choice to study the social lives of chimpanzees at Gombe, because she would not be biased by traditional thought and could study chimpanzees with an open mind.

In 1958, at the age of 25, Jane Goodall travelled back to London and spent some time with experts in the fields of primate anatomy and behaviour. By the summer of 1960, Leakey had raised enough money to fund her work, and she returned to Africa. Girls were rarely seen embarking on trips for scientific research, and Jane’s mother accompanied her when she began her research

on the Gombe chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. British authorities complained that a young woman should not be living alone in the jungle, so Vanne accompanied her daughter as a chaperone for four months.

Names not numbers Jane acknowledges that the early weeks at Gombe were challenging. She developed a fever − probably malaria − that delayed the start of her work. Once she had recovered, the rugged terrain and thick vegetation made exploring the reserve difficult and she hiked miles without ever seeing a chimpanzee. Jane’s first venture into the dense forests of Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania began what would become six decades of intimate study of chimpanzees. She took an unorthodox approach, immersing herself in the chimpanzees’ habitat.

After months of trying to gain their trust, she was able to experience their complex society as a neighbour, rather than as a distant observer. She then defied scientific convention by naming the chimpanzees rather than using the accepted numbering system, and also by suggesting that the chimps had emotions and personalities. She came to understand them not only as a species, but as individuals with complex minds, emotions and long-term bonds. Her ground-breaking discovery that chimps use tools challenged long-standing contemporary thinking, forever shifting the boundaries that separated humans from animals. Recognising her contributions to the field, Louis Leakey advised Jane to earn an academic qualification, which would allow her to gain independent research funding. He paved the way for her to embark on a PhD course in ethology at Cambridge University (only the eighth person ever to be admitted without an undergraduate degree).

There, she found herself at odds with senior scientists over her methodology.

Jane graduated in 1965, after presenting a thesis entitled Behaviour of the Free Ranging Chimpanzee’.

Without the baggage of preconceptions ... an open mind

Jane Goodall and her mother Vanne sort specimens in her tent in Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve. © The Jane Goodall Institute / Hugo van Lawick

Jane Goodall with her friend Rusty, Bournemouth 1954. The Jane Goodall Institute / Courtesy of the Goodall Family

She then established the Gombe Stream Research Center, which became a training ground for students interested in studying primates, ecology and more. Today, it hosts a skilled team of researchers from around the world and dedicated Tanzanian field assistants.

The research center at Gombe also attracted many women who had been nearly absent from the field when she began. ‘Jane Goodall’s trailblazing path for other women primatologists is arguably her greatest legacy,’ said Gilbert Grosvenor, chairman of The National Geographic Society. ‘Indeed, women now dominate long-term primate behavioural studies worldwide.’

Jane has spent more than half a century at Gombe National Park. Her research revolutionised the field of primatology, and is one of the longest-running field studies of any species.

National Geographic, recognising her work, started sponsoring her research and published her first article, My Life Among Wild Chimpanzees, in 1963. This collaboration grew. Jane further upset the university authorities when she wrote her first book, My Friends, the Wild Chimpanzees, published by National Geographic, as

it was aimed at the general public rather than an academic audience. The book was wildly popular – and her academic peers were outraged. A popular television documentary series, Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees, followed – and Jane became a household name.

Roots & Shoots

In 1977, Jane established the Jane Goodall Institute, initially to support the research at Gombe

and protect chimpanzees in their habitats.

A decade later, flying to the first ever Chimpanzees in Context symposium, Dr Goodall saw from her aeroplane window the accelerated pace and scale of deforestation. At the symposium, she heard first-hand from fellow researchers about declining chimpanzee populations beyond her beloved Gombe. She realised she had to act to save chimpanzees from extinction. The Jane Goodall Institute soon grew to be a major part of Jane’s work, and the institute is now a global non-profit organisation, committed to community-centred conservation, a testament to Goodall’s philanthropic spirit and her belief in the power of individual action.

‘When we put local communities at the heart of conservation, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment.’

A core part of the institute’s work is the Roots & Shoots programme, launched in 1991, which inspires and empowers young people, from pre-school to university, to become involved in hands-on projects to benefit their

Jane writing up her field notes in her tent at Gombe. © The Jane Goodall Institute / Hugo van Lawick

Dr. Jane Goodall speaking at the Chan Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada. © Catalin Mitrache

In her early days at Gombe, Jane Goodall spent hours sitting on a high peak with binoculars or a telescope, searching the forest below for chimpanzees.

local community, animals and the environment.

Jane Goodall’s activism work stems from her belief: ‘You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.’

Today, at 89 years old, Jane’s love for the wild, her passion for conservation and her commitment to fostering a better world for all, remain undeterred. Her work remains as essential as ever. While many of similar age might choose to bask in the comforts of retirement, Jane continues to work relentlessly, her determination and zeal undiminished as she continues to inspire and to drive change.

And so to the 19 random questions...

1. What’s your relationship with Dorset?

Well, where I live now – Durley Chine Road on the West Cliff, it is where I grew up. The only difference is that back then it was part of Hampshire! I forget when our area became Dorset.

2. The last film you watched? My Octopus Teacher. Everyone

should watch it to understand the uncanny intelligence of the octopus.

3. It’s Friday night – you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do?

Well, I cannot imagine a time with no work allowed. But if it was so I would play a Beethoven, Mendelsohn or Dvorak symphony – or another piece of classical music. Loudly!

4. What book did you read last year that stayed with you? What made you love it?

I have almost no time for reading – by bedtime my eyes are tired from gazing at a screen, or it is late after a lecture.

I do, however, read my Kindle on planes. I love books – my house is full of them – but my Kindle can come with me with all sorts of books.

The book that always stays with me, and the one which I read sections of on long flights, is Lord of the Rings.

I love it because it is a completely imaginary world – yet it’s so very

real. Also, it mirrors what is going on in the real world today. The Dark Lord is a combination of Putin, Bolsonaro, Trump etc. The black riders and the orcs are the CEOs of the extractive industries, animal traffickers and so on. We need to hugely increase the Fellowship of the Ring. And we all have to be prepared to join the fight to save planet earth. Of course there is hope – the ring does get thrown into the volcano and the hobbits are rescued. And I love that the dust given Sam by Galadriel restores damaged environments.

5. The best biscuit for dunking? None – I HATE the very thought of dunking ANY kind of biscuit!

6. What would you like to tell 15 year-old you?

Exactly what my mother told me – if you want to do this (for me, this was to go to Africa, live with wild animals and write books about them) you must work hard, take advantage of all opportunities and if you never give up, hopefully you will find a way (of course, I did!).

‘If you want to do this, you must work, take opportunities and never give up.’

© The Jane Goodall Institute / Hugo van Lawick

7. Tell us about a sound or a smell that makes you happy?

Gombe with the waves of Lake Tanganyika gently breaking on the beach.

Or if I am in the forest, it’s the sound of rain pattering on the canopy of the forest above me. But what did make me happy, and I still think of it, is when on summer evenings, after I’d gone to bed, I’d hear my grandmother playing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on the piano downstairs, window wide open, and the smell of roses coming through my open bedroom window.

8. What would you like to be remembered for?

Two things, if that’s not greedy. The first is for helping to change attitudes about the true nature of animals – that they are sentient. They can feel emotions. They can feel pain.

They are not just things. The second is for starting the Jane Goodall Institute’s youth programme, Roots & Shoots It’s now in 69 countries (and

growing), and involves hundreds of thousands of young people from kindergarten to university. Even adults are joining in now – there are some 1,600 groups in the UK alone. All the groups choose for themselves three projects; one to help people, one to help animals and one the environment – they are all interconnected.

9. What’s your secret superpower?

Opening my mind to the great spiritual power that gives me strength when I am exhausted. Also, I am obstinate and won’t give up!

And I get strength from audience reactions – you have to be energised when 10,000 people stand up cheering when you enter an auditorium. And then do it again after I’ve spoken!

10. Your favourite quote?

From the Bible “As thy days, so shall thy strength be”. I think of it when I am facing something I dread – for example when I went

into medical research labs where chimpanzees were being used as guinea pigs, giving them human diseases which other animals, less like us, could not be infected with. Seeing our closest living relatives – who I knew wild and free in their social groups in the rainforest of Gombe – confined, alone, in 5’ x 5’ cages surrounded by bars for testing vaccines or cures. Bored, imprisoned, frustrated and some fallen into deep depression. But I couldn’t talk about the conditions unless I had seen them with my own eyes.

11. Your top three most-visited websites (excluding news and social media)?

I use Ecosia rather than Google because every time you use it they plant a tree. And it is basically the same platform as Google.

I don’t often visit websites – only to check out stories sent to my email about events in the outside world. But I do use the BBC and Al Jazeera to check on news.

Dr Jane Goodall beside a waterfall in Gombe National Park, Tanzania © The Jane Goodall Institute / Bill Wallauer

12. What was the last gift you either gave someone, or received?

I gave a beautifully carved wooden woodpecker, made from soft wood by a local artist in Halifax, Canada. It was a gift for someone who lent me his cabin for a free weekend during a tour in Canada – a little cabin on a lake shore surrounded by tall trees. The only problem – if you put a toe outside it was instantly attacked by ten large hungry female mosquitoes (males live on nectar, not blood)!

13. Tell us about one of the best evenings you’ve had? After 89 years on the planet I cannot possibly pick out a single best evening!

But there are some that do live in my memory:

Sitting around a camp fire on the Serengeti, with the sound of lions roaring.

Sitting out by the Platte river at sunset, listening to the sound of thousands of sandhill cranes as they fly in, formation after formation, to roost in the river. A few evenings with my mother, long ago when I was first studying the chimps. We would sit round a little camp fire, lit by a hurricane lamp, and were almost always accompanied by Terry the Toad and sometimes a genet, who became tame. We called her Crescent because of a distinctively-shaped spot on her coat. I would tell Mum about what I had seen during my day in

the forest. Oh, and New Year’s Eve with my family in Bournemouth, when all the lower rooms were lit by only candles, waiting for midnight.

14. What is your comfort meal?

I’m vegan, and for me it’s a plate of spinach, asparagus and sautéed mushrooms, with mashed potato.

15. What in life is frankly a mystery to you? What happens after I die.

On a more mundane level – I don’t know, sometimes, how I keep going through an exhausting tour.

16. Cats or dogs (or, in this case, chimpanzees)? Chimpanzees are too like humans. I don’t think of them as animals, and there are some nice and some less so. Dogs win every time. The dog I had as a child, Rusty, taught me that animals have personality, reasoning power and emotions – because of him I was able to insist that we humans were not alone in having these qualities when I was told by ethology professors in Cambridge University in 1961 that humans were completely separate from the rest of the animal kingdom.

Now, of course, we know about the amazing intelligence of pigs, rats, crows, parrots – even octopuses. And they all have personalities and emotions.

17. What shop can you not pass by?

I seldom have time to go in anywhere, but if I am walking down a street in the old parts of London, Paris, Vienna, New York etc – in the NON touristy parts! –and I have a few minutes before my next event, then it would be a shop selling secondhand curiosities. You never know what treasures you may find. Or the little shops in Venice selling Venetian glass – the little animals and so on.

18. What’s your most annoying trait?

I’ve asked five people who know me well and they could not think of even one! But I irritate myself by not remembering things – like what name I filed a document under, or where I put something.

19. You have the power to pass one law, uncontested. What will you do with it? Give all animals the equivalent of legal personhood.

“... Evenings with my mother, long ago. We would sit round a little camp fire, lit by a hurricane lamp, almost always accompanied by Terry the Toad.”

Roots & Shoots Day of Service, San Francisco, October 11,2017. © Susan Janowski

A free spirit and a life in paint

When Philip Sutton turned up for his first class at the Slade School of Fine Art – in a large dusty room full of naked ladies – he took with him a set of coloured inks which had originally belonged to his older brother. It was 1949, the naked ladies were statues of Greek goddesses, and the young Philip was fresh out of National Service, where he had served with the RAF, including a year on the Berlin Airlift. The vividly-coloured inks had been used by his brother Ronnie, who had worked as a draughtsman with a printer in Holburn, and had been killed in 1942. As a teenager, Philip had been an office boy in the same business – ‘They took me on out of sympathy,’ he says. His mother had kept Ronnie’s inks, and when Philip started at the Slade, she gave them to him. When the teacher told them to draw the naked ladies, the

other students all used their HB pencils. Philip used his blue and red and yellow inks.

‘When the tutor saw what I had done, he couldn’t believe his eyes.’ At that time, such inks were only used for technical drawing.

This marked the beginning of what would be a lifetime characteristic for Philip – going against the norm. Later in his time at the Slade, Philip remembers a conversation with the tutor, which went like this:

Sam (the tutor): Phil, I don’t think I am helping you.

Phil: Sam, I don’t think you can.

Never a movement, just a painter

As he approaches his 95th birthday in October, Philip Sutton can look back on nearly eight decades of painting, which have seen him accepted into

A retrospective at Sladers Yard gallery celebrates the remarkable career of Philip Sutton RA – an artist who has never followed fashion

‘The mind is cluttered and you can’t clear it completely, but you can get rid of some things.’

Oh for Springtime by Philip Sutton RA. 36 x 48” unframed. 2003. £28,000

© Millie Pilkington Photography

the Royal Academy and celebrated as one of this country’s great colourists – although it is not a term he would use, since he eschews labels. The post-war years saw a sequence of fads and trends and “movements” in art, including Op Art, Pop Art and Conceptual Art. Philip never belonged to any of them. He simply paints. Now living in Bridport, Philip is back in the county where he was born, in 1928, in Poole. He has no recollection of the town because he spent all his childhood in the East End of London, and calls himself an Eastender.

At the Slade School, he met Heather Cooke and the couple were married in 1953. Heather encouraged him to exhibit his paintings in the art school library. His work attracted interest and he won the Summer Composition Prize.

A cornerstone from a cave

A scholarship to work abroad enabled Philip and Heather to spend a year in France, travelling through to Spain. In south west France they were able to visit Lascaux and see the famous cave paintings before they were closed to the public to protect them from further deterioration. The sight of these ancient paintings (estimates of their age vary from around 20,000 to 40,000 years) became ‘a cornerstone for me,’ Philip recalls. Discovering and thinking about this ancient art made him rethink the idea of art history, as it is taught. ‘It was a complete revelation,’ he says. The paintings of the animals were incredible, whereas humans were just squiggles.

‘They were outside history – this was pre-arthistory. I am not an academic. It has taken me many years to sort it out. What they were doing was exactly what I do – they were understanding themselves. They were drawing and painting their

A Painter’s House by Philip Sutton RA. Framed size 46.5 x 36.5” 2003. £28,000

impressions of their time.

‘That is what creativity is about. It is trying to understand something about yourself. You need to understand how you fit into your society, where you live. The mind is cluttered and you can’t clear it completely, but you can get rid of some things – for example to do with the conventional art world.’ In the early 1960s, after some years teaching at the Slade and later living in Suffolk, Philip and Heather and their four young children travelled to the South Pacific for a year.

A year in Fiji

It had been snowing in England. I said ‘Maybe we could spend the winter in sunshine.’ He talked to a friend, a professor at the University of Sydney, who recommended Fiji.

There is a fascinating portrait of their lives on this beautiful island in a short black-and-white film shot by Heather, a pioneering female documentary maker (see opposite). They had become friends with the director Karel Reisz and, through him, got to know Albert Finney, star of Reisz’s award-winning Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Finney came to stay with them on Fiji – ‘He was our babysitter for some weeks,’ Philip recalls. Back in England, the family lived in London for many years, and in 1977, at the invitation of Hugh

Casson, Philip became an Associate member of the Royal Academy. He was elected an Academician in 1988. The following year, the family moved to west Wales where they lived until he and Heather moved to Dorset in the 2010s to be near their daughter Rebekah. Heather died a few years ago. Another daughter, Saskia, now also lives in west Dorset.

Philip Sutton RA 1992. Image © Rebekah Sutton.

Bonita’s Flowers by Philip Sutton, 1998

New ways with old wood

Retired schoolteacher Mark Dunham has a new career as a wood artist – Edwina Baines learns more about his work

Woodworking is one of the oldest arts known to mankind: archaeologists have discovered tools which are more than a million years old and contain traces of acacia wood. In a small workshop near his house in Mere, Mark Dunham continues this ancient tradition – but to describe him only as a woodworker would be doing him a disservice. His designs go beyond the wood itself – every piece uses a combination of skills, including glass, copper and metalwork as he instinctively draws on a connection between his designs and our natural world. When he left school, Mark took up work as an apprentice wood machinist before progressing to teacher training at Brunel University. For many years he was a teacher of craft, design and technology (CDT) in Poole, later moving north to Port Regis School. He was always eager to tell his pupils that imagination and design are the most important starting points – even before understanding the techniques of working in wood, metal or glass.

At the end of a long career in teaching, Mark now has the time to pursue his personal passion for woodworking – in particular, creating his uniquely organic long-case clocks and lamps.

Each piece starts from either a single piece of wood or a sketched design – which may evolve or change as the work develops.

Shaped by nature

Mark uses wood that he sources locally or that is randomly brought by friends.

Several of the clocks and smaller items Mark has on display were made from an old burred oak. Burrs are the bumps, swellings or bulges that grow on or from the trunk of a tree, caused by the stunted growth of tiny branches which die back. They build up in a bumpy form with a cauliflowerlike texture, and the interior burr wood forms swirling patterns that are particularly lovely and much sought after by woodworkers.

A small wax melt-holder is made of the same burred oak, intertwined with copper. It combines Mark’s logo of twin hearts into the copper work. The stylised hearts logo appears again at the base of a small bowl made of holly and old Mahogany spiralling out of the central design.

The hands of an unusual spiral clock are based on the Fibonacci sequence – a shape which appears throughout nature. Mark explains how it ‘fits the flow of the walnut frame and patinated

The Fibonacci clock © Mark Dunham

The Ripples in Time clock

Cooksons Court Yeovil Calway House Taunton

Mark Dunham

Image: Edwina Baines

Woodwork artist

Mark Dunham

All images: Edwina Baines

copper markers without spoiling the form of the sculpture, effectively becoming a kinetic sculpture by slowly moving to show the time. It’s a pleasing demonstration of form and function. The clock is read by taking a point from the centre through the spiral tips towards the markers.’

Pre-war influences

Ripples in Time is another stunning clock (see previous page) made of London plane, otherwise known as lacewood. Mark could not guess at the number of hours he had worked on this beautiful piece. The case has been cut in a way to emphasise the quarter-sawn plank, which exposes the medullary rays of the wood in each ripple –cellular structures visible to the naked eye, more noticeable in certain types of wood. When timber is quarter-sawn, the wood is cut into boards with the growth rings roughly perpendicular to the face of the board, and the medullary rays often produce beautiful patterns. London plane has a very conspicuous flecking, which gives the wood its nickname, lacewood.

Mark is interested in the pre-Second World War period of design, including the Bauhaus and Art Deco movements. He is influenced by, among others, Victor Horta, a Belgian architect and designer and one of the founders of the Art Nouveau movement, who used curving stylised vegetal forms in his innovative use of iron, steel and glass. Mark loves the organic forms and natural flow of Art Nouveau, and reflects similar lines in his own designs. For each new design, Mark has to learn different processes. For example, he bought some secondhand shoe lasts on eBay to use for shaping copper sheets.

A modern twist

Standing guard in a corner is a unique six-segment digital display as the face of another longcase clock, this one in yew. It’s a digital clock, but instead of the traditional seven-segment display we usually see, these numbers changed each minute into stylized Art Nouveau characters. Mark explains that there was ‘an electronic device which signals each of the LED arrays through the frame, which is then diffused through the glass to provide the shape of the numbers.’ The number design gives a traditional clock a distinctively contemporary twist – a hallmark of all Mark Dunham designs.

Due to the amount of time he takes over each design, Mark can only cope with a trickle of commissions.

Some of the pieces in this article can be seen at a show at Shaftesbury Arts Centre gallery in July and at Stock Gaylard Oak Fair in August.

mrdunham.uk

Elements at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre is a combined show with potter Joanne Rutter and artist Ani Overton, 12th to 18th July Stock Gaylard Oak Fair is on 26th & 27th August

A small wax melt holder made of burred oak, intertwined with copper

The long case Art Nouveau digital clock face designed by Mark Dunham

Girl Friday

Sophie Giles swapped working on an industrial estate for life as an island girl – Tracie Beardsley met Brownsea Island’s youngest ranger

On her lunch breaks, Sophie Giles used to seek out the only green space on the bleak industrial estate where she worked on a cosmetics production line. Now she spends well-earned lunch hours dipping in the sea or sitting beneath picturesque pines, enjoying incredible views of her workplace – Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. Her commute is the refreshing boat ride across the world’s second largest natural harbour to the idyllic island.

When I meet her, Sophie was still processing the news that she’d just been appointed a National Trust Ranger. One of only three on the island, she’s the youngest and only female in the team.

No longer struggling

In a whirlwind year as an apprentice, the 22-year-old has learned to drive tractors, crew a boat, use chainsaws and

brushcutters and all manner of other ‘boy’s toys’. As well as learning on the job, her online lessons in ecology, biodiversity, conservation and the island’s history are obviously paying off. Sophie pauses to point out baby oystercatchers, she marvels at the stunning passiflora just coming into bloom and talks confidently about the habitats around her. No wonder her impressed tutor nominated her for Apprentice of the Year. Sophie says: ‘At school, college and university, I fell short and struggled. My grades were low, and though I really wanted to succeed, I found even simple tasks very difficult.’

Although a talented artist, Sophie quit her BA in graphic art in the second year and volunteered on Brownsea for six months. ‘My parents were worried I was dropping out and losing direction, but I felt an urge to be

All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

Sophie has had to learn to drive tractors and crew boats

Sophie Giles

outdoors, to do something that spoke truer to myself. Getting my hands into the soil and doing physical work felt right.’

Bracken pulling, ragwort monitoring, thinning out trees – her ranger role involves huge amounts of practical and very physical conservation work. ‘It’s hard work, but I come home exhilarated. In my previous job, I’d drive home and sit in my car for ten minutes with my head resting on the steering wheel just needing to decompress. No energy or enthusiasm. Working with nature

I’m super-inspired. It’s really switched on my creative side. I’ve started drawing again.’ Favourite task so far? ‘Surveying butterflies. On a sunny day you walk around the different habitats and log all you see. We share the data with the Butterfly Conservation Trust. It’s a true indicator of the island’s biodiversity. Moth traps are super-fun too. You set them at night and in the morning it’s like finding treasure! Lots of wonderful species, vital food for the churring nightjars we have nesting here.’

Sophie’s working day is a far cry from her previous job on a cosmetics production line

I’d drive home and sit in my car for ten minutes with my head resting on the steering wheel

Keen to share her new-found knowledge, Sophie helps support a government-funded scheme in partnership with Dorset Wildlife Trust, hosting free school visits. She has used her artistic skills to design a series of educational activities, along with an engaging booklet that inspires kids to work within nature.

‘Our aim is to empower children. These school visits are such a success, with kids from all backgrounds and educational levels getting stuck in and curious. It’s a dynamic and exciting project.’

Christmas thermals

As we talk, the weather is glorious, with the temperature in the high 20s. I wonder if working on the island in the depths of winter is such fun?

Sophie recalls: ‘I’ve worked one winter here. The staff boat broke down so we had to cross on the logistics barge – essentially a metal bath tub. Normally, my Christmas list is full of fru-fru nonsense, but last year insulated socks and fur-lined boots were added to it rapidly!

‘It’s a very chilly start in the winter months, but once you start thinning out trees, you soon warm up. I’m also a great believer in power porridge breakfasts – making sure it’s full of peanuts, almonds, spirulina and chai seeds.

‘Being in an environment I’m truly passionate about, around like-minded people, I’m thriving and finally excelling with my studies. I’m very grateful to have found “my thing” after feeling I couldn’t succeed at anything.’

Quick fire questions:

A-list dinner party guests?

I’m a Springwatch fan, especially as it was filmed in Dorset recently, so Chris Packham with Sir David Attenborough. Native American musician Mariee Sioux – her music is so grounding and in tune with nature. It’d be fun inviting Mary Bonham-Christie, the ‘Demon of Brownsea’, the reclusive owner who believed in leaving nature alone. Book by your bedside?

The Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb (I love fantasy fiction) and also Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life by George Monbiot – it’s a captivating, beautiful book.

Pulling bracken is just one of the day to day tasks under Sophie’s responsibility

Poulshot, Wiltshire

Tytherington, Wiltshire

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An elegant Grade II Listed country house with an annexe, stabling and outbuildings, set in a delightful garden.

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A charming Grade II Listed detached cottage with an annexe, delightful gardens and adjoining wild flower meadow – in all, about 1.45 acres.

Coombe Bissett, Wiltshire Shaftesbury, Dorset

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A characterful 4 bedroom village home with distinctive architecture and within easy reach of Salisbury city centre.

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A charming, Grade II Listed, semi-detached thatched cottage with a delightful garden and the backdrop of a beautiful green open space.

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The day I found a skeleton...

On the first day of his first archaeological dig, CPRE’s Rupert Hardy made a major discovery and uncovered a sad mystery

‘As I carefully scraped away with my small trowel, I became aware that what I was unearthing looked very like a human skull...’

I have written about prehistoric Dorset but was aware I had never actually got my hands dirty doing a ‘dig’. So I signed up as

a volunteer for the Durotriges 2023 Big Dig organised by Bournemouth University, to spend a week excavating the Iron Age site on downland at Winterborne Kingston. I was one of 15 to 20 volunteers working alongside more than 60 students, all of us armed with just a tiny

archaeological trowel and a kneeler. There were also more than a dozen staff from the faculty, all unfailingly helpful and keen to share their knowledge. On the first day, after the obligatory introductory talks, we set to simply cleaning the chalk site.

On the second we were allocated a pit or trench to dig. That second morning was rather disappointing – I watched other people’s ‘finds’ trays filling up with fragments of pottery, shaped flints and animal bones, while mine stayed sadly and resolutely empty. Little did I know my luck was about to change. About seven inches down from the surface I found a large fragment of pottery. On examination, its cross-hatched decoration suggested the Bronze Age, rather older than the Iron Age fragments others were unearthing. A few inches deeper still, I found not more pottery but what looked very like part of a human skull ...

The passing supervisor got very excited and suddenly my storage pit became the centre of attention on the site (I’m keen to

point out this was not down to skill – it was pure beginner’s luck of course!)

The body with a pot

Progress slowed somewhat –dealing with human remains requires dignity and respect,

as well as considerable record taking, with much input from bone specialists. We made drawings and then I worked with Shelley, a mature second year student, using wooden tools and brushes rather than metal trowels to gently prise away the earth from the fragile bones of what was clearly emerging – a full skeleton buried in a foetal position, with a good set of teeth. Their fragility meant the bones could not be lifted. Alongside the body we discovered a large pot, containing the incinerated remains of a young child.

There were no signs of jewellery or weapons – this was no rich tribal leader. Rough estimates suggest the date as around 1,800 BC, but this will be confirmed later by DNA testing.

The other finds

Finding a skeleton in such shallow ground is clearly a rarity. Others spent the week digging out storage pits and trenches as deep as two metres – they needed to wear helmets for protection from falling rocks – and were finding sheep skeletons, cow heads, a copper brooch, chalk spindle whorls and a virtually-intact Iron Age pot. The animal remains were not there just for food, they were possibly offerings to the gods.

Bournemouth University archaeologists examining the finds in Rupert’s pit

Iron Age and Bronze Age pottery found this year at the dig, including the pieces found by Rupert Hardy

Mine was the only human skeleton discovered that week, although there was another, found in last year’s dig, was being excavated. Five were found at the site in 2022. More will probably be discovered later as the digging gets deeper. Apparently last year the team found hundreds of frogs at the bottom of some pits, suggesting the climate was somewhat wetter than today when the nearest watercourse, the North Winterborne, is nearly a mile from the site, and doesn’t flow at all during the summer.

The Durotriges Project

Established in 2009, Bournemouth University’s Durotriges Project is a programme of archaeological fieldwork designed ‘to investigate the nature of the native cultural footprint and objectively assess how Britons and Romans interacted’. Investigating the prehistoric and Roman societies of central southwestern Britain, The Durotriges Project is studying the role that Dorset’s ancient Iron Age societies played in networks of production, exchange and communication with the rest of Britain and mainland Europe. The main focus of excavation began at a number of sites to the north of Winterborne Kingston near Bere Regis.

Of all the Iron Age tribes identified from pre-Roman Britain, the Durotriges were the most culturally distinct. Occupying an area that equates with modern Dorset (one of the best-preserved archaeological landscapes in Britain), with parts of southern Wiltshire and Somerset, the pottery, coinage, settlements and burial practices of the Durotriges clearly mark them out from other tribes. The project was a chance to move away from the traditional interpretation of historical events, with the Durotriges actively resisting the Roman invasion of AD 43, before

being defeated in a series of battles, and their culture and identity being subsequently eradicated. Instead, it aimed to discover whether a more rigorous examination of the archaeological data could throw light on the true nature of later Iron Age society, both before the arrival of Romans and its evolution afterwards.

One of the most significant discoveries was in 2015 when a major Iron Age settlement of 200 pre-Roman houses was found, dating from 100BC, and named Duropolis after the tribe. Dr Miles Russell from Bournemouth University says: ‘There was nothing on the surface, just ploughed land. It was a town with a large, dense population and a

lot of organisation.’

It may have been the first planned town in Britain, and its presence on open unprotected downland underscores the view that the Durotriges lived a relatively peaceful life then, with no need to live in the hillforts which were increasingly being abandoned before the Romans arrived. Other excavations have uncovered an Early Bronze Age cemetery, Later Bronze Age and Early Iron Age settlements, a Middle Iron Age enclosure and a Late Iron Age burial ground and settlement, as well as a Roman villa and cemetery. There was a Public Open Day on this dig on 2nd July.

Rupert Hardy, Chair North Dorset CPRE

Rupert Hardy at the Big Dig with ‘his’ pit

A Sherborne stop for Antiques Road Trip

Probably everyone has seen the odd episode of ‘Antiques Road Trip’ on the BBC. The show recently visited Sherborne, and the historic town got to witness a proper treasure hunt as presenter and expert Catherine Southon took to Sherborne Antiques Market to find some items. The market – renowned for its witty and extravagant window displays – hosts 38 dealers currently, and is laid out in ‘rooms’, with each independent dealer having their own space to use as they wish.

BV podcaster Terry Bennet spoke to owner Craig Wharton to get some insights on their day of filming, as well as hearing how Sherborne’s biggest antiques shop came to be.

‘It all started during COVID,’ says Craig. ‘I was a dealer and had decided it was about time I had my own market. Phillip, my partner, was working at Dukes in Dorchester. Initially, I was going to open on my own. But Philip decided that his time as an auctioneer was done and wanted to join me.

‘We went for lunch with Paul Atterbury and his wife, Chrissy, who Philip had been working with for some time. I used Paul as a sounding-board and asked if he might hypothetically join a market if a market was hypothetically going to open?

He said: ”Why, are you thinking of opening a market?” I said: “Yes – but I haven’t actually told anybody yet!” And Paul said: “Yes, I’ll join you.” So

he became my first recruit!

‘It was a leap of faith really. Antique dealers normally like to hunt on their own, to trade on their own. However, the market works because the shop is open seven days a week.’

And what is Craig’s own speciality?

‘Philip’s an excellent furniture restorer. I would like to say that I’m a specialist in furniture – but I know so little compared with the people I work alongside. I’m probably a decorative dealer. There’s

Catherine Southon was the expert filming a shopping trip in Sherborne Antiques Market – Terry Bennett spoke to owner Craig Wharton

L-R: Philip Traves, Catherine Southon, Craig Wharton

no shame in that! I look at something and think yes, that can be used in the home or the garden. It’s beautiful. Could I live with it? Could I sell it? And, more to the point, could I make a slight profit on it? I tend to buy furniture, pictures and items that are unusual for someone’s home. I sell a lot to interior designers who use us as a source of stock.’ Do you only buy things that appeal to you? Or is it more scientific than that?

‘I don’t think there’s any science to it at all! Certainly not where I’m coming from. I do buy what I like but I also buy what I know will sell. Everybody needs a chest of drawers. People also need somewhere to put their computer. We’ve seen recently, with the move towards laptops, that people are beginning to buy bureaus again. Personally, they’re not my choice, but I know that they will sell! They’re functional and beautiful. I suppose if I do have a mantra, it would be “practical and pretty”. Everything should be usable. And it should look lovely.’

On camera

The BBC recently arrived to film an episode of the Antiques Road Trip – can you share any insider info on the day?

‘A little! Catherine Southon was the expert on the day, and she was wonderful. She’d been filming in the morning and when she came into the shop she looked exhausted. She just said “Help me! What am I going to buy?”

‘Philip was the one actually doing the filming, and he just took her arm and pulled her along, showed her a few things, and he also took her upstairs to show her where we restore our furniture – these things have been around for maybe 200 years. We like to give them another lease of life!

‘She loved it up there – she’s an auctioneer too, of course. It’s theatre, obviously, it’s all made for television. So they’re expecting to show the general public that there’s a deal to be had. And in the main there is. If something’s priced for, say,

£110, you know that you can drop by £10 pounds and everybody’s happy. But of course, when you’re being filmed for television, you do drop a considerable amount – let’s face it, if she wasn’t able to buy anything, there wouldn’t have been a television programme!

But she was very, very pleasant. They all were –the sound people, the camera people. They were super, it was a lovely experience.’

And how long does the filming for what will probably be five minutes of screen time take?

‘Well, I think it could have gone on a little bit longer. But we had tickets to go to the opera that night. So I said to her, I don’t care what happens. We are leaving here at half past six! They all burst out laughing. But they turned up at lunch time, and by half six they were ready to go.’

Can you share one final tip, then, for somebody wanting to go and buy an antique and keep it for a few years in the hope of a sound investment?

‘Oh, heavens, if I knew what was going to be in fashion in ten years time I certainly wouldn’t be restoring furniture and doing what I’m doing now! All I would say is if you’re going to keep it, buy something you absolutely fall in love with. Buy something that, if you haven’t bought it by the time the shop closes, then all you do is think about it all night. Go back and get it because it’ll pay you back dividends, no matter the value.’

• You can listen to Terry’s full interview with Craig in June’s podcast here.

• Sherborne Antiques Market is on Cheap Street, and open seven days a week: Mon to Sat 10 to 5, Sun 11 to 4 (Market Sundays 10 till 4).

Philip and Craig in their own window.

Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Sherborne Antiques Market is filled with 38 dealer’s ‘rooms’

Menopausal women can go to Dorset Mind for tailored support

With 84 per cent of UK women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, Dorset Mind is now offering local women a menopause pathway

Last year, the government surveyed 100,000 women for its Let’s Talk About It women’s health report. The results revealed that 84 per cent of the women surveyed felt they were not heard by healthcare professionals. And only 64 per cent said they felt comfortable discussing menopause-related issues. At Dorset Mind we are committed to challenging the stigma surrounding mental health –promoting open conversations about mental wellbeing. These discussions are beneficial in helping individuals realise they are not alone and we know it reduces the risk of suicide.

Menopause pathway

As some staff and volunteers at Dorset Mind experience their own menopause journeys, we understand the impact of menopause on so many aspects of women’s lives, including mental health, empathising with the numerous challenges associated with menopause. Symptoms such as anger, irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness and low mood can affect women throughout this stage of their lives.

In partnership with the NHS, Dorset Mind now offers a menopause pathway through its Active Monitoring service. This consists of six weekly sessions for patients with mild to moderate mental health issues. The menopause pathway – along with other available pathways addressing anxiety, depression, stress, grief and more – guides patients throughout their sessions. Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals. There is often no waiting list.

Mery Zanutto, Dorset Mind’s Active Monitoring team leader, played a crucial role in the development of the new menopause pathway:

‘I am a former Advanced Surgical Practitioner as well as having experienced the menopause journey both naturally and finally surgically induced, so National Mind felt I was a good asset in providing both clinical and personal experience into the materials. Due to the increased awareness and demand for support services among patients in the past couple of years, we needed to be able to address and respond to the increasing number of enquiries.

‘Our new pathway focuses on perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause which, together with the two additional resources of The Role of Hormones and How to Best Manage the Menopause Treatment, will provide people

with basic knowledge.’

Ensuring that women not only feel heard but also have their concerns taken seriously is essential. Throughout their healthcare journey, this includes discussions of symptoms, subsequent appointments, treatment options and follow-up care.

Dorset Mind is proud to offer Active Monitoring support in GP surgeries across Dorset for individuals aged 11 and above. Currently available in 12 Primary Care Networks, the service can be accessed without a waiting list. More information about the specific GP surgeries offering this support is available on the organisation’s website.

While Dorset Mind provides valuable support, it’s important to note that GPs remain the primary resource for clinical guidance.

Karen

Nourishing your bones

Bone disease is usually a silent risk – with a little effort it is possible to prevent, postpone or manage the effects, says expert Karen Geary

I’m quite focused on bone health – both osteopenia and osteoporosis are prevalent in my family. Osteopenia is characterised by lower-than-normal bone mineral density (BMD), but the bone loss is not as severe as in osteoporosis. It is often a precursor to osteoporosis. Individuals with osteopenia have weaker bones that are more susceptible to fractures than those with normal bone density, but less susceptible than those with osteoporosis.

However, not everyone with osteopenia will progress to osteoporosis – the journey is gradual and can take many years.

Osteoporosis is a more advanced and serious condition, characterised by significantly low bone density and deteriorated bone quality. Bones become fragile and prone to fractures, even with minor stress or trauma. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’ because it progresses without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. Common sites of fractures associated with osteoporosis include the spine, hip and wrist. Women, particularly after menopause, are more prone to developing osteoporosis, but it can also affect men and younger individuals due to certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors. Maintaining strong and healthy bones is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life. As we age, the risk of developing either osteopenia or osteoporosis increases. However, by adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, combined with a few lifestyle modifications, you can manage and potentially delay deterioration in bone health. It’s good to know the best foods to promote bone health. Here are some valuable tips to help you maintain strong and resilient bones.

What makes a good bone diet?

• Protein

Protein is essential for bone formation and repair. Ensure that your diet includes lean sources of protein such as fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, legumes and tofu. However, it’s important to strike a balance – excessive protein intake can lead to increased calcium excretion and place undue pressure on the kidneys. Aim for 0.8g to 1g of protein per kilogram of body weight, more if you are athletic or an older adult.

• Calcium-rich foods

Calcium is an essential mineral that forms the building blocks of our bones. Incorporating

calcium-rich foods into your daily diet is vital for bone health. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. If you are lactose-intolerant or prefer non-dairy alternatives, consider fortified plant-based milks, calcium-set tofu and leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli, spinach and bok choy. Oats, tahini, sesame seeds, chia seeds, poppy seeds and almond butter also contain good amounts of calcium. It’s important to note that studies suggest calcium supplements make NO difference, but ensuring an abundance of cofactors such as vitamins D and K2 and magnesium DO!

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, making it a key nutrient for bone health. Exposure to sunlight is the most natural way to obtain vitamin D, but it can also be found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks and it’s in fortified foods like cereal. However, many individuals may require vitamin D supplements, particularly if they have limited sun exposure or are unable to meet their dietary needs. It’s recommended to regularly test your vitamin D levels, aiming for an ideal level of 75nmol/L.

• Magnesium, Phosphorus and Boron

Magnesium and phosphorus are two minerals that work alongside calcium to maintain bone strength. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and dark chocolate are excellent sources of magnesium. Phosphorus-rich foods include seafood, lean meats, poultry, dairy products and nuts. Boron helps regulate calcium and magnesium levels and sources include apples, pears, nuts, bone broth, beans and lentils.

• Vitamin K

Vitamin K is necessary for the production of proteins that regulate bone metabolism and mineralisation. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens are rich in vitamin K. Other sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.

Lifestyle tips to prevent osteoporosis

• Regular exercise

Engage in weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, dancing and resistance training, to promote bone strength and density. Incorporate balance and flexibility exercises to reduce the risk of falls.

• Avoid smoking

Smoking can negatively impact bone health. Also be mindful of caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks – high consumption of all of these may increase calcium excretion from your bones, removing important minerals and accelerating the loss of bone density over time, increasing the risk of fractures.

• Maintain a healthy weight

Being underweight or overweight can adversely affect bone health. Strive to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Post-menopause

The loss of oestrogen during menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, phytoestrogenic foods (flaxseeds, cruciferous vegetables, sesame, nuts), and good nutrition as described above are all important after the menopause. In summary, a nutritious and varied diet may help improve bone density and delay deterioration.

Supporting your gut microbiome – an emerging focus in bone health research – may also help to regulate bone health.

A ‘silent disease’, it progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs

Clayesmore Classic & Supercar Sunday!

Excitement is building for the automotive show of the year – and there are plenty of new attractions, food and events during the day to entertain the whole family.

Clayesmore and Aperta Events are delighted to welcome headline sponsor, Harwoods, who are set to wow the crowds with a magnificent collection of Astons, Bentleys, McLarens and many other rare vehicles. You won’t want to miss it! We also welcome other sponsors and friends – Van Haven, Gritchie Brewery Co and HKC Prestige who are all coming together to create more than a stunning exhibition; it will be a relaxed and

fun afternoon for all the family. It’s time for the kids to take the driving seat!

We are also delighted to announce that we will have a brilliant new installation for children – they can come and have a go on our exciting offroad adventure obstacle course in mini electric LAND ROVERS!

Thanks to Harwoods, every child can have a go for free, and earn their driving licence!

Don’t miss the REV OFF! Join us for the REV OFF competition! Twice during the day our supercars will be battling it out for decibel bragging rights. We’d say it’s not to be missed, but if you’re anywhere nearby you simply will not be able to miss it ... VROOM!

And much, much more...

We have more amazing caterers ... stalls and stands for retail therapy ... and the music, did we mention the music?

See you there!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! bit.ly/classicsupercar2023

• Still a limited chance to exhibit - sign up soon!

apertaevents.co.uk/paddock

A proper English village gets festive

Semley has a long tradition of music – including its many years as the home of guitarist Julian Bream and more recently the composer Sadie Harrison. Now it is adding local bands to the heritage, with an all-day Music Festival, on Saturday 8th July.

It will be the second festival, bringing together local people and local bands – indies, playing their own music – for a day of fun, entertainment, crafts, food and drink and other activities.

A successful beginning

In 2022, as we all emerged from the dark days of lockdown, Jane McCarthy and David Curless were inspired to organise the new Semley Music Festival.

As they say, it’s a small village with big ideas: ‘Semley has always enjoyed seasonal events to mark the passing of the year – from traditional summer fête to harvest supper in a barn; bonfire and fireworks to candlelit carol service. We’re lucky enough to have all the key components of a proper English village – a church, school, pub, village hall and community-run shop and café. And at the heart of it all, there’s a broad sweep of common land.

‘What better place for a festival? What better time than after a long period of isolation? The

idea was to celebrate together – our return to normality, the summer, village life – and offer musicians the opportunity of live performance after their long absence from the stage.’ With no experience of organising a festival, Jane and David relied on their own ambition and love of music and ‘the certainty that Semley would rise to the occasion.’

Support from local businesses allowed them to book and pay young, aspiring musicians and well-established artists, and expert technical crew to ensure the quality of sound and lighting. In the event, the nine hours of live music and more of the inaugural festival was on the only wet day in a long summer heatwave. But the torrential rain didn’t dampen enthusiasm and the new event was a great success. ‘We sang and danced in the rain and vowed to do it all again in 2023,’ as Jane and David put it.

Going bigger for 2023

This year’s festival is “bigger and better”, with 12 hours of live music across two stages with something for everyone, from roots to blues, soul to salsa – a strong line-up of original and experimental musicians, many of whom tour the UK, Europe and beyond. They include a band from the streets of São Paulo, a singer from Chile and own home-grown headliners, Bare Jams, who now live in Bristol but command quite a following around the world.

There will be locally brewed craft beer, chilled lager, Pimms or a glass of wine, a wood-fired pizza oven, halloumi fries and homemade burgers, an ice cream van and a tea tent. Other activities include a free Tai Chi session, glitter tattoos, helping to construct a giant festive rhino and the popular Bubblesman, who returns with his fire hoop dancers to charm the children like a benign Pied Piper.

Semley Music Festival is on Saturday 8th July. Tickets: Adults £25, YA (16-20) £10, children £5, Family £55. For more festival details, including the full line-up, visit semleymusicfestival.org.

Home-grown band Bare Jams will be coming from Bristol to headline the festival

SwanFest 2023 – help add to the £23k raised in memory of 14mth old Morris

The Swan Theatre Yeovil is renowned for its innovative approach to the arts, and this summer’s Music Festival is no exception. Breaking new ground, the Swan Theatre will be opening its unique and intimate space to host a series of classical music concerts for the very first time in its history. The Swan Music Festival is under the guidance of Mike Stanley, who enjoyed a successful career as a pianist and musical director in London’s West End for over four decades. Following his move to Somerset, he has continued to pursue his passion for music, and is a dedicated member of the Swan Theatre. He is the founder and creator of the festival, and the event will feature The Cirrus Quartet and guests who will perform four concerts of chamber music.

Mike will be joined by other leading solo and chamber music performers, all of whom have worked with most of the top chamber and symphony orchestras in Great Britain. The festival’s program will feature a selection of popular chamber music, by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart, Debussy, and Schubert. Spanning four days in July, the Swan Music Festival will bring the beauty and richness of chamber music to Yeovil.

Remembering Morris

This year’s festival holds a special significance due to the poignant circumstances surrounding its inception. During the early stages of planning the event, Mike Stanley tragically lost his grandson, Morris, to Strep A at just 14 months old. The Swan Music Festival provides an opportunity to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where Morris was treated, and to honour his memory. The Stanley family’s charitable efforts, including Mike’s son Ben running the Paris Marathon just seven weeks after the loss of his

son, have already raised over £27,000 for GOSH. The Swan Music Festival will further contribute to this worthy cause, supporting the extraordinary efforts made thus far, and serving as a celebration of Mike’s two greatest joys in life: family and music. The festival takes place from 19th to 22nd July, with each day featuring performances by renowned musicians. Some of the highlights include:

• 19th July:

W.H.Reed – Legende for String Quartet

Percy Hilder Miles – Clarinet Quintet

Brahms – Clarinet Quintet

• 20th July:

Mozart – Piano Quartet K 493

W.H.Reed – String Quartet No 5

Elgar – Piano Quintet

• 21st July:

Beethoven – Piano Trio ‘The Ghost’

Debussy – Cello Sonata

Clara Schumann – Piece for violin and piano

Brahms – C minor piano quartet

• 22nd July:

Vaughan Williams – Piano Quintet

Brahms – String Quartet opus 51 no 2

Schubert – “The Trout” Quintet

To attend the Swan Music Festival, tickets are £15 from swan-theatre.co.uk (or £50 for all four concerts if bought via the box office at swantheatreboxoffice@gmail.com)

Top quartet are stompin’ in Shaftesbury

On Sunday 23rd July the Stompin’ Dave Quartet are live at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, as part of Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. Inspired by the festival’s spirit of creative development, Dave has brought together four of the UK’s top musicians, forming a brand new jazz and blues band who will make their debut as a group at the festival.

Bridport-based Stompin’ Dave has only ever worked as a musician, making well over two hundred and fifty festival appearances – including Glastonbury, Camp Bestival, and Bestival. A former member of The Producers, a UK Blues Band of the Year, Stompin’ Dave was nominated for a British Blues Award in 2014.

“Stompin’ Dave is a master of all kinds of American roots … a formidable musician and a true original” The Daily Telegraph.

Ray Drury’s first band was soul act Rufus Stone. He played many gigs with the band including supporting Curtis Mayfield, and Gloria Gaynor. Ray moved over to blues and performs with many different artists including multi award winning blues band The Producers. Ray was named best UK keyboard player by Bronte Blues Club Awards, and voted third best UK keyboard player in the Blues Matters magazine poll. One of bassist Paul Francis’ first professional gigs was at Glastonbury in 1979 with Steve Hillage, of legendary psychedelic rock band Gong. Since then Paul has worked with an amazing array of music industry names, touring the UK & Europe with Paul Weller, performing with The James Taylor Quartet, and many, many others.

London based Sam Kelly has been voted into the Blues In

Britain magazine Gallery of the Greats as a five-times winner of the UK Drummer of the Year award. In recent years Sam has been awarded first place in the drummer category in the Blues Matters Writer’s Poll. Sam has performed with Dr. John, Ben. E King, Robert Plant, The Foundations, Chaka Khan, Billy Ocean, Paul Jones, Imelda May, Gary Moore, and Chris Barber. Sam was an original member of renowned 1970’s British funk band Cymande who attained US Billboard R&B chart success. Cymande reformed in 2014 and Sam has subsequently toured across the globe with them, including many headline shows at Ronnie Scott’s.

Sunday 23 July, 7.30pm. Tickets £14, from Shaftesbury Arts Box Office 01747 854321 or shaftesburyarts.org.uk

Beware the Jabberwock! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!

The village of Pokeytin is under threat. Crops and cows disappear in the night, Mrs Dodos’ washing has been pinched from the line and Mr Walrus can’t find a single oyster! Who is to blame? Why the Jabberwocky of course! But is this monster really as bad as those old locals make out?

Calf 2 Cow present a hilarious new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous poem The Jabberwocky. Expect multi-rolling, floor stamping rock ‘n’ roll and a giant dragon puppet, breathing actual fire (we hope)! Grab your Jubjub bird and your best mad hat, and prepare yourself for the bellylaughing quest of a lifetime. This is the Jabberwocky as NEVER seen before.

The Jabberwocky is on Tue 22nd

August at Springhead Gardens, Fontmell Magna. Gardens open from 5.30pm for picnics and the performance starts at 7pm (Adults £14, child £6, family £36 ).

Tickets from artsreach.co.uk or call 01747 811853

Recommended for ages 6+. Note it is an outdoor performance –bring your own chair/blanket to sit on. Assistance dogs only.

Don’t miss this year’s Yetminster Fair!

Yetminster Fair will take place on Saturday 15th July at Yetminster Community Sports Club and promises to be great fun for all the family. This year’s stalls will be very varied with something for everyone –including a great range of food and drink. New this year, children are sure to love the Feathers, Fangs and

Furries stall – an opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of interesting animals including an owl, a snake and some rabbits!

There will live music from local favourite Joe Jones and a high energy show from ‘Power of Performance’.

With a great display of classic cars, a bouncy castle, children’s

games and much more the Yetminster Sports Club bar will also be open all day.

All proceeds from the day will form part of the of the grants made by the fair organisers, the Yetminster Fair Association, to local clubs and charities later in the year.

15th July, 12.30 to 4.30pm. £1 per adult – 16s and under free!

Unveiling the Ancient Wonders: Home of Hillforts & Henges 2023

Home of Hillforts & Henges returns in 2023, celebrating Dorchester’s Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age heritage from July 28th to July 30th. The festival invites visitors to explore the ancient landscapes that have shaped the town for over 6,000 years.

Dorchester proudly holds the title of ‘the Home of Hillforts & Henges’ due to its significant historical sites. Before the town’s establishment, the region served as the centre of a major Neolithic ceremonial landscape.

Within Dorchester, four impressive henges and two formidable hillforts stand as testaments to its rich heritage.

One of the remarkable sites is the Dorchester Neolithic Monument, one of Britain’s largest. Located in the Tudor Arcade, its vast palisaded enclosure features signs of huge wooden posts and a curving ditch.

Maumbury Rings, constructed over 4,500 years ago, served as a giant henge with a single entrance and possible standing stone. The Romans later re-purposed it as an amphitheatre by enhancing the banks and filling the inner ditch. Flagstones, located just outside Dorchester, is a late Neolithic circular ring with chalk walls and unevenly spaced pits. It boasts a large sarsen stone, referred to as The Druid Stone by Thomas Hardy, which still stands in a garden.

Mount Pleasant, an oval Neolithic ‘superhenge,’ captivates visitors with its concentric rings of postholes and cross-shaped aisles.

Poundbury Hill encompasses evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, an Iron Age hillfort, and even a section of Roman aqueduct remains.

Maiden Castle, the largest Iron Age hillfort in Europe, stands proudly in the landscape just two miles south of Dorchester.

The South Dorset Ridgeway, nestled between Dorchester and Weymouth, hides more than 500 archaeological monuments and barrows, making it Europe’s finest funerary landscape.

Home of Hillforts & Henges 2023

Part of the National CBA Festival of Archaeology, this year’s event offers an immersive experience for visitors. Guided walks, talks, and activities will take place across the town, culminating in the grand HengeFest at Maumbury Rings on July 30th. This free family day out within the ancient monument features trade stands, local food, live music, and engaging nature crafts, ensuring a fabulous day out for the whole family. The festival is made possible by headline sponsors Kingston Maurward, Dorset Hideaways, and Dorchester Town Council, as well as other supportive partners and sponsors.

Don’t miss the opportunity to unravel the secrets of Dorchester’s ancient past at Home of Hillforts & Henges 2023. From July 28th to July 30th, immerse yourself in a journey through time and explore the wonders that shaped this remarkable town. discoverdorchester.co.uk

W H A T ' S O N @ T H E E X C H A N G E

SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB

SAT 22ND JULY

Featuring The Lindy Hop Dance Company & The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra. Take a step back into 1920s & ’30 - Swinging at The Cotton Club’ is the action-packed show celebrating the music and dance of New York’s most celebrated nightclub of the 1920s and ‘30s (£21/£22)

HISTORY OF ROCK

FRI 18TH AUGUST

A celebration of rock music from the seeds of ROCK & ROLL in the 1950s, the birth of ROCK in the 60s, right through to the CLASSIC ROCK of the 70s and 80s. (£22)

ABER VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR

SAT 12TH AUGUST 3PM

SAT 19TH AUGUST

Adult comedy puppet theatre, following a hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe Eurovision as you have never seen it before! 12+ (£11)

The choir's repertoire ranges from West End and Broadway musicals, moving spiritual numbers and Welsh hymns, to popular songs, and timeless memories. This is their landmark 40th concert in Dorset! (£15/£14)

CLOUDBUSTING - MUSIC OF KATE BUSH

SAT 2ND SEPTEMBER

The two-hour stage production with all the hits you would expect to hear – Wuthering Heights, Hounds Of Love, Running Up That Hill, Babooshka

all with breath-taking vocals, stunning backprojection, visuals and superb musicianship (£22)

Dorset’s folk duo Ninebarrow to perform at Marston

After their explosion onto the national folk roots scene over the past few years, duo Ninebarrow will be performing on Wednesday 12 July at Marston Church as part of this year’s Frome Festival. Dorset-based Ninebarrow are set to mesmerise audiences with their enchanting harmonies and captivating melodies

Comprised of Jon Whiteley and Jay LaBouchardiere, the duo has established themselves as prominent figures in the folk roots scene, gaining recognition for their outstanding vocals, delicate instrumentation, and engaging song writing.

Award-winning sounds

Their talent has not gone unnoticed – Ninebarrow were nominated for a BBC2 folk award and won Best Duo in the 2019 Folking.com awards.

With a strong online presence and a string of successful concerts across the UK, Ninebarrow has garnered widespread acclaim. Their most recent album, A Pocket Full of Acorns, skyrocketed to Number 1 on Amazon’s Folk Best Selling Chart within days of its release.

The duo’s music is deeply intertwined with the Dorset landscape, which led to an invitation to record a segment for BBC1’s Countryfile in March 2021. The exposure resulted in all four of their albums immediately climbing into Amazon’s Top 40 chart, further solidifying their status in the folk music realm. Prepare to be swept away by spellbinding melodies and harmonies as Ninebarrow take to the stage at Marston Church. Immerse yourself in the beauty of their music, inspired by the

landscapes and history of the British Isles, and experience an unforgettable evening of folk music at its finest.

The event will commence at 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 12th, at Marston Church, conveniently located just south of the A361, a mile west of Frome.

Attendees can indulge in a preconcert drink in the serene and picturesque rural setting of the church, with a bar open from 6:30pm. Tickets are £16 and can be purchased online from fromefestival.co.uk .

Shaftesbury looks forward to record-breaking Fringe

The 2023 Shaftesbury Fringe Festival is set to be the biggest ever, with a record 212 performances over three days. Notable acts this year include Fiona Allen, a double Emmy Award winner known for her work on Smack the Pony and various TV series. She will debut her stand-up show, On the Run. The Great Baldini, an illusionist, returns for the third consecutive year with his new show, Illusionati. Glam punk

and funk band SOCK, led by Vince Venus, will bring highenergy performances to the festival. David Mamet’s play, Duck Variations, presented by Benchmark Theatre, promises to be witty and poignant. The festival covers various genres such as spoken word, theatre, dance, and live music, with performances at 36 locations throughout the town. A new addition is the Salcombe Brewery Stage, hosting acoustic

performances.

The organisers believe that the open-access nature of Shaftesbury Fringe is one of its greatest strengths. ‘There’s no element of curation or selection whatsoever,’ says Rob Neely, ‘Anybody who wants to perform can. It gives an element of discovery and a sense of the unexpected. You never know what you’re going to get.’ To find out more, go to shaftesburyfringe.co.uk

Changing climate and harmless fruit juice

Climate change is all around us and it is being acted on. While vaping could be the next public health crisis, says MP Simon Hoare

I want to try to cover two issues this month: the first is around the environment and the second on a public health matter.

We have gone through an incredibly dry weather period here in North Dorset, punctuated by just two heavy episodes of rain. From looking parched and somewhat ‘Augusty’, after the latest deluge the verges, gardens and fields are now looking a little fresher. Whichever way you look at it, our climate, and therefore the environment, is changing. It is no longer something anyone can ignore, or tuck away in the ‘too difficult’ drawer. I take the issue of climate change seriously and am proud of the record of the government since 2010 in driving forward the green, renewables agenda.

Those who are fully committed to addressing climate change worry that progress is not being made quickly enough. That all use of nonrenewable power sources should stop now.

Of course, the goal is desirable and attainable but we do have to keep the lights on, manufacturers manufacturing etc while we progress to that destination. Where things can be speeded up I will continue to press, but confidence in the commitment of the government to achieve progress cannot be in serious question.

On vapes and teens

The second issue I want to touch on is teenage health. ‘Safe sex, don’t smoke, healthy diets, exercise, sensible alcohol consumption, no drugs’ –they are all part of the parent and carer’s mantra. It is only in recent weeks that media coverage and political narrative has turned to vaping. Somehow, plumes of dubiously sweet flavoured smoke can be inhaled and exhaled with impunity. It’s a flammable fruit juice isn’t? Perfectly safe isn’t it? Entirely harmless?

Two

within

We saw strong leadership provided at COP in Glasgow, have overseen a massive expansion of offshore wind and solar power generation, a focus on electric vehicles and the greening of the wider economy. There has been a significant tilt in the daily percentage of power generated in the UK from renewable sources, and a realisation that maximising domestic, renewable energy security is as important as defence or food security. The ground breaking Environment Act points the way to a more naturerich, biodiverse and secure natural environment.

distance of a large high school –coincidence?

We often forget that it was this government, the first among developed economy nations, that legislated for Net Zero by 2050. We are of course in a period of transition right now. Climate change sceptics point to the increase in costs to support renewable investments – and they are correct.

But how much higher the cost of a degraded and destroyed world, rendered unfit by man’s own hand, for man’s habitation? I did not come into politics to witness a cultish global suicide pact.

Well, I would urge parents – and in fact all those who are using vapes as the ‘well it’s not a cigarette’ option – to take a look online, see some of the chemicals that go into vapes.

Then ask a very simple question: if that was in food would I buy it? Let my child eat it?

Government is alert to the issue and the Prime Minister is taking a lead. Locally I am particularly concerned (I declare an interest here – from September, my three children will be attending school in the town) to see two vape shops in Gillingham, one adjacent to a sweet and party shop! Two vape shops within striking distance of a very large high school – a coincidence or a deliberate marketing decision?

You can probably guess what I think.

I do not want, and neither does the government, to see vaping – and its potentially addictive and adverse health effects – become the next public health challenge.

vape shops

striking

Questions, questions, questions

‘Tis the season of exams. I was cheered recently when an invigilator described the efforts that go into providing a level playing field for all those sitting exams, whatever their disadvantages or disability –from different colours of paper to C-Pen readers, scribes and interpreters.

Nothing, though, to suggest that a student should do anything other than bring their A game and give the thing their best shot.

With that questioning spirit in mind, here is a short quiz with some suggested answers:

Q: What do the Conservative Government and the recent Glastonbury festival have in common?

A: A rather tired line-up giving us a few last hurrahs (and a few notable early departures) ...

Q: What do government, local and national and English cricket both need to do?

A: Embrace a broader, more inclusive and representative approach. Stop ministering to a like-minded, narrow-minded and class-conscious minority. Throw the doors open to talent, energy, commitment and fairmindedness.

Q: (many and various): Where is the credible plan for...

... net zero? For a UK response to huge US and EU investment in the technologies of the future? For an effective, balanced strategy for NHS and public sector manpower, pay and conditions, for training and deploying the thousands of GPs we so sorely need? For beating down core inflation? For preventing profiteering by retailers, banks and energy providers? For protecting our environment from self-serving utility companies? For building the houses and communities we need? For enhancing our food security? For providing reliable, affordable public transport? For resolving the mess that is our economic relationship with Europe? I could go on ...

Multiple choice section:

• Is our Army: a) the strongest it has ever been b) getting stronger by the year or c) the smallest and weakest for 200 years?

• Is the NHS: a) going from strength-to-strength b) brilliant by international

comparison or c) worryingly fragile and open to fragmentation and selloff?

• Is Brexit: a) a success b) still the right thing to have done, or c) both feet well and truly shot to pieces?

The by-elections on 20th July give people across the country the opportunity to put this government on notice. A stronger message MUST follow: not simply ‘must do better’, but that there is no confidence and even less trust in the Conservative ethos of personal freedom (aka ‘look after Number One’ and ‘let the devil take the hindmost’). Theirs has been an historic failure that now needs fixing by the grown-ups on behalf of all of us – and our kids and grandkids. This government is now visibly hunkering down, eking out its last months in power and focusing on the few dog-whistle topics that make the headlines in their safe papers. That isn’t government. It is having us on.

Mike Chapman, North Dorset LibDems

Racist, sexist, elitist cricket? Not in my town ...

English cricket has been in the news for all the wrong reasons again this week, with a report from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket finding ‘widespread and deep-rooted’ racism, sexism, elitism and classbased discrimination at all levels of the game.

As an active member of my

local branch of Unite the Union – an organisation that exists to protect and further the interests of working people in our communities regardless of their race, gender, or any other protected characteristic – the findings were simultaneously unsurprising and surprising. Unsurprising because the

attitudes and behaviours described in the report are too often reflected in workplaces and in wider society. Surprising because, as proud sponsors of Blandford Girls Cricket for the past three seasons, our branch’s own experience of community cricket could not be more different.

The report is encouraging, not just because it shows a commitment from the cricket community to root out racism, sexism and homophobia, but because it also seeks to address class-based discrimination – a form of discrimination that’s rarely even acknowledged as existing.

Encouraging too are examples from clubs like Blandford,

which are clearly well on the way to ‘getting it right’. It has taken effort, will, time and support, but Blandford’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is now selfevident, not only from the way that its membership reflects the full range of backgrounds of the people of Blandford and surrounding communities,

but also from the concerted efforts made by the club to champion inclusion in cricket for under-represented groups such as women, girls, and people with disabilities. And while Blandford Cricket Club continues to create such a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, I’m certain that our branch and other local businesses and organisations will want to continue to sponsor their mission to bring people together through cricket.

Pat Osborne, North Dorset Labour Party

A bright spot among the gloom

Good news has seemed hard to come by recently, but there has been some light to lift the spirits. The unwelcome news included our MP Simon Hoare when he was found to have claimed four driving offence fines against his MP’s expenses. Boris Johnson hogged the limelight, again, with extraordinarily petulant outbursts over being found to have deliberately misled Parliament. Poor man was too upset to think about reimbursing the £245,000 of taxpayers’ money used to fund his legal costs during the investigation. Or to forego the (up to) £115,000 annual allowance he’s now entitled to receive as an ex-PM. Rishi Sunak has railed against concerned protesters, calling them ‘eco-zealots’. And he accused Labour of allowing

donors to dictate the party’s energy policy of blocking new oil and gas projects –notwithstanding that large donations have been made to the Conservative Party and some of its MPs (including Sunak) by individuals and companies linked to fossil fuel interests.

Labour disappointed us by refusing to support a Green Party motion in the House of Lords that would have prevented the government from using an unconstitutional manoeuvre to overturn a House of Commons vote on public protests. Instead, Labour tabled a motion of ‘regret’ – which no doubt troubled the government greatly. No wonder there are times when it’s best to switch off the news and take a break. Otherwise the many problems we face can feel insurmountable, which they are not – but we are running

perilously short of time to deal with them.

In other news

Some recent good news came via an unlikely source – the Daily Mail. I know, you didn’t see that coming, did you? The paper blasted Labour for having accepted donations from Dale Vince, founder of green energy company Ecotricity and a supporter of various environmental protest organisations.

In response, Vince offered to match all public donations to Just Stop Oil made over a 48-hour period, which promptly raised £340,000. Well done Daily Mail! When the bad news seems relentless, it’s good to stay grounded – for example by enjoying positive community news in magazines such as this one. And reminding ourselves that we humans have the capacity to be so much better. And not only can we do better, we must

Ken Huggins, North Dorset Green Party

Welcome and farewell to parishes

Boundary changes and the impact of new fossil fuel regulations on rural areas – a busy month for MP Chris Loder

The Parliamentary Boundary Commission has just announced its final recommendations for changes*. Initially, there was huge disquiet from the Cerne and Piddle Valleys (who did not want to be moved from West into North Dorset). To think that the Cerne Giant was going to be in North Dorset was incomprehensible! But equally, scores of people from Upwey and Broadwey did not want to move from South Dorset! And I know that the thought of Minterne Magna and Sydling St Nicholas being in the same constituency as Verwood – but not Dorchester – was nonsensical. However, the beautiful parishes of Glanvilles Wootton, Ansty and Hilton will all now be welcomed into West Dorset from the next General Election, while it is farewell to Puddletown in the north and Chickerell to the south. It took quite a lot to make the case successfully to the Boundary Commission – both Richard Drax and I constantly made representations on behalf of constituents to change the original recommendations. I was sorry to read the official response of the Liberal Democrats who supported the Cerne and Piddle valleys being moved out of West Dorset; it is duplicitous of their parliamentary candidate to claim on Twitter last week that he was really pleased that Cerne Abbas was staying in West Dorset, when he supported the original proposal tenaciously.

A busy month

Since my last column, I’ve met with the Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, to discuss the ongoing poor performance of the West of England line. Traversing the Blackmore Vale itself, the line frankly deserves greater attention. In particular, I raised with the Minister the performance of the line’s operators – South Western Railway and Great Western Railway – and the need for better services to and from West Dorset.

I’ve also met with the Education Minister, Nick Gibb, to discuss the provision of local education here in West Dorset. I was particularly pleased to raise my specific concerns around the provision of agricultural education, which more often than not does not receive the funding or attention it deserves.

Opportunities for land-based education are vitally important, especially in rural agricultural areas, and I am so glad that we have Kingston Maurward College here in West Dorset (one of the main providers for the region). My concern is that land-based education, typically the more vocational and hands-on courses, are not receiving the same attention as more mainstream institutions.

Opinions needed

In other news, it may surprise you to know that 51 per cent of properties in West Dorset don’t have access to the gas grid – the highest proportion in the county. The unique infrastructure of the constituency and the sparsity of settlements means that many households have no choice but to use alternative fuels such as heating oil, LPG or kiln-dried logs.

In some of the more rural areas like the Chalk valleys and the Marshwood Vale, more than 95 per cent of properties do not have access to mains gas, which puts us in a unique position of rural need. Pending consultation, the Government’s current proposal is to phase out the installation of high carbon fossil fuel heating systems from 2026. I have some reservations about this approach – it needs to better reflect rural needs.

The rural voice and lifestyle risk being disproportionately affected.

For me to better represent your views, I would welcome your feedback on rural energy and the Government’s current proposals – and what you’d like to see. Please do send your thoughts and comments via my website here: chrisloder.co.uk

*To understand the changes, you can see an interactive before/after map here - Ed)

The rural voice and lifestyle risk being disproportionately affected

Take a Hike: A stunning circular walk from Wardour Castle| 8.3 miles

This lovely circular route starts and ends from the beautiful Wardour Castle. It winds across the folded countryside typical of the Dorset/Wiltshire border, with steep wooded valleys, wide views, a couple of spectacular ancient holloways and a beautiful cathedral-like forest too. The castle’s car park is free, and if you time it right the castle will still be open and you can pop in for an ice cream when you finish! Though there are some steep ups and downs, none are very long and the walk isn’t too strenuous. It is well signed – though a few paths suffered from waist-high nettles; a decent stick may be required! – and it’s lovely to come into the quiet lanes of Ansty and Swallowcliffe (the ancient Swallowcliffe yew shouldn’t be missed). Also, about three-quarters of the way round, a very short detour will take you via the Compasses at Ansty for a cheeky pint, too!

CLICK HERE for more images and an interactive map (plus a downloadable gpx file)

We have always created and recently walked the routes we feature (See all previouslypublished routes here), so you know you can trust them. You can see all our routes (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on Outdoor Active, and all include a downloadable gpx file.

All images © Laura Hitchcock

The everyday, ordinary reptile

With the right environment, the aptly-named common lizard really is a common sight in the county, says Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Alex Hennessy

Living up to its name, the common lizard is the UK’s most widespread reptile and, interestingly, it is the only reptile native to Ireland. Found across many habitats, including heathland, moorland, woodland and grassland, it can often be seen basking in sunny spots. Here in Dorset, we are fortunate to have a range of these habitats, including our Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves. Upton Heath in Poole, Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath in East Knighton and Sopley Common in Christchurch are just a few of the places where conditions for lizards are just right – in fact, these sites are so good they are also home to the much rarer sand lizards.

Also known as the ‘viviparous lizard’, the common lizard is unusual among reptiles as it incubates its eggs inside its body and ‘gives birth’ to live young, rather than laying the eggs. Adults emerge from hibernation in spring, mate in April and May, and produce three to eleven young in July.

Spotting a lizard

Summer is the peak season for potential sightings of common lizards, as they can’t generate their own heat and instead bask in sheltered spots of sunshine or rest on a warm surface. But how can you tell if you’ve spotted a common lizard? They are variable in colour, but are usually brownish-grey, often with

rows of darker spots or stripes down the back and sides. Males have bright yellow or orange undersides with spots, while females have paler, plain bellies. If you spot one, please don’t disturb it in order to identify it – as with all wildlife, it is best admired from a distance to avoid disturbance and stress.

And yes, the ‘tail-tales’ are true: if threatened by a predator, the common lizard will shed its stillmoving tail in order to distract its attacker and make a quick getaway. It can regrow its tail, although it is usually shorter than the original.

To find out more about lizards and nature reserves where wildlife is thriving this summer, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Dorset is lucky to have a range of lizard-friendly habitats

The disappearing bullfinch

He’s a short, beefed-up robin, a ‘skinhead in a Hawaiian shirt’, and he has a voice ‘like a squeaky wheelbarrow’, says wildlife writer Jane Adams

With his bright pink chest, jet black head, grey back and stocky build, male bullfinches have the look of a skinhead dressed in a Hawaiian shirt.

But surprisingly – and I secretly believe each male has an invisibility cloak – they simply disappear into the muted greens of our summer countryside. Admittedly, the Eurasian bullfinch is not a common bird, so is never easy to find. But with a resident population of over half a million, they are not rare either (yet).

They are found across the world, from the UK in the west, through northern and central Europe to Russia and Japan on the Pacific coast. They’re seen as a symbol of good luck by the Japanese.

In need of help

Back in the UK, it’s the bullfinches that could do with some luck. Their numbers have declined by more than 40 per cent since 1967 – and could drop even further if intensive farming techniques don’t change. They require thick, healthy native hedgerows and

woodlands for nesting, along with a supply of seed and flower buds in spring to survive. Bullfinches only visit ten per cent of gardens, but if you’re one of the lucky few, you can help their conservation by providing sunflower hearts, a particular year-round favourite food. If you’re simply trying to tempt them to your garden, make sure it has plenty of dense cover and native fruit trees. In fact, if you do this, even without bullfinches other wildlife will benefit from the habitat you’ve created.

How to see them in the wild?

First, listen out for their call. Often described as mournful in bird books, it sounds more like a wheelbarrow with an intermittent squeak to me. Then look for a stocky bird, about the size of a beefed-up robin but with shorter legs. As a bonus, bullfinches mate for life and they do everything together, so if you see one, look out for its mate (you never know, if one is lucky, maybe seeing two is doubly so!).

Bullfinch facts

• Female bullfinches are like males but have a muted beige pink, rather than a bright chest. Fledglings are like the females but without the black head.

• Both males and females show a tell-tale white rump in flight.

• Finches are seed eaters, but will also eat flower buds in spring and will feed insects to their young.

• On average, they live for two to three years but the oldest recorded ringed bullfinch was nine years, two months, nine days (set in 1975).

• They lay four to five eggs, and can have one or two broods (occasionally three) a year, between late April and mid-July.

• On 7th January, in Japan, the ceremony of “Uso-Kae” sees people exchange small wooden bullfinches as a way of exchanging their past lies for future good luck. ‘Uso’ means both bullfinch and a lie in Japanese.

The end of the season

So that’s a wrap for the 2023 season! It began on 23rd January with the arrival of Solitairy Girl’s Jack Hobbs filly. Keen to get started, she arrived 18 days early. The foaling season finished on 15th June with a visiting mare foaling a Dartmouth colt, our 18th foal of the season.

The foaling cameras were turned on in early January, and we have been watching all night for more than five months. There have been frantic flurries of activity in the foaling stables. On one night, three foals decided to start arriving at the same time. There were short periods when no mares were looking imminent and we had a few nights’ sleep! Ten days after foaling, our vet, Paul Legerton, scans each mare to check she has had her ‘foaling heat’ (first season after foaling). At this scan, we decide when

to look again, in order to track the mare and cover her on her second season, usually two to three weeks later.

When Paul declares a mare is ready, we drive her to stud to be covered by the stallion that has been chosen, in order to get her back in foal for next year. With a number of ‘empty’ mares (no foal at foot, either because they are maidens or they were left empty the previous season) to add to those that were being covered after foaling, the lorry has been very busy.

One day we had three mares all lining up to be covered in the same 24-hour period; twice the lorry returned to the yard and left again half an hour later.

I drove the middle stud run so that Doug could get some sleep and rest before setting off again on the third.

It’s all in the timing

The mares travel extremely well in the lorry, with or without a foal at foot – the foals always come too. We’re lucky that the stud is just half a mile off a main A road and apart from a couple of small towns to wiggle round, we can be on the A303 in half an hour or on the M5 within an hour. Most of the studs we used this season have been a three to four-hour drive away in Worcestershire or Hertfordshire. However, we took one visiting mare to Falco in County Durham! As we were driving such a long way for the cover, Paul came in at five in the morning to scan her before she left to double-check that she would be spot on for a cover later that afternoon. After that particular drive, we were all incredibly pleased when Paul scanned her in foal two

It’s been a long five months, but June finally saw the end of the season at the stud – Lucy Procter explains just why the team are so proud this year

Image: Lucy Procter

Vet Paul Legerton at the Glanvilles Stud Wassail, trying not to share his champagne

All Wassail images: Courtenay Hitchcock

weeks later!

It’s been in incredible season. The visits to the stallions were perfectly timed for all the 23 mares covered this season. Every mare except one (an elderly mare in her 20s) was ovulating within 48 hours. The mare who hadn’t ovulated within this ideal timeframe was driven back to stud for a cross-cover, ovulated the following day, and was scanned in foal a fortnight later. Only one mare had to return to

stud for a second cover, having scanned not in foal the first time. One other mare, having been given two months to recover from a particularly difficult foaling, was not in foal after her first cover and, as it was getting late in the year, the owners decided to leave her empty and go for an early cover next year.

Phenomenal stats

Our job, in essence, is to get a live foal out of a mare and then

get her back in foal as soon as possible so that, with an 11-month gestation period, her foaling date stays almost the same each year. To get the mares back in foal, we are very reliant on the skill and experience of our vet, Paul. Between us this season, 22 of the 23 mares covered have since scanned in foal, with 21 being on the first covered cycle. These are phenomenal stats of which we are incredibly proud. With an additional three non-Thoroughbred, artificial insemination (AI) covers scanned in foal, and four which are still to confirm pregnancies, we have at least 29 mares either resident or returning to foal next season at the stud. Spring 2024 is likely to be super busy!

The TGS Wassail

To celebrate the end of our foaling season, we held our annual Team TGS barbecue which coincides with Racing Staff Week (the racing industry’s opportunity to say thank you to all who work for the greater good of the

Lucy Procter with one of this year’s foals

The teenagers are starting to gang up Image: Lucy Procter

Thoroughbred in racing yards and on stud farms). We have created our own tradition, a twist on the traditional West Country practice of Wassailing the cider orchards to help ensure a good harvest of autumn fruit. We kicked off the evening by driving up the stud and raising a glass of the boss’ favourite champagne to toast the good health of our broodmares and their youngstock. We were joined by editor Laura and photographer Courtenay (happy birthday Laura!) so that finally Laura got to join C in cuddling his favourite foal, Sambac.

Looking out across the stud, watching the happily-grazing mares and foals and knowing these paddocks have already produced two Grade 1 winners and multiple chase, hurdles and flat winners, we can’t help but wonder which ones of these will be our next racing superstars …

The Glanvilles Stud Wassail

County Show selected as qualifier for prestigious horse show

For the first time in its 183-year history, the Dorset County Show is making a significant addition to its line-up by hosting qualifier classes for the prestigious London International Horse Show. This collaboration between the Dorset County Show and renowned equestrian organisations such as the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) aims to breathe new life into equestrian showing and attract a wider audience.

The series of qualifiers consists of 20 different classes that encompass a range of categories, including Hacks, Riding Horses, Coloured Ponies, and Cobs. The classes will provide opportunities for rising equestrian stars to showcase their skills and vie for a place in the finals at the esteemed London International Horse Show in December. With only 45 county and agricultural shows across the UK chosen to host these qualifying rounds, the Dorset County Show joins an exclusive group of events contributing to this new series.

Reaching a new audience

The collaboration with the BSPS, BSHA, and ASAO signifies a joint effort to revitalise equestrian Showing and increase the number of agricultural and county shows featuring equestrian classes. Over the past few years, these rural events have seen a decline in participation, making it crucial to introduce Showing to new audiences. By partnering with these organisations – that have a collective

audience of over half a million – the series aims to really showcase equestrian Showing as a spectator sport to a far wider audience.

James Cox, the Show Organiser for the Dorset County Show, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the qualifiers; ‘We’re thrilled to have been awarded the chance to host qualifiers for the London International Horse Show for rising equestrian stars. It’s wonderful to be able to bring this new element of one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious equine events to our historic show. Equestrian showing of this calibre promises to be exciting viewing for audiences of all ages.’

Nigel Hollings of the BSHA highlighted the importance of making the classes fun and accessible for everyone, whether or not they’re competing: ‘We’re determined to make them an enjoyable experience for competitors and the watching public alike. We’re requiring the commentators explain to the audience what the judges are looking for and why one horse or pony may win points over others. This will present Showing in a new light and make it much more accessible and entertaining.’

If you’re interested in participating, equine entries into the Dorset County Show are open until August 17th 2023.

The show itself is on September 2nd and 3rd. Adult tickets are currently available for £19, and children attend for free. For more information and to book tickets, visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk.

Shaking a bucket doesn’t make me Greta Thunberg

A restaurant’s ‘carbon neutrality’ strategy recently had Andrew Livingston exasperated – all he wanted was a pleasant evening out

I like to think of myself as climate conscious. I recycle, I switch lights off and I don’t buy avocados. I wouldn’t, however, call myself an eco warrior –I’m yet to glue myself to the A303 with hopes of slowing down a few campervans. Although I dream of a future where my children can breathe fresh air (and haven’t had to emigrate to Mars for salvation from the burning inferno formerly known as Earth), I recently found one business’s ‘climate action’ infuriating. More than infuriating. Safe to say… it pi**ed me off. With a rare child-free weekend, my partner and I went away for a short break in Herefordshire. Not knowing the area, we naturally scoured the internet, perusing restaurant menus for a place to eat. We soon came across what looked like a beautiful restaurant: there were only about three items on the menu so we knew straight away it was probably too expensive for a poor farmer such as myself. However, the menu and the setting were enticing. We were excited to dress up – and attempt to remove the general smell of animals’ excrement that, like most farmers, usually follows me day to day like a ... bad smell.

I was just about to click ‘book’ when I noticed the fine print at the bottom of the menu. I read it again, and told my partner not to worry about dusting off her heels:

“In our bid to become carbon neutral by the end of 2022, we add a £1.50 Green Community Donation to your bill which will be used to support green projects in local communities, villages and schools throughout Herefordshire.”

What if the farmers did it?

I’ll admit, it instantly grated on me. Why should the customer be paying extra in order for a business to become carbon neutral? Can a business really claim they are carbon neutral if they aren’t footing the bill themselves? And how does donating to local projects – lovely though they may be – aid the business in carbon neutrality anyway?

I’ve jangled collection buckets in front of people’s faces, but that didn’t make me Greta Thunberg. On further inspection, the website states that customers can further ‘offset the carbon footprint for their meal’. By paying even more, obviously. I’ll readily admit I may be not the normal clientele for this restaurant, but surely I’m not wrong to say

that customers shouldn’t be covering the bill for climate change?

I wonder what the public’s opinion would be if we farmers started raking up all the prices of food in order to meet our targets of becoming carbon neutral? Though of course farmers rarely get to dictate the price of their food – that is controlled by the supermarkets.

Farmers are already making little money during a horrific period of transition for the industry. And yet we still get the food onto the plates of the public – and all while working towards offsetting our carbon. We don’t take money from the consumer to do the right thing. We just ... do the right thing – even if it’s at our own expense. Safe to say, my partner and I ate at a place called The Cider Barn. It was lovely. And yes, it was much more our style.

Maisie the ewe is a curious and gentle superstar of school trips to Traveller’s Rest Farm. All images: George Hosford

A fusion might be the answer in the rust fight

Professional sheep farmers find it rather fluffy nonsense when I refer to my sheep by name. But sheep only remain on this farm for the purpose of entertainment and education. Commercial sheep farming is a mug’s game that we gave up last year, after a dose of scab forced us to dip all of our sheep in a very unpleasant chemical (actually, a contractor did the dipping ...), which is the only reliable way to get rid of this pernicious affliction. It was the excuse we needed to disperse the flock, after finding they weren’t really helping with management of oilseed rape by grazing it in the winter, nor were they encouraging wild flowers in our grass swards. The regenerative approach lends itself more to cattle grazing than sheep – cattle browse where sheep nibble, right down to the ground given a chance.

When dipping, you have to submerge the animal completely. If you don’t, you won’t kill the scab mites in the ears of the sheep, and control will not be complete. The rubbing, itching and wool shedding will return, and the job will have to be done again. Back in the 60s, 70s and early 80s, it was compulsory to dip all sheep for scab annually – a policeman would usually attend at dippingtime to ensure it was done properly. Dipping is

needed for welfare reasons. The mites drive the sheep nuts when they dig in, and it is worst in cold weather. Compulsory dipping was aimed at eradicating the problem nationally, but once the disease was nearly gone from the country, the rules were relaxed. Unfortunately a few pockets of scab remained, and now we are back to a situation where it is endemic. The risk of contracting it in one’s flock is huge when you buy in replacements, particularly from far off sales, using an agent to buy for you (as we did).

Our replacement policy for many years had been to buy in retired hill ewes, usually from Wales, and expect to get another two or three crops of lambs from them. We got away with it for a long time, but got caught out in the winter of 2021 and that was enough to say ‘no more sheep’. Our tiny 11-ewe flock is scab free, and apart from the purchase of Reggie the ram last year, we will remain closed, to minimise risk of re-infection.

Wheat tests

The top image opposite is one of our wheat fields, showing the colour contrast between varieties. The smaller area of the pale one on the right – Champion – was the last of the seed we had

George Hosford is still taking time to test, adapt and learn as he moves the farm away from fertilisers to a more sustainable solution

In the 60s, 70s and early 80s it was compulsory to dip all sheep – a policeman would usually attend

sown in a different field. It’s our first year trying Champion. It has pretty good book values for disease resistance, standing power and yield – we will see what the combine thinks in a few weeks. The darker crop on the left of that picture is Theodore, in its second year for us. It had leaguetopping ratings for yellow and brown rust, and septoria. However, where we have been really stingy with the fungicide we have seen a brown rust explosion, needing fire engine treatment with fungicide. Apparently we are not alone. Similarly, variety Extase, which we and every other farmer in the country is growing, has very good book values for disease, but has broken down to yellow rust in the absence of fungicide.

Proper farmers will now be yelling ‘Why no fungicide?’, but having shifted our emphasis away from intensive fertiliser and chemical inputs, we are trying to stretch the genetic ability of the best varieties to resist disease.

Reducing fertiliser rates also reduces vulnerability to disease, so a good case must be made before we head for fungicide. Older (dirtier) varieties received a prophylactic application at T1 and T2 timings, but the supposedly cleaner ones did not, and this is where we have stress-tested the policy.

It’s all in the mix

So having seen Theodore and Extase grown on their own with no fungicide both showing their true weaknesses, it has been fascinating to watch how a blend of the two has fared. Where the yellow rust appeared in Extase in mid-May, and brown rust in Theodore a couple of weeks later, the same varieties sown in a blend have remained

clean until a small amount of rust appeared on the Theodore last week. Our agronomist says it is now too late in the season to worry about treatment. So what is going on? High on my list of reasons is that the plants of the same variety being separated by plants of the other variety means that crossinfection from plant to plant is reduced. We will definitely be trying more blends next year, and three and four-way mixes, too.

In the image on the left we have a field with phacelia on the left, buckwheat on the right (growing our own seeds for cover crops) and we have linseed, vetch, turnips and camelina all in the same field

Trying new tricks

We are deliberately reducing fertiliser levels as part of our desire to create healthier soils; building organic matter and biological activity in the soil improves water and nutrient-holding capacity, leading to similar – if not better – crop performance, at lower input cost, than in depleted soils which have been degraded by decades of intense cultivation and fertiliser use.

Nitrogen fertilisers and cultivations oxidise carbon and organic matter in the soil, sending carbon dioxide (CO2) and even more damaging nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere, as well as releasing water-soluble nitrates downwards towards the water table.

The climatic and environmental consequences are huge, and it is essential that we learn how to grow food more efficiently, without these dire consequences. Consumers can do their bit by demanding food produced by more sustainable methods, and farmers can do their bit by trying some new tricks.

• See George’s full June round up, including a terrific write up of the agriculture festival Groundswell, on his blog View From The Hill

Phacelia left, Buckwheat right (growing seeds for 2024 cover crops) with linseed, vetch, turnips and camelina all in the same field

The darker wheat crop on the left is Theodore, and the pale one on the right is Champion.

The NFU published the results from its recent survey into farmers’ mental health ahead of its summer reception. Representatives from the UK’s farming charities, alongside almost 100 MPs and peers, attended the reception, which was themed around ‘talking mental health’.

Root causes need addressing

NFU President Minette Batters opened the reception with a speech highlighting the results from the survey, which revealed spiralling input costs, unfairness in the supply chain and the increase in rural crime, are having a significant negative impact on farmers’ mental health.

Minette said the results make for ‘harrowing’ reading and that it was the responsibility of the NFU to ‘encourage members to talk, and to help them find the services provided by the wonderful charities in this room, should they need it.

‘Farmers are keeping the nation fed during tough times. Stress and anxiety take a toll on our members, which is why we’re focusing on rural mental health.’ The results are supported by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee’s report on rural mental health. Published

in May, it calls for DEFRA and the DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care) to establish a new, joint rural mental health policy and delivery team. The NFU has welcomed the report and agrees with the EFRA select committee’s calls for a review of the current emergency funding mechanisms, echoing the need to establish a dedicated rural mental health funding stream.

Breaking the stigma

Minister for mental health Maria Caulfield reiterated the need to prioritise mental alongside physical health and noted the particular challenges farmers face: ‘I recognise that farmers face rising costs and uncertainty, which is having an impact. Rural communities have pressures that other communities don’t.

‘Early intervention is needed to make a difference and make access to support easier via local community face-to-face help and digital packages.

‘There is still a stigma around loneliness, but it should be no barrier to asking for help.’

NFU student and Young Farmer ambassador Darcy Johnson echoed the need for farmers to reach out: ‘It’s brilliant that so many people are here today, supporting the issue and willing

to talk. This will break the stigma of mental health.’

Access to nature vital

‘Britain’s farmers can provide part of the solution to improving everyone’s mental health,’ Minette said, referring to research which shows that regular access to nature can help improve physical and mental wellbeing. ‘Farming can, should and must play a role in the overall health and wellbeing of our nation.’

Don’t struggle in silence

Following the publication of the NFU’s survey results, NFU VicePresident David Exwood called on the government to address the root causes of the issues impacting on farmers’ mental health.

‘While we are starting to see a culture change within our sector, where talking about mental health is becoming more and more accepted, there are still too many farmers and growers simply ignoring the signs and struggling on in silence.

‘I hope today’s event shows there is support out there, as we mark the start of an important conversation. If you or your family are feeling under stress or overwhelmed, start that conversation today.’

The NFU used its summer reception to shine a spotlight on the unique pressures on rural mental health, says county advisor Gemma Harvey

‘No one should feel alone’

Open Farm Sunday was a fabulous day out

I can’t believe it’s been a full five years since we last did Open Farm Sunday back in June 2018. It was a significant day – I sat down afterwards and decided we had to do something to help the public know which foods they could trust again. It was the time of fake farms on supermarket food packaging and the public buying things that weren’t as they were labelled; of the Red Tractor label on goods that had been wrapped and packaged with the Union flag, when the origin was actually Poland, Italy, New Zealand or elsewhere.

We are still hearing stories of cheap, rotting meat finding its way into our food chain – food that has been imported from abroad and then re-processed, re-wrapped and sold as British. Unbelievable!

We British farmers have to use our voices - we must fight back against the corruption of our food labelling.

Here in Britain, we farm to some of the highest standards in the world. We need to stand up for that ... shout it from the rooftops.

Another success

Roll forward five years and 2023’s Open Farm Sunday was another amazing day. Yet again a huge number of people came to see us – I hope they all came not just because it’s a lovely free day out in the countryside, but also because they wanted to learn about what they are eating. They wanted to be educated on how their food is produced and to meet the farmers who are doing the hard work first-hand – the people who tend the animals, grow the crops and produce the milk, cheese, beer, cider and more. It is an opportunity for them to find out where the food

on the table comes from, how it’s made and much more. Some of the Love Local Trust Local award winners from the last three years joined us for Open Farm Sunday too, showcasing their local produce. Visitors were able to sample and buy some of these amazing Dorset producers’ goods. It felt very much as though we were there together as the LLTL community – a great feeling. Many of our wonderful Love Local Trust Local sponsors also came and supported us, getting involved in helping to educate and chat with the public. Chef Eric from Restaurant Les Enfants Terribles came to sample some of the award-winning Book & Bucket Company cheese for his menu. Dirty Dog joined us with his wonderful homemade pizzas, Purbeck Ice Cream brought their delicious ice cream, Steph White of White Star Catering brought her van to cook Rawston Farm burgers and sausages ... and many more that I haven’t room to list. What a gathering of Dorset’s foodie finest.

A big thank you to all our staff, who gave up their time off to help make the day such a success. It’s a huge task to put on such an event, and there is no way we could do it every year, but it is important for farmers to engage with the public, to help educate everyone on where food really comes from – and that it is not from the supermarket shelves. Hopefully, everybody who came to see us learned something new.

In Jezza we trust

One thing that was very evident was that a lot of people had watched Clarkson’s Farm, and were more interested and

understood a little more than they did before. Like him or loathe him, Jeremy Clarkson is spreading great knowledge of food and farming to more people in the UK. So remember that all of us, farmers and consumers (and watchers of farming programmes), must continue to fight our corner. We must always support local food, our farmers and all our producers and growers.

Barbara Cossins, founder of Love Local Trust Local, was thrilled with the success of Open Farm Sunday – but there is work still to do, she says

I’ve seen these on TikTok and Instagram recently and they looked so good I had to give them a try. Suitably impressed, I found these delicious tacos were quick to make and if I hadn’t thrown some chips in the oven too, they would have been on my plate in a mere 15 minutes. Even my nearly-18year-old and 16-year-old were impressed, leaving the table with clean plates and smiles on their faces. Every parent of teens knows that’s a rare and definite win. I have also added here my version of a burger sauce, but I’ve kept my ingredients to a set of ratios instead of weights – that way you can make enough for two people or for 200 people, just keep the ratios the same.

Smash Burger Tacos

Ingredients

For the burger tacos

• 500g 5% beef mince

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• salt and pepper

• Pack of 8 mini flour tortillas

To serve

• Iceberg (or other) lettuce

• Grated cheese

For the burger sauce

• 3 parts mayonnaise

• 2 parts tomato ketchup

• 1 part mustard (slightly less if you are using a strong mustard)

• 1 part juice from the jar of gherkins.

• Finely chopped gherkins to taste

Method

To make the sauce, simply add all of the ingredients in a bowl, season with salt to taste and give the mixture a really good stir. Set to one side.

To make the tacos:

1. In a bowl, add the onion and the beef mince and mix really well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and make sure the mixture is really well combined (I use my hands).

2. Roll the mixture into eight balls – each will be just bigger than a golf ball.

3. Squash (or ‘smash’) each ball into each of the tortillas so that it spreads over the surface, about 0.5cm thick.

4. On the hob, heat a frying pan until very hot. Add a little oil and place a tortilla on the pan with the meat side down. If you have a large pan you may fit two in! Press down with a spatula and hold the tortilla so that it sizzles in your pan.

5. Once you get a nice, deep brown colour to the meat, flip to the other side (it only needs a minute on the second side). Check to see if the meat is cooked – if it is still a bit pink, then turn it back to meat side down and press down firmly again until cooked. The meat is thin, so it only takes a couple of minutes to cook, especially when it is pressed into the hot frying pan.

6. Repeat this process for each tortilla: I used two frying pans and I kept the cooked tortillas in a dish in a warm oven until they were all cooked.

7. Once cooked, we filled these with lettuce, more gherkins and lashings of the burger sauce. If you want cheese, you can add this to the taco in the pan and let it melt.

Heather Brown is a food writer, photographer and stylist. A committee member of The Guild of Food Writers, Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed, as well as working one-to-one with clients.

Images: Heather Brown

Meet your local –The Crown Inn, Marnhull

If walls could talk, the Crown Inn at Marnhull would reveal more than 400 years of history. Walking into the bar, which dates from the 16th century, feels like a step back in time. And yet this business is very much focused on the future.

In the Hardy Room, I met operations manager Ryan Proudley and directors Gemma Proudley and Eric Montgomery (known as Monty).

Ryan and Gemma recently got married – the Crown was shut for three days so the entire team could celebrate.

‘I left the Royal Marines after several years.’ says Monty. ‘I was working in bars in Bristol but wanted to set something else up.’

‘I used to work with Monty in Bristol,’ adds Gemma. ‘I started out at 17.’

‘We decided to do something together.’ says Monty. ‘We looked at a lot of pubs but they weren’t quite right. Then, in 2015 we found The Crown through Hall & Woodhouse.’

‘As a bit of context, when we

found this pub it had been through 12 landlords in 10 years. It had not been looked after,’ says Gemma. ‘But we saw the potential. We walked in and thought about all the things we could do with the place. And it was a nice village – everyone was really welcoming. We’ve been here eight years now.’ Monty is clearly a history buff, and is fascinated by the inn’s past. ‘The parts of the building under thatch date from the

1500s. It was once part of the estate of Henry VIII. Catherine Parr lived up the road at Nash Court Manor. Nearby St Gregory’s Church is older, 800 years, and was formerly Roman Catholic. There’s a priest hole in the bar area and it’s said there’s a tunnel leading to the church. ‘When we were renovating one area, we found a bill of sale for a tea clipper that ran aground in Poole – the beams throughout the building are from that ship.

With 400 years of history within its walls,Hardy’s Pure Drop Inn – The Crown at Marnhull – would have a few tales to tell. Rachael Rowe reports

All images: Rachael Rowe

In charge of Team Crown – (L-R) Ryan Proudley, Gemma Proudley and Monty

‘We also found a stone engraved with the date 1725 in the more ‘modern’ part of the building! And then Thomas Hardy set Tess of the D’Urbervilles here – this is the Pure Drop Inn. So now we have a Hardy Room, with a replica desk and his books – we have really embraced that theme.’

Tell us about the team?

We have 32 staff. Some are front of house, some in the kitchen, and some are part time or seasonal. We think of them as Team Crown.

We make sure everyone has the corporate and front of house training and knows how to greet people. All these little things are very important. Everyone talks about Team Crown.

What flies off the menu?

‘Our cod and chips!’ Ryan answers immediately. ‘And also our pies. And the chalk stream trout, which comes from Hampshire.’

The team has just added a ‘Dorset shelf’ in the bar where local spirits are displayed. Monty agreed that he had learned a few things about their bar menu items too. ‘When we started out we were told people wouldn’t want cocktails because “it’s rural Dorset”. But we sell loads of cocktails! We’re also very pet friendly and sell doggie ice cream. When the rep talked to us about it, we all thought he was mad. But in fact our second

most popular ice cream flavour is Marshwood’s Doggie Vanilla –just behind human vanilla!’

Getting involved

Team Crown is right at the heart of the community in Marnhull. ‘We provide the catering for Marnhull and Child Okeford lunch clubs once a month and we also look after the cricket teams,’ says Ryan.

‘On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays there’s usually a load of cricketers in the garden with a burger and pint. We do well on the cheesy chips, too!

‘During COVID, we just worked hard – we did loads of takeaways which were really popular. And volunteers in the village helped us with deliveries.

‘We also have bed and breakfast rooms which are used by local businesses – the rooms run at 90 per cent occupancy.’

Seared Tuna Niçoise Salad, with pickled fennel, green beans, tomatoes, new potatoes, rosemary and garlic olives, mixed leaves, lemon and dill dressing and boiled egg

And your biggest challenge?

‘The energy bills,’ Monty is swift to answer. ‘Rising prices are an issue, but energy costs are the worst. Our energy bill was £19k a year – it’s now £100k.

‘So we have looked at where we can cut back – we should have been doing a lot of that anyway. But we also have to look at how costs can be absorbed. We simply can’t pass everything on to the customer.

‘Another challenge is finding skilled staff.’ adds Ryan. ‘It isn’t really anything to do with Brexit – finding specialist skilled staff who want to come here to a rural village is hard. We’ve been lucky in that the staff we recruited have stayed.’

One of the ways that the Crown has attracted staff is to buy a house in the village so workers can live locally but still have their personal space.

What are you most proud of?

‘The journey we have been on and Team Crown. They are not just employees but friends.’

crowninn-marnhull.co.uk

01258 820224

Fri and Sat – 12 to 11pm

Sun to Thu – 12 to 10pm

Food Service: Mon to Sat 12-2:30pm and 5-9pm Sundays 12-2:30pm and 5-8pm

FULL takeaway menu also available seven days a week during food service hours

Crown Inn carved stone dating to 1725

On cloud wine!

Sherborne is home to the best wine retailer in the UK – so say the biggest names in the industry. Hannah Wilkins, owner of Vineyards, tells all

We’re writing this only hours after getting back from London, with our heads still spinning. 2023 is turning out to be an exceptional year – definitely vintage worthy!

After winning the Drinks

Retailing’s ‘Best Wine shop in UK’ in February, we didn’t think things could get any better for Vineyards. Then the IWC contacted us to say we were a finalist for Single Site Wine Retailer of the Year – and (spoiler alert) we only went and won!

Quite a night

On 4th July we headed to the Hurlingham Club in London for the most prestigious wine event in the calendar. Launched in 1991, the The International Wine Challenge (IWC) Merchant Awards recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of the UK wine trade. As in February, we were over the moon to simply be shortlisted

and thrilled to have an invite. Truth be told, we were feeling rather out of our depth. We were rubbing shoulders on

the night with huge commercial names being recognised across this year’s categories, including Naked Wines, Waitrose, and

The Vineyards team inside their new premises at the Old Yarn Mills in Sherborne

Hannah Wilkins (left) set up

Majestic. The room was filled with world-class specialists, Masters of Wine and wino heavyweights – we also stood beside Oz Clarke at one point, which was surreal, having watched him on screen swirling a glass and making wine accessible to the masses for years. We were completely certain that being recognised at such a high level was not on the cards for our little rural wine shop – it couldn’t happen twice in a year. But what do we know?

It’s more than us

When Hannah opened Vineyards in 2005, she wanted to celebrate great wine that was made by fantastic producers and small growers, and be accessible for all budgets – and she has kept her promise. We love what we do. We source with a meticulous approach, we champion independence, we clink glasses with friends, we sell for fair prices for the entire supply chain (in an ever-more-difficult climate) ... above all, we are happy when we turn up to work. That’s our daily trophy.

So to be recognised by such esteemed judges on an international stage? Overwhelming.

After hearing our name called, Sadie was whisked off for a quick interview – and that’s when it started to feel real. We were asked ‘What does it mean to win an IWC?’ and Sadie had to find a way to verbalise the truth – which is simply ‘the world’

We’re rural, we’re neurodiverse, we’re female-led, and until recently we shied away from nominations like this. But in all honesty this feels like it is a win not just for us, but also

for great indie wine, for the small growers and fantastic producers we support, for our incredible suppliers, our loyal ‘winos’ – and never forgetting our little market town community.

Why Vineyards?

So what is so special about Vineyards? We’ve been thinking about this a lot, and with the help of the judges, we feel confident in sharing what they see in us. All we have ever set out to do is be authentic, to make folk feel welcome in what can be an intimidating (wine) world. We only sell wine we source –and love – personally, and we only work with people who share our core values.

Our trusted team of wine experts are proud of our extensive (and, yes, eclectic) portfolio and strongly we believe in good old fashioned customer service. But more than that, we see ourselves as a community hub, where locals regularly enjoy

tasting evenings, foodie pop-up nights, festivals, charity events and workshops.

Come and say hello – pop a cork with us and see for yourself.

Vineyards can be found at The Old Yarn Mills, Sherborne DT9 3RQ. vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk Tue to Thu 12 to 5pm Fri 11am to 9pm and Sat 11am to 6pm

25 special offers for 25 years!

2023 is quite the celebratory year for Vineyards. Our Sherborne wine shop turned 18, I (Hannah) celebrate 25 years in the wine trade, and now we have picked up not one but two awards naming us ‘the best wine sellers in the UK’.

To share the love, the whole team at Vineyards have put together 25 special offers for you, our customers, to enjoy –and all the wines are available to try on the drink-in menu throughout July too.

We were rubbing shoulders with huge names – truth be told, we were feeling rather out of our depth

Sadie Wilkins being interviewed after Vineyard’s were declared as IWC’s Single Site Wine Retailer of the Year

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

It’s Sturminster Newton Art Week!

Introducing the Artists...

This month sees the return of Sturminster Newton Art week! Now in it’s third year, it runs from 15th to 23rd July. More than 25 artists will be exhibiting their work across 30 venues in Sturminster Newton (and down the road at Spirehill), and both William Barnes School and Yewstock School have joined the Art Trail as new hosts this year. To plan your visits along the art trail, download a brochure here or you can pick one up from one of the local businesses, in The Exchange or next time you call into 1855.

The trail is made possible thanks to funding provided by SturAction (Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society Ltd) –the charitable organisation which raises money for the benefit of Sturminster Newton. It does so through donations and sales at its shops – The Emporium, The Boutique and the Furniture Store – which also help the town by drawing added footfall

to increase the local economy. Less than a year ago SturAction established a new, exciting and unique shopping destination in the former NatWest bank. Built in 1855 – hence the name – the building is now host to almost 70 individual producers, makers and creators from the Blackmore Vale area. Several of those traders will be joining Sturminster Newton Art Week, displaying inside and in

the windows of more than 30 venues around town. Mention, too, should be made of the Workhouse Chapel in Bath Road which permanently hosts a carefully curated collection of work by Dorset Artists. Also, The Exchange regularly displays works of local artists in the Bibbern Gallery and hosts inspiring theatre (and much more), especially through the Dorset Artsreach foundation.

BIB the bike allows those with mobility issues to enjoy the freedom of a cycle ride in the country

Renowned local artist Katie Scorgie will be part of Stur Art Week - this recent painting is of Eastwell Lane between Marnhull and Hinton St Mary

Late night and Sunday shopping at 1855

1855 is now open on Sundays, 11am to 3pm. Perfect for a relaxed weekend – why not enjoy a browse followed by a delicious brunch in the town and then blow away the cobwebs with a stroll down the trailway?

On the last Friday of every month 1855 is open until 8pm. Pop in on your way home from work – or your way out for the evening – to buy some Rivers Corner cider, some Forager liqueur from Cerne Abbas or a bottle or two from Wolfe Wines. Plus you’ll be needing some Ford Farm Cheese from The Cheeseman Mand Olives et Al nibbles ... and seeing as you’re there, why not pause to browse and meet some of the traders?

Free parking on the first Saturday

There is always free parking – all day, both car parks – on the first Saturday of every month thanks to SturAction. By random chance *cough* it also happens to be the same day that the 200 or so car and bike enthusiasts have a friendly morning meet in the Rec.

BIB the bike

The community’s BIB the Bike has now been serviced and insured, courtesy once again of SturAction, and a team of volunteers are already out peddling. BIB is used for those in the community with mobility issues, allowing them the benefits and enjoyment of a cycle along the Trailway. If you’re interested to learn more, either to use it or to volunteer your cycling services, please do contact the Social Prescribing Team at the Blackmore Vale medical centre

Inside 1855 in Sturminster Newton

Letters to the Editor

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@theblackmorevale.co.uk.

When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

Rage against the mow some more Referring to the letter published in June titled ‘Rage against the mow’, I can’t help but express my deep disappointment as well. I wholeheartedly agree with Sarah G’s sentiments. The council’s actions of mowing during “No Mow May,” have shown blatant disregard for the welfare of local wildlife and the ecosystem. It’s high time they revisit their policies and take our local environment seriously.

Name and address supplied

I am writing in response to the letter by Sarah G from Sturminster Newton about the premature trimming of our grass verges during “No Mow May”. Sarah’s concern resonated with me, but a public hounding - trendy though that may be now – is not the adult and mature way forward. Perhaps Sarah G should direct her enquiries to the council first? I think we need to discuss the

reasons for such decisions instead of purely blaming the council. Perhaps we should invite the council to share their maintenance schedule and the rationale behind it, and open up a dialogue to avoid such issues in the future. Only then can we work together to preserve our local ecosystem.

Best Regards,

Tom Stanton, Sherborne

On Kickboxing

I read your June 2023 editorial and couldn’t help but question your approach towards physical activity. It seems you are engaged in kickboxing to ‘spite’ your teenagers? Isn’t it crucial to undertake physical activities because they benefit us health-wise and not merely to prove a point to others? Moreover, the dismissive remark on your body not being a typical kickboxer’s may discourage other potential learners. Shouldn’t we promote body positivity and inclusivity in all aspects of life, including sports?

Brian Thorne

Wimborne

(Though humorous, I’m fairly sure my letter was very clear in expressing my love for kickboxing, and in the fact that I take great joy in the sport.

I am also very comfortable with being ‘an overweight middle-aged mum who kickboxes.’ and I strongly encourage everyone, no matter their body type, to get up and be more active. I passed my grading, by the way. Three more to black belt. Thanks for asking! - Ed)

On the Swanage hike

I refer to your experience shared in June’s edition regarding your visit to the AONB near Swanage. While I appreciate your enthusiasm about the region’s stunning heathland and the peace one may find there (before the summer rush), I want to challenge your invitation to readers to explore the area. We must remember that such beautiful landscapes are delicate ecosystems that could potentially be

The plan was for Pet of the Month to make editor Laura feel less guilty for the pets who don’t make the Reader’s Photography pages. Instead the Facebook parade of good pets that she had to choose from made life harder! Such brilliant pets. Would you like your pet to be featured? Share them on Facebook or send an email to photos@bvmagazine.co.uk. Please be sure to include your pet’s name, age, and a couple of fun details about them.

harmed by increased foot traffic. Even with the best intentions, visitors can disrupt the local fauna and flora, inadvertently damaging these habitats. In the future, I request that you consider the potential impact on the environment before encouraging such visits.

Marian S, Blandford

In your June 2023 issue, you detailed a beautiful walk from Swanage (I did a particularly lovely seven mile version using your suggested route and short cuts, thank you!) and also very much enjoyed your editorial expressing your delight in the beauty of Dorset in early summer.

I would like to express my appreciation – the abundance of natural beauty in Dorset, from the lush hedgerows to the wildflower meadows and empty heathlands is often overlooked by those who either scoot past Dorset on their way elsewhere, or, sadly, by those so caught up in the treadmill of modern stressful life that they have no time to stop and enjoy it.

I find your magazine motivates me every month – we locals must venture outdoors and explore our surroundings more often.

Tina Gordon, Blandford

On the podcast

I am a long-time subscriber and follower of the BV and, more recently, its associated podcast. I have recently been immensely impressed by

the quality of the podcast, particularly over the last few months, and I felt compelled to voice my appreciation for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the team. Firstly, I would like to commend the dynamic duo of Jenny Devitt and Terry Bennett. The relaxed yet insightful style of their interviews has become something I look forward to each month. Their engaging conversations provide a fresh perspective and understanding - I find even when I have already read the relevant magazine article I never fail to learn something new from the podcast.

Recent highlights for me were Jenny’s talk with Natalie Wheen on her Dorset Island Discs, Lillie Smith and her rare breed pigs, I always enjoy Jane Adams when she appears and Terry’s interview with the chap from Sherborne Antiques prompted me to visit (and I’m so glad I did!). I’ll admit I always skip Karen Geary’s nutrition articles – not my thing – but her interview this week was interesting and entertaining, and is what prompted me to write. The podcast not only complements the magazine but adds another dimension to the stories, making them come alive in a unique way. I would encourage any BV reader who hasn’t yet dipped into the podcast to give it a try and enjoy the excellent interviews and stories that Jenny and Terry bring to us each month. Keep up the good work!

Roger B, Shaftesbury

Win tickets to the Cheese Festival plus a £40 voucher for The Exchange!

Brimming with excitement for a perfect blend of crafts, food, music, and more? Or are you simply mad for cheese? Whatever tickles your palate, we have a treat for you!

We are excited to announce our latest competition – you can win a pair of tickets to the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival. But hold on, that’s not all! You will also win a £40 voucher for The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. Now how’s that for a cheesy treat?!

For those not familiar with this cheesy extravaganza, Sturminster Newton is situated in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, referred to by Thomas Hardy as ‘The vale of little dairies’. It has a long history of dairy farming and was home to the largest calf market in Europe until 1998.

Cheese Festival

The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, taking place on the 9th and 10th of September 2023, is more than just an homage to the beloved foodstuff

– it’s a community celebration of local artisans, live music, real ale and cider. This year, there is a keen focus on sustainability, with efforts made to reduce reliance on mobile generators and recycle all waste produced during the event.

Your winning spree doesn’t stop at the festival gates. You will also be treated to a £40 voucher for The Exchange, a vibrant arts, entertainment, and business venue, and a community hub situated on the site of the former calf market.

How to win!

To be in with a chance to win the brilliantly cheesy prize, just click here or on the image (left) to enter on the website.

T&C’s apply. Closing date is 18th August 2023, only entries received on or before that date included. The prize will go to the first randomly chosen entry.

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

Jigsaw

Just click to complete! And no we’ve not broken the rules and headed to the Bahamasthe image was taken in June on Brownsea Island, right here in Dorset! If you get stuck, an icon at the top of the screen reveals the completed picture for you.

Employ My Ability offers vocational training for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Student Maddie Walters moved from work experience to writing a regular column for us - Ed

My favourite Dorset beach days out

In this month’s article I will be covering some favourite tourist places to visit this summer in the Blackmore Vale. Whether you’re disabled or not, these places will be worth checking out.

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a fantastic place to visit – it’s the ‘poster child’ of Dorset for good reason. As part of the Jurassic Coast it has some stunning views so be sure to have your camera ready! It has a beautiful beach so a perfect place to go on a nice sunny day. Cost for parking is £12 all day for a car, and be aware that there is a 900m steep walk down to the cove from the car park. lulworth.com

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle is a beautiful and romantic place to go. The grounds (and car park) are free to visit and it is fully accessible so

it’s a perfect place for disabled people. In addition to the lovely grounds, Highcliffe Beach is accessed by a sloping zig zag path, simple for wheelchairs or pushchairs. If you fancy a fitness challenge you can take the steps adjacent to the Castle car park; there are 118 of them! The tea rooms are closed this summer, but refreshments are still available via a takeaway van! highcliffecastle.co.uk

Weymouth Beach

This is one of the most perfect places to visit in the summer! The multi-award-winning wide sandy beach has a gentle slope making it perfect for families. There are fun activities like kayaking and diving as well as swimming, and in the summer the sand sculpture park is always worth seeing. There are also disabled facilities and many accessible attractions,

beaches and gardens nearby, and Weymouth’s historic harbour town is a short walk away from the beach.

Weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk

SEA LIFE Adventure Park

If you are looking for something a little more exciting, Weymouth’s Sea Life Adventure Park might be just the thing. It is full accessible and has lots to do for kids and adults, like a coral reef, an ocean tunnel and a splash zone – the perfect place to cool off!

Cost is £19 per adult (there’s currently 40% off on midweek prices) and you must book tickets in advance via the website visitsealife.com

Do check out the Visit Dorset accessibility page for lots more place to visit visit-dorset.com/ visitor-information/accessibility/ Enjoy the rest of your summer!

This month Maddie is looking at her favourite places on the Dorset coast to visit during the summer months.

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

Should I pay to receive a parcel?

Q:‘I received an email telling me I needed to pay money in order to get a parcel delivered. I didn’t think I ordered anything and, when I checked the email address, it didn’t look legitimate. Was it a scam?’

A:Probably.

New research from Citizens Advice reveals that 40 million people have been targeted by scams already in 2023, with parcel delivery scams being by far the most common. Citizens Advice Consumer Service received over 9,000 reports of scams between January to April 2023. Anyone can be targeted by a scam and sadly anyone can fall for one but there are steps you can take to better protect yourself and your loved ones.

Here are some top tips to spot scams:

• It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect.

• You’ve been pressured to

transfer money quickly.

• You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – like by an iTunes voucher or a transfer service.

• You’ve been asked to give away personal information such as passwords, PINs or verification codes.

• You spot signs that the organisation or person you are dealing with isn’t genuine - for example, if the email address doesn’t seem quite right.

Always take a step back and double check if you have any doubts at all.

If you’ve been scammed:

• Don’t ever be embarrassed. It can – and does – happen to absolutely anyone.

• Talk to your bank or credit card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information, or you have made a payment

• Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204

• You can also contact the Citizens Advice consumer service 0808 2233 1133 for help with what to do next.

Slide into Walnut Road playground; it’s open again!

The much-loved children’s playground in Walnut Road Mere has now open, thanks to the improvements made by Mere Town Council. The council received a grant from The Hills Group Limited, made available through the Landfill Communities Fund. All the old equipment has gone, and there’s a range of new and exciting apparatus. The reopening of the park was celebrated with a tea party on

June 22nd. Libby Raynes, a year 5 pupil at Mere Primary School, won a competition to design a new sign for the park, and Katheryn Lamb, a children’s author and illustrator, chose the winning design. Mere Town

Council has overseen the entire project, and co-ordinator Roger Pipe expressed gratitude to The Hills Group, Wiltshire Community First, the Duchy of Cornwall, and the Walnut Tree Hotel for their support and for the tea!

From Thornford Primary to King Power Stadium!

A team of pupils from Thornford Primary School is celebrating after making it to the national finals of the Pokemon Primary School’s Cup!

The Year 6 pupils from Thornford began their journey to the King Power Stadium by winning the North Dorset Small Schools tournament in January. This meant they represented Dorset in the south west Regionals. Impressively, it’s the second year running the village primary has reached this stage. They finished top of their group to advance to the semi-finals, which they won in a penalty shoot-out. Ultimately the team narrowly lost a closelycontested final, but were thrilled to discover that the top two schools from the south west would progress to national finals. Thornford teacher Sarah Gibbs, says, ‘The boys were incredibly excited about the trip to Leicester, and the commitment from the parents was amazing. The pupils travelled the night before – one family even cut their holiday short to ensure their son wouldn’t miss the match!’

National finals

Competing against the top eight teams from across the country, Thornford achieved a

highly respectable 5th place in the national finals. Even more remarkable considering that Thornford Primary, a small rural school in North Dorset, has fewer than 65 pupils in Years 5 and 6 – less than half the maximum allowed for small schools. Sarah continues, ‘The day will be a lasting memory for the boys. The camaraderie they developed is exceptional, and they have all grown into enthusiastic and skilled young sportsmen.’ Jerry Ridout, who has voluntarily

coached the school’s football team for the past eight years, played a pivotal role in their success. His youngest son left the school last year, but Jerry agreed to stay for one more year to coach the team. He says, ‘The boys are a credit to the school and their families. They have worked incredibly hard, and each one of them has contributed to the team’s success. It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of this journey, which I hope they will remember for years to come.’

The archbishop visits Archbishop

It was a momentous and thrilling occasion for Blandford’s Archbishop Wake CE Primary School in June as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, paid a visit to the school. Although it was a brief stop on his way through the diocese en route to Poole, it held immense significance for the children and the parish.

The weather was kind, providing a lovely setting to celebrate and share the visit with guests from the Trust, governing body, and local parishes. Archbishop Justin was delighted to spend time answering the children’s questions and later engage with parents and carers at the end of the school day. During his visit, the school presented Archbishop Justin with a specially-crafted artwork by their own Miss Stewart, the whole piece being created by the children of the school. The

Archbishop has expressed his intention to display this artwork at Lambeth Palace, alongside the portrait of Archbishop William Wake, the founder of the school. The visit was a tremendous honour for both the school and the local community.

The Thornford team were made up of Louis (goal keeper), Isaac (captain), Lenny, Zac, Billy, Jaxson, Reuben, Zac WT, Ruben and Benji.

Get Set for Stur’s annual Half Marathon and 5k

This year’s Sturminster Newton Half Marathon –organised by the Dorset Doddlers – takes place on Sunday 6th August. The race starts at 10.30am in Station Road, just outside the Railway Gardens, and the route goes out through Manston, Margaret Marsh, Stour Row and Todber, returning back via Moorside and Hinton to finish on the High School playing field. The lead runners are expected to finish at around 11.40am.

The 5K option

If distance running is not your thing, there is also a multi-terrain 5K, which starts just after the half marathon. You will line up on the same start line before making your way along Sturminster’s roads, tracks and footpaths towards Hinton St Mary. After a lap around Hinton, the route will head back through the beautiful avenue of trees before crossing the finish line at the High School. Race Admin will be stationed at the High School. You can enter online in advance for the Half Marathon, and all 5K entries will be taken on the day at Race HQ. All finishers will receive a race memento and a delicious Honeybun Cake! There will also be refreshments and children’s races on the School playing field. Come along and run, or get out and support the runners along the routes. If you live on the route and it is a hot day feel free to come out with your hosepipe and cool them down!

• For more information on both races and the whole event, please visit sturhalf.co.uk or call race director Christine on 01258 472010.

Okeford Benefice welcomes its new priest

A new priest-in-charge, the Rev Andrew Gubbins, has been installed to serve the Okeford Benefice in the Blackmore Vale – comprising Child Okeford with Manston, Shillingstone, Okeford Fitzpaine and Hammoon. Parishioners have waited nearly two years since the departure of the Rev Lydia Cook.

The Rev Gubbins is married to the Rev Mary Gubbins, the new vicar of Sturminster Newton. The licensing of the Okeford Benefice’s new part-time minister

by the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Rev Karen Gorham, and installation by Sherborne Archdeacon the Ven Penny Sayer, took place at a special service with a packed congregation in Holy Rood Church, Shillingstone, on Thursday 29 June. Andrew will be close to some of his childhood haunts of the 1970s, when he visited relatives near Shaftesbury and in Winterborne Zelston. Andrew worked in Yorkshire as a civil servant dealing with benefits

and employment issues. He says:

‘I am shaped by my parents who, with personal steps of faith, local action and global vision, have never rested on their laurels.’

Rev Andrew Gubbins with his wife Mary and sons Peter (left) and David

The Pinwheel Galaxy

Apologies if you missed me last month, hopefully you still found yourself admiring the night sky and our local planets as they grace the skies!

We’ve lacked celestial darkness for the last month or so in the UK, but the nights are starting to get longer again – it’s a countdown for astronomers to a darker nights sky and back to extended nights of observing and imaging! Everyone else may groan, but we’re only getting more excited!

This month, I thought I’d take a look at a favourite galaxy among amateurs to image. The Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as M101, is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation of Ursa Major, the great bear. At a magnitude of 7.86, it’s one of the easier and larger galaxies in the night sky to image, despite it being actually difficult to observe visually. At 170,000 light years across and 20.9 million light years from Earth, its one of the many beautiful galaxies we can observe.

The galaxy has an unusually high number of Hydrogen II regions – shown in the image as bright purple areas – which is where new stars form.

Many of these regions are bright and large, ionized by many extremely luminous and hot young stars. The Galaxy appears symmetric in most images that only reveal its central region, but it is really quite asymmetrical as a result of interactions with smaller companion galaxies.

The galaxy’s core is displaced from the centre, likely as a result of a collision with another galaxy in the recent past. What’s also interesting about this galaxy is that it doesn’t appear to have a Black Hole at its centre (we know because we haven’t been able to detect the usual trace emissions in the galactic core).

M101 also gained a brand new supernova last month – difficult to identify in my image, but for more information and get a better look at this, head over to BBC’s Sky at Night Magazine

This image was captured with my 1000mm Maksutov Newtonian Telescope and the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Astro camera with Broadband filters and is about 6 hours of data.

The night sky, July 2023 – Rob’s guide for your stargazing this month:

I might complain about the lack of darkness, but the good thing about summer nights is that its warm to go out and explore the night sky!

If you’re a fan of observing Venus you’ll notice this month that it will suddenly be gone from view!

But before it does, watch its celestial dance with the Moon, Mercury and Mars.

If you’re into your constellations, two ancients of the heavens are at their best this month. Sagittarius and Scorpius highlight the southern region of our night sky, set against the Milk Way.

On the 3rd of July, we had our first of four supermoons that we’ll encounter this year. Don’t worry if you missed it, the next one’s in August, so there’s not long to wait!

On 6th July at precisely 9.07pm, the Earth was the furthest from the Sun that we will be this year, known as the aphelion. Earth was a staggering 94.4 million miles from the Sun.

Observe Venus, the evening star, on the evening of the 9th as it reaches brightest luminance in the night sky at a magnitude of just 4.5.

If you’re an early bird on the 12th July, you can observe the bright gas giant Jupiter just before dawn as it hangs next to the crescent Moon. On the 19th, the crescent Moon sits close to brilliant Venus, which can be seen low towards the west after sunset. If you grab a pair of binoculars you will be able to see Mercury below the Moon, with the star Regulus, and planet Mars above Venus.

The following night, on the 20th, these same celestial bodies do a switcharoo – Venus will be hanging below the Moon, with Regulus in between and Mars and Mercury seemingly engaged in a pincer movement to surround the Moon from the left and right.

Next month; get yourselves ready for a spectacular Meteor shower!

Until then, Clear Skies. :)

The BV’s astrophotographer Rob Nolan is back – and counting the days to those long winter nights

The following night, on the 20th, these same celestial bodies do a switcharoo

July photo prompt: Circles

In addition to the general reader’s photography submissions, to encourage a broader range of submissions we are now offering a monthly BV challenge. August’s prompt will be: Reflection. Submissions via the BV Fb Group, or email to photos@bvmagazine.co.uk

USAF v22 Osprey from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, departing Heliops on Portland after a refuel – Sarah Stockham

Launderette life – Caroline Richards

Four Spotted Chaser Sarah McNulty

Wyke Down poppies Paul Waterkeyn

Raven Julia Oldham

Quartering barn owl John Palmer Snellin

Waiting for lunch

Wendy Morley

Roe Deer Marilyn Peddle

Lost in thought

Derrick Pannell

We welcome photography submissions from readersthe 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

Grumpy fledgling kestrel Sharon Towning

Teatime at the sparrow’s house Matthew Loader

Silver-studded blue Nigel Morris

Sign of the times

A notice warning of ‘cudgeling, fighting and boxing’ hints at a violent past across the Blackmore Vale, says Roger Guttridge

My reference in the last issue to ‘cudgeling’ intrigued some readers, not least BV editor Laura Hitchcock, who was laughing all the way to the deadline. The word, which appears on an old sign owned by Brian and Valerie Kelly of Wonston, Hazelbury Bryan, hints at tougher times, when gangs of ruffians ruled the Vale.

As Philip Taylor, the Collector of Customs at Weymouth around 1720, wrote in a report to London: ‘The Vale of Blackmore is abounding with great numbers of dangerous rogues.’ Some might suggest that not a lot has changed. I couldn’t possibly comment.

Brian and Valerie’s sign (above) is missing its top

line, but the surviving section is clear enough: ‘…have been sworn in to apprehend any persons seen cudgeling, fighting or boxing.’

My guess is that the top line originally read: ‘Parish constables’ ... but other guesses are available. The phrase conjures up images of gangs of young men roaming the countryside, armed with cudgels and other primitive weapons, eager to exercise their labourers’ muscles by scrapping with rival groups. Various sources suggest there was a territorial element to this, with village rivalries providing an excuse for violence.

Describing Marnhull’s annual bull-baiting event in the mid-18th century, historian John Hutchins wrote:

Valerie Kelly of Wonston, Hazelbury Bryan, with the incomplete sign warning that ‘cudgeling, fighting and boxing’ will not be tolerated

The inscribed beam in the barn roof at the Old Thorney Down, near Sixpenny Handley. All images: Roger Guttridge

‘The practice occasioned dangerous riots and frequently bloodshed by the violent contentions of the inhabitants of the neighbouring parishes. In one of these frays, one Bartlett, of Morside, was actually killed.’

According to my own maternal grandfather, Jim Ridout of Fiddleford, there was intense rivalry between Okeford Fitzpaine and Sturminster Newton. Our Okeford-based ancestor Roger Ridout (17361811), the leader of North Dorset’s main smuggling gang, knew he could expect a hot reception if he dared to set foot in ‘Stur’.

Arriving in Bridge Street on horseback on one occasion, he found himself surrounded by a mob, who tried to pull him from his horse. According to the family legend, Ridout said to the animal: ‘What would ’ee do ver thy king?’

At which the horse reared up and kicked in someone’s front door.

Another time, Ridout is said to have beaten up a revenue official who dared to challenge him as he walked from Fiddleford brewery (now the Fiddleford Inn) to Okeford.

Roger, his wife Mary, their eldest son William and another man were actually tried for murder at the Dorset Assizes in 1781, but acquitted. No other details of the case have come to light.

Beaten ‘to an unmerciful degree’

Smuggling was rife across Dorset in the 18th and early 19th centuries and directly triggered many violent incidents.

In 1719, Weymouth Customs Collector Philip Taylor described a running battle at Hermitage and Middlemarsh, near Sherborne. The episode began when Dorchester revenue man John Oldfield and informers Samuel and Edward Maber searched houses at Hermitage and were offered a guinea not to search Robert Williams’ house.

They declined the bribe and, along with parish constable George Fox, headed straight for the house in question and broke down the door.

Inside were several tubs of brandy –but before they could seize them, mayhem broke out. The lady of the house, Elizabeth Williams, attacked Fox with an axe, striking him several times. Robert and Thomas Williams and five other men laid into Oldfield and the Mabers, beating them and throwing them out.

The smugglers stove in one cask to make it worthless and fled to the woods with the rest. Despite their injuries, Oldfield and his companions gave chase, only to be beaten up again ‘to an unmerciful degree’.

In 1779, one smuggler was shot dead and another lost an arm after a battle with dragoons from

Blandford, at Hooks Wood, Farnham. In the same year, one of a ‘large and desperate’ gang of smugglers died and many others were desperately wounded in a clash with revenue officials and dragoons from Dorchester.

Shin hacking – the kickboxing of its day

For those who wanted it, organised fighting was available as a spectator sport, usually in the barns that served as the village halls and community centres of their day.

In the roof of an old barn a few feet from the Old Thorney Down – a farm and former pub beside the Blandford-Salisbury road – is a beam inscribed with the words ‘G West vs S Davis 2nd June 1837’ (image opposite). This may have been a bare-knuckle fight, although research by a former neighbour suggests it was a kick-fight in which the protagonists placed their hands on each other’s shoulders and hacked at each other’s shins until one of them gave up or collapsed.

Eighteenth-century landlords of the Thorney Down (aka the Blacksmith’s Arms and the King’s Arms) included smugglers Isaac Gulliver and his father-in-law, William Beale. Set in an outside door is a tiny window, measuring six inches by five inches, which lined up with other windows along the main passage and enabled the inhabitants to see who was at the door and make good their escape if necessary (see above).

The Old Thorney Down is in the midst of Cranborne Chase which, until it was de-forested in 1830, was a haven for smugglers, poachers and criminals of every kind.

Battles between gamekeepers and poachers were legion – but that’s another story ...

View to the door through the tiny window at smuggler Isaac Gulliver’s Thorney Down pub

The lady of the house, Elizabeth Williams, attacked Fox with an axe

A Bridport businessman

This month, Barry Cuff has selected photographic cards published by Claude Hider of Bridport, all from the 1920s. As well as producing postcards of Bridport and West Bay, he was a prolific recorder of scenes in many of the surrounding villages. He was known for driving around in his open-top Model T Ford, which made frequent appearances in the cards.

This postcard of Shipton Gorge was posted to Thornton Heath, Surrey, in 1931

This postcard of The Street in Charmouth was never posted

Claude Hider often took views with people in, unusual at the time, and seems to have chosen images which he knew would sell in his Bridport shop, which he ran until 1952. Most early 20th century photographers would handwrite a location or reference directly onto the negative – after processing it would then appear on the final image as white writing.

This postcard of the railway at Toller Porcorum was posted to Yeovil in 1934

Perhaps from a seaside holidaymaker, this card of Burton Bradstock was sent to Plaistow, London, in 1926

Religious rollercoaster

Gillingham Methodist Church is the High Street’s most striking building, but behind its facade is a tale of intolerance and persecution, says Roger Guttridge

Behind the most imposing building in Gillingham High Street is the story of a religious rollercoaster.

The town’s Methodist Church has hardly changed since it was built in 1876-77, with its spire pointing heavenwards.

But the story of Methodism in Gillingham goes back another century or so – and the movement had a rocky ride in its early years.

It was a very different tale from that which unfolded a few miles up the road at Shaftesbury, which was visited no less than 16 times by the movement’s founder, John Wesley, who is believed to have opened the town’s first chapel in 1766. While button-mould maker and preacher John Haime was the early driving force of Methodism in Shaftesbury, at Gillingham it was glover and excise officer John Cave who tried to fulfil the same role.

Born in Gillingham, Cave had

been living and working in Talgarth, Wales, but returned to his native town to spread the Wesleyan word.

Preaching at outdoor meetings, he sought to stimulate religious discussion and certainly appears to have done that –one of his meetings caused so much dissension that the Riot Act had to be read.

This was the start of what amounted to a campaign of persecution against Cave and other Methodists, who were ’railed against’ every Sunday. Cave was eventually driven out

of town, returning to Wales, where he pondered on ‘why the Lord suffered me to go to Gillingham to experience so much trouble’.

A dissenters licence

A breakthrough came, ironically, after Gillingham’s Church of England vicar fell out with local farmer Henry Broadway about a pew in the parish church.

Broadway, who had previously been a trustee of Motcombe’s Methodist chapel (opened in 1774), decided to open his own

An early 20th century view of Gillingham High Street showing a policeman on point duty at the Station Road junction, the Methodist Church spire in the distance and the tower of the parish church beyond that.

A similar view today showing the Methodist Church and Lloyd’s Bank (right) and the Post Office in the former Fish haberdashery and outfitters premises. Image: Roger Guttridge

church at Gillingham. In 1792, Broadway applied for a licence to allow dissenters to take part in meetings at his house in St Martin’s Street.

‘Broadway himself became a local preacher for 30 years and is remembered as a man with strong passions and feelings, but also as someone with a great regard for the poor,’ says John Porter in his book Gillingham: The Making of a Dorset Town (2011).

‘He had married Mary Carpenter, reputed to be a religious woman, who frequently held public prayer meetings at 5 o’clock in the morning.’

Broadway’s money financed the construction of Gillingham’s first Wesleyan chapel but he died a few years before it opened in 1836.

Construction of its successor 40 years later owed much to the town’s growing prosperity following the arrival of the railway in the 1870s. It was designed by architect Thomas Hudson, whose artist’s sketch features a spire that is slightly shorter than the one which eventually appeared.

The Lloyds’ Bank building next door pre-dates the church by two years and is one of the few in Gillingham which has not changed its use in 150 years. It was originally the Wilts and Dorset Bank, replacing a building in the Square, which in turn had replaced a banking service conducted from someone’s house. Present banking trends suggest we might eventually go full circle on that.

Opposite the bank is a shop with the word ‘Fish’ above the

door, but it wasn’t selling sea creatures. This and adjoining Cheapside House – now the Post Office – were run by George and Elizabeth Fish, draper’s and outfitters. The Fishes were major Gillingham traders who also had shops on the north side of the High Street selling groceries, provisions, furniture and ironmongery. By 1931, Sidney Fish had a boot store in the High Street.

The future of Gillingham Methodist Church is currently under discussion.

•

Motor vehicles had taken over the High Street by the mid-20th century. Far left is part of Stickland’s garage and motor trading business, which had premises on both sides of the road.

The High Street c1900 – the Methodist Church and Wilts and Dorset Bank on the right with Fish family’s outfitters opposite.

Stop and eat the flowers!

They look glorious in a vase, but flower farmer Charlotte Tombs is also learning how our garden flowers provide for the table too

Flowers that you can eat! Perfect in my book – and if you grow your flowers from seed, you know exactly what’s on them. For me that means I know there’s no pesticides and no nasties ... but perhaps the odd greenfly ... Do note, there are many edible flowers and, as with all foraged food, you do need to be 100 per cent certain what it is that you have picked!

Most people know about the common garden nasturtiums

– they are deliciously peppery in flavour. The flowers look wonderful on a plate, and you can add the leaves to a salad or make them into a pesto. The seed pods stored in vinegar can be a replacement for capers. Calendula petals are also slightly peppery and can elevate a green salad into a work of art (calendula is also used for its herbal properties, made into soothing balms and lotions). Cornflowers have a peppery-

clove aroma with a mild sweet spice flavour – add them to a salad, and they are also delicious dried and used as a tea. Violas are probably one of my favourites to add to a green salad – with their little faces they just look so pretty!

For years chefs have used lavender to flavour sugar; my mother used to make lavender shortbread and there was always a jar of sugar with lavender heads in the larder. From personal experience I can confirm it is not very nice on your cornflakes in the morning!

Geranium flowers can also be used and the flavours tend to correspond to the scented leaves. Lemon geraniums are wonderful: try sprinkling them over cakes, they make an unassuming lemon drizzle cake oh-so-glamorous. Chive flowers, coriander flowers, basil flowers ... they can all be eaten. In fact, there are so many that once you start Googling, the list feels endless. I’ve just seen that dahlia tubers are edible, as are the flower petals. I’ll let you know how I get on with a tuber!

The Voice of the Allotment Rain, rain, glorious rain

Gardener Barry Cuff shares his June allotment diary – and admits to a little midnight raindance when the good stuff finally arrived

What a wonderful surprise to wake up in the early hours of Tuesday 20th June and hear the rain. I was so pleased that I put on some clothes and went and stood in the garden to enjoy it for a few minutes! It was a lovely hard rain, exactly what was needed to revive the plants and seedlings – after about 40 days of little-to-no-rainfall it was appreciated all round! We had about 1.2 inches, and an amazing amount of growth was made after the rain. On the allotment, we have a 12 to 14-foot-deep well which supplies seven raised 1,500 litre tanks and two 1,000 litre tanks – all of which are connected to cattle troughs fitted with ballcocks. During June’s dry spell, water was pumped at least five days a week to meet the demand of plot-holders.

June diary

2nd – Planted out 22 Swift sweetcorn to bring the total to 52 plants. Water.

3rd – Side shoot and feed greenhouse tomatoes. Cut lettuce.

4th – Dug one plant of Jazzy potato (planted earlier than rest of crop). Got 17 good-size spuds plus a few small tubers – a very tasty ‘new potato’. Planted out two Defender, one Black Beauty and one Astia courgettes. Water.

5th – Water.

6th – Planted out 10 Cornichon de Paris gherkins, one Sweet Dumpling squash, four Butterfly Winter squash, four Crown Prince squash. Cut lettuce. Sowed Witloof chicory, coriander, Moulin Rouge beetroot and Early Nantes carrot. Water.

7th – Water.

8th – Water.

10th – Water.

11th – Cut lettuce, water.

13th – Dug three Maris Bard early potatoes. Water.

14th – Planted out from plugs a block of Little Gem lettuce. Feed tomatoes and peppers. Water.

15th – Water.

16th – Picked first two Defender courgettes and also the first broad beans (Masterpiece Green

Longpod and Witkiem Manita). Pulled more spring onions and cut lettuce.

17th – Water.

18th – Hand weeding and hoeing. Water.

19th – Sowed French Breakfast radish. Water.

20th – RAIN IN NIGHT! Sowed Purple Magnolia and Carouby de Maussane mangetout peas. Sowed in plug trays Medallion cauliflower, Vertus savoy cabbage and Natalino Romanesco.

21st – Planted out a block of celery, consisting of 11 Tango and 28 Green Utah plants.

23rd – Planted out 20 Monarch celeriac. Dug Jazzy and Maris Bard potatoes. Pulled spring onions. Picked broad beans. Harvested garlic.

24th – Hand weeding and hoeing, cut lettuce.

25th – Planted out cauliflowers; Snow Prince, Cheesy and Cendis. Thinned parsnips and chicory. Hand weeding.

26th – Planted out Ironman calabrese. Sowed White Lisbon spring onion. Picked broad beans, pulled spring onions and cut courgettes.

28th – Picked first peas and more broad beans. Dug two plants of Maris Bard.

30th – Picked first tomato from greenhouse (Santonio)! Cut courgettes, pulled spring onions. Dug remainder of Jazzy potatoes. Planted out Cardinal and an early purple sprouting broccoli. Planted out a block of lettuce.

Fruit

We picked strawberries for two weeks but they finished quickly due to the drought, despite watering them well. We started picking blackcurrants around 22nd.

Gardening for a new climate

Climate change is causing even the most experienced gardeners to consider things like drought resistance, says gardener Pete Harcom

Climate change is fast presenting gardeners with the challenge of making the right choice of plants in a changing environment – and trying to garden with less water. Choosing plants with a degree of drought resistance is becoming increasingly important. When looking at water conservation, the garden soil is as important as the plant choice, as this will help to avoid the excessive use of hosepipes. After rainfall or after having watered your plants, putting down a thick mulch layer of garden compost or bark clippings will help a great deal to retain moisture and will also handily suppress weeds. There is a wide range of plants that can tolerate dry soils and low levels of rainfall, especially once they have become established. Look for some of the following at the garden centre: Abelia grandiflora, achillea, agapanthus, box plants, bergenia, ceanothus, eryngium, euphorbia, sedums, verbena bonariensis, perennial geraniums, red valerian (centranthus) and heuchera.

And your jobs for July’s garden:

• Deadhead flower borders regularly to prolong flowering – it can have a significant effect on how long you can enjoy your flowers. Leave the last of any rose flowers that produce attractive hips.

• Divide clumps of bearded iris and take cuttings of patio and container plants ready for next year.

• Autumn flowering bulbs can be planted now – try autumn flowering crocus, sternbergia, crocosmia, nerines, alstromerias,

cyclamen hederifolium, and hesperantha (these South African bulbs can flower up to Christmas in sheltered spots)

• Start collecting seed from plants you want to grow next year, especially aquilegia, calendula, foxgloves, poppies and nigella (love-in-a-mist).

Pest and diseases

• Watch out for aphids (greenfly and black fly) and capsid bug damage on stems and leaves of young shoots. To avoid chemical spray, try staying on top by simply squishing them when you see them.

• Vine weevils can be a problem at this time of year too, and can be especially damaging to plants in containers.

• Look out for – and treat – blackspot on roses. It is very difficult to reverse the disease, but you can stop the spread by treating early in the season with a fungicide. There are a number of environmentally friendly organic products for suppressing blackspot including sulfur and neem oil. Do be sure to remove all infected leaves, especially those on the ground.

• If you need to prune your hedges, check first for any birds that may be nesting. The main breeding time for garden birds is between March and August so maybe ignore the messy hedge and give them time to rear their young. Garden birds need all the help they can get!

Start collecting seed from any plants you want to grow next year - like these nigella (love-in-a-mist)

More than a garden centre

The Shaftesbury in Bloom planters are just one demonstration of the special community that surrounds Thorngrove, says Kelsi-Dean Buck

Summer is well under way and we couldn’t be more in love with the beautiful array of plants making their presence known here at Thorngrove right now. We’ve had such a good ‘vibe’ (as the young folks say) in the air this past month – and it’s not just the new season with new flowers. It’s the community spirit felt, the result of the amazing work of our Employ My Ability students, who put their skills and confidence to work in producing this year’s planters for Shaftesbury in Bloom. It’s a project we’ve been involved with for many years, but this year the students were more involved than ever and some of the feedback we had really was so kind, and humbling. Our students have loved reading the comments on social media, and they spent the last Wednesday of June in Shaftesbury, meeting the judges who were visiting the town for the day. We’ve continuously put forward that our ethos is one of being ‘more than just a garden centre’, and those who are a part of Employ My Ability will know how essential the students and day service users are to our

core principle. They help us develop our business and the services we provide to the community, both now, and in the future. And it’s all with the goal of supporting our young people to become independent young adults. And of course, all of this feeds back into the sustainability of our town, and surrounding areas. Projects like Shaftesbury in Bloom are just one of the many ways we see this vision realised.

Back in the cafe

As for what else is happening here at Thorngrove – the arrival of summer saw new additions to the menu in The Secret Garden Café, plus an improvement to our outdoor dining patio, which means if you’re looking for that perfect breakfast or lunch stop, then look no further!

With a broad menu and the comfort of indoor climate-controlled seating if you’d prefer, the café is becoming one of the county’s not-very-hidden gems. We’ve welcomed lots of new faces in the last couple of months and we thank you for all the kind words to Ben and his café team. The job they do in making it a unique place to eat, and meet friends, really is something to be celebrated. And it’s dogfriendly too!

Planning ahead

We’re now putting in the dates for some summer events for families, and are looking to offer a range of new workshops and demos which we hope will continue to make Thorngrove Garden Centre a destination for you, as we provide more than just your garden essentials. Keep your eyes on our website and social media for regular updates – we’ll see you soon!

Planters being made ready for Shaftesbury

Better than Bran Flakes – Wessex Internet is UK fibre provider of the year

Local broadband provider Wessex Internet wins two national awards for connecting forgotten rural communities with lightning-fast internet

Local firm, Blandford-based Wessex Internet has been named the UK’s ‘Fibre Provider of the Year’ in recognition of its exceptional achievements in the broadband industry. The company won two prestigious national awards at the recent UK Fibre Awards ceremony – including the coveted title of ‘UK Fibre Provider of the Year,’ surpassing competitors from across the country. Additionally, the company was honoured with the ‘Best Rural Provider’ award for the second consecutive year, highlighting its dedication to connecting rural communities across Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.

Wessex Internet stood out among other providers for its customer-centric approach, its industryleading customer satisfaction scores, and a strong commitment to network upgrades. The company is a national trailblazer in delivering full fibre connectivity to rural areas.

The judging panel, consisting of seven industry experts, recognised Wessex Internet’s impressive accomplishments. The company’s innovative network build approach and collaborative efforts with the community were acknowledged, particularly where Wessex Internet successfully brought full fibre to vastly underserved areas that have been neglected by traditional providers.

Last year, the BV reported that a £6 million contract is bringing the government’s new Project Gigabit to 7,000 rural properties across the district over

the next three years. Forget super-fast broadband – Project Gigabit brings the fastest and most reliable internet connections to hard-to-reach rural areas, enabling families and businesses to take full advantage of technological advances in the coming decades. For North Dorset, the contract with Wessex Internet will result in vastly improved connectivity for businesses and individuals outside the market towns and larger villages. The first homes have already been connected, with an expected completion date for all by 2025.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet CEO says: ‘We’re thrilled to have won these awards. The hard work and dedication of so many people across our business is the reason we’ve managed to beat the majors in our industry from across the UK.’

The UK Fibre Awards recognises industry leaders in technical advancements, business strategies, and outstanding achievements. The judging panel consisted of experienced professionals from the telecommunications and ICT sectors.

Wessex Internet’s accolades at the UK Fibre Awards solidify its position as a pioneering broadband provider, committed to bridging the digital divide and connecting rural communities to reliable, high-speed internet services. With a customerfocused approach and continuous investment in network infrastructure, Wessex Internet continues to lead the way in delivering full fibre connectivity throughout the Wessex region.

Far left is Richard Coles (broadcaster, television presenter) who presented the awards. Then l to r Jez Allman, Tessa Young, Chloe Parry-Jones, Charis Nelson and Geraint Evans, all from Wessex Internet.

Rose Engineering declared Family Business of the Year!

Rose Engineering, a family-run business based in Dorset, has recently achieved success in the national Family Business of the Year awards. The company was founded in 1986 by Mervyn and Sue Rose, and it specialises in constructing steel-framed buildings, groundworks, and repairs. At the awards ceremony – held in London on June 21st – Rose Engineering was crowned the winner in the South, Southwest & Wales category and also secured a top 10 spot for the national public choice award.

Tom Rose Managing Director, says: ‘We are beyond thrilled to have won the award for our region. So much hard work has gone into growing our company in recent years, and to have this recognised at a national awards is just amazing. We’re an ambitious, growing company and I’m looking forward to seeing us grow further in the future. I want to thank the whole of our team for their continued commitment to helping us succeed.’

The Family Business of the Year awards, organised by Family Business United, recognise the hard work and contribution of family businesses. Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United, said: ‘Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy. Six million family firms employ around 14 million people across the country – they make a massive impact each and every day.’

The team at Rose Engineering have worked hard to create a quality service and employee focused company. As a highly regarded company in the local area, the award is well deserved.

Anita Beaumont, Finance & Marketing, adds, ‘We’re so proud to have been recognised in a national award, we’ve all worked so hard to get here, growing and adapting to make us better at what we do. The judges praised our resilience over the last couple of years, through COVID and Brexit, as well as our commitment to our staff, to quality and our future growth plans.’

Whether your planning ahead with a funeral plan or when a loved one passes away, end-of-life care needs to be dependable, compassionate and ethical. With decades of experience, our trusted funeral services are available whenever you need us on 0800 008 6878.

Caring for local families for generations.

Local to you in:

Frome • Gillingham • Shaftesbury • Warminster

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Back cover image: Silver-studded blue butterfly by Nigel Morris