The Blackmore Vale June 21

ISSN 2634-8810

POLITICS

NEVER PRINTED June ‘21

POLITICS

Good People in this issue

MAT Follas

For being lovely, for making me laugh, and for all the good foods. Once I can actually get a table.

David MORGAN

No silliness, just what an astonishing life he has lived (also... Andy has a crush on you).

ANDY PALMER

*waving to Kae* because she reads these bits before Andy does

GLADYS

Let's hope out of her terrible death comes better awareness.

Barbara COSSINS For having an opinion where others feared to tread.

PHIL

Kent

For food photography far too pretty for a pub

JEANETTE HAMPSTEAD for hedgehogs called Hufflepuff in my Whatsapp.

Heather BROWN for a cute duck.

ROB Nolan

Because his Night Sky photography frankly makes me a bit giddy. Isn't it wonderful?

Front cover: Photobomb Pigs nr. Ibberton by Robyn Carter (see Robyn’s Pet Portrait work Always freehere) - subscribe here

Animals

Art with Edwina Baines

Barry Cuff | Voice of the Allotment

Beauty

Book Corner

Brigit Strawbridge

Business News

Charity pages

Citizen's Advice Q&A

115

Community News

108

Deaths

Education

Equestrian

Family Law

Farming

122

Father's Day Messages

Food & Drink

Garden Jobs

Health

107

Legal Notices

Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

Meet Your Local

News

100

Night Sky

Out of Doors

Photography

Police alert

116

Property

102

Puzzles

Random 19 - Mat Follas

Reader's Letters

Rural Matters - CPRE

111

Services

Chris Loder MP

112

Situations Vacant

Take a Hike

Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer

Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

103

What's on

Wildlife

We went to Shaftesbury last weekend, sat outside a café (Seasons, as you asked) and had (an excellent) coffee in the street. And we saw a different Shaftesbury town centre. For the first time, Shaftesbury high street was a happy place: visibly thriving, chatty and buzzing. It reminded us of Bordeaux - the best case for traffic-free town centres in the world. This huge success story came because one far-sighted mayor pushed his staid traffic-clogged, dangerous, diesel-fume reeking city into doing the right thing. There were the inevitable - enormous - protests. He pushed on. Now, pedestrianisation has made the city the international success it is today – a UNESCO site that creates wealth and jobs and has become a genuine destination city. And this is what eight far-sighted councillors are trying to do for Shaftsbury - introduce a permanent traffic-free zone. Of course not everybody likes it. It is inconvenient to some people, especially residents living in the centre. These eight brave councillors are being pilloried by some on social media. But those in authority must take tough decisions. Shaftesbury’s town council has taken the right decision – and they’ve done it based on consultation and compromise. As our story shows (page 16) more than 80% of retailers and more than 85% of shoppers support the move. Shaftesbury’s narrow pavements (how foolish of the 11th century town planners not to predict road traffic) mean visitors often had to step into the narrow road. Even disabled people and those on mobility scooters approve of the scheme – not all, but many do. It’s not easy being a councillor. And it surely wasn’t easy to introduce this great scheme but they’ve done it and I applaud them.

by Andy Palmer

NEWS

Tiger in the Sky If you’re fortunate enough to see a yellow Tiger Month bi-plane 2,000 feet above you in the Blackmore Vale performing deathdefying stunts then you are probably watching local hero David Morgan DSC testing his flying skills to the limit.

The familiar and much-complained-about ‘orange railings’ lining the A357 approaching bridge in Sturminster Newton. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

And his life is as colourful as his plane. Shaftesbury resident David was the most successful RAF pilot during the Falklands conflict, destroying four Argentine aircraft, including two Skyhawks which were attacking British landing craft. The son of a Fleet Air Arm Seafire (the Royal Navy’s Spitfire) pilot, David trained with the RN as a helicopter pilot before moving to the RAF flying Wessex helicopters. He then passed the highly-demanding course to fly supersonic Harrier GR3s and became one of the first Electronic Warfare instructors. During the Falkland’s conflict David flew more than 50 sorties both ground attack and air combat patrol. His Sea Harrier was damaged by anti-aircraft fire over Stanley Airfield on the first raid but he

David Morgan during the Falklands conflict, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

skillfully nursed the stricken £20 million jet back to the unsteady deck of the carrier HMS Hermes, plunging in heavy seas.

He was credited with the destruction of two Argentine helicopters and two A4 Skyhawks which were attacking British landing craft, saving hundreds of lives.

For this skilled and dangerous attack David, known as Mog, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, only the second such award given to a RAF pilot since WWII – and making him the last RAF pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft. He also joined an attack sinking an Argentine intelligencegathering ship, and flew several Always free - subscribe here

NEWS David in the hangar with the yellow Tiger Moth

David Morgan’s vivid memoir Hostile Skies dramatically recalls what it was really like to fight, live and love during the Falklands War, and includes David’s heartfelt letters sent to loved ones back in England.

‘Every moment in the air counts,’ he says, ‘split-second decisions must be right, and that’s where the RAF’s superb training kicksin. You cannot make a mistake. Once you’re off the deck of the carrier, you don’t have time to be frightened.’

in Argentina. It is also available as an audio-book. David is married with two grown children and five grandchildren and now lives near Shaftesbury, in Dorset. He flew a total of 4,700 hours in the forces (2,500 on Harriers) and has recently retired from commercial flying as a Boeing

747-400 captain, with a total of over 16,400 hours in the air. He is now a private pilot, teaching aerobatics in his vintage Tiger Moth from Compton Abbas airfield, the UK’s highest private aerodrome, which welcomes visitors to its smart restaurant/ viewing gallery and bar (Covid restrictions applying).

After the conflict he was appointed to senior instructor roles, flying in 200 airshows, and became unit test pilot at Yeovilton, flying from the carriers Hermes, Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal. David wrote a highly-regarded memoir of his Falklands service ‘Hostile Skies’, published by Orion, which is being translated in Spanish due to high demand

David with three of his grandchildren in his yellow Tiger Moth at Compton Abbas Airfield

by Andy Palmer

NEWS

Cameron Farquharson sharing a moment with Gladys, recently attacked by two uncontrolled dogs Gladys was due to calve in the next few weeks, but her unborn calf died with her.

Gladys and Unborn Calf ‘Chased to Death’ Dorset farmer Cameron Farquharson and family were devastated when their much-loved pregnant hairy highland cow Gladys was found dead. Five year old Gladys is believed to have been ‘chased to death’ by dogs as she and her unborn calf died after falling over a 30 foot embankment on Eggardon Hill. The uniquely beautiful bovine had been grazing on National Trust land near Bridport when she was attacked,’ said Mr Farquharson, National Trust tenant of Redlands Coppice Farm, near Bridport.

Charlotte, 17. “Gladys was hers from a calf. They have grown up together. I have four children and they are all devastated. We are all devastated,” he said. Hairy highland cows are particularly attractive with an unusual double coat of rich auburn hair. On the outside is the oily outer hair – the longest of any cattle breed - which covers a downy undercoat. This makes them well-suited to the strong, cold winds and high rainfall of the Scottish highlands. Dorset Police are investigating the attack, and their message to dog owners is clear; ‘Keep a close eye on your dogs. Livestock worrying is unacceptable, farmers’

animals are their livelihood and Gladys was more than just a cow.

‘We should have a blanket rule for dogs being on leads when it comes to livestock in fields. It is simple,’ Mr Farquharson said ‘we get it all the time: ‘My dog doesn’t chase sheep or cows.’ But they do. Whether it is sheep, cows, horses, alpacas, whatever — to let your dog run free is irresponsible.’ In the video below the family share an insight into their affectionate ‘hairy coos’, and thank the public for the overwhelming flood of kindness.

‘Had the dog owners reported the attack we may have been able to save her and the calf. ‘We beg people to keep your dogs on a lead.’ Gladys was more than just livestock to the family She belonged to his daughter

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NEWS

Anyone For Cow’s Head & Iced Prosecco? Sturminster Newton councillor Carole Jones promises a glass of chilled fizz to locals welcoming the town’s new sculpture that was paid for by voluntary donations following action roused by the town’s Facebook community page. Recently a horse’s head sculpture was loaned to the town by Martin & Cllr Carole Jones, and placed on the plinth in the Railways Gardens which until recently supported the Elisabeth Frink artwork. Town Facebook group members were admiring of the new artwork - but many questioned why a second horse (the town already boasts one horse sculpture, also gifted by Martin Jones) was to be featured in a town made famous for holding the oldest calf market in Europe. Questions were raised around the statue, with many feeling that a publically-placed piece ought to represent the town. Perhaps misunderstanding a simple philanthropic gesture by Cllr & Mr Jones to fill the empty plinth, many were vocal in their belief that a cow or calf would be much more fitting to the old market town. Elm Yard Gallery stepped into the Facebook fray and took the opportunity to share some of Mark Galbavy’s more bovine previous commissions. Cllr Jones

took on the local comments - and asked the community to put their money where their opinions were, starting a fundraiser for a £3,000 cow’s head sculpture also by local artist Mark Galbavy out of Chris Hannam’s Dorset forge near Sherborne. A generous local resident saw the fundraiser and offered matched funding if the community could raise the first £1500.

‘And we did it!’ says Cllr Jones, In under two weeks the fundraiser currently stands at £1,595, raised by 45 supporters - enough with the promise of the matched funding. The cow’s head sculpture has been widely loved by the community, and agreed to be a more suitable way to celebrate Stur’s agricultural heritage as a 700 year old cattle market – and the biggest calf market in the country. ‘I’m hoping ‘Our Cow’s Head’ will be placed in the Railway Gardens’ says Cllr Jones ‘but

that’ll be down to the town council.’ A decision on where it will be shown will be made by the town council early June, so watch Sturminster Newton News for news of the date and location.

And with what can only be viewed as a shameless bribe to attract a welcoming party for the unveiling, Carole adds, ‘I shall take a few bottles of iced Prosecco and hope you can all come and raise a glass.’ The sculpture itself is made by Mark Galbavy from Dorset Forge & Fabrication in North Wootton, near Sherborne. Elm Yard Gallery, run by Chris Hannam, also has an airy art gallery. Alongside Mark’s metal sculpture sit local featured artist works.

Opinion Column by Barbara Cossins

The Australian Trade Deal – What Does It Really Mean to Our Farmers? With over 30 years’ experience in hospitality, food and drink at The Langton Arms, a successful butchery in the form of Rawston Farm Butchery and having hailed from a fifth-generation farming family, I’ve been invited to talk about the Australian trade deal, and what it means to the UK farming community. We did a casual survey, and when asked, even fellow farmers did not know the ins and outs of the Australian trade deal our government are not-soquietly making on our behalf as a nation. In fact, when you investigate more closely, there really is not a lot of information available in the public domain,

which raises eyebrows, considering the implicit effect it will unarguably have on our UK based farmers, growers and producers. In an article featured over at BBC online, Liz Truss, Trade Secretary tells MPs “I am always looking to make sure British farmers will not be undercut by unfair practices from elsewhere,”. However, the UK are known to have among the highest standards in hygiene and animal welfare. As Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF-UK critically states, “A rushed trade deal with Australia could drive a coach and horses through those efforts and provide a gateway into the UK for foods produced in ways that harm the environment.” British farmers have such high welfare farming standards compared to any other country. We’ve seen countless examples of how cheap imported meat makes its way into our food chain almost under the radar.

Intensively Cheaper Food. Australian beef, for example, is produced intensively and more cheaply than can be done in UK. In this deal, Australia’s top beef exporter expects to increase sales to the UK tenfold. It is impossible that our high standards will not be compromised, and once again the consumer could be easily mislead about what they are eating. Already, mislabelling on cheap meat imports to the UK is a huge problem, with this meat being permitted to use the supposedly trusted Red Tractor label, which suggests on sight that the animal has been reared here in the UK.

We’ve seen cheap pork being imported, which has been made into sausages and labelled with the British flag. Is this ethical? No. Always free - subscribe here

Opinion Column by Barbara Cossins The consumer is led to believe they are buying British produce, raised under the high standards we trust. This potential loophole means those who do not know what to look for are eating meat that has not been raised to such high standards, or in fact, mislabelled meat, which could be something entirely different to what they think they are eating. Only back in Easter 2021, British supermarkets sold New Zealand lamb wrapped with the British flag. When we ourselves did a price check, British lamb was in fact cheaper than New Zealand lamb. So, why are we letting this happen?

Where Does Your Food Come From? I founded Love Local Trust Local specifically to help raise awareness. To educate the public on how food labelling really works, and to help the consumer know who to trust. New trade agreements without careful monitoring will providing plenty of space to muddy the waters and make clear food labelling a far greater challenge.

Making Local More Affordable.

of British farmers are destined to have their livelihood cut or destroyed - especially the smaller farmers - as they simply cannot compete.

With the Australian trade deal looming, and the potential US trade deal in our sights, can meat traceability remain possible? The UK is extremely thorough about traceability, to protect our high standards. I know first hand; Rawston Farm Butchery was established in 2012, at the time when the horse meat scandal was underway; horse meat was being wrapped in beef to disguise it, because it was full of painkillers, and this contaminated meat was therefore allowed to be filtered into our food chain here in the UK. As a farmer’s daughter and a farmer’s wife, I cannot emphasise enough that the British farmers need to be protected from the abuse of the food industry.

Farmers are busy people - they do not often have time for confrontation; they are passionate about looking after their animals and growing their crops, and their time is fully occupied with just that. To coin a bumper sticker phrase, you will have likely seen; “No Farmers, No Food, No Future.” Sadly, never has a truer phrase been stated. People are always going to want cheap food, we all understand that. But I’d like to feel they want the British farmer to survive as well, given how integral this is to our very being. To learn more about food labelling, to support local, and to get behind our farmers, growers and producers, do head over to Love Local Trust Local. Barbara Cossins, Founder of Love Local Trust Local, The Langton Arms & Rawston Farm Butchery

Whilst people will always want to buy cheaper produce, and it is a genuine need for many on low incomes and tight budgets, it is important to understand that if we all do our bit to shop locally where we can, those prices for outstanding local produce will be able to come down, making it more accessible for all. In contrast, if we continue to buy en masse from countries with lower standards, this challenge will always be insurmountable. This new trade agreement potentially means that hundreds

A PA R T M E N T S F O R I N D E P E N D E N T P E O P L E OV E R 6 0

JOIN US AT OUR COMMUNITY EVENT We will be at Wimborne Bowls Club who are holding an Open Day on Friday June 25 so if you would like a trial, please contact the club for more information. Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere, free bowls coaching, information on the Renaissance developments and refreshments. C A L L W I M B O R N E B OW L S C LU B O N 0 1 2 02 8 8 0 41 5 SEARCH RENAISSANCE DORSET ONLINE

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The community in the market town of Wimborne comprises 25 spacious apartments and additional social spaces, including a sumptuously furnished communal lounge and a guest suite for hosting friends and family in style. Surrounded by beautiful gardens to enjoy, the community also features a central courtyard filled with colourful seasonal flowers, the perfect spot to relax with neighbours. Close to the seafront, Renaissance Poole is home

to a selection of 32 spacious and modern one- and twobedroom apartments, each containing thoughtful features that maximise space and light. The communal areas provide the perfect relaxing backdrop for socialising and hosting. Boasting scenic views of Poole Park and Poole’s Boating Lake, some apartments feature south facing Juliet balconies which enable the fresh coastal breezes to flow into the homes. The independent lifestyle that Renaissance communities offer is ideal for those who seek a healthy and active way of life in an outstanding location.

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NEWS

by Rachael Rowe The Headmistress’ Lawn at St Mary’s is still immaculately kept.

A sneak peek into St Mary’s before it transforms into a £10m Centre of Excellence It’s the sense of calm that is most striking at St Mary’s Shaftesbury. The dinner bell is silent and poignant displays of artwork lie abandoned by pupils and staff who always expected to return to their much loved school.

An old newspaper dated 4 March 2020 gives a sense of time stood still. But behind the scenes there’s a new energy at St Marys as the campus undergoes an ambitious transformation into a school and centre of excellence for children with special needs. “It’s not every day you have the opportunity to buy a purpose built school,” says Dorset Council’s Director of Education Vick Verma as I’m shown round

the buildings. A cloakroom is set to become a sensory area and classrooms will on average have around ten pupils at a time. Some areas like the catering department will require minimal change. Dorset Council spent £10m to acquire the buildings and grounds and have allocated a further £5 million to adapt the campus. So why did the council spend so much money?

Many children with special needs are unable to access the support they require to develop and are placed in schools outside Dorset.

Each out-of-county place costs £60,000 a year but placements within Dorset are a third of that, making it more economical in the long term.

Student’s artwork is still decorating the walls at St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury. Image: Rachael Rowe

NEWS A third of the children currently needing a SEND (‘special educational needs and disability’) place live within a 45 minute drive of Shaftesbury. However, Dorset Council’s plans go far beyond money. Councillor Andrew Parry explained: “We are a bold council, and St Mary’s is a very good example of how we have demonstrated that mantra. This is a fabulous place for children to learn and to gain skills to transition in to adulthood. I want families to have confidence and for young people to go on and thrive.” Phase one will see 60 children access the facilities from January 2022 as day pupils. Residential places will follow along with professional teaching and training for staff so the school develops a reputation as a centre of excellence.

Vocational training in subjects like agriculture will be available to prepare young people for the workplace. There are places for 280 pupils when the school runs at full capacity. Existing head teachers are working in partnership with the project as St Mary’s will be one of the wider family of SEND schools in Dorset.

The library is still exactly as the pupils and staff left it in 2020. Image: Rachael Rowe

An interim head teacher will take charge for the first year as it is vital to find the person with the best fit for the substantive role. Appointing an interim team and working in partnership on recruitment will also help avoid a brain drain from other local areas. A charity will be established to support some aspects of the school.

St Mary’s means a lot to people in the area but it is the new chapter in its history that is probably its most exciting. It is an opportunity for some of Dorset’s most vulnerable young people to learn and thrive and ultimately shape the future of special needs education -and inspire all of us as the alumni of the future.

“There’s real warmth within these walls,” says Theresa Levy, Director of Children’s Services at Dorset Council. It was a much respected school where generations studied and has a glittering alumni of former pupils.

It’s that warmth, energy and positivity that stays with me at the end of the visit.

Some are simply patiently awaiting the new pupils... Image: Rachael Rowe

Redundant Latin textbooks left in a St Mary’s classroom. Image: Rachael Rowe

Spectacular new Dorset Museum now open

Artist’s Dorset - a beautiful gallery full of the Museum’s superb collections of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, fine and decorative art.

Fancy a new and exciting day out? Visit the re-opened Dorset Museum with its new attractions, including four new galleries, an exhibition space, restaurant, shop and library. The £16.4m refurb, which includes a new wing, has so impressed the art world that it’s attracted world-class exhibits, such as sculptures by Elisabeth Frink, donated by her family. The Frink works were created at her home in the hamlet of Woolland, between Sturminster Newton and Blandford.

The climate-controlled spaces feature Jurassic Coast fossils (including a ferocious looking jaw of a prehistoric crocodile) and the internationally famous Thomas Hardy archive which includes the author’s handwritten manuscript for The Woodlanders – good luck reading his scrawl! ‘Without the new extension the Frink collection would have left the county because the old museum didn’t have the facilities,’ says executive director Jon Murden, adding that the ambitious scale of the new museum has attracted exciting

new artifacts to be attractively displayed. Star of the show is the Roman Fordington mosaic, which has been short-listed for the Restoration Project of the Year at the Museum & Heritage Awards. This 4th century exhibit was part of the original high street in the town of the same name, and has the reputation of causing the premature death of Thomas Hardy. It was discovered, to much celebrity, in 1927 and caused the novelist to leave his sick-bed to see the excavation – it was too much for the old man who popped his clogs a few months later in January 1928. One gallery is devoted to Natural Dorset, which reveals the secrets of Dorset’s geology, landscapes, habitats and wildlife. The 140 year old museum is on Dorchester’s High West Street. Visit website

The Natural Dorset Gallery - 250 million years of natural history come alive, revealing the secrets of the county’s geology, landscapes, habitats and wildlife.

Opening hours: Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm

Pre-booking essential for all visits. Always free - subscribe here

NEWS Cllr Paul Harris QGM, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 32yrs service in the Army, is welcomed as the new mayor of Gillingham Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

councillors for placing their trust in him during his speech in the online mayormaking ceremony, along with thanking outgoing mayor Cllr Von Clemens for his strong leadership over the last year. Cllr Harris used his speech to outline his aims for the coming year, including updating Gillingham’s Neighbourhood Plan to ensure that it would ‘contribute to our defence to counter unwanted or unwarranted development’. He also outlined a continuing green energy focus. ‘Our energy all now comes from green energy suppliers. Roman Court will not have a piped gas supply. We have already changed many of our power tools to electric. We will change to electric vans when we next need vehicles, provided we have been able to install electric charging points, and we have installed solar panels to generate electricity on the large roof area of our workshop,’.

Gillingham Welcomes New Mayor Paul Harris Following last week’s formal vote by fellow councillors and mayormaking ceremony, Cllr Paul Harris has been welcomed as the new mayor of Gillingham. Cllr Harris, a retired Lieutenant Colonel who was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal during

Councillor Von Clemens said it had been a ‘great honour and privilege to once again serve our fabulous town’. He praised the community for its efforts during the COVID crisis, and lauded the progress made throughout the last difficult year.

his thirty two years Army service, has been a Town Councillor in Gillingham since 2015 and alongside his local work is also a Member of the Board Of Trustees for the Royal British Legion. He has been Deputy Mayor for the last two years, under Cllr Barry Von Clemens who due to the pandemic served an unusual two year term. Cllr Harris thanked fellow

Cllr Harris with the new Deputy Mayor, local businesswoman Cllr Sharon Cullingford. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

NEWS

by Andy Palmer

Surging support for safer shopping in Shaftesbury Shaftesbury is a beautiful and historic town and attracts thousands of visitors to shop, eat out and sightwsee. But there’s a problem. When the town planners in the 11th Century built the high street they hadn’t reckoned on the volume of visitors in the 21st century. The pavements are narrow. The roads are narrow. And there’s road traffic. Big problem for today’s town officials. Their solution is that part of the town centre will become trafficfree.

The move appears to have won popular support, so in late May, by eight votes to three, Shaftesbury Town Council (STC) voted to request the highways authority 16

extend the scheme which bans traffic on the high street from Angel Square to the Grosvenor Arms. But STC do not have the authority to make this permanent. The decision will be made by Dorset Council (DC) who could take between three to 18 months to consult local opinion and verify the move, says Councillor Piers Brown, 26. The vote is a victory for Cllr Brown, who says that

‘80% of retailers are trading at their expectations,’ adding that the last set of consultation showed ‘more than 80% of businesses and more than 85% of shoppers have supported permanent pedestrianisation of the high street.’

For it, against it Some residents love the freedom of pedestrianiaston, saying it will be safer both in terms of people stepping out of the town’s narrow pavements into the road to overtake other pedestrians without the danger of traffic and, during Covid, keeping socially distanced.

Others object, including some disabled and town centre residents. Cllr Brown says, ‘Some people with mobility issues say they now find it easier to access the high street as they’re no longer confined to the narrow pavements. He also proposes to reduce the traffic ban to 10am to 4pm. ‘Delivery vehicles will still be allowed through the pedestrianised area, therefore we have not had complaints about people not receiving deliveries.’ Always free - subscribe here

NEWS ‘This has allowed us and DC to make decisions based on evidence rather than on perception,’ he said. The digital Blackmore Vale forecasts a sensible compromise between the two opposing camps.

And this is the dilemma for councillors: how to compromise between the locals’ rights and the need to attract shoppers? As attracting visitors to this ancient hill-top town, this will need to be addressed in order to keep local businesses and staff employed. Councillors are very aware that shops pay local taxes and cannot reasonably be imposed upon. Virginia Edwyn-Jones, Chair of Shaftesbury and District Chamber of Commerce, said, ‘we want to give shoppers the maximum confidence to come back. We want to let everyone know Shaftesbury is open again for business.’

The public view The case for more consultation: “What about the people who live on the high street? I work all week up early Mon to Fri.

“There should be dispensation for residents of the high street to be able to load and unload , also some permanent ‘blue badge only’ parking spaces left on the high street.”

The case for trafficfree shopping

I’m sick of having to get up early on my weekends off to move my car and spend ages looking for a space somewhere where I don’t get a ticket.”

“This happened in two high streets where I lived as a child and shops thrived better than before. No one likes change but change is essential if we are to evolve.”

“Surely the council would issue residents parking permits like they do everywhere else in the country where high streets are pedestrianized.”

“Brilliant news. It is so much nicer now as no cars to worry about. The high street was so narrow that it makes sense.”

“This is the future. High streets and city centres are vital community spaces for people to meet and mingle freely. Well done Shaftesbury!” “Brilliant, so much nicer shopping, Parking needs sorting out though!” “We need to encourage more visitors and an easy sensible car park so we can grow. More people to have easy access and visit a lovely historic town which I hope will thrive with small independent shops and cafes/ restaurants” “I love the pedestrian idea and agree. I wish they would think about amenities before they allow more and more homes.”

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by Rachael Rowe

The Two Ronnies

COMMUNITY Okeford Fitzpaine, where some of the Two Ronnies ‘Phantom Raspberry Blower’ was filmed, along with a Two Yokels sketch. Image: Rachael Rowe

in the Blackmore Vale Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett first broadcast their show fifty years ago in 1971 and continue to make people smile today. From the Four Candles to Piggy Malone, all of us probably have a favourite and in some cases can even recite the lines. But did you know that several of their classic sketches were filmed in and around North Dorset? Even today, locals remember the comedy duo with fondness. The Phantom Raspberry Blower of Old London Town was partially filmed in the village of Okeford Fitzpaine. One of the oldest residents, Mr Bernard Trowbridge, remembers them:

“I watched them from the corner on the church lane. They were making a series of the Raspberry Blower and they had a huge searchlight. A chap stood in the road waving branches and they made a big shadow move across the church tower.”

Residents were not allowed to get too close to the filming at the time but recall shadowy figures filming among the gravestones and running around the area. The village hall was transformed into a dressing room and with typical Dorset hospitality, local residents Mr and Mrs Snell plied the Two Ronnies with tea and cake at the Old Rectory. They had to contend with a long line of children (and adults) looking for autographs. The film crew and the Two Ronnies used to cycle downhill through the village to the church. Julie Taylor remembers the crew with bikes.

“They had baskets at the front and took Grandfer’s as well, thinking it was theirs.” Bernard Trowbridge remembers a scene when Ronnie Barker was riding a large bike. “He wore a black gown and was at the top of the church path with his legs sticking out and came all the way down to the bottom. They filmed the bicycle scene from the church tower.”

A two yokels sketch, leaning over the church lychgate was also filmed in the picturesque village. Okeford Fitzpaine served as the location for scenes in Charley Farley and Piggy Malone around the church and adjoining roads. Ronnie Corbett was filmed running after a van on Shillingstone Lane, almost losing his trousers. Kings Stag was also used for the two yokels sketches with the duo leaning over a gate and chewing straw. Naturally, the pair went on to the Green Man pub - still dressed in their rustic outfits - to enjoy a drink. Gold Hill is famed for the Ridley Scott Hovis advert made in 1973. Ronnie Barker immortalised the hill in a spoof act in 1978 as he was filmed in Shaftesbury carrying a loaf of bread and looking disgruntled with the climb to the top. The Two Ronnies also stayed at the Grosvenor Hotel in town when filming on location in North Dorset.

by Tracie Beardsley

COMMUNITY

Because Childhood Can’t Wait.

This June the UK focuses on the wonderful work of those who freely give their time to make a significant difference. As we celebrate Volunteers Week (1- 7 June), the digital Blackmore Vale steps into the world of Home-Start North Dorset. This amazing local charity is part of one of the nation’s leading family support charities. It is celebrating 10 years of helping 550 families and 1120 vulnerable children across Shaftesbury, Blandford and the Blackmore Vale region through the ups and downs of family life.

Parenthood has many rewards but we all know it’s a tough job. The usual challenges of looking after little ones become much harder when you add social

deprivation, rural locations with no nearby child-support facilities and poor public transport links. ‘Because Childhood Can’t Wait’ is Home-Start’s message, perfectly summing up the importance of those formative years, crucial to the development of a child and its family bonds. Chelsey Gowen, Scheme Manager for Home-Start North Dorset (HSND) explains:

“Families’ needs are many and varied. Reasons they ask us for help range from rural isolation, mental health issues, physical challenges, multiple births, domestic abuse and bereavement.” The successful formula of HomeStart connects people with parenting experience to those with young children (at least one child under five) who are going through a difficult time. Home-visiting volunteers offer a few hours a week of friendship,

practical help, emotional support and – to quote the John Lewis/ Waitrose slogan - “a little love”. The supermarket has an ongoing campaign in support of HomeStart. One parent told us:

“Home-Start has given my children their mum back” and another

“I get through Monday because my volunteer is coming on Tuesday.” The mother of a two month-old who had recently fled domestic abuse recalls:

“I was in a refuge in North Dorset, an area I had never been to before. I felt isolated with no friends or family and, being a new mum, I was really lacking in confidence to parent my child.” Always free - subscribe here

COMMUNITY Thanks to weekly support from an HSND volunteer, this young woman got her life back on track and now is a volunteer for the charity herself.

Sometimes the volunteers are grandparent role models to parents whose own family are not local enough to lend a hand - or perhaps are no longer alive. Others become friends and mentors, sharing their own parenting tips built upon years of experience. As well as home visiting, volunteers run a “Mess and More” toddler group. They also provide a Mothers in Mind group for expectant and new mums who, for various reasons, are finding life tricky. This has also led to the creation of a walking group – exercise and good company being a great healer. Chelsey Gowen: “The pandemic has brought lots of stresses and difficulties with it, but we’ve managed to continue giving

support to the families in a variety of remote ways and we’re so grateful to our lovely volunteers and staff for enabling this to happen.” She adds: “On our 10th anniversary we’re pleased and proud to announce that Mrs Anthony Pitt-Rivers, CVO, DL, a staunch supporter of ours, has agreed to become our Patron alongside Lady Emma Fellowes, LVO who continues to overwhelm us with her ongoing support as our Patron.” Home-Start North Dorset, which has to raise all its own funds, currently has 42 volunteers plus eight trustees who manage the scheme. The organisation is keen to hear from anyone who wants to play a part and a new training programme for

volunteers is scheduled for midJune. Volunteers are welcome from all walks of life. The one essential thing they must have in common is 24 hour parenting experience. There are also opportunities to become a trustee, a fund raiser, or a Friend of HSND with an annual subscription of just £10. “We’ve had wonderful local support over the years and thank everyone for this,” says Chelsey Gowen. “There are currently two very specific needs. One is for a volunteer to help run our Mess and More group and the other for someone to work towards becoming the Chair of Trustees.” Please visit www.home-startnorthdorset.co.uk, email Hello@home-start-northdorset. co.uk or call 01258 473038

by Laura Hitchcock POLITICS

A National Buzz around Shillingstone’s BeeWayzz

You may have heard Shillingstone’s Bere Marsh Farm and the Countryside Restoration Trust on Radio 4’s Farming Today this month, launching their new ‘Bee Corridor’. (Don’t worry if you missed it, just click the play button bottom right of this page) Dorset’s heritage Bere Marsh Farm is the centrepiece of the groundbreaking new project which aims to make the Blackmore Vale a hive of activity for bees and bee enthusiasts. The innovative scheme will utilise little-used lanes, byways, B roads, bridle routes, ancient droves and tracks to create a network of bee-friendly foraging ‘corridors’. This will enable the local bee populations to expand and grow stronger these natural pathways will be intensively planted up with pollen and nectar laden flowers and plants by local allotment

societies, schools, gardening clubs, WIs, parish councils etc. The plan - suitably unveiled on 20th May, World Bee Day – will start with a corridor from Shillingstone to Durweston, and Hanford to Turnworth. This will then be the blueprint to replicate four more corridors over the following four years, all radiating from the central hub of Bere Marsh Farm. Key to its success is the extensive planting along the corridors of annual and perennial plants and flowers which will deliver substantial and consistent supplies of pollen and nectar for the roaming bees all summer long.

‘We hope everyone will want to play their part - people’s gardens and village allotments are every bit as important as field margins and roadside verges for the bees to adopt as foraging corridors,’

Elaine Spencer White says ‘In addition, the Hub is promoting the little-known art of ‘natural beekeeping’ – maintaining hives but leaving the honey for the bees themselves so that they grow healthier and stronger and thereby arresting declining populations amongst the various species. ‘We want to encourage greater interest in nurturing bees rather than taking their honey. Natural beekeeping is an ancient craft which has almost died out and we are intent on reviving it,’ she adds. In time, it is hoped that the pollen rich corridors will not be confined to the Blackmore Vale. It is hoped BeeWayzz will spread across the county and beyond.

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by Roger Guttridge

COMMUNITY The Union Flag flown defiantly by a skeleton Allied force in 1941, displayed above a German swastika flag that was captured during the relief operation. Image: Roger Guttridge.

Flagging up the world’s biggest tank museum Two giant flags that survived the eightmonth siege of Tobruk in North Africa feature in a major new exhibition at the Tank Museum in Bovington, which reopened to the public on May 17. They include the Union Flag flown defiantly by a skeleton Allied force after it was cut off in the Libyan port by German and Italian troops from April 1941. Relief operations were carried out by the RAF and Royal Navy but it wasn’t until November 1941 that the 8th Army’s Operation Crusader finally freed the so-called ‘Rats of Tobruk’. In the exhibition, the giant Union Flag is displayed above a German swastika flag that was captured during the relief operation. Tank Museum curator David Willey told the digital Blackmore Vale: ‘Flags are so important in conflict as symbols and rallying points. ‘For many they are an expression of what you are fighting for, or trying to defend. ‘The swastika flag was probably

used to help identify the German gun position to their own Luftwaffe pilots.’

The Bovington attraction dates back to the 1920s and is the world’s biggest tank museum with more than 300 vehicles. In normal times it attracts 250,000 visitors a year, peaking at 3,000 a day on wet days in summer. Staff have used the lockdown to create the World War Two: War Stories exhibition, which not only features 60 vehicles but tells many of the human stories behind the official history.

The tanks were about to go into battle in Holland following D-Day when Little Audrey was knocked off her perch. Bellamy was about to give the signal to move when Sgt Bill Pritchard leapt from his tank, rushed back to rescue Little Audrey from a hedgerow and handed her to the commander. ‘I’m not going without her!’ said Pritchard. • The museum is now open 9am5pm daily but numbers are limited due to the pandemic and visitors are advised to book via the website tankmuseum.org.

One story centres on the museum’s only mascot and one of its smallest exhibits, a china doll called Little Audrey, Abbess of Chantry, who was given to tank commander Bill Bellamy by his girlfriend Audrey before he left for war. Little Audrey was attached to the turret searchlight on Bellamy’s tank, the Abbot of Chantry, and became a good luck symbol to the whole troop.

Tank Commander Bill Bellamy’s Little Audrey, Abbess of Chantry, was attached to the turret searchlight and became a good luck symbol to the whole troop.

RURAL MATTERS - monthly column from the CPRE

LOCKDOWN LITTER PICKING

With fewer visitors to the countryside in the time of Covid, it was hoped that there would be an equivalent reduction in the amount of roadside litter.

In a remote part of the Dorset AONB, Hilton and Ansty’s ‘Parish Tidy’ in mid-March sadly proved this not to be the case and the usual lorry load was accumulated by diligent pickers over the course of a weekend. In normal times, the annual Litter Pick is a great community event taking place on a Saturday morning followed by a BBQ lunch. This year, Covid meant that the event had to be socially distanced so about fifty volunteers were each allocated a stretch of road to be picked at a time convenient to them over the weekend, within their social bubble. Litter grabbers, hi-viz, gloves and bags were collected and the rubbish either left at the roadside to be picked up or returned to the central point. Despite the lack of lunch, everyone felt a sense of

satisfaction in contributing to the effort and at the same time, the parish finger sign posts were given their annual scrub and now look as good as new. Dorset Waste Partnership provided all the equipment and the enormous pile of rubbish was collected on Monday morning by their team. Around the same time a volunteer group did an amazing job in clearing the Blandford bypass. Dorset Highways’ stated aim is to pick the major roads twice a year but this has been delayed in 2021 and some of the arterial routes, such as the A31 near Ferndown have been in a terrible state with polythene and other detritus covering the verges. Obviously it is too dangerous for volunteers to work on fast roads but perhaps a group such as Extinction Rebellion could divert some of their energies into roadside cleansing? If roads had to be closed periodically for litter picking, the ensuing inconvenience would help to educate those who routinely chuck rubbish out of

The horrifying results of the 2021 Hilton and Ansty Litter Pick

their vehicles and eventually promote a change of attitude nationally.

Why should volunteers have to pick up other people’s litter? And why must Dorset Highways waste money on roadside cleansing never mind the danger to life and limb? It is difficult to understand the mentality of the casual litterer - perhaps the problem stems from the Festival culture where the young routinely abandon rubbish, including tents, in the belief that someone will tidy up. But it is not just the young who litter. Whilst large Festival organisers may pay people to clean up, this, of course, does not happen in real life on the roads and country lanes of Dorset. Citizens who think it is acceptable to litter should take pride in their environment and take their rubbish home! Catherine Langham, North Dorset CPRE

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POLITICS

Thoughts of the month by Chris Loder MP Dorset’s level of local radio and television coverage has been a serious concern for many people, myself included. Whilst Dorset contributes around £45 million per year to the BBC through the licence fee, the apparent lack of attention to Dorset is not acceptable and it’s time to challenge it. I met with the new Chairman of the BBC a few weeks ago and have hope that common sense will soon prevail, and Dorset will get its fair share. It was a pleasure to help with deliveries at the Sherborne Community Kitchen at the start of the month. I last visited at the end of March to mark their first year of helping

Sherborne Community Kitchen (SCF) is a not-for-profit charity providing healthy, locally cooked meals to people in Sherborne and the surrounding areas. Started in response to COVID-19, from small beginnings where they delivered a dozen fresh meals to help vulnerable and shielding individuals each day, they’ve become a charity with an ever-growing customer base.

local people around Sherborne and the surrounding villages and this week participated in a delivery run taking healthy, nutritious meals to those who need it the most.

The work they do is incredible and I pay tribute especially to Jill Warburton. It has been a pleasure to hear the church bells ring out both near my Westminster office and here in West Dorset. It is imperative that we get our churches back up and running to provide the spiritual support that is needed so badly. To do my bit to help, I was elected churchwarden at Bishop’s Caundle Church in late May and look forward to helping get our churches open and welcoming again. SCF provide a healthy main meal and pudding freshly packed and delivered to the door. Meals often include homemade treats and even small bunches of flowers are sometimes added. Drivers get to know the clients that they deliver too, check in with them daily and make sure their clients have everything else they need, reporting back any concerns. Everyone is called for their meal choices for the next day, and SCF volunteers can often pick up concerns and worries. Additionally, they help

My belief we should criminalise ‘livestock worrying’ was underscored tragically last week, with the very sad death of Gladys the pregnant cow on Eggardon Hill - the other side of Beaminster – because of a dog chasing. Grazing of chalk downlands like Eggardon is vital to preserve such unique ecosystems and farmers should not have to face the tragedy of losing much-loved animals because of negligent and careless members of the public who don’t control their dogs. clients access extra services such as ‘Befriending’ phone calls for the lonely, books and DVD’s, armchair exercise, help with gardening, dog walking and more. See the Sherborne Community Kitchen website for more info.

“Chris is a regular visitor to the charity and we appreciate his help tremendously.”

POLITICS

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POLICE

Voice of the Blue Light: Shaftesbury Town Neighbourhood Team

Monthly news from the North Dorset Police Team. This month Shaftesbury’s PC 740 Rob Hammond

Shaftesbury Town Neighbourhood Policing Team works from the Police Station on Angel Lane just off the High Street. The neighbourhood team consists of PC 740 Rob Hammond, PCSO 5382 Su Leatt & PCSO 8857 Phil Dibble. PCSO 6644 Chris Mullens also operates from the station with a responsibility for the rural areas around Shaftesbury and Gillingham. The team is managed by a Sgt based at Gillingham and an Inspector at Blandford.

Recently we have been actively patrolling Shaftesbury and surrounding areas in response to reports of Anti-Social Behaviour. ASB remains one of the top priorities identified by the public; patrolling known hotspots has resulted in seizures of alcohol, controlled drugs and the signposting of the young people involved to the Dorset Youth Justice team and other support agencies including Dorset Council, Health and Social Services.

A developing crime of concern in the North Dorset area is the significant increase in catalytic converter thefts from parked cars.

Organised criminal gangs are targeting the exhaust parts for the precious metals they contain. The offenders are generally focussing on street parked cars quickly accessing the undersides by lifting cars with makeshift jacks or just crawling underneath and cutting the parts off with battery angle grinders or other power tools. Please be vigilant to people acting suspiciously around parked vehicles, particularly during evenings and overnight. Advice for vehicle owners: • Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a garage or on a driveway. • Alternatively, park in a location that restricts access to the underneath of your vehicle, park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult. • Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter • If your catalytic converter is of a ‘bolt on’ type consider having the bolts welded. • Consider the installation of home CCTV or doorbell cameras to protect your vehicles. • Identify/etch/mark your converter using a proprietary marking and registration system and advertise this fact using windows stickers

•

supplied with the marking system or just your postcode/ registration number to assist with identification. Consider the use of a ‘Cat Clamp’, a product approved by the Association of Chief Police Officers or other antitheft devices available on the market, some are supported by manufacturer schemes.

We have been working with partners to try and identify the outlets and handlers for the stolen CAT’s, visiting several scrap yards with the local authority & Environment Agency to identify any illegal handling and gain intelligence on who may be selling them as well as giving suitable advice to staff at those businesses. The Dorset Police website has more information on catalytic converter theft & prevention here. The Dorset Police website also has a mass of helpful information on crime prevention and we will often use social media to publicise current issues and specific crimes trends. Our current local priorities and updates on progress can be found on the Dorset Police website in the Neighbourhood Policing section. North Dorset Police Facebook and Twitter pages also highlight specific incidents and positive results as well as some of the routine patrols we conduct every day to keep you safe.

EDUCATION

Educating Yorkshire’s ‘Mushy’ and ex-footballer Kevin Davies Inspire Shaftesbury Students Week beginning 24th May saw Shaftesbury school Year 11 and 13 students off their usual timetable for a final week of school filled with enrichment activities.

Year 11 experienced life as a 6th former, gaining taster sessions of their chosen A-Level or BTEC subjects and year 13 gained knowledge of how to budget and cook for themselves when at university. In addition to these, students experienced a range of activities from learning first aid to making balloon models.

On Tuesday 25th May Shaftesbury School welcomed Musharaf Asghar from the TV show Educating Yorkshire. Musharaf gave an inspiring speech to students about overcoming adversity. Students were hooked on his every word, with many tearful eyes as Musharaf reminisced about his school experiences and gave advice on how to overcome your

fears and anxieties and have faith in yourself. Musharaf was given a tour of the school’s boarding house and spoke highly of his time at Shaftesbury.

On Wednesday Shaftesbury had the privilege to welcome Kevin Davies an exfootballer and local resident. Kevin had over 400 Premier League appearances, played for England U18 and U21 and now holds a Master of Sport Directorship (MSD). He drew on his experiences to speak with honesty and frankness to Year

13 students, telling them that to have a successful and fulfilling life you had to look at the 3 D’s; Desire, Dedication, and Determination.

He also mentioned how important it is to surround yourself with kind people and people who will support you. In addition to Kevin, local businessman Lionel Boyle discussed his early career as an entrepreneur and his later career change. He gave advice to ther Yr13s on being comfortable with the uncertainty of the future.

Celebration Day

On Thursday the sun was shining for student’s final day of school and a final sports day ‘with a twist’. Students took part in some old fashioned fun with egg & spoon race, sack race, relay and tug of war, followed by an afternoon with giant inflatables and a burger and ice cream van to fuel the fun!

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EDUCATION

Durweston OFSTED - Head More Pleased with What Parents Say.

Headteacher NIcola Brooke is proud that 100% of parents would recommend Durweston Primary School to another parent.’

In what must have been one of the first OFSTED inspections carried out after schools re-opened, Durweston School was inspected remotely on the 16th March. The inspection confirmed that even in current circumstances, teachers are delivering effective remote learning and pupils are receiving the same learning whether in school or at home. The inspector praised the broad

curriculum, the effective phonics teaching and the effective support offered to those who need to catch up quickly. She was also pleased to hear that all pupils are heard read regularly, and that teachers regularly read to pupils ‘to develop vocabulary and to help them understand more complex texts’. The SENDCo was praised for her painstaking approach to each pupil with special needs and for ensuring that teaching supports progress towards pupils’ individual targets.

’’We know all schools are working hard to provide a good education in the current circumstances, but it was lovely to have our efforts recognized by OFSTED.’ commented headteacher Nicola Brooke. ‘Over this last year, the staff have worked tremendously hard to make sure that our children have continued to receive the very best education we can offer. While pleased with the OFSTED feedback, we were more pleased with the parent feedback. ‘100% of our parents said they would recommend our school to another parent.’

Sexey’s Sixth Form Choir Overcome Covid Restrictions by Learning to ‘Sign Sing’ In their final performance at Sexey’s School, the Sixth Form Choir has performed a moving signed performance of True Colours. With Covid restrictions preventing singing in choirs, the Sixth Form Choir decided to learn to ‘sign sing’ (choristers expressively perform a sign language version of the lyrics while a song is played), learning to sing in British Sign Language (BSL) from scratch. Head Girl

Alice Macey wrote “The Sixth Form Sing and Sign Choir could not leave without recording one last song. We chose True Colours because the imagery used in the song is really beautiful when translated to BSL. The words “beautiful” and “rainbow” quickly became some of our favourite signs.

On behalf of the choir, I would like to thank Mr WhitfordWilliams for bringing Sing and Sign to the school. It has truly been a joy to be a part of.”

JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF FUN Our week long Sports Academies and Creative Camps for all ages. Running throughout July and August.

5 - 9 JUL 2021

Cricket Camp

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An elite development camp for boys and girls who wish to improve their cricketing skills to play a more competitive game.

9 - 16 YEARS 9:30am – 12.30pm 9 – 12 Year Olds 1.00pm – 4.00pm 13 – 16 Year Olds

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Lead Coach: Mr Dan Conway, Head of Boys’ Games, Clayesmore Senior. ECB Level 2.5, Dorset County Cricket Club (DCCC) Youth Team Specialist Coach.

12 - 16 JUL 2021 / 26 - 20 JUL 2021

Tennis Coaching 4 - 16 YEARS

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Clayesmore mini tennis camps are the ideal way for 4-11 year olds to discover the game and improve their skills whilst having lots of fun! Our tennis camps aimed for 12+ offers the chance to develop a variety of skills and techniques. There will be technical and tactical sessions as well as competitions and challenges. 9.00am – 10.30am 4 – 7 Year Olds 11.00am – 1.00pm 8 – 11 Year Olds 1.30pm – 4.30pm 12 – 16 Year Olds

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Lead Coach: Miss Andrea Cheverton, Head of Girls’ Games, Clayesmore. LTA Level 2 Coach. Always free - subscribe here

19 - 23 JUL 2021

Football Academy 7 - 14 YEARS

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Interested in Football, then come to Clayesmore to experience first class coaching and facilities. Sessions led by experienced coaches, ex-players and FA qualified coaches. 9.00am – 12.00pm 7 – 10 Year Olds 12.30pm – 3.30pm 11 – 14 Year Olds

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Lead Coach: Mr Tom Manley, Head of Boys’s Games, Clayesmore Prep (FA Level 2 Qualified Coach, ex Weymouth FC and England Universities FC football player).

Art & DT Club 10 - 13 YEARS

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Alternate between art and design technology in these fun, creative sessions where children will complete both an artwork and piece of design. 9.00am - 12.30pm

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Taught by: Archie Parks, Forest School Leader BA Hons Outdoor Leadership and Level 3 Forest School Leader.

EDUCATION

Sturminster Newton Teenager Millie Is Shaving Her Head For Cancer. Millie Russell has taken the brave decision to shave her head in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK, a cause that is so close to so many people’s hearts.

In the hope that they can help Millie meet or even exceed her fundraising target, Headteacher Mr Davis and Mr Harris Deputy Head have also committed to ‘Brave the Shave’ as well! Millie, Mr Davis and Mr Harris will all have their heads shaved on Friday 11th June in school,

New Outdoor Classroom for Okeford Fitzpaine “We are really happy to open our new Maple Class outside area. It features a beautiful playhouse for the children to enjoy role playing in and a water trough for the children to relish in sensory play in the beautiful sunshine.” Says Christina Spencer-Smith, Support Manager at Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School. ‘A lineup of interactive boards are available for children to practise mark making and writing. This is a safe environment where children can practise and refine both their fine and gross motor skills. A variety of independent and paired bikes and trikes have been purchased to support children’s development of physical skills.

Sixth Form student Millie Russell, with Headteacher Mr Davis and Mr Harris, Deputy Head - all have committed to shave their heads for charity in June

and Millie’s hair is being donated to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provide free real hair wigs to young cancer sufferers. ‘In 2018, I sadly lost my grandad to prostate cancer’ says Millie ‘and ever since, I have wanted to try to help others by raising ‘We can’t wait to see where the children’s imagination takes them in this beautiful outside area!’

some money. The sad reality is that nowadays many families are effected by cancer in some way.’ Millioe has already beaten her £200 target, buty would love to more support as she loses her teenage-precious locks. If anyone would like to kindly donate please click here.

Okeford Fitzpaine Primary children enjoyong the new playhouse in Maple Classroom.

The school has also renovated the outside play area for the children to enjoy all year round, not just summertime! With the trim trails and exercise equipment the children have the opportunity to use their gross motor and coordination skills throughout the day with stunning rural views in the background.

‘This year has been tough, but you bring smiles, laugher and enthusiasm every day. Well done, for building each other and being the best you can be!’

Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School’s newly renovated all-year outdoor play area, with magnificent views. Always free - subscribe here

EDUCATION

Widely Accomplished Mrs Bone to be new Head of Sherborne Prep. Sherborne Prep School have announced the appointment of Mrs Natalie Bone as Head of Sherborne Prep from 1 September 2021. Mrs Bone is currently Head of Junior School at Sidcot School, having previously been a Houseparent and teacher of Mathematics at Millfield School and Head of Mathematics and a House Parent at Millfield Preparatory School.

Natalie has a degree in Economics from the University of

Reading and before entering teaching was a professional dressage competitor and trainer as well as having a successful City career in investment management. Natalie says, ‘I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen to lead this wonderful school and build upon the excellent legacy that Nick leaves behind. I am very much looking forward to working with the whole community to take the school from strength to strength at this exciting time’. Natalie Bone replaces Nick Folland, current Head who is retiring at the end of the academic year.

Natalie Bone was a professional dressage competitor and trainer as well as having a successful City career before moving into teaching.

After last year’s Virtual Pet Show, which made the BBC South Today news, reporter Edward Sault returned with a cameraman to capture the real thing in action.

With restrictions easing, Dumpton School, Wimborne were delighted to welcome parents back onsite for the first time in over a year for their annual

Reception children’s Pet Show. Despite the stormy weather, a ‘you can because you think you can’ attitude saw the children bring their pets to school to be judged in the Best Behaviour and Best Appearance categories.

The children talked all about their animals their behaviour and any special tricks they could do. Everyone was especially taken with Miss Monaghan’s 50+-year-old tortoise! All pets were declared winners and the children chose a rosette to take home with them as a memento. Mr Sault was very taken with all the animals on show who all behaved themselves impeccably and the Reception children were their usual marvellous selves!

LOOKING BACK

by Roger Guttridge

The Blandford Grocer’s Boy Who Won The VC

in full view of his comrades. Jack Counter was a humble grocer’s apprentice at Blandford’s ‘Private Counter, who had seen the five International Stores

before he joined the King’s Liverpool Regiment in February 1917.

At Boisleux St Mare in France the following year, his battalion found itself facing an enemy breakthrough. ‘It was necessary for information to be obtained from the front line in which the enemy had effected a lodgement,’ says the official account of Counter’s heroism. ‘The only way was from the support line along a sunken road and thence down a forward slope for about 250 yards with no cover, in full view of the enemy and swept by their machine-gun and rifle fire.’ A small party tried to get through but their leader was killed and another man wounded. Officers then decided that a lone runner would stand a better chance. This was attempted five times but each time the runner was killed

runners killed one after the other, then volunteered to carry the message,’ the citation continues.

‘He went out under terrific fire and succeeded in getting through. ‘He then returned, carrying with him the vital information with regard to the estimated number of enemy in our line, the exact position of our flank and the remaining strength of our troops. ‘This information enabled his commanding officer to organise and launch the final counterattack, which succeeded in regaining the whole of our position. Subsequently this man carried back five messages across the open under a heavy ‘artillery barrage to company headquarters.’

Counter’s courage in the face of ‘almost

Private Jack Counter, VC

certain death’ was officially described as ‘extraordinary’. He received the VC from King George V at Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1918, and came home to a hero’s welcome. A huge crowd gathered at Blandford station, where detonators were exploded as Counter alighted from his train. He was met by the Mayor and other dignitaries and more people lined the streets as he was taken to a crowded Market Place in a procession led by the Town Band. Glowing tributes were paid by the Mayor and others and Counter received a £100 war savings certificate and inscribed gold watch and chain as well as the Freedom of the Borough. The soldier modestly replied that he had only been doing his duty to king and country. After the war Counter settled in Jersey, where he worked for the Post Office, but he actually died in Blandford during a return visit in 1970. His heroism was commemorated on a Jersey postage stamp in 1971.

get in touch with Roger: roger.guttridge@btinternet.com

TALES FROM THE VALE

Tales From The Vale with Andy Palmer

There’s a great little farm shop and outdoor café up a dirt track near Milton Abbas owned by ‘Steve,’ but run by two selfconfessed ‘smiley girls,’ Sandy and Hannah, who are lovely.

This prize-winning venue is called Steeptonbill Farm Shop and the name comes from the sheep that ‘Steve’ (not sure if ‘Steve’ exists, I’ve never seen him) farmed on Portland, presumably near the Bill (how do you do it, Sherlock). Apart from having the charmingly haphazard air of being expanded with random stretches of canvas tenting on an ad hoc basis (which I love. In fact, I wouldn’t mind living there, might even meet ‘Steve,’) it does help if you like cats as there are a dozen friendly felines roaming around rather needing attention. These ones seemed to like me (such judgement) and I had pleasure in stroking them – plus there’s an entertainingly noisy cockerel which doesn’t know when to shut up (a bit like Meghan Markle). It’s got an astonishingly eclectic range of produce, including fresh herbs and spices including chillis and ginger – good, as I was planning a curry that evening. And there’s an outdoor café. Well worth a visit. Apart from loading up on the necessaries, I bought some goat burgers with red wine and rosemary. I also bought a

Yes, this is indeed the mysterious Steve from Steeptonbill Farm Shop...

tin of haggis, but should have looked at the label first as when I studied the contents later I saw it contained ‘lamb’s lobes…’ There’s going to be a few alarm bells in this column, and these are the first.

If you want to know what ‘lobes’ are, and I think you should, they are lungs. Off-putting (or offal-putting) but better than what I first thought ‘lobes’ meant. So that went in the bin. Yes, I know there are people starving but how am I going to get a tin of lungs and oatmeal to Africa? *** My wife Kae and her friend Linda went to the charming little rural cafe, Petranettes at Flying Geese Gallery, Pleck Hill (on the Mappowder to Hazlebury road), run by two sweet German sisters,

Petra and Anette. If you like eating cake while looking at stunning views, Petranette’s is for you. But not when they went. Watching the barn rocked by gusts of 55 MPH gusts, drinking hot chocolate and each wrapped in the equivalent of eight, 50-tog duvets, they agreed that it was ‘atmospheric’. I love Linda. Despite her youth, she is delightfully old fashioned, in person and dress, and uses words like ‘behove’ and ‘umbrage’. We need to cherish these oddities. - Laura, could you take that bit out as Linda is an avid reader of the mag (OK - Ed). *** Watch out for the DFLs. Driving to Marnhull we’d obviously pressed the ‘invisible’ button on our car as several enormous sparklingly clean 4x4s, clearly owning the road, swept past on narrow lanes without bothering to move to the edge of the road, causing us to

TALES FROM THE VALE pull-in. No acknowledgement.

‘DFLs,’ Kae said. Readers will know DFL stands for Down From London (there is a ruder definition, available by request). But this may be a good thing. London wealth, and believe me, these people know how to spend, will spread throughout Dorset. So we in the Blackmore Vale must be ‘big’ about DFLs (they’re easily recognizable, they don’t smile and they avoid eyecontact). Our shops, restaurants, pubs, and all who they employ and who supply them, will benefit from the wealth of people (for whom rural living must be a quaint mystery) so if we all could adopt a humble attitude when they arrive after lockdown, perhaps doff our caps and say ‘aarhhh, that be rioight tasty,’ over a pewter mug of ‘zider’, our county will be the better for it. They’re just a bit annoying. But I do wish I owned a tank (which at one time, I actually looked at doing). No pulling over then. ***

I see from last issue’s letters page that I have one fan. That’s one out of this magazine’s thousands of readers, proof that a quality online magazine works. I hate to say this, but Laura the Ed must be doing something right (You do know I actually read this as I lay out, yes? - Ed). My fan is Mike Jones of Sherborne. Now, I don’t know Mike, but he clearly is a man of enormous intelligence and taste. I’m guessing he’s a professor or prominent barrister, possibly very handsome with American teeth. Writes elegant poetry, when he’s not raising funds for an orphanage, in his spare time. I understand Laura is getting a blue plaque made for this

by Andy Palmer wonderful man with the words, ‘Mike Jones - living proof that at least 0.006% of readers find Andy’s columns ‘amusing’. I’m hoping that by the time of the fourth lockdown I’ll increase my fan base to 1% of 20,300 readers, so please mail Laura. *** As I write this the weather is appalling, but spare a kind thought for my lovely nephew Jack. Jack’s in the RAF, and a Flight Officer, the lowest rank for a commissioned officer. Then came the chance for his class’s first overseas posting. Obviously, everybody wanted Cyprus or Gibraltar, with sunshine, swimming in a warm sea and beautiful fresh food. I told Jack if he volunteered for a tough post, his sacrifice and service would make the RAF gaze at him with love and affection. Jack chose the Falklands. He actually was interested in going to such an odd spot, he reckoned Cyprus would come later when he was a Wing Commander flying Spitfires (or whatever they have now, probably updated them, may have stuck a jet engine in, possibly SatNav and parking sensors). So, now this delightful fella is adjutant at the RAF base 8,064 miles away – the final 64 miles must have been a killer (‘Are we there yet?,‘I need a wee’). And he is now Acting Flight Lieutenant, his first promotion. I can honestly say that this is the first time I have ever given anyone advice that has worked out well although Jack has gone from one British winter to a South Atlantic Winter (temperatures in August can reach a balmy -10) and he returns in November to another British winter. I’m unsure if he knew this when he took his uncle’s advice, and I detected a slight reserve on his

part when I phoned on the day of his departure. ‘It’s character forming,’ I told him, with all the assurance of someone not going to the Falklands for seven months. ‘Mmmm,’ he said. ***

I see that The Fox in Corscombe is now run by chef Mark Hix and is attracting a bit of flack

for banging in a ‘discretionary’ service charge of 12.5% on all food, including bar snacks. He’s also adopted the, in my view, questionable policy of charging separately (£3.75) for each side dish (on top of which is the ‘discretionary’ 12.5% charge). It may be the urban thing, but for a country boozer during a pandemic? Readers may have views about this. Certainly those who’ve visited have and scores on Trip Advisor are not what Mark, undoubtedly a great chef, is aiming for. But I’m intrigued by one review that says, ‘it’s all a bit fur coat and no knickers’. If any reader can enlighten me on this comment do let me know. *** There’s a delightful plaque outside Eastway House in Blandford’s East Street commemorating John Ayliffe. The plaque does Ayliffe credit, as he appears to have been an out-and-out rascal and his career ended on November 7th, 1759 when he was executed at Tyburn ‘for forgery’. Until the day before the sentence Ayliffe was pretty sure he’d be let off with a pardon. I admire his sunny disposition. And he was about to be pardoned by the astonishingly generous Henry Fox, who Ayliffe had robbed, but as Mr Fox went to ask for the Always free - subscribe here

TALES FROM THE VALE

by Andy Palmer ‘borrowed’ more than £800,000 from the widow which she never saw again. Acklom was finally caught and received a prison sentence. With a lot of vulnerable people around, we must help our lonely neighbours.

pardon he received evidence of new crimes Ayliffe committed and Fox, unsurprisingly, changed his mind. Now, you’d think that such practices in those days could not be repeated in the modern age. Wrong.

In the last issue, the newly refurbished Plough at Manston boasted about their Shepherd’s Pie. The gauntlet is laid firmly down. Now, I presume they do mean Shepherd’s Pie (lamb mince) not Cottage Pie (beef mince) or American Pie (a song by Don McLean).

a fact: the band Van Halen had a rider which famously stated the venue must provide M&Ms in the dressing room, ‘but all brown ones removed’. A quirky condition you’ll think, but there was a serious reason for this. Their stage equipment was so heavy that included in the riders was a condition that stages must be able to carry a specific weight of equipment (I make the same request when I buy boxer shorts). The tour manager needed to know that all requests had been read and were carried out. If the band got brown smarties, there was a chance the venue hadn’t bothered to read the other stipulations and the gig was off.

who courted a lonely widow, telling her that he was wealthy and hinted that his role as an international banker was a cover for his real work with MI6. Alarm bells, you’d think, as by and large secret agents don’t generally go about announcing that they’re a secret agent. Sort of ruins the point of being a secret agent. Look at James Bond. You’d never guess he’s a spy. Acklom took the widow to an airfield and pointed out the planes he ‘owned’. He drove her around in a smart car (hired for the day) pointing out large houses that he ‘owned’. He also claimed to be the illegitimate son of George Soros, the billionaire banker. And then, wait for it, one of his businesses ‘had a cash flow problem’, could he borrow £27,000 (alarm bells) from the widow. She obliged. Then he plausibly explained why he needed more. All in all he

a thin layer of cooked grated onion on top of the mix. Keef’s toned-down his ‘riders’ (conditions insisted on by touring bands, which venues must adhere to) for concerts (I shudder to think what they were when his security clearance badge stated ‘Excess All Areas’) but a rider which remains is that there must be a pre-show cottage pie, to the recipe noted above. And for young musicians, here’s

And the very next day, the Saturday of the Bank Holiday, made remarkable for cold wind and rain, our boiler stopped working due to leaking pipes elsewhere in the house. No hot water or central heating for three days. I mentioned this in a mail to my nephew in the Falklands. ‘Good,’ he replied. Am I being paranoid, or was there a slight air of resentment?

***

I read in The Times a few weeks ago about a modern Ayliffe. Step forward conman, chancer, serial liar Mark Acklom

I’m not a boastful man *** (Really? Ed) but I reckon my Shepherd’s Pie’s a As the early Bank Holiday world-beater. I got my weekend approached I suddenly recipe from my Italian found we were almost out of oil for our boiler. I searched online mate, Alessandro for suppliers and one quoted Testa (from Bologna) more than £800, a sum which who was my neighbour included a premium for quick delivery. in France, and from (wait for this) Keith Ford Fuels of Gibbs Richards of The Marsh delivered Rolling Stones. 766 litres the next day for £328, no The big secret is very-finely grated carrot, which gives surcharge, just good sweetness. And apart from service organized by finally chopped celery, before a pleasant lady called you put the cheesy (unpeeled) mashed chids on top, you spread Harriet.

MEET YOUR LOCAL

by Laura Hitchcock

Meet Your Local: The Old Inn, Holton

Our regular column in which you discover the faces and stories behind the pub sign. This month we’ve been chatting to Phil at The Old Inn in Holton, near Wincanton. Multi-award-winning ‘The Old Inn’ at Holton, just outside Wincanton

The Old Inn at Holton is run by Phil Kent. How did you end up at The Old Inn?

Before The Old Inn, I was working as an executive chef for a large company in Lincolnshire. However, fancying new challenges and to be nearer family , I headed down South. A chance visit took me to The Old Inn and I immediately fell in love with it’s charm and community feel. It had so much potential and when it came on the market it was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.

What’s your favourite local place to visit on an afternoon off?

On those rare occasions a chef manages to get an an afternoon off and being a small independent business myself,

38 38

I believe it’s important to support local. There are a few firm favourites including The Bath Arms at Horningsham, The Beckford Arms at Beckford and The Nog Inn, Wincanton.

Phil at work in his kitchens at The Old Inn

Tell us about your 2020... Unfortunately, being classed as one of the extremely vulnerable myself, The Old Inn was closed completely during the lockdowns. However, I have managed to put a positive spin on this by adding accommodation to the establishment, giving her a thorough freshen up and revamped the menu.

“Returning to work has been enthusiastically welcomed as I was running out of things to paint!” Always free - subscribe here

MEET YOUR LOCAL

The Old Inn has dining options in the Pub and the Restaurant, plus a small atmospheric Snug for special occasion which has private seating for six.

What’s been your biggest challenge since taking over - apart from COVID, obviously!

Honestly the biggest challenge I’ve found so far at The Old Inn was the high custom demand that came much sooner than expected - and we can only thank everyone that has supported us throughout. Especially my team who have stood by me through all the uncertainties and challenges of the pandemic. Alice Sims, my Assistant General Manager has been with me since the first time we opened the door and runs the front of house allowing me to concentrate my skills in the kitchen.

Which dish is your most popular?

I always follow the seasons and use what’s fresh and available locally where possible. This reflects in our dishes.

“The most popular at the moment is the pan fried wild seabass which is served with sauteed thyme, chirzo, garden pea veloute and sprouting broccoli. It’s just so fresh and vibrant and packed full of flavours.”

What’s next - do you have big plans on the horizon? Next on the horizon for The Old Inn is becoming a destination establishment for events and functions, including weddings and corporate events.

Being a family orientated and dog friendly venue with menus to suit everyone and a large space to hold these events we feel it would be a fantastic chance to take. Especially now we have accommodation to offer those visiting now too. https://oldinnholton.co.uk/

What part of the pub is your absolute favourite?

I know it’s a little cliché but my favourite part of The Old Inn is the bar. Here, there are days you really feel the heart of the community. Seeing familiar faces and hearing the stories old and new. Holton has welcomed me in to their village and having them congregated together enjoying everything I’ve worked so hard for is always heart warming.

“fresh, vibrant and packed full of flavour” - pan fried wild seabass with The Cricketers’ charmingly bar sprouting area (I LOVE this floor - Ed) sauteed thyme, chirzo, gardencomfortable pea veloute and broccoli.

Then and Now

The clue is in the street name but ‘Old Dairy’ appears to be the only on-site reminder of a corner of Okeford Fitzpaine that was a veritable hub of dairying activity. The cheese and butter factory in Upper Street was one of several dairies that sprang up across the Blackmore Vale in the later 19th century. Edward ‘Neddy’ Phillips, a member of a local farming

with Roger Guttridge

family, founded Okeford’s Hill View Dairies to take advantage of improved communications brought about by the arrival of the railway. In an interview 30 years ago, retired cheesemaker Lionel Wallis told me how his grandfather David Pope accompanied Phillips as he toured the Blackmore Vale farms to buy their milk. The milk was either sent by train from Shillingstone station to Bournemouth and other towns or made into butter and cheese with the leftover whey going to back to farms as food for pigs.

In its heyday Hill View Dairies provided jobs for around 50 men and women, including my own grandfather, Jim Ridout, of Fiddleford, who worked there as a cheesemaker until the 1950s. A retirement perk was a can of milk left at New Cross each morning for my grandfather to collect. I have a vivid childhood memory of walking with him in the snow to fetch the milk. Hill View Dairies were sold to Malmesbury & Parsons in the 1950s and closed in the 1970s. The entire site was tastefully redeveloped for housing.

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WILDLIFE

A Prickle of Hedgehogs in Hazelbury Bryan By Jeanette Hampstead

We do enjoy naming hedgehogs - especially as they never know and forget them even quicker!

It makes my job easier to be able to identify the hedgehog by name and not just a number, although they get both on admission. Buddy was admitted from Sturminster Newton with a nasty infection that made it difficult for him to pass urine. He is feeling much better now and you can see he has found his appetite (video below)! He is building up the muscles he lost when he was ill. Fortuna came from Fiddleford, having had a very close call with a strimmer. Her prickles are beginning to grow back now, but she will have to stay with us until they do as they are her only form of protection.

Fortuna had a very close call with a strimmer - if you look closely you can see the prickles cropped short across her back.

made a full recovery and is nearly ready to go home. Like all the other casualties they will be returned back to the wild to live their lives.

have over 22 craft tables booked in for the afternoon. We are now asking for local businesses to donate raffle prizes so we can sell tickets on the day.

Hedgehog Rescue of Hazelbury Bryan has booked a date, time and place for its 2021 fundraising event: Saturday, 26th June, 1pm to 5pm, at the Hazelbury Bryan Pavilion (opposite the Antelope).

Do go and follow the Rescue’s Facebook page - where you are not only kept up to date with news, but upon which there is also a gratuitous supply of cute hedgehog videos. And you can donate direct to the Hedghog Rescue here.

Given the circumstances of the last year, organising an event has been a struggle – even deciding on a name! Eventually our committee voted for “Hazelbury Hedgehog Craft Fayre” as we

“Without your help we would not be able to continue our valuable care of these beautiful, grumpy, smelly and endearing little creatures.”

She hates being here, and is very grumpy. Hufflepuff is from Hazelbury. He is a beautiful young man who was sprayed with weedkiller. It made him very sick, giving him diarrhoea and vomiting. The first thing I did was give him a bath to remove as much weedkiller as we could. He has

Many hedgehogs are presented to rescue centres with ticks. Healthy hedgehogs (those arriving following an injury perhaps) will have a few whilst those hedgehogs that are sick will often have large numbers of ticks.

POLITICS

Our local wildlife columnist Brigit Strawbridge Naturalist, wildlife gardener, well-known British environmentalist and bee advocate.

In J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Draco Malfoy’s wand is made from hawthorn wood. Used to treat cardiovascular problems in the West, hawthorn is also rumoured to heal a broken heart. Death, fertility, chastity, marriage, witchery, fae, and protection are all linked to this shrubby, thorny tree.

“If you build it, they will come” No wildlife garden is complete without a pond of some kind. The larger, the better, but even if you only have a tiny patio, it’s still worth trying to find a small shady corner, to sink an old ice cream tub or something similar. If you have enough space to dig a proper pond, you will need to vary its depth to suit different plants and aquatic wildlife. Make sure you leave a shallow ‘beach’ area for creatures to enter and leave the pond, as well as providing them with plenty of plant cover nearby so they don’t feel exposed as they come and go. And once built, try to fill your pond with rainwater or water from a nearby pond. When choosing plants it is important to use only native ones - which have co-evolved with native aquatic wildlife - and to include a variety of floating,

oxygenating, and marginal species. Spiked Water Milfoil is a great oxygenating plant, as are Water violet and Common Water Crowfoot. Marginals might include plants such as Marsh Woundwort, Water Mint, Ragged Robin, and Purple Loosestrife; and for floating deep-water aquatics, consider Hornwort, Frogbit or native Water Lilies. There are plenty more to choose from. Some aquatic plants are extremely vigorous and can take over, so it’s worth getting expert advice to make sure you get the planting balance right. Once you do, your pond will require little, if any, maintenance throughout the year. As the plants begin to settle, you will be amazed by how quickly your pond becomes colonised by all manner of weird and wonderful creatures.

“Expect water snails, pond skaters, frogs, newts, dragonflies, water boatmen,

whirligig beetles and many more exciting visitors – which all seem to appear from nowhere!” Not to mention other nonaquatic birds insects and small mammals who will welcome the chance use your pond to quench their thirst, or take a bath. Our most regular visitor is a Crow, who turns up most mornings with a hunk of stale bread (from a neighbour’s lawn) which he drops in our pond to soak and soften, before he eats it. Having a pond in your garden provides hours of interest and entertainment and within a couple of years you will wonder how you ever thought your garden was complete without one. Kate Bradbury’s book How to Create a Wildlife Pond is packed with useful advice, and DDS Aquatics, in Henstridge, provide everything you need to get started. Always free - subscribe here

POLITICS

ANIMALS

Life As A Farm Vet

By Laura Sage BVSc (Dist) MRCVS

Here at Damory Veterinary Clinic in Blandford the majority of our farm work involves looking after dairy cattle, but we also see plenty of beef herds and sheep flocks; along with smallholders owning a variety of species including goats, poultry and alpacas. looking at farms’ data to keep us busy. We have several software programmes enabling us to analyse data and advise farms on how they can improve their herds’ health most efficiently. Personally my special interest is infectious disease control, so when I’m not out on visits you might find me analysing results or advising farmers on control plans, including vaccination, tailored to their individual farms.

We have six full-time dedicated farm vets, alongside our small animal & equine teams. Our days can be extremely varied, with a mix of pre-planned and emergency visits. For example I could be ultrasound scanning cows to see if they are pregnant, TB testing, dealing with emergencies such as difficult births, treating poorly animals, operating on a cow with a displaced stomach - the list is endless.

around the pen in a matter of hours! Or ultrasound scanning a cow and seeing that she is “in calf” (pregnant), after you nursed her back to health from severe illness a few months earlier. Calvings and lambings, including C-sections, are also immensely satisfying - the feeling of bringing new life into the world never gets old! As well as visiting farms, there is also technical office-based work

It is so rewarding to get to know our clients and their farms, working with them to improve herd health. I am also enrolled on a post-graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. My colleagues have particular interests in areas such as fertility, dairy cow lameness, mastitis, youngstock and suckler herd management. To see more about our services & what we get up to, find us on Facebook “Damory Farm Vets” or Instagram @damoryvetsdorset_ farm

Not knowing what you might do each day (or night!) is one of the most exciting aspects of our job. Some parts of farm veterinary work are very seasonal, with Spring being notoriously busy. However there are some moments that make it all worth it: treating a severely dehydrated calf with a fluid drip, watching them go from listless to bouncing

Lottie having an I/V line placement

RESCUE ANIMALS

These Doggos Need A Forever Home Now Can You Help? Staffie and Stray Rescue (SSR) specialise in taking in more difficult dogs that are considered in the rescue world harder to rehome - often dumped and unclaimed, with no real history. The rescue works with local dog wardens and the best dog behavioural therapists in the area to ensure that all dogs in need find the perfect home and the happy ever after that they deserve. Although predominantly a Staffie rescue, SSR will never turn away other dog breeds that need their help. Below are some of SSR’s current long term residents who are desperately in need of a loving forever home. Can you be the person one of them needs? (simply click the dogs to see more about them, and/or to register your interest with SSR) • Missy has had a really tough time in her life so far. She is a happy, giddy girl, a little clumsy sometimes and a comical character! She loves to say hello to everyone she meets. Needs: Pet-free, family 12+, previous dog owners

• Vinnie was found 3 days after his owner

passed away, laid loyally next to his owner, alone and starving. Vinnie is a shy boy looking for a retirement home - he loves cuddles and snoozing! Needs: Pet-free, quiet adult-only

MISSY - 3 YRS

VINNIE - 11 YRS

• Mable was taken into the pound after a

DENZIL - 2 YRS

welfare issue. She is a nervous girl, looking for a patient and quiet home. We feel she has been through quite a traumatic time - but once she is comfortable, she is very loving and will make a fantastic companion. Needs: Pet-free, adult-only, Doberman experience

• Denzil was found as a stray with lots of scars;

we fear that Denzil has gone through a lot. He is looking for a very special and experienced home. He is a shy boy who likes his own space and prefers to get to know people in his own time. Denzil is a lazy young man and loves his sleep, although he really enjoys walking a few miles a day. Needs: Pet-free, adult-only, large breed exp.

BARNEY - 2 YRS

• Barney is a Jack RussellxChihuahua from a well loved home. Unforeseen circumstances mean he is now looking for a new home. He is an anxious little boy, but where he feels safe, Barney is very loving! Barney would love to be the centre of someone’s world Needs: Pet-free, family 12+, quiet home.

• Lola has had several homes, some traumatic. MABLE - 6 YRS

We are looking for a very experienced and special home who can help Lola thrive through lots of love whilst working with our team of behavioural therapists. In the home, Lola is a couch potato! Needs: Pet-free, family 12+, large breed exp.

LOLA - 5 YRS

Visit SSR’s website here https://staffieandstrayrescue.co.uk/ Always free - subscribe here or follow them on Facebook at ‘StaffiesRescue’

RESCUE ANIMALS

We need YOU Registered charity number: 1167990

We are extremely lucky to have huge support with donations of pet food. So much so, that we are now in need of some extra hands to lighten the load.

Can you help us collect pet food? Do you have a clean driving licence? Do you have a passion for making a difference? We would love to hear from you to discuss the volunteer role. t: 01929 480474 e: christine.rolfe@mgar.org.uk

EQUESTRIAN

Riding Clubs – what are they about? British Riding Clubs (BRC) exists to provide support and encouragement to amateur riders of all levels – from the dedicated competitor to the leisure rider.

by Sara Greenwood BHS Assistant Bridleways Officer BHS AI, UKCC L2 PC Area 14 Centre Co-ordinator PC Assessor E-AH test RDA Coach

Charlotte Walters on Holnest Macalla from the Arena Eventing Championships 2021.

We offer a range of events and training through over 480 clubs and centres right across the UK. Some of the local riding clubs are SWDG, (South Western Dressage Group), Mid Somerset, Shillingstone and Stour Valley. Having been members of SWDG for many years, my family have enjoyed the social aspect as well as the training, competitions, the fun rides and non-ridden events. From the age of seven my daughters joined a junior Riding Club and one of my daughters is still an active adult member, fitting in riding club activities with work.

Whether it’s just for fun, bringing on young horses or competing in teams, Riding Club is highly recommended. A group of clubs are part of an ‘Area’ which has competitions to become Area Champions and competitors can also qualify for a National Championships. Many of these Area competitions are about to happen, now that

Area 12 Winning Horse Trials team in 2019, a combination of SWDG and Sid and Otter Riding Clubs

The SWDG team at the National Championships at Aston Le Walls

lockdown has lifted. The SWDG team was very pleased to have qualified at 90cm for the Arena Eventing in November and have just come back from the National Championships at Aston Le Walls where they were placed 6th, a great success. The team were so happy to be able to have a get together, evening meals in the lorry always a fun sociable time.

SWDG 100cm Team at the Eventing Challenge Championships in 2019, with Lucy Greenwood, Centre, as individual winner

Of course if you can’t find a horse for the games…! Always free - subscribe here

FARMING

Voice Of A Farmer

Silaging on Rawston Farm in the 1960s. Image: James Cossins Silage has been replacing hay-making on British farms since WW2, becoming the main form of conserving grass to produce feed for the over-wintering of cattle.

with James Cossins, a 5th generation farmer in the Tarrant Valley.

In last month’s article I mentioned that we farmers did not enjoy any useful rainfall during the whole of April and that we, and other growers, could do with some in May. But last month we’ve had rain almost every day! So far the totals amount to 150mm or 6 inches. This has led to the rapid growth of our

meant that the silage making process of providing winter feed for cattle has been severely delayed. At least when the weather does improve we shall have a good crop although may be lacking in quality. Much of the farming politics has been involved with the trade talks with Australia. The result of the Brexit Deal has led to the United Kingdom being able to negotiate trade deals with countries outside the EU.

with Australia may be a bad deal for the farmers. With a tariff-free deal being on the table this could mean food being imported produced at lower standards to those expected in this country. This would put the UK producer at a disadvantage and unable to compete on price. Let’s hope there will be better labelling in place soon so that consumers have accurate information of how and where the food was produced, and hopefully will support local producers where possible. With the weather now improving we have been able to get on with our silage making providing feed for our cattle next winter.

Silage making in 2021

grass and crops which has Image: James Cossins

The trade deal being agreed

It’s always an exciting time of year bringing in the first harvest of grass especially when you are relying on various bits of machinery not to break down! 47

Bovine tuberculosis is an infectious disease of cattle, but can also infect and cause disease in badgers, deer, goats, pigs, llamas and alpacas. In the UK, human cases of TB caused by M. bovis infection are rare. Bovine TB is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK cattle farming industry today, particularly in parts of Wales, the West and here in the South West of England. Image: Andrew Livingston

Bovine TB at Westleaze. 48

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by Andrew Livingston

Last month we had the dreaded news that our herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle had gone down with Bovine Tuberculosis. This was the first time that any of our cattle had contracted the disease in the ten years that they have been grazing the Beaminster Downs. The positive reactor, which was discovered through our annual herd test, has large ramifications; infected cattle are to be slaughtered and we are now unable to move any cattle off our farm till they all test negative twice - after 60 and 120 days. Due to the high cases of the disease in Dorset, we have to test our cattle yearly for signs of the disease, as opposed to every four years in low-risk areas. Otherwise, we would only test the animals that are due to move off the farm within the next 60 days.

Once a risk to human health in the UK, Tuberculosis today simply causes stress and emotional heartache as farmers have their livelihoods slaughtered due to the disease.

FARMING soon discovered that badgers and deer were carrying and continuing to spread the disease across the country. Last year, in England alone, over 27,000 cattle were slaughtered due to the disease. The solution?

Realistically, there isn’t one solution. And it’s a bit of a hot topic to bring up! The Government have had a three-pronged approach to be TB free by 2038; testing, culling and vaccinations.

Many areas across England have been actively culling the badger population and it was announced in February that this was to be continued in Dorset, Somerset and Devon. DEFRA has recently set a five-year plan to have an effective vaccine for cattle. Currently, there is one, however it has an effectiveness of around 60% and when tested a vaccinated cow will automatically test positive for the disease. Badgers can be vaccinated, but only by injections, so they must be caught in a cage and treated.

This makes the process extremely costly; a five-year vaccination programme for badgers in Pembrokeshire worked out at £684 per badger. Last year saw a 10% reduction in Bovine Tuberculosis slaughters in England - but it’s not enough. All of our cattle are to have blood tests in the next month to definitively see the toll of how many more will be killed. Any animals that are slaughtered are compensated for by the Government, but the real cost is the mental effect on the farmer.

Despite what many people may think, we love our animals. We breed them, raise them and spend every day of our lives with them. We give up family time to spend hours in the pouring rain with the boys and girls out in the fields. It’s a case of having one of your own slaughtered, and farmers will do anything to stop that.

Andrew’s dog Fred keeps an eye on the Aberdeen Angus herd at Westleaze farm.

TB testing in cattle began in England in 1935, as milk drunk from an infected dairy cow would transmit the disease. As with today, infected cattle would be slaughtered to stop the spread of the disease, which nearly led to the disease’s eradication in the 1970s. Unfortunately, however, it was

POLITICS Wide and Easy Chase Woods Stroll - 6 miles (Super-easy to make 2 or 12 mile versions on this route) Really easy walking on clear wide paths through some of the most beautiful ancient woodland. Some open farmland with big skies, but mostly this one is about beautiful shady giants. There are so many paths to choose for alternative routes - for a longer day hike I’d turn right at the first C road and follow my nose up to the Ox Drove, coming back down to rejoin the route where the woodland adjoins Rushmore Park. For a short and gentle bimble, I’d simply stay inside Pribdean Wood - it’s a favourite gentle afternoon stroll for us.

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

The rather magical beech avenue that runs through Chase Woods - crossing the path at Scrubbity Barrows

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CLICK THE MAP TO SEE THE INTERACTIVE ROUTE ON OUTDOOR ACTIVE

The footpath back into Deanland is filled with beautiful hedgerow views.

The valley bottom as you enter Chase Woods always a good spot for deer .

After so much grey cold weather the new crops are finally rushing out.

The route starts in the beautiful Pribdean Wood - always worth a stroll around in its own right - then across the farmland separating it from New Town and around the magnificent Chase Woods. There are some spectacular ancient giants throughout the woodland which are all worth looking for. And don’t miss Scrubbity Barrows, just because it’s probably my favourite place name ever, and everyone needs to be able to say they’ve walked in Scrubbity Barrows.

Simply can’t ever resist a hedgerow window 51 frame.

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

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By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide

‘Discovering the Vale of the White Hart’ Norman and early medieval kings had vast tracts of forest in Dorset. The Royal Forest of Blackmore was set aside for the king’s use, including hunting deer & wild boar. The Latin word ‘foris’ meant ‘outside’ – the forests were outside common law. Blackmore Forest, once the largest in Dorset, originally joined Gillingham Forest & Cranborne Chase. Despite the name, these areas were not all woodland. Vast tracts of heathland, quarries, a mixture of arable, pastoral land, meadows and even common land were characteristic throughout Dorset. Forest Laws were strictly enforced by special officials – no one could take timber, hunt, enclose or improve the land without licence. King Cnut set vast fines on anyone caught hunting and Edward the Confessor had forest wardens.

(see more on the creation and impact of Forest Laws here) Breaking these laws could result in penalties, monetary fines, loss of limb, imprisonment or in some cases death. Between 1207 and 1212 under King John, revenue totalling a staggering £11,500 (approx. £3 billion today) was assessed from fines or payments for exemptions. Forest law was a major contributor to Royal finances. Forest deer include the red, roe & fallow species and the largest bucks and harts were most hunted between June – September when they were well fed. Cycling past the deer grazing in Stock Gaylard Park today and turning to the village of King’s Stag, it’s difficult to escape the sense of being in an ancient, royal hunting ground. The white hart, a creature whose rarity and beauty has long attracted a wealth of mystical and royal associations, is linked by Thomas Hardy to north Dorset when in Tess of the D’Urbervilles he considers the view across Blackmore Vale from high up at Shaftesbury:

Hunting Scene from “Gaston Phoebus: Le Livre de la Chasse. Courtesy of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France)

“The Vale was known in former times as the Forest of White Hart, from a curious legend of King Henry III’s reign, in

OUT OF DOORS which the killing by a certain Sir Thomas de la Lynd of a beautiful white hart which the king had run down and spared, was made the occasion of a heavy fine.” He also notes that characteristics of the original landscape were still evident: “traces of its earlier condition are to be found in the old oak copses and irregular belts of timber that yet survive upon its slopes.” When walking local woodland areas today, the woodland plants like Wood Anemone, Wild Garlic and Golden Saxifrage indicate the remnants of the ancient woodland. King’s Stag bridge still crosses the River Lydden near Pulham, and according to stories is the location of the killing. The fine was a tax on the land around the area, known as White Hart Silver which the family had to pay to the Crown. Inside the ancient church of St Laurence at Holwell the story of the white hart of Blackmoor is told through a series of pictorial tiles – well worth a visit. Despite strong opposition, the tradition of hunting remains in the area. Hunting became popular with the Victorian ‘gentry’ and from the 1860’s the railway attracted guests from London and beyond. The Blackmore Vale Hunt dates from 1826, when the Rev Harry Farr Yeatman hunted hare, fox or roe deer. Today, the sight of a hunt chasing across the landscape, no longer for deer or live animals, can evoke thoughts of long ago. For some, a hunt provides excitement to see riders and horses leaping hedges following a pack of hounds. For others, this activity represents animal cruelty and should be abolished. A very controversial topic but one with ancient roots across the Blackmore.

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Thorngrove Rose to June’s Occasion Did you know Summer is around the corner? You might be fooled into thinking your calendar was on the wrong page given the drizzly days and unusually low temperatures through May! For us at Thorngrove, this required a little bit of strategy adjustment in terms of getting certain plants out for customers. Many of them have spent longer in the glasshouses than we would have liked, but we also saw many of them flourish, which was interesting! That being said, the warmer weather is officially finally here, and with a new season brings new chapters in our lives, and new plants! We’ve had so much going on these last few months with the redevelopments, the new shop, reopening of the café, but it feels like moving forward we can finally refocus on the heart of business – beautiful, season plants.

June for us means Roses! Now is the time they all start blooming, and once they’re here, it really is something to behold. Pictures and video just don’t do them justice, so we fully encourage you visiting us in person to see (and smell!) for yourself. Thorngrove Nursey Manager Mark Hoskins enjoys this time of year.“With their glorious colour and scent, roses are the essence of summer, and ours at Thorngrove are just about to burst into flower. I’m personally a fan of Persicaria - roses with dark centres. They’re diminutive, but no less captivating” We have over 70 varieties to choose from at Thorngrove.

Floribundas, Hybrid Teas, Old Roses, Patio Roses, and Climbing Roses...

There’s something for every spot just waiting to find its new home with you. Our website has an in-depth Rose Brochure which details everything, from scent, if they flower more than once a year, through to where in the garden they’re best suited to! (Click here to have a browse!) Summer in our gardens is going to feel better than ever in 2021. Let us help you make them look their absolute best as we step towards, bbqs with friends, family gatherings, and the relaxing summer evenings that we all deserve.

“A rose in full bloom stops you in your tracks. It steals your heart with its paper-delicate petals and lures you in with its heady, romantic scent.” Always free - subscribe here

In association with OUT OF DOORS

POLITICS

The Voice of The Allotment May was a very difficult month on the allotment. Night frosts and nights with very low temperatures, days with below average temperatures and gales and heavy rain. Only on the 26th were we promised better things to come, with average temperatures and sunshine. We did need the rain as April was exceptionally dry with little or no rainfall. Many plot holders lost plants either from cold nights or buffeting by the strong winds. Newly planted runner beans, squashes and courgettes are particularly prone to damage as they are rocked back and forth. The heavy rain also brought out the slugs which were not evident during the dry April. Despite the unseasonal weather our currants had an abundance of flowers, much loved by bumblebees on sunny days.

We look forward to a bumper harvest in the Summer.

Much of our planting has been delayed due to the weather; now things are improving we will be planting out sweetcorn, courgettes, squashes, gherkins, French beans and runner beans during the last few days of May and into June. Our last 3 lines of potatoes (Picasso) were earthed up on the 20th and the earlier rows are putting on good growth. Red and white cabbages were planted out on the 5th, followed by Brendan Brussels sprouts on the 23rd - both rows covered with net cloches to protect them from pigeon damage.

One disappointment this month is our peas. They were slow to emerge because of the cold conditions and then suffered a bad weevil attack

with Barry Cuff Barry’s flowering redcurrant was popular with the local bees.

despite being sprayed twice with an insecticide. Two treatments is the maximum permitted dose. In a normal year they would have grown away from the damage. Farmers are having the same problem with crops of field peas and beans. Today (26th) it was great to see a good emergence of Palace parsnip seedlings with very few misses. These were sown on the 27th April. Three to four weeks is normal for parsnips to germinate. June will be a busy month on the plot with maximum sowings and plantings so fingers crossed for good weather.

Barry’s allotment in Sturminster Newtin, under a typically stormy May sky. The net cloches are to protect the newly-planted out Red and white cabbages and Brendan brussels sprouts from pigeon damage.

with Pete Harcom Head Gardener at Sherton Abbas Gardening

Garden Jobs for June

Now is the perfect time to take cuttings of many softwood shrubs

Hello All, Well at last we can see and feel warmer weather! There is a lot to do in the garden in June, here are just a few ideas to help. June is usually where we have more sunny days than not and consequently the garden plants will be soaring away... but also… so will the weeds! • WEEDING

Hoe and/or hand pick annual weeds before any problem weeds get out of hand.

• PLANTING

Now is the perfect time to take softwood cuttings of many shrubs, including lavender, fuchsia, philadelphus and forsythia. Collect healthy shoots from the tips of plants and make 5-10cm long cuttings - slice through the stem below a pair of leaves and remove the lower set of leaves. Push into a small pot filled with cutting compost and place in a shady part of the greenhouse or a windowsill propagator until rooted.

• SOWING

Start sowing wallflowers, sweet williams and canterbury bells for flowering next spring and summer. These plants are biennials, which will make leaf this year and flower the next. Sow seeds of winter pansies in trays, cover with vermiculite and place in an unheated propagator. Plant out into their flowering positions in autumn.

• PRUNING and TAKING CUTTINGS

As the flowers fade from May, flowering shrubs, such as deutzia, choisya, weigela and philadelphus, can be pruned now to maintain shape. Also, pinch out the tips of fuchsias to encourage bushy growth and more flowers - these tips can also be used as cuttings.

• WATERING and FEEDING

Water newly planted trees and shrubs regularly to prevent a check to growth.

Feed fuchsias, petunias and any other flowering pot plants with fertiliser once a week to boost flowering. Start to feed once you notice flower buds forming and continue until the plants run out of steam in early autumn. Use a high potash liquid tomato feed. Keep hanging baskets in good condition by watering and feeding regularly. Also, deadhead plants to remove any fading blooms.

•And lastly, Plant a few French marigolds around tomato plants, or put some pots of them nearby — these strongly scented flowers will help deter insect pests. Also, use blinds, shade cloth or apply shade paint on the greenhouse to prevent overheating. Remember to open vents and doors on warm days, Automatic window openers are a real bonus this time of year. Pete pete@shertonabbas.co.uk Always free - subscribe here

OUT OF DOORS

Dorset Flowers

How can one flower have so many different textures? Charlotte says the anemone will never disappoint. image: Charlotte Tombs

We’re very excited to have Charlotte Tombs, an experienced Dorset flower farmer at Northcombe Flowers in Sturminster Marshall, sharing her growing year and seasonal thoughts with us.

Why buy British flowers? The first thing you do when you receive shop-bought flowers is to put the bouquet up to your nose and inhale. Naturally enough, since delicious scent is what we all expect from a bouquet. But all too often we are disappointed. This is because the flowers will have been bred to withstand the rigours of international shipping and mass production, rather than to possess intoxicating fragrance. Today, an estimated 90% of the flowers sold through florists, supermarkets and wholesalers are imported not just from Holland but flown in from growers as far afield as Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya and even Ethiopia. Now, dip your nose into a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut flowers grown by your local British flower farmer, and the experience is altogether different.

You will be enveloped in a heady concoction of delicious fragrances, charmed by their natural, soft beauty and fascinated by their variety.

When you see or smell a British flower bouquet, you can be transported to fond, childhood memories of flower-filled gardens.

Your local flower farmer grows with the seasons and is motivated by the excitement of harvesting the first of the sweet peas, dahlias, garden roses, anemones, larkspur, snapdragons and cornflowers rather than by predictable, year-round crops. Flowers grown by your local flower farmer will be freshly picked and locally delivered, giving you flowers as fresh as possible and saving thousands of travel miles. Each individual flower will have the natural,

unique, informal beauty that can only come from small-scale, local production. Isn’t it high time we started thinking of flowers as we increasingly do about food: valuing seasonal, fresh, locally grown and more unusual varieties over mass imports? A local flower farmer wil offer you • seasonal flowers you won’t find in shops • flowers freshly picked from a local field • garden-style beauty • fragrance • few travel miles It is British Flowers Week 14th to 21st June - why not support your nearest flower farmer and see the difference for yourself? Charlotte sells flowers by the bucket: she does ask that you don’t please phone ahead to book, as she’s probably in a flower bed somewhere. Always free - subscribe here

Friendly, fully insured and NPTC qualified tree surgeons. Based in North Dorset providing a professional service for your trees and hedges.

Services include: Tree felling Crown lifting/reductions Pollarding Pruning Full dismantles Hedge cutting

To get in contact with us to book your free no obligation quote please call: Jack: 07758262673 Jake: 07592 375431 or email: jackspencer56@felltectreeservices.co.uk jakemoore@felltectreeservices.co.uk

THE RANDOM 19

Random 19 with Chef, Forager and Liqueur Maker Mat Follas. Mat won the TV series BBC MasterChef in 2009, and opened his first restaurant, The Wild Garlic in Beaminster to notable acclaim.

image: ©David Loftus

The Wild Garlic recieved two of the highest ever ratings in The Telegraph (9/10) and The Guardian (9.5/10), two AA rosettes, and recommendations in The Good Food Guide, The Michelin Guide and Trencherman’s Guide. Mat’s new fine dining restaurant Bramble is in Sherborne, and doubles as a base for his newest adventure Mure Liqueurs. Mat regularly runs cooking courses as well as courses on foraging and wild plants, and his recipes have been published in a variety of magazines including Good Food, Olive and Delicious. He has had three books published, Fish in 2015, Vegetable Perfection in 2016 and Afternoon Tea in 2018 (Waitrose Weekend’s Best Baking Book of 2018). Mat often judges food competitions and events, and is a regular judge for BBC MasterChef and The Great Taste Awards.

The Random 19 1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the area, not us!)? I live in Sherborne, and Bramble and Mure Liqueurs are Sherborne based; I’ve been trying for ten years to lease our current property there, but never seemed to get the timing right. Finally, 2020 was our year! Though my foraging courses tend to be on the coast, I forage for myself throughout the Blackmore Vale - every August it has the very best English Truffles. And no, I’m not sharing where!

2. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car? (there was a heavy sigh down the phone line as Mat obviously debated whether to be honest or impressive here)

The Ting Tings ‘That’s not my name’. (Honest, then...) 3. Last movie you watched? Would you recommend it? The last movie I watched was a new Tom Clancy thing on Prime. Lots of car chases, explosions, running, panicky shouting... you know the kind of thing.

(he means Without Remorse) But it wasn’t memorable, I couldn’t recommend it because I can’t remember enough about it. It was fine, I guess? The last movie I remember is very different. That has to be ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’. I loved it, absolutely great movie. 4. It’s Friday night - you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do? A whole Friday night? Chefs do not get Friday nights off! Okay, I’m going to cook myself a big steak, run a hot bath... and then go to bed and sleep. That’s it. Perfect. Always free - subscribe here

RANDOM 19

by Laura Hitchcock (hot chef’s steak tip: Parsons the butcher in Sherborne, lovely local meats) 5. If you were sent to an island for a year and could only bring three things, what would you bring (the island is already equipped with a magical power source, a phone and a laptop)? • A still - obviously so that I can distill the water, and not at all so that I can spend a year making my own booze. • My labrador Fern. I can chat to the family on the laptop, but she’s useless at Zoom. • My favourite I.O. Shen knife. I can’t survive anywhere without a good knife. 6. Who’s your celebrity crush? Kylie. If you’re aged between 40 and 55, isn’t she everyone’s crush? 7. What book did you read last year that stayed with you? The Phantom Tollbooth. It’s a fun 60s kids book, a classic, and it was a bit of a comfort re-read for me. It still makes me laugh, and the philosophy contained within the wit make it

a worthwhile read every time I go back. 8. What would you like to tell 15yr old you? Ha. Probably

“Don’t be a chef!” No, I think I’d actually be a bit predictable and say ‘don’t give up’. Where you start is never where you end up - this is career number five for me. It will all go wrong, it will all get tough, but just keep moving forwards. 9. What was the last gift you gave someone - or you were given. Your choice. I gave our daughter a giant stuffed rabbit. She’s sixteen, and has been worrying about her vaccinations - the rabbit has one ear called Meningitis, and one ear called Tetanus. We’re very proud of that rabbit. 10. What shop can you not pass without going in? Oxford’s Bakery. Without question. It’s a bad thing. Steve makes the BEST sourdough - I make my own for the restaurant, obviously, but I serve Steve’s on all my courses. It’s fantastic. 11. Favourite quote? Movie, book or inspirational - we won’t judge.

“I am the captain of my soul.” From Invictus by William Ernest Henley Every year, on the longest and shortest days, we gather as a family and have a small celebration for the turning of the year. We tie ribbons in a

tree, and we all choose readings to share. It’s a really special, important tradition for me. Invictus is my daughter’s favourite reading. 12. Write the review for the last thing you cooked (no cheating - the actual last thing!). “Deliciously rich and chocolatey, with a perfectly crumbly biscuit base. A dreadful shame the base has cracked and half the stuffing has poured out.” (whilst we spoke, the second Chocolate Torte was finished and deemed more of a success!) 13. A penguin just walked in the door wearing a panama hat. Why is he here? As a lover of hats, I can only presume he’s delivering. Nice. 14. Your top three mostvisited favourite websites (excluding social media!)? BBC Food. BBC News. (I’m an exciting Internet browser, aren’t I?) eBay - I am searching for a classic car that I can afford. I suspect I’ll still be haunting eBay for a car that I want AND can actually afford in a year’s time. 16. Chip Shop Chips or Homebaked Cake? Chip shop chips, with lots of salt and malt vinegar. 17. Favourite crisp flavour?

Salt ‘n Shake. What do you mean? YES you can still buy them! £1.25 for six! 18. The best biscuit for dunking? Sorry, but it has to be an Anzac biscuit, no question.

THE RANDOM 19 15. What in life is frankly a mystery to you? Recognising people’s faces. It’s something to do with having ADHD - and, I suspect, possibly being on the Autism spectrum - but I simply can’t recognise faces, and really struggle when someone says hello.

So if I’m bland when I say hello back, it’s because I honestly have no idea who you are.

I haven’t got the faintest hope of recognising you unless you happen to be wearing the exact same outfit you were in last time. Also, Englishness. When I set up the Wild Garlic, I installed this enormous table that seated twelve, confident that everyone would love to share one big table and chat to complete strangers over dinner. That didn’t go well. Oh, and the English class system. It’s a whole dark art.

19. You have the power to pass one law tomorrow, uncontested. What would you do? (unhesitating) Universal Basic Income. As a wealthy country we can afford to house and clothe our population - a basic income is an effective way of achieving that without stereotyping and judging. It helps to create jobs and alleviates child poverty. With increasing automation, UBI largely compensates for a population that exceeds the number of jobs available for probably the first time in history.

Mat’s Bramble is a small, cosy restaurant in Sherborne, now open Friday and Saturday evenings. However it is booked up two months’ ahead - and as dates are opened up, they book up, so do keep checking the website, and don’t just turn up expecting to get a table! www.bramblerestaurant.com/ Mat’s Dorset ‘Wild Food Foraging’ courses are also incredibly popular - running from March to September, attendees will explore the coast, fields and hedgerows with Mat to find seasonal wild produce, before returning to Bramble for a simple lunch. Again there is limited availability, and no weekends left for 2021. See the course dates here. Usually Mat’s Foraging course is £145, but he is currently running an offer via NOTHS for £70. Click to snap it up!

Mat started making gin and liqueurs seriously about five years ago. He has run gin making workshops and made delicious liqueurs, gins and flavoured spirits for his customers (and himself of course) for over 10 years. His blackberry liqueur came about as a result of wanting liqueurs for cooking with, and after unsatisfactory results with commercial liqueurs he set out to do better. A Great Taste Award for his first liqueur confirmed that he could!

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Voice of the Books One of the most asked for and eagerly anticipated book of this year is from the number one bestselling author Lucinda Riley, The Missing Sister. It’s the seventh instalment in the hugely popular family saga The Seven Sisters, published on the 27th May. Many of our readers who buy one are hooked and can’t wait to begin the next. They’ll search the world to find her. The six D’Aplièse sisters have each been on their own incredible journey to discover their heritage, but they still have one question left unanswered:

BOOK CORNER

who and where is the seventh sister? They only have one clue – an image of a star-shaped emerald ring. The search to find the missing sister will take them across the globe – from New Zealand to Canada, England, France and Ireland – uniting them all in their mission to complete their family at last. In doing so, they will slowly unearth a story of love, strength and sacrifice that began almost one hundred years ago, as other brave young women risk everything to change the world around them. Praise for The Seven Sisters series: ‘The Seven Sisters series is heartwrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling’ - Lucy Foley ‘Well researched and compelling … on an epic scale’ - Sunday Express

Posted in the Past Second Delivery is the next in a series of books written by Dorset author Helen Baggott.

Beginning with postcards sent more than a hundred years ago, the book reveals the true stories the author found using genealogy. With just the name and address of the recipient, each card is researched – with surprising results. The family who brought home the Unknown Warrior, an actor who performed in the first televised play on the BBC, and families linked with the American

‘There’s something magical about these stories’ - Prima ‘Addictive storytelling’ - Woman & Home ‘A masterclass in beautiful writing’ - The Sun The Missing Sister by Lucinda Riley - out now, £20 hardback at Winstones. War of Independence are just some of the stories. The book also explains how the research was completed and provides tips for the beginner genealogist. The methods will be familiar to viewers of Who Do You Think You Are? and A House Through Time – there’s even a family who lived in that show’s Guinea Street in Bristol. The book begins with an update on a postcard featured in the first Posted in the Past book – and its surprising link with Dorset. Posted in the Past Second Delivery is available from bookshops and online.

POLITICS Mist rising with the sun of a new day, casting a slight orange glow across the sky. Taken from Eyebridge off the Cowgrove Road near Wimborne Minster © Roger Lane

Lane on the Stour It’s more than 50 years since Dorset landscape photographer Roger Lane first trained his lens on the county’s finest scenes, and times have changed. ‘When I first started photographing my home county, it was a very solitary occupation,’ he writes in the introduction to his latest books. ‘I might have come across the odd walker or even the occasional rambling group but hardly ever another photographer. ‘Today you can arrive to find several photographers almost fighting for the same tripod position, capturing the same scene in identical composition and light.’ For his latest books, Roger has divided inland Dorset into three areas and produced a book on each; ‘My Dorset Country: A Personal View (books 1, 2 and 3).’ Each book offers a 50-page romp through his favourite

landscapes and features, and includes not only his own words and pictures but some shots by his photographic chums Roger Holman and Tony Bates.

their claims of working with bio-diversity in mind, the green pastures, woodlands, trees, wildflowers, wildlife habitats and historic footpaths are being lost.’

Special interest to local readers will be Book 2, which covers the River Stour and the Blackmore Vale.

One of the organisations dedicated to preserving these habitats is the Dorset Wildlife Trust, hence Roger’s decision to support it through his books. He points out that the DWT currently has 42 nature reserves and 28,000 members, volunteers and supporters, ‘all championing our wildlife and natural places’.

Three further books on the Dorset coast are planned later this year with proceeds from all six going to the Dorset Wildlife Trust. But the books also come with a warning about the continuing erosion of Dorset’s famous landscapes by a relentless tide of development. ‘Local planners may be conforming to national government ruling,’ says Lane. ‘However, with

• Making an excellent Father’s Day Gift, editions of Roger Lane’s books are available here.

The old mill wheel at Hinton St Mary before fire destroyed the building. © Roger Lane Always free - subscribe here

Reader’s Letters Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@theblackmorevale.co.uk I am writing regarding an event organised by Blandford’s BLM group last Sunday, which I hope you may find of interest. At midday on Sunday 30th May Blandford’s Black Lives Matter group stood in the Blandford town market place in a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Palestine. We called on our elected representatives to condemn the bombardment of Gaza and apartheid conditions between the river and the sea. The UK government is supporting the oppression of Palestinians with its ongoing diplomatic and military support of Israel, and its failure to recognise Palestine as a state. While the British media attention on Palestine has subsided, as a social justice group advocating for the cause of oppressed people and victims of ongoing imperialism around the world, Blandford’s BLM group brought the cause into the local town, with an aim of raising awareness, showing solidarity, and encouraging people to contact their local MPs to ban the sale of arms to Israel. We carried signs and banners, and heard from Pat Osborne (Labour candidate North Dorset GE2017 & 19), and local resident Peter, and myself. Emma de Saram (Blandford resident - student at Exeter university) I appreciate the stance taken in your last issue regarding the Solar Farm application at Pulham & Hazelbury Bryan. Whilst I disagree with local media being party political, I do believe that

opinions should be formed and sides of the fence sometimes chosen. Whilst the features were not BV editorial but articles by campaigners, the tone of the issue and the lack of balancing counterargument conveyed your support for the protests against the Solar Farm. Well Done. Lucy J, Sturminster Newton. I read with interest the ‘opinion piece’ by CPRE (‘Rural Matters’) on the planned Solar Farm at Hazelbury Bryan in the last issue. I trust that similar column inches will be given over to the counterarguments so that we can have a more balanced debate about this proposed development? I’d like to read further before deciding whether to sign the petition, rather than just rely on the one-eyed view. I’m all for debate - and am genuinely undecided on this particular matter - but as a media organisation I think you ought to show greater transparency. I understand that others may disagree (and I’m fine with that). Lee Edmond, Spetisbury (We had a couple more emails along similar lines on the solar farm application coverage. ‘Rural Matters’ is the title of the CPRE’s regular monthly column for us which covers a wide-range of subjects of their own choosing; it is not paid for by them, not advertorial, and no labelling is required - having the column under their logo,

READER’S LETTERS and clearly signed by their own writer I thought was enough for a regular feature, but Lee’s point is taken; I will endeavour to make it clearer for future issues. I have no objection to sharing my personal opinion on certain local matters (see this month’s letter form the editor) - our reporting should always be balanced, however. Ed) I always love reading Roger Guttridge’s columns. I think a lot of your readers like information nicely explained about the past. He reminds me of Jack Hargreaves, the nice old gentleman who explained such matters with old-fashioned courtesy. There was a nice piece in the magazine recently and I believe he lived near Woolland. Jean H, Shaftsbury (Ed replies: he lived in Belchalwell and he was much loved, just like Roger). Could you please write about the tractor drivers bringing in silage that drive far too fast on these country lanes. There will be a disaster soon. Half the time they seem to be on the phone. Harry, Sherborne There were two letters about Andy Palmer’s columns in the last issue – one said he was ‘funny’ the other questioned the puns he makes. He seems very eccentric, but rather charming and his views are wide-ranging. It’s good that an independent magazine carries an independence of thought. Don’t fire him just yet! Anna, Shaftestbury (#AlwaysTempted - Ed)

CITIZENS ADVICE

A Citizen’s Advice. A new column in which a local expert from Citizen’s Advice will answer a question from the public. This Month: Falling for a Scam.

Q: I received an email from a holiday company I had never heard of before offering me cheap flights to Portugal if I paid in full by midnight. Our daughter lives in Lisbon so I was very tempted but my wife said it was probably a scam. What do you think? A: We think it was almost certainly a scam so well done for not getting caught out. A ‘scam’ is a scheme to try to steal money, personal information or data from a person or organisation. Other names for a scam include fraud, hoax, con, swindle and cheat.

Citizens Advice research found that almost threequarters of people have been targeted by scammers in the last two years, either via mail, phone calls, text messages, emails, online or face-to-face but 7 out of 10 of people targeted by a scam do not tell anyone about it. 66

It might be a scam if... •

• •

it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address you’ve been asked to transfer money quickly you’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union you’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs you haven’t had written confirmation of what’s been agreed

Scams advice This year, Scams Awareness Fortnight runs from 14-27 June. Protecting people against scams is more important than ever. Many people are in vulnerable situations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic - from employment and debt, to housing and health. Scammers are taking advantage of this, so it’s vital people have the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. There are four things you can do if

you suspect you are the target of a scam: • If payment or banking details are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company. If the scam is a pension transfer, you need to contact the provider immediately, along with the Pensions Advisory Service. • Get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. You can also get advice and information online at www. citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer . • Report scams and suspected scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud. police.uk. Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime. • Tell family, friends, neighbours so that they can avoid scams and find out how to protect themselves. Always free - subscribe here

POLITICS

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FAMILY LAW

Battens Solicitors

FAQ - Property disputes

Multiple lockdowns and ‘stay at home’ rules may have resulted in property disputes with your neighbours, but how can a Solicitor help resolve these? Property Dispute Resolution Solicitor Annabel Morgan explains: What steps should a person take to resolve disputes with their neighbour? • Communication is often key - early communication between neighbours can often help to avoid the need to litigate. Consider and if appropriate, seek to agree the solution to the problem with the neighbour. • Check to see whether you have the benefit of before the event insurance (for example attached to your home insurance policy or bank account) as boundary disputes are discouragingly expensive. As Lord Hoffman said Alan Wibberley Building Limited “Boundary disputes are a particularly painful form of litigation. Feelings run high and disproportionate amounts of money are spent. Claims to small and valueless pieces of land are pressed with the zeal of Fortinbras’s army”. • Seek advice from solicitors on what your title plans and deeds show, we do not need to be formally instructed to correspond with your neighbour as often that creates further barriers in resolving the dispute. Often disputes can be resolved by better understanding the construction of the documents. In the absence of express provisions which outline what rights and obligations each owner has, issues can be resolved by agreement even informally. • Get independent expert advice. Consider engaging a surveyor for boundary related disputes otherwise, contact a solicitor who specialises and has experience in property disputes. If my local council is refusing to collect my recycling bin because neighbours are adding non-recyclable refuse to it, what can I do?

enquiries@battens.co.uk www.battens.co.uk Offices in: Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London

Waste dumping is illegal. You should report the waste dumping with the local council and request that they follow this up. Speak to your local waste collection service to provide your neighbour with a better understanding of what they will and will not take. How could mediation help neighbours resolve a dispute? Mediation is often a very useful and pragmatic way to resolve disputes. Parties do not necessarily need to be legally represented at a mediation. It is a process focused on practical rather than legal solutions and allows an impartial third party to listen to all parties and encourage understanding and concessions to be made. Why should a person seek regulated legal advice to resolve disputes with neighbours? Property disputes can be acrimonious, particularly between neighbours who have long since ceased to see eye to eye. We will help you to preserve a relationship with the other side as far as possible. Property disputes can be expensive and it is important to us that potential costs of a case are properly understood, proportionate to the dispute and capable of being funded. We will always therefore give you full advice in relation to the costs and consider funding options, including - for example - insurance-backed funding. We can also act on a fixed fee basis where appropriate. If litigation is necessary, as a regulated firm, we are able to conduct court proceedings on your behalf. For more information on Property Dispute Resolution, contact Annabel Morgan on 01935 846262 or email annabel.morgan@battens.co.uk

0800 652 8373

Solicitors

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

Battens Solicitors can help you make your next move, for you and your family From moving home and family matters, to Wills and Trusts, we provide services for individuals and businesses

www.battens.co.uk Offices in Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London

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CHARITY PAGES

This month:

Dorset Charities Conference Round up Last month saw the 9th Annual Dorset Charities Conference held by Ward Goodman.

As with many events in the past 18 months this became a virtual affair, but that did not stop over 100 charities from being represented as the delegates watched and listened to experts and professionals within the charity sector from Dorset and nationwide.

The keynote presentation entitled ‘The State of The Sector’ was given by Rita Chadha, CEO of the Small Charities Coalition (watch her presentation below).

charities on issues related to inequality and social justice and also remains a volunteer and trustee of a number of organisations.

The Small Charities Coalition helps small organisations with a social purpose to change lives, improve communities and broaden people’s opportunities.

Next up was Alex Picot from Dorset Community Action. DCA are a charity that exists to support charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises across the Dorset community. Their mission is to bring people together to develop community based solutions that deliver better services for the benefit of all. They support new and

Rita joined the Small Charities Coalition in July 2019 as CEO. Starting at the age of 15 as a volunteer, Rita has worked for a number of local and national

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

established groups and projects though 1:1 advice, tailored consultancy and group-based training to enable them to be successful and financially sustainable.

Alex is CEO for Dorset Community Action and provided a presentation entitled ‘Is there life after COVID?’ Further presentations covered investments, accounting updates, legal updates and charity banking from :• • • • •

James Johnsen – Director, Church House Investment Management Paul Zoltowski – Client Director, Church House Investment Management Jen Richardson – Head of Charities, Ward Goodman Sophie Cass – Associate, Bates Wells Ben Harris – Business Development Manager, CAF Bank

The final presentation came from Jane Galloway, Senior Lecturer at Chichester University and Lead Consultant at Arclight Solutions Ltd. The University of Chichester is home to the world’s first degree in fundraising, Charity Development BA (Hons.). It offers students a unique opportunity to learn the skills essential to successful fundraising, such as marketing, planning, event management and donor care. The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Charity Development students know how to work hard and

play hard, but it’s all for a good cause. This year they’re putting on a show, all in aid of the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth and have an ambitious target to raise £20,000 for the theatre, which has been really badly affected financially, during the coronavirus pandemic. “The arts have suffered greatly throughout 2020/21 and the New Theatre Royal is no exception, as it’s facing its biggest challenge in its 160 year history, and we are immensely grateful to the Chichester University students for all their fundraising support.” Sheena Hulme. Operations Director, New Theatre Royal. Donna Day Lafferty, the course founder explained that “The intention is to offer students plenty of real-life fundraising opportunities, while giving them a firm foundation of applicable theory.

“There is a lack of highly trained fundraisers ready to hit the ground running, and an ever growing need.

“A career in charitable fundraising is often overlooked and many people ‘fall’ into fundraising without qualifications. Virtually everyone’s life is touched by the work of the charitable sector, so we all benefit from knowledgeable fundraisers who raise funds efficiently while showing donors the respect they deserve.” Rounding off the conference was a Q&A session hosted by the Managing Director of Ward Goodman, Ian Rodd. Delegates were able to put a wide range of questions to the expert panel from what Covid support is still available to ways to scale up fundraising requirements to cover shortfalls in operational funding. You can watch all of the presentations and download all slides via www.wardgoodman. co.uk/dcc

Heather Brown is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and a home economist with a passion for Dorset’s brilliant foodie scene. Heather runs Dorset Foodie Feed which helps to champion Dorset’s food and drink businesses, as well as working with clients to recipe test, write food based copy, help foodie businesses with their online presence and make food for digital content. IG: @HeatherBrownUK

image: Heather Brown

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by Heather Brown

Well May was a bit of a chilly washout but June is here and the sun is back! With it comes some of our favourite seasonal fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries. ‘Pick Your Own’ farms across Dorset begin to open to the public in June so do keep your eyes peeled for your local farms and where you can pick some delicious fresh fruit. Hospitality is open again and I don’t know about you, but I have missed it! There are plenty of new menus full of local ingredients and it has been great to see how owners and chefs have used the

time to transform their venues. Many require you to book ahead but please remember to support your local places by cancelling tables that you no longer wish to use so they can seat other guests instead. Sunday 20th June is also Father’s Day and many local businesses are offering delicious Father’s Day specials that would make perfect gifts. If you would prefer to try and make something yourself as a gift for your Dad this year, then this cookie recipe is simple and quick to make but still packs a punch with flavour. I like to add giant chunks of chocolate to my cookies, but you can change that for any ingredient you like - perhaps white chocolate instead, or chopped nuts and dried fruit. Heather ...

The Best Homemade Cookies Ingredients

(makes 12 large cookies) • • • •

125g butter 125g caster sugar 100g soft brown sugar 1tsp vanilla extract

• • •

1 egg 225g self raising flour 300g chocolate (broken into chunks).

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180º fan / gas 5. 2. Grease and line 2 baking trays with baking parchment. 3. In a bowl, beat together the butter, both sugars and the vanilla extract until light and fluffy (either with an electric mixer or a wooden spoon). 4. Then beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth. 5. Carefully stir in the flour and once combined, add in the chocolate. 6. Using your hand, scoop out the mixture and place onto the tray in rough ball shaped blobs (about the size of the palm of your hand). I like to put six on each tray with lots of space between as they spread when they bake. You can make smaller cookies if you wish, just make the balls of mixture smaller. 7. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Check to make sure they are golden brown all over and cracked across the top. Cook for a couple of minutes more if still pale in the centre. 8. Freshly baked cookies are amazing but do try and leave them to cool for 5 or so minutes before eating as they will still be very soft initially and this gives them time to harden a little.

image: Heather Brown

FOOD & DRINK

A CONSIDERED GLASS OF WINE Indie wine merchants have to battle many stigmas, from the perception that the bottles on our shelves are over-priced, or that we only do ‘special wines for special occasions’, to the notion that you need to be a wine connoisseur to step through the door.

Just to note - we do only stock special wines, but that’s because our carefullysourced, hand-selected wines – that start at £6 per bottle – make everyday drinking special. Organic wine has unfortunately experienced the same stigma over the years. However, we’ve certainly noticed a change in customers’ psyche since the various and very public meat scandals in large supermarkets – every little bit of horse meat count springs to mind! There’s been a shift in interest into what actually goes inside the food and wine we consume – customers are more inquisitive, and rightly so. This is where great indie wine merchants should really come into play. For years, we have demanded the best; sourced wines by wanting a full breakdown from grape to glass and uncovered a clear insight into the winemaking process and the beliefs beyond the bottle from its makers, since day dot.

The question we should be asking as consumers is whether the bottle offers value rather than the price point being a sticking point. Whatever the bottle price – £6, £10, £20, it doesn’t matter; what does matter is that the juice within is offering good value for the region, grape and winemaking process that has gone into it. Oh, and that you enjoy it, of course! Increasingly, wines are being produced in an organic or more sustainable way, which is fantastic for the quality of the wine, the locality of the vineyard, and, on a larger scale, the planet. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it?

But modern wine drinkers are very savvy, forward thinking, and demand that the juice in their glass is the best it can be. So, sustainable practices and certified organic wineries are becoming the norm, step by step, year by year. The rules to becoming certified ‘organic’ as a winery varies across the globe, but in general the final product and its production process must be pure from chemicals, pesticides, GMO yeast, and lower in sulphites – essentially, anything that is not natural – plus, made from organic vines on organicallyfarmed vineyards. The wineries also have to be practising organic for a set number of years, before they achieve the glowing status.

by Sadie Wilkins, Indie Wine Merchant, As with anything, there are challenges in becoming certified and it differs internationally, meaning some excellent vineyards with organic grapes do not seek certification. Again, this is where a good indie wine shop steps forward, as they filter through the story behind each bottle and ensure that you’re getting the real deal regardless and can offer you both certified and bottles from vineyards that are reputable but without the stamp, leaving the choice in your hands.

The upside is that the consumer gets a cleaner and greener glass of vino that reflects its terroir and isn’t full of toxins. Drinking organic means boosting biodiversity and sharing a bit of love for our planet. I have to end on one of my happiest discoveries regarding organic wine – some vineyards have taken on, amongst other animals, Babydoll sheep to step in and do the weeding for them. They’re short enough to not reach the grapes and if you do a quick Google search for ‘Babydoll sheep wine’ then you’ll see for yourself just how happy they are! Their smiles are priceless!

www.vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk

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by Simon Vernon

FOOD & POLITICS DRINK Rape fields near Purse Caundle. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Notes From An Epicurean

After a very wet May we finally have some sun and the rape fields are in full bloom, the intensity of the yellow is almost too bright to look at in full sun!

for on the label are ‘cold pressed’, ‘extra virgin’ and ‘organic’ . For frying one of the best is coconut oil as it is full of saturated fat and has a high smoke point, but if frying all the time it is one of the worst as all that saturated fat is bad.

Most rape is grown as plant feed, but cold pressed rapeseed oil is now produced as an alternative oil for cooking and salads. The variety of oils now on the market can be a little confusing as to which is best - and there is some debate about this too!

Extra virgin olive oil is great for everything apart from cooking that requires a high heat as it has a low smoke point. Virgin olive oil is better for cooking as this has a higher smoke point.

The main things to consider are what one plans to use them for, the flavour one may want to add, the smoke point and quality. Some oils will add an additional flavour to the food which may not always be desirable. The smoke point is an indication of how an oil can be heated before breaking down, possibly causing a burnt or nasty flavour. The healthiest oils are generally the ones which have not been highly processed; things to look

Vegetable oil is a catch all name for the industry to use palm, sunflower, safflower, and canola oil, these are often highly processed and so, while good for cooking are not always the healthiest choice.

rapeseed oil and canola is high in Omega 3 the canola is highly processed and so less healthy. If one wants a local cold pressed rapeseed oil then one could try Fussels, produced on their own farm in Somerset, www. fusselsfinefoods.co.uk. They have an extensive range, and a few are available in Waitrose. Buying oil really can be a minefield with so much contradictory advice, good hunting!! Simon Vernon Food Consultant & Great Taste Awards Judge Fussels of Somerset provide a range of local cold pressed rapeseed oil.

Some have Omega 3 oils, like hemp and rapeseed oil, an important consideration if on a vegan diet as most omega 3 oils come from eating fish. This brings me back to rapeseed oil, canola oil is from a hybrid plant created in Canada, (hence the name Canada oil shortened to canola). While cold pressed

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POLITICS

Blanchards Bailey are a Dorset based law firm specialising in commercial and private law. Recognised by the Legal 500 as one of the top firms in the south west, renowned for their personal expertise, excellent client service and active role in local communities.

Celebrating the Best Dorset Food & Drink Producers in 2021

Flying the flag for Dorset food and drink producers, Love Local Trust Local, are getting ready to launch the 2021 food and drink awards.

Last week saw the Love Local Trust Local team welcome the sponsors of this year’s awards to Rawston Farm, to announce this year’s line-up of categories.

often go un-celebrated. There is no fee for entrants, giving all local food producers who are passionate about what they do a fair chance to enter.

Only producers based in Dorset, who source their ingredients from within a 30-mile radius, are invited to apply.

Founded to support the local farming community whilst educating the public on the benefits of shopping local, the awards are now in their second year.

Founder of the awards Barbara Cossins comments “I am so humbled to see so many returning sponsors, as well as our newcomers who want to celebrate and support our local food and drink producers – without our sponsors, these awards simply wouldn’t be possible!”

The awards have been created by farmers for farmers and other Dorset producers. What sets Love Local Trust Local apart from other food and drink related awards here in Dorset, is that they are purely here to focus on recognising Dorset-based farmers, fishermen, growers and other food producers, who so

The concern was originally established to protect the food producing community. Barbara continues, “Love Local Trust Local was founded to tackle the corruption of the food labelling industry and support British farmers, fishermen, growers and

So what’s it all about?

producers who work hard to maintain the high standards of their production. Our British producers have some of the highest standards in the world and the British public need to know what they can trust as a food label.”

To support the Dorset-based food and drink producers, follow along over on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you would like to apply for the 2021 awards, doors open for entries from Monday 28th June, although the entries have already started to roll in! Alternatively, to join the sponsors team, contact awards@ lovelocaltrustlocalawards. co.uk. As part of the panel, you’ll be invited to taste some of the best produce Dorset has to offer, helping to judge the produce, and truly support local producers.

Founder of Love Local Trust Local, Barbara Cossins with her LLTL support bubble, at the sponsors meet and greet.

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DORSET ARTISANS

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POLITICS

Designed in Dorset is an online marketplace that showcases some of the best local artisan businesses. Featuring over 70 vendors, anything from a kitchen table to handmade jewellery, all from a small local business owner. CLICK THE PICTURES TO SEE MORE!

Beth Wood - Artist

Wildlife, Landscape, and currently open for Pet Portrait Commissions.

www.BethWoodArtist.com

PHOTOGRAPHY ‘Colour Revealed’ by Sally Chaloner, Colour Points cup winner

We finished April with two set subject competitions, ‘Trees’ and ‘Transport’, and with 58 photographs entered it was a busy night for our judge, Sue Sibley. The winning image in ‘Trees’ was ‘The Old Oak’ by David Chaloner, and in ‘Transport’ first place went to Jean Bartlett with ‘Mahouts’. May saw the final Points Cup Competition, the judge was Malcolm Macnaughton and top score of 10 was awarded to • Jean Bartlett – Agitated Leopard • Rachel Cooper – Ducati Sam • Sally Chaloner – Colour Revealed • Stephanie Selwyn – Almost There and Hello • Glynis Larter-Witcher – St Leonard’s Church • David Chaloner – Orange Tip. The Points Cups were close this season, and those final scores counted. Final placings were as follows: Monochrome Images – • 1st Jean Bartlett - 54.5pts Joint 2nd • Debbie Davies - 52pts • And Pat Catley - 52pts • 4th Stephanie Selwyn - 51.5 pts Colour Images – • 1st Sally Chaloner - 59.5pts Joint 2nd • Debbie Davies - 59pts • And Jean Bartlett - 59pts • 4th Pat Catley - 58pts

New this year we held a POTY contest with all the best scores each week being accumulated across the sections and the results are:

May with Blandford Forum Camera Club Photographer of the Year (POTY) • 1st Jean Bartlett - 78 pts • 2nd Debbie Davies - 77pts • 3rd Sally Chaloner - 76pts • 4th Pat Catley - 75.5 pnts Our final guest speakers of the season didn’t disappoint. Jim Pascoe ARPS/ABIPP gave a talk on Tuscany & Venice, and Ken Holland ARPS/DPAGB gave his lecture ”When the Well Runs Dry” with ideas and projects for when you run out of inspiration. This was a packed talk giving some simple yet effective ideas to was a packed talk giving some was a packed talk giving some simple yet effective ideas to try and with it being the end of season some timely ideas for summer projects.

We had a great season! Eric Langley, our Program Secretary, with the power of Zoom has surpassed all expectations with speakers from far and wide. We have one competition a month during June, July and August, and we are preparing for either a remote or in person 2021/2022 season, depending on the Covid situation. Guests and new members are always welcome. There is no expectation of ability or photographic equipment used, from a mobile phone to a top of the range DSLR, and our members photograph anything from wildlife to street photography, landscapes to still life or portraits. We’re always excited for mew members - if you’re interested, please visit our website http://www.bfcclub.co.uk/

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The view from Shaftesbury’s Abbey Walk in May - Jago Young, Black Pit Studio

Knowlton Church at sundown 26th May - Richard Small.

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY POLITICS

St Stephen’s Church, Pamphill - David Williams

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

17 May - the colourful sky from a Winterborne Stickland garden. - Juliet Bromley

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

From Hambledon Hill, the mist coming off the hills towards Farrington - Marilyn Peddle

Three Sheep, near Wincombe Lane in Shaftesbury - Melanie Aldridge

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Delcombe Woodlands Meyrick Griffith-Jones

Spring At Last. Taken nr. Alfred’s Tower - David Shaw

by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

ART

Notes From My DAW Diary

“It is only possible to provide a taster of my recent forays into the wealth of artistic talent in our county - but I urge you to spend a lovely weekend absorbing as much as possible in the final days of Dorst Art Weeks. Edwina” 152 - DAVID NORTON, SHEELAGH SCOBLE AND JUDY BAKER Traveller’s Rest Farm, Durweston

Judy re-creates and re-imagines fragments of ceramics, natural stone, and Lyme Regis sea glass into mosaics. She has always loved drawing and as she said: “You need real vision, for mosaics are only as good as the initial drawing.” Starting with pottery classes, a love of jigsaws and a passion for taking things apart, it was a visit to the mosaics of the Basilicas in the Italian city of Ravenna which inspired her. “Everything has a story, a narrative!” so each of her charming, quirky mosaics has a tale to tell. David, a musician, took up painting in his retirement and now paints daily in his farmyard studio at Traveller’s Rest. However, some of his time is spent in France and a new phrase has entered his vocabulary “une lumière éblouissante” – a dazzling light. Hedgerows sparkle with May blossom – a nod towards Hockney and French garden landscapes in oil re-create this luminosity. Also included are local scenes of Hambledon Hill and still lifes of vegetables (including some freshly

Adam Binder’s ‘Boris’ greets visitor to the ‘FORM’ exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes Image - Edwina Judy with her mosaics in the stables at Travellers Rest Baines

dug Maris Piper potatoes!), fruit and flowers. His first painting in lockdown incorporated a more modern feel but is contrasted with an ornate gold frame - donated by Sheelagh. Sheelagh studied Fine Art at Bournemouth College of Art and exhibited in the very first Dorset Art Week in 1992. Her flamboyant still lifes, vivid patterns and life drawings come entirely from her imagination. “Anything with colour,” she says. Currently she has moved from oils into collage and watercolours, posted each week on Instagram.

David in the stables with his lockdown painting. Image: Edwina Baines

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ART

36 - SARAH JACK AND DIANE ABLITT

The Old School House, CHild Okeford Sarah constructs striking images of harbour scenes and landscapes of jumbled cottages. Look closely and you can find fragments of hidden stories, trawled from ancient newspaper articles of nineteenth century West Country shipwrecks and smugglers. “I really love all things ancient and all things textured, so I weave the two passions into my paintings. As a child, I used to cut up pieces of cardboard and make board games. I prefer to use my hands rather than a paintbrush. Initially my work was more figurative but I am attracted to derelict, dilapidated buildings with nooks and

crannies and buildings poking out of each other.” I was also drawn to two different works portraying Hardy’s Cottage and Lyme Regis with words, book titles and history notes scratched into the modelling paste. Ex Graphic Designer Diane likes to pare an image back to simplify it and combines the creaminess of gouache with an attractive muted minimalist pastel palette. “I like to try and create quirky poster-like artworks based on imaginary and real West Country villages, where you can lose yourself in the architecture and wonder who used to live in the houses. I’m attached to the sea and, choosing a different area each time, I’m trying to walk the South West Coast path in different sections.”

240 - WABI SABEY FESTIVAL OF RURAL CRAFTS AND TEXTILES

Hawkers Farm Barn, Stour Provost, Gillingham An old milking parlour has been converted into an event barn, the home of Hawkers Re-Creatives. With workshops, displays of up-cycled fashion, textiles and rural crafts, this is a Community enterprise to encourage sustainability. Handmade gifts and embroidered panels are showcased and sold in aid of Sambhali Trust, a non-profit making organisation based in Jodhpur, India, which aims to empower Dalit women and children in Rajasthan by teaching them to sew and run their own businesses. In addition to hosting sustainable film nights, during DAW, demonstrations and activities for adults and children have been held.

The community enterprise of Waby Sabey are inspired by the Japanese philosopy of ‘beauty in imperfection’, and offer workshops, displays of fashion, textiles and rural crafts.

231 - JOSEPH NUTTGENS, LUCY YARWOOD AND SHEILA MARTIN Artisan House, East Street, Blandford

Joe studied at the Central School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art, where he studied stained glass following his father’s art. He worked in his father’s studio until 2015, when he moved to Blandford. In his watercolours and prints, there is a certain precision in the interlocking shapes: he looks for rhythm, structure and energy in both nature and music to express personal themes.

Sheila’s intricate artworks are influenced by her training in stained-glass (with Joe’s Father!). Light and colour, and the process of gardening are her inspirations. “Not knowing what is going to happen. Being open to possibilities. A state of searching.” Lucy’s work is easily identifiable and her boldly decorated pots and sculptural pieces reflect her love of pottery as a timeless art form. On show were her bowls, mugs and dishes in terracotta with swirls of ultramarine but also beautiful platters, sensitively decorated and some of her newer ventures into oil painting.

ART

Inside Phyllis Wolff ‘s studio at Compton Abbas. Image: Edwina Baines

15 - PHYLLIS WOLFF

Hawkcombe Lane, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury Originally a student of fashion at St Martin’s, her varied artistic routes and love of the natural world have led to this current exhibition’s title: “I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic…I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is.” (Greta Thunberg). In the beautiful gardens of her cottage nestled into the hillside,

with wonderful views across to Melbury Hill, exuberant and distinctive canvases are a feast for the eye in Phyllis’s studios. She has been described as a vibrant colourist and there is a generous spontaneity and freedom of expression in her work: “My painting has always been about my connectedness and relationship to the landscape. Devastation to the Natural world is increasingly evident even in ‘this small corner of Dorset’.”

290 - ANNIE FIELD

Hartgrove, nr. Shaftesbury Annie was an interior designer for thirty years and her stunning house and studio are testament to this fact. She presented ‘Finishing Touches’, the first TV interior design program, filmed in the UK and America. Annie’s Nemesis sculpture was chosen by the Chelsea Arts Club to go on their fifth column in the garden from January to April 2020. She now works mainly in abstract oils with a love of colour. Many of her paintings record images from her sketchbook, taken on travels from the extremes of Yorkshire to Ethiopia.

Annie Field in her studio in Chruch Lane, Hartgrove - near Shaftesbury Image: Edwina Baines Always free - subscribe here

HEALTH Mel Mitchell is an experienced Personal Trainer, Kettlercise and group exercise instructor and sports massage therapist based in Sturminster Newton.

Getting back to what we love!

With restrictions being lifted this means many of us can get back to doing the things that we love. For me this means the return of races. Last year saw the majority of the races being postponed or cancelled which is disappointing when you’re looking forward to them so much. Mind you last year wasn’t a complete write off as I managed to sneak in a couple of races including my very first Ultra in October.

Running has for many years been my outlet to relieve stress and keep my mental health in check. Even though I was out running regularly during lockdowns, it doesn’t compete with the buzz of getting together with your

running mates and thriving off the atmosphere of races.

The Sociable Joy Of Races Each race is its own little adventure which comes with comradery and support from not only those that you know but also fellow runners that you’ve never met before. It all starts with waiting at the start line with the anticipation in the air and the sound of nervous chatter. One of the reasons I love races so much is the social element and a chance to catch up with people, particularly if you haven’t seen them in a while. The smiles and shouts of encouragement from the marshals and volunteers at the aid stations are always appreciated, as is the variety of delicious food that they provide (you all know how much I love my food!). Not forgetting the photographers

Mel Mitchell

en route which suddenly cause your running posture to improve ten-fold and your very best cheesy grin comes out to play! As the finish line comes into sight not only is there a sense of relief but also an overriding sense of accomplishment giving you a new found energy to switch on the turbo boost and cross the line feeling like an elite athlete. The race is of course never complete without a nice shiny medal around your neck to mark your achievement. Ever runner loves a nice bit of bling! Every aspect of taking part in these events puts a smile on my face and I am very much looking forward to getting back to them. Always happy to answer your questions - send them to me on melmitchellmassage@gmail.com

Mel is open about her use of running to relieve stress and maintain her mental health. Running can control stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension. Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps moderate the brain’s response to stress.

HEALTH

8 Big Dietary Myths That Just Won’t Die

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

There are a lot of nutrition myths out there that just won’t go away.

And of course there is so much misinformation doing the rounds on the internet that it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. So, as a qualified nutritional therapist I’ve decided to debunk a few for you, based on actual science:

1. A calorie is a calorie 1000 calories from broccoli has a different impact on health than 1000 calories from a handful of Quality Street. Think nutrient density, not calories.

2. Low fat is the way to lose weight We tend to lump fat together as one macronutrient. Good fats are needed to build high quality cell walls and balance hormones. Fatty fish, a small amount of nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oil and grass fed meats are the way to go. Not the inflammatory ‘vegetable’ and sunflower oils,

and especially not deep fried. And no products marked ‘low fat’, where sugar replaces fat.

3. Keto is the way to lose weight Low carb, keto and low fat diets are all ways of losing weight, but need to be genuine low carb, keto or low fat to ensure success. The reason why people are so successful with keto dieting is because it lowers insulin to the point where fat can be burned more readily. It also blunts the appetite as blood sugars are stable. A study in the BMJ in January examining remission of diabetes showed that very

low carb diets (keto), were less effective than low carb diets. This is likely due to adhering to a low carb diet is much easier to stick to over the longer term.

4. Exercise is the way to lose weight Weight loss is 80% diet, and in fact it is possible to lose weight without exercise. However, exercise improves your mood, energy levels and reduces stress levels. It also supports detoxification by stimulating the colon as well as releasing toxins through sweat. Make exercise a priority but don’t rely on it as a sole method of weight loss. Always free - subscribe here

5. Three meals and two buy direct from the snacks are the way to farm. I live right next lose weight door to one and their beef tastes amazing. This is old science where the hypothesis was that you needed regular food to keep blood sugars stable. Actually, when you start eating you induce insulin which stops you burning fat. Mum was right, stop snacking.

6. Red meat is bad for you Unproven. Nutritional research is tricky as it often relies on participants completing accurate food diaries. It is challenging to single out a single nutrient, eg red meat, when it is important to look at the whole dietary pattern, ie what else is eaten? Much of the research on red meat is US centric, where it is produced on feed lots where the cattle are fed grain. Many are factory farms. Grain fed meat has a very different nutritional profile to grass fed meat. Grass fed meat has a healthier balance of good fats, specifically omega 3 fats and higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). It also has a higher level of carotenoids – which is what makes the fat yellow. Carotenoids means more antioxidants and nutrients. Bonus. Grass-fed animals make poop that provides nutrients for plants, along with beneficial bacteria for the soil microbiome. This results in a balanced ecosystem that builds healthy fertile soil.

We have an abundance of grass fed beef here in Dorset where you can often

7.Being vegan is the healthiest diet. It is true that people who put more plants in their diet are healthier than average. However when fully vegan clients come to see me they are almost always nutrient deficient. To be a healthy vegan we need to be mindful of getting the correct nutrients. It can be difficult to get vitamins D, B12 and B6 from a vegan diet and often supplementation is necessary. It is also important that good food sources of zinc, iron, calcium, omega 3 and selenium are incorporated into a vegan diet.

8. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day The studies are mixed on this. There are studies that show that people who regularly eat breakfast have better protection against becoming overweight. There are also studies that show that non breakfast eaters may have an advantage when it comes to weight loss and fat burning (intermittent fasting). If you skip breakfast but eat too much later in the day, try eating breakfast. If you are an intermittent faster but then continually graze during your eating window, you will end up with a dysregulated metabolism. Stick to meal times whether you intermittently fast or not. Karen Geary

BEAUTY

Caroline, a multi-award winning Dorset makeup artist, who runs ‘Amazing Face’, shares professional secrets from inside her beauty box.

Tis The Season for Great Eyebrows ! Coming out of lockdown our eyebrows will need looking at - especially with summer coming (hopefully...).

This means hair comes out more easily, so after a hot shower when your skin is still warm and damp is the perfect time for an eyebrow shape.

I personally have mine threaded - waxing is fine too, but for those who don’t have access to these treatments this is how you get fab brows by doing it yourself. But there are a few set of rules you should be aware of before you pluck away your arches:

Use an eyebrow pencil to help you find the beginning, arch and end of your eyebrows.

First - Do make sure you have good lighting. Plucking your eyebrows in a dimly lit bathroom is where mistakes happen! If you can, take advantage of natural light. Take a handheld mirror to the brightest area in your room so you can see all those tiny hairs you need to remove. Try not to use a highly magnified mirror. While it might seem like a good idea at first, plucking your eyebrows with a magnifying mirror is actually one of the worst things you can do. The mirror can be misleading, and make you believe you have more hair follicles than you actually do, which will lead you to accidently over plucking your eyebrows. To stop this, use a normal mirror and between every few plucks, take a step back to reassess your eyebrow shape. Warm water helps open up the follicles.

How Much To Pluck?

• The beginning of your brow should start right where your nostril begins. Hold the pencil vertically against the bridge of your nose and on top of your nostril to help you find the starting point. • To find your arch, place the pencil on the tip of your nose and angle it straight across your pupil. • Next, to find the end of your brow, simply take the pencil, at an angle, and place it against the end of your nose and eye. If the tail end of your brow hits the place where the pencil ends, then your eyebrows are the perfect length. If your brow is too long, then take away any that are on the other side.

You can also trim your brows with scissors. It works really well! Brush upwards, and carefully trim the extra uneven hairs. Then, brush the tail end of your eyebrows toward the inner part of your brow and slightly trim those hairs, too.

Now you have perfectly shaped brows, it’s time to enhance them. Find a color that complements your brows, and fill in with eyebrow pencil, gel or powder but not too much. Instead of filling in eyebrows completely, lightly ‘fluff’ in the direction of the hair growth. Try to focus on filling in your arches, as natural eyebrows are usually darker in that area. The beginning of your brows tend to be lighter and more spread out. To raise your brows - it’s never a bad idea to lift them - brush a little highlighter below the arch and run it along till the end of the tail. This will help brighten your brows and really make them stand out. Have a great month, questions always answered on Caro1@ me.com and if you know anyone getting married pop them my way for their hair and makeup! Caroline x

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POLITICS

BUSINESS NEWS

Local Firms Support ‘Dementia Friendly’ To Help Reconnect The Elderly We have all been affected by the pandemic, feeling a sense of isolation and loneliness at being cut off from family and friends, but this is especially so for the elderly and vulnerable in care homes, especially those living with dementia. Last autumn, Jenny Cottrell, solicitor with Porter Dodson in Sturminster Newton, nominated Newstone House in Sturminster (where her mother is a resident) to receive one of Dementia Friendly Gillingham’s giveaway robotic cats. She wasn’t successful on that occasion, but wanted to donate a cat herself. Then the organiser Anne Kings contacted Jenny and introduced her to Sue Reader of Marnhull, who wanted to donate a cat in memory of her late mother Rosemary Joyce and the two were paired up. It seemed worth asking Porter Dodson and Symonds & Sampson, Estate Agents, Chartered Surveyors and Auctioneers if they would like to join in and they both readily agreed to get involved and donate a dog each to accompany

the two cats. The result is that both Newstone House and Nazareth Lodge will each receive a feline and canine friend for their residents. The benefits for the residents are well-established, especially when (pre-restrictions) both homes were regularly visited by pets and all kinds of other creatures

“I met two donkeys leaving the lift once in Newstone” comments Jenny. Research has long linked animal-assisted therapy to improvements in mood and the quality of life for the elderly, including those with dementia. The jury’s still out on whether robotic pets are as effective as their real-life counterparts, but a recent review of studies on robopets for dementia patients linked time spent with the robots to lower levels of depression and agitation. And since they don’t need walks, food or vet visits, cuddly robot pets are a low-maintenance option for people no longer able to care for a pet themselves. Mark Lewis of Symonds & Sampson said “We are delighted

to be involved in this initiative with Porter Dodson.

Their pet is called Porter and ours, of course, is Sampson!” Chloe Hooper, who works as a residential negotiator at Symonds & Sampson says “Robotic Companion Pets are hugely beneficial for people living with dementia, people with Parkinson’s, children with special needs, the elderly, and anybody suffering from mental health issues. Patients in NHS dementia wards who had previously been anxious, frightened, and who tended to wander, suddenly calm down, and start to interact with their new companion. The pressure taken off staff was immediate and made them feel good too.” Richard Baker, Head of the Family Team and CSR Partner at Porter Dodson, said: “During what has been a particularly challenging time for families, especially for those with loved ones in care homes, we are delighted to be supporting this initiative and hope that both Porter and Sampson bring much joy to those they come into contact with. “ Always free - subscribe here

BUSINESS NEWS

The Winners of the Sherborne Business Awards Have Been Announced! The awards ceremony took place yesterday (June 3rd) at Oborne Grange Hotel, close to Sherborne. The awards ceremony was originally planned for February, but naturally lockdown occurred instead. A rescheduled event was drawn up for Easter - but still restrictions meant a physical event still couldmn’t go ahead. After the level of community support shown for the new awards, organiser Nigel Reeve of Marketing West SW Ltd refused to simply livestream the event “we wanted to give as many as possible the chance to attend”. Holding his nerve paid off, and yesterday the lunch event was well-attended by both sponsors and finalists. These were the inaugural Sherborne Business Awards, and Nigel said ““After three attempts I’m delighted that the Sherborne Business Awards have now happened. The local support has been fantastic from the very start. I’d personally like to thank all the entrants and the sponsors who made the awards possible.

We wanted to help get business moving again and hopefully, the awards contribute in some small way. Planning has already started for next year.” Judging was said to be remarkably close in all twelve categories. The entries were spread across a wide range of business sectors and highlighted just how many fantastic independent traders, unique shops, and services there are in the town.

The 2021 Award Winners are: •

•

Health Beauty & Fitness Business (sponsored by Leweston School Events): Winner – Communifit Café, Pub, Hospitality (sponsored by Hunt’s Foodservice): Winner - The Cross Keys Arts, Crafts and Artisans (sponsored by Trophy Solutions): Winner - Tom Rowell Designs Best Use of Digital (sponsored by Hunts Accountants): Winner - Robin James Independent Business of the Year (sponsored by Battens Solicitors): Winner - Vineyards of Sherborne

The Cross Keys collecting their ‘Overall Business of the Year Award from Nigel West

• •

• • • • • •

•

Green Business of the Year (sponsored by NatWest): Winner – Dikita Crafts New Business of the Year (sponsored by Sherborne Town Council): Winner – Forces Fit Bootcamp Rising Star (sponsored by Valmiera Glass UK): Winner – Elliot Cuff Best Service Provider (sponsored by Church House Investments): Winner – Hunts Accountants Best Customer Service (sponsored by Charterhouse Auctioneers): Winner – Porter Dodson LLP Mental Health Awareness (sponsored by Training for Results): Winner – Rosa Rocks Clothing Best Community Support Business (sponsored by NFU Mutual): Winner – Sherborne Community Kitchen Best Community Support Individual Award (sponsored by NFU Mutual): Winner – Jules Bradburn Sherborne Business Leader of the Year (sponsored by Mogers Drewett): Winner – Mo Gherras Overall Business of The Year (sponsored by Marketing West SW Ltd): Winner – The Cross Keys

POLITICS

“I’m delighted that the Sherborne Business Awards have now happened. The local support has been fantastic from the very start. I’d personally like to thank all the entrants and the sponsors who made the awards possible.” Nigel Reeve Marketing West SW Ltd Sherborne.

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POLITICS

“Wow!! What a humbling experience. Thank you. Business Leader of the Year, Business of the Year and Pub of the Year. And it’s our 2nd Birthday on Monday!” Mo Gherras The Cross Keys Sherborne.

BUSINESS NEWS - with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

Openreach set to upgrade 14 exchanges and bring Full Fibre to a further 45,000 in Dorset Openreach has outlined plans to bring ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband to a further 45,000 homes and businesses in Dorset, including the exchanges at Blandford, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. With download speeds of 1 Gbps, it’s up to 10 times faster than the average home broadband connection which means faster game downloads, better quality video calls and higher resolution movie streaming. Other benefits include being able to use multiple devices at once without experiencing slowdown – so more people in a household can get online at once.

Even if the rest of a family are making video calls, streaming box sets or gaming online, all at the same time, Openreach say that there won’t be stuttering, buffering or dropouts. Full Fibre is also less affected by peak time congestion. Recent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) highlighted the clear economic benefits of connecting everyone in the South West to Full Fibre with an

estimated £4.3bn boost to the local economy. Connie Dixon, Openreach’s Regional Director for the South West said: “Building a new ultrafast broadband network across the South West is a massive challenge and some parts of the region will inevitably require public funding. “But our expanded build plan means taxpayer subsidies can be limited to only the hardest to connect homes and businesses and with investments from other network builders, we’d hope to see that shrink further.

“This is a hugely complex, nationwide engineering project – second only to HS2 in terms of investment.

“It will help level-up the UK - the impact of Full Fibre broadband stretches from increased economic prosperity and international competitiveness, to higher employment and environmental benefits. “We’re also delighted to continue bucking the national trend by creating more jobs in the region, with apprentices joining in their droves to start their careers as engineers. “We’ll publish further location details and timescales on our website as the detailed surveys and planning are completed and the build progresses.” More details about Openreach’s Fibre First programme, latest availability and local plans can be seen here. Always free - subscribe here

BUSINESS NEWS - with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

New campaign shines a light on mental health to tackle stigma and change the way men talk

A life-changing campaign – Light On – has launched across Dorset to tackle the stigma of talking about mental distress and emotional struggle, particularly among men.

A network of organisations, local businesses, the NHS, Public Health Dorset and Bournemouth University have joined forces to put an end to Dorset men dealing with mental health difficulties alone and in the dark. It urges men to go beyond the banter and talk openly about how they are feeling and whether they are coping. The campaign aims to train champions and ambassadors to spread the message across the whole of Dorset reaching men where they work, exercise, socialise and live. Andrew Coleman, Founder of Light On, said: “It is time to put

an end to the silent struggle among men because of the taboo and stigma about talking when you’re not coping very well. “This silence is leading to pain, suffering and suicide – and it has to stop. “This campaign will save people’s lives because it will make it OK for people to have a conversation and ask for help. “It will transform the way Dorset people, men in particular, deal with mental health and mental health difficulty. “We want as many people as possible to share our message and to get involved.

“We must create such a loud voice between us that everyone knows how to have a conversation about seeking and receiving help. “We want thousands of people to ‘turn their Light On’ with us.”

Andrew Coleman, Founder, Light On: “This campaign will save people’s lives because it will make it OK for people to have a conversation and ask for help.”

Andrew is one of a group of men who met through the charity Dorset Mind and wanted to do more to help other men who may be struggling.

All have personal experience of the difficulties and damage caused by mental health problems, with many of them losing friends or colleagues to suicide. Ty Temel, Owner of Halo Bournemouth said: “A year ago we started talking about how we could stop this wave of distress amongst men in Dorset that is leading some to take their own lives. Also leading the campaign is Craig Mathie, Managing Director of Bournemouth 7s Festival, and – as is Ty – an Ambassador for Dorset Mind. Dee Swinton, Dorset Mind’s Marketing Manager, said: “A survey by Mind charity found that one in eight men in the UK admit to suffering from mental health problems, while suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 45.” Local businesses, clubs, charities and individuals will be offered training and workshops through the Light On project to train people in the basics of mental wellbeing in later phases of the campaign. Importantly, they will be encouraged to have courageous conversations that go beyond everyday banter.

BUSINESS NEWS

Are You Looking After Your Employee’s Mental Health? As part of their ongoing partnership with Dorset Mind, Blanchards Bailey joined others around the world in celebration of World Mental Health week. The firm’s Head of HR & Operation, Jane EldridgeCordner, provides expert advice to business clients on how they can best look after their employees’ mental health and offers examples on how the firm puts that advice into practice: “Looking after your employees’ well-being should now, more than ever, be a key priority. Modern day life pressures, coupled with challenges presented by the pandemic, have left many feeling anxious and depressed. Signs of this in the workplace include decreased productivity, morale problems, lack of cooperation, absenteeism, presenteeism, complaints of tiredness, complaints of aches and pains and alcohol/drug misuse.”

The good news is that there are a number of tools and strategies that employers can adopt to proactively manage health and well-being in the workplace. These include: • •

•

ensuring you have a wellbeing policy. developing a supportive culture by training mental health first aiders, educating line managers in recognising the symptoms of anxiety and stress, and running selfawareness workshops for staff. providing easily accessible resources for staff which include self-help information as well as useful telephone numbers and links to websites. providing access to an employee assistance programme which includes advice for maintaining and improving health as well as a counselling service that can be accessed free of charge. signing up to the Wellbeing Charter or other recognised mental health champions to access current research and training.

•

carrying out regular staff surveys/stress audits to retain awareness of the overall mental wellbeing of your workforce.

“Blanchards Bailey takes the mental health and wellbeing of its staff very seriously and, as such, has worked hard to build a supportive culture over the last few years. “Actions taken during this time include signing up to the Wellbeing Charter and sourcing an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that not only supports ongoing good physical health but provides an online resource base for mental health. This includes the option of attending up to eight free counselling sessions, creating mental health champions with formal mental health awareness training, a set of mental health resources and signposting for staff to access, delivering mental well-being sessions to all staff, and ensuring opportunities for informal networking and teamworking are provided. “Management awareness training is planned for this coming year, as well as improvements to the provision of flexible and remote working which the pandemic has made more possible and is strongly supported by the Firm.” For all HR and employment enquiries do contact Jane Eldridge-Cordner on 01258 488220.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Local Care Company Hopes Referral App Will Boost Recruitment A local care provider is the latest organisation to introduce a recruitment app – and give an extra bonus to their existing employees at the same time. Candlelight Care in Wimborne and Sherborne has installed the ‘Care Friends’ app, which was developed in conjunction with Skills for Care. The app displays job vacancies listed by Candlelight Care on employees’ mobile phones, which they can then share easily with their friends or on social media.

Care organisations already using ‘Care Friends’ have reported much higher interview attendance and staff retention rates, and the referring staff member also earns reward points at each stage of the recruitment process. The introduction of the app is the latest in Candlelight Care’s efforts to reward its staff for their commitment to their roles.

Candlelight Care’s staff have, like so many others on the frontline, worked tirelessly throughout the past year, and at the end of 2020 the Company announced that each staff member would receive an additional day’s holiday to thank them.

Cherry Catley-Day, Proprietor of Candlelight Care, said, “It has long been recognised that the best staff are often those who are introduced to us by existing employees, and the Care Friends app enables us to develop our existing referral scheme. We hope that it proves successful, and is another way in which we can recognise our staff for the work they do for us and our clients every day. ” Candlelight Care is a family-run company offering homecare and live-in care services in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and East Sussex. With a Head Office in Glastonbury, Somerset, it has been caring for people of all ages in their own homes for over 30 years and its services are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. Candlelight Care currently have vacancies in Sherborne, Yeovil, Frome, Glastonbury, Gillingham and Wimborne. Click here for more details.

POLITICS

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by Rob Nolan

NIGHT SKY THIS MONTH

This Month’s Image:

“This Doesn’t Bode Well!” We’re now at that point in the year where astronomical darkness is not achieved during the night, making it quite challenging for astrophotographers to capture the amount of data required to create highly detailed images. I had tried to capture M13, the Great Globular cluster mentioned below, but alas, as is often the case, things didn’t quite go to plan! So instead, I thought I’d stick with the galaxy theme again:

M81 ‘Bode’s Galaxy’ is at the bottom of the image, with M82 ‘The Cigar Galaxy’ at the top. M81 is a grand design spiral galaxy with a diameter of 90,000 light years and M82 is a starburst galaxy. Discovered by the German astronomer Johann Elert Bode in 1774, M81 is one of the brightest galaxies in the night sky. Both are approximately 11.6 million light-years away and can be found in the constellation Ursa Major - very visible at this time of year using binoculars or

Find RPN Photography on Facebook here and on Instagram here. a small telescope. This was the first image I captured using my larger telescope, a Skywatcher 200 PDS Newtonian Reflector, other brands are available of courwse! This telescope has a focal length of 1000mm which allows me to see deep sky objects including galaxies in greater detail! The image was shot in January using a DSLR camera attached to the telescope. I took different exposure lengths of 5, 3 and 1 minute exposures which gave me 2 hours of data.

The Night Sky, June 2021: what you can see this month: We’ll be treated to an annular solar eclipse this month on June 10th, which we’ve not seen in the UK since 2015.

It won’t be a total eclipse, but the moon will appear to bite a chunk out of the Sun beginning at 10:08am and will cover a maximum of 25% of the Suns surface at 11:13am. If you or your little ones plan to observe the eclipse, don’t forget to wear appropriate eclipse glasses to enjoy the event safely! During the darkest point of the night throughout the month, using binoculars, look high towards the South in the constellation Hercules and you may glimpse a gentle glowing ball of light. Through a telescope, you’ll discover its true identity, a cluster of almost a million stars, known as M13. This globular

cluster is residence to some of the oldest objects in our galaxy, dating back 13 billion years. Although we’re experiencing very short periods of night at this time of year, it’s still a great opportunity to turn your attentions to the moon and planets within our solar system. Venus, Jupiter and Saturn can all be observed throughout the month. On June 11th, soon after sunset, look towards the lower right of Venus to spot the narrowest crescent Moon. On the 12th, the crescent Moon lies above Venus, with Mars lying to the upper left. On the 13th June, Mars appears as a reddish ‘star’ next to the Moon, with Venus down to the lower right. Mars starts off the month near Castor and Pollux, and moves from Gemini into Cancer.

The summer solstice begins on June 21st at 4:52am, the day the Sun reaches its most northerly point in the sky, marking Midsummers Day, with daylight lasting 16 hours and 38 minutes. On the 23rd June, look towards the Praesepe (Beehive) star cluster to enjoy Mars engulfed within its midst. Although it will be low in the evening twilight, grab a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to enjoy its beauty! On the 27th, 28th and 29th June at 2am, you’ll see the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn in close proximity with Jupiter appearing to pass very close on the 29th. Noctilucent Clouds may be visible at twilight looking north. These spooky-looking clouds glow a blue-white and are illuminated by the Sun after it has set.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

JIGSAW

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

This month’s jigsaw is the beech avenue inside Chase Woods, nr Sixpenny Handley. Click the image and the interactive jigsaw pops up.

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The Gardens Of Cranborne Open Weekend 12-13th June. The beautiful and varied Gardens of Cranborne in Dorset will be open for visitors on the weekend of June 12th and 13th. All of the gardeners have been very busy over the lockdown and are looking forward to being able to show their gardens again. From the famous Cranborne Manor gardens, originally designed by John Tradescant in the 17th century, through elegant period and modern homes to much-loved cottage gardens, there is something for everyone in this delightful and historic Dorset village.

Singing at Nothe Fort with Wessex Musical Theatre Saturday 24th July

Wessex Musical Theatre is looking forward to a busy summer of events after having to cancel several performances due to the pandemic. Formerly known as Weymouth Operatic

Cherubim Harp Winners Concert

The gardens will be open from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June. Entry is £10 for adults (good for both days); children free. There will be a wide range of local artisan stalls and delicious, homemade refreshments. The event is being held in aid of church funds. Cranborne offers a wonderful garden centre with a café and 2 pubs in the village if you want to make a day out of it.

WHAT’S ON

• 16 gardens open. Cranborne

Manor Garden, which usually charges for entry, has graciously allowed us to include it in the price of the ticket.

• Local artisan stalls; homemade lunches, cakes and teas will be offered. • Cranborne, Dorset; Entrance to car park on Salisbury Road BH21 5PU • June 12th & 13th 2021 • 11am – 5pm • Price: £10 adults (tickets valid for both days); children free; no dogs please as there is no shade in the car park. A car washing service will be available for those that are interested. Enquiries: 01725 551242

Church Walk, Cranborne Manor Image: Val Corbett

Society, the group is now in its centenary year and didn’t want the pandemic to stop celebrations. ‘Singing at Nothe Fort with Wessex Musical Theatre’ is an outdoor performance that promises to be a hit with all the family! Described as an evening of stage and screen it will feature hits from ‘The Lion King’, ‘The

Greatest Showman’, ‘The Sound of Music’ as well as many more! Seating is provided and the audience is encouraged to bring picnics, and enjoy an evening of beautiful music and sing-a-longs.

Cherubim Music Trust is a national charity based in Tisbury that loans professional-calibre orchestral instruments for five year periods to advanced music students, aged 1525, who cannot afford one that matches their ability. Now in its 20th year Cherubim owns or manages 35 instruments valued at £400,000.

On Saturday 3rd July there will be a concert at Wardour Chapel by the two current awardees of Cherubim’s concert harps; Clara Gatti-Comini (TrinityLaban College) & Aisha Palmer (Royal Academy of Music). Virtuoso music for solo Harp & duet - Handel, Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Rameau & Satie.

“Beautiful music in a beautiful setting”

For more information and tickets please visit wessexmusicaltheatre. eventbrite.co.uk

Booking in advance only http://cherubimtrust.org/tkts (£12-£33, free for kids)

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WHAT’S ON

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WHAT’S ON

The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival 23-27 June.

The festival promises to offer a full assault on the senses, all in the stunning ancient downland of the Chalke Valley – a place of immense history in its own right. The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival will take place at Church Bottom, Broad Chalke, Salisbury SP5 5DP from 23-27 June. For more details about the Festival, and to see the full programme, please click here. There will be live music every single day of the festival from 1920s flapper music to the ancient ballads of English folk music.

Visitors will be able to watch demonstrations from the Tudor kitchen, stone age flintknapping and a Cold War-era armoured brigade

There will be Sword School, a vintage fairground, and fast and furious fun with the History Tellers.

As with any English country festival, there will be food, glorious food – and historical fast food too – as well as drink, camping, glamping.

Late-night storytelling around the fire with Dan Snow and Michael Wood is sure to be a particular popular event.

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WHAT’S ON

Sturminster Newton Literary Festival has gone online this year - but has attracted a wide range of authors with a Dorset connection to talk about their work. The festival will run from 14 -20 June 2021. Rosanna Ley, Libby Page, Andy Charman, Peter Tait, Andy Miller, and Lucy Clarke will all be speaking about their writing.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre presents Curtain Up! Shaftesbury Arts Centre is proud to be joining together with The Gold Hill Festival and Shaftesbury Rotary Club for a ‘Curtain Up’ Showcase, a variety show of music, song, dance and entertainment, celebrating live theatre and positive times ahead.

A professional theatre company delivering the best in openair Shakespeare, The Festival Players International will bring to life Shakespeare’s most popular history play, ‘Henry V’ for its 35th year of touring. Dorset’s rural touring arts

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Peter Tait will be talking about his book on the women in Thomas Hardy’s life. Rosanna Ley speaks about her new book set in Seville, The Orange Grove, and what inspires her writing. Dorset dialect features in Andy Charman’s book Crow Court, set in Wimborne. Lucy Clarke writes psychological thrillers and will be speaking about her new book The Castaways and her writing work. The Island Home is Libby Page’s new book; she will be talking to Dorset Libraries about her career as an author. Andy Miller grew up in Weymouth and will be discussing how a blend of true events and psychological insights formed his book Never: A Word. This is a free event and there’s no need to book; you can just turn up at the gate. There will be donation buckets in circulation, collecting for The Arts Centre, but the organisers know that times have been hard and will greatly appreciate anything you’re able to give while welcoming back live theatre to Shaftesbury. Take a picnic, chair or a rug and join in the fun. Government

Two guided walks will include the literary heritage in Sturminster Newton and Marnhull. A video of Literary Sturminster Newton made by local film maker Niko Forster and narrated by Roger Guttridge will be released during the festival week. One of the organisers, Michaela Knowles said “Using the internet has brought Sturminster Newton Literary Festival to a national and international audience. We hope it inspires people to visit the area in future.” Full details of all the free events running 14-20 June can be found on the website here. guidance that’s in place at the time will be followed. Shaftesbury Arts Centre wish to thank Shaftesbury Rotary Club for their support in organising and putting on this event. Date: Sat 3 July Time: Doors open 6.30pm Venue: Barton Hill Recreation Ground www.shaftesburyartscentre. org.uk for further details.

charity, Artsreach is delighted to present ‘Henry V’ for one night only, in the field adjacent to Halstock Village Hall at 7pm on Friday 2 July. A bar and hog roast will be available from 6pm; bring a chair or rug and dress appropriately. Tickets must be booked in advance and full details, including covid-guidance is available when booking. Find out more by visiting www.artsreach.co.uk Always free - subscribe here

LEGAL NOTICES

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POLITICS PROPERTY SPECIAL

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Our pre-paid, inflation-proof funeral plans guarantee the way you want to be remembered and protect your loved ones from unnecessary burden and costs. Drop in to see us today, visit us at funeralcare.co.uk or call us on 0800 243 380 Funeral homes in: Frome l Gillingham l Shaftesbury l Sturminster Newton l Warminster

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our pre-paid funeral plans*

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

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DEATHS

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DEATHS

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SERVICES

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Recruiting Now! Join our team and make a difference every day A career with Apex Prime Care is much more than just a job. Our home care assistants connect the community and support our clients in the comfort of their homes. Apply online at www.apexcareers.co.uk or call 0330 2020 200

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POLITICS

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PROPERTY

Voice of An Estate Agent:

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

Ensuring that your property is well presented is the key to achieving the maximum amount of interest - and therefore the best possible price. We have summarised what we believe are the quickest and most cost-effective ways of not only adding value to your home, but also making sure you retain every bit of the value you have:

1. Declutter

Decluttering will help buyers envisage what the property could look like if they were living there. Consider getting rid of or putting into storage unnecessary bulky furniture that makes the room look smaller. Also remember that serious buyers may well want to take a peek inside your cupboards so give them a tidy.

“Consider only having them 75% full rather than bursting at the seams; if it doesn’t look like there is enough storage for you, a buyer will worry there isn’t enough for them either!”

buyer sees something that needs fixing they could mentally reduce the maximum offer they would make on your house. Don’t let a small fix be the reason you don’t achieve your full asking price. Fix holes in walls, broken doorknobs, replace old grout and remove any stains on the carpets. We also advise cleaning thoroughly throughout to ensure your property looks well cared for.

4. Light and airy

Wall mirrors help a room look bigger and lighter. Clean your windows inside and out, replace any broken light bulbs and put a lamp in any dark corners. Add a few green house plants to help create an airy fresh look.

Fix the source of the smell, clear drains, wash bins, open windows, watch out for that “wet dog” smell and air the kitchen from cooking smells. You may also want to consider spritzing the house prior to a viewing with a fresh smelling room spray.

6. First impressions count

Buyers will be judging your home before they even walk through the door. If you look at your property from the road, does it look well maintained and tidy? Give the front door a deep clean or a fresh lick of paint and buy a bright outdoor plant or hanging basket.

A light and airy room feels bigger and therefore makes your property more attractive to buyers.

If you would like a copy of our “Seller’s Guide” which gives these tips in full detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

5. Odours

For further information on how we work, please contact a member of your North Dorset team:

“Bad smells are the single biggest turn off for prospective buyers.”

Brad Hansford – Shaftesbury on 07814 962 161 Susie Palin – Blandford Forum on 07570 357 553

A light and airy room feels bigger and therefore makes your property more attractive to buyers.

2. Go neutral

Bold colours are very personal give the walls a fresh lick of paint in a neutral colour. This creates a blank canvas and enables viewers to easily envisage it as their home. This will also make your home feel much lighter and bigger. “Timeless” from Dulux is a great colour.

3.Clean, tidy and fix

Remember that each time a

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

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

Sturminster Newton - Stunning 3 Bed Detached Bungalow - £499,950

Sturminster Newton - Beautiful 3 Bed Semi with Must-See Kitchen/Diner - £280,000

Milborne St Andrew - Superb 3 Dble Bed LinkDetached Bungalow £375,00

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PROPERTY

Local Estate Agent Capitalises on UK’s Appetite for South West Living Lodestone Property, an estate agency operating across Somerset and Dorset, has launched Lodestone Life, ground-breaking territory for an independent agency to establish and run a full-scale digital publishing operation.

Lodestone co-founder, Sue Macey explains. “It’s been driven by the pandemic and supported by new trends in homeworking. There’s an incredible rush on property in the South West, and with that comes a demand for information about moving here and settling here.”

The new website is a lifestyle guide to the West Country, informing and entertaining the growing number keen to make their home in the South West.

“Visitors to our property website have tripled in the last year,” says Sue. “Lodestone Life has been created to cater to that demand, providing a lifestyle companion to a house move.”

“We are witnessing an exodus from city living,”

The changes brought by COVID and the surge in demand from outside the region convinced the company that its marketing efforts should be digital.

The new website is a source of relocation inspiration and

practical advice. Towns and villages are investigated. Local services are highlighted. Businesses are profiled. It’s a place where you might learn about local schools, sports facilities, places to eat and drink, garden designers, architects or artists. The major feature interviews are written by Cath Rapley, a former commissioning editor at The Guardian and Observer. Lodestone is a multiple awardwinning estate agency which doesn’t utilise the traditional estate agent shopfronts but invests especially in digital marketing. “Demand for the lifestyle available in Somerset and Dorset is really taking hold.” says Sue Macey. lodestoneproperty.co.uk

MAKING HOMES HAPPEN We may stay true to traditional values when it comes to high quality personal service, but our unique modern sales and marketing methods mean we are able to tick all the boxes when it comes to selling your home: Dedicated Sales Progressor Higher staﬀ to property ratio Local specialist viewing team Best social media following in Somerset & Dorset Online global reach of over 100,000 people a month Contact us for a free market appraisal.

bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 118605099 01749

shaftesbury@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01747 442577

wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk Always free - subscribe 01749 here 605088

ENQUIRE NOW

Under Construction • • • • •

POLITICS

3 bedroom detached house Dorchester £575,000

4 bedroom detached bungalow Over Compton, Sherborne, £675,000

4 bedroom detached house Blandford £415,000

5 bedroom semi-detached house Dorchester £535,000

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2 bedroom detached POLITICS bungalow Beaminster £420,000

3 bedroom detached house Lyons Gate Dorchester £400,000

2 bedroom apartment Dorchester £190,000

2 bedroom terraced house Gillingham £151,000

2 bedroom apartment Maiden Newton 121 £134,950

Andrew aka DaDa

Happy DaDa's day, we love you oodles! Love from your girlies Clara and Bethy

Anthony Day Happy Fathers Day, Daddy. You’re one in a million. Thanks for being the best. Lots of love, always. From Lenny xxx

Paul Whetham Happy Father's Day dear Dad, from Simon and Carl Sending love and best wishes across the miles from us both! Hope you have a wonderful day! XXX

‘Send us a message for your Dad’ we said. ‘Okay’ you said. Mark Hewlett And so you did. So MANY of you - and Happy Fathers the following pages are a Day, we hope you have a lovely joyful celebrationday. of Lots all of love from kinds of Dads. Staci, Christie & Nicky (Only a handful didn’t send pictures, so we’ve just used a cute stock photo instead so you don’t stick out. And don’t panic - we’re a bit early yet, you’ve still got time to get a card for the 20th!)

James Watts Happy Fathers Day, thank you for looking after us and everything you do. Sorry about the early mornings, sharing your bed and all your food. Love Noos, Theo & Bella xx

Pete Devon Happy Fathers Day, thank you for being our bestest Dad in the whole widest world. We love you to the top of the sky. All our love, Laila, Timmy and Kaitlin xxx

Mark T Happy Fathers day to the mighty T. You hold up cars single handed. You calm the winds and make the tea. we love you more than munchies xxx

Courtenay And you thought we never read the magazine. Even when you're old and you need your walking sticks just to get downstairs you'll always be our favourite dad. Doodle, Big Weenus, Toastie & Bear x

Dad (Dusty Bin)

To the bestest Daddy & Grandpa, we love you madly, Bows Twinkles & Computer Whizz xxx

James Hancock Any man can be a father but you chose to be my daddy and what a great daddy you are. Happy stepdad day, love from Emily You are my hero lots of love Tommy and George

Jason Janes To Dad have a lovely day. Breakfast in bed. Thank you for all you do. Lots of love Romana xxxxxx

Brian Dooley Happy Fathers Day, hope you have a great day and we are all looking forward to seeing you soon!! Love Samantha xxx ❤

Bob Hiscock Happy father's Day Ur wonderful dad have good day love Gemma x

Patrick Green

Happy father's day! Love, Chris xXx

Jason Love ya fatman, have a bloody great day, you’ve earned it. Love you, Jordan

Brian Dooley

Thanks for all you do Dad! Hope you have a good Fathers Day, your Sons, Wayne & Ryan x

Edward Collins

Happy Fathers day Dad. All our love from the crazy duo Den and Vick. Also all the crazy in laws grandchildren and great grandchildren xxxx

Ray To my amazing Dad, just want to say thank you for being the best. Although you are far.. You are never out my thoughts. I love you very much and soon to be a grandad, again. Look forward to seeing you this summer. Love you always and Happy Fathers day love from Deanne Xxxx

Sandor Biro Thank you for being such a wonderful father; thank you for all the fun you are having with me and for everything that you teach me. Your time means a lot for me and I am sooooo happy that you are my daddy!

Steve Tume Happy Father's Day! You are one in a million and very loved by us all. Enjoy your special day, and I'll be round later! 😁😁 Lots of love from Anthea, Jeremy, Christy, Alex & Amber. xxxx

Martin Cochran Happy Fathers day Father from your best boys and fantastic grandchildren xxx

Bill Steele

Happy Father's Day. I'm so grateful I get to spend another one with you, and get to thank you for everything you've done for and with me. Love, Zoe x

Pete To Daddy, thank you for making us laugh, working hard and caring for us. We love you, Millie, Shae & Lacey-May xxx

David Lowe

Happy Fathers Day dad. Thank you for always being there for all of us. Hope you have a lovey day, love always from Trace, Jen and Greg. xx

Tim Dad - Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for teaching me everything I know about the more random things in life, as well as some usual stuff! Everyday I’m learning more about plants, birds and livestock - it’s only taken 25 and a half years! Thank you for trusting me to help you with the sheep, it’s truly one of my favourite places to be! Love you very much, “der brain”! - Roxy

John Hodge Dear Daddy/Grandpa Barbdie Wire, hope you have a lovely day, hopefully I can get down to see you soon. Love you lots Karen, Ian, Harri (& Sian, Neville & Darcy) and Hannah xxxx Lots of woofs and licks from Marmite, Barney, Bunty, Joules & Jelly xxxxx

Big John Smith Happy Father's Day, Grandpa! Have a pint (of whisky) on us! BBSV xxxx

Ray Martin Dad, You have got me through so many of life’s Battles. We all love you and appreciate all you have done and how hard you worked to make our lives lovely.Claire, Paul, Hannah,Amy

Grandad Mike Brown To the best Grandad and Great Grandad anyone could ask for! Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for always be there, for giving great hugs and always making us laugh! Thank you for always telling the best stories too! We love you very much! From Roxy and Milo xx

Philip Robson

Happy Fathers Day Pops We hope you have a lovely day.See you on our way back from Cornwall. Lots of Love Kate and Geoff

Brian Rideout To the Best Dad...hope you have a great fathers day. You mean the world to me. Love you lots. Hugs and kisses Trac xx

Paul Sims

Dear Daddy you are such a little darling. You are the best dad in the world ❤Have a lovely day ! Thank you for being there for us both. Lots of love from Amy and Hannah

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28th June

Next Publication Dates:

6th August 3rd September Further forwards - publication always first Friday of the month. Copy booking deadline always the Friday prior to publishing

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The Blackmore Vale June 21

Articles inside

Father's Day Messages

Property

What's on

Night Sky

Puzzles

Business News

Beauty

Health

Art with Edwina Baines

Photography

Food & Drink

Citizen's Advice Q&A

Charity pages

Reader's Letters

Book Corner

Random 19 - Mat Follas

Garden Jobs

Barry Cuff | Voice of the Allotment

Farming

Equestrian

Out of Doors

Take a Hike

Animals

Brigit Strawbridge

Wildlife

Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

Rural Matters - CPRE

Education

Police alert

Chris Loder MP

Meet Your Local

News

Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer