The Blackmore Vale May '21

ISSN 2634-8810

POLITICS

NEVER PRINTED May ‘21

POLITICS

Good People in this issue

PHILIPPA Davis

TV Judge, Private Chef & Food Writer. TERRIBLE at finishing books.

Andrew LIVINGSTON

He's having a BABY everyone! Also - his columns make me laugh. This is a Very Good Thing.

ANDY PALMER

He fills my inbox, he moans and he nags and he bosses and he always makes a day better.

RACHAEL ROWE What a joy this month's story is.

Tracie BEARDSLEY

She's had the temerity of taking off on a Cornish holiday so I'm not actually talking to her.

GAY

Pirrie Weir

A calm & prompt rescue in a crisis. Thank you.

CAITLIN CHARALAMBIDES May she live all her days in Princess Shoes.

Heather BROWN

A little hello 'just because' when she knew it was most needed. I love new old friends.

RUBY Else-White For the best phone call of the month. She's Ace.

Front cover: April Bluebells in Blandford Woods by Meyrick Griffith-Jones Always free - subscribe here

Animals

Art

Barry Cuff | Voice of the Allotment

Book Corner

Brigit Strawbridge

Business News | Dorset Biz News

Charity pages

125

Community News

118

Deaths

Dorset Art Weeks Feature

Education

Equestrian

110

Family Law & Finance

Farming

Food & Drink

Garden Jobs

Health

116

Legal Notices

Looking Back | Roger Guttridge

Meet Your Local

News

We walked 44 miles in sunshine this month! HUZZAH!

Allow me to share with you a delightful tale of classic Laura-ing. This month we were invited to a press event. An outside event, no less, so a day in glorious sunshine.

Marvellous, yes? No. DISASTER. On our way there the exhaust dropped off my car. RAC to the rescue, and we arrived over an hour late to find a large proportion of the rest of the group is intimidatingly-knowing London Hipster cool types in big beards, cool hats, dungarees and no socks. You know the sort. FAR above chatting to a middle aged mum (I suspect they were actually lovely). Anyhoo, ended up for lunch just the two of us on a table with a serious winemaker (given the location game away now). A truly delicious lunch was served, and a certain female of your acquaintance, chatting away happily, cut through the bruschetta underneath her amazing lobster salad… and didn’t cut but instead flipped the whole thing at force, firing her lobster across the table at her husband.

100

Night Sky

Obituary - Robert Frith

Out of Doors

Photography

Police alert

126

Property Special

102

Puzzles

Random 19 - Philippa Davis

Reader's Letters

Rural Matters - CPRE

119

Services

Simon Hoare MP

121

Situations Vacant

Take a Hike

Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer

Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

Weirdly, it was only at midnight that night, as I was drifting off to sleep, that my brain kindly replayed this entire scene on repeat - and also showed me Serious Winemaker’s face as he watched me casually scoop my lunch up off the (outdoors, remember?) table, plopped it back onto my plate and then carried on eating it. I had clearly seen his face, but my scatty head simply hadn’t registered at the time.

103

What's on

Face BURNING. Again.

Wildlife

THEN (oh gods. Mortifying.) said female who shall not be named, proceeded to scoop the utterly delicious well-I’m-not-going-to-waste-that lobster off the table and back onto her plate and ate it. (*pauses to note with disappointment that neither of her male companions kindly acknowledged it was a ‘slippery little sucker’. I’ve waited my whole life for a Pretty Woman moment*)

NEWS

14yr old Stalbridge girl, named one of ‘Europe’s top boxing prospects’, aims for Gold Ruby ‘The Pocket Rocket’ Else-White has been recognised as one of Europe’s top talents at just 14-years-old. “It was mad!” Ruby said of the competition in Sweden early last year. Now aged 14, Ruby was just 12 when she won “I’d competed all weekend, and won all my bouts to get the gold for my weight. It was actually really tough because it was all judged on technical ability. There was no power allowed so I had to just focus on my skills. But I didn’t even think about the overall award. I was so shocked.” “There were 300 girls fighting that weekend” explained her coach, Shaun Weeks of Sturminster Newton ABC “It’s the biggest female amateur championship in Europe. The Indian national team were competing, as were some of the Italians. Ruby was one of the youngest competitors. We were watching the final presentation, and didn’t even think about the top ‘Best Prospect’ award – it’s never left Norway or Sweden before. There were some great fighters there – but y’know,

Ruby’s up there with them. She’s amazing”

Ruby also defeated the reigning European champion last March, just before the Covid-19 pandemic stalled her attempt to represent England. For Heidi Else, Ruby’s Mum, it’s been almost an inevitable journey.

“She’s always been a strong, independent person. A ‘free bird’ I call her. “I recently found an old drawing of hers from Primary School the class had had to colour a rainbow and write their wish underneath. Ruby had written ‘I want to win the Olympics Gold for Boxing’ as her biggest wish. I should have known right then!” Shaun says he knew too, from Ruby’s very first training session.

by Laura Hitchcock 14yr old Ruby ‘The Pocket Rocket’ Else-White from Stalbridge has been recognised as one of Europe’s top talents.

“she got in the ring as a 7yr old, never having worn a pair of gloves before, and I told another coach that night that she’d be a champion by the time she was 12” Talking to Ruby over a weekend of a sporting social media boycott raising awareness of online abuse, I wondered if a young teen girl had received any nastiness herself. “It’s something that worries me” said Heidi “It’s bad enough that her sport makes her obsess around her weight – we keep the focus on fitness and health, and never on her looks, but teen girls are vulnerable. It’s a trickly line to walk. And then Ruby’s had some issues with unpleasantness on social media – particularly when the article was published on Sky Sports about her. It did upset her for a bit.” Ruby appeared less concerned than her mum, expressing what I’m quickly learning is her usual dismissive attitude to things she doesn’t like. Always free - subscribe here

NEWS “I just tell them if they’ve got a problem with me, they’re welcome to bring it in the ring to settle it.” Surprisingly, it’s not male commenters that give Ruby a hard time online “No, whenever I train or spar with boys, it’s always really respectful, and it’s the same online. But other girls can be pretty horrible sometimes. Not all, obviously – I have a lovely group of female boxers I talk to a lot, we support and encourage each other, it’s lovely. But others can be a bit much - I don’t know if it’s because that’s how they think they’re expected to be, but Shaun’s really strong on being respectful at all times.

“It’s mad. Especially as girls are starting to break through to mainstream now – it’s a tough sport, and I

just feel like we’d all be better if we didn’t knock each other. Outside the ring, obviously…” Ruby peeled off into reassuringly familiar 14yr old teen sniggers. “It’s been a swift learning curve” said Shaun “Social media’s not really my thing, and I didn’t really expect it from other young female fighters. Though I didn’t expect I’d get personal messages from their coaches either! But we all sat down together and decided how we would handle any issues online – Ruby’s only going to get more attention, so it was definitely something Ruby her family and I needed to discuss. Ruby’s close to Heidi, and they talked it through too.” Does Heidi watch her daughter fight, I wondered? “I do.” Heidi said “and I’ll admit

it’s worrying for a mum. It’s hard to watch. The hardest thing. But I want to be there for her every step of the way.” So what’s next for the local Pocket Rocket? The world’s best amateur boxers will compete in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics - and Ruby has set herself a target of the 2028 Games (she’ll still be too young in 2024). She has already been training with the best national hopefuls in the GB Pathways Squad in Sheffield, and intends to resume the qualification process later this year. “Nationals in September, hopefully, then the Box Cup, which I have to win for the third year running to retain my title. ” Unknowingly echoing the story Heidi told me earlier, Ruby finished “I really want to win an Olympic title,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted to get gold at the Olympics.”

Then-12yr old Ruby was judged purely on skill and technique to win Gold at the biggest female amateur championship in Europe early last year, and went on to defeat the reigning European champion last March, just before the Covid-19 pandemic stalled her progress.

by Tracie Beardsley

NEWS

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

Bridge Over Troubled... Railings They are a familiar, ugly site to everyone driving into Sturminster Newton. Erected as a temporary safety measure in August 2019, it looks like the orange railings eyesore surrounding Sturminster Newton Town Bridge could stay in place for as long as another year. The proposed engineering project to protect the crucial A357 and restore the river banks to their former glory is proving to be a massive undertaking. The slope between Sturminster Newton Town Mill and the town bridge has been shifting for many years. The footway has been repeatedly patched and repaired, but by 2019 the movement had become too great and it was decided that a more permanent solution was required to protect the highway.

A temporary solution using gabions to make the footway useable failed when it started to move before the temporary works were completed. This was exacerbated by the high river levels that winter. Jill Barry, Engineer at Dorset Council Highways explains: “This is a major project, and whilst I appreciate that it may look as if no progress has been made since August 2019 because no work has taken place on site, feasibility work on the permanent solution has been underway since then. There has been a lot of information gathering and activity taking place behind the scenes towards designing the permanent embankment remediation. “This is quite a complicated failure, and the engineering solution required will involve major works and permissions from other agencies, so it’s important that all the work being done now - which forms the basis of the project - is completed.

“I appreciate that to the outside world it appears that nothing has been done for a year, but in fact nothing could be further from the truth.” Dorset Council Councillor, Carole Jones, a Sturminster Newton resident who looks out onto the ugly protective barriers, has been pushing for them to be changed to something more in keeping with the beautiful Grade 1 listed bridge. She says: “A local firm did offer to erect timber fencing along the stretch but that’s not possible because of slippage. If there was a way of having something other than those awful plastic railings, we would leap for joy. I know how unhappy residents and local businesses are about the look of them.” Jill Crouch explains: “Due to the small but continuous movement of the footway and the post Always free - subscribe here

NEWS

by Tracie Beardsley holes, it’s not been possible to erect an all-timber fence, as it would need to be repaired on a very regular basis, whilst also possibly being a hazard. Other options would probably look worse and would require more maintenance. I have asked if the orange barriers could be changed for some of the newer blue ones as they would be less visually intrusive.” It would seem the only other option at present is for these different coloured plastic barriers to be erected. Jill Crouch: “As a highway authority the safety of the travelling public is our primary consideration and aesthetics are very secondary.” Councillor Jones adds:

“The unsightly barriers are a pain but I don’t think people fully appreciate just what is involved in getting this restoration work done.

Sturminster Newton‘s approach in the 1920s, with the original knee-high white post and railing. Image: a postcard from the Barry Cuff collection.

I’m in constant touch with the Council about this - there’s about thirty people working on the project, which involves the Environment Agency, the Pitt Rivers estate and the Highways division. We will also need an external engineering company to work in partnership with the council.” There’s the added complication that restoration work cannot be carried out when fish are spawning or when water levels are high, in order to not impact on the river. Highways told the digital Blackmore Vale they are currently gathering together all the information about the slope

ahead of getting the permissions necessary for a full ground investigation which will be the first sign to local people that work is taking place. They’re also in the process of drawing up a programme of works and, when complete, consultation with the Town Council will begin. The project is likely to cost in the region of £400,000. Chair of Sturminster Newton Town Council, Councillor Charles Fraser said: “The feeling from the public at our last town council meeting was very much that our community are now resigned to the fact that these barriers are here to stay for much longer than originally intended.”

The Grade 1 listed Sturminster Newton bridge is impacted by the ‘temporary’ orange railings that have been present since 2019. Image - Cllr Carole Jones

NEWS *Over 10,000 people saw this wonderful story on our Facebook page last week - and 40-odd people shared it on, so who knows how far it has actually spread. But of course many people aren’t on Facebook, so we wanted to share it in here too - it is, however, the same as the Facebook post, so feel free to skip if you’ve already seen it. Or, of course, re-read it, and feel that warm happy feeling all over again - Ed.

It was a horribly familiar hot sinking feeling as Carla Charalambides was told in the Blandford branch of Clarks Shoes that the voucher she was using to buy her daughter’s shoes was declined – but two year old Caitlin did not understand why she had to leave her beloved new ‘princess shoes’ behind. “She’s usually such a happy girl” said Carla “but when I told her we had to leave without the new shoes she was SO upset. I’d honestly never seen her react this way. And then of course I started crying… thank goodness for masks, it was just all so embarrassing.

“I thrust the shoes onto the side, mumbled a thank you to Amelia and left as fast as I could.” A public toddler tantrum is tricky for any parent to cope with. But for Carla, watching Caitlin get upset is far more worrying. In December 2019, a then1yr-old Caitlin had six seizures in twenty four hours. After a battery of tests they discovered she has a mass on her brain. For now, she has a diagnosis of epilepsy, as they wait to see how her health (and the mass) develop. “She has drugs to control the

Amelia, the Blandford Forum Clarks Manager, fitting Caitlin’s shiny new ‘princess shoes.

epilepsy, which do affect her mood. But if she gets too upset, it can trigger an Emotive Seizure. It’s a difficult line to manage with a toddler!” says Carla. Carla acknowledged that she was trying to use a voucher provided by the Family Fund, the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Carla is desperately trying to move accommodation; she told the digital BV her current home ‘isn’t great’; “Damp and mould had ruined Caitlin’s clothes, and the Family Fund were so generous, they sent me £200 in vouchers to buy her some new clothes and shoes that fitted. But the till didn’t recognise it. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. But obviously Caitlin didn’t understand. The new shoes weren’t just the prettiest she’s ever had; when she’d been fitted they were two sizes bigger than her old ones. I think they just felt so comfortable, and she couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t let her wear them.

“But… I just don’t have £22 in the bank to pay for them myself.” Carla said quietly. “Later that day, my sister in law called to ask if I’d seen I was being looked for on Facebook. I couldn’t believe it – and there I was crying again!” Amelia Morris, the Clarks branch manager in Blandford had felt sad for the young mum, and wanted to gift Caitlin her princess shoes. “Honestly, life can be hard.” she said “We need to help each other when we can. I’m glad I could put a smile on both their faces” Thanks to the power of the local Blandford Facebook community, Carla was swiftly tracked down, and just a day later, Caitlin received her shoes (and has barely taken them off since). “I can’t ever thank Amelia enough.” said Carla “I know she has said it was a small thing to do, but it honestly has meant the world to me. It made such a huge difference. I had to share the story, share what an absolute angel she is.” Always free - subscribe here

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by Tracie Beardsley

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dorset Welcomes Back Its Coffee Culture Before lockdown, on average we were buying three drinks from a coffee shop each week, spending over £10 billion in coffee shops yearly

(most of that contributed by the digital BV team when they’re on a deadline! - Ed). So, is our county of coffee loving connoisseurs, deprived of our café caffeine kick during lockdown, heading back to our favourite coffee houses or are we still in hiding? Fuelled with a flat white, BV went to find out. Julie Harris, owner of The Black Cactus in Blandford, told us her reopening on 12th April was positive. “Luckily, we have some green space so people really enjoyed finally meeting friends again, so lots of happy customers. People just seem to be happy to be out and treating themselves to great barista coffee and yummy cakes.” Like many coffee houses, Oliver’s in Sherborne, is still operating reduced hours. Director Jane Wood says it’s definitely busier now customers can sit down.

Young entrepreneurs Emily and James Delport-King got the keys to Seasons of Shaftesbury in November 2020, and have been open merely twenty-six days of the last six months

“We’re hoping the next step when customers can sit inside will bring things much closer to normal.” Young entrepreneurs Emily and James Delport-King got the keys to Seasons of Shaftesbury in November 2020.

They have been open merely twenty-six days of those six months. “The unpredictability in our first few months was tough. People have called us ‘crazy’, ‘mad’ and ‘brave’ for opening a business in the pandemic. We would both do it again in an instant - we won’t let the pandemic stop us! “We’ve been blessed with lovely weather and the opportunity to have outside seating while the High Street is closed. We’re thrilled with how busy we’ve been and seeing so many friendly faces returning.”

Covid guidelines mean it’s not just about booting up the coffee machine and turning the sign to ‘Open’ again. Behind-the-scenes efforts have included major menu rethinks, new equipment and lots of PPE. “It’s been a huge learning curve that has been ever-changing. With each change to Covid rules, we’ve had to re-invent ourselves. This has meant financial investment to change the setup,” explains Julie Harris. Jane Wood agrees:

“At the moment it feels like I’m having to relearn my job after nine years. It’s been hard constantly adapting to new rules and regulations and constantly explaining them to customers.” Always free - subscribe here

COMMUNITY NEWS

And do these small independents feel they have been supported by the government and, closer to home, local councils? Jane Wood feels help could have been better co-ordinated. “The restart grant would have been more helpful if we’d had it before we reopened instead of two weeks later. Sherborne Chamber and Sherborne Indies have been circulating useful information but otherwise we’ve had to dig for help we need.” Julie Harris: “The government responded quickly and the process was clear to follow. Due to being able to open for takeaway and with such great support from Blandford folk, we didn’t need to furlough the team but kept them all employed on slightly shorter hours. We’ve had great support from our landlord and he understood the difficulties we faced with a reduced income.” As new business owners, Emily and James were unsure of what support they would receive but told us the communication and

advice from Dorset Council and Shaftesbury Town Council was valuable and members of the Town Council were “great at advising what to do.”

Black Cactus in Blandford is fortunate to have outdoor seating areas.

And how are we, the customers, behaving? Seasons of Shaftesbury have the NHS Track and Trace QR code stuck to every table outside, as well as on their café door. “If customers don’t have the app, we have slips available to fill out their details. Our customers have been really good at cooperating and so far we’ve not had to refuse anyone service.” Jane Wood at Oliver’s agrees: “Most people are pretty good at

Oliver’s in Sherborne. Owner Jane Wood is looking forward to when people can also enjoy a drink inside her coffee house

Track and Trace, although we’ve had a few people think they don’t need to do it because they’ve had both vaccines.” “The priority all the time is the safety of our staff, who can be anxious about working with the public and with other staff,” says Julie Harris. “Black Cactus has an amazing team and we’re constantly adapting to create a safe environment for them and the customers. It’s been constant brainstorming to survive. The positive feeling in the town is that we’re all in this together and we give each other confidence to survive. We’ll get through this. We look forward to a new normal.”

We’ll all drink a cappuccino to that! 11

by Tracie Beardsley

COMMUNITY NEWS

Charity Struggles Because It’s Not ‘Pink and Fluffy’ A Dorset charity is struggling to get noticed because, in the words of its Vice Chair, “it’s not pink and fluffy”. Friends of Guys Marsh, (FOGM), is appealing for volunteers to help support prisoners at HMP Guys Marsh, near Shaftesbury, to improve their chances of going straight on the outside, but not getting much repsonse. FOGM works closely with the category C training prison, regarded as one of best in the south west for rehabilitating prisoners and reducing reoffending. The charity was started in 2004, brainchild of Roberta (Bobbie) Primrose from Marnhull, now in her 80’s, who has just stepped down from an active role. Vice Chair Steve Penson explains: “These men are inside for a good reason - we never deny that. But for many, a prison sentence really starts when they get out. Ex-offenders often have nowhere to go when they’ve done their time. “They leave hopeless and homeless, returning to the cycle that sees them end up in prison again. That’s no good for them, our community or the taxpayer.” The average annual cost per prisoner is £32,215 and the

re-offending rate is shockingly expensive - an estimated £9£13 billion each year. FOGM supports prisoners who actively seek to change their lives, working with those who say: “I’ve made a massive mistake with my life. I want to change and make a difference when I get out of prison.” Ex-offender Sobanan, who spent 18 months in Guys Marsh, recalls: “FOGM helped me see that I mattered as a prisoner; that people existed who wanted to give back to those who wouldn’t be able to do anything for them. They contributed compassion and a positive environment in a harsh place.” FOGM support the prison with many initiatives. During the height of the pandemic,

prisoners wanted to make scrubs but there was only one old sewing machine between 400 men. After an appeal via FOGM’s network, 25 sewing machines were donated. PPE was supplied to NHS Trusts and a contract was awarded from Yeovil hospital. “The men felt they were helping their families on the outside,” says Steve Penson. The prison has now set up a textile workshop so prisoners can be tutored in a new life skill. The prison has an aptly called Jail House Café, where prisoners gain catering qualifications. Woodworking skills are taught and picnic tables and bird boxes are sold at local country shows with profits going to support FOGM’s work. Always free - subscribe here

by Tracie Beardsley

Lockdown has literally meant just that for Guys Marsh inmates – sometimes 23 hours in a cell.

To alleviate boredom and connect with home, FOGM funded exotic backdrops for fun selfies. These were made into postcards home - much nicer for children to see their dads in a beach scene rather than against a prison wall. Family support is the crux of rehabilitation. FOGM have funded a play-worker who looks after children when families can visit. Books written by children with parents in prison have been bought so visiting children understand they’re not alone in having a dad in prison.

FOGM treasurer Ann Davis-Penson “If we can keep the family nucleus together, there’s a strong possibility that a man won’t reoffend.” And when the prisoners leave? Ann Davis-Penson explains: “Prisoners can leave in the very

COMMUNITY NEWS

clothes they came in wearing.

“Standing on Gillingham station in a pair of pyjamas and your belongings in a bin bag doesn’t inspire a new start” “So we fund clothing. Trousers and shoes that fit go a long way in giving back some dignity. We also provide a leaver’s bag with a month’s supply of toiletries.” Tracy Harrison, prison Head of Reducing Reoffending & Drug Strategy, believes FOGM really makes a difference: “FOGM is dedicated to providing support through the gate, encouraging men to reduce reoffending by offering employment and resettlement support. They’ve helped to reduce stress and boredom during the pandemic restrictions through in-cell activities such as juggling and providing Dragon’s Den style business packs to motivate men to consider their future.” For some, future on the outside is rosier thanks to FOGM.

Success stories include an ex-offender who now works for Channel 4 after learning filmmaking whilst inside. A 15-year timer is now a yoga instructor and one has been approached by the Ministry of Justice to advise on prison rehabilitation. Join FOGM with an annual donation of £10 or by volunteering. Steve Penson: “Small things really make a difference. Even if you can only spare a few hours to make tea for visitors, we’d love to hear from you. FOGMvicechair@outlook.com

NEWS

1,000yr old Ansty Has a May Queen Again

The first day of May once again brought a new May Queen to the village of Ansty, near Tisbury, this year. Due to the recent easing of Covid restrictions, the village was able to reinstate its long-standing annual tradition and crown its May Queen on the 1st May after being unable to do so last year. 10 year old Alice Morgan, who lives in the village, was crowned last Saturday by Mark Lloyd, the Master of Ceremonies, who remained socially distanced throughout, at the Maypole in the centre of the village.

Ansty and its Maypole date back approximately 1000 years, and its May Day celebrations are reputed to go back to Pagan times to mark the coming of Spring.

10yr old Ansty resident Alice Morgan is crowned the May Queen by Master of Ceremonies Mark Lloyd, beside the traditionally decorated Maypole.

Except for a period between 1644 and 1660, when the Puritans had the May Pole removed, this gathering has continued every year since until, of course, COVID stopped the May Day celebrations in 2020. In 1982 the 98ft high pole, reputed to be the highest in England, was put up. It was blown down in a gale in the winter of 1993, and the replacement currently standing is ‘only’ 50 foot tall.

Although there could be no villagers present, and the maypole dancing seen in previous years could not proceed in current restrictions, Alice had her brother George in attendance - himself a previous May King - along with her parents. In the absence of the Morris Men, Alice’s parents lifted her as part of the traditional celebrations. It is hoped that the traditional May Day celebrations will resume in full next year.

The long-standing tradition aims to ensures fertility for the forthcoming year. The Arundells of Wardour are believed to have erected a May Pole from Wardour Wood, using it as a meeting place for the tenants of the estate to bring their children on 1st of May.

(BBC footage from the 2015 Ansty May Day)

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Harry Clarke’s depiction of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary - a portrait of Roma Spencer-Smith - with the Madonna and child in the centre. The child is an image of Roma & Drummond’s toddler son. On the right is a portrait of Harry Clarke’s own wife, representing Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen. Image: Rachael Rowe

Deco Artist’s Poignant Masterpiece Tells Tragic Tale of Loss in Stur The jewelled colours of St Elizabeth of Hungary sparkle in the late afternoon sunlight. Her flaming red hair and the sight of the Madonna flanked by two women in the stained glass window would have been a dramatic sight for the Sturminster Newton parishioners in 1921.

posted to New Zealand as Aide De Camp to the GovernorGeneral. It was in New Zealand that he met Roma Hope, a beautiful red-headed girl from Timaru on South Island. They became engaged, married in London in 1915 and moved to Sturminster Newton.

A century later, elements of the story behind this rare Art Deco memorial window resonate with the current pandemic and the sacrifice made by people across the world.

The couple had been married just three years, of which Drummond spent most of the time serving in World War One. Roma left an elevenmonth-old son.

The Spencer Smith family lived in Sturminster Newton. Drummond Cospatric Spencer-Smith was an officer in the Royal Artillery,

During the First World War, Roma worked as a nurse at St Thomas Hospital in London. Tragically, she died on 12 November 1918 during the flu pandemic, aged 28, and the day after the armistice.

by Rachael Rowe A devastated Sir Drummond Spencer-Smith commissioned a memorial stained glass window for Sturminster Newton.

Harry Clarke was an awardwinning stained glass artist and book illustrator from Ireland and a strict catholic. He had studied in Chartres, and the rich colours used in his work are a result of the influence the cathedral windows had on him. His work was considered bizarre by many but was strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.

We don’t know why Harry Clarke accepted the commission for Sir Drummond Spencer Smith. Was it a shared sense of compassion for the prolific global loss in the 1918 Flu Pandemic? Always free - subscribe here

by Rachael Rowe

Or, was he an admirer of the suffragette and first woman stained glass artist, Mary Lowndes from Sturminster Newton,

whose work also features in St Mary’s Church? Clarke had rented a studio from the Lowndes & Drury’s workshop in Chelsea, so it is highly likely the two artists were acquainted. Harry Clarke used an art deco design for the window which featured three female saints of equal height. It was unusual as the Madonna is usually alone, or placed above other characters. Harry worked on the glass himself and completed it in May 1921, signing the panel. Apart from being a masterpiece, the more you look at the window, the more there is to see. The Madonna and child in the central panel represent the Virgin Mary and the memorial to Roma Spencer Smith. The baby is a portrait of Roma’s child. The red-haired woman in Art Deco clothing on the left is

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary who is the patron saint of nurses and represents Roma’s profession. The portrait in the glass was taken from one of Roma herself. On the right is Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen, representative of Drummond SpencerSmith. Saint Barbara is based on a portrait of Harry Clarke’s wife. Clarke signed the window in the bottom right-hand corner.

The full Harry Clarke window in St Mary’s Sturminster Newton Image: Rachael Rowe

This window in St Mary’s is the only window Harry Clarke made for an Anglican church. It is the detail that makes this window so compelling and poignant. The Fortuny style robes and art deco shoes, the vibrant rich colours reflecting the light, and the Celtic chevrons on Madonna’s robe. The scene below the central figure is of shepherds watching their flocks but the location is on Purbeck.

It is a masterpiece that is all the more poignant in its centenary year as we live through the impact of the global pandemic. St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton has limited visiting due to COVID restrictions. The website gives details of opening.

When Harry Clarke finished it he wrote to a friend, Thomas Bodkin, saying: “It’s good I think.” Image: Rachael Rowe

It’s more than just good.

DORSET ART WEEKS returns this year in a slightly different form. “After the extraordinary eighteen months we have all experienced artists and makers are looking forward to showing work that has been made during this time of lockdown and Coronavirus. Many artists have been unable to travel even to their studios. Some have made work in direct response to the pandemic, whereas others have continued their practice

without referencing current affairs. The brochure is online this year, allowing participants to adjust their opening times accoring to government guidelines on opening venues as they happen. Do click through and explore it and plan your visits. Some artists have the usual open studio, others require booked appointments, and some are showing their work online; do check before you visit.”

We spoke to our own Art Correspondent Edwina Baines, and the following are her personal tips on local studios you should try not to miss (click the pics to see more):

(BLANDFORD) Alongside British and overseas wildlife will be Jake’s Horse Racing and Venice scenes, with paintings inspired by the colours

of Africa and subjects nearer to home too. Known for his distinctive, dramatic watercolours bursting

with light and energy, and the engaging eye contact of the subject. Venue 44 here Always free - subscribe here

POLITICS

(CHILD OKEFORD) Landscapes in oils and watercolour, mostly painted en plein air. Venue 185 here

(IWERNE MINSTER) Dramatic Seascapes in oils and acrylics. With an established reputation as a leading seascape painter, I concentrate on the dramatic, atmospheric and often romantic nature of the sea. Venue 5 here.

(HINTON ST MARY) Katie is an award-winning artist specializing in equestrian and landscape themed oil paintings and drawings. She has a distinctive style, blending of strong drawing technique with expressionist feel for movement. Venue 58 here

(BLANDFORD) Bryanston School opens its art studio to the public for the first time. A large and successful art department with some internationally recognised artists as ex-students. The staff nurturing this talent are all practising artists in their own right working within several disciplines. Venue 74 here

(LONGBURTON) Established Dorset Makers Liz Walsh and Victoria Jardine have teamed up with portrait and lifestyle photographer Katharine Davies and figurative painter, Rebecca Stanley, to produce an artfully woven display of willow sculpture, studio ceramics, portraiture and still life. Venue 48 here

(CHESELBOURNE) A collective of artists exhibiting: Jane Chapman - Childrens’ Illustration & Printmaking Colin Robert Davis - Mosaic Art (mosaic owl in image) Gail Davies - Ceramic Forms Bethan Venn - Textiles Noah Warnes - Painting, Printmaking Unwind in our beautiful venue. Venue 10 here

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(nr BLANDFORD) Jane specialises in wild-life and animal sculptures for the home and garden. The exhibition will enable you to see some of her work, including recent commissions and drawings, and also visit the garden where her large-scale pieces will be shown. Venue 46 here

(nr BLANDFORD) Polly’s latest thrown and hand-built porcelain collection features a range of contemporary, elegant pieces decorated with organic materials found on wild walks in the Dorset countryside. Venue 46 here

(COMPTON ABBAS) ‘Our House Is On Fire’ Devastation to the Natural world is increasingly evident even in ‘this small corner of Dorset’, and are but a small reflection of what is happening to our home, Mother Earth. My recent work seeks to balance this reality with delight and wonder that Nature gives so generously. Venue 15 here

(BLANDFORD)

(LONGBURTON)

(STALBRIDGE)

‘Drawing on Dorset’ A mixed exhibition of selected drawings made, ‘in’, ‘of’, and ‘about’, Dorset - all of which celebrate a breadth of drawing practice, made in response to the creative stimulus of Dorset itself. This exhibition is of work featured in Drawing on Dorset, a book published in 2019.

Rachel’s evocative paintings and prints are full of light, shadows and the elements. They chart her walks along tracks, rivers and coastlines. Sharing her venue is Emsie Sharp - unique handblown glass reflecting her love of colour and technique. One off pieces and a variety of tableware.

The Gugg has full time art and craft galleries, a year round workshop and talks programme, artists studios and associated social events. For DAW we will be opening our studios, showcasing our gallery artists and talking about our work.

Venue 93 here

Venue 94 here

Venue 71 here

Victoria Young Jamieson - victoriayj.com - 07833 475 342 Molecula Modern Design - molecula.co.uk - 07810 000 097

Old Yarn Mills Sherborne Dorset, DT9 3RQ

VENUE 230 11AM - 4PM MON - SAT

CONTEMPORARY ART • 20TH CENTURY DESIGN • PERIOD LIGHTING • POTTERY • ANTIQUES • HOMEWARES

Beth Wood – Artist

Coastal views, Original Oil Paintings

Your holiday memories in oils

The ideal gift for a loved one or for you For more information, contact Beth through the following: Mobile/WhatsApp: 07384 646506 e-mail: bethwoodartist@gmail.com Website: bethwoodartist.com

OBITUARY

In Memory of Robert Frith It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Frith announce his sudden and untimely death. “A wonderful family man and successful businessman, a man of great humour, integrity and loyalty, Robert had an enormous passion for life and lived life to the full until his last breath.” Robert was born in Whitton Middlesex when the first doodlebugs fell in June 1944. With his parents George and Doris and older brothers, Brian and Michael, he spent his formative years growing up in Twickenham. Robert attended Chiswick Grammar School followed by studying Optometry at City University, London. At an early age, Robert (or Bob as he was known to many of his friends) demonstrated an interest and prowess on the athletics track.

He became an active member of Kingston ‘Poly’ Harriers, going on to represent his country in the 100 metre sprint and relay at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. His many accolades included winning the 60m silver medal at the 1968 European Games in Madrid and the Bronze in 1969 in Belgrade. He held the world record for 50 metres and was four times National AAA champion over 60 metres.

Robert Montague Frith 16th June 1944 – 11th April 2021

Whilst still at university Robert met Christine, a nurse - they married and set up home in Twickenham. It was here that Robert opened his first independent Optical practice with Mum Doris as Receptionist. Whilst living in Twickenham Robert and Christine’s three children were born, Adam, Zara and Abigail. In 1977 the family relocated to Dorset, and it was the pretty village of Marnhull that Robert affectionately called home for the rest of his life. In 1981 Optometrist Robert embarked on achieving his dream of opening optical practices across Dorset and the South West. Maintaining Twickenham as the first flagship practice he went on to develop a strong network of independent Optometrist businesses, the first opening at Goldhill, Shaftesbury.

Currently, with Twickenham there are twelve Frith Opticians practices. Robert was a man of many talents and interests. Beyond running a chain of Optometrist practices his dynamic entrepreneurship went further. When visiting his daughter Abbi in South Africa, an initial hobby creating homemade wine became an opportunity for Robert to develop a guava orchard into a vineyard. The result? Award-winning wine, with gold achieved at The London International Wine Fair and 5 stars in Platter’s South African Wine Guide. At home in Marnhull Robert spent much of his spare time in his garden, producing beautiful roses and plentiful fruit and vegetables. He was a renowned exhibitor at both the Marnhull Always free - subscribe here

OBITUARY Robert Frith represented England in the 100 metre sprint and relay at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, and he held the world record for 50 metres.

and Shaftesbury and Gillingham Shows, with many cups and Awards. Latterly he proudly supported the Shaftesbury and Gillingham Show as a wine judge. After his successful athletics career, Robert dusted down his running shoes and from 2003 – 2005 he completed three marathons; New York and two in London, achieving a personal best in 4 hours 41 minutes at the 2005 London marathon. His brilliant effort raised an incredible £20,000 for sight related charities. Robert lost his wife Christine to cancer in 2009 after 40 years of happy marriage. He later found happiness again with his partner Sue. Robert is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, Sue and her daughter Sophia. Robert will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him, professionally and personally.

“He was a force of life that will never be recovered.” Following his sudden death Robert’s wish to donate organs has been respected and, as was fitting for someone whose professional life was all about improving and aiding eyesight, his corneas have been donated so that someone else can see.

Covid rules. Anyone wishing to remember Robert is welcome to be present outside in the church grounds and locality. Family flowers only, but Robert can be remembered by visiting the ‘Just Giving’ Website: bit.ly/robertbench set up in his memory to raise money for charities and causes close to his heart.

A fitting tribute to a man who always did whatever he could to help and support others. Robert’s funeral will be held at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull on Friday 21st May at midday. The funeral service will be in accordance with

In the early 2000’s Robert completed three marathons, achieving a personal best in 4 hours 41 minutes at the 2005 London marathon

RURAL MATTERS

Why You SHOULD Object To A Giant Solar Farm In The Blackmore Vale A planning application has been submitted to cover 190 acres of productive farmland with a giant solar power station, sited between Hazelbury Bryan, Mappowder and Pulham. BSR Energy’s planned development lies in the beautiful heart of Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore ‘Vale of the Little Dairies’. Whilst North Dorset CPRE (NDCPRE) accepts the need for solar energy given the climate emergency, and has not objected to the majority of new solar proposals, it is felt that

“an industrial development of this size, which is over a mile long, is totally inappropriate.” Even the developer’s consultant describes the landscape as “remote and tranquil… a unique mosaic of woods, straight hedgerows and grassland fields dotted with distinct mature hedgerow oaks”. NDCPRE favours small community-led solar farms with a maximum capacity of 5 MW that can be well-screened from surrounding view points. This is neither. The government’s clear focus is on cheap offshore windpower rather than expensive solar. Image: Document 1641-0201-01 Iss10 Planning Layout (Site Plan)

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RURAL MATTERS

Key Concerns: •

This site is within the setting of the most beautiful northerly part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and will be visible from several cherished viewpoints, including Woolland Hill car park and much of the Wessex Ridgeway long distance path. A report commissioned by Dorset County Council in 2016 stated: “the environment is Dorset’s greatest economic asset” and with the expected increase in tourism caused by Covid, there will be ever greater numbers visiting North Dorset. It is the far reaching views from various points along the Ridgeway which give the Dorset AONB its unique character but this development will blight that unspoiled landscape for at least 35 years.

•

Close to the site, and within it, are many footpaths and bridleways, including part of the Hardy Way. This will impact on the amenity of the hundreds of local residents who live nearby, and visitors.

•

Adverse impact on heritage assets is likely with the Hazelbury Bryan Conservation Area nearby, while the damage to cultural heritage is incalculable given the significance of this part of the Blackmore Vale to Hardy’s writing. BSR’s environmental Consultant notes an important archaeological site with the potential for the presence of archaeological remains in the northernmost field, and it is likely that any buried artefacts will be damaged by the driving in of 2m piles.

•

Other concerns include flooding, as the river Lydden flows close by the site, and access. There will be over 22 HGV lorry movements per day on a narrow track bordered by protected oak trees for a period of many months, and it is inevitable that damage will occur. There are numerous protected species onsite, such as Great Crested Newts, so there are ecological concerns too.

For more information on application P/FUL/2021/01018 visit www.savehardysvale.com Please object to save this precious site! Catherine Langham, North Dorset CPRE

View from the planned site of the Solar Power Station looking South towards Ball Hill. Image: Catherine Langham

POLITICS

Random Thoughts by Simon Hoare MP

As I sit here, for the first time, I’m tempted to say ever, I’m faced with writers’ block. We are all fed up to the gills with Covid in as much as it has become part of our daily lives and, because of the strange times in which we are living, there is no one major political theme or story dominating. So, this month I thought I would provide just some pithy, perhaps comment-inducing observations as a series of bullet points. But first, let me just remind you that if you are North Dorset constituent in need of help or advice I am available via email – simon.hoare.mp@ parliament.uk or 01258 452585. We are continuing to run virtual Advice Surgery with a choice of telephone or Zoom/Teams. Please just shout if you need anything. So here are the unconnected random snippets: • We must direct a lot of our energy and Overseas Aid resourcing to help countries who need it to vaccinate their people as India is painfully demonstrating. There is no point, and certainly no benefit to the UK, to have huge numbers of our fellow man, and their countries, on perpetual Red Lists with some sort of Pariah Status. The World Health Organisation must take

a lead in co-ordinating this and provide, when the breathing space to do so is created, to produce better international plans for dealing with future Pandemics. Covid caught the world off its guard. It cannot happen again; • Another big ‘shout out’ to our educators and school support staff. My three daughters are just so happy to be back in a classroom and with their friends. The vigorous safeguarding and protections I have seen in place has meant that a return to school for all has not meant a rise in infection rates; • A cheer of encouragement to our high streets, who with ingenuity, pluck and doggedness have ridden the lockdown wave and are now open. This week, I was jolted by the surprise as to how much I had missed mooching around a book shop. Let us remind ourselves that our shops are open and use them; • The proposals of Dorset Council for the future of St Mary’s Shaftesbury has my full and active support. Access to specialised packages of education and support for children with disabilities has been a common issue in my postbag. The Council provided great foresight in purchasing the site (even when the local government purse is under pressure). It was the right thing to do and will provide first class opportunities for those across

the County who need it. It also has the promise of being a national beacon of excellence and innovator of best practice. I cannot overemphasise how overjoyed we should all be by what is being considered; • My daughters and I have been helping out friends over recent weeks with their lambing. There are highs and lows and the persistent frosts haven’t helped. As new life thrives and occasionally dies (the ravages of fox and crow should really be seen by all) it is always a timely reminder as to the challenges of livestock farming and how much we owe our farming community; • Perhaps it’s because I’m Welsh but football has never really been my thing. If someone could explain to me in simple terms the recent ESL football saga I’d be obliged (email address below). To follow my latest news in the constituency and Parliament you can follow me on Twitter @Simon4NDorset; Facebook is Fb.com/ simonhoarenorthdorset; or my website is at simonhoare.org. uk. Or you can email me direct on simon.hoare.mp@parliament. uk

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LOCAL POLITICS The black marks outline the extent of the site of the planned BSR solar plant, as viewed from Nettlecombe Tout

A Giant Solar Farm

from Mappowder’s Parish Chairman, David Horrell This month we broke the rules, and have two stories on the same subject - the CPRE choose their own column, and we exist to give a voice to local communities on important issues, so I gave this space to David too - Ed

British Solar Renewables (BSR) have applied to Dorset Council for planning permission to cover 190 acres of productive farmland with solar panels at North Dairy Farm, near the villages of Mappowder, Hazelbury Bryan and Pulham in the beautiful and historic Blackmore Vale, North Dorset. It would cover an area eight times bigger than the Conservation Area of Hazelbury Bryan – over one mile long and ¾ of a mile wide. Save Hardy’s Vale (SHV) is a community group opposing the plan. Co-ordinating the widespread cross-party opposition to the application is Mappowder’s Parish Chairman, David Horrell. David says, “many in the community are making it very clear how much they value our

highly protected countryside and historic landscape. The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which overlooks the proposed site, is given the highest levels of protection in Dorset Council’s plans”. The numerous uninterrupted panoramic views from public roads, footpaths and bridleways which run through the site and along the escarpments above the Vale would suffer significant visual harm.

The industrial-sized electricity generation plant would include 9.5 kilometres of perimeter internal security fence, about 120, 6-metre-high camera posts, 33 inverter containers, and an electricity substation. Protesters believe it would cause significant visual harm to the setting of the nationally protected AONB, the Conservation Areas of Mappowder and Hazelbury Bryan and many listed buildings.

The site is surrounded by the catchment area and flood zones of the River Lydden and Wonston Brook, where flash floods and surface flooding often close the roads without warning. David said “the SHV community, like Dorset Council, fully supports the vital switch to green, low carbon energy. We are very pleased that the Prime Minister announced that offshore wind turbines will provide the green energy needs of all homes in the country by 2030. We do not need to desecrate Hardy’s Vale to combat climate change when we will get all the green energy we need.” Energy schemes approved by organisations such as the Green Party and the CPRE include photovoltaic panels on roofs and brownfield sites, saving on transmission costs by being near main roads and close to where the generated energy is needed. “We shouldn’t be covering productive farmland or harming highly valued Conservation Areas and protected landscapes” says David “especially in the astonishingly beautiful countryside of North Dorset, which a report commissioned by Dorset Council called: ‘Dorset’s greatest economic asset’.

POLICE

Voice of the Blue Light: Gillingham Town Rural Neighbourhood Team

Monthly news from the North Dorset Police Team. This month Gillingham’s PCSO Nicky Fear 5380

In recent weeks the team have dealt with various incidents such as acting on information received by the public concerning drugs at a property.

This property was attended and an amount of drugs seized and the occupants are currently being dealt with. We have also received reports of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) at varying locations in Gillingham, one location was the old Football stands at Harding’s lane where damage had also been caused. With the help of CCTV and regular patrols we have identified those involved and are in the process of dealing with them through our Youth Justice System. Regular patrols by NPT officers and our colleagues along with the outreach Youth service has reduced ASB in other areas. NPT have issued letters to parents of those found causing ASB and there is a process in place if the person becomes a repeat offender. We also had reports of shed breaks where garden tools and equipment has been taken. At this time of year many people are servicing garden equipment in readiness for the summer. Thieves are aware of this and have targeted sheds where the items are stored. If you are offered cheap garden tools or equipment please stop and think

about where it might be from, and if you have any concerns contact Police on 101 or via their website or alternatively crimestoppers. If you require any advice on shed security, please contact your local team who would be happy to help. Public engagement has been suspended due to Covid but the Gillingham Team have managed to keep in contact online with various youth groups such as the cubs, Beavers and Brownies. We have also kept regular contact online with the local council traffic management team and outreach service. Another issue due to Covid is there has been an increase in online scams which is a big concern as those affected are often living alone with no support. If you think a family member/friend or neighbour has been a victim of a scam please contact Police. The golden message is NOT TO GIVE OUT PERSONAL DETAILS OVER THE PHONE to whoever or whatever they claim to be. If in doubt hang up and make checks yourself using genuine numbers. This time of year we expect an increase in doorstep traders who will cold call offering to do garden or property repairs that often do not need doing. Our advice is to not deal with anyone offering services on the doorstep, and get recommendations from family or

friends of reputable traders. You have rights and should obtain quotes for any work you intend to have done. If you require any more information contact Trading Standards who will offer advice and guidance on this subject. As the daylight hours become longer and the nights become shorter we all like to enjoy our countryside and open spaces so please stay safe and well.

LATEST ALERT: The County is experiencing a series of Catalytic converters thefts. Thieves are cutting the catalytic converters from parked cars; in particular Honda Jazz and CRV models. Please consider where you park your car and be vigilant and suspicious of anyone seen around or under any cars. These thieves are quick so please report any suspicious activity to Police. Gillingham & Shaftesbury latest priorities can be found here.

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Rosie’s 100 laps for Captain Tom Foundation and Gillingham Medical Practice Gillingham Health Champion Rosie Thompson - a retired PE Teacher from Gillingham High School - walked 100 laps of the Peacemarsh Surgery car park on 1st May to raise money for the Captain Tom Foundation and to recognise the work of Gillingham Medical Practice. Rosie completed the challenge in her usual style; dressed in NHS rainbow scrubs!

There were Rosie themed laps celebrating at including the end of lap ‘blindfolded’, 100, with the 2012 Olympic ‘Robot Rosie’, Torch. ‘dry land swimming’, cartwheels, Spitfire flypast and the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone lap’ amongst others! Rosie completed the 10.1 mile course in just over 3 hours and was cheered on by fellow Health Champions and Gillingham Medical Practice staff. Rosie said ‘’To complete the challenge holding a 2012 Olympic relay torch was the icing on the cake.

“Everyone’s kind words and thoughts really kept me going, along with the generosity of all donors to the Captain Tom Foundation – I’ve raised over £600 which is just awesome! Thanks to everyone involved: in the words of Captain Tom ‘Tomorrow Will Be a Better Day’. It’s not too late to donate - https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ RosieThompson55 is the link to Rosie’s fundraising page.

Rosie completing her Spitfire flypast lap, supported by her fellow Health Champions and Gillingham Medical Practice staff.

EDUCATION

Arrows On The Floor Sally Wilson, Headteacher of The Blandford School, shares the inside story of the past year

We never imagined the journey we had ahead of us when Covid-19 emerged last spring. The British are very good at ‘pulling together’ and this has been evidenced by the countless caring and kind emails we have received, as well as the wonderful offers of support we have had from the community. It has been a year of immense challenge but at the same time the resilience of the school community has been evident at every turn. Over the course of the first lockdown we worked closely with schools in the Blandford Schools’ Network, including Bryanston and Knighton House. The former supported us in the early days

with laptop provision and first aid assistance (which enabled us to open for keyworker children). Staff worked on a rota basis in school and commenced distance learning from their homes many of them had childcare to manage whilst they delivered lessons using Microsoft Teams for the first time. The lack of lead-in time meant although training on the use of Teams had started prior to lockdown, we were not in such a good position as many schools in the private sector.

The cost of Google Classroom had always been prohibitive for us and so we had not engaged in any distance learning options up to this point. It was a sharp learning curve for all of us, students, staff and parents!

Sally Wilson, Headteacher of The Blandford School, issued over 5,200 headteacher commendations

The latter part of lockdown in June 2020 included lessons in school for years 10 and 12, socially distanced.

By this point we were used to arrows on the floor, one-way systems and the use of facemasks. The pastoral and safeguarding support of all children across the school has been a major part of our work during Covid. Our school roll is approximately 1000, with 20% in receipt of pupil premium funding and at least 150 a year who see our student support worker for a variety of reasons. Close contact with students whether on or off-site has been essential in terms of their welfare and safeguarding.

Initiatives came thick and fast from staff and students. We made over 400 shields for local care homes, hospitals, community facilities and primary schools and produced enough face masks for all staff to have one.

Home schooling was a sharp learning curve for all of us, students, staff and parents!

Treasure Island was the brainchild of our Literacy Coordinator - over 40 staff were engaged in filming sections of the novel in their own homes or on ‘location’; the footage was viewed by our students during the first lockdown and children Always free - subscribe here

EDUCATION in the primary schools to help with transition. Year 6-7 transition looked rather different in July 2020. Instead of briefing parents and children in school we placed a video on our website which included a virtual tour, as well as holding numerous virtual meetings with incoming children and parents. Over 5,200 headteacher commendations were issued during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns to children of all abilities/all ages. Congratulations to them for their attitude, effort and perseverance.

August 2020 will forever be remembered as The Summer of Centre Assessed Grades, algorithms and an unfortunate lack of clear communication and decision making from central government. This was an exceptionally difficult time for our year 11 and 13 students who had been caught up in a muddle not of their making. The school re-opened on time in September 2020 with a host of new ways of operating - ‘external zones’, year group ‘bubbles’, facemasks, 14 escorted moves for all students in years 7-11 during the day (from zones to lessons and back again), social distancing in classrooms, no mixing of year groups at break or lunch and no extra-curricular

activities or trips. Virtual parents’ evenings were trialled and were a success. As a school we planned for another closure by upskilling students and staff on Teams, and we also continued to manage anxieties around the coronavirus within families.

The most challenging aspect of our new learning environment was the requirement for ventilation. Windows and doors were open all the time, and still are. October was very cold and we all donned extra layers. Children and staff were advised to wear coats in classroom if they wished! The school has had very few cases and no coronavirus community transmissions in school. The second lockdown commenced in January 2021 and both in-school provision and out-of-school provision has gone very well. There definitely is a weariness which was not there as much last time but staff have thrown themselves into their work with characteristic willingness and good humour. Approximately 96% of our students have been consistently engaged during this second lockdown which is a very high proportion of the school, and testament to teamwork and the amount of carer/parental support we have received.

We appreciate many families have found home schooling difficult and we commend them for working with us. We also appreciate some students will find it difficult returning into school after such a prolonged period and there will be significant support systems in place to look after them. The logistics of setting up the lateral flow testing regime at the start of the new year were immense but the team - which includes volunteer staff, Simon Hoare MP, an ex-GP, health workers and governors - have done a tremendous job.

Testing, teacher assessed grades, the support of year 11 and 13 whose public exams have been cancelled, and the quality delivery of face-to-face lessons have all been our focus over the last few weeks. We are looking forward to lighter evenings, the sun shining and the gradual return to ‘normality’. As a team, we are proud of our role during the pandemic in supporting the NHS. We are also very, very proud of our students whose energy and enthusiasm for learning is infectious. The summer is just around the corner. Sally Wilson, Headteacher

The Blandford School - image: Ash Mills Photography

EDUCATION

8yr old Patrick Raises £345 for Blandford Primary School Field When 8yr old Patrick Doyle, a pupil at Archbishop Wake Primary School in Blandford

heard the school were trying to raise money for an all-winter playing field, he immediately told his grandmother he wanted to help. Archbishop Wake Primary School in Blandford are very lucky to have a huge playing field. However it is mostly unusable during the Autumn and Winter months as the ground is too wet. The school are trying to raise money for a ‘Multi Use Games Area’ (MUGA) - an all-weather sports surface which is suitable for multiple different activities. so that they can use their outdoor space all year round. However, a MUGA is not cheap - and the school naturally has a limited budget, and many demands upon it. Patrick’s grandparents are his main carers. Carol Doyle, Patrick’s grandmother, said

“when Patrick heard what the school wanted to do, he asked if perhaps he could do a sponsored walk for them. He’s not a huge sports fan, though he does enjoy kicking a ball around the garden. We think it’s just that he wanted to help the school. “Naturally we encouraged him, telling him that it was a great idea. We suggested walking around the Milldown, and Patrick decided that he would walk one lap of the Milldown once a day for five days. Patrick achieved his target - he walked a mile around the Milldown every day for 5 days

and he has raised £345 for the school! A spokesperson from Archbishop Wake said “We are all so proud of him. Such kindness touches us all!” Carol said “myself and his grandad are very proud of his achievement, as is his mum and the rest of our family and friends.”

Gillingham’s Wyke Primary School’s Headteacher, Ed Birkett, was delighted to be presented with the proceeds of an Easter raffle held by Dawn from One Stop in Broad Robin, Gillingham. Some year 6 children accompanied Mr Birkett, and say they would like to spend the money on ‘something fun’ for the children. Mr Birkett said, “I would like to thank the staff and customers of One Stop. All of us at Wyke very much appreciate their generosity.”

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EDUCATION

St Mary’s Approved to Become a New SEND School and a Leading National Centre of Excellence A new school with fantastic facilities will improve the lives of Dorset children with SEND and reduce future costs, after ambitious plans were last week given the goahead. Plans to convert St Marys into a new school for around 280 pupils with SEND, (special educational needs and or disabilities) and a leading national centre of excellence have been approved by councillors. Local people overwhelmingly voted for the site to continue to be used for education. Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “We have seized a unique opportunity to create something amazing for Dorset.

“The good news is that creating a new SEND school with fantastic facilities will not only improve the lives of Dorset children and young people, but will also save money in the future. “We will reduce spending in the longer term because it costs almost three times as much to send a child away for private educational provision. We currently have to do this because our own excellent special schools are over-subscribed. This site has wonderful facilities, it would have cost a great deal more and taken several years, to build such an amazing school.” Currently more than 250 Dorset children have to be sent away to independent special schools – at a cost of around £14 million a year. It costs around £60,000 per child, per year for independent provision, compared to around £22,000 for high quality

provision at one of Dorset’s own excellent special schools. St Mary’s will be at the heart of a new centre of excellence, with facilities for vulnerable children, young people and adults. The centre will also be used to provide short breaks and respite care for vulnerable children and adults, as well as great facilities for Dorset children in care. Plans are also being drawn-up to try and create opportunities for local ‘people in need’ to benefit from the site’s amazing facilities. Nothing has been comfirmed, but it is hoped that people who have been prescribed activities by the NHS to boost their mental and physical health will be able to access some of the leisure facilities, though public access will have to be carefully managed in order to safeguard the vulnerable children and adults who will be at the site.

EDUCATION Clayesmore from the lake image: Courtenay Hitchcock

“Let nature be your teacher”

- William Wordsworth

Tucked away past verdant rugby and hockey pitches, in the shadow of Hambledon Hill, is Clayesmore School’s magical lake. Originally built in the 1920s, it is a corner of calm, tranquility and reflection in the bustling school. The lake is home to many animal species including badgers, otters, ducks and a famous pair of swans. A little known fact is that the lake was built in the shape of a swan; maybe that’s why the resident swans feel so drawn to it! The lake has been enjoyed by pupils for many years, from ‘Lake Warfare’ in the 1940s and 1950s to raft building, pond dipping, kayaking and sailing. With ‘outdoor learning’ being so fundamental at Clayesmore, the team have been working hard to enhance the space, and with grand plans afoot, it’s set to be even more glorious than ever. The first job for the hardy grounds team was to clear the scrub and vegetation that had built up around the lake over the last few decades, and also undertake some essential woodland management.

in planting trees as part of Environment Day, earning them a Woodland Trust Gold Award last year. They have also been busy building bird boxes in DT lessons too, and had great fun putting them up in the last week. Jo Thomson, Head of Clayesmore says, ‘Our commitment to developing outdoor learning experiences is clearly evident; we want all of our pupils to nurture an appreciation and respect for nature and all that is living. We want them to look after our environment and understand that we are guardians of the planet for just one generation, and we must hand it on to the next in good health’. The ‘Lake Project’ commenced with a pontoon in 2019, funded by the Old Clayesmorian Society, a legacy for the next generation. Pupils are able to pond dip and study new life, and ooh at the layer of frogspawn in spring. Since we emerged from this latest lockdown, the outdoor classroom has been built

lakeside. This really will be a huge enhancement to the way pupils are taught about the environment. So what’s next for this space? Clayesmore’s Development Manager, Sarah Kerr explains: ‘We have huge plans for the future; installing a ‘reflection bench’ that will snake through the trees, where students can enjoy moments of mindfulness and calm; and for exhilaration, the development of the mountain bike track, along with a bushcraft area, bringing fun and extended learning opportunities. A nature trail is in the works too.’ Clayesmore is keen to share the space when work is finished and restrictions are lifted. They will be inviting local school children in to enjoy the lake, and will also be holding musical events there for the local community to enjoy. What a joy that will be, so watch this space! Next Virtual Open Day - 8th May, sign up here The new pontoon image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Prep pupils were engaged

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EDUCATION

News from Okeford Fitzpaine We had some visitors in school in March to celebrate Easter. To start, seven chicks from Incredible Eggs South West, the children had the opportunity to watch the chicks hatching from their eggs, hold the chicks and watch them grow. We also had two lambs visit us from one

of our member of staff’s flock. The children loved watching the lambs leap and investigate their school hall. We capped the week off with Easter bonnets and Egg hunts. Were now looking forward to the summer term and what new adventures we can have.

We want to say a really big well done

to two of our pupils for raising a staggering £1700 for the charity www.alabare.co.uk. Giving up the comfort of their own beds and sleeping outside (in March!) on the trampoline. Well done.

The new nursery and wraparound care at Okeford Fitzpaine CE Primary school is almost ready to go. We are looking forward to welcoming families to our appointment style open day on Saturday the 8th May. Parents and carers will be able to meet the management team, see the Pre-school/nursery room and ask any relevant questions they may have. Kirsty Lester, of Sunbeams Day Care said “The registration is with Ofsted as we speak so we anticipate opening before the start of next half term. We will be providing year-round care, initially for 2 years up, from 7.45am to 6pm - including a holiday club for children up

to 12 years old starting in the summer.” We are also excited to be preparing our new baby room “Baby Roos” to open in January 2022 and of course our ethos of outdoor/forest nursery learning will be prevalent for all the children in our care.

For further details or to book a viewing on the open day email okefitz@sunbeamsdaycare.co.uk 01258 860530

LOOKING BACK

Dorset’s Dick Turpin

by Roger Guttridge

He was known as the ‘gentleman highwayman’ and is one of the Blackmore Vale’s most infamous sons. But it’s doubtful whether any of the bad boys of history have turned their lives around quite as comprehensively as John Clavell. Born at Glanvilles Wootton in 1601, Dorset’s answer to Dick Turpin pursued a career as a burglar, horse thief and highwayman. But although this ‘ill-led life’, as he called it, earned him a death sentence, he was reprieved and turned over a new leaf to become a poet, dramatist, doctor and lawyer. Clavell’s notoriety was recorded by John Hutchins in his 18th century History of Dorset and by various authors of books on highwaymen. But until 30 years ago little else was known of him. Most of what we now know is down to John Pafford, former librarian at the University of London, who lived in Dorset from his retirement in 1971 until his death in 1996. Dr Pafford first learned of Clavell in 1932 when a 17th century manuscript arrived at the British Museum for identification. ‘It was a five-act play called The Sodder’d Citizen, which had long been known by name but which no-one had seen,’ Dr Pafford told me in 1993 following publication of his book on Clavell. The play, based on Clavell’s life as a highwayman reformed, was published in 1936, after which other fragments of information began to trickle in.

John Clavell aged 25

Over the next 60 years Dr Pafford gradually pieced together Clavell’s remarkable story – and developed a ‘certain admiration’ for him.

‘I have a lot of respect for him, although he was boastful and cocky and in some ways never grew up,’ he said. ‘He was constantly active and pulled himself together and made good.’ Clavell was born into a good family, described by Hutchins as boasting an ‘antiquity not to be equalled in this county and very rarely in any other’. He was the nephew and heir apparent of Sir William Clavell, owner of Smedmore House near

Kimmeridge, who shared some of John’s energy and eccentricities. Sir William was a scholar, poet and a gentleman soldier knighted for his part in dealing with an Irish rebellion. He was also a disastrous entrepreneur whose schemes – extracting alum from Kimmeridge cliffs, producing salt by boiling sea water and using Kimmeridge shale to fuel a glassworks – brought him to the brink of ruin. John Clavell’s home at Glanvilles Wootton is now called Roundchimneys but was formerly Golden Grove and was originally the Manor House. His early home life was unstable and Dr Pafford believed his ‘broken home’ and ‘unsatisfactory father’ had much to do with his later life of crime. The King’s Arms today Always free - subscribe here

LOOKING BACK

Roundchimneys, Clavell’s birthplace at Glanvilles

There were financial problems and a document dated 1617 reveals that John’s father, John Sr, ‘hath for many years past lived from his wife and with a woman whom he keepeth in his house, for which he hath been publicly reproved by the Justices of Assizes’. The misdemeanour was considered so serious that Clavell Sr had been ‘driven out of Dorset for the cause aforesaid’ and was now living in Somerset. John Jr’s life of crime appears to have started as an 18-year-old student at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he broke into the treasure house and stole the college plate. He later fell victim to moneylenders and financial tricksters, running up debts which landed him in the debtors’ prison at Newgate. There is also an account of him running penniless through London streets, pursued by the moneylender’s men. His other recorded crimes include robberies at Aylesbury and Edgware and horse theft at Westminster. In 1625 he led a gang on a

series of ‘frequent and insolent’ robberies around London. Clavell himself later wrote that highwaymen were popularly known as ‘knights of the road’, held in awe by the public and called ‘captains’ by alehouse servants. In 1626 he was sentenced to death but took advantage of an amnesty that marked King Charles I’s coronation. He languished in jail for two years but was then pardoned and began the reformed phase of his life. Clavell was already married to Joyce, a girl of humble origin, who had nursed him through sickness and helped him to obtain his reprieve. Joyce meant everything to him and he wrote about her at length. Clavell’s notebook lists payments for doctors, nurses and a midwife and a bill for funeral expenses, suggesting that Joyce may have died in childbirth in 1634. This would also explain a moving elegy to a lady he had lost. Clavell later moved to Ireland and married a nine-year-old

Dublin heiress, Isabel Markham. Her wealthy father was a friend of the Lord Chancellor, which led to Clavell being made a barrister in November 1635. He conducted a number of legal cases in London and Dublin and represented his uncle in property lawsuits. Clavell also practised as a physician and his writings include 23 pages of prescriptions and other medical matters, some claiming to have cured various people. His talents were recognised at the highest level and he became something of a celebrity. One of his written works, A Recantation of an Ill-led Life; or a Discourse of the Highway Law, in Verse, was ‘approved by the King’s most excellent majesty and published by his express command’. It was written while Clavell was still in prison – ‘from my lonely chamber in the King’s Road’ – and includes a personal appeal to the King for mercy. Clavell died in 1643 of pleurisy. It is not known where he is buried. get in touch with Roger: roger.guttridge@btinternet.com

TALES FROM THE VALE

Tales From The Vale with Andy Palmer

A beam of pleasure punctured those final dismal lockdown days. I was in Dike’s, in Stalbridge, on the search for coconut milk powder (yes, it was essential travel, because I planned a Thai curry for the evening’s feast, and no reader could argue with that, surely). I asked a pleasant and helpful assistant, who said, ‘If we’ve got some, it’ll be by the desecrated coconut’. I was going to respond with, ‘that sounds grave’, but if I had, she may have asked, ‘why’, and I would have had to explain that maybe she meant desiccated, and she was so sweet that I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. But my mum was delighted by this exchange when I phoned her that evening. *** My last column mentioned the old railway line in Stalbridge which, before the Beeching cuts, had a level crossing to stop traffic on each side of the line when a train was due. There’s a story of a villager seeing that one gate was open on one side of the track and the opposite gate closed. The station master explained, ‘we’re half expecting a train.’

Using my super-sleuthing digital ***skills, I tracked it down. This is Jon Chubb’s Yamaha R6 2002 , the very one the teens were poring over in Stur.

Well, I’d just made that up, but this is true: In my last column I mentioned the farmer’s son whose father did not recognize that the posh huntsman he gave earthy advice to was actually Prince Charles. The farmer’s son, my best mate at junior school, was overwhelmed when, a few years later, his father and mother invited him into the kitchen. The son knew it was important because his father had put down The Racing Post. ‘Son, we’re going to invite you into the partnership of the farm,’ they said, and offered him a small but important stake in the business. ‘We think it time that you took on greater responsibilities,’ the parents explained. A few days later, the postie delivered a bank statement. ‘You’d better look at this now that you’re a partner,’ said father, passing over the statement. The son, who knew little about business affairs, was impressed to see that the account read £11,321. But there was something he didn’t understand. ‘What does OD mean?’ he asked, helpfully adding, ‘they’ve written it in red.’

There was a nice story recently on the Stur Facebook. Bloke rode his motorbike into town, parked it and went to buy a paper. He came back to find a group of teens around his bike and thought, ‘here’s trouble’. It was anything but. The youngsters were generous in their admiration of the bike and bombarded him with polite and intelligent questions. The bloke later went on FB to praise the youths’ parents for bringing up such well-mannered children, and offering any of them a ride. *** Good to see people in pubs, the charity shops open, along with the florists and hairdressers in Stur. Ref hairdressers, my favourite response to, ‘how would you like your hair cut?’ is, ‘in silence’. We went for an alfresco pint at The Antelope in Hazelbury Bryan (which has great real ales such as Exmoor Gold and Tribute from the St Austell brewery). When I asked the manageress for a Tribute, she said, ‘Nice jacket, Andy’. I’ve been missing those everyday social exchanges. Always free - subscribe here

TALES FROM THE VALE What will life be like after Covid? I am confident and optimistic that it’s going to be great. Look how quickly our economy recovered after the 2008 crash. The US main stockmarket, Dow Jones, hit a record high three months ago, actually during lockdown, as did many Asian markets. The cost of oil and borrowing is low. I’m thinking of the ingenuity and entrepreneurialism of normal people. Look how they’ve adapted to build other elements of their businesses, pubs doing takeaways is a clear example. But, above all, I’m thinking of Government spending. The Treasury has got into the habit of thinking big, and I believe we’re going to get a sort of New Deal, to pump money into the economy, with new schools, hospitals and other community assets. Now, I did three years’ hard labour studying economics at university, but the best comment on macro-economics I’ve heard, came from ‘Professor’ Noddy Holder (BSc Econ, Wolverhampton University), the main bellower of the 70s pop group Slade, who spoke of the 2008 crash. In a brief lecture delivered on the TV program, HIGNFY, he said,

vaults contain only $4.4 billion of gold; therefore it has lent fictitious money, as Professor Noddy pointed out. So, I say, why doesn’t the IMF just wipe the global slate clean. Every nation will be on an equal footing. We can start again. Until the next crisis. I’m just glad that Covid cannot spread to animals and birds. We’d really be buggered, then. *** Which reminds me of a funny from a few years ago: my brother Tim has a mate, Mike, very amiable, but not the brightest (think of Trigger, in Only Fools and Horses). Over a pint, Tim mentioned that three horses were killed at a race meeting (they had to be put down). ‘Bird Flu?’ asked Mike. ‘Mike, they’re horses,’ explained Tim. ‘Al Qaida?’ asked Mike. ‘Mike, Osama bin Laden may be barking, but I don’t think even he believes that nobbling the 3.15 at Chepstow will bring down Western Civilisation.’ ‘Did they just die, then,’ asked Mike. Tim, thinking this conversation had run its course, said, ‘yes, Mike. They just died’. ‘Sad,’ Mike said, ‘I like horses’. ***

I’m missing the local festivals. Shaftesbury Food Fair is a particular high point for me, and I’m missing local music festivals like the one at Warren Farm up by Bulbarrow (you mean DorsetFest - and it’s going ahead this summer Andy - Ed). I was going to give you a tip, which is to get there an hour after they open so you don’t have to listen to the ukulele orchestra. But that’s unfair. Joining a uke band gives great pleasure to a lot of people and a lot of big bands, e.g. The Staves, use the uke to write beautiful haunting songs. My only question is that if you can master the uke you can certainly master the guitar which, apart from being easier to learn, has two more strings and is more versatile with a better sound. I won’t fret about it, though. But Stur’s Cheese Festival is going ahead this September (at the time of writing) which is great. Things can only get feta. They may well have the local band, The Sturminstrels, who do a lot of Beatles songs, such as Let It Brie. (I’m interested to see if the Editor allows these painful puns in her wonderful glossy mag). (she did. It’s your own reputation you’re embarrassing - Ed)

‘the money that the Government borrows doesn’t really exist, so we never had it in the first place’. Every Government has been ‘borrowing’ billions from the IMF, which has lent around $28 trillion (coincidentally, the GNP of the US) during this crisis. The IMF’s own

Then and Now with Roger Guttridge

The tiny parish of Todber (population 140) doesn’t have too many claims to fame but it does have something unique in Dorset – the county’s oldest stone cross. The cross’s history is not straightforward, though, as revealed by Alfred Pope in The Old Stone Crosses of Dorset, published in 1906. Pope includes a photograph of the complete cross standing proudly in the churchyard.

Todber’s Saxon cross in 1906

He explains that the shaft actually comprised two sculpted stones that were discovered in the churchyard by a former Rector of Stour Provost with Todber ‘some years since’.

‘It may at one time have formed parts of a Saxon cross and have been cut by Saxon monks,’ he says. ‘The cross in its present form is quite modern, having been made up and placed in its present position in 1889.’

The lower part of the Todber cross has been kept inside the church since 1983

Dr Colley March, an expert on Runic and Saxon sculpted designs, told Pope that the two fragments were ‘of early date, perhaps even of the eighth

century, and that without doubt the carving represents the “true vine” that is Christ’. Runic crosses are relatively common in Cornwall, Scotland and Ireland but Pope was unable to find another of this type in Dorset. ‘In the lower fragment one sees a repeated cross with vineal coils, and within the coils a vine leaf is discernible,’ he writes. ‘The upper fragment is of the same type and may have come from the side of the same cross.’ Today Todber’s cross is in two pieces once again. The cross itself and the top part of the shaft stand shyly against the church wall. At the request of Dorset’s archaeological department, Always free - subscribe here

THEN AND NOW

The top part of the Todber cross leans against the church wall

the more substantial lower sections have been inside the church since 1983 to protect the inscription from weathering. Before being moved, specialist stonemasons were employed to clean the Saxon stones and insert suitable modern stones to replace the Victorian cement that was used to hold the pieces together in 1889.

The stump of Crawford Cross at Tarrant Crawford in 1906 Crawford Cross between Tarrant Crawford and Spetisbury was restored in 1914 Image: Roger Guttridge

Another cross that has rung the changes is at Crawford Cross, between Tarrant Crawford and Spetisbury. When Pope photographed it 115 years ago (image top right), only the socket-stone base and the bottom 22 inches of the ‘once handsome square shaft’ remained. ‘The stones are much worn from children climbing over them,’ he adds. Today the roadside cross is back to its former glory. An inscription tells us it was restored and set on a new plinth ‘by many friends of Tarrant Crawford’ in 1914.

MEET YOUR LOCAL

by Laura Hitchcock

Meet Your Local: The Plough at Manston

Our regular column in which you discover the faces and stories behind the pub sign. This month we’ve been chatting to Peter & Karlene, who have spent the last year renovating The Plough at Manston, which is finally ready to open on the 18th May. The Plough at Manston - planning to finally re-open on the 18th May

The Plough at Manston is run by husband and wife team Peter & Karlene. How did you end up at The Plough? I had worked in hospitality in the Caribbean for the last thirty years and it was time to return home. Both Karlene, my wife, and I love the hospitality business and wanted to continue to be involved in it. My family was from Devon and I was born in Salisbury, so the South West was a natural place to look for an old Country Pub to restore and run. After much searching we found the Plough at Manston and quickly realised that the location, the community and the building itself offered us exactly what we were looking for.

We arrived in December 2019 and after a few nights in the wonderful Tick Tock Cottage in Marnull settled into the newly delivered and locally made Plankbridge Shepherd’s Hut, where we lived during the renovation and expansion of the Plough.

well we found when digging the foundations for the additional dining area, the new kitchen and the bathrooms.”

We had hoped to complete the work and open the Pub before the end of 2020, but the project was delayed by the Covid lockdown and the discovery of the inevitable problems which will be familiar to all who have worked on three hundred and fifty year old buildings.

“Surprises included correcting a dramatically leaning West Gable, installing a sewage treatment plant, and filling an old

A dramatically leaning gable end was NOT in the original plans for the 350yr-old pub’s renovation. Always free - subscribe here

MEET YOUR LOCAL We are finally complete from a practical point of view, and plan to open on the 18th May in the evening. We have built a fantastic team and look forward to many happy years looking

Karlene & Peter, the husband and wife team bringing the Plough back to life.

after the Plough’s customers.

What are you most proud of? That Karlene and I are still talking to each other after sixteen months in a Shepherd’s hut!

Which part of the Plough is your absolute favourite? That would have to be the Snug and the bar. We are very happy to have been able to make subtle, practical improvements to this area yet still retain the original features and character which will be so familiar to all those who made the Plough their local…

Karlene did a fantastic job achieving this. I am sure we will be learning about the Plough’s history for a long time and hope to obtain copies of old pictures from people’s photograph albums. It would be fun to assemble the pictures and stories into a booklet.

Which dish do you think will be your most popular? I hope our Shepherd’s Pie will be the best ever and we trust everyone will agree. But all our food will be freshly cooked and our menu planned to offer something for all appetites.

What’s next? The Shepherd’s Hut will become guest accommodation and the old barn will be converted into a guest room. But most importantly, we will be getting to know the local community that has been so welcoming and supportive during this difficult time for all of us.

Future plans?

Snug in the Snug Peter’s favourite spot. Karlene was responsible for the subtle improvements here which have retained the original features.

We want the Plough to become a favourite destination for classic car drivers, and will be offering discounts and other special offers, at certain times, to those who arrive in one. The definition of what is a car and what is classic being at the Landlord’s absolute and sole discretion!

WILDLIFE

An adult caddisfly does not live very long. The nymphs live underwater for up to two years, but the winged adults only live for a few weeks to months at the most. The adults don’t have developed mouth parts and are only able to sip liquids for their food, such as nectar. Their primary purpose is to reproduce.

A Dip in the Stour

WILDLIFE

As the evenings become longer and touched with golden light, and the air becomes warmer and dares us to leave our jackets at home, some of us migrate towards the riverside. The irresistible draw of the tinkling flow over rocks or the reassuring glossy slide of deeper waters calms the mind and soul. Those who stop to peer beneath the water’s mirror sheen will be rewarded with a glimpse of a busy and bustling world, with inhabitants going about their multitudinous tasks, oblivious to the land of giants above.

One of these inhabitants, the caddisfly larvae, has a fascinating story. My first introduction to caddisfly larvae was when my son showed me one in his hand. “They’re everywhere”, he told me. “There’s a creature inside. I think the creature makes its own case to hide in.” As usual, when it comes to matters of nature, he was right. The caddisfly, or sedge fly, is a large order of insects which can

be found in all sorts of wetland. They are known for building cases around their bodies to shelter and then pupate inside. The caddisfly larvae gather sand, small stones and pieces of wood which they spin into a tube-like case with silk secreted from River Dipping in the Stour. glands in their Image: Sue Crookes mouths. In this way, the caddisfly larvae create The adult caddisfly will live for a portable shelter for themselves around a month, during which that perfectly matches the time the females lay eggs on riverbed. vegetation just by the water’s surface. On hatching, the larvae The larvae can emerge fall into the water and begin immediately building a case to their head and legs live in. When they are ready to from the case and pupate, the caddisfly larva will seal its case with a stone or scuttle around, ready to shrink back inside at piece of wood. It will then spin a cocoon of silk around its body the first sign of danger, as it undergoes metamorphosis looking exactly like a into its adult state, and the cycle begins once again. piece of gravel. Next time you’re picnicking, paddling or messing about in There are almost 200 species of boats, take a moment to look caddisfly in the UK. The adults at the riverbed. There might be are moth-like but with fine hairs more going on than you’d think. on their wings instead of scales, and wings that fold back along Find out what you can do to help their bodies. Swarms of adult insects on the Dorset Wildlife caddisfly can be seen flying Trust website. above the surface of water in Melanie Fermor, late spring: a delectable buffet Dorset Wildlife Trust volunteer for lurking fish.

The nymph underwater. The nymphs of larvae of caddisflies are what is so unique about these insects. They use silk from their body to build protective cases around their soft bodies to protect them. These cases are made of pebbles, sand and plant material.

“After a lovely sunrise I crossed into the Bluebell woods. Another lovely morning with Roe deer barking (spooky), the birds in full chorus and my first sight and call of a Cuckoo... what could be better?” Marilyn Jane Peddle

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POLITICS 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.

In Praise of Hawthorn

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

May is such a beautiful month. Not only have the trees leafed-up in every shade of green imaginable, but the banks along rural Dorset lanes are a riot of colour as our native wildflowers come into bloom. Bluebells, Greater stitchwort, Yellow archangel, Red campion (which is actually pink, not red) Primrose, Cow Parsley, Wild Garlic, and many more. All vie for our attention, putting on a show that is surely worthy of a Chelsea ‘Best in Show’. And it gets better, for any day now Hawthorn, known also as Whitethorn, May or Haegthorn (meaning hedge thorn) will add a froth of delicate creamy-white

blossoms to the mix… Hawthorn (Crataegus) is one of the mainstays, if not the mainstay, of our native hedgerows. It also copes well on exposed hillsides, where its twisted branches become shaped and angled by the prevailing south westerly winds.

Though it can live up to 400 years, Hawthorn never grows very tall. The cut wood has a beautiful orange hue, but is rarely used for making furniture or decorative items as it is considered bad luck to cut it down. It is also bad luck to pick the flowers before the first of May. When they first appear, the tiny round pearly buds hang in clusters amongst deeply lobed, pale green leaves, giving the impression of a liberal sprinkling of creamy-white hailstones. But when fully open, the branches and leaves are almost completely obscured by the snowy-white

flowers, cascading in waterfalls towards the ground till you feel the branches will surely break under their weight. Each flower comprises five snowy-white, dish shaped petals, speckled with dark pink-tipped stamens which become darker (almost brown) within 24 hours of the flower opening, and standing proud at the centre of each flower, a pale yellow-green stigma. The individual flowers are exquisite, but easily lost in the sheer mass of blooms that cover the hedge, or tree. But lest I get carried away by the beauty of Hawthorn, let me tell you she is more than just a pretty face. Nesting birds and small mammals find protection deep inside the thorny hedge, and the berries (haws) provide much needed winter food for blackbirds and thrushes – so long as migrating redwings and fieldfares don’t reach them first! Hawthorn also provides food for over 150 species of insect including bees, so is a valuable addition to a wildlife garden if you have space.

ANIMALS ANIMALS

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month

By Leanne Garrett RVN

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) created Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) to demonstrate the importance of the role of the Veterinary Nurse.

Becoming a veterinary nurse takes 2 to 4 years of study, with a combination of working in veterinary practice and demanding exams demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical ability.

VNAM is held every May, and helps educate pet owners about the role of the Veterinary Nurse. Being a vet nurse is not just about cuddling puppies and kittens (although this is a perk of the job.)

However, like human nurses, Registered Veterinary Nurses are highly skilled in their own right. Once qualified you gain the title Registered Veterinary Nurse and are included on the Royal College

Like Vets, Veterinary Nurses also have to learn about a variety of species - unlike our ‘human’ nurse equivalents who only have to deal with one species!

of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register. Nurses must also make sure that they keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Once they have qualified, nurses must provide evidence of ‘continuing professional development’ (CPD) of at least 15 hours per year, and pay an annual fee to remain on the RCVS register. Being on the register allows nurses to carry out schedule 3 acts under the direction of a veterinary surgeon which includes minor surgery such as suturing wounds, lump removals and descaling teeth.

Lottie having an I/V line placement

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ANIMALS

The Veterinary Nurse role consists of many other skills, including anaesthesia, phlebotomy, radiography, laboratory technician, nutrition, theatre nursing, consulting nursing, dental hygienists –

Some of the Damory nursing team

Veterinary Nurses must master all these skills, and more! We are also involved actively in 24 hour emergency care. There are many opportunities for veterinary nurses to gain further qualifications in a particular area, especially when working in large referral centres. Subjects such as oncology, radiography, emergency and critical care, surgery/theatre, anaesthesia, behaviour and equine. Within the nursing team at Damory we have nurses that have gained or are studying towards qualifications in Feline nursing, Anaesthesia, Surgical nursing, Exotic nursing and an Advanced nursing degree.

prepare for surgery ready for the Veterinary Surgeons. As theatre nurses we monitor the anaesthetised patients during their procedures before handing the patients over at recovery to the inpatient nurse to monitor. We are also responsible for disinfecting theatres and surgical instruments. We assist the veterinary surgeon with taking x-rays and monitoring sedated patients.

There is also a consulting nurse carrying out nail What do Veterinary clips, post-operative checks, Nurses do? taking blood samples and bandaging. Throughout the “In a routine day (not that day the nursing team must any day is routine!) nurses also complete lab work start by admitting day including blood work up, patients for surgery or cytology of skin and blood, medical work ups; we have urine testing and worm an inpatient nurse who is egg counts for equine and dedicated to caring for both day patients and hospitalised farm animal patients. We also assist the veterinary patients. Theatre nurses surgeons with consultations will pre-medicate patients, and dispensing medications take blood samples, place for patients. intravenous catheters and

At the end of the day we are involved in discharging the patients to go home following their procedure. We must then prepare for the surgery for the next day leaving the night nurses to continue caring for the hospitalised patients and deal with any emergencies. Veterinary nurses are the unseen workforce in practice and VNAM aims to educate pet owners about the importance of veterinary nurses to their pets care and wellbeing.

RESCUE ANIMALS

Dogs Trust Seek Foster ‘Pawrents’ Dogs Trust Salisbury is calling on local dog lovers to consider opening their homes to a foster dog. Many rescue dogs struggle to adjust to life in kennels, and Dogs Trust Salisbury has some dogs waiting to go into a foster home that need a more specific set up. The charity is recruiting for new ‘foster carers’ - you must be around for the majority of the day, have no other pets nor children under 12. You must also be willing to take on dogs who need training. Emma Sainsbury, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust Salisbury says: “We have been so grateful for the support of our amazing foster carers - it has meant we’ve been able to get a lot of our dogs into temporary homes. However we now need more dog lovers to get in touch.

“The ideal candidates live no more than an hour’s drive from the centre (at Newton Tony check your distance on Google Maps here), have a secure garden, live with older children and no other pets. Fostering is completely free; we’ll provide everything you could possibly need - food, bedding, toys & treats. We are on hand to provide 24-hr guidance and training advice. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, we would love to hear from you!”

BUDDY

6yr old English Bulldog cross Buddy is looking for a patient adult-only home. He’s an intelligent boy who enjoys learning new things, and he’d love his new family to dedicate time to his training. Buddy loves his food, sometimes a little too much, and is If you think you can offer definitely partial to a tasty treat!

a rescue dog a foster home please contact hfhsalisbury@dogstrust. org.uk For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/ fostering

He is looking for owners who are at home for most of the day, at least initially, until he’s settled and time alone can be built up gradually. He’d enjoy having his own secure garden where he can explore and play safely off-lead (for more, click the pic).

Can you love these boys? Margaret Green Animal Rescue have two greyhounds desperate for a forever home: “We are struggling to rehome two black greyhounds called Simba and Kooks. We find that often the greyhounds do get overlooked, particularly if they have black fur.”

KOOKS

A greyhound is the original low-maintenance companion; intelligent, affectionate and laid back. Two short walks a day and they will happily spend the rest of their time dozing by your side.

Kooks is a rather handsome 3 yr old who is looking to find a family who will help him grow his confidence; new things are a bit scary. He has a very sweet nature; once over his shyness he loves cuddles. Being around other sighthounds helps him feel braver so it would be great if he could join an adult-only family with a lurcher, greyhound or similar. But it must be a home without cats or other small animals due to being an ex racer.

SIMBA

Simba is a 3 year old ex racing Greyhound. He is a really lovely boy who loves being outside and playing. Due to his background, he also unfortunately can not go into a home with a cat or small furries. He could possibly live with a female sighthound, although he would need to meet her first. Simba needs an adultonly home, and preferably his new owners will have previous experience of owning a sighthound. (for more, click the pics). Always free - subscribe here

RESCUE ANIMALS

Welcome back! Registered charity number: 1167990

Our visitor element at our site in beautiful Church Knowle will be re-opening on 22nd June. You are welcome to visit us, take a stroll around the site, meet all of our animals and take in the relaxing surroundings, all set in the rolling hills of the Purbecks. We have refreshments on-site and plenty of walks to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you back. *subject to Government guidelines Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Church Knowle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5NQ t: 01929 480474 e: churchknowle@mgar.org.uk

EQUESTRIAN

On the treadmill - Yasmin Dadkhah’s DS Foenix, wFlorence to her friends, a homebred 5yo dressage mare, and hopefully Yasmin’s next Grand Prix horse.

“The aqua treadmill is an advanced form of hydrotherapy, combining the unique healing properties of cold water with safe, controlled exercise in a straight line.” Said Lisa Ford from South West Equine Water Treadmill “excellent as part of a rehabilitation programme, but also extremely beneficial for a healthy horse, developing core strength and improved balance.

by Laura Hitchcock

‘Suppleness, Stride Length, Muscle Tone & Strength.’

The benefits of a water treadmill for horses aren’t limited simply to rehabilitation from injury. In recent years, the equestrian industry is increasingly turning to the benefits of aqua therapy for the regular training regime for horses from all disciplines. Use of cold water aqua therapy is now becoming an integral part of a competition horse’s development and training programme, bringing real benefits including improvements to all-over suppleness, increased stride length, better muscle tone and more core strength. This not only maximises performance and training, but also reduces the risk of future injury. skeletal system, but it puts minimum stress on their front legs and feet. International Grand Prix Dressage Rider Lucy Straker, recently shared on Facebook:

‘[Hawks] just scored 67.2% in his second ever BD Grand Prix! All the winter work of strengthening and fitness, thanks to South West Equine Water Treadmill, is paying off!’

Lucy Straker on ‘Hawks’, 14yr old Hawker Hurricane.

“The horses take higher steps to go over the water; it’s a different pattern from their stride on dry land, and by the control of speed and balance the horse is encouraged to ‘sit’ more behind. This builds an increase in muscular flexibility, tone and muscle mass.” “Working a horse on the water treadmill helps improve their range of movement and strengthens their musculo-

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EQUESTRIAN Lucy explained to the digital BV “I started using the Water treadmill in the winter with my Grand Prix horse to try and improve his strength a bit more as he gets tired towards the end of my test.

“After 11 sessions the difference has been phenomenal! Not only is he stronger but it’s improved his walk and straightness.” “Lisa’s massive amount of experience and attention to how he moves has proved invaluable, and his marks have improved by 4% already! I am also now taking my 6 yr old to strengthen his top line to try to prevent injuries in the future for him. It’s a great addition to their work programme without unnecessary wear and tear on their body.” Horses are worked in a strictly controlled environment, with belt speed and water height adapted to each individual horse. As rehabilitation, this form of hydrotherapy can assist with the repair of tendons and

suspensory ligaments, and it can also help with degenerative joint disease, being anti-inflammatory and increasing joint flexion. Many conditions that horses suffer from are greatly relieved by working, without a rider, in perfect balance in a water treadmill. Some of the most common are a sore back, weak hindquarters, jarring through the shoulders and weak stifles. A study has shown that working at a certain height of water (Carpel) can also help increase the gap between dorsal spine processes, benefitting horses suffering from kissing spine. Grand Prix rider Yasmin Dadkhah, owner of Loose Reins

in Shillingstone, is another local convert “The water treadmill helped strengthen my Grand Prix horse in his collection work no end, and became an essential part of his work life. We are already noticing the development of strength now in my upcoming mare, and I will use it in future for all of my horses routine training.

“The Grand Prix horse went from a small and basic piaffe to really sitting and using himself.” The treadmill plays a role in the training successes of many top level eventers, show jumpers and dressage horses. It has kept horses sound and working, and the benefits are not exclusive to the elite of the sport - there are horses from every discipline and at every level that are enjoying a better quality of working life thanks to their training on a water treadmill. Lisa can be contacted via the South West Equine Water Treadmill Facebok page here Lucy Straker is available for 1:1 training & clinics

FARMING

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

The main topic of conversation in the UK farming world at the moment has been the lack of rain this spring with virtually no rain being recorded in Dorset during April.

encouraged to carry out a ‘Climate Check Audit’ designed to measure the efficiency of the farm, and spot the good and the bad in our farming activities. The process involves giving information on how much produce was sold off the farm, and the inputs which were required to produce these goods.

Our farm diary from 1921, 100 hundred years ago, states that the year was one of the driest on record with the river Tarrant drying up in July and not flowing until January.

As we operate a mixed farm of livestock and crops, both can benefit from each other - we produce home-grown feeds, and creating our own fertiliser from the animals, thus saving on inputs that need to be purchased. Overall we ended up with an average score compared with similar types of farms. I think this showed us that there is still plenty to do to help benefit the climate.

Also many crops failed to make it to harvest - let’s hope history does not repeat itself. I am sure all farmers, growers and gardeners are hoping for some warm rain. Related to the weather of course is the debate around climate change, which is constantly in the news. The possible reasons are very complex and very varied depending on which scientist you listen to. Farming is trying to do its bit by setting out to measure what effects farming practices have on the environment and how we can reach net zero. Through our milk cooperative Arla, all producers have been

The good points showed that a high proportion of the milk produced came from homegrown forages, and the crops benefitted from the manures the cattle produced thus reducing the requirement for purchasing so much fertiliser.

Improvements suggested were in perhaps covering slurry stores to reduce ammonia emissions, also to produce more of our own protein thereby reducing the need to import so much. It is early days in this process, but at least we are beginning to take the aim for being Net Zero seriously. The pictures for this month show how far the process of crop spraying has come forward in terms of safety for the operator and the crop. The top picture was taken in the 1970’s, with virtually no protection for the driver and limited means of apply the product accurately compared to the below modern equipment with tractor cabs and GPS driving assistance to allow for a very accurate application of the products.

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Up until the 1970s white eggs were popular in the UK. However shoppers began switching to the brown variety under the misconception that they are healthier or more “natural”. As a result there are now very few white egg-laying flocks in the UK. Image © Heather Brown

It’s Eggism.

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FARMING

When I began writing for The Blackmore Vale, I’d promised myself that I wouldn’t talk about chickens every month - I have enough abuse from my friends if I dare mention my passion for the two-legged critters. This month’s issue I was planning to use as therapy and share with you all the tale with the alpaca that still keeps me up at night in cold sweats. Fortunately, there is a more pressing matter. I feel as though I need to use my voice on this digital platform to begin to make a change and to save myself from having to march down the streets of Shaftesbury handing out flyers calling for equality.

“Inequality in the egg industry?” I hear you ask. Unbelievably, yes it’s true. Within our shed we have a mix of both brown and white birds, which both lay eggs in their respective colours. Other than the colour of the shell, the two are identical.

and the following few decades. Unfortunately, during the 70s, public perception began to change and people started to believe that brown eggs were healthier as they resembled brown bread rather than white processed loaves. Today, only 0.5% of the market is made up of white eggs. It may seem trivial to complain about people’s preference on the colour of their egg, but in a few years brown eggs may be rarer than hen’s teeth on the supermarket shelves if the UK government bans the process of ‘beak trimming’. Currently, most chicks at a day old will have the sharp tip of their beaks trimmed by an infra-red beam to protect one another from pecking and other aggressive behaviours. ‘Debeaking’, as it is also known, is a controversial topic for many and is accompanied by the constant talk of prohibiting the practice. The supermarket shelves with a ban introduced may look a lot different; firstly, the price per dozen of your eggs will go up as farmers look to house fewer birds in their sheds to protect them from each other; secondly, the brown birds may be ostracised for white breeds as

they are more docile toward one another. It seems that the brown bird with all its many colours on their plumage cause offence for one another and can lead to aggressive tendencies, whereas the white hens are calmer and behave more passively. Personally, I would continue to trim the beaks of the birds till the public are willing to buy white again, as the damage that a full beak can do to another bird is worrying, and they will always display their natural behaviours and look to create a pecking order (pun slightly intended). If the poultry industry looks how I expect it will do in ten years, then I suggest you start getting used to the white eggs. If you pass our farm on your travels (Westleaze Farm nr Beaminster) I suggest you pick up some of both our eggs to sample and complete your own taste tests at home. Have an omelette in the name of science and see if you can notice a difference. I, on the other hand, am going to head out into the Spring fields and canvass our Aberdeen Angus cows and calves for next months edition so I hopefully don’t have to talk about Pepper the alpaca... by Andrew Livingston

In the name of science: Andrew serves up two perfect fried eggs, one white and one brown, both delicious.

However, when it comes to selling on the farm gate, the pristine white eggs are shunned for their brown counterpart, even when sold 80 pence cheaper per dozen. Thankfully this hasn’t always been the case. The golden age for our white feathered friends was during the Second World War

POLITICS

Wide and Easy Tarrant Valley circular - 11.5 miles (or 6.5 miles with a simple shortcut) Really easy going route with lots of wide views interspersed with beautiful woodland. We walked this two weeks ago - in late Spring the carpets of celandines, bluebells and wood anemones are an absolute picture. It’s mostly wide bridleways or farm tracks, with very little in the way of map reading required. Out of the woodlands the route enjoys expansive views on open chalk downland - in the summer this route gets HOT, so do take plenty of water! For a shorter 6.5 mile route, simply use the Jubilee Trail from Handcock’s Bottom to Tarrant Gunville, and then turn left to follow the path parallel to the road towards Stubhampton.

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.

Another celandine-lined path walking through Hinton Bushes

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CLICK THE MAP TO SEE THE INTERACTIVE ROUTE ON OUTDOOR ACTIVE I know I’m not alone in loving a giant oak standing proudly in its field, am I? This one is to your right as you leave Hinton Bushes, and approach the Jubilee Trail.

The view to the left of the path in Handcocks Bottom, the dense carpet of celandines disappearing from view.

The wide valley view appears behind you as you walk up from Pimperne Barrow

(I personally recommend the detour on Chettle Common simply to say hello to the ancient trees). Mostly unpopulated walking, though the couple of miles nearest the back of Blandford Camp across Pimperne Long Barrow was moderately busy on a sunny Sunday. Harbins Park Estate appear to be doing great work re-installing hedgerows, deciduous forest and wildlife corridors. In the summer the farm is a joy of wildflowers, making up for the current forest of plastic pipes as the new deciduous woodland plantation gets a foothold.

Bluebells and celandines line the enchanting Handcock’s Bottom path

OUT OF DOORS

By Paul Birbeck, Blue Badge Tour Guide with Sherborne Walks

‘A Walk on the Peaceful Side’

“In recent articles I have considered ‘Sense of Place’. An elderly friend of mine, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent me a poem which captures a journey in the Vale. To me it is an excellent example of how people express their love for, and are inspired by, place. Enjoy.” White and woolly clouds flying high and fast Wind roaring in the trees as we walk past. Shining through the clouds the sun is still full out Casting light and dapple shadow all about. The noisy wind creates a silence of its own. Blows away all man made noise; just the quiet of us alone. Husband, wife and family dog strolling in natures protected zone. Absorbing sights, sounds and smells all in a world of our own. We haven’t paid some vast sum to be here in the open air. ‘’Tis something we have inherited but don’t always remember it is there. Look at that tree. Can you remember when it was only up to my knee? Now ‘’tis just about a lovely full grown tree. Josh is enjoying this new walk. You can tell by the action of his tail. He dashes this way and then that, picks up a smell which, for a while, stops that tail Now he ambles back to take a sniff at some old sack. Marks it with a cock of the keg. Come on you two, he seems to say. I’m off ahead. Don’t lag. From fields and tracks we are now in country lanes but what a show, Veils of dog roses and swags of honeysuckle in every hedgerow. Cow parsley - past its best, purple blue vetch in profusion climbing high. All things you will never see as you drive by. We have left the lanes for a shadowed track where boyhood memories come flooding back

That beech tree with a fallen branch is where I carved my initials a long way back. A squirrel takes off with Josh in hot but useless chase… legal games for him, so no disgrace. But at six years old he is no match for the squirrel with his turn of pace. A gateway with lush growth of grasses and clover forms a pleasant place for our stopover. Orange juice for us, water for Josh and a while to talk and mull things over. A lovely spot but must not stop too long or aches and stiffness will set in, so we heave ourselves to our feet and set off along our path again. Home now across that dreaded Major road onto a wide green lane of dried compacted mud. Usually when we walk this way ‘’tis really very sticky mud as this lane is prone to flood. On either side undergrowth is thick and we know the pheasants are in plenty hereabouts. Josh is tracking hard to flush them out. We are waiting for him to give a “shout “. Last phase now, through a field of standing rye to a stream where Josh is standing by. Stream is very low with just a pool for Josh to paddle in - the sun will get him dry. Through apple orchards with fruit forming in abundance to make the cider later in the year. This does epitomise our walk so we should raise a glass and say “ Good Cheer “. Back through a housing estate where once we walked through a quarry. An ugly sign of mans unrelenting need for change but we mustn’t worry. ‘Tis fact of Life we all need somewhere in which to live. So let’s say our thanks to God for we can think of no better place to live. Thank you ‘DorsetPeasant’. Always free - subscribe here

OUT OF DOORS

ADVERTORIAL

Thorngrove Expands With Opening Of New Shop

Thorngrove’s beautiful new shop is now open, with stylish homewares, stationery, local produce and gifts.

It’s humbling to think how far Thorngrove has come in just a few short years. With the pandemic effectively halting business for many people around the country these past 12 months, we count ourselves fortunate to have been able to operate in limited circumstances when others could not. We took steps to ensure we didn’t abuse this privilege, and put the safety of not only our staff and customers first, but that of our Employ My Ability students too. Those who know us will be well aware of the ethos we have at the centre of our brand, and we always do our best to ensure this remains apparent. Setting ourselves apart as a business is important - we hope our products say that for us, but truly our focus is on protecting those values of the wellness and sustainability of our team and the local community. There was a point where our plans for continued development at Thorngrove felt like they may not come to fruition this past year.

The future was looking very uncertain, but it has been with immense gratitude to our customers and supporters in the community that we have been able to keep the wheels turning on these plans, and this past month saw the big opening of our brand new gifts and lifestyle shop space. We’re not stopping there either… work continues and you’re going to see more from us in the coming months. As the world slowly gets back to normal,

and we embrace the changes needed for us to operate safely, we’re so excited to share more new things with you soon, and perhaps this time next year, we’ll be celebrating a new milestone in Thorngrove’s history yet again. We’re open 7 days a week, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Visit www. thorngrovegardencentre.co.uk today, or find us on Facebook for info on our latest products and help keeping your garden looking its best!

Produce from local Dorset companies Moores Biscuits and From Dorset With Love.

In association with OUT OF DOORS

The Voice of The Allotment Frosts, cold winds from the North and East and no rain made April a rather trying month. Blackthorn put on a spectacular show in the hedgerows. This cold dry spell is known as ‘Blackthorn Winter’ in Dorset, but was much more prolonged this year. Our March planted potatoes needed frequent earthing up as they emerged to protect the tender young growth from the night frosts. A neighbour lost seedlings of courgettes and French beans in her greenhouse when the temperature dropped to minus two one night. Many nights saw temperatures dropping between minus one and plus two degrees celsius. Our greenhouse ranged between zero and thirty eight on sunny days!

Decisions when to sow and plant during this unusual weather had to be made, and we decided to delay most until the end of the month hoping for better conditions in May. So during the last week we have sowed two lines of Hurst Green Shaft Peas and lines of carrot, beetroot and parsnip. We also planted out four lines of Golden Bear onions from plugs - these were sown with two to three seeds per cell at the beginning of March. All these new sowings and plantings were into undug soil, conserving moisture from the Winter rains. By the end of the month the top few inches of soil was exceptionally dry, whereas just below there was plenty of moisture. April is one of the ‘hungry gap’ months when there is very little in the way of fresh vegetables

with Barry Cuff

One of Barry’s only cropping vegetables is chicons of Witloof chicory - forced into rapid early growth for a tender, sweet crop.

to be had from the plot. Our sprouting broccoli finished mid month as the flower buds quickly became flowers in the bright sunshine. We now relied on stored and frozen vegetables. The only fresh vegetable being chicons of Witloof chicory and some mixed salad leaves from the greenhouse. Sowings were made in the greenhouse of lettuce, leek, celery, celeriac, parsley and Brussels sprout. We now look forward to warmer conditions and some much needed rain as May is one of the main sowing and planting months.

Barry’sGolden Bear onions - these were sown with two to three seeds per cell at the beginning of March.

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Garden Jobs for May

with Pete Harcom Head Gardener at Sherton Abbas Gardening

Hello All, The Peacock butterfly is one of the commonest garden butterflies, In May females lay their eggs in batches of up to 500. Peacock caterpillars are black, covered with short spines and speckled with white spots, and are usually found on stinging nettles.

Well, last month was a cold one wasn’t it? May should be a lot warmer, but as said last month, keep an eye on the weather forecast and protect early outdoor sowings and plantings with fleece. Bedding plants may need to wait to be planted out towards the end of May. Continue to keep on top of weed growth - regularly hoe them off whilst they are easy to handle. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork to avoid compaction and moss growth. After the aeration, apply a slow release granular fertiliser (if you use small granules this will reduce the scorch potential). Birds will be starting to nest now - so please check hedges before trimming them back.

Wildflowers why not create a wildflower meadow? Even in a small garden you can attract our native insects and animals. Native wildflowers are a food source, which will naturally attract bees, butterflies and birds to your garden. Do take a look at the Wildlife Trust’s advice on how to grow a wild patch.

Even the smallest ‘wildflower meadow’ (which is a grand name but can mean any small patch of your garden left to rewild even one single pot is a start) will provide homes and food for wildlife and benefit biodiversity. Native wildflowers provide pollen and nectar to help sustain the insects that pollinate our food crops. A wildflower patch will also create homes and resting places for beneficial insects such as spiders, ladybirds and lacewings. These creatures help control pests in gardens and commercial crops Wildflowers are a source of food and nesting material for birds, too. Some of our birds like to eat the seeds, some like to eat caterpillars and insects. And all of these can be found in wildflower meadows or small patches of wildflowers.

Water helps too - even a tiny pond can be very interesting in a garden, and will help provide habitat for frogs and toads. Do remember to provide a ramp in any ponds with sheer sides, so frogs and other creatures can climb out easily. Remember that toads are a gardener’s best friend - they eat slugs, bugs, flies and other pests. A wildflower meadow makes a lovely damp environment for amphibians to forage in. The easiest way to start is to simply leave a patch of unmown long grass in your garden. Butterflies, for instance, like to lay eggs in flowering grasses. Some types of butterfly and moth only ever lay their eggs on specific native plants. Pete pete@shertonabbas.co.uk

by Laura Hitchcock - and Philippa Davis

Random 19 - with TV Judge, Private Chef & Food Writer Philippa Davis. Philippa Davis is private chef and food writer. She works all around the world cooking for a range of international clients including celebrities, royalty and entrepreneurs. She grew up on her family’s smallholding in north Dorset where they reared their own meat, grew their own fruit and veg and even had a go at wine making. At 18 with a desire to pursue a chef career she moved to London and worked at Lidgates the butchers, the Michelin starred The River Café and Moro restaurants before setting up and running the Mudchute Kitchen in London’s Docklands. In 2011, keen to explore more of the world’s food cultures and flavours, she became a private chef. Since then she has cooked all around the world for an exciting range of clients. Philippa also writes for BBCfood, The Deepest Book series, The Field magazine, Dorset Magazine and House & Garden. She also helped set up Liberty Kitchen, a BBC Food and Farming award winning street food project based in Pentonville prison that aims to help reduce reoffending rates.

The Random 19 1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the area, not us!)? I’m always excited to see the Blackmore Vale as it means I’m home! As a private chef I travel abroad a lot but my family has lived here for over 35 years so when not working, like a homing pigeon, I always return. 2. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car? I don’t do that much travelling in cars, its mostly trains, planes or walking. However, I absolutely

love singing and listen to a lot of music from pretty much any genre. Currently I’m taking the train fairly regularly between Dorset and London, the two-hour trip is a perfect amount of time for me to do some writing. I usually pop my earphones in and get totally absorbed in the music, tapping away on my laptop. As the trains are pretty quiet at the moment I may have once or twice caught myself bursting out into song. I’ll have to check with the conductor but I think my last performance in the carriage was “Coffee, black” from BIG the musical which is all about getting lots of stuff done, but needing caffeine first, which I can relate to.

RANDOM 19

image: Hugh MacNish Porter

3. Last movie you watched? Would you recommend it? I’m going through a food and environmental documentary phase at the moment. I have worked my way through Seaspiracy, Cowspiracy, and Game Changers. I only recommend you watch these if you are prepared to do more research around the subjects for a more balanced view. Like many involved in the food industry I don’t find them particularly helpful in moving the debate forward. Such a shame as they tackle incredibly important subjects we all need to address.

THE RANDOM 19 4. It’s Friday night - you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do? Friday night? House to yourself? Not working?? What’s this I’ve been missing out on??? As a chef weekends are usually spent working. However if ever such an event was likely to occur I would instantly notice the house felt a bit quiet so invite people round and cook for them. I love it. 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)? My bed - complete with its pillows, duvets and linen. Quality sleep is so important. The complete works of Agatha Christie. My Tom Regula, Bespoke Rods and Blades chef’s knife.

Tom is an incredible bladesmith based near Blandford and each of his creations are unique. My knife brings me such joy when I use it and I assume I will still need to cook on this island, so I might as well have the best tools for the job. 6. What would you like to tell 15yr old you? Buy Amazon shares. 7. Most embarrassing moment of your teen years? There are many moments I’m sure but I try not to dwell on

those bits too much as I don’t think its healthy and it isn’t usually helpful. We all have our moments but it’s how we pick ourselves up that counts. 8. Who’s your celebrity crush? I actually get to meet a fair few celebrities through my private chef work but luckily I’ve never been the sort to get star struck so am rarely phased. That said, I do have a writer’s crush on food critic Jay Rayner and would jump at the chance to have dinner with him. 9. What book did you read last year that stayed with you?

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles - I have actually only read the first few pages as haven’t made time yet to read the rest so it’s literally ‘stayed with me’ as I’ve carried it round for about the last two years whilst travelling. It better be good… 10. What was the last gift you gave someone - or you were given. Your choice. I love buying little gifts for people. They are usually food or drink from places I’ve visited and are usually accompanied with a story about the product or producer. Having just finished doing my research for our new book ‘Deepest Somerset’ which explores the arts, history, culture, people, places and of course food of the county, recently prezzies have mostly been cheese or cider related.

11. What shop can you not pass without going in? I don’t have much patience for most types of leisure shopping (except food) so I’m very happy walking by and just admiring window displays. When in Shaftesbury however my pug Tilly demands I go into Abbott’s the green grocers as they always make a fuss of her and give her a dog biscuit. 12. Favourite quote? Movie, book or inspirational - we won’t judge.

“One cannot think well, sleep well or love well if one has not dined well.” By Virginia Wolf. This is so true. Eating well is so important for our physical and mental health. It doesn’t have to be fancy - just nutritious, well balanced and ideally often shared with others. 13. Write the review for the last thing you cooked (no cheating - the actual last thing!). “Clearly the work of a truly competent chef. The biscuity aroma was rich and inviting and I was impressed by the crunchiness of the outside texture that contrasted well with the softer, chewier middle. With a delightful slight sweetness at first the flavor developed beautifully with some toasted nuttiness, a pleasant hint of sourness and touch of malt. Truly, toast doesn’t get better than this.” 14. A penguin just walked in the door wearing a panama hat. Why is he here? That’s strange, I asked him to wear his bowler. Always free - subscribe here

THE RANDOM 19 15. Your top three mostvisited favourite websites (excluding social media!)? Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group, for anyone interested or wants to know more about rural land management I highly recommend this site which is run by a group of gamekeepers’ wives. It does a brilliant job of connecting and educating people with why and what goes into maintaining their incredible landscape. BBC News – I try and read a mix of sources but mostly BBC, FT and New York Times. Local news or events sites wherever I am in the world. I have total FOMO especially when it comes to food, so I try and

do lots of research and keep updated on what’s going on around me. Right now it’s ‘The Infatuation London’, a regularly updated website about London’s food scene. 16. What in life is frankly a mystery to you? A sense of direction. Which is unfortunate as I spend a lot of time travelling to new places. But on the plus side, getting lost often makes for a good adventure. 17. Chip Shop Chips or Homebaked Cake? Home baked cake, probably my cinnamon, coffee and cardamom one or a sticky ginger cake.

18. Favourite crisp flavour? Torres black truffle. They are outrageously expensive which is actually good as I don’t buy them often but when I do I make sure they last. 19. The best biscuit? Anything baked by Lizzie. During lockdown we formed a bubble with an old school friend of mine who lives nearby. She is a brilliant cook and would always bring round a tin of freshly baked bikkies. Caramelised pecan cookies, macrons, rich butter shortbreads, tahini bites …we ended up calling it Pavlov’s tin.

To see more of Philippa’s work, please her website www.philippadavis.com. To keep up to date with Philippa’s culinary adventures do follow her on instagram @philippadavis_food. The book Deepest Somerset will be published in September 2021 - for more details please visit Deepest Books, who have also previously published Deepest Dorset and Deepest Wiltshire.

Philippa has also just made her TV debut as a judge on Channel 4’s Beat the Chef. You can catch her at 5:30 pm weekdays from 4th May for six weeks, she appears in half the episodes.

Images from Philippa’s Instagram: Left - her own Sourdough, enjoyed with local Dorset Dairy Co’s butter. Middle: a day’s baking resulted in these ricotta, lemon and rose cookies, spelt and caraway bread, and ginger cake. Right: A gallery of recipe images celebrating British Cheese, with special mentions for Philippa’s ‘cheese guru’ - Shaftesbury’s own Truckle Truck.

BOOK CORNER

Voice of the Books “Hurrah! We’re OPEN!” - Wayne.

In the quiet Cotswolds village of Great Rollright in 1944, a thin, and unusually elegant, housewife emerged from her cottage to go on her usual bike ride. A devoted mother-of-three, attentive wife and friendly neighbour, Sonya Burton seemed to epitomise rural British domesticity. However, rather than pedalling towards the shops with her ration book, Sonya was heading for the Oxfordshire countryside to gather scientific secrets from a nuclear physicist. Secrets that would enable the Soviet Union to build the atomic bomb.

Far from an obedient homemaker, Sonya Burton was a dedicated communist, a decorated colonel and a veteran spy who risked her life to keep the Soviet Union in the nuclear arms race. Her husband was also a Soviet agent and her children had three different fathers from lovers she’d encountered throughout her incredible career. In Agent Sonya, Ben Macintyre reveals the astonishing story behind the most important woman spy in history and the huge emotional cost that came with being a mother, a wife, and a secret agent at once. In November 1930, the 22-year-old Ursula Hamburger was visited at her Shanghai home by a good-looking man with a strong German accent, and three fingers missing from his left hand. Here was the stuff of spy movies and Ursula was delighted at the sudden drama. Ursula Kuczynski Burton was a spymaster, saboteur, bomb-maker and secret agent. Codenamed ‘Agent Sonya’, her story has never been told - until now. Born to a German Jewish family, as Ursula grew, so did the Nazis’ power. As a fanatical opponent of the fascism that ravaged her homeland, Ursula was drawn to communism as a young woman, motivated by the promise of a fair and peaceful society. From planning an assassination attempt on Hitler in Switzerland, to spying on the Japanese in Manchuria, to preventing nuclear war (or so she believed) by stealing the science of atomic weaponry from Britain to give to Moscow, Ursula

conducted some of the most dangerous espionage operations of the twentieth century. In Agent Sonya, Britain’s most acclaimed historian Ben Macintyre delivers an exhilarating tale that’s as fast-paced as any fiction. It is the incredible story of one spy’s life, a life that would alter the course of history . ‘Macintyre does true-life espionage better than anyone else’ - John Preston ‘Macintyre has found a real-life heroine worthy of his gifts as John le Carre’s nonfiction counterpart’ - New York Times ‘This book is classic Ben Macintyre...quirky human details enliven every page’ - Spectator Agent Sonya: The True Story of WW2’s Most Extraordinary Spy by Ben MacIntyre out in paperback 27th May Always free - subscribe here

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CHARITY PAGES

This month’s charity:

Friends of Stour Connect Friends of Stour Connect are pleased to announce the re-opening of our community projects in Sturminster Newton, in line with the Government roadmap. “For the past 12 months or so, our concentration has been on the Covid 19 Action Group, where we played a major role, and whilst we are still assisting with food parcels, collection of prescriptions, and many other tasks, now feels the right time to safely re open.

The following projects have (or will be) re-opened - please do share with any who may enjoy or be in need of any of them: • Connect to Employment, our specific employability and life skills scheme for people with additional needs. Free places still available. This scheme is delivered with qualified volunteers, and individual learning and skills programmes for attendees

• Community Café

Super-reasonable prices, open Monday to Thursday 8.30am til 1.30pm in Sturminster Newton. Including our new Social Breakfast every Monday morning (all welcome).

Discounts for NHS, Care staff, carers, teaching staff and posties by way of a thank you.

• Twice but Nice

our charity shop in Sturminster Newton, open Monday to Thursday 8.30 am til 2pm. Great range and fantastic prices. Donations always welcomed. Monies raised go straight to our projects.

• Mens Shed Stour,

a friendship project for all based on woodworking, recycling and repairs. New members welcome. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays each week

• Life is for Living

a café/gardening project for people with memory loss/ a diagnosis of dementia new referrals are now welcomed. This project re-opens 19th May 2021. We have provided this service via Computers and Phone over the lockdowns, and our attendee numbers have increased.

• Our very successful Meals on Wheels scheme has provided for increasing numbers of local people (across North Dorset) during the lockdowns, thanks to the support from our wonderful delivery volunteers. Through our fundraising we have

been able to provide increasing numbers of meals for free or at discounted prices. This has assisted people with hospital discharge, as well as assisting carers. We are happy to deliver occasional meals or daily meals. Please phone for details. We touched on earlier the importance of our volunteers to us, and we had such a fabulous response to the initial lockdown. As we re-open we could always do with more volunteers; if you are looking to volunteer in a friendly, fabulous supportive environment please get in touch.” 01258 471359 (Sheryn or Andy) or admin@friendsofstourconnect. org

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 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.

This month’s charity:

Purbeck Youth & Community Foundation Purbeck Youth & Community Foundation took over running the Wareham Youth & Community Centre in 2016

setting up the Charity to provide services for Young People, and to see the Centre was used for community benefit. The Charity now runs clubs in Wareham, Wool and Corfe, and has outreach in Swanage using their newly acquired Outreach Vehicle. Covid has challenged us all, and PBYC have used Zoom, their allotment, worked in schools, held outdoor meetings, provided outdoor challenges and undertaken Outreach. They have provided holiday activities including hot meals for

young people who are eligible for free school meals.

The centre is a community hub with clubs, a weekly counsellor, a D of E group, Over 50s Not so Youth club, some under 10s sessions, and a club for adults with a learning disability. PBYC link with various partners including Planet Purbeck and the picture above shows their painted cow at Studland in the Dunes project. Young people benefit from feeling safe, with access to qualified Youth Workers / trusted adults, and the opportunity to

work out problems, socialise and enjoy activities. PBYC provide training for volunteers of all ages and are grateful for local support from Councils, business and the local community. They are always looking for various volunteers, part time youth workers and fundraisers. To find out more about them, see their Facebook page, Instagram @pycfwareham, and their website www.pycf.org.uk Donations are always put to good use!

Ward Goodman would like to invite you to the annual Dorset Charities Conference which this year is being held on Wednesday 12th May 2021. The event, now in its ninth year, will continue to connect charities with leading sector suppliers and a wealth of expert speakers, who will be conducting informative presentations, providing an opportunity for delegates to earn CPD credits where applicable.

Regular attendees look forward to meeting up each year for charity related updates. Current COVID-19 restrictions mean that the 2021 conference will take

place online. Further information is available at www.wardgoodman.co.uk/dcc Or you can email charities@ wardgoodman.co.uk

READER’S LETTERS

Reader’s Letters My wife and I have taken to picking up countryside litter on our daily exercise walks. Now is a good time to do this; the council has cut the verges back, last summer’s foliage has died away, and new spring growth isn’t yet too high, so it’s much easier to spot our prey. Picking it up gives the countryside a fresh start. Not for long perhaps but, curiously, litter left lying seems to be a magnet for more litter. What do you need to pick up litter? Well, first some gloves are essential. Personally, we don’t use a litter-picking tool because we find the stooping and straightening good exercise, but many volunteer pickers do. You need a bag - I’ve dedicated a couple of supermarket bagsfor-life to the task. And last, for your own safety, a light coat or even a ‘high-viz’ vest makes sense. If you live in Somerset, contact the countryside charity CPRE Somerset, and they can kit you out with a picker, gloves and hi-viz vest if you commit to a regular litterpick in your area. Details at www.cpresomerset. org.uk How much do you pick? That’s up to you of course, but I work by the bag-full: one bag per walk, two if I’m feeling particularly virtuous (or cross with the tossers). On some stretches of road it’s surprising how quickly a bag fills up. It’s extraordinary what motorists carelessly toss into our green and pleasant countryside. Sweet papers, snack packets, face masks and plastic bottles of course. More sobering are the large number of cider and beer cans, and the occasional premixed gin and tonics. This week

I also picked up two vodka, two whisky and a brandy bottle. I imagine the drinkers were disposing of the evidence before getting home. Or to work. On a less sad note, I also found a baby’s dummy, a pair of reading spectacles, a half-full dispenser of anti-wrinkle lotion and a large black bra.

be similar litter-awareness courses for motorists caught littering. Or a spell in the stocks being pelted with litter. That would learn them, wouldn’t it? Martin Roundell Greene

What’s to be done? How can the tossers be stopped? First we should make clear that littering in the countryside is a serious offence. The fixedpenalty charge for littering should be raised from its present ‘up to £150’ to ‘up to £1,000’, and well publicised. I’d also like to see tossing litter out of a car made a motoring offence, so that magistrates have the power to add penalty points to the driver’s licence and also sentence tossers to unpaid community work. I’d also like to see periodic roadside campaigns: “KEEP BRITAIN TIDY. TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME” or “FOR THE KIDS SAKE, KEEP OUR PLANET TIDY”, “LITTER CAMERAS OPERATING HERE. TAKE IT HOME.” or maybe just “THANK YOU FOR NOT BEING A TOSSER” Schools and colleges can help. A series of information films highlighting the damage that littering does to the environment should be part of the curriculum. They need to be interesting, well produced and regularly refreshed. Not old hat. If the message gets through to children, they’ll pass it on to the parents. Finally, like the speed-awareness courses that speeding motorists can be asked to do, there should

Why is it, that some people in the area treat the wonderful environment around them with such disdain? Here, in a pristine Coombe, only 15 minutes walk from the outer part of Shaftesbury town is a picture of litter horror. Climate change and protecting the environment has become the most vital issue today and has to be the very future of our planet and the lives of our children and grandchildren. Pippa Mukherjee Environmentalist The ongoing disgrace of the works on Dinah’s Hollow is a perpetual shambles - we’re all being distracted by this huge spend on fixing the ‘unsafe banks’ (let’s not discuss how this was caused by poor land management, followed by the council stripping all vegetation from the bank - hardly a surprise a slip followed, is it?). Anyone can see the real and ongoing issue is the volume of traffic and the sheer scale of the vehicles using what is effectively Always free - subscribe here

a small lane - the solution is not to piledrive large metal staples into the bank, it is to move the traffic onto an appropriatelysized ‘A’ road. John F, Shaftesbury. Many thanks to the BV (and Fanny Charles) for continuine to raise awareness of the futile actions surrounding Dinah’s Hollow and the C13. So they’ll shore up the banks to prevent slippage - will that stop lorries getting stuck? Stop damage to the village of Melbury Abbas? Prevent major incidents caused by huge HGV’s navigating the tight turns and Spreadeagle Hill? What will it take for action to be taken on the root cause of the issues on the C13 - the sheer volume and weight of traffic which has no place on such a small and winding C road? Anna Phaelen, Shaftesbury Andy Palmer’s article about the day Prince Charles was out with the hunt at Mappowder prompted a memory. My father also met Prince Charles - probably the same day. Mid afternoon, cows already in the yard at Shortwood Farm ready for milking and the Master of Foxhounds and various others intent on coming up through the field towards the yard. Aged Parent stomped off in his wellies towards them to say “you can’t come through here, go through that gate there”. Master of Foxhounds interrupted to say “Mr. Batstone this is the Prince of Wales...”. Reply - “Oh ah, well he still can’t go through the yard”. After which they had a pleasant conversation about the Prince’s very nice horse. When Father got back to the farm Mother was ready to start milking and wanted

to know who he had been talking to. When he said “Prince Charles” she thought he had finally flipped... Cllr Pauline Batstone

May I thank you for sharing the school choir video in the April Issue? How wonderful it was to watch, it brought such a smile and I’ve been humming the tune for days. It’s been marvellous to see how many groups have found such clever ways to bring everyone together through a very difficult and isolating period. (may I also say how much I enjoy being able to play the videos in the magazine? I didn’t understand at first, but now rather enjoy my own ‘cleverness’ at watching them!) Helen Wiles, Blandford. Many thanks for the latest issue - I live in Kent now, but an old friend sadly sent me a link to the Ray Humphries obit a few months ago, and now I look forward to my slice of ‘home’ every month. I always enjoy Roger Guttridge’s peek into the past (I remember equally enjoying his column in the original BVM), but Stur High School took me by surprise. I didn’t expect my own school days to be featured in a ‘Then & Now’ column - I’m used to marvelling at the featured ‘times past’, not finding myself counted among them! Jenny Paine, Maidstone. Not trying to be picky, but Honeysuckle actually won The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, not The Gold Cup!! Rachael also won The Gold Cup of course. Ian Boyce, London

READER’S LETTERS

I couldn’t help but notice the error in your April edition, which I just opened. The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021 was actually won by Minella Indo ridden by Jack Kennedy. Honeysuckle, ridden by the brilliant Rachael Blackmore, won the Champion Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Meeting. Fiona Ball

(Apologies to Glanvilles Stud, Rachael Blackmore and of course Honeysuckle herself. I KNEW it was the Champion Hurdle, honest. The article was correct, it was just that header... *sigh* Ed) Thank God for Andy Palmer and his column. What a find - a local publication that’s actually fun to read as well as interesting. Mike Jones, Sherborne. Great magazine but do you pay your columnist Andy Palmer by the pun? Some of them are even funny, I will admit. Why don’t you only pay him for the good ones, and fine him, say, £10, for every bad one? He did some funny ones based around cheese in the first issue. Sally H, Shaftesbury Sally, two things to bear in mind with Andy (our online stats show he is very popular with readers, and yes, it’s a mystery to me, too). Firstly, if there is a pun to be scraped out of the air, he never shies away from grabbing it. Second, if I was to fine him for the bad ones, he’d be owing us. But he’s fun to work with (if we ignore the perennial big head). And finally, you’re in luck – he’s got some new cheese ones in this issue (see page 41). My fave is The Beatles one. I actually laughed. Ed.

FOOD & DRINK Looking across some of the 30 acres of Langham Wine Estate. In the Aube region of Champagne, in Sancerre and Chablis, there is Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soil; familiar Dorset names, making the terroir at Crawthorne Farm perfect for classic varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

On Cloud Wine Sitting in the sheltered courtyard under an unseasonably hot April sun, gazing across the gentle slopes of the vineyard, listening to the quiet hum of conversation, I could almost believe I was enjoying a sneaky French trip. Instead, I was enjoying a beautiful glass of award-winning sparkling wine just outside Milborne St Andrew. Last year, out of 700 wines, Langham Wine Estate won one of the most prestigious awards a winemaker can win – the International Wine & Spirit Competition Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year 2020. I’ll be honest - I hadn’t leaped to accept the invitation to tour the vineyard. Whilst I love a bottle of bubbles as much as the next woman, there’s a reason Sadie writes our wine column (and her wife Hannah picks our wine – perfectly - from our vague descriptions of what we like).

I am not a wine connoisseur. The subtleties of the craft of winemaking are probably lost on me, and I wasn’t sure I’d do Langhams the justice they deserve. But. Being a wine connoisseur is not my job, and I’m never embarrassed to acknowledge what I don’t know (how else do we learn?). What I do know is that there is a lot of stigma around vineyards – impressive, intimidating places, many people won’t visit for fear of being looked down upon. So I pulled on my big girl pants, and headed for lunch at the vineyard.

The tour was endlessly interesting, and I have a notebook filled with random little snippets and facts, from the homemade barrel storage to the hand labelling of the bottles – Head Winemaker Tommy Grimshaw assured us he and his winery assistant could manage 1,500 of them a day. When we had seen the winemaking process from the barely-budding vines through to the finished labelled bottle, we stepped out to the courtyard to try some What was stand out for me on the tour was the dynamic

What a smart person I am. The wine tour was absolutely brilliant – if you know nothing about wine production it’s a fascinating introduction to the dark mystical arts. If you know your grapes, it’s still a fascinating introduction to the dark mystical arts. Because every vineyard is different (that’s the magic - I know, I read Sadie’s column every month, I’m learning), and every winemaker works in a different way.

Barrel Storage in the Winery. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock Always free - subscribe here

FOOD & DRINK enthusiasm from the young team. Everyone was deeply passionate about what they’re doing. Also, not once did I feel foolish - there appeared to be no stupid questions, just the joy of sharing knowledge and delight in a questioner’s curiosity. Lunch was served through the tasting (I’m not going to give wine notes here. And yes, lobster was on the menu...), and I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Vineyard Manager Olly Whitfield. I appreciated that he swiftly moved the conversation from his level of expertise (vast) to mine (limited), and explained ‘we don’t teach people what to taste at Langham – we teach them how to taste’. He regaled us with stories of his career path as a winemaker which has brought him to managing the vineyard, “glorious on a sunny day, but not so much fun hand-pruning 40,000 vines in January.” There was also much concern about the risk of frost later in the week, and the damage this would do to the newly-forming buds upon which the entire season’s crop will rely.

A sunny Courtyard lunch at Langham Vineyard. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Olly also praised owner Justin Langham, who he said ‘is exceptionally tolerant of new ideas. Many vineyards are rigid workplaces, only operating in one tried and trusted format, and rarely risking an experiment. Perhaps because we’re a young vineyard, we’re quite experimental, and Justin encourages that. He listens to our suggestions, asks us to explain why – and often says “okay, you convinced me. Let’s do it. It’s an exciting place to be”. The vineyard began offering outdoor picnics during 2020 as a way to pivot whilst usual business was suspended. These proved so popular they have become a permanent feature – collect the ready-packaged picnic and enjoy it amongst the vines at one of the tables set into the hedgerows (private hedge dining at his best), or simply

stay in the warm sunny courtyard. You can add a selfguided tour for just £10pp, but why not opt for one of the guided tours for £20pp - a vastly more enriching experience. Tours take around 2 hours, with a walk round the vineyard and winery with a member of staff, followed by a tutored tasting of three award winning wines. In addition to tours, tastings and the Vineyard Café there are regular events in the barn throughout the year; the middle of May finally sees the relaunch of the popular ‘Fizz Friday’ and ‘Seafood Saturday’ evening events, with themed food plus live music. Visit the website https:// langhamwine.co.uk/ to prebook picnics and tours, to check opening times for the café and also for tickets to the live events.

A picnic with a view - breaks in the thick hedgrow make for a perfect picnic spot. Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

image: Heather Brown

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 80

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by Heather Brown

The Quickest & Easiest of Quiche Recipes

The weather has warmed up, the cherry blossom is on the trees and Spring is definitely here. With an abundance of bank holidays and a lift in restrictions to allow meeting loved ones outside, May lends itself to picnics in the gorgeous Dorset countryside.

I have put together this delicious quiche recipe that is simple to make and can be made ahead of time. My mum used to make this for me when I was growing up, and it is equally as delicious

warm straight from the oven as it is cold as part of a picnic. If you want to add some local ingredients to your quiche, then I recommend getting hold of some Black Cow Cheddar. It will add some amazing depth to the flavour and is wonderfully creamy. You can also add any seasonal veg that you find in your local farm shop or you have grown in your garden! I have also teamed up with fellow Blackmore Vale columnist Andrew Livingston to use his farm’s beautiful white chicken eggs in my recipe, from their Dekalb White chickens. You can find out more about these beautiful white eggs in his article on page 59

Ingredients • • •

1 pack ready rolled puff pastry* 125g strong cheddar 100ml double cream

• • •

handful of cherry tomatoes some asparagus spears pinch of salt and black pepper.

*You can make your own pastry here if you would like - I recommend using Delia Smith’s Flaky pastry recipe. Just roll out to about half a centimetre thick, before adding to the tin.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180º fan/Gas 5. 2. Line an 8” square baking tin with baking paper. 3. Unroll the pastry and carefully place into the baking tin, allowing the extra to fold up the sides of the tin. 4. In a jug, mix together well the cream, eggs, salt and pepper. You can use garlic salt here if you wish and add more black pepper if you want to. 5. Grate the cheese onto the base of the pastry case. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pastry, along with the asparagus spears. 6. Gently pour over the cream and egg mixture. You can egg wash the pastry if you want to but you don’t need to. 7. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the top goes golden brown and middle jiggles when you shake the tin gently (the edges should be firm). 8. Eat straight from the oven with fresh green salad, or leave to cool and then slice as you wish.

image: Heather Brown

FOOD & DRINK

THE B-SIDE WINES There’s something charming and terribly British about championing the underdog. This month, I wanted to shine on a light on what we call at Vineyards the ‘B-side wines.’ The flip-side wines that are not known as, or produced with, the ‘Big Hit’ grapes, but in our opinion offer a thrilling experience and something a little different to the norm.

These are the little gems that you’ll find on the shelves of a good indie wine merchant.

You see, there’s a couple of ways you can look at B-sides: you could question why somewhere

along the line they have not climbed the charts and grabbed the number 1 spot, or you could see them as wines that are not commercial or made in a crowdpleasing, pure money-making fashion, rather reflecting the personal interests or passion of the winemaker behind them. The latter is our viewpoint – on the whole. Like many industries, there’s a spectrum from commercial appeal to a niche market. We love a niche wine at Vineyards, but the sweet spot for us is finding a wine with the right balance of ‘quirky’ and for the right reasons. Being ‘out there’ for the sake of it is not a good enough reason. We like to keep an eye on how many variables in the same bottle are ‘beyond the norm’ so as not to overdo it. So, when sourcing wines, we’re

by Sadie Wilkins, Indie Wine Merchant, looking for ‘B-sides’ that perhaps are unusual grape varieties from a well-known region, or the complete opposite – well known grapes from unexpected wine regions.

From rare indigenous grapes to unusual wine production methods, we sample and source them all – if they pass quality control! Like the ‘Big Hits,’ if the wine in the bottle is not well-made and value for money, it doesn’t make the cut. The moral of this story is to highlight the fact that behind every number 1 hit is a brooding B-side with something extraordinary to offer. Now that’s what I call wine.

Some of our favourite B-sides: CHATEAU OUMSIYAT OBEIDY, MTEIN, LEBANON £11 Obeidy is an Indigenous grape variety to Lebanon – think a slightly fresher style of Viognier with hints of citrus. This wine has exotic, mineral flavours with hints of peach through to a lovely, whistle clean salty finish. It also has delicate honeysuckle notes and a wonderful silky mouthfeel. Château Oumsiyat show respect for local tradition alongside modern techniques to create wines that are a fusion of Old World and New.

VIÑEDO DE LOS VIENTOS ‘NOTOS’ NEBBIOLO, ATLÁNTIDA, URUGUAY £14 Yes, that’s right, a much-loved Italian grape but produced in Uruguay and we must say it’s absolutely delicious! Made in very small quantities (just 2000 bottles) from a boutique winery. Aged for 6 months in older, used oak barrels, so as not to take away from the fruit’s vibrancy, this has lovely fruit purity and varietal typicity, something you will almost never find in a new world Nebbiolo.

UMBRELE SAUVIGNON BLANC, VILIE TIMISULUI, ROMANIA £8.50 The Cramele Recas Estate have put a huge amount of work into transforming into a contemporary winemaking haven. The vineyards are a combination of evolved plantings from 1447 with much more recent plantings. Racy passion fruit, tangerine and gooseberry flavours are graceful and elegant, with a lovely zingy acidity. A ‘Big Hit’ grape variety from a lesser-known region.

www.vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk

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It’s a Bohemian Dorset in Marnhull.

Did you know that brown crabs this big are caught off the Dorset Jurassic Coast?!

“What I make depends on what I find!” explains Olivia, owner of Bohemian Dorset, the preserves maker and winner of the LLTL 2020 Diversification & Sustainability Award. With the exception of her popular marmalade - for obvious reasons this is quite tricky to produce from local fruit! everything Olivia makes is found or foraged locally to her home in Marnhull, either from the hedgerows or from friends and neighbours gardens. A great example is Olivia’s Bohemian Pickle - made using nettle tops and wild garlic (“...perfect for a ham or cheese sandwich”). Her jams are equally popular “...my son likes his toast cut into three pieces so he can have three flavours each morning!” Olivia shared her LLTL journey; “I stumbled across the awards on Facebook I think, barely a day or so before the closing date, and thought to myself ‘what have I got to lose by entering?’ So I hurriedly did, not for a moment thinking I could win! The whole process was really simple, and it felt really good to share what I’m doing with a wider audience. The prospect of the judging was

Bohemian Dorset’s ‘Jam Stand’ on Sackmore Lane in Marnhull.

daunting until the process began. I delivered some of my products for tasting and just hoped the judges would at least like them! I then had a long video call with the judge (we couldn’t meet because of covid issues). It was great to talk to someone as passionate about food and diversification/sustainability as me! I felt completely invigorated, and determined to grow my fledgling business after speaking with the judge - but still didn’t for one minute believe I would win. The first I saw about my success was that I was runner-up in the Jams, Chutneys and Honey category. I was thrilled – in fact I think I even shed a tear. More than being thrilled I was shocked, but so happy that my hard work and, more importantly, my taste choices had been appreciated by strangers – not just my friends and family being polite!

I phoned my parents, posted it on Facebook and thought that was that. To then find out the next day that I had won the Diversification and Sustainability category was a complete shock! I think I shed a few more tears! I look forward to being able to get out and about to markets again after this lockdown to share my products with more people! I also look forward to being able to hopefully enter the LLTL awards again this year...” You can order direct through the Bohemian Dorset Facebook page, and the Bohemian Dorset Jam Stand is back up and running, now on Sackmore Lane in Marnhull. Olivia’s produce is also stocked by the Dorset Dairy Co. in their vending machine at Harts of Stur, and featured in Black Cat Catering’s popular Graze Boxes.

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

Love Local Trust Local 2021 Awards Opening Soon! Love Local Trust Local This is more than just a food and drink awards ceremony; was established to this is a campaign to recognise celebrate and promote our local food producers! quality, honesty and proximity in local food Want to enter the and drink producers Love Local Trust Local in Dorset. Awards? We are here to truly celebrate farmers, fishermen, growers and other local food and drink producers, whilst educating the public on the benefits of eating and shopping local. As a fifth-generation Dorset farming family we use our wealth of knowledge and experience in farming, food production and hospitality, to help build awareness in the public domain around topics such as food labelling, traceability and beyond.

We want to hear from Dorsetbased food and drink producers who are passionate about their produce! To qualify, all produce must be sourced within 30 miles of your Dorset location. Entries open from Monday 28th June 2021 through to Monday 27th September 2021, closing at 5pm. To check your business qualifies, and to get your entry rolling, simply click here. There is no charge to enter, so what are you waiting for?!

Without support from our fantastic sponsors, running these awards would not be possible. If you are a local business looking to give back to the community, what better than recognising those who are quite literally putting food on the table? Working with Love Local Trust Local will help you raise your local business profile, plus you will be invited to join the judging panel! Join us to help champion the environmental, social, economic and health benefits of buying local produce and help us celebrate local food producers who would otherwise go unrecognized! To get involved in sponsoring the Love Local Trust Local Awards 2021, click here.

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DORSET ARTISANS

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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!

MEET THE LOCAL ETSY MAKERS A new series shining a spotlight on the tiny creative micro-businesses in our area. Know someone local who has an Etsy shop? Get in touch and tell us about it! editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk

Too Hot To Candle: Embr. Creations We’re Lauren & Jack, and together we’re Embr. Creations - a small eco-friendly young company in Corfe Mullen that makes candles and wax melts to fill your homes with amazing smells! We pride ourselves on our environmental credentials - we only sell products with packaging that can be either re-used or recycled, meaning nothing goes to landfill. We also use soya wax, which means that our candles don’t give off any harmful toxins when burnt (unlike other, larger, brands!) We only launched Embr. in October last year, and only sell through our Etsy shop.

We have a charity candle this month - it’s ‘Bear’s Bakewell’ of which all profits will be donated to the National Autistic Society. And wax melts are currently three for £9 when you use 3FOR9 code at checkout!

We’re proud to have already completed over 315 orders, and have over seventy 5-star reviews on Etsy. We can’t wait to grow even more! Lauren & Jack

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by Edwina Baines edwina@theblackmorevale.co.uk

ART

Adam Binder’s ‘Boris’ greets visitor to the ‘FORM’ exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes Image - Edwina Baines

FORM

The Sculpture Exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes A monumental, two ton, four metre high Polar Bear (named Boris!), floating on an iceberg in the middle of the water first greets the visitor to the ‘Form’ exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester. This spectacular, incongruous vision is the creation of wildlife sculptor, Adam Binder, and alongside the Canada geese, grebes and Muscovy ducks enjoying the Spring sunshine on the lakes, it raises awareness of all species under threat, whilst also highlighting climate change. Indeed, there are one hundred outdoor sculptures carefully placed around the park, visually enhancing their surroundings many more indoor pieces are on display in the galleries, overall the work of over thirty of the UK’s top sculptors. In 2007, the old fishing business at Pallington Lakes

was purchased by Simon and Monique Gudgeon and Simon installed his original sculptures around the lakes for clients to see his work outdoors rather than leaving them in storage:

“Large monumental sculptures do not work in a gallery.” “They are out of scale and out of context. The landscape can enhance the sculpture and the sculpture can enhance the landscape.” The Sculpture Park opened in 2011 and has been growing and evolving ever since, for Simon, with his keen interest in art, history and mythology, is constantly adding to and redesigning areas of the garden: “You buy art because you love it. The investment is in the quality of life and what it actually gives to you.”

Initially qualifying as solicitor, he did not pursue this career but instead became a financial advisor, a landscape gardener and even a housesitter. He then started painting and realised he wanted to be an artist, the key being: “Practise and practise and practise.” Initially thinking sculpture would be more difficult than painting, he immediately fell in love with it, and the first piece of his to be installed was Thoth, the Egyptian God of the Moon, often depicted with an ibis head. The body of this elegant piece reflects that abstracted curve of the bird and simulates the curve of the moon. Although he started off as a wildlife sculptor, he has now digressed into abstract, figurative and kinetic work:

“One thing I really like about sculpture is its Form.” 87

POLITICS

Clare Shepherd with her painting ’Sheep on the Hill at Brendan Two Gates’ image by Edwina Baines

Charles Elliott’s ‘Horse’s Head’, displaying real energy and grace, it is intricately crafted from steel shapes and finished in galvanised zinc. Image - Edwina Baines Always free - subscribe here

ART

I was lucky enough to visit this new exhibition FORM on the warmest day of the year so far. Each piece has been sited with care, relating to its environment to create a combination of art and landscape. As I wandered through a lovely glade of white barked silver birch just coming into leaf, Mark Beattie’s bright red, painted steel sculpture Fracture II created a visual harmony of light and complementary colours against the bright green of the spring grass. Mark enjoys the idea of colour theory, believing that colours act as an emotional directive for the observer - so he creates abstract sculptures using various metals and colours, ranging in size from miniature to the monumental. In contrast is the work of the sculptor, Ted Edley, who hails from Corfe Castle and is a regular on Quest TV ‘Salvage Hunters: The Restorers’. Known as the ‘Dorset Copperfish’, he works with copper, brass, steel and unusual found objects to create decorative, architectural sculptural work. His dramatic, mythical sea creature ‘Hello Handsome’ was unexpectedly lurking around a corner in the wild river landscape.

I also heard one visitor exclaim that she had visited purely to see Nick Bibby’s masterful life-size sculpture of the “Old Man of the Forest”- a Sumatron Orangutan called Dagu, a resident at Jersey Zoo. Nick’s sculptures are exquisitely observed and Orangutans are one of his all-time favourite animals: “powerful, yet gentle, with such a depth of wisdom in those eyes.”

Nick Bibby’s masterful life-size sculpture of the “Old Man of the Forest”- a Sumatron Orangutan called Dagu. “powerful, yet gentle, with such a depth of wisdom in those eyes.” Image - Edwina Baines

Another piece which resonated with me was Charles Elliott’s ‘Horse’s Head’ (previous page). Displaying real energy and grace, it is intricately crafted from steel shapes and finished in galvanised zinc. The sunlight reflected from the lake glinted though the patterns of the metal, for Simon believes that placing the sculptures by water instils a sense of peace and tranquility more and more important in our busy lives. Charles is a young sculptor devoted to his craft; indeed, he epitomises a quotation inscribed on one of the plaques embedded along the garden path: ‘Let the beauty of what you love be what you do’ (Rumi). With a keen interest in wildlife from a young age, Charles has already earned international recognition within the sculpture world, showcasing his wildlife sculptures at various prestigious events worldwide. There is space here to only mention a few of the beautiful and unique works of art in this exhibition. Simon believes “A sculpture on a superficial level must

encapsulate beauty, it must uplift the spirit and enhance its surroundings. But on a deeper level it should resonate with the viewer, should have a subconscious appeal to their emotions. Whether those emotions are the same as the artist intended is not important what is important is that the viewer connects with the art.” Sculpture by the Lakes enables the visitor to do just this - whilst also wandering around the lakes amidst stunning landscape and gardens, or sitting by the stream enjoying some of the delicious offerings from the Gallery café, where ingredients are sourced directly from the kitchen garden. Although Simon and Monique’s dogs reside in the gardens and Lunar their pale haired Spanish rescue dog (known as ‘The Spanish Terrorist’ because he is a “terrier at heart”) might be sighted enjoying the sunshine in a quiet corner, please note the exhibition has a “no children under 14 and no dogs” policy. The ‘Form’ exhibition runs until 16th May - £12.50 per ticket, must be booked in advance.

POLITICS

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PHOTOGRAPHY

“Tranquillity” with Wincanton Camera Club

Paul Dyer’s “Peace at the bay” scored top marks of the competition, themed ‘tranquillity’ 20

Wincanton Camera Club had their final internal photographic competition on Wednesday April 21st based around the theme of “Tranquillity”. Our judge for the evening was Mike Barnard from Yorkshire who viewed and scored the images live on a Zoom video conference. The challenge of finding images to suit this theme brought out

some very creative thinking from our members and images ranging from the bath to the moon! Restricted to digital images rather than prints, because of current restrictions, our members submitted 27 photographs for consideration. Four images were awarded marks of 18 from members Kit Williams, Amanda Checkley and Jim Eastaugh. Meyrick GriffithJones’ image, “The boat house at Rydal Water” scored 19 and Paul Dyer’s “Peace at the bay” top scored with a mark of 20.

Our next club meeting will be our AGM on May 19th, and then a talk by Paul Mitchell FRPS about photographing woodland on May 26th. Some of our members have already been practising in the woods, currently alive with bluebells! Should anyone wish to find out more about our club then do look at our website http://www. wincantoncameraclub.co.uk/. All the images from the Tranquillity competition are available to view here.

READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY Yellowhammer in the blackthorn, 11th April Marilyn Peddle

Kingfisher on the Shreen in Gillingham, 27th April - Allan Gates

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 tag us on Instagram (@theblackmorevale), share it in our Facebook Group, or simply email it to editor@theblackmorevale.co.uk.

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READER’S PHOTOGRAPHY POLITICS

Happy living up to her name as she enjoys the morning air in King’s Stag - Steve Tarrant

Golden Hour at Melbury Abbas, 28th April - Beth Marston (@beefroof on Insta)

PHOTOGRAPHY

April with Blandford Forum Camera Club April at Blandford Forum Camera Club started with the official business of EGM and AGM, the club remains well supported and the committee are working hard to keep the program filled albeit remotely. The Points Cup Competition, Round 7 was held and the judge Normal Wiles had 38 images to critique and score. Commenting at the end Norman said how much he enjoyed seeing and talking about an interesting set of photographs. Top scores on the night went to Pat Catley – Getting Right In, Sally Chaloner – Fading Rose and Roly Barth – Time and Motion, closely

followed with 9.5 points Sally Chaloner – Centre Stage and Two and Colin Sansom – The Bare Tree. With only one more round to go, it is all to play for at the top of the leader board. We welcomed awardwinning International Wildlife photographer Tracey Lund back for part two of her Wildlife talks, where we got up close with some majestic, fearsome and delightful beasts and birds, from the UK and abroad. The images are not captured by chance, but by her obvious connection and respect of nature with plenty of patience and perseverance. The month finishes with two set subject competitions, ‘Trees’ and ‘Transport’, and with 58 photographs entered it looks to be a busy night for our judge, Sue Sibley. We have our final Points Cup

Competition at the beginning of May, plus two guest speakers, and the main season draws to a close. Guests and new members are always welcome, although currently it is only remotely. There is no expectation of ability or photographic equipment used, from a mobile phone, compact camera or top of the range DSLR and similarly our members photograph anything from wildlife, street photography, landscapes to still life, portraits and everything in between. The shared interest is in creating the images you like and helping each other improve as photographers, learning how to edit as sympathetically or creatively as you choose, and then how to present any photographs for viewing. Please do visit our website http://www.bfcclub.co.uk/

Getting Right In by Pat Catley acheived one of the top scores on the night

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ADVERTORIAL

Getting Out & Staying Well The warmer months are here and restrictions are lifting, now is the time to get out and enjoy some freedom. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a hike, or even just a social visit - here are some tips to keep you well while you’re on the move. Stretch

Before you undertake any activity, it’s important you

stretch first. This will ensure your muscles are warmed up and will help prevent any undue aches and pains.

Keep hydrated

Whatever your plans, make sure you pack water to stay hydrated while you’re out and about. There are many benefits to staying hydrated, including keeping joints lubricated, our organs functioning - not to mention improving mood and sleep!

Pack your bag

If you’re taking a backpack, make sure you remove any nonessential items before your trip so you aren’t carrying excess weight. Bags with adjustable straps are best - tighten the straps to hold the contents close to your back, which helps distribute the weight evenly. This will reduce undue stress on your body, which your spine will thank you for!

Enjoy!

After a challenging 12 months, we hope you enjoy getting out, getting moving... and catching up with your friends and family. If you’re feeling any aches or pains don’t suffer in silence - get in touch to book an appointment.

HEALTH

As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs. by Karen Geary, a Registered Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify

Ever since Edwina Curry and the ‘salmonella in eggs’ controversy, the media love a good egg scare story. Back in November there was a piece of tabloid science with a screaming headline about eggs being associated with an increased risk of diabetes that came from a Chinese study. This was somewhat confusing given diabetes is the inability to handle glucose and eggs contain very little carbohydrate. Unless you scoured what the research geeks were saying in their analysis, nothing was written in the mainstream press about the way in which the statistics were analysed, nor the fact that in this particular group the high amount of ultra-processed foods being consumed was likely a key issue.

In other words, don’t blame the eggs for what the cake did! On the positive, more recently a study of 50 overweight participants in Australia showed that 2 eggs eaten at breakfast instead of cereal reduced how much was eaten at lunchtime. Participants reported less hunger and consumed less calories when compared to those who ate cereal at breakfast. It seems to confirm previous studies

in non-overweight individuals who also ate less and felt more satisfied when they had 2 eggs for breakfast. My view is that protein in eggs is inherently more satiating, whereas cereal is mostly pure carbohydrate, creating spikes and subsequent dips in blood sugar. These spikes and dips make you feel hungry quicker. The reason why I love eggs? Choline. Choline is a misunderstood and little known nutrient – often grouped in the B vitamins, but it is not a vitamin, nor is it a mineral.

Eggs have one of the highest amounts of choline compared to other foods.

Choline is an organic, watersoluble compound or micronutrient vital for a number of bodily functions including liver health (that’s why eggs are ideal when you are hungover), brain health, metabolic health, nerve function, muscle movement as well as pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are some groups that have a higher need for choline than others: •

Pregnant and breastfeeding women require higher amounts as choline is rapidly

•

used by the foetus in its development. It is a protective factor for developmental problems, brain abnormalities, neural tube defects, and is associated with increased brain functioning in healthy babies. Oestrogen is also instrumental in choline production. This means that post-menopausal women have a higher need for choline in order to support optimal health in ageing. Endurance athletes, eg marathon runners experience a fall in choline and have a greater need.

Eggs are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin - antioxidants that reduce your risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. The controversy around eggs and cholesterol is a topic for another day. But the latest research is that we should not worry about the cholesterol in egg yolks – and they are likely supportive in building the ‘good’ HCL cholesterol. Eggs are one of the most nutrient dense foods we have, containing vital compounds. They are safe, cheap, tasty, easy to prepare and their benefits far outweigh any potential media scare story. 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.

Together we can achieve our goals

With the start of outdoor classes in April and with indoor classes resuming on the 17th May, I thought this a great opportunity to talk a little about group fitness. Joining a class can be a great way to start your fitness journey. It can help build a foundation and knowledge of exercises for you to take with you to the gym or home workouts if you wish. Executing exercises with proper form is important both to prevent potential injuries but also for the muscles to reap the most out of each exercise. Taking part in a fitness class means you are benefiting from being under the watchful eye of the instructor who will help you maintain proper form. Classes are also a great way to get a workout in without the

worry of planning your own program. Each class is well structured with a warm up, balanced workout and a cooldown. Group fitness is a great motivator, and helps yourself and others around you to push harder. In my experience as a fitness instructor everyone has a competitive side which often surfaces during class! A bit of friendly competition is a pleasure to watch and I love the camaraderie that comes with it.

You can be standing next to a complete stranger and yet you are egging each other on, supporting each other through the workout. As someone who also takes part in group fitness, I often find I get more out of a workout when surrounded by other class members than I do by myself.

Mel Mitchell

Nervous about joining a group class? Don’t be.

It is a natural feeling to be anxious. I remember being sat in my car with sweaty hands and heart racing. As soon as the class started, I was put at ease, and came out feeling great, having met some great people in the process. The growing popularity of fitness classes has meant that there is something out there for everyone. Whether you are looking for a high energy cardiobased class or something gentler such as Yoga or Pilates, there are a variety of local classes around run by fantastic instructors! Always happy to answer your questions - send them to me on melmitchellmassage@gmail.com

Research has shown that people who feel socially connected in their exercise class attend more sessions, arrive on time, are less likely to drop out, and are more likely to have greater mental benefits from the exercise.

BUSINESS NEWS - with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

Meet the owners! Recruitment consultancy is now 100 per cent owned by its 30 employees The Partners who now own the renamed Rubicon People Partnership. All future employees will also be owners.

A privately owned recruitment consultancy is one of just four in the UK – and the only one on the south coast – to be wholly employee-owned. Twenty one years after Rubicon Recruitment Group was acquired by Lloyd Banks and Jocelyn Browne, the Dorset-based business has been sold and handed over to an Employee Ownership Trust. It means that all 30 employees of the consultancy now own 100 per cent making them custodians of the business for future generations. All future employees will also become owners. Of the 6m or so registered businesses in the UK there are fewer than 600 which are employee-owned. The John Lewis Partnership is the largest employee-owned

business in the UK with gross sales of £11.7bn and a workforce of over 80,000 Partners. All of Rubicon’s employees will have an equal voice at quarterly meetings. An employee representing the Employee Ownership Trust will sit on the Board. The employees, who are now known as Partners, will also enjoy an equal share of the business’s profits. About two years ago the business – Dorset’s longest established privately owned recruitment consultancy – had come close to being sold to a large facilities company in the security market. Lloyd said: “It was for a good price but as they were doing their due diligence on us, we were doing the same in reverse on them. “It was clear they were going to do a ‘rip and strip’ of the business and it just didn’t feel right. “I also took six months away from the business after my wife, Salli, was diagnosed with stage

three to four stomach cancer and given just a few months to live. “The team did an amazing job while I was away and it made me really think about how the business should move onto the next stage. “Employee ownership protects jobs, retains our culture, provides clients with even more confidence in service delivery commitments and will be a catalyst for growth. “It also gives us additional resilience to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Lloyd, whose wife continues to make a full recovery, said his team were “chuffed to bits” at becoming owners in the business. “We are a different kind of recruitment business, and now employee ownership is a very visible demonstration of that.” Lloyd said Rubicon People Partnership, which is on course for an £11m turnover this year, would now be embarking on a ‘Go for Growth’ strategy.

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BUSINESS NEWS - with Andrew Diprose of DORSETBIZNEWS

Full Speed Ahead With Community Sites Set To Receive Gigabit Broadband Thanks To Dorset LEP

Dozens of community buildings across rural north Dorset are to be connected to next generation gigabitcapable broadband. It’s thanks to a Getting Building Fund allocation from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Sixty community sites, from Blandford to Sherborne, and including schools, community centres, a health centre, council depots, farms and adult social care residential homes, will be connected to gigabit broadband by March 2022.

Blandford-based Wessex Internet has been awarded the contract to deliver full-fibre to the community buildings. Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP Director, said: “Digital connectivity has been

instrumental in helping our communities during the Covid-19 pandemic and will be vital in our recovery. “Our Local Industrial Strategy for Dorset states that by 2030 we will lead a digital and cultural transformation across all communities. “Projects such as this will help fulfil that ambition.

“This investment will bring much-needed improvement to broadband speeds in some of Dorset’s most rural areas, greatly benefitting the local economy.” Cllr Peter Wharf, Dorset Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “some of our most rural areas would never be covered commercially but will now be able to access the next generation of gigabit broadband.

“This is not only good news for the community organisations, providing vital services, but also to the surrounding residents and business who will now have greater access to full-fibre infrastructure.” Building the network to the sites will bring many thousands of homes and businesses within reach of the new Wessex Internet network. Residents and businesses in these areas will be eligible for further subsidy through gigabit vouchers funded by the government, Dorset Council and the Dorset LEP to offset the costs of installing fullfibre. Hector Gibson Fleming, Managing Director of Wessex Internet, said: “We’re delighted to not only to connect the community sites, but to expand our network to the rural communities between Blandford and Sherborne, and connect more homes and businesses.“

Left to right: Cllr Peter Wharf, Dorset Council’s Deputy Leader; Cecilia Bufton, Chair of Dorset LEP; Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet MD, and Nicola Brooke, Headteacher of Durweston School. The school has recently been connected to the latest broadband technology.

POLITICS

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by Rob Nolan

SKY AT NIGHT

Meeting Rob Nolan Your New Guide To The Stars: A semi professional photographer for 6 years, my passion for landscape photography lead me to shooting commercial events and weddings. During lockdown when the beautiful Dorset coastline was no longer accessible I decided to combine my two life-long interests;

Photography and Astronomy. We enjoy some very dark skies in Dorset, and I’m fortunate to live with very little light pollution, so whilst we couldn’t step out more than a mile from our homes, I was travelling millions of miles across the universe from my very own garden! Astronomy and Astrophotography are hobbies that can be technically challenging, frustrating and tiring; but the rewards when

you see a planet for the first time, or a nebula in stunning clarity, make it all worthwhile. It does help to have a very understanding wife too! I really look forward to sharing my images with you all and hope that my results and experiences encourage others to take a few moments to step outside and look up to explore the wonders of our universe. Rob

This Month’s Image: Andromeda (M31) As we say goodbye to our nearest neighbour until the Autumn as it drops low to the horizon, and we enter the so called ‘galaxy season’, it seemed fitting that my first image should be of a galaxy, and I’ve picked one of the most recognised.

The Andromeda galaxy is the closest big galaxy to our Milky Way. At 2.5 million light-years, it’s the most distant thing you can see with the eye alone. This image, taken in February over 2 nights, demonstrates what can be captured with an equatorial tracking mount, a telephoto lens or wide field telescope and

a standard DSLR camera. The image was captured using 2 minute and 60 second exposures at ISO 1600. I also use specialist post-processing software and a process technique called stacking to combine all the all the images together which brings out the detail within the galaxy.

The Night Sky, May 2021: what you can see this month: After sunset, once the sky is dark enough, look towards the South and see if you can spot the kite shaped constellation of Boötes the Herdsman. The red giant star Arcturus is the brightest star in the constellation it is also the fourth-brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere. to the left of Boötes is a semicircle of stars this is the tiny constellation Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown. The brightest star in this constellation is Alphecca and is known as the jewel of the crown. Look to the left of the crown and you’ll spot the constellation of Hercules, the Strong Man.

‘Hercules Globular Cluster’ a globular cluster of several hundred thousand stars in the constellation of Hercules), is visible to the naked eye on the western side of the asterism known as the Keystone.

The sprawling constellation of Hercules is high in the east, and the brightest globular cluster in the northern hemisphere, M13 (the

On the 14th May look towards the West just after sunset and you should see the waxing crescent Moon and the planets Mercury and Venus, with both

The Keystone is formed by four bright stars in the constellation Hercules: Pi, Eta, Zeta and Epsilon Herculis. The trapezoidshaped pattern makes it easy to identify the constellation; on a clear night, the Keystone can be seen between the bright Vega, the brightest star in Lyra, and the stars of Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown. The asterism represents Hercules’ torso.

planets lying low above the Western horizon. If you’re a fan of the red planet, it will be visible too; just wait for the sky to get a bit darker and search for the constellation of Gemini. Mars’ distinctive red colour will make it easy to spot amongst the stars in the constellation. The May full moon (26th May) is known as the Flower Moon - because of all the flowers that bloom during this month in the Northern Hemisphere. This month’s full moon will also be a supermoon, so we can also refer to this month’s full moon as the Super Flower Moon. The Moon’s physical size won’t change, but because it will be at its closest to the Earth, it can appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter, hence a Supermoon, so it is well worth a look.

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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 of the cowslips at sunset on Hambledon Hill. Simply click the image and the interactive jigsaw will pop up.

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by Gay Pirrie-Weir

Performance is Coming Back! From Monday 17th May, public performances with audiences are permitted again, and venues across the region are preparing for the excited, if still socially distanced, audiences. Our region is welcoming more open air theatre companies than ever before during the summer months. Look out for full details. Here are some highlights, and remember that limited audience numbers will mean they will sell out quickly: • Bath Festival, this year from 17th to 24th May with an August Finale and an October encore (Patti Smith), has the Gesualdo Six in the Roman baths, Bridgerton walking tours of the city, Richard Osman and the Complete Beethoven Quartets among a full programme. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend is 7-8 August 2021, with McFly, UB40 ft Ali Campbell & Astro, Fun Lovin’ Criminals,

WHAT’S ON

Billy Ocean. The last remaining tickets are on sale now. • Wimborne’s Tivoli reopens with a visit by comedian Simon Evans in The Work of the Devil, the ever-popular Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, and Jack and the Beanstalk in June, all before our next edition on 4th June. • Poole’s Lighthouse has moved big films into the larger theatre space, and starts with The Greatest Showman on 22nd May. There is a Comedy Club 4 Kids at the new outdoor amphitheatre next to the main building. • Ralph Fiennes brings the world premiere of his new show TS Eliot’s Four Quartets, to Bath Theatre Royal from 25th May. • The Gaggle of Geese at Buckland Newton hosts a visit from Luke Wright in The Ballad Seller on 30th May

Big open air tours are getting started, with Illyria’s The Further Adventures of Dr Doolittle at the ECOS Amphitheatre at Frome Merlin on 2nd June, and the wonderful Lord Chamberlain’s Men at Salisbury Cathedral Close with Macbeth on 4th and 5th June.

Book soon, wrap up warm, and enjoy a summer of live performances again.

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WHAT’S ON

The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival will take place at Church Bottom, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5DS from 23-27 June. You can find details about the programme, and more information about what’s in store this year, by visiting www.cvhf.org.uk Tickets will go on sale to the general public on May 19 but will be released two days earlier on 17th May to the Friends Membership. You can find details on how to become a Friend on the CVHF website. Due to government guidelines, there will be restrictions on the number of tickets for sale this year. We strongly advise you to book early to avoid disappointment. Follow all the news on Twitter at @ CVHISTORYFEST and on Facebook and Instagram.

Six key speakers at the Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival this June:

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by Fanny Charles

Free fun at bank holiday festival

ADVERTORIAL

SALISBURY’s City Encounters festival returns for the May bank holiday weekend, 29th to 31st May, with open air circus performances, dance, theatre, comedy and music in the Guildhall and Market Squares, Salisbury Cathedral Close and the grounds of Salisbury Arts Centre.

Twin sisters Kristina and Sade of Alleyne Dance.

From hip-hop to playful puppetry, from physical theatre to contemporary dance, there is something for all tastes and ages as some of the country’s most adventurous and inspiring performers come to Salisbury. The programme has been created by Wiltshire Creative and supported by Without Walls to bring together up-and-coming companies, established street artists and those making their first foray into creating work for the public space. The performers include twin sisters Kristina and Sade of Alleyne Dance, in their new work, Bonded, which uses abstract narrative, West African dance, circus skills and athleticism; Black Victorians, a dance piece inspired by the discovery of hundreds of portraits of black people from Victorian England; Altered States with The Invisible Man, inspired by HG Wells’ famous novel, to raise awareness of issues including d/Deafness, homelessness and ageing; Pif-Paf with TOAST, a growing, communal celebration of food, song, story, dance and fire performed around a mobile kitchen cart; and Nikki Charlesworth’s What Happened to You? with three raggedy puppets and real-life stories to highlight the importance of access and inclusion. All events are free, but social distancing means that numbers are limited and tickets must be booked – www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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Specialist Plant Fair at Yarlington House On Saturday 22nd May from 10am to 4pm, by kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis, Yarlington House will host a specialist plant fair. Always a great day out for any plant lover, from novice gardener to plantaholics looking for more treasures. There will be an opportunity to buy plants from specialist dealers from all over the South West at the twenty stalls – Amongst them you will find organic vegetables, cheery summer colour, plants for cut flowers, wildlife and shady areas; plants for every nook and

corner of your garden! All amazing quality, great value for money and expert advice if you need it. The entrance ticket includes admission to the beautiful flower garden and walled kitchen garden, not normally open to the public. Perfect for inspiration for your own garden! Many of the plants will be on sale in the plant fair – including

Uncovering Deepest Dorset and Wiltshire. As part of Dorset Libraries’ celebrations for Local and Community History Month, you are invited to join journalists Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir in a live online event. Fanny and Gay will be talking about Deepest Dorset, the book that delves into the local history, landscape and places that inspire - and which has raised over £60,000 for local charities

to date. The success of the book led to Deepest Wiltshire, published in 2019, with a further book, Deepest Somerset currently planned.

a stand with plants grown and propagated by Yarlingtons head gardener. ENTRANCE £5 (under 16s free) Please bring exact money. Covid Track and Trace Compliant Event For further information please ring Carolyn de Salis 01963 440344 Proceeds to St Mary’s Church Yarlington and Yarlington Village Hall

Somerset and the impact that the pandemic has had on research and interviews, and on sales of published books. Wed, 12 May, 4-5pm. Book your FREE place now!

Find out about their mission to create a book that showcased Dorset from a different and varied perspective and hear about the latest research for their new Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir presenting £1,000’s worth of camera and audio equipment to the Lyme Regis book Deepest RNLI lifeboat - part of the proceeds of Deepest Dorset.

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Salisbury Live!

The small but perfectly formed Salisbury Live 2021 will take place on July 3rd, 9th and 10th. The Lift Off! Launch will take place at Salisbury Rugby Club on Saturday July 3rd and will feature 2 stages, headlined by Europe’s top Oasis tribute act, Oasis Maybe. Also on the bill; one of Salisbury’s favourite covers band, The Zucchinis, raucous punk/new wave covers band, Double J & the Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle and the brilliant Evolution Choir. Gates are 3pm-10pm with licensed bars and delicious food outlets onsite. Please note: COVID limits capacity to 1500.

Gold Hill Fair relaunched as Gold Hill Festival Sunday 4th July Following a year of uncertainty, together with cancellations of public events such as Gold Hill Fair 2020. Shaftesbury Rotary Club have decided to look ahead with optimism. The Gold Hill Fair will be relaunched as Gold Hill Festival and will be sponsored by Western Marquees. Shaftesbury Rotary Club are very excited by this year’s event, as it will give residents of Shaftesbury a chance to have some fun. Taking into consideration COVID

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Tickets are £5 each with under 10’s FREE (accompanied by an adult), on sale from Monday May 17th (online only) from SKIDDLE.COM. Friday July 9th, scaleddown Salisbury Live is in the Square running from 5pm-10pm, free entry. Saturday July 10th the traditional Salisbury Live we know and love with participating pubs and clubs around the city all featuring the best in live music. (click the pic to see more)

restrictions, it was decided that Park Walk would not be possible as a venue. Shaftesbury Rotary Club approached the Town Council who kindly agreed to the use of Barton Hill Recreation Park, a more spacious and usable space.

This year will be different; with The Fringe not taking place until the Bank Holiday Weekend in August, Gold Hill Festival will operate as a standalone event. Gold Hill Festival will have the usual stall holders around the field, with street food outlets and a central stage and music throughout the day, including

the first ‘Shaftesbury’s Got Talent’. Entry will be free; we want you to come and enjoy the day and have fun! If you have a particular talent and would like to take part then please let us know. We want all local organisations to be involved. We are very lucky this year to have a sponsor, Western Marquees, who are very kindly donating the Marquee, Stage and Generator for the event. If you would like to take part or even get involved, then please email us at: goldhillfair@hotmail.co.uk Always free - subscribe here

I live near Shaftesbury, North Dorset and the best thing about being a wedding celebrant is the joy and big smiles.

After the year we’ve all had, a celebration of a wedding or vow renewals has never felt so important. We all need something to give us hope, something to believe in and most certainly, something to make us smile. Being with friends and family, a feeling of togetherness whilst celebrating love is a wonderful thing. A recent review kindly given: “The care, attention and experienced advice Juli gave to us was exemplary and this started from the day we contacted her. The guidance and reassurance helped make it the wedding of the year and a truly memorable experience for everyone.” In a celebrant-led wedding, you’re not tied to the format of a religious or town-hall ceremony. The only thing I can’t do is the legal side – you’ll have to fit in a separate visit to the registry office. But with that taken care of, you’re free to have your celebration wherever you like, it doesn’t have to be licensed. Your wishes, values and style will be at the heart of the day. Juli Moran

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FAMILY LAW

Can My Employer Insist I Have The Vaccine?

Expert help on common legal issues from the team at Porter Dodson LLP. This week: thinking about mandatory COVID vaccination. As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be rolled out, it is being asked whether employers can insist that their staff be vaccinated. As with most things’ employment law, the answer is not simple. Getting straight to the point(!) is consideration of whether such a request is a ‘reasonable management instruction’ by the employer? Ultimately, this is a balancing exercise between the employer’s reasons for requiring the vaccine, and the individual’s rights and reasons for refusal. The nature of the individual’s role, where they work, their interaction with/proximity to others, and the employer’s health and safety-related duties and workplace risks will be key (although not exhaustive) considerations. A detailed consideration of alternatives, such as workplace testing, maintaining social distancing, home-working, providing PPE or encouraging staff to be vaccinated instead of mandating it, will also be important. Factors relevant to the balancing exercise will differ between

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businesses, e.g. employers in the health and social sector may be in a stronger position to demonstrate that a requirement to have the vaccine is reasonable because otherwise vulnerable people could be put at increased risk. This is in contrast to staff in the typically office-based professional services sector, where staff can more easily work from home.

If an employer can establish that it has given a reasonable management instruction to have the vaccine and an individual has unreasonably failed to follow it, it may be able to lawfully discipline the individual and possibly dismiss them. However, employers should tread very carefully before taking this action, as there is no established case law illustrating how these matters will be determined by an Employment Tribunal, should the individual bring a legal claim.

It’s likely most employers will encourage their staff to be vaccinated, rather than mandating it. However, those employers who mandate the vaccine should take several practical steps before implementing this requirement. These include (but are not limited to) discussing the proposals with staff and unions, and allowing staff a reasonable opportunity to raise questions. Employers should listen to any concerns raised and work with the individual to find an acceptable solution. This should be done before deciding whether to take more formal action, as there will undoubtedly be some who have valid reasons for refusing the vaccine, e.g. those who suffer from a medical condition and are advised not to have the vaccine and those who are pregnant. In either example, there is a high chance that the individual will not have failed to follow a reasonable management. They may also be protected under the Equality Act 2010 from suffering discriminatory treatment e.g. disciplinary action or dismissal, as a result of their refusal.

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FAMILY LAW

Know Your Rights of Way? After what felt like a long winter, spring has finally sprung. As the ground dries out, walkers, cyclists and horse riders are enjoying the various rights of way throughout the countryside. Though many adhere to the Countryside Code, sadly, there are always a few who do not. Only last week, a client caught horse riders cantering through his fields in complete disregard to both the public bridleway and to his crop. The Countryside Code was recently updated - the new version published on 1 April. Some key changes included: • Advice for people to ‘be nice, say hello, share the space’ as well as ‘enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory’ • Not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals

•

The need to stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife

Where one party enters another’s land unlawfully (veering off the right of way) they are trespassing. The question is how can landowners and users help each other to eliminate this issue? Users need to be aware of your surroundings when using footpaths, bridleways, etc. Look for signs, carry a map or use an OS map app to make sure you are not straying off the correct path. Where possible, landowners should put signs on gates or posts, helping the user follow the correct route. The use of fencing to separate the right of access removes any ambiguity but is not always practical or possible.

Landowners should inform the trespasser that they have strayed from the public right of way and point them back towards it. If a user ignores the landlords requests or is regularly found off the public right of way, then the landowner could take action for damages. Keeping a record (photos) of all trespassing incidents will help support such a claim. Landowners have a duty to those using their land, pursuant to the Occupiers Liability Act, whether it is on a public right of way or not. Farmland is a place of business, with many hazards and therefore for the user’s safety it is imperative they do not stray from the designated paths. If you need further advice on Agricultural matters or have any questions, then please contact Sarah Dunlop at Blanchards Bailey for more information.

FAMILY LAW

Battens Solicitors

Claiming against an uninsured or untraced Driver

Other driver uninsured or driven off but left you injured? You may still have a claim. It’s the road user’s worst nightmare – you’re involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, only to find that the other driver isn’t insured or, worse, has driven off without providing their details. This doesn’t however need to be the problem it may initially appear to be as it is in these circumstances that the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (‘MIB’) may step in. The MIB is a non-profit-making company set up by motor insurers. It enters into agreements with the UK Government in order to compensate victims of motor accidents in such circumstances. It is funded by contributions from every insurer that underwrites compulsory motor insurance; with The Road Traffic Act 1988 requiring these insurers be a member of the MIB and contribute to the funding. The MIB also works with the police to identify uninsured drivers for prosecution, thereby working towards all our safety on the road, that being all victims of road traffic accidents who are not at fault, including pedestrians and cyclists. Eligibility - If your claim is eligible and you follow the correct process (outlined below), compensation can be available for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by injuries sustained, financial losses suffered (for example a loss of earnings) and for the loss of or damage to any property involved in the accident, including a vehicle. One of the most important things to remember in relation to eligibility is that a claim must be brought for personal injury, assuming that in most cases like this some sort of injury will have been caused, within 3 years of the date of accident. After this time it becomes “statute barred” and you will not be able to bring the claim.

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

Process - In order to make a claim to the MIB, important steps need to be taken early on and without delay. Firstly, if you are driving, always report the accident to the police. If another vehicle is involved and they do not provide their insurance details, this must be reported to the police within 24 hours. It is advisable to report the matter to the police within 24 hours in any event. You should also inform your own insurance company. If you were not driving a vehicle, but were a pedestrian or cyclist, you should report the accident to the police immediately; any delay in these respects could affect your eligibility to make a claim. Once eligibility has been established, a Claim Form can then be submitted to the MIB, setting out full details of the damage and injury suffered. It is important that this document is complete and accurate in order to ensure that the MIB gives your claim the careful consideration it deserves. Again, there are deadlines so it is important to act quickly. The process will be different depending on whether the claim is against an uninsured driver or an untraced driver (i.e. a driver who has “hit and run”)- it is important that you follow the right process and understand how it all works so as to give yourself the best possible chance of having your claim accepted, accessing appropriate treatment or rehabilitation that might assist in your recovery and, ultimately, ending up with a fair sum of compensation for the experience that you have had to go through. Battens personal injury team are able to assist you with the process, leaving you to just concentrate on getting better. For more information contact kate Golding on 01935 846072 or email kate.golding@battens.co.uk

0800 652 8373

Solicitors

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

Agricultural Matters • Business Services • Commercial Property Construction • Debt Recovery • Dispute Resolution Employment • Family Matters • Immigration • Landlord & Tenant Lasting Powers of Attorney • Matrimonial • Moving Home Medical Negligence • Personal Injury • Planning • Probate • Tax Planning Wills, Trusts, Estates

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

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ADVERTORIAL

FAMILY FINANCE

The 3 Hidden Benefits of Getting Financial Advice You know you’re in financial difficulties. But the internet searches you’ve done have provided you with such contrasting advice that you are confused.

There are so many different choices and opinions. How on earth can you decide who to turn to and help you out?

1 Try Local

Your searches may have taken you all over the country, but don’t you want a business that has a face to it? Go to one that allows you to come into an office to talk privately and confidentially about your issues, or do this by video call.

2 Empathy

What has empathy got to do with debt? You may feel totally embarrassed about your problem. So talking to a trained counsellor and someone who won’t make judgements about your financial difficulties will help. Feedback has shown that sharing your problem can help and a solution for you can be found

Tough decisions may have to be made; but if you can make them in a collaborative way, this will give you peace of mind. By understanding your issues, in an empathetic way, it could mean that a weight will be lifted from your shoulders. You can sleep at night again.

3 Health Improvement

When you are searching for help on the internet, was there any information about the links between deteriorating physical and mental health and debt problems? Whilst an insolvency practitioner cannot hand out medicines, just by listening and helping you, your stress levels can be reduced.

This can lead onto better sleep and so aid your recovery to full health. By not being and feeling alone you will feel more in control and back on the road to an even keel.

What is your next action?

To talk about your financial position, pick up the phone or email me - Dorothy@ evenkeelfinancial.co.uk , pick up the phone and talk to me (Dorothy) on 01202 237337. Perhaps come and find me on Facebook, or on Twitter Make a list of who you owe money to, and we can arrange a time to meet and talk.

Know that help is at hand. Dorothy Brown Even Keel Financial Limited

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LEGAL NOTICES

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Pre-paid funeral plans

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

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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SERVICES

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SERVICES

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SITUATIONS VACANT

WE'RE HIRING... Medical Secretary & Admin Support Part Time - 30 hours per week 20,355.25 – 21,548.01 pro rata depending on experience (Pay award pending) We are recruiting a Medical Secretary with good secretarial skills, excellent typing and strong interpersonal skills to take on this very busy and varied post. The successful applicant will become an integral part of an efficient team providing an excellent secretarial and support service. Previous medical secretary experience preferred, however full training will be provided For information and to apply, please click here to apply

For further questions, please contact Vicky Eaton on vicky.eaton@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

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PROPERTY SPECIAL

The Insider Tips on The Local House Market Right Now More buyers are bidding over the asking price for properties than at any point in the last seven years. The UK’s property market is flying at the moment, with buyers battling to secure sought-after homes before the end of the stamp duty holiday. But is now a good time to sell locally? New research by NAEA Propertymark found one in six properties (16%) sold for more than their asking price in March – the highest proportion recorded in seven years. In the same month, a third of properties (33%) sold for below their asking price, the lowest proportion since NAEA started keeping records. The estate agency group says there are currently 13 buyers for each home on the market, as the stamp duty holiday continues to entice buyers.

So we gathered a group of the most experienced local experts to talk specifically about what’s happening in our own market, to see what’s selling and who’s buying:

How are things looking in the property market currently? The impression to the public is that it is booming, and being an estate agent right now is an easy life: is this a misconception? Roderick Thomas, owner of Roderick Thomas Estate Agents didn’t hesitate: “The market is booming and should, and generally does, reflect in the estate agency business. A vigorous market involves agents working harder and faster to respond to more enquiries, carry out more viewings and negotiate and agree more sales. All very exciting, great for the economy and local employment - we’re currently recruiting to expand our staff across both branches. Ashley Rawlings, head of residential sales at Savills Wimborne agrees “There is undoubtedly a strong country market at the moment, driven by the pandemic. More recently, the activity is being further boosted by a lack of stock. The age old factors remain the same for agents, though: it’s one thing to agree a sale, it’s quite another to see it through to exchange and completion. Just because the market is busy doesn’t mean there won’t be any unexpected

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Cottage at Milton Abbas £495,000 - currently under offer at Savills

hitches that could threaten to derail the process. Knowing how to handle any difficulties and keep the sale on track is the mark of a good agent. Simon Neville-Jones, Branch Manager at Lodestone Shaftesbury also commented on the hectic market “We have multiple buyers for many of the houses we have listed over the last year. Several of our houses followed by best bids have attracted at least 30 viewings within days of being added to the market.”

Susie Palin, head of Meyers Blandford, said “The toughest issue we have is lack of housing stock available to a high volume of buyers; currently in certain situations, vendors have to be ‘under offer’ or cash buyers in order to even view a house which has meant that there is a level of reluctance for some wouldbe sellers to put their houses on the market for fear of having nowhere to go. It’s a real chicken and egg scenario at the moment balancing both vendor and buyer expectations. Always free - subscribe here

PROPERTY SPECIAL

Can you tell us about the current Stamp Duty Holiday benefits? How is that going to affect things over the next six months? Brad Hansford from Meyers Shaftesbury isn’t worried “Most buyers have two budgets at the ready, pre- stamp duty holiday and post-, in case they miss the deadline. Most serious buyers have done their homework and realise that after June 30th, there is still a saving to be made on stamp duty and have done their sums accordingly.”

Roderick is confident in the market remaining high “There’s continued lower relief until the Autumn. Buyers naturally want to take advantage of reduced SDLT and are aware they may not complete a purchase prior to the end of June. Nevertheless demand is increasing and I don’t see this changing. In fact I think the market will continue at

this or a higher level at least until the end of this year. Ashley from Savills tends to agree “Predicting anything in property as far ahead as six months is difficult, however I do see the draw to the country remaining strong for a while yet. The market will simply adapt to the stamp duty change”

Is it okay for someone to ask for a valuation appraisal, even if they’re not sure they want to sell yet? This drew a reassuring and unequivocal YES from every estate agent! Simon: “Yes! Agents often visit houses on a regular basis before they go to market.” Susie: “Of course! most Estate Agents offer free valuations - it gives the seller an idea of where

they stand financially” Roderick “Absolutely. We sell lots of properties which we originally visited months and even years previously!” James McKillop, head of residential sales at Savills Salisbury explained further “we look to build long term

relationships with clients. We recognise that circumstances change and that it’s important for people to know what their house may be worth at any given time so they can make plans. Talking to an agent about the market now may crystallise those plans or provide further food for thought.

Home is where the heart is Buying a new home is likely to be one of the most substantial purchases you ever make. But choosing the right mortgage for you can be bewildering. That’s where we come in. We offer a local, friendly service backed by the strength and security of FTSE 100 company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management. We can guide you through the complexity of today’s mortgage market, ensuring that you have the right product at the best rate to suit your needs. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

WALKER WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Lee Walker

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Director Tel: 01202 087499 Email: lee.walker@sjpp.co.uk www.walkerwm.co.uk The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

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PROPERTY SPECIAL

If ‘now’s a perfect time to sell’ - what advice would you give to anyone considering taking the plunge? Savill’s Ashley “The basic economics of supply and demand suggest now is a good time to sell. In some instances, we are handling competitive bids, and agreeing sales in excess of guide prices. Clearly I would recommend instructing an agent with a good track record - at Savills, some clients prefer to sell ‘off market’ without the use of websites or advertising” Brad suggests being genuinely ready “It is a seller’s market currently with demand for

housing high and inflated prices; if you wish to sell, be ready for your house to sell quickly. The first step of the process would be to get a local property expert out to your property so you are aware of what your main asset is worth.

for people who were perhaps considering selling later in the year to crack on and do so now. My advice is to try and buy and sell in the same market.” Simon “This remains the best market to sell in since the boom of 2006/2007. However, it will not last forever and could easily change by this time next year. It’s hard to predict, so we are encouraging people to make use of the increasing rates of value and demand for houses in Somerset and Dorset.

Roderick “Factors driving the market include shifts to homeworking, desire to move out of the bigger cities and towns, and we’ve seen a big leap in interest from overseas buyers, too. The current market is also a catalyst

We see the stories of houses being snapped up super-fast - what tips do you have for potential buyers who are finding the speed of the market difficult? The agents were unanimous in the need for registering with your local estate agents. Meyers’ Brad: “Get registered with each and every Estate Agent in the area of choice, be ready to be

flexible and perhaps compromise on location. Most agents will have relationships with builders as well as private sellers and they will know which properties are ‘coming soon’. It is desperately

competitive at the moment so keeping in touch with agents is a must. We have frequently sold properties in recent months that have not even managed to hit the main portal sites because the 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 Contact us for a free market appraisal.

Rachel Badrick, Sales Progressor. bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 128605099 01749

shaftesbury@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01747 442577

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

PROPERTY SPECIAL buyer is registered with us.” Roderick takes things a step further than agents’ mailing lists and checking websites regularly: “Make sure you have a good solicitor lined up and get your paperwork in order for conveyancing. If a vendor receives multiple offers, you’ll be in a better position as a buyer if you’re organised and keen to proceed swiftly and efficiently. Simon adds the drive for social media to your checklist “Last month we reached over 62,000 people via social media. We ensure that all our properties are added to our social media channels as soon as they are on the market, often before they are even added to Rightmove.”

Okeford Fitzpaine - Ashley Rawlings, head of residential sales at Savills Wimborne seen good sales for both here and Child Okeford.

And Savills’ James takes a step backwards “Most importantly, my advice would be to have funding in place, or at the very least an agreed sale in a short and stable chain. Once that is the case, register with the agents most likely to handle the sort of

property you would like to buy and keep in touch with them.

Good agents will ring buyers regularly but be proactive don’t feel you have to wait for them to call you.”

Who’s buying locally - is it an influx of people looking for a new rural location post-covid, or is it predominantly the local market shifting? Simon shares Loders’ latest data with us “Our social media and website statistics since January have shown that prospective buyers are mostly UK, but not necessarily local. We have engagement from America, China and Germany, but the majority are UK-based. Our latest house sale attracted buyers visiting from London, Surrey, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Hants, Bath, West Sussex, Berkshire and, of course, Dorset.”

Savills’ Ashley agrees it’s a widespread mix of buyers “We have seen an increase in buyers from London and the Home Counties. They have traditionally made up a large part of our market but the number of new applicants in this bracket has certainly grown. We have also seen a lot of activity from local people looking to upsize within the area. Roderick is seeing the same movement, but adds a third

sector “It’s the perfect storm. Buyers moving out of London wanting the benefits the country and small towns and villages offer. Likewise, overseas buyers want a base in the UK. The third element is buyers who have been renting for years. Usually people can rent a house which is beyond their budget to buy. This has kept many people renting for years, but they’re seeing inflation coming and they’re now rapidly buying.

Are there currently any specifically desirable locations within the Blackmore Vale area? Meyers’ Susie says things are so busy it’s tough to call “We have buyers registered wanting towns, villages, splendid isolation and also right in the middle of all amenities!” Roderick agrees “Picturesque and desirable villages, not to mention wonderful country pubs and spectacular rural scenery; it will always be a popular spot for those seeking to relocate to the West Country. We’re seeing high

demand both for rural/ village homes and also homes close to good transport links for those wishing easily to commute to London and elsewhere.” Lodestone’s Simon feels there’s commuter demands too “The most popular area is probably the A303 corridor with villages like Charlton Horethorne, Nether Compton, Buckhorn Weston. And always villages either with or near amenities.”

Interestingly, Ashley Rawlings has seen a desire for a particular spot “We are spoilt for choice really in the Blackmore Vale but in my experience recently the Okefords (Fitzpaine & Child Okeford) have seen some good sales, with the improvement of facilities in Sturminster Newton contributing towards the increased desirability of these areas.”

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POLITICS

4 bed detached house Blandford £575,000

4 bedroom detached house Alford £825,000

2 bedroom penthouse Dorchester £545,000

5 bedroom semi-detached house Dorchester £535,000

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POLITICS 3 bedroom detached house Gillingham £250,000

4 bedroom detached house Blandford £475,000

4 bedroom detached house Castle Cary £350,000

4 bedroom link detached house Sherborne £325,000

2 bedroom appt Motcombe £235,000

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The Blackmore Vale May '21

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Random 19 - Philippa Davis

Take a Hike

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Barry Cuff | Voice of the Allotment

Out of Doors

Farming

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Brigit Strawbridge

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Police alert

Meet Your Local

Dorset Art Weeks Feature

Then & Now | Roger Guttridge

Tales from the Vale | Andy Palmer

14yr old Ruby ‘The Pocket Rocket’ Else-White recognised as one of Europe’s top talents.

Rural Matters - CPRE