The BV magazine, December 24

DECEMBER

TO MAKE NAVIGATING EASIER, ALL THE NUMBERS ARE CLICKABLE SO YOU CAN JUMP TO YOUR FAVOURITE SECTIONS!

A COUNTRY LIVING Mark Chilcott raises 1,300 turkeys each year – and still cooks one for Christmas dinner

ART - WORKHOUSE CHAPEL Rose

Hatcher’s magical annual treasure trove

COMMUNITY NEWS 20 pages of news, reviews and puzzles

FRONT COVER: Snowy herd by Trevor Stadd

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We visited Pete Hyde’s plantation on the day it snowed (could not have planned it better) to understand just how much of a labour intensive art growing really good Christmas trees can be.

Contact The BV Team: 01258 472572 Mon-Fri 9 to 5.30

Editor: Laura Hitchcock

editor@BVmagazine.co.uk

Advertising: Courtenay Hitchcock advertising@BVmagazine.co.uk

Sub-editors:

Gay Pirrie-Weir

Fanny Charles

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EQUESTRIAN – WELCOME! We’re excited to welcome Tizzard’s Racing to the equestrian column this month: what an opportunity to get a peek ‘behind the racetrack’. Joe Tizzard already has more than 130 winners on his record, and £2.3 million in prize money.

FARMING George Hosford’s obsessing over brooms, and Andrew remembers getting his finger stuck... in a helicopter.

FOOD AND DRINK So. Many. Producers. Dorset’s astonishing.

JOBS

LOCAL HISTORY Frozen Dorset, and Then and Now in Okeford Fitzpaine

NEWS The Belchalwell pothole, a doc on a bike and TWO world champions

RUBY WHITE WORLD CHAMPION!

A ‘LITTLE’ GIFT INSPIRATION

We’ve 17 pages of hints, tips and suggestions, for everything you’ll need for your table, and some rather brilliant gift ideas for the hard-to-buy-for, if we do say so ourselves.

86 OUT OF DOORS Garden jobs, and Barry Cuff’s allotment round up

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READERS’ PHOTOGRAPHY

Listen, it snowed. It’s not our fault we had to run to nine pages – it would have been criminal to leave any out!

This Christmas issue of The BV is bursting at the seams with amazing people, fabulous Dorset producers and makers, and frankly, an absurd amount of festive inspiration.

If we ignore for a second the 17-year-old World Champion, the doctor responsible for reducing motorbike death stats and the fizzing excitement of welcoming Tizzard’s Racing to the equestrian section ... inside, you’ll find features on 95 local businesses and 26 charities – not advertisements, but proper stories written by our brilliant (and yes, paid!) journalists. It’s a huge feat, powered by a team who are part detective, part cheerleader, and wholly devoted to shouting about the people who make Dorset extraordinary. Championing local businesses comes at a cost to us, but being a community-led publication has been our mission from day one. This year, we hope to inspire you to buy a little Dorset from some of them. From a Dorset-grown Christmas tree from Trinity Street Trees to a free-range turkey from Chilcotts, you’ll find endless inspiration for local shopping and

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RURAL MATTERS New solar farm application is too much, says CPRE

WHAT’S ON What’s coming up that you should add to your diary?

WILDLIFE Jane Adams has written a love letter to yew trees

gift ideas. There’s no shortage of Dorset treats either – books, gifts and, of course, SO MUCH mouth-watering local food. By shopping locally this season, you’re not just finding unique, meaningful gifts – you’re supporting the very heart of our community.

One thing that IS missing this month is our hike (sorry) – C has finally had his knee operation (huzzah!), so we’ve been housebound for a bit. We promise to bring you a new (short) walk in January! Speaking of which, a quick reminder: as always, we’ll be taking Christmas off, so the January issue will be one week later than usual.

Lastly, if you haven’t already, make sure to order a copy of The BV Readers’ Photography Calendar. It’s a stunning collection of cover photos, it’ll make you smile all year and every single penny goes to The Vale Pantry—a Christmas gift that feels as good to give as it is to receive.

From Courtenay, myself and the entire BV team, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Thank you for being part of this amazing community –we can’t wait to see you in 2025!

by Courtenay Hitchcock

On 1st November in Colorado USA, Ruby White became the first ever U19 World Boxing Champion, after defeating India’s Chanchal Chaudhary Image: Courtenay Hitchcock

Ruby White - World Champion!

Still just 17 years old, Ruby White made boxing history in November as the first ever Under 19 World Champion, putting her small Dorset hometown of Stalbridge on the map. Her rise to the top has been anything but easy, shaped by hard work, determination, and a refusal to be outworked – both in and out of the ring.

Training for the world stage

Ruby’s preparation for the World Championships involved an intensive eight-week training camp in Sheffield and Aldershot. ‘We were in camp every weekend,’ she says. ‘We did have a rest weekend, but I didn’t take it. Instead, I joined a tri-nation camp with Wales and Scotland. It was good training, but it meant I didn’t stop.’

Unlike her teammates, Ruby balances her training with a full-time job, a challenge she embraced despite its difficulties. ‘I’m the only one on the England team who works full-time. Even at the senior level, no one else does,’ she says. ‘It’s hard fitting everything in, but I’ve always funded myself, with a bit of help from my parents. I just didn’t like the idea of asking for sponsorship before.’

In late November, Ruby headed to Colorado to represent England on the world stage. ‘We flew out

on 21st October and had a couple of days to adjust before the draw was announced on the Friday. I thought I wouldn’t fight until the Tuesday, but I ended up in the ring on the Saturday. It caught me off guard a bit. I wasn’t really ready!’

The road to victory

Ruby’s first match, against Thailand, ended in a third-round stoppage. ‘I could have stopped her earlier, but it was my first bout of the tournament. I just needed to settle in and shake off the nerves.’

The semi-final saw Ruby face Canada, where she stopped her opponent in the second round. ‘I like to take the first round to work them out,’ she says. ‘In the second, I caught her with some big shots. The referee was a bit lenient – she should’ve stopped it earlier, but thankfully it ended the way it needed to.’

The final against India was more intense.

‘I won the first round, but she took the second,’ Ruby says. ‘I started the third strongly and was on track to win, but then the referee disqualified her.’ With that, Ruby became the first ever U19 World Champion. ‘I’m proud to be the first – it’s a bit of history, isn’t it? No one else can say that.’

Balancing life and boxing

Outside the ring, Ruby’s life is a juggling act. Since moving into her own place near Gillingham, she balances her job with training, and admits it’s becoming ever harder. ‘I leave for work at six and get home at six: finding time for training is tough. I need to improve to try to get on to Team GB. I need to train full time – morning, lunch, afternoon, and then strength and conditioning and running ... I can’t fit it around my work.’

Looking to the future, Ruby’s goals are clear. ‘The dream is to win gold at the Olympics and then turn professional. I’m happy to keep working hard – it’s not about the money for me – but women’s boxing still has a long way to go in terms of pay. I’d like to see it level up.’

What’s next

For now, Ruby is enjoying a short break, but she remains focused on her next challenge.

‘I have to win another European title to try get on to Team GB, because I’m too young at the moment. You’ve got to be 19. I’m also too light, I’ve got to go up to 50kg instead of 48kg. And I have to build muscle, because people are going to be a lot taller!’ She’s also building connections with professional boxers like Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith, WBO cruiserweight champion until he lost the title last month. ’We’re planning to do a training camp together soon.’

And the plan now? ‘I’ll carry on winning and bring Olympic gold home to Stalbridge and Dorset.’

A Plague of potholes

Rachael Rowe investigates how a festive protest finally got Belchalwell’s road repaired – and the story behind Dorset’s pothole problem

It took a Christmas tree to finally get a huge crater-like pothole fixed in Belchalwell. The hole had been causing havoc for motorists since last winter and accidents were only avoided because someone placed a large barrier around it. Although the enormous hole had been reported numerous times, no one had got round to fixing it due to the demand on services elsewhere. That is, until a helpful resident planted a Christmas tree in the pothole during October and posted a photo on social media. Naturally, the offending photo swiftly came to the attention of Dorset Council. A team was sent to investigate and immediately agreed that it was indeed awful! The pothole is now fixed and the good people of Ibberton and Belchalwell have a smoother drive. But should it really take a Christmas tree to get a pothole mended? What caused the wait?

How potholes got their name

What did the Romans ever do for us? Apart from underground heating, gladiators, sanitation and, yes, the aqueduct, they also created roads. Beautiful, straight roads connecting towns across the Empire started appearing in Roman Britain in an attempt to modernise the place.

Local English tribes were quick to spot that the clay the Romans were using to fix the stones in the new roads was of particular high quality, and the potters soon paid attention. While the English tribes had little use for roads, the potters scooped up clay for their pots, leaving holes behind them ... and that is how the pothole was born. Today, at any time, there are thought to be more than a million potholes in Britain, according to the RAC. Last year was a mega year for potholes with more than 750,000 reported in 2023 by 60 per cent of local authorities (many more holes go ignored and unreported by the public).

The RAC attended 29,300 breakdown incidents as a result of pothole damage to cars during 2023 in England. The plague of potholes has even driven Rod Stewart to filling in holes himself and considering selling his supercars. Roads in the UK are so susceptible to potholes because of the wet, cold climate. Traffic levels

A witty local planted this Christmas tree in a longstanding Belchalwell pothole, finally prompting a repair

also increase road wear, adding to the problem as roads are more likely to become damaged and cracked. Increased building, more cars and climate change bringing more adverse weather mean the problem will only increase.

The issues in Dorset

Dorset Council fix approximately 20,000 potholes across its 2,400 mile road network each year

Dorset Council’s highways department, which includes an emergency team and gritting lorries, is constantly working to maintain the road network. The team found time between fixing problems caused by snow and Storm Bert to send a response to the BV Magazine. Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services said: ‘Every year we maintain our whole road network (2,400 miles), fixing approximately 20,000 potholes across Dorset. At any given time, the number of potholes varies depending on factors such as weather conditions and road usage.

Our team prioritises repairs based on the pothole’s location, size, depth and the category of road it is on. A defect on an A-class road is addressed more quickly than one on a less heavily used road.

‘One of the key challenges is weather conditions – particularly the freeze-thaw cycle. Water enters small cracks in the road surface, and if it then freezes it expands, worsening the cracks and eventually leading to pothole formation.

‘Preventing this requires sealing road surfaces early, but this isn’t always possible across the entire network. The sheer scale of Dorset’s road network also presents logistical challenges. Balancing urgent repairs with preventative maintenance to avoid future damage requires careful planning and allocation of resources. We aim to repair highrisk potholes within 32 hours and complete most repairs within 28 days, whether they are identified by our inspection teams or reported by the public.’

Looking to the future

If potholes are on the increase because of weather conditions and high traffic volume, innovative solutions will be needed. The University of Surrey is conducting a research trial, led by Dr Benyi Can, into thermo-active treatments for roads. Dr Cao is working with National Highways to test using geothermal energy to keep road surfaces

at a controlled temperature. Ground source heat pumps are being used to cool roads in summer and warm them in winter.

If successful, the work could provide a costeffective solution to a significant challenge. Dr Cao says: ‘At the moment, a typical motorway or A-road surface lasts 20 years, but this is likely to reduce as extreme weather increases. By regulating the temperature of road surfaces, they should last significantly longer. Aside from the safety benefits and reduction to car damage, think of the reduction in expensive, inconvenient roadworks.’

In Dorset, the highways team has a busy time ahead. Councillor Andrews says: ‘By April 2025, we will have renewed or replaced more than 120 miles of road surfacing and fixed around 20,000 potholes across our network this year. This approach ensures we address both immediate hazards and long-term road durability, providing better value for money and improving road safety for all users. We appreciate the community’s assistance in reporting issues, helping us keep Dorset’s roads safe and well-maintained.’

• To report a pothole in Dorset either go online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/report-a-problemon-the-road-or-pavement or call the 24-hour hotline (01305 221020) for urgent issues.

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Call us on 01258 458214 for a reassuring chat with one of our advisors.

The BV Reader’s Photography Charity Calendar 2025

We’re thrilled to introduce the very first BV Readers’ Photography Charity Calendar, celebrating Dorset’s beauty through the eyes of our talented photographer readers! After four years of receiving so many requests, we’ve finally brought together a hand-picked collection of our breathtaking cover photos. As regular readers know, The BV receives literally hundreds of submissions every month for the highly regarded (and hugely-popular) Readers’ Photography section. Less than 40 of them will make the shortlist, and most months just 12 will be featured in the magazine.

Each month features a stunning image taken by one of our readers: they’ve all been BV cover shots, and each one showcases the changing seasons, landscape and wildlife of Dorset. The calendar is a real celebration of local talent and of the Dorset countryside.

We have kept things simple for our first year – you order online, and the calendar will be sent directly to you. The A4 version is £12.99, and the A3 version is £16.99. And every penny of the profit will go straight to The Vale Pantry.

All proceeds from the BV Readers’ Photography Calendar 2025 will go directly to The Vale Pantry, a charity dedicated to providing essential food support to local people. The social supermarket was set up

We must of course thank all the local photographers who have kindly allowed us to use their images – full credits below:

January – Rebecca Cooke

February – Sarah Smith

March – Paul Dyer

April – Meyrick Griffith-Jones

May – Shazz Hooper

June – Linda Martin

July – Ian Nelson

August – Colin Lennox-Gordon

September – Clive Hill

October – Kim Robinson

November – Claire Norris

December – Annette Gregory

during the pandemic to help struggling people in North Dorset – they currently support more than 350 local families in need. Your purchase will not only fill your year with beautiful Dorset imagery from local photographers, but also help support a vital cause in our community.

Head over to the BV shop now to pick up your calendar (it’ll make the perfect Christmas gift too!) and make a real difference for local families in need this year.

Features:

• 12 stunning full-colour images, one for each month

• Photography by local Dorset photographers from The BV’s Readers’ Photography section

• Proceeds support The Vale Pantry charity

• Printed on high-quality paper with a durable wire binding

Order your calendar HERE today and make a difference in our community.

• bvmag.co.uk/calendar2025

Dr Ian Mew (DocBike) responds to 999 call by Rachael Rowe

Preventing crashes, saving lives

A Dorset consultant on his DocBike leads the fight against motorcycle accidents across the UK – with action, data, education and innovation

Struck by the alarming number of motorbike fatalities on Dorset’s roads, Dr Ian Mew knew that action was needed. Rather than responding to accidents, he realised it would be better to prevent them entirely – and began a mission that has saved countless lives across the county and beyond.

As a consultant in intensive care and anaesthetics at Dorset County Hospital, Dr Mew, who is a member of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew (need to add that) and founder of DocBike, has become a leading

figure in road safety and lifesaving innovation not just in Dorset but across the UK.

How DocBike began

‘As director of major trauma at Dorset County Hospital, I saw patients dying before they even reached hospital.’ Ian says.

‘Joining the air ambulance, I thought I could change that – but motorcyclists still often didn’t survive. The forces involved when a motorcyclist crashes are often simply too great to be survivable.

To truly save lives, I realised we needed to prevent these

Dr Ian Mew is a consultant in intensive care and anaesthetics at Dorset County Hospital, a member of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew, and founder of DocBike

accidents altogether. That’s where DocBike began.

‘When the air ambulance lands in a field, everyone is always really pleased to see us, and they come to say hello. Talking to motorcyclists has always been tricky – they traditionally haven’t wanted to speak to the police, and they’re not that interested in talking about road safety issues. But many are enthusiastic fundraisers for the air ambulance, and I realised that was a way we could get to talk to them.’

Prevention is better

All of the volunteer DocBike riders are serving emergency doctors, paramedics or practitioners who look after critically ill and injured patients as part of their day job, and all have completed an emergency service provided motorcycle response course. Even bigger than the roadside critical care team is the work DocBike does with its Biker Down programme, teaching motorcyclists how to provide first aid at crash scenes and offering practical advice on avoiding accidents altogether.

‘Data shows that while

motorcyclists aren’t always at fault, understanding the risks can reduce their chances of an accident, by up to 80 per cent,’ says Ian.

‘For example, if you are riding a motorcycle on a straight road with junctions on either side, you clearly have right of way. But motorcyclists appear like a dart to someone in a car waiting to pull out – that’s not well understood by a lot of bikers, who naturally assume the car waiting has seen them. So the biker carries on, never considering that they might not have been seen.

‘In Dorset we have been working really hard with motorcyclists to help them understand that although they have the right of way, and people would give way to them if they saw them, other road users may actually not have seen them due to their low profile, and so will just pull out. To avoid an accident, bikers have to be prepared to stop – even though, legally, they have the right of way.

‘We’re careful not to pit road users against each other. We believe in sharing the road. It’s about helping motorcyclists understand it is not necessarily the fault of the car driver, it’s how our brains are built. We’re designed to look out for woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers, not people hurtling towards us on a narrow, fast bit of metal.

‘Because the team attends these crashes and sees what happens,

we can work with the road safety partnerships to obtain the actual data and examples of why people crash. That means we can give tips, and ultimately we have reduced bike accidents by 80 percent. We can’t say categorically that it’s

end. It can be relentless. But being able to make a difference to people who are otherwise going to die ... it’s very humbling.

Motorcycle fatalities in Dorset have reduced by 50 per cent in the last two years

DocBike that has caused the reduction in motorcycle fatalities in Dorset, but they have reduced by 50 per cent in the last two years – and that figure has not been seen in other areas where we are not operating.’

Life at the sharp end

DocBike started in Dorset in 2015, and achieved charitable status in 2018. There are now branches in Devon, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Sussex and Cheshire. Ian first came to came to DCH as a medical student. He returned to finish his training London, met his wife, and they both returned to Dorset as junior doctors.

‘I spent two years in surgery,’ he explains. ‘Then I did some intensive care and really enjoyed it. It’s amazing that the skillset of intensive care can now be taken into people’s houses and to the roadside with the helicopter. It has made a massive difference to patient care.

‘Emergency care is demanding. After being a consultant for 15 years I sometimes wonder why I am still involved at the sharp

‘However, it is also demanding. You work through the night, miss Christmasses and holidays and it takes a toll on family life. But it needs to be done, and doing it well at the appropriate time makes a massive difference.

The air ambulance takes the hospital’s critical care one step further – being able to go directly to the patient and deal with them, anaesthetise them, give them blood, and then get them direct to a major centre with heart, brain and trauma surgery, saves the patient hours in getting treatment – and maybe their life.

‘I’m really lucky with the support DocBike gets from the ambulance service and the hospital. We all work for the benefit of the population, and it’s sometimes frustrating when the system gets in the way and when funding isn’t there. But we rally around and help each other. That’s lovely ... It is a family.’

In 2022, Ian won a special ‘Big Thank You’ award from The One Show, and the late Hairy Biker Dave Myers highlighted the fact that Ian runs DocBike entirely in his spare time.

‘It’s hard – you can easily do another 40 hours a week on top of your NHS job. The problem is the NHS survives because people already donate a lot of time to it. For DocBike, finding volunteers has been a huge challenge.’

Reducing the Risk

When Ian started DocBike, he began with the data: he found that the motorcyclists most at risk of dying on Dorset’s roads were men aged between 40 and 60.

‘When we did our original research in 2016, we combined our own hospital data with police

collision investigations. The 40 to 60-year-old men were riding at high speed in rural areas, where, if you got it wrong, it would often result in a fatality.

‘Because we have targeted that over the last eight years, the demographics have actually changed. Now, here in Dorset, that group is less likely to be involved in a crash. So now we’re targeting the younger generation to try and almost “vaccinate” them from an earlier age. We’re also working with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, who write the tests, because the information we learn from road collisions can help to reduce crashes if we can include that in the motorcycle test in the future. It might be something we can engineer out if you are only allowed to ride a motorcycle if you are aware of the things that put you most at risk.

‘DocBike has sponsored a PhD student at Bournemouth University to look into the causes of motorcycle incidents and what can be done to avoid them. The country roads in Dorset are a delight for people to ride. To get the most out of a motorcycle you like everything to be twisty and turny – that’s the fun bit. But there are also hazards.

If you have a crash in a town you tend to be driving at a lower

speed so the forces involved are not so great. If you are on a national speed limit road then that tends to be more hazardous if you crash.’

Looking to the future

Space is at a premium on a DocBike motorcycle, so equipment has to be chosen wisely. It also has to be compact, vibration resistant and waterproof. This equipment, small enough to fit on a motorcycle yet robust enough to withstand significant vibrations, is expensive. It currently costs £62,000 to get a DocBike motorcycle on the road, with all the training and kit.

‘Realistically our biggest challenge right now is sustainability. We are entirely volunteer-led and with seven branches across the country, all with their groups of volunteers, being able to deliver full support from people who already work long hours at the ‘day job’ is a challenge. We need staffing to provide that and to have staff you need funding.

‘I now have a deputy national director, also a volunteer, and someone else to run Dorset, so that frees me up to look at things nationally. And I finally get a bit more time to see my wife, which is really important!

‘It is very easy to get home at 7pm, eat and then spend the rest of the evening in the office. Then you go to bed, get up and do the whole thing all over again. Hopefully my life will be made easier by this support.

‘We are also getting a paid staff member. Not only will this help the volunteers operate more effectively, but it will help us have better reach with the motorcyclists we want to engage with. By having this extra support we should bring in more funds, which pays staff and that’s the start of a self-sustaining charity. We’ll then have the capacity to push the successes in Dorset to other parts of the country.

‘We tend to target biker events, as that’s when you can interact with the whole community. Being part of the ambulance service is so useful – this year, because our injury prevention strategy is working so well, DocBike has been sent out to other incidents that haven’t involved motorcycles but where help is needed. If we’re the nearest resource we are still ultimately an ambulance resource. So it’s been good that in Dorset the number of motorcycle accidents have been reduced –we‘re then available to help save the lives of other people.

‘If we can’t fix people after the accident, we need to get to them before they have their crash and see if we can prevent them having an accident. It works so much better – it not only saves lives, it saves demand on the ambulance and hospital services, prevents costly and inconvenient road closures and benefits everyone.’

• To donate to DocBike: docbike.org/dorset

• Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance: dsairambulance.org.uk

Trinity Street Christmas Trees’ ‘big tree’ plantation will supply councils, market squares and town halls, as well as rural Dorset’s large country houses and estates.

All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

Growing Christmas –one tree at a time

Dorset’s expert grower, Pete Hyde, gives The BV’s editor Laura Hitchcock an insider peek at the secret life of Christmas trees

‘I started selling Christmas trees in Bristol, many years ago. I moved to Dorset, and I saw a lack of really high quality trees, so I began selling them on Trinity Street in Dorchester – and I’ve been doing it for 35 years!’

What began as a small seasonal side venture for Pete Hyde has flourished into Trinity Street Christmas Trees, known across the county for its expertly grown, beautifully shaped and locally sourced Christmas trees.

‘Initially, I purchased trees from abroad, but I soon switched to Scottish suppliers, building a strong relationship with a Danish grower. Interestingly, the majority of the expertise, equipment and knowledge for Christmas tree growing originates in Denmark.

‘Over time, I realised we needed to grow our own trees. Obviously, it’s better for stock control for us, but the biggest reason really is that it’s so much more environmentally friendly – our locally grown trees reduce ‘tree miles’ and are also FAR fresher.

‘The big problem with the UK Christmas tree market is that a lot of people flock to buy a cheap tree from the big supermarkets or a chain brand. But they were cut so early – I know all the trees for one discount supermarket were cut in the last week of October, for instance, and have been sitting on pallets since.’

Walking through Pete Hyde’s Dorset ‘big tree’ plantation – a forest of 14 and 15-year-old trees –

he waves a hand at the forest and says: ‘These are our biggest trees, all destined for town councils, village squares and town halls, as well as the large country houses and estates.’

The ten touch points

Contrary to popular perception, growing Christmas trees is incredibly labour-intensive, Pete explains.

‘We plant the trees as three-year-old saplings, about eight inches tall, and they take five years just

Pete Hyde with his dogs Willa (German wire-haired pointer) and Wilf the cocker spaniel

to reach waist height. But over those five years, we prune the base, manage pests like aphids, and even install bird perches near the tops of the trees to stop the birds snapping the tip off when the soft new growth starts. We use a range of skilled techniques and specialist equipment.

‘The whole game of Christmas tree growing is to achieve a dense tree. Dorset is full of small

plantations in field corners where farmers have thought it’d be a great idea to grow Christmas trees … and all they’ve ended up with is a load of ugly trees, completely unsellable and unusable. They don’t realise that it is a massive amount of work.

‘Every one of our trees has ten touch points a year: once it’s four years old, every tree, every year, is touched ten times. It’s not difficult to grow a tree which is sparse, gappy and ugly – that’s just what trees do, if you don’t do something with them!

People don’t realise the sheer work involved.

‘Each year, every single Nordman Fir (the popular no-drop Christmas tree) in our plantations has its outermost tips trimmed, which then leads to new sideways shoots. The next year, we cut those, causing more sideways shoots ... and again the following year ... that’s how we create the shape. And every single Norway Spruce (the more traditional tree) is sheared, each year, by one of the team up a step ladder. They grow new tips, and new tips and new tips … The tree you take home has likely undergone five years of trimming to get that lovely dense shape.’

(Pete points to a tree across a clearing with a very tall, straggly top stem)

‘Like that one – that’s been missed. Rubbish. We’ll sell that cheaper as a third-grade tree. Some people like them that way, of course, but it’s not what we aim for.’

While discussing the effort behind harvesting, Pete pauses to help his team wrestle a huge, dense, 20-foot tree towards a trailer – it’s destined for Dorchester town pump.

‘Customers so often underestimate how heavy these trees can be,’ he says. ‘Even a 10-foot tree is no joke.’

This particular one is a struggle for the five-man team to lift.

A fashion shift

Of course, no matter how good the grower is, trees are still living things with their own ‘personalities’. Pete explains how two trees planted next to each other, given the exact same treatment for years, cut on the same day and placed in the same house could behave completely differently: ‘One might dry out while the other stays fresh through New Year,’ he says. ‘So late cutting is great, but frost is even better – it shuts the sap down, preparing the tree for winter. That’s why we’re thrilled it snowed!’

Nordman firs now make up 90% of sales, mostly due to their needle retention

Over the years, the market has shifted away from the traditional Norway Spruce. Now, Nordman Firs make up 90 per cent of sales, mostly due to their needle retention. ‘A lot of people do come to us and say they want a non-drop but they really miss the smell,’ he says. ‘So we have a solution for that, too – we now sell the Fraser fir, which is absolutely stunning: slightly narrower and it has a lovely, lovely smell. We do a lot of Fraser firs actually – not everybody has room for a big wide tree.’

Despite demand, Pete doesn’t offer ‘cut your own’ services. ‘Trees need to rest for 24 hours after cutting to settle,’ he says. ‘Besides, we manage our forests carefully, removing specific trees to allow others to flourish. If customers cut at will, it disrupts the cycle. Farming trees requires longterm planning – it takes seven to ten years to grow a six-foot tree.’

There’s a common perception that a real Christmas tree is quite pricey – Pete is quick to point out that among your other Christmas bills it’s easy to forget that you’re looking at seven to ten years of working those ten touch points every year, as well as the manpower required in the harvesting and delivery.

Pete’s top tips for your tree:

• ‘Buy as fresh a tree as possible. Check for some sap at the base, and try lifting it – a heavy tree

Is it greener?

Recent research shows that a real Christmas tree is more beneficial for the environment. A six foot artificial tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg, more than ten times that of a real tree of similar size – meaning you’d need to re-use it ten times to negate its carbon footprint. Nearly 90 per cent of them are shipped across the world from China, and on average, fake trees are used only four times before they end up in landfill. Commonly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), they

will retain moisture more than the dried out, light trees which are sold at any big chain store. Buy local, buy fresh!’

• ‘Once you get your tree home, don’t put it next to a radiator! Do put it in a stand so that you can water it. What we do is trim the tree to fit the stand, and we’ll slice half an inch off the bottom to open up the channels again to allow it to drink – just the same as you’d trim the stems of a bunch of flowers from the florist.’

• ‘We offer a needle retention guarantee for nondrop trees. Every now and again, you do still get a rogue one. One in maybe 300 will just decide to go into shock and drop all its needles. It does happen. If one of our trees does that, we replace it – no questions asked.’

Trinity St. Christmas Trees are available now:

• Trinity Street, Dorchester

• Morrisons, Weymouth

• Watersports Academy, Sandbanks, Poole.

• Or order online – Pete offers deliveries throughout Dorset.

tschristmastrees.co.uk

are non-biodegradable and non-recyclable, and they’ll remain there for hundreds of years.

In contrast, real trees are a renewable resource – even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you’re supporting forests. On top of which, up to ten trees are planted for every six-foot tree that’s cut down for Christmas.

Your tree can also be responsibly recycled or disposed of – look out for local charity collections, where for a small donation you can guarantee your tree will be collected and disposed of correctly for composting or chipping mulch.

Enjoy Traditional Festivities

For All The Family

Discover bygone traditions of Christmas in Dorset

Follow the Museum Christmas Trail

Hands-on festive crafts and activities FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY

Visit Santa in our magical museum

Saturday 7th December

SEN Santa Experience

Thursday 5th December

Christmas folk songs, carols and stories

Thursday 12th December

The Famous Great Pudding Stir

Saturday 14th December

Christmas Shopping Galore

Give the gift of Dorset with delightful presents made locally Museum of East Dorset

23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR

Telephone: 01202 882533

Website: museumofeastdorset.co.uk

INSPIRATIONAL GIFTS PLUS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR FESTIVE ENTERTAINING

By Courtenay Hitchcock

Building champions

A small town with big punches – how SNABC moved from a scout hut to the world stage, becoming a world-class boxing powerhouse

Amid the unmistakable smell of stale sweat, old wraps and worn gloves, Sturminster Newton Amateur Boxing Club (SNABC) is a place where young athletes don’t just learn how to throw punches – they discover discipline, resilience ... and the strength of the community that stands firmly behind them. Last month, the club joined an elite group of organisations recognised by England Boxing for producing a World Champion in Ruby White (if you missed it, see page 4!). At the heart of this achievement is Shaun Weeks, the founder and driving force behind the club, but it was a moment of deep pride for Shaun’s whole team – and the entire community. Presenting the award, England’s national coach Mick Maguire said: ’This certificate acknowledges the input and the hard work that happens unseen here at the club.‘

Boxers get their accolades on the day, at every tournament, but people forget the amount of work and sheer dedication that goes on back at the home club ... week in, week out, year in, year out.

‘None of the coaches get paid. They give up hours and hours away from their families … they deserve this’

‘I was out in Colorado with Ruby and the rest of the England team, and I’ve worked with Shaun and SNABC over the last four or five years. Everywhere I go, I see Shaun – he is always there! He’s at every tournament, he’s at the training camps. He’s acting as chauffeur … I’ve driven down from Birmingham to Sturminster tonight, and I tip my hat to him. Just getting in and out of North Dorset is not the easiest thing! It takes real dedication, and that’s what we’re acknowledging. ‘This award is only given by England Boxing to clubs that have produced a World Champion – of

World Champion Ruby White (centre) and Shaun Weeks (holding the certificate) with the team of coaches at Sturminster Newton Amateur Boxing Club

which there are very, very few. Sturminster is now in that elite group of World Championship clubs.’

But Shaun is quick to point out it’s not a solo act. ‘This award is for the whole team,’ he says. ‘Ruby gets all the plaudits, and I get a lot of acknowledgement, but there’s nine other coaches here, all unpaid volunteers, all giving up long hours away from their families. That’s why I’ve asked them all to be here tonight – they all deserve this pat on the back.’

Humble beginnings

The club’s story is one of grit and determination. Shaun founded it in 2001, starting out in the town’s scout hut where equipment had to be packed up after every session. ‘The numbers were going up and up,’ he says, ‘but it wasn’t sustainable. I knew we needed a place to call our own.’

The journey wasn’t without setbacks. In the early days, Shaun lost several key members and coaches to a rival club. ‘It left me on my knees a bit,’ he admits. ‘But then I thought, “I managed before, I can manage again”.’

By 2009, the club was thriving, and Shaun began looking for a permanent home. After almost signing on a less-than-ideal location, fate intervened when a local property owner showed Shaun a larger unit on the Butts Pond Industrial Estate in the heart of Sturminster Newton. ‘It already had a mezzanine floor,’ Shaun says. ‘I saw the potential immediately.’ The move was a gamble. The rent was a significant jump from what they were paying at the scout hut – but the club filled out the space, adding facilities and renting unused areas for personal training to ease financial pressures.

Against the odds

The club has now grown into a powerhouse, producing national champions and competing internationally. A highlight came earlier this year when the team travelled to Sweden for the prestigious King of the Ring competition, the largest boxing tournament in Europe. ‘We took ten boxers over,’ Shaun says. ‘Out of those, we picked up three gold medals, two silver and two bronze. It’s a tough competition – there were around 670 competitors from 19 different countries – but our boxers held their own.’

‘It’s never just about boxing – it’s about giving these kids experiences they’ll carry with them for life’

Freddie Norman winning his second gold medal at King of the Ring

experiences they’ll carry with them for life.’

But with success comes challenges. Financial pressures mean the club can’t always take as many athletes to international competitions as they’d like.

‘This year, we had to dip into our reserve funds,’ Shaun admits. ‘Next year, we’ll have to be more selective, which is tough when everyone is working so hard in the gym.’

A vision for the future

Despite the obstacles, Shaun has big dreams for the club. ‘We’ve probably outgrown this building now,’ he says. His vision is for a purpose-built facility that could serve as a hub for combat sports across North Dorset. ‘Imagine a space where boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and taekwondo could all come together. That’s the next step for us.’

It’s clear that Shaun’s passion isn’t just about creating champions in the ring but about building a community.

‘We’re a little club,’ he says, pausing before correcting himself. ‘Well, we’re quite a big club now, actually! But it’s all from this tiny place in the back end of nowhere.’

As for the future, the club is already looking ahead to January, when three of its boxers will compete in the England Boxing National Youth Championships. Shaun is also preparing for the day when their brightest star, Ruby, transitions to the national GB squad. ‘We’ll lose her to GB full-time, but that’s always the goal – to see our boxers grow and achieve at the highest levels.’

A community effort

The victories weren’t just about medals: for some young athletes, it was their first time abroad or even staying in a hotel. ‘It’s never just about boxing,’ Shaun says. ‘It’s about giving these kids

SNABC is clearly more than just a place to train: it’s a lifeline for many. Shaun’s leadership has steered it through challenges, but it’s the collective spirit of the coaches, athletes and community that has made it what it is today. ‘This award,’ Shaun says, holding the certificate with quiet pride, ‘is for everyone who’s been part of this journey. It’s proof that hard work, even in the smallest places, can lead to great things.’

• sturabc.co.uk

by Laura Hitchcock

One leg, two golds

From a para’s crushed dream to para jiu-jitsu glory, Paul Skivington becomes the UK’s first World Para Jiu-jitsu Champion

Paul Skivington, a veteran of 9 Parachute Squadron, faced a life-altering challenge when a motorbike accident in 2001, when he was just 23, resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee, ending his Army career. Undeterred, Paul rekindled his competitive spirit through sports, initially embracing golf and later dedicating six years to coaching boxing in his hometown of Sturminster Newton. However, his accident had left him with metal plates in his arm, creating a weakness where the metal joined the bone. During a routine sparring session, his arm snapped, potentially once again ending his competitive aspirations.

Determined to remain active and engaged, Paul sought a combat sport with less physical impact that he could also share with his children. This search led him to Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) in Yeovil, where he immediately fell in love with the discipline. Beginning in 2018, Paul competed against able-bodied opponents, acknowledging the inherent challenges: “Guard – being stuck inside someone’s legs – are a major part of the sport, and

when you’ve only got one leg, it’s a bit too easy for your opponent to get out of them and score!”

At that time, the UK lacked Para jiu-jitsu competitions. Paul’s perseverance paid off in 2022 when he entered his first Para jiu-jitsu competition, the REORG Open, securing a gold medal. He repeated his success in 2023 and he set his sights on the Para jiu-jitsu World Championships, the premier global competition held annually in Abu Dhabi. Competing in the 2023 world championships as a newly qualified purple belt, Paul earned silver and bronze medals. In 2024, he achieved a double gold in both gi (wearing the traditional jiu-jitsu uniform) and no-gi categories at a UK Para jiu-jitsu competition.

Better than a coach

‘Earlier this year, I knew my jiujitsu game had really improved,’ Paul says. ‘I’ve been a purple belt for 18 months now, with a lot more experience and skill, so I wanted to give the world title another go.’

He travelled to Abu Dhabi on 4th November, joining approximately 100 athletes from around the world, all with various disabilities. ‘Classification in para jiu-jitsu is based on mobility first – I was in the amputee group, obviously – but then it’s quite fluid. Clearly there’s rarely a perfect match, so experienced black belts will assess the participants and place them according to age, weight and belt on the day of competition.’

Paul’s had two fights in Abu Dhabi, both resulting in submission victories, earning him

the title of World Para jiu-jitsu Champion – the first UK athlete in his classification to do so.

“Coaching boxing was fantastic, but jiu-jitsu has literally changed my life. I’m actually doing it,”

Paul says. ‘Though the sport is almost 100 per cent sparring, there’s no heavy contact, there are no blows or strikes: we tap. So instead of needing recovery time as I would from a full contact sport, I can train four or five times a week.’

As he advanced through the belts, Paul recognised the diminishing returns of competing against able-bodied opponents of similar levels, though he he is determined to compete ablebodied at some stage

• Paul trains at Invictus Jiujitsu in Gillingham.

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Welcome to The Grumbler, the open opinion column in The BV. It’s a space for anyone to share their thoughts freely. While the editor will need to know the identity of contributors, all pieces will be published anonymously. With just a few basic guidelines to ensure legality, safety and respect, this is an open forum for honest and unfiltered views. Got something you need to get off your chest? Send it to editor@bvmagazine.co.uk. (and of course send letters to letters@bvmagazine.co.uk in response!)

Does Dorset Council actually care about the food and drink sector?

When I read recent reports about Dorset Council withdrawing from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in 2025 and their new Dorset Plan for economic growth, including an Economic Growth Board (EGB) chaired alongside the Dorset Chamber, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Once again, it seems we’re watching a large organisation – this time the council – with absolutely no idea of how to communicate with business owners. Dorset Chamber serves an important role, but in my personal experience from attending their events, their membership leans heavily towards solicitors, accountants, PR firms, website designers and coaches of some kind.

What I didn’t meet were any food producers (my area of interest). Is the Chamber the right organisation to sit on the EGB? Yes, probably … as long as the council is also able to tap into the outstanding food and drink producers across the county.

The sector so far seems invisible in the council’s grand strategy – there was a glaring absence of any mention of food and drink producers in the Dorset Council Draft Plan.

Wasted potential

There are hundreds of small producers – many nationally award-winning – and numerous large ones scattered across the county, and the council already has an ‘in’ to this critical industry – Dorset Food & Drink (DF&D). It’s a membership platform specifically designed to support, promote and

There’s certainly no understanding by officers at the council of what a difference the organisation could make

network with food and drink producers across the county. But where was DF&D in the council’s report? Nowhere. It’s an omission that speaks volumes about how disconnected the council is from this sector’s potential. At its peak, DF&D was driven by a board of experienced trustees who ensured it was progressive,

active and ambitious. They championed Dorset food and drink with real energy, delivering initiatives that mattered to producers like me. But now? My experience of DF&D has been, it’s fair to say, poor. As far as I know, the organisation consists of one overworked person presumably juggling other council responsibilities with little time or resources to focus on us, the producers. There is little interest from councillors – or perhaps just no knowledge even of the existence of DF&D. There’s certainly no understanding by officers at the council of what a difference the organisation could make with a clear strategy and focus on how to provide a meaningful, ambitious, innovative range of projects that the food producers of Dorset of all shapes and sizes want throughout the year. There is no energy, no drive, just half-hearted token gestures: DF&D is underfunded, understaffed and utterly overlooked. We only have to look over the border to Wiltshire to see just

how effectively a council can support its food and drink sector when it wants to.

The Winter Food Fair at Athelhampton House was a rare exception – a fantastic event that showcased Dorset’s incredible food and drink scene. But one event a year is a drop in the ocean. We need more events like this, bigger and more frequent, to not only to provide a route to market for the many producers but also to showcase the premium quality food and drink that Dorset has to offer and which will in turn pull in visitors.

Time to prioritise

We’re talking job creation, increased tourism, and a platform for Dorset to shine nationally and internationally

This lack of focus isn’t just frustrating – it’s a massive missed opportunity. Dorset’s food and drink sector is packed with talent: hundreds of producers, from small family farms to innovative artisans, are dotted across the county. Properly supported, this sector could play a

leading role in the county’s economic revival. We’re talking job creation, increased tourism, and a platform for Dorset to shine nationally and internationally. If Dorset Council is serious about its Economic Growth Strategy, it must prioritise this sector. The Economic Growth Board needs representation from food and drink producers – not just the Chamber – and DF&D must be revitalised. Bring back a proper board of trustees, inject fresh energy, and build a strategy that truly champions Dorset’s amazing food and drink industry. They in turn will provide employment opportunities and be part of the economic revival of the county. There’s so much potential here. But without proper investment and collaboration between the council, DF&D and the Chamber, it will be wasted. Dorset deserves better – and so do its brilliant food and drink producers.

Fairfax & Favor opens in Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury celebrated in style on 5th December as Fairfax & Favor unveiled its eighth UK store, a new jewel in the crown of this rural vogue favourite. The beautifully designed boutique showcases the brand’s signature shoes, boots and bags, all perfectly arranged to exude understated luxury. Guests, including many of Dorset’s most stylish, enjoyed fizz, delicious canapés, and a warm welcome from the Shaftesbury team alongside Fairfax & Favor’s HQ crew.

Felix Favor Parker, co-founder of the brand launched in 2013, joined the celebrations, greeting guests and sharing the story of the brand’s meteoric rise. Fairfax & Favor has built a dedicated following, with many loyal customers collecting multiple designs. One guest even made the journey from Lancashire to attend the opening – proof of the brand’s irresistible appeal.

Adding to the day’s excitement, the social media team busily filmed the next instalment of The Boot Room – a hugely popular feature on Fairfax & Favor’s Instagram.

As the festive season approaches, the Shaftesbury store is set to become a must-visit for those seeking the perfect gift.

Welcome to Shaftesbury, Fairfax & Favor – you’re already making waves in Dorset!

• fairfaxandfavor.com

A new approach to rural business: Hinton Workspace tackles isolation

A new “third space” for North Dorset offers a sustainable, communitydriven solution which is reshaping rural business for local entrepreneurs

Tucked away in the North Dorset village of Hinton St Mary, Hinton Workspace offers a new, practical solution for Dorset’s small business owners who face the challenges of working in rural settings. Built around 1880, the workspace building was once the old carpenters workshop for the Hinton St Mary estate. In the late 1990s it was let to a global furniture maker, Poisedale, which continued the carpentry tradition, making furniture there until 2015. Since then, the building has remained empty and near derelict.

Led by Alice Fox-Pitt, the innovative co-working space transforms the disused building into more than just a place to work: it’s a community-focused

response to the loneliness and limitations of rural homeworking, providing an affordable and practical alternative to traditional office rental.

‘We

need accountability, social connection and a reason to brush our hair and get out of our pyjamas.’

‘When you’re looking at renovating and trying to do a business plan for a building like this, it feels completely insane,’ Alice says. ‘The biggest hurdle is just starting, actually – it’s so overwhelming. I’m surprised we weren’t locked up just for the sheer craziness of what we proposed.’

That ‘crazy’ plan made a stunning facility, marrying functionality with aesthetics, while maintaining a deep respect for the building’s industrial roots and rural heritage. ‘I really believe that Dorset business and Dorset entrepreneurs deserve to have a space like this,’ says Alice. ‘It’s not obvious – it’s not until you step inside that you realise what it is. It’s actually almost impossible for us to really showcase what we’ve achieved unless you come!’

Despite the challenges, Alice pushed ahead with the aim of creating a space where Dorset entrepreneurs could work and connect.

A better version

Hinton Workspace is part of a growing trend of regeneration of old farm buildings, giving

them a new lease of life. At its core is a focus on sustainability. Powered by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, it operates as close to carbon-neutral as possible. ‘Future-proofing was really important to us,’ says Alice, explaining the environmental considerations behind the project. The workspace started as an idea addressing a key lesson from the pandemic: the need for social connection and accountability. ‘If we learnt anything from COVID, it’s that we’re not our best selves at home,’ Alice says. ‘As humans, we need accountability, social connection and a reason to brush our hair and get out of our pyjamas. When we step out of our houses, we present a better version of ourselves.’

Drawing on the Victorian concept of a “third space” – not home, not office, but something in between, where the Victorian businessman would have had his club – Hinton Workspace offers exactly that: a welcoming, well-designed space that encourages focus and collaboration.

Larger communal hot-desking areas provide an opportunity for company and networking, while soundproof pods and break-out rooms provide privacy and space for meetings. The Long Room on the top floor can seat 30, and has full digital conferencing facilities.

A YES space

Membership is £225 a month, offering 24/7 access to a range of features tailored to improve productivity. ‘Obviously the kitchen is fully equipped, and there are always pastries and fruit available,’ says Alice. ‘We’ve got the practical office

stuff like a printer that prints A3. But it’s more than that. We’ve got an associated dog walker (and dogs are always welcome!). We’re putting in padel courts. We’ve got electric car chargers. We’ve got showers, so you can cycle in. We’ll take your laundry … We’re a “yes” space. We’ve tried to counter all the reasons why you wouldn’t come.’ Unlike traditional office rentals, which can feel just as isolating as your kitchen table, Hinton Workspace encourages community and connection. ‘It’s not intimidating or exclusive,’ Alice says. ‘I hope it’s a place where you can come, feel comfortable, and focus.’ For many, leaving the distractions of home behind and working in a thoughtfully designed space has a direct impact on productivity and creativity.

Alice’s long-term vision for Hinton Workspace extends beyond providing desks and meeting rooms. ‘We want to deliver for Dorset business,’ she says. ‘We’re listening and adapting. How can we help you as an individual, you as a business? What can we deliver for Dorset business? The goal is to build a genuine community of rural entrepreneurs, offering not just facilities but a support network.’ Hinton Workspace is an example of how unused spaces can be re-purposed to meet the changing needs of rural workers.

For business owners in North Dorset, it offers a chance to move beyond isolation and find a better balance between work and life.

Mark Chilcott raises 1,300 free range bronze gold turkeys every year near Dorchester

From farm to festive feast

Tracie Beardsley meets a Dorset farmer gobbling up success by farming free-range turkeys – even some vegetarians are tempted!

Mark Chilcott has been thinking about Christmas since July! At his farm in Owermoigne near Dorchester, he raises 1,300 freerange bronze gold turkeys – all destined to be the centrepiece of Christmas dinners across Dorset. The birds, arriving in summer as day-old chicks, have grown up in five-star turkey heaven. Boasting almost luminescent pink heads and dangly blue wattles – Dr Who fans will liken them to Oods – a mob of them run over to us for a special treat of fallen apples. Mark has no favourites. They all look the same, and he never

gives them names: ‘Name it and you can’t eat it!’ he says. By day, the flock feasts on fresh grass, nettles, slugs and insects. By night, they’re safely ensconced in a warm barn, well away from the salivating attentions of foxes. Come the second week in December, Mark, an arable and beef farmer throughout the year, calls in every favour he can to help him despatch, pluck and prepare the birds. ‘I recruit about

‘Come the second week in December and Mark calls in every favour he can’

a dozen people to help me. All my family are involved, including my mum and dad, who still help me farm even though they’re in their nineties. My wife Jo processes the hundreds of online orders.’ The end of a Chilcott turkey’s life is humane and quick. Mark uses a special stun gun to give the birds a lethal electric shock. They are dry-plucked by hand, and then receive the ultimate beauty

treatment: waxing to remove every hint of fluff. The whole body is then left to hang for 10 days. Mark firmly believes this old-fashioned way of preparing turkeys is the best. ‘Just like hanging beef, hanging poultry improves flavour and makes the meat more tender. Usually, commercially-produced turkeys are around 14 weeks old when slaughtered. Mine are 24 weeks –fatter and more tender.’

This artisan approach means nothing goes to waste. The entire flock will be used in some way. Even the beautiful glossy feathers, for which turkeys were originally bred, are transformed by keen archers into arrows or used by artists for painting. The rest are composted.

The turkey run

With modern families tending to be smaller, there’s an increasing demand for crowns and joints rather than a whole bird. Mark recruits a retired butcher to help with the jointing: ‘I offer joints right down to as small as 1.5kg,’ he says. ‘And we do packs of drumsticks and thighs – that’s my favourite bit of the bird!’

So Mark still eats turkey on Christmas day? ‘Absolutely! And I cook the Christmas dinner. I raise it, kill it, dress, cook and eat it!’

Birds are supplied all boxed up complete with herbs and cooking instructions: ‘My top advice is to invest in a meat thermometer,’ he says. ‘Check the thickest part of the bird has reached 72 degrees. Turkeys can dry out, so start by cooking it face down and pour a glass of water into the bottom of the roasting tray to keep it moist. Stuff it with an apple and orange and season all over.’

On Christmas Eve, the farm becomes a turkey drive-through, with customers collecting orders. Mark’s customer base is loyal, many families hailing the annual Owermoigne turkey run as the official start of their Christmas. Mark reveals even some

By day, the Chilcott flock feasts on fresh grass, nettles, slugs and insects. At night, they’re safely ensconced in a warm barn

Mark Chilcott’s turkeys are 24 weeks when slaughtered and he uses the old-fashioned method and hangs them for ten days to improve the flavour and make the meat more tender.

vegetarians buy – happy to “fall off the wagon” once a year for a free-range turkey!

Diversification into turkey farming has paid off for the farm business. ‘There was a big initial investment in processing and refrigeration, but the turkeys have helped make good use of our land. And if wheat or beef prices are low, turkey farming provides an economic buffer.’

And on again

It doesn’t stop for Mark on Christmas Eve, however. ‘After the last turkey’s gone, I’ve still got the other animals to tend before sitting down with a celebratory beer,’ he says. ‘It’s the same on Christmas Day, like on every farm with livestock. In the New Year, I’ll clean, repair and prepare for the next batch arriving in July.’

It’s no surprise that Mark manages just one week’s holiday a year. ‘And I’m thankful for that! Many farmers never get any break. The Chilcott clan has been farming in Dorset for generations, it’s in our blood. My daughter Charlotte is studying agriculture at university and she is keen to get involved in the family business.’ It seems there’s little chance of the Chilcotts going ‘cold turkey’ anytime soon!

• chilcott-turkeys.co.uk

• 01305 852639

• Chilcott Turkeys on Facebook

Mark’s quick fire questions:

Who would you like to share a turkey feast with?

Kaleb Cooper – Jeremy Clarkson’s oppo. I saw his live show. He was hysterical. Also, the blind comedian Chris McCausland. I really admire the way he doesn’t let his disability affect him. My son Harry is partially sighted, so we relate to Chris and his challenges.

Books by your bedside?

Farmer’s Weekly gets passed around the whole family and read until it’s in tatters!

Jonathan Dimbleby’s Endgame 1944 – I’ve got it as an audio book so Harry, who also loves military history, can enjoy it.

Turkey Titbits

• The first record of a turkey in England was in 1526, brought by sailor William Strickland.

• It’s believed Henry VIII was the first British monarch to enjoy turkey on Christmas Day.

• In A Christmas Carol, published in 1843, Scrooge gives the Cratchit family a turkey. It’s on record that the Dickens’ family also had turkey for Christmas that year.

by Rachael Rowe

Give something unusual from Dorset this Christmas

Unique Dorset gift ideas can make Christmas extra special – shop small with the help of our guide to thoughtful and local festive shopping

The big day is fast approaching, and the search for a meaningful gift can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve done the legwork. From Dorset and a touch further afield, our selection is full of ideas to please even the fussiest of loved ones. And when you buy local, you’re not only supporting local small businesses, but also giving back to the rural economy.

Feed the reindeer

Reindeer are not just for December and they survive on a bit more than carrots on Christmas Eve! You can learn about, meet and feed these magical creatures at their farm near Yeovil all year round. Somerset Reindeer Ranch also offers Fox Fascination experiences – ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. There are even a few skunks, emus and other furry creatures on the ranch, so your visit will be full of fun.

Warm feet and cosy socks

You can never have enough socks – even the person who has everything needs socks. There are some cosy alpaca house sock and cushion-soled walking socks, perfect over breeks or inside wellies and riding boots, available online from South Paddocks Farm at Winterborne Houghton, and at some markets and Christmas events. Alpaca gardening socks from Salisbury-based Horatio’s Garden are another practical gift and will support this wonderful spinal injuries charity.

Hats, bags and waterproofs

From flat caps and fishing bags to some very fetching cosy hats for a day at the races, Conyers is a treasure trove of gifts for outdoorsy types. There’s so much more than practical waterproofs (although these are very welcome gifts). Gorgeous glassware etched with deer and game birds (£16), pewter spoons with pheasants (£24), and even cow themed handkerchiefs (£16) are just a few of the tempting gift ideas from one of Blandford’s oldest shops.

Give the art of learning

The opportunity to learn a new skill can spark a lifetime of creativity. A blacksmithing experience day is an excellent way to create a range of items and get an insight into this craft. Ian Thackray runs experience days at Chettle. Willow work is another great gift, especially for gardeners. At Welig, near Shaftesbury, learn to make a willow foraging basket, pheasant – or even a reindeer. Finally, a taster course in stained glass work will get those creative juices flowing. Experiment with

decorations or panels at the Dorset Stained Glass workshops in Marnhull (from £60).

Channel your inner Daarset

If you know someone who would enjoy brushing up on their Dorset dialect skills, the William Barnes Society has an eclectic range of gift ideas. Choose from a Dorset dialect or Linden Lea mug for your festive cuppa, both available from the Dorset Museum Shop in Dorchester at £11 (only in person).

And don’t forget to browse the wonderful range of books by Dorset writers when you visit. Proceeds from the dialect and Linden Lea mugs support the Barnes for All campaign.

Splash out on homewares

Treat someone to a new item for their home from a local artisan. 1855 in Sturminster Newton has goodies from more than 100 local makers, including brightly coloured glass chopping boards inspired by Dorset landscapes from MarchMadeArt and a range of chicken-themed tea towels and mugs from The Cheeky Hen – the Christmas ceramic poultry decorations are perfect (£6.50). You’ll find all these and so much more in 1855.

Special pottery painting

Christmas is a wonderful time for creating those magical moments with children, so what about making a few more during the year?

Sophie’s Ceramics Pottery Cafe in Blandford and Shaftesbury has a range of creative ideas from baby footprints to painting sessions.

Gift vouchers are ideal for shared grandparent-andgrandchild pottery painting afternoons, where those spontaneous creative designs will be something to treasure forever. And if you are looking for a stocking filler, check out

the cute Christmas penguin painting kits.

Celebrate nature

For the nature enthusiast, gifts featuring the natural world or made from sustainable sources always go down well. Folde in Shaftesbury is packed with inspirational ideas, from pewter acorn earrings to hand-crafted Shaker-style boxes (from £34), and decorative notebooks and cards. And if you are looking for a challenging family game for the festive season, try the woodthemed puzzles and memory games. Dikes of Stalbridge has an amazing range of hampers – including one dedicated to feeding garden birds (£49).

Give a Letterbox Gift

Finally, with the price of postage becoming more prohibitive, some businesses have adapted by selling gifts that slip through the letterbox, perfect for distant friends. Annings of Dorset has delightful hand crafted seashell shaped soaps packaged in a ready to post box. Similarly, Seasons Green in Corfe Castle has a lovely range of letterbox suitable gifts, all available to order online – choose from locally-made notebooks, makeup bags or even a pair of mini garden shears.

Browse more than 100 local makers, including brightly coloured glass chopping boards inspired by Dorset landscapes from MarchMadeArt

Local talent and brilliant books

Everyone knows The BV is awash with talent. But these five contributors have all produced gift-worthy books we can’t help but shout about

We’re always thrilled to showcase the creative achievements of The BV’s contributors, whose latest books are as inspiring as they are diverse. Jane Adams writes one of the most popular columns in the magazine – she is a successful wildlife writer, and her first book for the National Trust is absolute joy (as we all knew it would be). Barry Cuff is responsible for our glimpses into Dorset’s past every month with his local history postcards (and we deeply miss his partner in crime, Roger Guttridge). Rachael Rowe has been a freelance journalist for The BV almost since our first issue. but many aren’t aware that when she’s not charging about the county for us, she’s busy turning her curiosity and expertise into brilliant books. Lastly, we’re always proud that the fearsome duo of Gay Pirrie-Weir and Fanny Charles are such a big part of The BV team. If you’re looking for a unique, meaningful gift this Christmas, why not consider one of these wonderful books by our talented contributors and friends?

Nature’s Wonders

Step into the Dorset countryside with Jane Adams, whose evocative writing and photography capture the beauty of nature in all its intricate detail. Published in association with the National Trust, Nature’s Wonders is far more than a seasonal walk; it’s a reminder to pause and appreciate life’s smaller, often overlooked, wonders. From oak apple galls to the busy jays that hide thousands of acorns each autumn, Adams fills every page with delightful insights. Perfect for nature lovers and those who need a moment of calm, this book makes an ideal Christmas gift for reconnecting with the outdoors.

• Read the BV review here, and order online here, or buy at Winstone’s in Sherborne and Folde in Shaftesbury.

Deepest Somerset

For anyone who loves Somerset or has connections to this beautiful county, Deepest

Somerset is the perfect Christmas gift. With an introduction by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), this stunning hardback celebrates the county’s food, history, wildlife and iconic places. Packed with fascinating stories – from traditional Cheddar-making with George Keen to the Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis’ Methodist roots – it’s a treasure trove of local culture. Lavishly illustrated, it’s a joy to explore.

On top of all that, all proceeds go to three Somerset charities, making it a gift that gives back. Whether for long-time locals or distant admirers, this book is a meaningful addition to any bookshelf.

• Read the BV review here, and buy direct from Fanny & Gay at deepestbooks.co.uk

Wimborne Minster Through Time

Roger Guttridge and Barry Cuff’s Wimborne Minster Through Time is a fascinating journey through the history of this Dorset town. With vintage photographs and stories spanning centuries – from 18th-century smugglers to the Great Fire of 1900 – this book is a treasure trove of local lore. It’s both a nostalgic look at Wimborne’s past and a celebration of how the town has evolved.

Whether you’re a Wimborne native or simply enjoy uncovering Dorset’s rich history, this beautifully illustrated book makes a thoughtful and engaging Christmas gift.

• Read the BV review here, and you can buy online here

The Science Lover’s Guide to London Perfect for curious minds and offbeat adventurers, Rachael Rowe’s The Science Lover’s Guide to London takes readers on a journey through the city’s hidden science gems. From Alexander Fleming’s restored laboratory in Paddington to Victorian engineering marvels at Kirkaldy’s Testing Works, this book combines fascinating facts with practical tips for visiting. With Dorset connections sprinkled throughout – including Stalbridge’s Robert Boyle and Dorchester’s Frederick Treves – it’s a delightful read for locals and science enthusiasts alike.

A unique guide to London’s lesser-known wonders, it’s ideal for those seeking something different this Christmas.

• Read the BV review here, and you can buy online here

by Fanny Charles

Fettled, smoothed and sworn at Christmas joy at Sturminster Newton workhouse chapel

‘The workhouse was not just a building; it was the collective pain and suffering of those who found themselves trapped within its walls’

– Shadows of the Workhouse by Jennifer Worth, author of Call the Midwife.

If you hear the word ‘workhouse’ you probably think of Oliver Twist bravely telling Mr Bumble the Beadle: ‘Please sir, I want some more?’ – and being beaten and sold for his cheek.

That’s Charles Dickens of course – so is: ‘I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round – apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that – as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.’

So, take a pinch of Charles Dickens’ most famous Christmas story and a huge helping of colourful, inviting creativity, put them all in an old workhouse chapel and you have ... Handmade for Christmas, the perfect place to find something special for people you love (and even for yourself).

Rose Hatcher in the doorway of the Workhouse Chapel

More than 70 makers

Silk painter and multi-talented maker Rose Hatcher bought the Workhouse Chapel, in Bath Road on the north side of Sturminster Newton, and organised the first Handmade for Christmas in 2012. This year is the 13th consecutive festive feast of crafts, arts, glass, jewellery, textiles and more by a record 70-plus makers from Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and Hampshire – plus a few specially invited exhibitors from further afield.

Rose kept her Christmas shop going even during Covid and lockdown – in fact, she says, she actually enjoyed the unexpected good effects of the pandemic. ‘I loved it. It was heaven – there were no outside interruptions and I had time to work. I almost felt guilty.’

She still opened Handmade for Christmas, with just five customers allowed at a time, and this proved very successful, she says: ‘People came with the intention of doing all their Christmas shopping here.’ There are no constraints on numbers now, and visitors are welcomed not only with the warmth from a wood-burning stove, but also excellent coffee and biscuits. You can wander around and make your selections or talk to Rose or one of her ‘elf helpers’, led by glass artist Kate Osman, whose charming fishes are made from ‘rescued’ greenhouse glass.

‘Rubbish’ jewellery

With a former career in banking and finance, Rose has an unusual background for an artist, but she has clearly found her tribe – her own silk paintings, on a silk paper that is her unique product, and her ‘rubbish’ jewellery, made from bent nails, old chains, scrap metal and found objects, sit happily among the pottery mugs, stained glass Christmas tree hangings, handmade fabric hares, extraordinary metal

Looking past Gillian Acreman’s beautiful ceramic vessels towards the window; Frankie the elf helper is seen in silhouette.

Image: Fanny Charles

sculptures made from old cutlery and kitchen equipment and colourful paper mâché.

Platters to prints

Handmade for Christmas is open every day until 4.30pm on Christmas Eve – jokily known as ‘husbands’ day’ because it can be remarkably busy with harassed men – often in wellies and arriving on tractors –seemingly having ‘forgotten’ that Christmas was coming!

The phrase ‘Aladdin’s cave’ is over-used at Christmas, but Rose, with Kate and fellow elf-helper Frankie, create such a warm, welcoming, brightly lit cavern of craft that the cliche seems entirely justified. Wherever you look, there are attractive, unusual, festive, fun, functional

things, all sure to bring a smile to the face of the chosen recipient.

Objects come in all sizes – big pottery platters to show off your Christmas roasties, tiny red-ribboned porcelain stars for the tree or to decorate a special present, useful notebooks and sketchbooks with hard covers of old maps, mugs for hot chocolate after a cold Boxing Day walk, fine metalwork, animal paintings, goats milk soap and hand-printed cards ...

‘Everything is handmade,’ says Rose. ‘I like to think that everything has been properly fettled, smoothed and sworn at by a real person!’

A joyful silk painting of wild flowers by Rose Hatcher

Linda Harris’ hand built ceramic clocks and figures

The Sturminster workhouse

Workhouses had existed for hundreds of years, but the ones we picture – excoriated by Dickens and social campaigners of the time – mainly date from the late 18th and early to mid-19th century. The Sturminster Poor Law Union was formed on 4th December 1835, and was overseen by a 22-strong elected Board of Guardians, representing its 19 constituent parishes – Belchalwell, Caundle Stourton, Child Okeford, Fifehead Magdalen, Fifehead Neville, Hammoon, Haselbury Bryan, Hinton St Mary, Ibberton, Lydlinch, Manston, Marnhull, Okeford Fitzpaine, Shilling Okeford, Stalbridge, Stock Gaylard, Stoke Wake, Woolland, Sturminster Newton and, later, Hanford.

The population within the Union at the 1831 census was 9,553 with parishes ranging in size from Hammoon (population 54) to Sturminster Newton (1,831). The average annual poor-rate expenditure for the period 1833-5 was £6,658 – or 13s.11d. per head of the population. The new Sturminster Union workhouse, for 150 inmates, was built in 1838 on the northern side of the town. The architect was Lewis Vulliamy, who also designed workhouses at Epping and Brentford.

The workhouse chapel dates from 1891 and was built on land given by the Pitt-Rivers family. Its construction was funded by Montague Williams of Woolland, and the fine east window was installed seven years later, donated as a memorial to his father, by Montague Scott Williams. It was dedicated by the Bishop of Salisbury. After the service the workhouse inmates enjoyed a ‘meat tea’. The old folk were also given tobacco, snuff, oranges and nuts. After it ceased to function as a chapel, and before Rose and her husband bought it, it had various uses, including some years as the local museum.

Jane Renwick’s lovely porcelain lights

Philippa’s Dorset delights, now served on Prime

Shaftesbury-based chef and food writer Philippa Davis celebrates the wonderful food and drink of Dorset in a new sixpart television series on Prime Video. In the food and travel programmes, A Taste of Dorset, Philippa explores this beautiful county and meets some of the outstanding producers who have made Dorset one of the country’s most exciting food destinations. Viewers can follow Philippa across the county as she meets three very different producers in each 25-minute episode. They range from fifth-generation millers to first-time wine-makers and from oyster farmers to apple vodka distillers. We hear about their stories and their products and find out why they feel so deeply connected to Dorset and its community.

Discovering, tasting and gathering ingredients as she goes, with her boundless energy and engaging enthusiasm, Philippa allows viewers to discover the magic, warmth and richness of Dorset’s people, places and producers. The producers visited in A Taste of Dorset are:

• Episode 1 – Famous Hedgehog Bakery (now closed), Ajar Of, Hazelbury

Bryan, and Liberty Fields at Halstock

• Episode 2 – The Dorset Dairy Co at Stalbridge, Breezy Ridge Vineyard at West Melbury, Baboo Gelato, Weymouth, and Hollis Mead at Beaminster

• Episode 3 – Crab House Café, Chesil Beach, Capreolus Fine Foods Ltd, Rampisham, and Weyfish, Weymouth

• Episode 4 – Cranborne Chase Cider, Minchington, Brothers Farm, Wimborne and From Salt to Smoke (now closed)

• Episode 5 – NR Stoate & Sons Cann Mills, Shaftesbury, Fivepenny Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine, and Gold Hill

Philippa Davis grew up on a Dorset smallholding where her love and interest in great food began. At 19 she moved to London to cook in the restaurants The River Café and Moro before setting up and running The Mudchute Kitchen on London’s largest city farm near Canary Wharf. She now works as an international private chef, and writes for BBC Food, Condé Nast, The Field Magazine, the Deepest Books series and Dorset Magazine. She is also a regular judge for the Great Taste Awards, the World Cheese Awards and The Academy of Chocolate. She has presented two shows for Channel 5 and was a judge on Channel 4’s Beat the Chef.

Her food adventures can be followed on Instagram @philippadavis_food

Organic Farm, Child Okeford

• Episode 6 – Lyons Hill Farm, southern edge of the Blackmore Vale, Dorset Sea Salt Co, Chesil beach, and The Story Pig, Sandford Orcas.

A delicious county

Each episode culminates in Philippa making a family-friendly feast or delicious cocktail on location with one of the featured star food producers. She says: ‘I’m incredibly excited to support and champion the outstanding food and drink producers we have here in Dorset. It feels vital, now more than ever, to connect our wonderful farmers and makers to consumers in order to share their stories and what they do.’

Tony Hindhaugh, executive director of production company Planet Eat Media, says: ‘I was bowled over by the friendliness and passion of every single producer we visited. Dorset is an utterly delicious county and we are delighted to help showcase the marvellous food and drink scene there.’

• A Taste of Dorset is available on Prime Video now, £3.99 for the series.

by Fanny Charles

One of Dorset’s most pouplar and creative bakers, Lizzie Crow (aka Lizzie Baking Bird), sells her sweet and savoury products at farmer’s markets, food and drink events and from her bakery near Martinstown. Image © Lizzie Crow

Eat local, eat seasonal ... eat festive!

Make this Christmas the year you support local producers and make your Christmas tree, Christmas gifts and Christmas table special!

Buying local and seasonal is good for you and your family – and it doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s also good for the businesses you support, for your community – and for the whole area. When you buy artisan, hand-made or welfare-friendly products and crafts, you are choosing original gifts for the people you love and you serve food and drink that is better for the planet, better for the local economy* – and tastes much better than the mass-produced alternatives.

It can also save you money. In the big stores and supermarkets, you often have to buy the quantities they decide – packaged and shrinkwrapped – so if, for example, you only want two apples, you will have to buy six or more. BOGOFs can be tempting – but all too often, particularly with fresh produce, much of it spoils before you actually get to eat it.

It can be very hard to buy a single chicken breast or steak, and dried fruit, nuts and spices for your Christmas cake or pudding often come in bigger bags than you need, leaving you with items you may not use until next year! These dried goods – seeds, nuts, pulses, dried fruit – can often be bought loose in farm or whole-food shops, so you weigh and buy way you actually need.

Here’s a guide to some of the many makers and producers, farm shops and businesses who can supply all your food and drink requirements for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, seasonal parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations ... and a few ideas to go under the tree as well!

Turkey and geese

The Chilcott family produce free-range bronze turkeys at their farm at Owermoigne (see this month’s A Country Living on page 28!)

chilcott-turkeys.co.uk

Kimbers Farm Shop near Wincanton Racecourse is well-known for its turkeys, raised on the family farm, as well as highly rated beef, hampers and a host of farm shop favourites (they have some very funny greetings cards, too).

kimbersfarmshop.co.uk

The Dunning family produce free-range geese for Christmas at Goose Slade Farm (yes, really!) at East Coker near Yeovil. They have been farming sustainably at Goose Slade for more than a century, producing cattle, pigs, sheep and free range chickens and ducks, and selling their products in their well-stocked farm shop. christmasgoose.co.uk

Meat and game

There are still some traditional butchers in our area, including Stuart Pearce at Blandford, Rawston Farm Butchery and Farm Shop at Tarrant Rawston, Else’s in Stalbridge, Parsons

Butchers at Sherborne, the Thoroughly Wild Meat Company at Castle Cary, Keatings, dating back to 1906 at Wimborne, and Andrew Barclay at Wincanton. A bit further afield, RJ Balson and Son at Bridport, at nearly 510 years old, is said to be the oldest butchers in the country.

Blackmore Vale Butchery, a family business established in 2006 on the A30 near Henstridge, supplies a wide range of meat and game to local shops, offering only 100% grass-fed and high welfare meat sourced only from small-scale, local farmers they know and trust. bmv-butchery.co.uk

The Online Butcher of the Year, Dorset Meat Company, also in Henstridge, offers a wide range of meats from turkey to goat, as well as locallysourced deli items, and build-your-own meat boxes and hampers. thedorsetmeatcompany.co.uk

Pamphill Dairy near Wimborne, a 150-year old family farm on the Kingston Lacy Estate, sells locally produced meat, alongside dairy, their own ice-cream and a wide range of farm shop produce. pamphilldairy.co.uk

Farm Girl Sausages, run by Sophie Baker, based at Holt near Wimborne, is a farm-to-fork meat business selling sausages, burgers and other handmade products. farmgirlsausages.com

The national Online Butcher of the Year, Dorset Meat Company, offers build-yourown meat boxes and hampers.

The Story Pig at Sandford Orcas produce outdoorbred, free-range Tamworth pigs, a traditional rare British breed; they have a small farm shop and a cafe where much of the food served comes from their kitchen garden. thestorypig.co.uk

Dorset Game Larder, run by Chris Tory, based on a family farm near Badbury Rings, sells locally sourced wild game including pheasant, partridge, pigeon and venison. thedorsetgamelarder.co.uk

Gutchpool Farm between Motcombe and Mere sells Pasture for Life certified 100% grass-fed lamb and hogget, as well as sheepskins, apple juice and more. gutchpool.com

Cold meat/charcuterie

The Real Cure is a family-owned artisan business producing award-winning cured meat products, including wild venison chorizo and salami, coppa and Dorset bresaola on the family farm near Shaftesbury. therealcure.co.uk

Capreolus, a multi-award-winning business founded by David and Karen Richards at Rampisham in West Dorset, now retailed through Sherborne-based Hunts Food Group, produces a wide range of traditional artisan charcuterie.

Cheese and other dairy

Two of the world’s greatest cheeses, Montgomery and Keen’s traditional farmhouse Cheddar are produced locally, at (respectively) North Cadbury montgomerycheese.co.uk, and Moorhayes Farm near Wincanton, keenscheddar.co.uk. Another important historic cheese is Dorset Blue Vinny, rescued from extinction by Mike Davies at Woodbridge Farm, near Stalbridge, where his daughter Emily also produces Dorset Blue soups and a selection of chutneys. dorsetblue.com.

White Lake’s Burrow Mump is a sheep’s milk hard cheese, with a ssweet nutty flavour, and it’s washed in Somerset Cider Brandy

The Book & Bucket at Cranborne is a newer name, making some exciting cheeses, thebookandbucketcheesecompany.co.uk.

James’ Cheese at Child Okeford makes several fine cheeses including the rind-washed Francis. jamesscheese.club

White Lake at Bagborough, near the Bath and West show ground, produces multi-award-winning cow’s, goats and sheep’s milk cheeses – a recent addition is the Great Taste Award-starred Burrow Mump (pictured), named after a famous Somerset Levels landmark, a sheep’s milk hard cheese, with a sweet, nutty flavour, which is washed in Somerset Cider Brandy. whitelake.co.uk

Two delicious ice cream and gelato makers are Purbeck Ice Cream, long established on a dairy farm overlooking Corfe Castle, producing a wide range of flavours, made with local fresh milk and cream. purbeckicecream.co.uk; and Baboo Gelato, founded and made by Annie Hanbury, at Bridport. baboogelato.com

Other dairy producers include the Dorset Dairy Co, based near Stalbridge, thedorsetdairyco. com, and Woodlands Dairy near Blandford, who produce outstanding sheep’s milk yogurt. woodlandsdairy.co.uk

Vegetables

We have some exceptional local greengrocers, including Sprout and Flower at Mere and Wincanton Fruit and Veg in Coles Yard, plus two outstanding farm shops – Steeptonbill at Milton Abbas and Gold Hill Organic at Child Okeford.

Purbeck Ice Cream produces a wide range of flavours, made with local fresh milk and cream, on the dairy farm overlooking Corfe Castle.

Bread, cakes and mince pies

There is plenty of good bread, including the area’s longest-established traditional bakery, Oxfords, baking bread at Alweston since 1911, with a number of shops, including at Sturminster Newton and Sherborne, and the Italian-style Lovington Bakery at Wincanton, which is famous for its sourdoughs, ciabattas – and luxury doughnuts!. One of Dorset’s most popular and creative bakers is Lizzie Crow, aka Lizzie Baking Bird, who sells her original and traditional tarts (the Dorset crab tarts are truly memorable), pastries, sausage rolls, cakes, brownies and other sweet and savoury products at Dorset farmer’s markets, Dorset Food and Drink events and from her bakery near Martinstown. Lizzie’s Christmas specialities – the perfect present with her distinctive style – include mince pies with Grand Marnier. Once eaten, never forgotten ... and annually craved!

The Bayside Bakery at Weymouth specialises in brownies – former intensive care nurse Katy Howell changed careers to become a baker and realised that brownies were the best-sellers. She also offers a fun DIY version - make-your-own brownie in a jar! 2024.baysidebakery.co.uk

Coeliacs and those who need gluten-free bakes are well-served locally, with Honeybuns’ ever-creative Emma Goss-Custard producing a wide range of bars and cakes at Holwell, honeybuns.co.uk. And for those who don’t have the time or can’t make pastry, Dorset Butter Pastry, produced at Crossways, is the answer! dorsetpastry.com

Treats and preserves

One of the country’s finest chocolatiers, Claire Burnet and her husband Andy run Chococo, a now-legendary chocolate business based near Wareham, with a shop and cafe in Swanage (and

The Oxfords have been baking bread at Alweston since 1911: they have a number of shops, including at Sturminster Newton and Sherborne

Winchester, Exeter and Horsham). Founded in 2002, Chococo is renowned not only for the quality of the chocolate used but for Claire’s innovative ideas and creativity in both flavourings and packaging. Christmas specialities this year include a novelty Advent shapes tube, a 12 Days of Christmas hamper, an oat milk Chocolate Penguin and Cascade of Festive Chocolate Selection Boxes. chococo.co.uk

More than 30 years ago, Giles and Annie Henschel came back from an amazing motorcycle ride around the Mediterranean with a lot of stories – and a passion for the food of the region, particularly the olives and olive oil. The rest is history – Olives Et Al became and remains a leading force in encouraging a taste for olive oil and Mediterranean food generally. Still at Sturminster Newton, still independent and still at the top of their game, the Olives Et Al range now includes many exceptional oils, olives, preserves, sauces and more. olivesetal.co.uk

Based in Weymouth, Mel Gunn and her son Lewis of Relenka Sweet Treats produce a range of artisan fudge, biscotti, cakes, chocolate and other confectionery – all ideal stocking fillers!

Tracey Collins makes her preserves, under the name Ajar Of, at her Jammery in Hazelbury Bryan – jams, marmalades, chutneys, etc, delicious all year round, and exceptionally desirable Christmas presents. Look out for her gift packs too. ajar-of.co.uk

Karl and Chrissie Regler have been making their ever-expanding range of From Dorset With Love preserves, chutneys and sauces since 2010, winning county, Taste of the West and Great Taste Awards. Their Dorsetshire sauce is a worthy competitor for the traditional Worcestershire sauce, with its famously secret recipe! fromdorsetwithlove.co.uk

Seasonings

You can even season your turkey and trimmings with first class local products – Dorset Sea Salt, with a range of additional natural flavours, is widely available, while George NorbertMunns markets Stony Groves Kampot pepper, a distinctive and irresistible spice which he discovered when living in Cambodia. stoneygroves.co.uk

So now you have the main event, the Boxing Day cold cuts and cheese board, the preserves and handmade bakes for presents – you just need …

... Something to drink

Local wines include the award-winning Langham Wine Estate, producing outstanding whites and

Pomme Blush, an apple aperitif, is made at Shipton Gorge

sparkling wines. Or try a bottle of Little Waddon Vineyards award-winning Col Fondo – the perfect accompaniment to the Christmas feast!

Dorset-based spirits include Wilfred Shon’s Shroton Fair Gin, Fordington Gin, Conker Gin, John and Sandy Tucker’s ‘real British rum’ made with molasses at Black Ven Distillery at Lyme Regis, Weymouth-based The Saddle Stop gin, and Helen Benedict’s Pomme Blush apple aperitif, made at Shipton Gorge.

For a lively and healthy non-alcoholic choice, try one of Emma Davies’ range of Curious Kombuchas, produced in the Marshwood Vale. The former brewer started making her healthy, unpasteurised, fermented drinks because of her own health problems. Her authentically made range includes cucumber, lime and mint, pineapple and ginger, raspberry and turmeric, and a Christmas special, elderberry. curiouskombucha.co.uk

*Buying from local producers and locally owned retailers makes sense on every level –it supports local businesses and employment, it adds to social cohesion and helps to build a sense of community ... and it is a measurable boost to the local economy. The money you spend stays locally. Research over recent years has repeatedly revealed that when we shop locally, for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, around 63p remains in the local economy. This compares with around 40p with large chains and supermarkets. Other research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop can mean up to an additional £50 going back into the local economy.

Here are two easy dessert recipes that tick all the boxes for Christmas entertaining - your guests will be impressed, they taste delicious and they are super easy to make! I’ve also created them to help you use up those Secret Santa gifts that end up in the back of the cupboard each year. Both desserts can be made ahead and they’re quick to mix together, just needing a bit of time to either set or bake. Heather x

Coffee & Cream Pavlova

You can easily make this pavlova dairy-free by substituting the cream for a nondairy alternative, and it is naturally gluten free. I recommend Conker Cold Brew liqueur, but you could just as easily use Kahlua or Baileys

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites

• 200g caster sugar

• 1tbsp cornflour

• 1tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1tbsp instant coffee

• 150ml double cream

• 1 shot coffee liqueur

• 50g icing sugar

• Extra coffee liqueur and icing sugar for the drizzle

Method

1. Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and pre-heat the oven to 140º fan (gas 2).

2. With a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. Gradually add in the caster sugar, one spoonful at a time. Allow each spoonful to mix well into the egg whites before adding another.

3. Once all the sugar has been incorporated, carefully add the cornflour, vinegar and instant coffee. Keep whisking until all the coffee has dissolved. Your mixture should be very thick and fluffy.

4. Spoon this mixture onto the baking tray into a rough circle shape and create a mounded ridge round the edge. Bake in the oven for one hour – once the cooking time is over, do NOT open the oven door, but turn off the oven and leave the meringue to cool for a few hours or overnight.

5. Once the meringue has cooled, whip the cream, coffee liqueur and icing sugar together until thick. Spoon carefully over the meringue.

6. Finish by mixing together a little liqueur (or espresso) with some icing sugar to make a sweet drizzle and drizzle over the pavlova.

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

All images: Heather Brown

This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten free: just replace the digestive biscuits with gluten free alternatives

No bake simple fudge cheesecake

Ingredients

• 200g digestive biscuits

• 50g melted butter

• 400g cream cheese

• 75ml double cream

• Heaped tbsp caramel sauce

• 50g icing sugar

• Fudge pieces & caramel sauce to finish

Method

1. Line the base of an 8”/20cm springform round tin.

2. Break the digestive biscuits into crumbs (you can do this in a food processor if you have one, or place them in a ziplock bag and hammer with a rolling pin). Mix in the butter until the cumbly mixture begins to come together. Press this mixture into the base of the tin to form a base and set aside.

3. Whisk together the rest of the ingredients (cream cheese, double cream, caramel sauce and icing sugar) until it is fluffy and thick – if you have one, a stand mixer makes light work of this. Spoon this mixture on top of the biscuit base and level the top. Pop into the fridge for at least a couple of hours to set.

4. Carefully remove it from the tin and place on a plate to serve. Finish by crumbling some fudge over the top and drizzling with more caramel sauce.

Have what you like: it’s Christmas!

Making a long-awaited return to The BV, Sadie Wilkins from Sherborne’s award-winning indie wine merchant has some expert seasonal tips

Ah, Christmas – that magical time when it’s perfectly acceptable to lose track of the days, pour yourself a festive tipple and indulge in your favourite guilty pleasures. Here at Vineyards, we say there’s no wrong way to enjoy the season – after all, wine is meant to be fun!

Whether you’re hosting the in-laws, dodging the kids or spending Christmas Day in your PJs, we’ve got your back, with the perfect wines and spirits to keep things merry and bright. From classic festive pairings to a few quirky choices for adventurous sippers, here’s what we recommend to get the Christmas drinks sorted.

The Christmas wine list

When it comes to festive fizz, Champagne is a must. But don’t save it just for the midnight toast! Champagne is as versatile as it is luxurious. It pairs beautifully with smoked salmon on Christmas morning, cuts through the richness of party canapés, and can even add some sparkle to your turkey dinner. Whether you’re after something crisp and elegant or rich and toasty, there’s a bottle for every occasion.

For the main course, Austrian Zweigelt or a German Pinot Noir is your goose’s best friend. Both wines have a lovely balance of fresh acidity and earthy fruit, cutting through the richness of goose but still leaving room for that crispy skin to shine. And for Boxing Day? A classic Rioja is just the ticket. Full-bodied and fruity, it’s ideal for pairing with leftover cold cuts, pies and whatever cheese is still knocking about. It’s the ultimate comfort wine –the kind that helps you settle into a second day of indulgence.

The drinks trolley must-haves

Your drinks trolley needs to be versatile enough to please all your guests – and we’ve got just the picks to make it a hit.

For cocktail lovers, stock the essentials: gin, vodka, rum and whisky. But if you want to take things up a notch, try whipping up a Baked Apple Negroni – made using Sherborne’s (our) very own BA Gin –festive, bitter and a little bit cheeky.

Plum Sake is an unexpected gem. Sweet, fruity, and light, it works a treat as an aperitif, another twist on a negroni, or with dessert.

When the cheese board appears, it’s time to bring out the Tawny Port. Nutty, caramel-like and perfect with blue cheese or a good brie, it’s a classic for a very good reason.

Finally, for the ultimate festive treat, grab a bottle of PX Sherry. Not only is it the ideal pairing for mince pies and chocolate desserts, but here’s a little trick: swap out the espresso in an affogato for PX Sherry over vanilla ice cream. It’s lazy, it’s indulgent, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the foodies and wine-lovers alike.

Visit us for a merry tipple!

Whether you’re after classic bottles, quirky finds, or a bit of both, we’ve got everything you need to make your Christmas extra special. Pop by our mad little emporium in Sherborne and let us help you pick out the perfect tipples to celebrate the season. From Champagne to Sherry, we’ll make sure your festive drinks are sorted – because Christmas is the time to have what you really, really want. Cheers!

• vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk

LLTL, supporting Dorset’s best

2024 has been a very busy year here at Love Local Trust Local HQ. We started working hard at the beginning of the year, finishing the new website which we had started working on in 2023. Next we had to finalise the classes for the 2024 Awards, before the launch in March. The awards year ended with a dinner and awards ceremony in the members pavilion at the Dorset County Show on 3rd September – more than 150 people attended this wonderful evening. Although it was an extremely cold night, many people left the event saying they were truly inspired by their experience. Local councillors and business people from all over Dorset came and enjoyed the feast of local food before the awards ceremony.

We must extend a big thank you once again to all the sponsors and judges who gave their time to go and meet with the amazing Dorset entrepreneurs and make the hard decisions of choosing the winners. I seem to say it every year, but the entries were truly amazing with inspiring stories from excellent Dorset producers. This was our fourth year of awards, and we are always learning from them! The next awards will be in 2026 and there will be new and old categories to be announced at the beginning of 2026 which we are already working on. It might seem a long way away but as we all know time flies and it will be here before we know it!

Looking ahead

Even without an awards next year, 2025 will be busy, with three or four workshops planned plus some fun networking evenings for everyone. We have already enjoyed a fun skittle evening to kick off these events.

Rawston Farm will also be hosting Open Farm Sunday which is on 8th June 2025. I sincerely hope it will be well supported not just by the general public but by our Love Local family. In previous years we have had 2,000 people through the farm gate, and we’re aiming to see this many and maybe more next summer. At the event, the Love Local Farmers Market allows local businesses to showcase what they produce and let people know where to find them.

We have also been working on our directory which we hope will not only help put local business in touch with each other, but also ber an easy way for everyone to find them and see what they do. As a self-funded not-for-profit organisation, we are hoping this directory will help us build our growing movement to continue our important work. Lastly, on a personal note I’d like to say just how lovely it’s been to get to know and work with so many like-minded people. Recently, Jon and Barbara from Help & Kindness gave us the opportunity to join in the Dorset COP conference at Bournemouth University. The Power of Good Food Partnerships across Dorset workshop showcased the importance of having a strong voice, working together and creating robust local food networks.

One last request

For those who attended the LLTL awards dinner, you might remember our song My Story. Please do have a listen (you can just play the video below!) and share it on Spotify or YouTube – every play we achieve helps to spread our message! It’s crucial that we continue to stand up for Dorset’s amazing farmers, food producers, and creators of all things grown, produced, caught, reared, brewed, crafted, or cooked locally.

Barbara Cossins Founder, Love Local Trust Local

Escape to The Langton Arms

Tucked away in the heart of Tarrant Monkton near Blandford, The Langton Arms is a standing symbol of rural Dorset. Surrounded by rolling fields, with little chance of passing traffic beyond the odd wandering sheep, it’s a destination that feels just far enough away to make the journey feel like an adventure – especially when to get there you have to drive through the Tarrant via the ford. Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of The Langton Arms invites you to settle in and forget the outside world. On a damp winter’s evening, we were greeted by the comforting glow of roaring fires and friendly smiles – perfect for whiling away an afternoon or enjoying an indulgent evening with friends.

We began our visit with a drink in the snug bar, sinking into the cosy sofas by the fire and letting the warmth seep into our chilly bones. There was no rush to move to the restaurant, and when we were ready, the staff made the transition seamless – we enjoyed just the right level of attentive service throughout the evening.

For starters, we chose to share three dishes between the four of us, a request handled graciously by the kitchen, who provided extra plates for easy sharing. This turned out to be an inspired idea, as we all got to sample a little of everything. The crispy salt and pepper calamari with sweet chilli sauce had the perfect balance of crunch and tang; the Langton’s crispy beef with horseradish mayo was bold and satisfying, and the creamy garlic mushrooms topped with Somerset brie? Utterly indulgent. The crispy beef was a standout, stealing the show with its rich, comforting flavours.

For mains, the gentlemen in our party couldn’t resist the steak – locally sourced from Rawston Farm Butchery and cooked to perfection. The quality of the meat spoke for itself. I opted for the sea bass, which was delicate and tender, while my friend was delighted with her fresh skate wing, which she described as both generous and beautifully cooked.

Though the dessert menu was tempting, we decided to linger over the remainder of our wine and finish with coffee instead. The relaxed pace of the evening was a highlight – we never felt rushed, just encouraged to enjoy ourselves.

If you’re not keen to take on designated driver duties, The Langton Arms has six B&B rooms for an overnight stay. At closing time, you can simply wander from the bar into your cosy quarters. The rooms are well appointed, with everything you need for a comfortable short stay. While not wildly luxurious, they are perfectly suited to an overnight visit and carry the same charm as the rest of the Langton Arms.

Morning brought another treat: a hearty breakfast showcasing local produce. The bacon was a particular highlight – smoky, flavourful and some of the best we’ve had in a long time. We lingered over coffee and enjoyed a rare slow start to the day, making the most of the peaceful countryside setting before heading home.

From the inviting atmosphere and excellent service to the delicious food and the charm of its rural location, The Langton Arms is a good choice for a special evening or weekend treat. Whether you’re settling in by the fire or exploring nearby, this is a place that invites you to relax, unwind, and savour the moment.

• thelangtonarms.co.uk

• Open Wed-Thu, food 12-2.30 and 5-7.30pm | Fri, food 12-2.30 and 5.30-8pm | Sat, food 128pm | Sun food 12-4pm

The Langton’s crispy beef with horseradish mayo

by Gay Pirrie-Weir

C H R I S T M A S Q U I Z

If you enjoyed last year’s Dorset Christmas quiz, we’ve SORTED out some more brain teasers for you. This time, the answers might be hiding in plain sight –perhaps a little order is all you need to find the festive fun!

Let's see how well you know Dorset!

1 – What is a Marin sincerity?

a) A former conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, praising its musicianship

b) A true seafarer who’s carelessly lost an ‘e’

c) A poetic village, near Yeovil, with a church dedicated to St Hippolytus

2 – What is a corset herd?

a) A hefted collection of cattle whose loins are tightly bound to their mammary veins.

b) The squeaking of whalebone

c) A hardy county location on the banks of the River Frome

3 – What is a corrupt morello?

a) A cherry of doubtful purpose in the creation of “modern” gin.

b) The local home of small, pigskin bound, books

c) An overwhelmingly peculiar clue

4 – What are unwritten monsters?

a) Constant presences in the brains of those convinced they are about to pen a best seller

b) Audiences at a central Exchange

c) Plant-based recipes changing hands only on the interweb

5 – Who was Albert Digs?

a) The brother of the late lamented Albert Dog, named for Albert Dock because his tail had been docked to a bagel.

b) The guiding light of Alice Roberts and Phil Harding, whose name gave him his raison d’etre.

c) The poached but legal home of the world’s best-known hitchhiker

6 – What is a burnout home?

a) A place for exhausted executives to put their feet up. b) It’s surrounded by the woods where the Ents originated.

c) The remnants of settlements inhabited by the charcoal burners

7 – What are stalling sausages?

a) The daily product of equines, left in their overnight accommodation and calling for XXL poo bags.

b) Favourite meal on the menu when the Drovers transitioned into roosters.

c) AKA Sleeping Policemen, bumps in the road designed to stop vehicles from moving.

8 – What is a Buford landform?

a) Discovered by Septimus Hector Buford, (bastard) son of the 34th Viscount de Gripe, this unusual topographical feature points the viewer to the virtue of the owner.

b) Also known as a Bluford Landform, it is found in sticky patches at either side of a deep rivulet in a road or track.

c) A meeting place where the Brothers of Bastardy might have been scuppered by rain.

9 – What is a Moslem iceberg?

a) A welcome relief from the searing heat of summer in the middle east.

b) A place where death is always black.

c) An ice cream, or more accurately a gelato, created in West Bay and suitable for all tastes, pronouns and religious persuasions.

10 – What are tubby boars?

a) Little piggies from the forest of dean on their way to becoming ENORMOUS boars

b) A euphemistic term for rotund and selfsatisfied men (sorry, otherwise it would have been sows) overly enamoured of the sound of their own voices.

c) A place of downy cygnetary.

11 – What is Full Macenroe?

a) The irresistible urge to scream You Cannot Be Serious!

b) No castle here, but briefly known as Little Harlem

c) A large fusion dish, popular among ScottishItalian fish-egg lovers, whose name has been adopted by Americans (and now by British eaters) to describe what used to be known as Macaroni Cheese.

12 – What are Hand Modems?

a) A hand modem changes the streaming platforms of your device with one squeeze

b) The place where Ed cures the pork.

c) Find out in the FT’s Technopolis section, next to the watches that do everything but tell the time ... or ask a passing primary school child.

13 – What is glory bend?

a) The final curve on any racetrack ... the place where you know you have won.

b) The resting place of the grey mare and her colts.

c) A destination sought in many work and plantation songs.

14 – Who was Anny Kare Rottnest?

a) The Kare Rottnests were well known in Dorset for the care they took over the birds on their estates. Anny began the Dorset tradition of adorning nests with swags of ivy from the Bulbarrow Yew.

b) She was tied to her true lover with a roadside knot.

c) Anny Kare adopted the name Rottnest after a visit to the island off Perth in Western Australia, where she fell under the spell of the quokkas.

15 – What is a tinned dolphin?

a) A child’s toy that springs out of the ring-pull can, in the strip of the Miami team.

b) There are those who want to change the spelling of this place, offended by its connotations.

c) Artwork left as a “legacy” of the Olympics in Dorset, celebrating its agile leaps in metal form.

12: Edmondsham, 13: Long Bredy, 14: Tarrant Keyneston, 15: Piddlehinton

All Saints, 8: Blandford Forum, 9: Melcombe Regis, 10: Abbotsbury, 11: Corfe Mullen,

1: Ryme Intrinsica, 2: Dorchester, 3: Toller Porcorum, 4: Sturminster Newton, 5: Stalbridge, 6: Bournemouth, 7: Gussage

Answers:

A whirlwind tour of all that’s coming up in Sturminster Newton this month

Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events

Its almost here: Christmas 2024 (where did the year go?) We hope you enjoyed the Christmas Event on the 30th November but there is so much more to come between now and New Years Day! The Real Father Christmas is working even harder than usual to meet as many children as he can in his grotto in 1855 each Saturday before Christmas (pre-book please by calling in, or phone 01258 475612) Be good, because he has a list and checks it every day ...

There will be free parking in the town each Saturday leading up to Christmas, thanks to SturAction and Dorset Council. The 7th December is Small Business Saturday – do come and support our local businesses ... and also come and admire the vehicles at the Sturminster Newton Car and Bike Enthusiasts Event which will be making its monthly visit to town, between 9am and 12 noon in the Station Road Car Park.

Get your Christmas Presents in 1855

There will be a book signing by local authors in 1855 on Saturday 7th December (of course the books themselves will be there at any time that 1855 is open – unless they are sold out, so do think about shopping early!)

If you have any thoughts about going to London in the near future, and any interest in science, then treat yourself to Okeford Fitzpaine author Rachel Rowe’s book The Science Lovers Guide to London. Chris Oswald has been steadily writing away in his Fiddleford farmhouse – and has now produced quite a range of locally-based stories which are all available in 1855.

is being

1855, and 25 per cent of the proceeds is going to support the Air Ambulance (but please don’t forget Mappowder when you do your next edition Mary, a remote village which is especially grateful to the helicopter). Paul Cosway is a Dorset writer who is hoping to make the beautiful area of North Dorset the next Midsummer – a district that people turn to for thrilling crime stories! His books focus on the problems faced by D.I. Ken Jones and his loyal assistant Sergeant Jenny Grace. We’re also pleased to have Jim Carter’s history of his grandfather’s time in the Navy, Hearts of Steel, in the shop. It is an exciting but sobering read. Life was hard.

More on 1st January

Don’t forget that Stur’s fun doesn’t end on Christmas Day – the Classic Car and Bike event will be back for their annual Vintage & Classic Vehicle Run on the morning of New Year’s Day. It’s the biggest event in their calendar, and once again it will be raising money for the Air Ambulance, and is kindly supported by Harts and SturAction.

Mary Van Coller has produced a lovely guide book to Dorset which

sold in

Letters to the Editor

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

On The Grumbler

(Can we fix housing while not ruining the countryside? The BV, Nov 24)

The hand-wringing over empty homes is all very well, but let’s not pretend it’s a silver bullet. Have you ever tried convincing a private owner to sell up? Good luck with that.

I’m also tired of hearing Londoners tell us how to “fix” rural life. Your suggestion to build more affordable housing in urban areas is great. Meanwhile, here in Dorset, we’re left picking up the pieces of Westminster’s neglect.

Instead of “rethinking” housing development, why not rethink who’s making these decisions? Let Dorset’s local parish councils and villagers decide what’s best for their land – not the planners with no skin in the game.

Tom Jenkins, Wimborne

Your anonymous Grumbler on the housing crisis struck a chord. It’s madness to build on greenbelt land while 700,000 homes sit empty. Dorset’s identity is rooted in its landscapes and tight-knit communities – bulldozing these for profit-driven estates is shortsighted.

The emphasis on empty homes is spot on. Why can’t the government help councils bring these properties back to life? Schemes should be implemented nationwide, before one further field is paved over.

I wholeheartedly agree with the Grumbler’s call for limited, sympathetic rural development based on local needs. Dorset doesn’t need sprawling estates; it needs modest, affordable homes for locals who actually want to live and work here. Let’s not lose our countryside to ill-thought-out urban sprawl.

Margaret E, Sherborne

Perhaps Dorset should install one of those signs on the A303 that you see in car parks: “Full – try again later.” Seriously, we need fewer estates and more common sense.

Susan Parker, Shaftesbury

On the Dorset Insider

(Just how meaningful was the Big Cinversation?

The BV, Nov 24)

Your new Dorset Insider column is a breath of fresh air. It’s high time someone addressed the uncomfortable truths behind Dorset’s glossy

image. The lack of planning for adult social care is deeply troubling. As a full-time carer, I see daily how inadequate support affects families. How can Dorset Council ignore its largest budget burden? Unpaid carers like me feel invisible – stretched thin, with no respite and little acknowledgment of our role in propping up the system.

While the focus on affordable housing is welcome, the reality doesn’t match the rhetoric. Developers continue to prioritise luxury homes over the modest, practical dwellings Dorset’s residents actually need.

I look forward to more no-nonsense insights from this column – but I hope Dorset Council is reading it too.

Helen Forrester, Dorchester

The Dorset Insider pulled no punches – good for them! If they’re serious about tackling local issues, perhaps they could explain how Dorset plans to keep its countryside intact when every available field is up for grabs for “luxury” homes no one local can afford.

And don’t get me started on the “super council” idea. Does Dorset really need to yoke itself to Wiltshire and Somerset? The last thing we need is their debt dragging us down like a millstone. Instead of merging, perhaps we could ask them for a loan to patch up our roads.

Finally, cows aren’t the problem – they’re the solution. Let’s protect Dorset’s food producers before we pave over the farms and import tasteless veg from who-knows-where.

Mike, Blandford

Thank you for publishing such an honest take on the draft Dorset Plan. I was thrilled to see a call for more integration of workspaces into housing developments. This is exactly what Dorset needs to revitalise rural communities.

As a small business owner, I’d love to see our local council encourage entrepreneurs. Too many young people leave Dorset for lack of opportunities. Pair affordable homes with shared workspaces, and we could reverse this trend while cutting down on commuting. Dorset has so much potential, but we need smarter planning and bolder decisions. Let’s hope this columnist continues to push for those. Name and address supplied

On Assisted Dying

How absolutely typical that given the opportunity to vote for something the vast majority of constituents actually want, Simon Hoare voted NO to Assisted Dying.

The arguments against have been done to death and we have the experience of countries where this humane act is already law. There is no evidence of the elderly being despatched to an early grave and the safeguards of our Bill are, if anything, too restrictive. Above all, those who prefer to let nature take its course are free to do so, but those who wish a more dignified death at a time of their choosing, can now be spared future agonies. Our MP has chosen to indulge his personal preference against the wishes of the electorate. Penelope Simpson, Shaftesbury

Pavement Parking

Friday 22 November marked four years since the previous government’s consultation on pavement parking in England closed. Cars parked on, and sometimes hogging the whole pavement, will be a familiar sight to many.

Pavement parking is dangerous, especially for families with young children, people with sight loss and disabled people. A recent poll found that 87 per cent of parents have had to walk in the road because of a vehicle blocking the pavement.

Living Streets has been campaigning on this issue for over 50 years and it’s high time we saw an end to the problem. Pavement parking has been banned (with exemptions) in London since the 1970s. Scotland adopted a similar approach to London which came into force earlier this year. The Welsh Government has indicated they will take action on pavement parking – but England is way behind.

We hope your readers will join Living Streets and supporters like me, in urging the new Government to deal with the troubling legacy of pavement parking once and for all. Everyone will be the better for it. Sandra, Shaftesbury

On Jackdaws

(A firework of cinders, The BV, Nov 24)

Jane Adams’ piece captures the soul of the Dorset dawn with such vivid grace that I could almost hear the jackdaws’ wings and feel the mist on my skin. Her words remind us that these fleeting moments – a dance of birds, a sunlit hedge, a quiet road – are the true riches of life.

Thank you for giving space to this kind of writing, which invites us to look up from our daily rush and rediscover the magic in the everyday. I’ll keep an eye on the wires next time I’m out early – and my heart ready to race.

Peter Wakefield, Sherborne

Commercial & Private Law

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

From everyone at Porter Dodson, we hope you have a happy and healthy festive season.

Our offices will be closed from Tuesday 24th December to Thursday 2nd January as our team take a well-earned break.

You can still contact us at: info@porterdodson.co.uk

Quick Crossword

As always, just click to complete on your tablet, computer or phoneor there’s a download ‘PDF’ option if you prefer pen and paper.

Dorset snow (warning - this one’s a little tricky!) – just click to complete

Jigsaw

Can Deepest Books hit their £111,000 charity goal?

Deepest Books, renowned for celebrating the rich heritage of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset, is nearing its ambitious goal of raising £111,000 for local charities through the sale of the Deepest Books series. Each volume delves into the unique stories, traditions and landscapes of one of the three counties, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their cultural fabric.

This Christmas, authors Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir invite readers to help achieve the fundraising target by purchasing a copy – do some good while at the same time bagging a bargain book which makes a perfect present for your parents, family, friends or colleagues. Deepest Dorset is long sold out*, but there are still copies of Deepest Wiltshire, published in 2019, and Deepest Somerset (2021) available.

All the proceeds of the book sales go to the beneficiary charities: Deepest Wiltshire raises funds for Swindon and Wiltshire Community Foundation, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, SSAFA and Salisbury Hospice Charity. Deepest Somerset proceeds go to Farming Community Network (Somerset), Somerset Community Foundation and Children’s Hospice South West (Somerset). If you are wondering about the Dorset charities, Dorset Community Foundation, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and RNLI Lyme Regis Station have already received £40,000 from the sales of Deepest Dorset.

Special BV offer!

Exclusively to The BV readers, Deepest Books are offering Deepest Wiltshire and Deepest Somerset at a special price of £20 each – a £5 discount – until 24th December 2024.

The copies can be signed by the writers (the BV’s own Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir) and dedicated to a named recipient, if you wish. P&P to UK addresses is £5 for single books, and some hand deliveries in Dorset may be made.

Order direct from Deepest Books: Call 01963 32525, or email info@deepestbooks.co.uk

*if you have a spare copy, we’ve noticed you might be able to sell it for more than the original price on eBay!

Cheese Festival grants now open

Since 2012, Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival has helped to generate almost £400,000 for charities. More than £260,000 of this has been directly distributed by the committee to local community groups and charities. Following another successful show in 2024, the Cheese Festival show committee are delighted to announce that they are once again able to offer some grant funding this year. Applications are now welcomed from any community groups and charities based within a five mile radius of Sturminster Newton. If your organisation has a large client base and is supporting people within the five mile radius

of Sturminster Newton, though with a postal address outside this area, you can still apply – but must state this criterion on your application form.

The Grant Application form can

be downloaded from the website cheesefestival.co.uk/news Applications close on 31 December 2024, and successful applicants will be confirmed early 2025.

Gillingham School Sixth Form surf trip

During October half term 72 Gilingham sixth form students travelled to the Spanish coast for the school’s biennial surf trip. This ever-popular trip was a great opportunity to learn new skills, experience a different culture, spend time with friends and get to know new people. The students met at school with suitcases stuffed to bursting, excited to depart on the adventure. For some it was their first time abroad, and for many it was their first experience of travelling without their families. The more experienced travellers quickly eased the nerves of those who were feeling anxious about flying, setting the tone for a supportive and friendly trip. The beautiful coastline at Somo, in Cantabria, enjoys waves suited to all skill levels. The students immediately took advantage of the Surf Houses social spaces, including the pool table, hammock-adorned decks and volleyball court.

Fortunately the food was also fabulous as the surfing required high energy levels: a two hour surf lesson each morning was followed by a variety of optional activities in the afternoons. Some decided to continue to hone their surfing skills while others opted to go into town to buy souvenirs and browse the shops. Still more enjoyed some quiet time reading, chatting with friends in the hammocks, walking the shoreline or playing football. After a busy day, the delicious homemade burgers and paella were definitely appreciated by all, before the evenings were filled with pool competitions,

volleyball tournaments, quizzes and a movie night – introducing a whole new generation to the classic surf film Point Break. Mid-week, the students took the ferry to Santander for a shopping and site-seeing day, allowing the students the opportunity to explore the local culture. By the end of the week there was a real sense of pride among the group with how far their surfing skills had come – many came home with firm plans to buy a surf board! Staff accompanying the trip said the pupils were a delight to spend time with, and were a credit to themselves and the school.

Gillingham pupils on the beach at Somo in Cantabria

Christmas light trails

It’s time to get festive! For this month’s article I’m going to talk about some of the Christmas light trails to visit in Dorset.

Many of the light trails book up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to book tickets in advance. If you have a disability, some these places will be better than others. Check the websites for specific information on disabled access.

Christmas Tree Wonderland

The Christmas Tree Wonderland in Bournemouth features spectacular Christmas trees from around the world. It is FREE, and open until 31st December and it is disabled-friendly. You can also ride the Big Wheel and see Christmas from the air! christmastreewonderland.co.uk

Longleat Festival of Lights

Longleat festival of lights is a really good trail to pick this year because it is the 10th anniversary, with a Journey Through Time theme. More than just the trail, there is an enchanted Christmas tree show, and a Longleat House light show. They also have a Santa train for Father Christmas (extra fee). Running through to 5th January, ticket prices start at £28. (Longleat has lots of information about accessibility, and offers free carer tickets. The site is wheelchair friendly!) longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light

Winter Lights at Corfe Castle

The Winter Lights are on Friday 13th and Saturday

Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her work experience with us, and ended up writing a regular column - Ed

Bournemouth light trail and Santa Express

14th December. The castle opens from 4pm till 8pm and they have an amazing selection of activities like making a special Christmas wish at the wishing bridge, and toasting marshmallows at the fire pit. Event is free but normal admission charges apply. (Corfe is not completely accessible, so bring a torch and check the site for more information about disabled access.) nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Maritime Light Trail

This free event has impressive light installations, including a walk-through lantern and bauble, and Christmas tree installations including the 13 metre blue sealife tree in Falkland Square. It runs until 1 January 2025 – and it’s all wheelchair-friendly too! poole-christmas-maritime-light-trail.co.uk

I hope you enjoyed this article and I with you all a merry Christmas and happy New Year. Maddie

Ten years of reading easy

The Read Easy Blackmore Vale North team is marking its 10th anniversary, having held its first meeting in November 2014. Over the past decade, the group has worked tirelessly to support adults struggling with reading –nearly one in 14 adults. Read Easy provides free, one-toone, private coaching tailored

to each individual’s pace. While most sessions remain faceto-face, the team also offers online options which were first introduced during lockdown. Originally serving Gillingham and Shaftesbury, the team now supports Mere, Wincanton, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. Since its founding, Read Easy has naturally evolved and grown: the charity began with one coordinator and is now seeking its fourth.

In its first year, eight adults came forward to learn to read, with three graduating within three years. These learners’ hard work

and determination reflect the transformative impact of the Read Easy programme. To reach more new readers, Read Easy has launched a series of short films, Real People, Real Stories, available on YouTube, sharing inspiring journeys of those who have overcome literacy challenges.

If you know someone who finds reading difficult, encourage them to take the brave first step and contact Read Easy Blackmore Vale North on 07510 250365. The service is here to help change lives, one word at a time.

• readeasy.org.uk

Berwick St John Country Fayre raises £100k for Stars Appeal

The 2024 Berwick St John Country Fayre has achieved a historic milestone, raising £100,000 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity. Initially announced as £96,983.99 at a special presentation on 1st December at West Barn Lodge in Fovant, additional donations from nearly 300 attendees pushed the total to a record-breaking figure – the largest in the Fayre’s 32-year history. Running every other year since 1992, the Fayre has consistently raised substantial funds for various causes, committing long-term support to the Stars Appeal in 2012. This year’s event, held on 14th and 15th September, attracted thousands of visitors and featured an array of activities from displays of steam engines, vintage tractors, heavy horses and classic cars as well as a dog show, rural crafts, fairground rides and entertainment. Ahead of the main fayre event, visitors enjoyed an evening of live music on Friday, September 13th. Fayre Secretary Louise Hall praised the community’s efforts: ‘We are blown away by the generosity and support received. Despite facing many challenges ahead of this year’s event, the entire team pulled together to deliver a brilliant show with a fantastic atmosphere. We are so

grateful to everyone who supports us, not just financially, but also by providing services and equipment and by volunteering their time. We sincerely thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.’

At the presentation event, patient ambassadors and families shared powerful testimonies about how Stars Appeal initiatives have transformed their care experiences.

Stars Appeal president, the Earl of Pembroke, said: ‘I congratulate everybody involved, and I deeply appreciate the incredible teamwork required to organise an event of this scale. The services provided by the Stars Appeal make a profound difference to the thousands of families who rely on them. They allow patients to be diagnosed faster, and with families at their side, recover quicker and return home sooner.’

Funds raised contribute to the charity’s £1 million annual target, supporting projects such as equipment upgrades and enhanced patient facilities.

The next Fayre will be 19th and 20th September 2026, with additional events planned for 2025.

• berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk

Images: Spencer Mulholland

Yarrells School celebrates Mrs Covell’s 80th Birthday

The school community of Yarrells, near Poole, came together to celebrate the 80th birthday of its proprietor, Mrs Natalie Covell. Known for her unwavering dedication and love for education, Natalie has been a cornerstone of Yarrells School since becoming Headmistress in 1989. She and her late husband, Tony Covell, purchased the school – then St Monica’s – in 1992, embedding family values and a commitment to the arts and nature into its core.

Set on a stunning estate featuring a Georgian mansion, gardens, sports facilities, and woodlands, Yarrells provides a rich learning environment. Natalie’s love for nature and the arts has shaped the school’s ethos, ensuring children thrive both academically and creatively. From assemblies to school productions, Natalie remains an active and cherished presence. To honour her milestone birthday, a crab apple tree was planted in the school grounds. Pupils from the Nursery, aptly named Greenwood, gathered around the tree,

symbolising Natalie’s deep-rooted connection to the school and its environment.

Clare Cunningham, Yarrells’ new Headteacher, expressed gratitude for Natalie’s legacy: ‘Her vision has shaped the future of Yarrells and everyone fortunate enough to learn here. She has created a warm, nurturing school where children explore their talents and grow in confidence.’

The tree will serve as a lasting tribute, reminding future generations of Natalie’s love for nature and her transformative impact on Yarrells School.

Four national awards for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance claimed four prestigious accolades at the 2024 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. Organised by Air Ambulances UK and sponsored by Kwik Fit, the event celebrated outstanding contributions to the air ambulance community.

Four individuals from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were honoured for their exceptional achievements:

Laura Bland – Critical Care Doctor of the Year

Dr Laura Bland’s leadership in pre-hospital emergency medicine has significantly enhanced patient care and clinical standards. She has led regional campaigns, raised nearly £40,000 through a direct mail initiative, and influenced countless lives through her passion and dedication.

Neil Bizzell – Critical Care Practitioner of the Year

Specialist Practitioner Neil has delivered 24 education events this year, often voluntarily, helping improve critical care delivery. His outreach efforts, including life-saving training for ambulance crews, highlight his commitment to advancing patient care.

Tom Budgett – Charity Supporter of the Year

A commercial aviation law expert, Tom has provided pro bono legal support to air ambulance charities, achieving substantial savings that directly benefit their missions.

Gillian Bryce – Lifetime Achievement Award

With over 30 years in emergency medicine, Gillian

has been pivotal in developing paramedic training, merging ambulance services, and in 2000 in establishing Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This national recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in delivering life-saving care across the region. Congratulations to all the winners!

Mrs Natalie Covell (left) with pupils at the planting of her crab apple tree

Neil Bizzell - Critical Care Practitioner of the Year

Dr Laura Bland - Critical Care Doctor of the Year

Tom Budgett - Charity Supporter of the Year

Gillian Bryce - Lifetime Achievement Award

Community effort transforms forgotten footpath

At the northernmost tip of Dorset, just a few hundred yards from where Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire meet, there is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. It is an area of very marshy grassland, nestled under the scarp edge of Cranborne Chase and West Wilts National Landscape. Once upon a time it was not so: a footpath led from the ancient Sandways settlement in Bourton up the hill towards Kite’s Nest and the border with Somerset. Until some five years ago, this footpath was in disrepair and effectively unusable, due to the perils of deep black mud. Supported by Dorset Council’s Rangers, the local Bourton Wildlife and Habitat Group (BWHG) has set about pushing through a series of boardwalk sections to make the path navigable again. The Rangers have supplied designs and material, and Bourton delivered the manpower and oomph to make it happen. Everyone knew, though, that until an old sunken track could be bridged, the project would remain half done: in the wetter months this steep-sided gulch has been a significant obstacle.

The answer? A near five metre bridge, partly constructed at the Rangers workshop and then manhandled in and completed in situ. A final single morning’s work resulted in a secure and safe bridge.

The Bourton community thanks Rangers Stuart, Yorgos and Luke for their effort, good humour and passionate interest. By undertaking this project inhouse and with direct community engagement, the Rangers have cut the cost by four-fifths compared with using an external contractor, and have also

delivered learning and experience for their own team while cementing a strong relationship with a capable local group (who have plenty more ideas for future activity!).

Treading the boards now on Footpath 11, a visitor can see ponds and the life they attract, marshy slopes, some rough grassland (ideal for Barn Owls –there is a new box in one of the big oaks) and many mature native trees before continuing to the glory of the downland above.

Sam Everard named in Disability Power 100

Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Bournemouth-based charity SAMEE, has been named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, celebrating the UK’s most influential disabled individuals. SAMEE supports disabled people to explore selfemployment, helping to bridge the disability employment gap. Living with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), Sam founded SAMEE eight years ago, providing mentoring and guidance to empower disabled individuals. Recognised as a Disability Confident Leader level

3 charity, SAMEE is the first in Dorset to achieve this status.

Sam also chairs the Government’s South West Regional Stakeholder Network, working on disability policy, and is completing a PhD at Bournemouth University on self-employment for neurodivergent people.

‘I’m humbled to be included –but most proud of the disabled community I represent,’ Sam said.’Our work proves disabled people can achieve success with the right support.’

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Manhandling the bridge sections into place

Abbey104 Album of the Month: Songs Of A Lost World

The Cure

The Cure have never been a band in a hurry. While it’s true that they released six LPs in as many years between 1979 and 1985, this was par for the course for indie bands at the time (The Replacements, R.E.M., Husker Du and many more served up a record every year in the early 80s). Since that early run, the Sussex alternative rock elder statesmen have only managed to put out an album, on average, every 5 and a half years. A Cure album is therefore always an event, regardless of where the work stands in a library of mostly exceptional work spanning six decades. Songs Of A Lost World, their first LP in more than 15 years, is very happy to take its time.

On the slow-burning, intensely epic opener Alone, it is almost three and a half minutes before Robert Smith announces “This is the end of every song we sing”. Despite the song’s despairing title, there is a familiar universality to the message of this and many of the album’s tracks. Over a pounding beat, Smith exclaims “We toast with bitter dregs, to our emptiness.” Elsewhere, lines such as “I never thought I’d need to feel regret for all I never was” (A Fragile Thing) and “Mournful hopes for all we might have been, all misunderstood but no way out of this” (Warsong) point to a bleak sense of darkness, hopelessness and loss.

But there is light. There is hope. And there is love. While it’s title might suggest more sombre fair, And Nothing Is Forever skips lightly, driven by piano and strings, with Smith affirming “It really doesn’t matter … if you promise you’ll be with me at the end.”

Ultimately, The Cure have produce a record both comfortingly familiar and exceptionally well produced, but also (and most importantly) essential for our times. The world may be lost, but The Cure have once again proved themselves to be a welcome anchor amidst the chaos.

• Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.

Matthew Ambrose, DJ at Abbey104

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

How do I get a grip?

Q:‘I’ve struggled with my money this year and have already spent too much on Christmas. I also recently got caught out by a free trial on an app that rolled into a paid subscription. It feels like every month I end up in my overdraft. How can I keep track of my spending better?’

A: It can be difficult to stay on top of things like online subscriptions but there are steps you can take to be more in control of your money. Firstly, draw up a budget. Remember to include all of your general spending, and any bills you have to pay. Be realistic about what you’ll need for essentials like food and travel. If your income fluctuates, use bank statements, pay slips, benefit award letters or your Universal Credit journal to plan your budget each month. Your bank should be able to tell you what regular payments you have.

If you find subscriptions you don’t want, contact the company in question to cancel them. In future, before signing up to anything, make

sure you know what you’ll get, for how long and what it’ll cost. If you do use any free trials, set a reminder a week before the free period ends so you’ve time to cancel it if you want to. Keep evidence of any subscription cancellations in case you need the proof in the future.

If you’ve been relying on your overdraft this year, or you have turned to credit cards or Buy-NowPay-Later, it’s understandable if this worries you. Always prioritise paying your rent, mortgage, council tax and energy bills first, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. If you’re having trouble managing your debts and paying bills, get some free debt advice, either from Citizens Advice or from another reputable and free debt advice provider such as Stepchange or National Debtline.

The Citizens Advice website has an income checker where you can see if you’re getting all you’re entitled to, such as benefits or grants. Everyone’s circumstances are different when it comes to managing personal finances: make sure you are in charge of yours.

Frozen Dorset

This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards with a suitably wintery feel – Sherbornians skating on the frozen lake in 1907, and the frozen Stour in 1963.

Sent in February 1907 to a Mr P Hodges in Highcliffe – which was still within Hampshire, of course. Winter 1907 was marked by extreme weather conditions in Britain, including heavy snow and frozen canals. The country’s coal supply was threatened, and the authorities used gas turbines to clear snow from railway lines.

‘Dear P. Thanks for card. Hope you will like this one, it is the lake the week it was frozen over. We had some good skating, hundreds of people up there. Tell Arthur I will send him a card later, this is the only one I have by me now. Hope you are all keeping well, kind regards, H’

This postcard was sent in October, 1963 to a Mrs J Clark in Christchurch. The early snow must have caused consternation among Dorset residents, with the deadly freeze of the previous 1962-63 winter still fresh in their memories – a blizzard in December 1962 started a frozen spell which lasted until March, with many rural communities cut off by snow drifts.

‘Don’t expect us this week – Don has a cold. Hope you are well. Driving not too bad!! So hope for best next Friday. Colder today but hope we don’t have it like this on the front later. Love Betty & Don’

Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock

Okeford Fitzpaine

Lower Street on the left is little changed, though the thatchers would now be out of a job as the cottages have swapped their thatch for tile. The cottage face on at the end of the street has moved its front door –no doubt due to the presence of the modern car whizzing past

What was once a shop on the right is now a private house, and the house behind it has gone, replaced by a modern building set further back on the plot. The conical thatch, high garden wall and swooping gable thatch at the far end of the street are all clearly recognisable, however.

Green fields threatened in the rush for green energy

Historic farmland faces an industrial transformation, says Peter Neal, president of the Sherborne & District CPRE

We’re all for green energy, but without a more nuanced solar policy, we are in danger of desecrating valued, productive arable countryside, nurtured and loved over years. Increased electricity demand will result in 600 miles of pylons installed in Britain over the next few years, as we change the structure of our energy generation and supply network to more visible, localised bases such as solar farms.

What does this mean for Dorset countryside lovers and rural communities? The CPRE is particularly concerned about the effect on our landscape. Decarbonising may be a key policy at Number 10, but at what cost to our heritage, our rights of way and our agricultural systems? Should we run headlong into building solar farms? What other choices do we have?

In aiming for renewables, should we abandon the basic democratic principles of consultation in our planning process? Should viable arable land be a focus for energy supply generation – or are there better alternatives, such as rooftop solar?

Land is a finite resource, as the National Parks movement recognised when it ring-fenced key regions, and designations such as the former Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscapes), were introduced. Even King Charles’s favourite gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, said in the Times last month that solar on viable arable was “bonkers” and should be avoided. Is there any direct and local community benefit? All too often, the energy is taken away from the

site where it is generated. Why should people in rural areas be forced to live among battery-farmed fields, given concerns about dangerous battery fires, without more extensive consultation?

Conglomerates and landowners are often complicit in depriving communities of the chance of expressing their concerns

In their desire to secure lucrative lease-outs to energy conglomerates, landowners are often complicit in depriving communities of the chance of expressing their concerns on projects.

Dorset CPRE would argue that there are not enough checks and balances to achieve this energy transition – and many local groups feel the same. They argue for projects to be based away from valued landscapes

The plan for the new 400 acre solar farm surrounding Wyke Farm

The view from Thornfordprospective solar panels in blue. Image: Sue Spurrier

and suggest that, for example, the boundary of motorway networks would be more appropriate.

Loss of amenity and arable land

At Wyke Farm near Sherborne, there is currently a proposal for a huge solar farm on a 400-acre site. Owned by the Ilchester Estates, it is being leased out to German multi-national energy company RWE, based in Essen. The land was described as mainly Grade 2 when sold a few years ago – this is “best and most versatile” – and CPRE believes it should not be built on.

Historical importance

Many in Sherborne, Bradford Abbas and their surrounding villages are very angry: the valley would be irredeemably diminished and its historical legacy placed in an industrial, not a landscape context.

This land has thousands of years of history. There are Roman villas in the ground. Civil War battles were fought here – and soldiers buried. The Duke of Wellington’s right-hand man, Viscount Rowland Hill, and the discoverer of the circulation of blood, William Harvey, both owned and walked these fields. King Ise gave this land to the Bishop of Sherborne, Aldhelm, to farm in 705, and it has been farmed ever since. The land that filled the majestic barns for the Sherborne clergy now faces being ringfenced by steel mesh, concrete, glass, portacabins, CCTV cameras and mud. There are important Grade II* listed buildings in close proximity, which should be protected.

Overdevelopment

Because a large amount of the land earmarked is on a south-facing slope, the nearby north-facing properties in Thornford would lose their rural views. Thornford and Bradford Abbas will become villages “next to the solar farm”. House prices will inevitably fall, and not just on those overlooking the site.

There are already three solar installations within

Many residents of Sherborne, Bradford Abbas and the surrounding villages showed their anger at a recent public meeting in Bradford Abbas hall

a few miles of Wyke Farm. Do we really need a further glass and steel reminder that large corporations can push into our lives like a battering ram, simply to reward RWE and its shareholders. Dorset Council has said: ‘the planning authority concludes that the proposed development is likely to result in significant environmental impacts.’

A local resident says: ‘This development is the wrong approach. Home insulation should come first, with rooftop, car park, rail track and watersited solar panels. Surely we need to increase our food production capacity, especially if crop yields are dropping due to temperature increase and extreme weather events?’

Toxic legacy

And what about when these solar farms come to the end of their life? What happens to the ecological health of the land? PV solar panels are primarily made of silicon, but they can also contain metals such as cadmium, lead and tellurium. Over time, exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and moisture can degrade these materials, leading to the leaching of toxic substances into the soil and groundwater.

• Please join WASA (Wyke Against Solar On Arable) and fight now. Write to your parish council, district councillors and your MP.

• Send pledges of financial support to me on peter.neal21@outlook.com – these can be ringfenced in CPRE funds and reimbursed if RWE drops the application.

• Join a pre-Christmas protest walk on 8th December at 2pm along the site path to see what they may destroy. Check our Instagram link - wykeagainstsolaronarable - for updates. Please make your voice heard!

The Voice of the Allotment

November diary

Barry Cuff’s winter salad includes winter cress, lambs lettuce, various Oriental mustards, mizuna, spicy leaf mixes, winter radishes and radicchio

Barry Cuff takes a look back at what happened on his Sturminster Newton plot over the last month

We lost a good friend at the end of October. Bob had an adjacent plot to ours, which he cultivated for more than 15 years. It was probably the best kept plot on the site, with straight neat paths and hardly a weed to be seen. Always willing to help out with jobs on the site, Bob erected the communal greenhouse and with help, re-roofed the main communal shed.

For many years he was the one who pumped water from the well to supply the large holding tanks and troughs. During the summer months this was carried out up to five times a week. As well as working the pump, he installed new pipework and checked and repaired leaks – all this work was given freely.

He was a wonderful neighbour, and towards the end he gave me his Cornish spade and strimmer: that’s the kind of man he was. We miss him, especially for our chats and exchange of ideas ... and vegetables, of course.

On the plot

It was very mild in November, up to the 18th when it got colder for a few days with night frosts, followed by a very wet spell. The allotment’s annual supply of well-rotted manure from our regular supplier arrived on 28th

October – we wheeled our own 30 loads from the bunker on to our plots, where it was spread on to any bare ground as a mulch for the winter. We also opened up one of the compost heaps and wheeled 19 loads of excellent compost onto one of our plots. We have four heaps – three completed and one to which we are adding new material. Used in rotation, normally each heap takes two to three years before it is ready.

Unusually, we didn’t sow any green manure this autumn – most years we use field beans, triticale, phacelia or buckwheat. Our new seeds for 2025 should arrive in the next fortnight.

‘We

Due to the mild conditions up to the middle of the month, there was steady growth on the plot, especially the grass paths, and the weeds had a flush of new seedlings.

Garlic – We planted on 3rd and there was growth visible on 26th.

Fresh vegetables – We’re harvesting as required from the leeks, carrots, parsnip, calabrese, celeriac, celery, beetroot, sprouts and cabbage.

Salads - We love our autumn/winter salads! Fresh from the plot we have red cabbage, Chinese cabbage, winter cress, lambs lettuce, various Oriental mustards, mizuna, spicy leaf mixes, winter radishes and radicchio.

From the store - We’re using potatoes, onions, Crown Prince and Butterfly Winter squashes and the last of the tomatoes are still slowly ripening in the greenhouse.

From the freezer - We have a supply of peas, broad beans, French beans, sweetcorn (off the cob) and runner beans.

wheeled 30 loads of manure to our plots.’

• If you are interested in an allotment in Sturminster Newton, get in touch on sturminsternewtonallotments@gmail.com

Seize the (nice) days!

It may be midwinter, but Pete Harcom says there’s still plenty you can do in the garden if you happen to get a decent day for pottering outside

While things do slow down in the garden at this time of year, we can still seize a mild day in December and carry out some gardening, to keep on top of things ready for the spring.

• Weed and prepare your borders, and if you use the no dig system, you can feed the soil and also improve its structure by spreading some garden compost and/or wellrotted manure and leaf mould over the borders.

• Even with the milder winters we seem to get nowadays, it’s a good idea to bring any pots of fuchsias or pelargoniums into a greenhouse or potting shed to ensure protection from frosts (just make sure they are free of slugs and snails!).

• Prune your climbing roses and also any tall roses to help reduce wind rock: cut back any old flowered rose shoots to a third of their length. Also check your climbers are adequately tied in and supported.

• Leave the hydrangea spent flower heads on the plants as these help protect flower buds that form lower down the stems.

• Harvest winter berries on plants (e.g. holly) before the frosts or birds get them if you intend to use them for wreaths or garlands for Christmas displays – just

put them in buckets of water outside until you are ready to use them.

• Bring half-hardy potted plants into the greenhouse: if you don’t have one, then group them together as this will help protect them from harsh winds and frosts.

• Sow seeds of sweet peas and micro greens in the greenhouse.

• If you have alpines in the flower borders, it’s a good idea to put some gravel around them to prevent waterlogging.

• This month will probably be the last chance to protect with fleece any sensitive plants in exposed spots in the garden

• Sow some alpine plant seeds – these can be very easy to grow in a cool greenhouse. Some alpine

seeds need exposure to low temperatures before germination (an average UK winter should provide the right temperatures).

• Avoid disturbing any large piles of leaves now – they are amazing for wildlife, providing shelter, food and a great nesting spot for hibernating animals such as hedgehogs, small mammals, frogs and countless insects. Let them sleep!

• Hang fat balls and bird feeders around the garden – but please do make sure the feeders are clean and regularly filled.

• Lastly, now’s a good time to clean up those gardening tools! Bring them into the shed and clean, sharpen and oil them – then you will be ready for spring!

Inheritance tax uproar shakes rural Britain

The recent budget has ignited rural anger and exposed a deep gap in the government’s understanding, says Andrew Livingston

Jeremy Clarkson called it the ‘end for farmers’, NFU President Tom Bradshaw claimed it was a ‘stab in the back’ – and many in the agricultural community have claimed that chancellor Rachel Reeves is to farming what Margaret Thatcher was to the coal mining industry.

For more than a month now, the agricultural sector has pleaded for the Labour Government to reverse its plans to cut farmers’ protections from paying inheritance tax in April 2026, as set out in the Autumn Budget.

‘At best it’s naivety, and at worst it’s vindictive,’ NFU Dorset deputy chairman Tim Gelfs told The BV. ‘The government took no consultation. They promised the NFU last year they weren’t going to touch it, and that was a promise from DEFRA (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).’

As it stands at the moment, Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) are two forms of protection against Inheritance Tax, allowing for agricultural land and businesses to pass to direct descendents after the farm owners pass away. This ends in 2026, when farmers will begin to pay a 20 per cent tax rate for any property valued at more than £1 million (half the usual rate). Reeves and the Government state that the tax will help to fund essential servicesand will stop tax evasion. Under the current system, wealthy individuals are buying up land to pass to their offspring so that they don’t have large amounts of cash to be taxed at 40 per cent.

The government’s figures suggest that 73 per cent of farms won’t be affected. This figure is being challenged by the NFU and the wider farming community.

Tim explains: ‘Their 73 per cent includes those who own a pony paddock or a single fields – it isn’t a true representation of commercial farms.

Their 73 per cent includes those who just own a pony paddock – it isn’t a true representation

We’ve got figures from DEFRA that show that 66 per cent of farms are going to be affected.’

‘Tom Bradshaw, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the Tenant Farmers

Association all met Steve Reed, the DEFRA Secretary of State, to talk about these figures on the Monday after the Budget. Steve Read said that they would go back and have a look at the figures, and there was a possible hint from DEFRA that there might be some movement,’ says Tim Gelfs. ‘But he obviously got his knuckles rapped as he’s back on the same rhetoric as the government, on the figures of 73 per cent. It makes you wonder what the government are up to.’

One per cent returns

You might ask why farmers shouldn’t pay inheritance tax when everyone else has too. The simple answer is that the tax would come as a debt: farmers are asset-rich and cash-poor. Farms struggle to break even and rely heavily on subsidies from the government. These subsidies are given to farmers to compensate them for the low prices the supermarkets pay for their produce.

‘Our big problem is that our return on capital investment is near to nothing,’ says Tim.

Tim Gelfs travelled to Westminster with other Dorset NFU members: ‘We saw and spoke to all the Dorset MPs’. Image: Tim Gelfs

‘‘Unlike farmers, other businesses affected by the removal of Business Property Relief aren’t raising concerns, and there is a key reason for that – their return on capital is much higher. Most businesses see a return of 12 to 20 per cent, sometimes even more, while farming typically struggles to achieve just one or two per cent at best. That’s the crux of the issue – when you’re operating on such slim margins, facing a 20 per cent inheritance tax after the first £1 million becomes financially unsustainable.

‘What the government has done is stall the rural economy. Let’s say the DEFRA figures are correct – we’ll lose a lot of farming families. The kids will just say “screw this, we are getting out” and sell up. A lot of kids work on the family farm for not very much money on the promise that “one day, son, all this overdraft is going to be yours”.’

Pedalling for the future

to feed our country, and to be more sustainable. That’s the most important thing – not to need to rely on imported food.’

Caroline’s description of the mood on the day was echoed by many London residents, who only had good things to say about their rural visitors.

‘One day, son, all this overdraft is going to be yours’

The Metropolitan police thanked the protesters for making the day go so smoothly. The visiting farmers also donated more than six tonnes of fresh food to the city’s food banks. They delivered fresh milk, eggs, vegetables, meat and potatoes alongside a vast array of breakfast cereals and canned goods ... enough food to create more than 15,000 meals.

But despite everyone’s efforts, the rally and the lobbying have come to no avail. The government has stated that it will not budge on its plans, and Rachel Reeves and the Treasury have refused to meet the NFU to hear their concerns.

A few weeks ago, Tim Gelfs made the journey to London with thousands of other farmers. Two events took place simultaneously in the capital on 19th of November. More than 1,800 NFU members met with their MPs to share their first-hand tales of how these changes were going to affect them, while 10,000 more farmers held a rally in Westminster. Tim told The BV that Edward Morello, the Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset, listened to his constituents’ concerns for almost an hour. ‘We saw and spoke to all the Dorset MPs – even the Labour ones, which was good.’

Over at Parliament Square, there were many more Dorset residents trying to get their voices heard. From Tarrant Rawston near Blandford, three generations of the Tory family attended the rally.

Caroline Tory told The BV of her experience of the friendly, good-natured day: ‘We went up by a 50-seater coach. Lots of neighbours were on there, and many brought their children. My son Mark came with his wife Amy and their two little girls who are four and two.’

Mark is chairman of the Blandford NFU, and he enrolled the two girls in the Pedalling for the Future of Farming. Caroline explained: ‘The big tractor firms had donated ride on toy machinery, and the children pedalled around Parliament Square, signifying the impact of the budget on the future of farming and the countryside. There was a real sense of solidarity among the farmers. People were appearing from all directions, coming through the London streets to the meeting point. There was a real feeling of camaraderie.

‘It’s never just a job for farmers. When you are brought up with it, it’s your way of life. You want to look after the countryside and ensure it’s there for future generations. We’re food producers. We want

Tim Gelfs warns that if the government keeps giving farmers the cold shoulder, things could get uglier than a solidarity march: ‘The NFU will keep lobbying, ... it would be unwise for the NFU to come out and say, “Right, everyone grab your pitchforks we are off to London”.

‘We need the NFU to keep the pressure up, but there’s talk that we need a more proactive approach too, in order to get the government to the negotiating table. I suspect farmers will begin thinking about blockading the ports, the way the French farmers have done.

‘The APR is the hammer blow. We’ve been struggling on for more than 30 years now, and this is just the final straw. It’s actually affecting a farmer’s land. It’s not just their income. It’s going to affect their whole business, their home.

‘There are a lot of angry farmers out there.’

Pedalling for the future. Image: Rawston Farm

The serious matter of brooms

With rain-soaked weeks, compost chaos and sweeping revelations, George Hosford has been navigating a turbulent autumn on the farm

It’s been quite the soggy autumn – we’ve recorded an eye-watering 208mm of rain in September, (average is 76mm), 155mm in October (average 120mm) and 141mm in November (average 120mm). Everything is utterly soaked. We had so few dry days that autumn sowing progress was very limited. Doug eventually managed to sow the winter barley across three separate days – only to have it pour down again very shortly after. No hope of rolling, and thank goodness we decided not to apply any preemergence weedkillers this year, as they can be washed into the rooting zone of the seeds by heavy rain, risking crop damage. Those farmers not afraid of sowing early may be feeling pleased they got a shift on – there was a week-long window of opportunity at the beginning of October. At Traveller’s Rest we try to hold back when the weather is mild like this year, as aphids carrying the barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) will still be flying and spreading it.

We prefer to collect the £45 per hectare Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payment (bribe?) not to use insecticides to combat BYDV, so we have to take steps like sowing later, once the weather gets cooler (and inevitably wetter ...).

The SFI for 2024 now offers payments for 102 (count ‘em!) different options designed to protect and benefit the environment, including the noinsecticide option.

It’s effectively a pick-and-mix approach so that farmers can tailor their own agreements. For anyone unfamiliar with this, and curious to know what ‘public money for public goods’ looks like – simply click here (warning: it’s quite dry!). Invitations to apply for these options were announced back in July, and thousands of farmers made applications.

On a knife edge

However, only hundreds have been offered agreements to date, due to manual checking while

Durweston Bridge during the recent Stour flooding caused by Storm Bert

(we are told) the system beds down. DEFRA had made huge steps forward with SFI 23, many offers were made, accepted and put into action very efficiently. Some of the actions on the list we opt for include the growing of cover crops, growing companion crops (such as in our bi-crops of wheat with beans) and not using those insecticides. We are now a long way into the new post-Brexit arrangements era of public money for public goods, although delivery has been painfully slow. The old payments system (BPS) – which was based on area farmed – is now at half the value it used to be, and will be down to zero by 2027. However, the new systems have been running behind at approximately £100 million per year for the last three years.

If the government wants to secure the nation’s home-grown food supply, and to ensure that all the environmentally beneficial actions, that the SFI promotes, happen, then it will have to give clear and positive signals to farmers in order to keep their confidence, which is currently on a knife edge. Ignoring the agricultural Inheritance Tax Relief furore, the recent budget allocated £5 billion for farming and the environment over the next two years – touted as the ‘largest amount ever dedicated to supporting sustainable food production and nature recovery’.

Most of the SFI list of environmental actions require land that would otherwise be used to produce food to be taken out of production. This can only happen if the rewards are sufficient, and if the recipients believe that the system isn’t going to lurch from one extreme to the other with every change of government. Cycles are very long in farming, and long-term planning is rare in politics.

If it’s not one thing ...

As well as trying to sow barley and wheat between the numerous rain events, Gary tried to get all our compost spread – we had 4.5km of compost windrows around the farm waiting to be spread onto our growing cover crops.

On the day he should have finished, he was prevented from doing so by a large bearing failure on a shaft driving the feed chain in the bottom of the machine. No chance to fix it on the Friday it happened, and then yet more rain across the weekend. Returning to the machine on Monday morning, he had a puncture in the tractor...

Sidenote: in my endless search for interesting pictures to accompany this column, I flew my drone last month, hoping to obtain action footage of Gary at work. Sad to report the drone developed a compass error, and with barely any warning flew off on a corkscrew path towards the Bonsley Forest. It came to rest (I am supposing) high in a beech tree – far too high and impossible to see

Growing companion crops (such as this bicrop of wheat with beans) and the wildflower margins (below) are two of the 102 options in the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 list

until the leaves drop. Thus far, my pictures remain unreachable and unpublishable!

Sweeping insights

It has taken me many years to properly appreciate the attributes of a broom. During the course of

George’s drone’s corkscrew path towards the Bonsley Forest

‘We had 4.5km of compost windrows around the farm waiting to be spread onto our growing cover crops’

a harvest, many acres of floor are swept, and the better the broom, the more enjoyable and satisfying the job is. The angle of the broom head, by which I mean the angle at which the bristles meet the ground, is crucial if you only want to sweep each part of the floor once: it will help greatly if the bristles are at right angles to the floor. Second to this comes the angle of the handle – it has to be attached to the broom head at the right angle to allow the first requirement to be met, and it needs to be long enough to not have to bend over too much while sweeping.

This may all seem blindingly obvious, but it is surprising just how many brooms on the farm do not meet these basic specifications – and consequently do a pretty rubbish job.

To the first two characteristics above I would add two more. The quality of the bristle, and no, plastic just does not cut the mustard. Plastic bristles are invariably too stiff, so do not vibrate in the right way in order to keep the dust/grain/rubbish moving along in front. In general it seems that natural products like bassine are the best – bristles need to be stiff enough, but not too stiff. A general purpose broom will have to cope with a variety of surfaces, from lovely smooth power-floated or polished concrete to rough farmer-laid concrete from the 1970s, tarmac or wooden floors. No sane person wants to have to keep three different types of broom, so they have to be just right, as Goldilocks discovered in the house of the three bears.

The last, and potentially most irritating, detail is the small matter of how the handle is fixed to the head. Many heads are pre-drilled for the handle, which

means there is a gap in the middle. This in turn then leaves a line of material in every swoosh, and who wants that?

Last summer I found the closest broom to perfection I have ever had the pleasure of working with – a 36 inch Bassine broom from the Bearing Boys in Norfolk, one of my favourite online suppliers for so many items, from belts to bearings, ... and now brooms, obviously. They are light too, which adds even more pleasure to the job! So I’ve bought three more this year, and I love using them.

A quick catch up with the FCN

Christmas has so many different meanings to each person and every family. For me, it’s the tradition that makes Christmas important – and as farmers our traditions will be very different to many families!

For all farmers with livestock, they still need to be fed, checked and milked. We all do our best to make the day easier – maybe getting that non-farming member to help for one day of the year! – but the work still goes on. Personally I think that makes our Christmas meal even more important – we’re so very closely acquainted with the work that has gone into making it.

Christmas can be a difficult time, however, if you find yourself alone: pick up the phone to a neighbour that may be in need of a freindly chat.

FCN already have two quiz and supper nights organised for early in the New Year:

• January 16th 2025 –The Udder Farm Shop

• February 13th 2025 –Symondsbury Barn

Events start at 7pm, tables of six, and price for supper plus the quiz is £15 per head.

To book a table please contact bec.fcn@gmail.com

Rebecca Hill (l) and Georgie Dyer from Dorset FCN presenting Tony Maloney from Gillingham and Shaftesbury YFC with his Oustanding Contributions award

Outstanding young farmer

Dorset FCN are delighted to have given a new cup to Dorset Young Farmers Club (YFC) – the FCN award for Outstanding Contributions To The Farming Community will be awarded to the young farmer who goes ‘above and beyond’ for their club or community, showing empathy and community to others.

The inaugural award was presented by Rebecca Hill and Georgie Dyer, both representing Dorset FCN at the YFC AGM, to Tony Maloney from Gillingham and Shaftesbury YFC - see the image above.

Thank you Come Along Inn

Thank you very much to the Come Along Inn at Little Bredy for their £500 donation to Dorset FCN which has been raised from their pop up bar during the year. Barrie Cooper from Dorset FCN is pictured below with pub volunteers receiving the cheque.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New Year! Bec and Barrie

Barrie Cooper (second left), of Dorset FCN, was presented with a £500 cheque by volunteers at Come Along Inn at Little Bredy

by Andrew Livingston

Watch where you put your finger ...

Last month my partner and I actually managed to sneak away for a well-earned break. For a whole weekend we managed to have no children and escape far away to an exotic land ... OK, we went to Wales for two days and we took the kids with us – but I did pretend that they weren’t there the majority of the time ...

Driving around the snowy Welsh hills we saw many homemade signs calling, ‘Save our Mid Wales Air Ambulance’. Looking into the story, it seems that the Welsh NHS has voted to merge two of its air ambulance bases in 2026 – Welshpool and Caernarfon – leaving less coverage across North and Mid Wales.

I think it’s a shame. The air ambulance does such fantastic work getting out and saving lives in areas that vehicles struggle to reach ... which would describe a lot of Wales!

I’ve never personally had to call out the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, but my family has had a few run ins!

My mum was an avid horse rider, she was devoted to her horse Charlie (made me a bit jealous sometimes!). Sunday mornings would consist of my brother and I playing rugby and my Mum disappearing off into the West Dorset countryside on horseback.

I’m actually unsure which hobby was the more dangerous. It wasn’t that rare that we had a chopper landing on the rugby pitch because someone had been injured. But the worst injury I saw was when my Mum came off her horse. Out in the middle of nowhere, she leaned down while on Charlie to open a gate. Unfortunately, at the exact moment she reached for the gate, a donkey spooked the horse, who reared up, throwing mum off.

SMACK! She hit the ground hard, doing herself some serious damage. She was fortunate that a walker saw the fall and called 999 (I would have

loved to have seen Charlie attempt to dial 999 on my Mum’s old Nokia!). Air Ambulance dispatched and she was swiftly rescued and taken to hospital. She was ultimately fine, but we just don’t know if the outcome would have been the same without the amazing work of the helicopter crew.

Not a proud day

Thinking about it, I did have one run in with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance … although it was actually a teacher from Greenford Primary School who saved me.

We were so excited to have the crew land on the school field to show us children the helicopter and to teach us a bit about the work they did. They even let us sit in it!

We all queued alongside the beautiful yellow machine, eagerly awaiting our turn to pretend to be controlling the chopper.

Being an overly inquisitive individual, I inevitably fiddled with all the nooks and crannies as I waited, and suddenly I was stuck.

I began to sweat – profusely. My finger was trapped in a bit of metal tubing on the side of helicopter. I stayed quiet, hoping that my sweaty body would just free itself. No such luck. Soon it was my turn to get in and pretend to fly. My teacher looked over and saw me on the edge of tears. I’d been rumbled.

Everyone laughed.

As I said, it wasn’t actually the air ambulance crew that saved me in the end: a teacher went to the staff room and got a tub of butter out the fridge. Greased up, I managed to wriggle my finger to safety ... and lived to tell the tale.

Anyway, the moral of the story is that if you ever have any spare change, throw it the way of your local air ambulance crew. You just don’t know when you, or someone you love, may need them. (ALSO – always watch were you put your fingers!)

Grassroots to Gold Cups

In our new column, Chris Wald, assistant trainer to Joe Tizzard, tells us how Venn Farm went from dairy farm to racing dynasty

Venn Farm Racing is a National Hunt racing yard at Milborne Port, currently home to around 90 horses, all trained by Joe Tizzard. I am Joe’s assistant trainer and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the highs and lows of the jumps season with you, as well as looking behind the scenes.

For our first column, though, I thought it would be good to go back to the start, to understand how the yard has become what it is today.

Joe’s father, Colin, started training horses in 1996, alongside his main business of milking cows. He bought two horses, The Jogger and Qualitaire Memory, so that when Joe turned 16 he could ride in point-to-points. Each horses went on to win four races – and so began the start of both Colin’s training and Joe’s riding careers.

about to be a rule change which meant that new trainers would have to attend a three-week course to obtain a full licence – but Colin had cows to milk, and unless they started milking themselves, he couldn’t go anywhere.

New trainers would have to attend a threeweek course to obtain a full licence – but Colin had cows to milk

After training a few more point-to-pointers, in 1998 Colin was prompted to take out a permit to train under rules (professional racing). There was

Then he realised that if he already had a permit, he could get away with taking just a half-day course to gain his full licence – problem solved!

Meanwhile, Joe had gone to work for local top National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls in Ditcheat, just over the border in Somerset. He enjoyed success as an amateur, winning the 1998 Cheltenham Foxhunters on Earthmover, before turning professional. He became Champion Conditional Jockey in the 1998/99 season. Back in Milborne Port, Colin continued to improve the horses and facilities in the yard – Joe Lively and Hey Big Spender were early flag bearers, before Cue Card came along and took things to a whole new level. He won the Champion Bumper at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival as a four-year-old and

New recruit Etna Bianco on the gallops

went on to win 16 races, eight at Grade 1 level, amassing more than £1.4 million in prize money. The achievements of Cue Card allowed Colin to invest in expanding the yard to more than 100 boxes, and also to install new gallops and other facilities. Stars such as Thistlecrack and Native River followed, with the latter’s 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup victory a career highlight.

No

more milk

After riding more than 700 winners, Joe retired as a jockey in 2014. He became Colin’s assistant trainer, alongside his sister Kim Gingell, who was an integral part of the yard and its success. She sadly passed away in 2020 after a short illness. After a successful 26-year training career, in 2022

Colin passed the licence over to Joe. Until this point the dairy farm had continued alongside the horses, but it was finally decided that selling the milking herd and making the switch to beef cattle would allow Joe more time to focus on racing.

Now in his third season as a trainer, Joe already has more than 130 winners on his record, and has earned £2.3 million in prize money. He has also trained his first Grade 1 winner – Elixir De Nutz won the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham last year, fittingly ridden by Joe’s nephew, Freddie Gingell. And that brings us up to date – we are well under way with the 2024/25 National Hunt season which started in earnest in October, although there is jump racing through the summer. The end of the season is the last weekend in April at Sandown.

We have had a great start, with 32 winners on the board at the time of writing and a healthy 20 per cent winners-to-runners strike rate.

The highlight so far has been JPR One winning the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, one of the big early season races in the Jumps calendar.

New faces

Another really exciting theme has been the amount of young horses winning races this season: First Confession, Alexei and Western Knight have all won Novice Hurdles and Tennessee Tango won a National Hunt Flat Race at Wincanton. Our owners have invested in lots of young horses over the last few years, and while this can require some patience, it is incredibly rewarding for everyone to see this approach paying off. Joe also bought two horses, Etna Bianco and Kool Kid, at the recent Cheltenham sales for existing owners. Both have form in Irish point-to-points, a proven source of horses that go on to have successful National Hunt careers. With so many people and horses involved with the yard, there are lots of stories to tell!

Over the coming months, I plan to spotlight individuals from the

stable staff and jockeys to the farriers, vet and physio, as well as keeping BV readers updated with how our season is going. December is always a busy month and the Christmas period

will be made even busier for Joe this year – he and his wife Rachel are expecting their second child on Boxing Day ... the busiest day in the racing calendar … Very poor planning!

Eldorado Allen returns to the yard after exercise

by Jess Rimmer

Henry’s Big Night

From fainting goat to star pupil – Sir Henry Hall’s masterclass debut with Harry Meade proves a winter training triumph

November has been much quieter our end, but we’ve still had a productive month of winter training! As I said last month, Henry (Sir Henry Hall) has stayed in for the winter while the others are out on holiday: we’re keeping his brain in gear and preparing for 2025.

Back in the summer, I was asked to be a demo rider in a masterclass with 5* British eventing rider Harry Meade. At the time, November seemed a mile away, but here we suddenly were! The event was at Kingston Maurward, and I decided to take Henry – not only because he’s my only horse in work, but I was also interested to see Harry’s take on him, being such a quirky individual (Henry that is, not Harry!).

the ones that try to run away, freeze up and fall over instead? Yep. He’s one of those. Basically, I had no idea how Henry would deal with rows of onlookers wrapped in blankets and cradling hot chocolate. A friend of mine recognised Henry instantly when she arrived – she pointed to him, then at me, and asked “are you actually crazy?”.

Henry would be one of those fainting goats – the ones that freeze up and fall over? Yep. He’s one of those

Anyone who has seen any sort of masterclass will understand when I say it is quite an intense environment for a horse. I genuinely had no idea how Henry was going to cope – if Henry was a bird he would be an ostrich. He is the first to bury his head in the sand at anything he finds remotely scary! Actually, scrap that ... he would be one of those fainting goats – you know,

To all of our surprise, though, he took the evening in his stride and overall he behaved brilliantly. I think he even started to enjoy the applause towards the end!

The fence of doom

The focus of the demo was on the general training and producing of an event horse. In the dressage, Harry discussed the importance of a horse bending throughout its whole body, and we also practised some footwork. Harry started us with regularly-spaced trot poles (like we normally would at home), but then started to roll them around into totally random positions. Although this surprised us at first, it highlighted the importance of a horse being given the length of rein they need

All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

More than 170 people came to watch Harry Meade’s masterclass at Kingston Maurward, wrapped up against the bitter cold and appreciating mugs of hot chocolate

to allow them to read a situation themselves, so as not to tread on the poles. The ability to sort their own footwork is so important in event horses, especially when going cross country over all sorts of terrains. Henry did pretty well at this one – although he is a quirky horse, he is absolutely brilliant at getting his feet out of the way. Perhaps because he used to run himself into all sorts of trouble as

a young horse, he’s learned to get himself out of it!

He might be a quirky horse, but he is absolutely brilliant at getting his feet out of the way

Next, we moved on to the jumping. We started in trot, the same as we do at Fox-Pitt’s, and then some grid work to warm us up. Then we did some jumping on a circle to again focus on suppleness and turning. Henry finds this difficult, so it was a really useful exercise for him. And finally – cross country! This was the part I was looking

Harry Meade started with regularly spaced trot poles, but then started to roll them into totally random positions – event horses need to be able to read a situation themselves and sort out their own footwork

forward to the most, of course. I got back on board and promptly thought “oh jeez… there are some very skinny skinnies in here!” (a skinny is a narrow cross country obstacle – not a supermodel!).

Interestingly, we started in walk, allowing the horses to assess and understand the fences –which were only small – before adding any pace. Harry also built a TERRIFYING fence (to Henry), which had a water tray underneath and was covered in hi-viz jackets.

No surprise then – the first time he saw it, Henry attempted to spin and run a mile!

Harry instructed me to sit back while keeping a loose rein and my leg on, encouraging Henry to take his time and read the obstacle, while taking confidence from his rider.

After his initial panicky reaction, he was the perfect model student and jumped it beautifully. I was so pleased with this piece of work and definitely took some notes!

The equine dachshund

Finally, we were able to play over some more complicated cross-country lines, working on adjustability. This was not only brilliant fun, but also super educational, as this is another of Henry’s weaker points (to be fair, it’s hard to “coil and stretch like a spring” when you’re built like an equine dachshund!).

Overall, there was so much to take away from the evening – and I’m not just talking about all of Harry’s analogies translating horses to real-life (I’m not kidding - we were “unscrewing lightbulbs”, “throwing cannonballs off cliffs” and putting our feet “on the dashboard”!).

Henry and I gained so much, and I’m looking forward to applying it all into the remainder of our winter training. At the start of December the other horses come back into work, and it’ll be useful to employ lots of it with them, too!

Kingston Maurward Equestrian held the lecture demo evening with Harry Meade, inviting four local event riders to be put through their paces by Harry, riding through a wide variety of exercises on the flat and over jumps. Harry explained the philosophy behind his training methods and why he uses these particular exercises with his own horses. He simultaneously coached the riders while entertaining his audience – the event was a great success, with more then 170 members of Dorset ’s equestrian community in the audience.

Kingston Maurward offers a dynamic programme of full-time equine education, running courses up to Level 3. One of their most successful alumni members is Harry Meade’s own head girl, Jess Errington.

Jess tells Harry and the crowd about Henry’s habit of ostrich-like terror

Christmas at the Station

Join us on Sunday 15th

December at the old railway station in Spetisbury, Dorset, from 10am to 2pm for delicious seasonal refreshments including mulled wine, mince pies, hot dogs and other festive treats and the chance to buy some last-minute presents from a range of good quality secondhand railway books (including children’s books), DVDs and other railway gifts.

Live festive entertainment provided by The Quayside Choir (at midday) and Blandford Ukulele Group (at 1pm)

All of this is available for a donation (cash only please) to the Spetisbury Station Project, every penny raised goes towards

helping us maintain and improve the station site. If wet, find us in the Spetisbury Village Hall.

Farming Community Day at Wincanton Racecourse

On Saturday, 4th January 2025, Wincanton Racecourse will collaborate with Yellow Wellies and the RABI for a special Raceday to bring farmers and the farming community together while raising awareness about mental health within the agricultural industry.

Recognising its position at the heart of a rural, agriculturally rich community, Wincanton Racecourse aims to support local farmers by offering them a day to connect, unwind, and share experiences with friends old and new. Farmers and members of the farming community can enjoy a specially priced ticket at just £10. This includes racecourse admission, a racecard, and a drink.

For those wishing to enhance their experience, discounted hospitality packages are also available, making it an excellent opportunity to treat friends or family while further supporting a vital cause.

Wincanton Racecourse’s Raceday is more than just a social event; it’s a chance to highlight and address the mental health challenges faced by the farming community, fostering camaraderie and support.

Tickets online here: thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton

SHERBORNE SCHOOLS’ CHORAL SOCIETY

Britten SaintNicolas

Britten Te Deum in C Vierne MesseSolennelle

Tom Hobbs Tenor Alexander Eadon Conductor

SHERBORNE ABBEY

Wednesday 12th February 2025 at 7.30pm

Tickets £15.00, £12.00, £10.00

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

Friday Lunchtime Recitals

17th January Strings

24th January Instrumental and Vocal Soloists I

31st January Brass

7th February Woodwind

14th February Instrumental and Vocal Soloists II

28th February Singers

7th March Wind Band (BSR, Sherborne School)

14th March Instrumental and Vocal Soloists III

21st March Pianists

Carols in the Cornmarket returns

For many, Wimborne’s Carols in the Cornmarket marks the true start of Christmas. Taking place on Friday, 20th December, this popular free event invites families and friends to come together in the historic Cornmarket for an evening of traditional Christmas carols. Decorated with twinkling lanterns, the Cornmarket provides a magical setting for the community to escape the season’s hustle and enjoy a festive sing-along. Song sheets will be provided, ensuring everyone can join in!

The event begins with an opening prayer, followed by readings and favourite carols performed alongside choristers from Wimborne Minster and the Broadstone Community Concert Band, conducted by Damon Corio.

Organised by Hilda Butler and Anthony Oliver since 2006, the event has become a staple of Wimborne’s festive calendar.

Even heavy rain in previous years couldn’t dampen spirits, with participants seeking shelter in the Minster church.

Anthony Oliver said: ‘There’s something very special about this event. At about 5.45pm it looks like no one will show up and then suddenly people arrive in droves.

‘With so many people moving into the new housing developments in and around Wimborne, we’d especially like to welcome new residents to

come along and join in.’

The event raises funds for Wimborne Minster Church, so donations are welcome— cash only, as card readers are unavailable. Last year, £903 was raised.

Sponsored by Wimborne BID and Optique 2000, the event starts at 6pm and lasts about an hour. BID chair Fiona Harwood said: ‘This much-loved event truly embraces the community spirit we’re so fortunate to have here in Wimborne.’

Meet Santa in the Magical Woodland Grotto

Wimborne Community Garden is thrilled to announce its Santa in the Garden Grotto: children can visit Santa in his woodland grotto, listen to a magical story, and receive a special gift. Families will also enjoy a beautifully lit walkway through the garden, and parents can relax with a hot drink and a mince pie while the children meet Santa. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. For tickets, call 07851 402207 (evenings only). All proceeds will help the award-winning garden continue its mission of providing fresh produce to Wimborne Food Bank, Wimborne Community Kitchen, and Beaucroft College’s café. Wrap up warm and join them for an enchanting Christmas experience!

• Friday 6th, 13th and 20th December

• Wednesday 18th December

• 3.45pm, 4.30pm & 5.15pm

• £10 per child

• Wimborne Community Garden, Top of School Lane, Wimborne BH21 1HQ

COME AND SEE DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE STUDIO, HAVE A GO AT THROWING A POT, FIND A UNIQUE GIFT FROM OUR TRIALS AND DISCONTINUED SALE AND BROWSE THE ANTIQUE GLASS SHOP. REFRESHMENTS BY JESS AT THE POTTERY KITCHEN | HIGHER RD, SHEPTON BEAUCHAMP, TA19 0JT | INFO@DENNISCHINAWORKS.COM

Bring the family to hear the BSO ensemble at The Exchange

On Sunday 15th December, a 14-piece ensemble from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing ‘Curious Creatures’ at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.

The programme includes music ranging from Elgar to Vaughan Williams, from Mancini to Miranda, and from the Flight of the Bumblebee to the Baby Elephant Walk.

The Exchange is pleased to have combined with the BSO and Artsreach to create a package which will take BSO musicians to primary schools in Durweston, Shillingstone and Sturminster Newton in the week before this performance at The Exchange, a venue accessible to the whole of North Dorset. The selection of music is designed to be family-friendly, but the programme is as much for seasoned concert goers as well as those looking for their first live music experience.

This will be an opportunity to hear the musicians of the BSO in an environment more relaxed than a grand concert hall. Ticket prices have been kept

low with the help of support from the Pitt-Rivers Charitable Trust. The performance will be at 3pm and lasts for one hour.

West End to Hollywood

In February, The Exchange will be welcoming a return of a BSO ensemble, this time entitled ‘West End to Hollywood’. A brand new concert of film and stage inspired music, you’ll hear familiar tunes from Chocolat, James Bond, Toy Story, Harry Potter and Moulin Rouge, performed by 14 musicians from across the orchestra.

The BSO is one of the UK’s best-loved orchestras, with a national and international reputation. Their ensemble performances give the opportunity to hear the highest quality musicians playing together in a local space.

A partnership with Artsreach is what has made it possible to bring these much sought-after performers to The Exchange and make them available to audiences in North Dorset.

Spectacular Christmas display in Gillingham for firefighters’ charity

Once again this December, Marlott Road in Gillingham (SP8 4FA) transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland, with a stunning light display raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.

The display runs nightly throughout December, up until New Year’s Day. Featuring talking props, a giant screen as part of the entertainment, and intricate decorations, this is no ordinary Christmas display – it’s a festive extravaganza that must be seen to be believed!

All donations go straight to the Fire Fighters Charity, and

donations can be made in person via a collection box: card payments are also accepted. The organisers cover all costs, including time and electricity, ensuring every penny donated goes directly to the charity. Whether you’re local or visiting,

this is a wonderful way to support a worthy cause while enjoying a magical Christmas event. Gather your family and friends to see the lights and help make a difference.

• The display illuminates 4.30pm to 11pm every day.

European yew, Taxus baccata, is evergreen with flat needles as leaves, dark green above and green-grey below. Unlike most conifers, a yew doesn’t grow cones. Instead, each seed is enclosed in a red, fleshy, berry-like structure known as an aril, which is open at the tip

Our ancient neighbours

Wildlife writer Jane Adams explores the fascinating history and potentially fragile future of Dorset’s ancient yew trees

Yews are a common sight in Dorset, but how many of us truly appreciate them? I admit I often haven’t. So, when a friend told me about an ancient yew growing just a few miles from my home, I felt a strong urge to pay it a visit.

The oldest yew in the UK is thought to be the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire. Estimates put its age at a mind-boggling 2,000 to 9,000 years old. Although the tree I’m visiting is not as old, it is still likely to pre-date the 800-year-old church next door. As I pick my way through the churchyard towards the yew, its sheer size takes my breath away. In a parish magazine from 1897, the rector of the time recorded it as being 24 feet around the trunk. The following March, after heavy snow, one side of the trunk collapsed. I run my hands across its warm, red bark, and the healing that has taken place in the intervening years is obvious. Yews have a remarkable ability to send up new shoots and roots: if the trunk dies or is damaged, a new one emerges inside, bringing the entire tree back to life – they can literally regenerate. No wonder the yew tree came to symbolise immortality.

The yew beside St Bartholemew Church

I wish they were immortal. But like any tree they are still susceptible to disease and damage, be it environmental or through human stupidity. In fact, it’s a miracle so many remain. One area of Dorset particularly rich in yews is the eastern area of Cranborne Chase. Here there is a whole grove of mighty yews, and some of the oldest individual yew trees in Dorset. From late Saxon times, this was an area that came under the protection of large ecclesiastical estates. Then,

Did yew know?

during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, their guardianship fell to wealthy landowners –something that continues today. Though these ancient giants may be on private land, the yews in our local churchyards are still accessible – and touchable. But what protection do they have? Please ask your local parish or town council if your local yew has a Tree Protection Order. We protect buildings ... we should be protecting our ancient natural heritage as well.

• Yews are evergreen with needle-like leaves, and they are dioecious, meaning they have male and female trees

• Blackbirds, thrushes and dormice eat yew seeds, enclosed in the berry-like red ‘arils ’, but the seeds are poisonous to livestock and humans.

• During mediaeval times, thousands of yew trees were felled here and in Europe to supply the English army’s 5,000 to 7,000 archers with longbows.

• In the last 60 years, scientists have discovered a compound in yew bark which is now used in chemotherapy drugs to target lung and breast cancer. However, this remarkable discovery sadly led to the decimation of all American yew woods and many in Asia.

• Almost 85 per cent of our veteran (over 500 years old) and ancient (over 800 years old) yews in the UK are growing in churchyards. Of the 406 churches in Dorset, 197 have large yew trees growing nearby. These trees are scientifically, culturally and nationally important … and mostly unprotected.

• Romans believed yews grew in hell, while in Spain people placed yew branches on windows for lightning protection. Julius Caesar observed that Druids considered the yew tree a sacred symbol of immortality and the Celts believed yew twigs held healing powers and preserved the dead.

• To learn more about Dorset’s yews – and yews in general – go to ancient-yew.org

in the village of Shapwick

Have yourself a sustainable Christmas

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ... but it can also be the most wasteful.

As the festive season approaches, it’s worth thinking about how you can make Christmas a bit more sustainable this year. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to Deck the Halls or find greener ways to do your Christmas wrapping, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s wilder communities officer, Emma Barfoot, has a few tips on getting into the spirit of things to have a Wonderful Christmastime, without (quite literally) costing the earth.

Start the conversation

As household budgets for many remain under pressure, there are things we can all do to be kinder to the planet, reduce the gift-giving pressure and help our pockets at the same time. Sometimes all it takes is a chat with those around us.

It might be about choosing a theme such as buying local, giving homemade or pre-loved presents, agreeing an affordable budget or buying gifts that help good causes.

With a bit of planning and a few conversations, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to find that those around you are happy (if not relieved!) to jump on board.

Handmade cards and gifts can also be a wonderful way to give to those you care about – but be sure to go glitter-free. Not only does glitter contain harmful microplastics, it also means that cards decorated with it can’t be recycled.

Save on postage and reduce your footprint

Why not send e-cards this year? E-cards are an easy way to reduce your environmental impact, and great for sending last-minute festive greetings. They’re also more cost effective, often free to send.

Food waste reaches new levels over Christmas and New Year, and adds tonnes of food that we should have eaten to landfill each year. A part of the planning that’s often forgotten is storing and using up leftovers. In the weeks up to Christmas try to use what meals you have in your freezer in case you need to freeze anything over the festive period. Try not to buy too much, and buy loose rather than packaged wherever possible. DWT’s ‘Adopt a Beaver’ digital gift pack is just £15

Did you know that Dorset Wildlife Trust provides a selection of e-cards, and you can choose to donate the cost of stamps and cards to help protect Dorset’s wildlife? Take a look!

Share your favourite book

The beautiful thing about books is that, unless they’re new releases, most can be sourced secondhand, with lots of websites dedicated to pre-owned books. You can put a lot of thought into gifting a book and it’s such a meaningful gesture to pass on one of your favourites – your own copy, with or without a handwritten note. Then of course there are e-books, audiobooks and tokens which could all be given as a variety on the bookish theme.

Digital wildlife adoptions

If you’re looking for a gift that gives something back, why not support the work of a charity close to your heart, or a cause that means something to the person you’re buying for? Dorset Wildlife Trust digital wildlife adoptions, which now include a new hedgehog pack, are a great gift idea for nature and wildlife-lovers of all ages, and 100% of your donation goes towards protecting Dorset’s wildlife and wild places.

Cut down on waste

Hilary Cooper

Mark Parris

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Hang Ross

" I a m a s l i g h t a s a f e a t h e r ,

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I a m a s m e r r y a s a s c h o o l -

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d r u n k e n m a n . A m e r r y

C h r i s t m a s t o e v e r y - b o d y !

A h a p p y N e w Y e a r t o a l l

t h e w o r l d ! H a l l o h e r e !

W h o o p ! H a l l o ! ”

– Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol

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