The New Blackmore Vale Issue 77 (01/09/2023)

Guy Ritchie outlines airfield ideas

GUY Ritchie has outlined some ideas for Compton Abbas airfield - including a potential museum-like ‘experience’.

The film director, who purchased the airfield in February, told Flyer magazine he was interested in the ‘aesthetic’ of avitiation heritage.

He added how he was hoping to make the north Dorset airfield a “more complete experience”, but that ideas were at an early stage.

“We want to take aviation more seriously, particularly in terms of the heritage aspect, principally selfishly, because I am interested in the aesthetic of that,” he said.

And when asked about a potential museum, he added: “Funnily enough, we were just talking about that.

“It would be great if you could walk through the hangars and have an experience.

“We’re at the thin end of the

wedge in terms of what can be explored in terms of the creative aspects.

“It’s too early for me to be able to articulate and explain about all the things, partly because I am rather naive, but the other reason is, just honestly, we have only been here six months.

“I’ll know more in a year but the plan is we will invest more into making this more of a complete experience.”

After completing the purchase from the Hughes family in February, Mr Ritchie wrote to ‘staff, residents, aviators and the wider community’, saying his Ashcombe Estates firm would

continue running the facility ‘in the spirit that has been curated by the Hughes family over their years of ownership’.

“We will continue running the airfield for both resident and guest aircraft,” he said.

“Resident aircraft can continue to rent hangar space here. We will keep the cafe and bar running so that it will remain a regional destination for families.”

The family owned the site, near Shaftesbury, for 34 years.

Mr Ritchie’s brewing company, Gritchie, is based at the neighbouring estate and he said ‘some of the storage and workshop activities which

currently take place at Ashcombe Farm’ would move the airfield site.

There will also be ‘improvements to the buildings and infrastructure’ carried out in a ‘sympathetic manner’, with users consulted, he said.

Announcing the sale, Clive, Margaret, Emma and Laura from the Hughes family said they ‘would like to thank each and every one of you who has visited and been a part of life at the airfield’.

“Selling the airfield has been an incredibly difficult decision to make as it has been the focus of all our lives for so long, and we are certainly going to miss everyone who made our time there so enjoyable,” they said.

“However, we feel that now is the right time to hang up our hats, and we are looking forward to seeing some exciting developments unfold under the new owners.”

Guy Ritchie has big plans for the airfield

Picture: Kathy Hutchins

The mystery of Stourton Castle is finally solved - after 300 years

THE mystery of a missing Wiltshire castle has been solved.

For three centuries, historians have pondered the whereabouts of Stourton Castle. Once the home of the Stourton family, it was sold and then demolished for the new owner Henry Hoare between 1718 and 1721, at the huge cost of £114 – and its final location lost.

Now, at long last, the mystery has been solved – thanks to a team of National Trust staff and volunteers.

The remains of the castle have been located on the Stourhead Estate.

Before 1718, Stourhead was known as the manor of Stourton, dominated by a large medieval fortified manor house built for William Stourton and his son John in the 15th century.

The Stourton family sold their estate, and the Hoare family purchased the land and built their new, fashionable residence.

A single surviving drawing, dated 1694, shows it had two courtyards and in its

heyday would have looked like another Wiltshire National Trust property, Lacock Abbey.

In a bid to finally solve the puzzle, excavations were carried out at Stourhead between July 17 and 28 as part of the Festival of British Archaeology.

And they have finally located the foundations of Stourton Castle – over a metre deep under clay and rubble.

Finds have included window glass, wine bottles, fragments of cooking pots and serving jugs and dishes as well as floor tiles and roof tiles decorated with green and yellow glazes.

In one trench was a fireplace, complete with ash from its last burning, and a stone spiral stair tread.

Although upside down, the wear marks from the many feet that once climbed the tower it was once part of

were clear.

Martin Papworth, National Trust archaeologist, said: “The finding of Stourton Castle is very exciting for all who know and love the Stourhead Estate.

“Its location has long been a mystery waiting to be solved.

“Our recent dig has shown that the castle lay deep under the soil, directly in front of Stourhead House.

“In fact, some of it still stands, the current Stable Yard, once the Castle’s outer courtyard, now proves to be a remnant of medieval home of the Stourton family.”

The excavation trenches have now been backfilled to preserve the archaeology and for health and safety reasons.

Getting the ground ready for survey, main pic, and top right, part of the upside down newel step and the revealed fireplace, bottom right Pictures: National Trust/Martin Papworth

A drawing of Stourton Castle dated 1674 and right, 16th, 17th and 18th century items discovered

Dentist going private ‘to stay open’

NHS dental patients turning up at one Wincanton clinic were confronted with a notice informing them the practice was soon to go private.

The Wincanton Smile Centre, in the High Street, has posted a letter in the window of the premises letting people know of the changes - although other patients have complained they have not been informed of the plan.

It will be effective from November 1, the notice said, for reasons including underfunding, although the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it had increased funding for dental care and would set out plans to increase the number of NHS dentists, ‘shortly’.

However, the notice posted in Wincanton, signed by practice manager Caz Gillman, read: “As most of our patients will be aware, NHS dentistry is

severely underfunded and the rate of NHS dentists closing their doors is unprecedented.

“Here at the Wincanton Smile Centre, we have been proud to have had an NHS contract for so long. However, the time has come where we must convert to a private

to stay open.”

It said children will continue ‘to be seen under the NHS’ and anyone undergoing a current NHS course of treatment would not be affected.

“We understand that this will be difficult for some, especially

in the current economic climate, so we have tried to keep our fees as low as possible,” the notice continued.

Patients with appointments will be notified ‘with as much notice as possible’.

A DHSC spokesperson said: “We are making progress to boost NHS dental services with 23% more courses of treatment, meaning 1.7 million more adults and 800,000 more children received NHS dental care.

“We fund more than £3 billion of NHS dentistry a year, have announced plans to increase dental training places by 40% and last week we launched a consultation to better utilise the skills of dental hygienists and therapists.

“We will shortly set out further measures to improve access and increase the number of NHS dentists through our dental recovery plan.”

The notice, inset, was posted at the Wincanton Smile Centre

Summer idyll

by George Jeans

MEMBERS of the Kilmington and Stourton WI celebrated in style at their summer party.

Held at Home Farm, in Stourton, the party included drinks, food and a raffle. The ladies enjoyed a gorgeous evening of perfect summer weather, and views over the farmland.

Well done Lions!

Club celebrates international recognition for its incredible fundraising efforts

BLACKMORE Vale Lions Club has been recognised for its work collecting and giving money to charities at home and abroad.

Club president Peter Oswick announced at a meeting that the Vale Lions had received a Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) award for its efforts as part of the LCIF’s 100 project.

The project set out to help and empower 100 million people in the year 2021-22 but helped more than 200 million, and the plaque the club received reflects that number.

The LCIF international objectives are to empower youth; prevent and cure diabetes; help disadvantaged people with poor sight by collecting and distributing used spectacles; deal with global causes such as hunger; famine

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relief; aid in times of crisis such as war and natural disaster; and a host of other good causes.

Clubs such as Blackmore Vale also contribute to local, regional and national charities.

New work as part of Project 100 has included grant programmes for childhood cancer and hunger, as well as alleviating the hardship caused by Covid-19.

The target to raise and distribute US$300 million in a year was exceeded by some margin, although the final figure is not yet known.

The club would like to thank the generous people of the Blackmore Vale for supporting its fundraising efforts.

Anyone interested in joining Blackmore Vale Lions Club should visit www.bvlions. yolasite.com or phone 0845 833 7423.

From left LIONS Ian Simpson, Bill Brown, Club President Peter Oswick with plaque, David Birt, Colin MacLean.

Guiding comeback

We realise talking about divorce or separation is very personal and so we are offering virtual appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we offer a one off FREE telephone appointment for initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm

We realise talking about divorce or separation is very personal and so we are offering appointments at our offices. For new clients seeking initial advice a FREE appointment can be booked on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm.

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

Offices in Shaftesbury – Sturminster Newton – Gillingham

Age Concer n North Dorset

GIRLGUIDING is looking for more volunteers as it re-opens in Sturminster Newton.

Meetings will initially be held at Hinton St Mary village hall on Thursday with the first one after October half-term on November 2.

A new team of leaders will run groups for Brownies, aged seven-10; Guides, 10-14; and Rangers, 14-18.

The Brownies will meet 5.15-6.45pm and the Guides and Rangers 7-8.30pm.

A spokesperson for the unit said: “Girlguiding helps empower girls to be their best, offering fun, friendship and very many opportunities to try new things in a safe, supportive and happy environment.”

Your local charity for all age-related information and advice

Befriending Welfare Advice

Telephone Support Foot Clinic

(Sturminster Newton) 01258 475582 & Wednesday. Answerphone Friday

Balance Classes

info@acnorthdorset.org.uk | www.acnorthdorset.org.uk

The unit has enough leaders to open but more helpers would be more welcomed – anyone interested can find out more at www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved

Young Leaders are needed for both the Guide and Brownie Units, which can help anyone performing the role towards Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The spokesperson added: “If you’re aged 14-17 and want to level up your leadership skills, get a qualification and have an amazing time, then being a Young Leader and/or Ranger is the perfect role for you.

Anyone interested can register at www.girlguiding.org.uk or contact sturguiding@outlook.com with any questions.

Farm show

PROFITS from a working farm show at Ebbesbourne Wake this weekend will benefit Cancer Research.

Vintage tractors will be on display and working, and steam engines will be cultivating at the event at Cleeves Farm (SP5 5LW).

The inaugural show on Saturday and Sunday, September 2-3, will also have a bar which will be open throughout and a hog roast, pizzas and burgers will be available.

Campers in caravans or tents will be offered cut price pitches over the whole weekend.

And individuals can support the charity by sponsoring a barrel of beer or cider.

To enter a vintage tractor call Ben Bone on 07792 062977.

Finds day

DO you have an interesting object you would like to know more about?

Then why not take it along to an identification event at Sturminster Mill & Museum where Ciorstaidh HaywardTrevarthen is returning to help.

She will be at a finds day on Saturday, September 23, from 10am-11.30am – by appointment only, contact finds@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk – and 11.30am-1pm for a drop-in session.

Another event will be held on Thursday, September 28, from 10am-1pm.

The mill and museum are also looking for volunteer helpers for front of house duty, meeting and greeting visitors, and for social events.

Muscle power is also wanted, erecting gazebos and carrying chairs!

Anyone who has some free time and would like to volunteer, should contact Zilla

Step back in time

SHARE your favourite photographs of people and places and experience the way that photography can transport us through history. Join the Shaftesbury Remembers Gold Hill Museum Community Project in a reminiscence afternoon at Shaftesbury Library on Monday, September 4, from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Book in advance on 01747 852256 or shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Time for the honey harvest

With bee school out for the summer, thoughts turn to the delicious result of all the honey bees’ hard work

by Robbie Baird, North Dorset Beekeepers Association

SATURDAY, August 12, was the last day of bee school for this year’s cohort of 25 students on the beginners’ course at North Dorset Beekeepers.

Since April 1, when they first met as a group, they’ve been together with their tutor almost every other Saturday, learning about the honey bee and good beekeeping practice, while managing one of the Association’s bee colonies through the busiest time in the beekeeping calendar.

Over the summer months, they’ve learned what’s needed to look after their own bees and to take the basic exam in beekeeping – the first step in a whole programme of learning that could ultimately lead to the British Beekeepers Association’s Master Beekeeper qualification. There’s no pressure though – many will be content to have learned enough to look after their own bees well.

The end of this course coincides with learning how to harvest honey and how to prepare the bee colonies for winter. This time of year signals the arrival of beekeeping autumn, when the queen will be laying fewer

eggs and colonies start to contract, getting themselves ready for the winter ahead.

During the summer, the honey bees have been working hard, bringing back nectar from flowers within a three-mile radius of their home, pollinating them as they go and ensuring plants produce fruit with viable seeds. Without the help of our pollinating insects, many of our well-known flowering trees and plants would simply disappear.

Honey bee workers live for six weeks in summer. In their lifetime, they’ll bring back enough nectar to produce about one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey. Think how many bee-lives’ work have gone into making the honey you spread on your breakfast toast! A strong colony will produce two to three times the amount of honey it needs to survive the winter ahead and we humans have been sharing this harvest for centuries.

If you’re eating high-quality local honey, very little will have happened to it on the way to your breakfast table. Bees seal honey in the comb when it’s ready for storing by covering it with a thin cap of beeswax – the honey bee equivalent of the cap on a jar in your kitchen cupboard. Beekeepers take some of the sealed honeycomb from the beehive and gently remove the beeswax cap before spinning it in a centrifuge. The raw honey flies out of the comb and is filtered to remove small bits of beeswax (above). Then it’s very gently

A walk around…

Hammoon

Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

HAMMOON is a small parish (population about 40) a couple of miles to the east of Sturminster Newton. There’s quite a bit of to and fro in this walk, retracing your steps, but it doesn’t matter as the view is always different in the opposite direction.

Park near the church, which is quite ancient in parts. The nearby thatched and mullioned manor house is also worth a view.

Walk north east along the road, crossing the Stour to the parish boundary, then return to the church cross, possibly playing Pooh sticks at the bridge. Then walk south along a lane and a bridleway for about 5 furlongs, then turn right, west south west, to join the old Slow and Dirty (Somerset and Dorset) Railway line, which is now a trailway. Turn left and follow it south east for half a mile, which takes you into the next parish.

About turn and walk along the trailway north west for a mile, taking you over a boundary into Okeford Fitzpaine, then return to join a road that you’d crossed. This takes you north north east for a

warmed before passing it through one final micro-filter for bottling.

Once extracted, we give the “wet” comb back to the bees. They remove every last drop of honey and add it to their winter stores. In a few days, the wet comb will be completely dry and ready to be stored for use next year.

With the harvest in, beekeepers set about making sure their honey bee colonies are ready for the winter ahead – a subject for a future column in the NBVM

To learn more about beekeeping and the North Dorset Beekeepers, look for NDBKA on Facebook or visit www. northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk. We’re raising funds to build a new Honey Bee Centre near Blandford and we’d welcome any donations via JustGiving at tinyurl.com/ NDBKAGivingCheckout

mile, past your car, to cross the parish boundary into Manston. Immediately over the boundary is a footpath that takes you north west across fields that can get a bit soggy. You’ll see on your left Manston’s Church and big house.

When you get to a road turn right and it will take you east to Manston Farm then south east to a junction where you turn right and head south until you rejoin familiar territory, over the Stour and back to your car. You’ll have waked getting on for 7 miles and might have found a geocache or two.

Join the chorus

Village choir seeks new members to continue making beautiful music

SINGERS are urgently needed to swell the ranks of the Briantspuddle Singers, whose origins date back to World War II. Choirs come in all shapes and sizes, from large choral societies tackling the great masterpieces to small church choirs doing their bit to enhance village worship. But all are united in experiencing the pleasure and satisfaction of working together towards a rewarding goal and incidentally experiencing the benefits to physical and mental health of singing, benefits which are recognised more and more widely.

The Briantspuddle Singers originally came together to cheer local people through the dark days of World War II. Life has changed greatly over the succeeding 80 years, but the basic aim of the choir has remained the same – to spread the pleasure of good music, carefully studied and well presented, to participants and listeners alike. It has performed throughout the county in venues ranging from Poole

Platinum

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We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

Lighthouse to many of the lovely local village churches, singing a huge variety of music from Bach to Bernstein, Tudor motets to folksongs and spirituals. But its home has always been Briantspuddle Village Hall, once the great village barn but now transformed into a comfortable, well equipped centre for the community. The choir has enjoyed the leadership of five conductors over its 80-year history, each bringing their own methods and musical personalities to the work; it is now poised to appoint a new leader who will doubtless further expand the repertoire and style.

Choral singing can seem a daunting business to the uninitiated, but BpS has always prided itself on welcoming people entirely new to the game as well as those with some choral experience, the latter able to guide the former and build their confidence. Whichever camp you belong in, you will be sure of a warm welcome and a varied diet of music to get to grips with.

The choir meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.45pm until 9.15pm and the new term will begin on September 26. New members are welcome to join at any time.

Ring Andrea Smith on 01929 471412 for further information, or else just turn up and give BpS a try.

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Stunning views

Gardeners give to social supermarket

Garden club donates money raised from plant sale to The Vale Pantry

THE Vale Pantry ‘social supermarket’ at Sturminster Newton has received a helping hand from local gardeners.

Marnhull Garden Club raised money from plants members had grown and donated at a stall at Marnhull Flower Show in July.

Money was also raised from a

‘Guess the Frog’s Name competition.

The club chairman and officers presented a cheque for £626 to Carole Jones, a trustee for The Vale Pantry.

The money will provide the 300-plus families the Pantry supports with fresh vegetables for a month.

Sovereign Housing has provided funding for outdoor yoga sessions on a Saturday morning on the Rec in Sturminster Newton to continue throughout August.

Free yoga is available to everyone regardless of age or mobility – just go along for a 10.30am start to enjoy gentle exercise.

The Vale Pantry offers free refreshments.

Carol Jones, from The Vale Pantry, said: “The Pantry continues to be as busy as ever with about 370 families, and our challenge as ever is raising the funds to purchase the food we need.

“We worry as time goes on, and those with mortgages

Plans for autumn

Start filling your diary with exciting new workshops, activities and events throughout September and beyond

BROADEN your horizons, learn a new skill or refresh an existing passion with East Dorset Heritage Trust (Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster BH21 1AS).

A programme of talks kicks off with Gardening the Globe with the CWGC in early September, and continues with 150 years of Courtroom Drama, Britain’s Ancient Forest and The Mortar Wreck? Plus, there are visits to the Carey’s Secret Garden and Edmondsham House scheduled.

If you love being out in the fresh air, then try a guided walk in the west of Wimborne, through the stunning Dorset coast at Durlston, or the Iwerne Valley.

Crafters might enjoy trying

crochet, macramé or lino printing. There’s a five-week pottery-throwing course and a life-drawing course both starting in September, as well as a 10-week painting for beginners course. There are floristry and calligraphy workshops, and willow weaving too. Plenty to keep you busy up until Christmas!

Courses in modern languages, including Italian, French and Spanish are on offer, as well as art history and creative writing. Sort out your technical issues with one-onone IT sessions.

Grab a copy of the full brochure from the East Dorset Heritage Trust, email info@ edht.org.uk, visit www.edht.org. uk, or call 01202 888992.

coming to an end of their fixed term face higher costs, demand will grow further.

“We were fortunate to receive a grant from the Prince’s Countryside Fund for the running costs of our van for the next two years, helping us reach those that for whatever reason can’t get into us and we are extremely grateful for this help.”

To learn more about the good work The Vale Pantry does locally, visit its website at www.valepantry.co.uk

Dorset Housing Team goes face-to-face

THE Housing Options Team at Dorset Council are now taking bookings for face-to-face appointments across the county.

The sessions are on top of the popular telephone and email service that already exists.

The team will be at Dorchester library (South Walks House, Charles Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EE) every Tuesday, and Norton Lodge (58 Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7LN) every Wednesday. Appointments are available between 10am and 4pm.

You will need to book the appointment in advance with housing officers if you want to meet in person – call 01305 221000 or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Graham Carr Jones, lead member for housing, said, “Since Covid-19 people have relied on telephone interviews and for some this will continue to be the preferred option; however, we’re giving people the option to be seen in person which might work better in some cases for clients and for housing officers alike.

“We all know the value of human interaction following the pandemic and given the current pressures we know people are facing at the moment.”

You can still contact the housing team on 01305 221000 or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk if you need advice and support about a housing matter.

Final countdown to show spectacular

There’s still time to pick up discounted tickets to Dorset’s traditional county show

CATTLE are being washed and blow dried, sheep are being trimmed, pigs are being prepped. Giant vegetables are being heaved into place. Tractors polished. Thousands of metres of marquees are popping up just outside Dorchester as a greenfield site is transformed into a rural spectacular.

It’s the countdown to Dorset’s biggest rural celebration – the Dorset County Show. This year looks set to be jam-packed with a host of exciting new attractions as well as new layout to help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable.

New attractions include the world’s largest monster trucks revving in with spectacular car-crushing stunts. The Dorset Axemen will be thrilling crowds with their fast and furious wood cutting

demonstrations in the new woodland area. Mounted pony club games and Shetland pony racing feature for the first time in the new hill top ring. In the new heavy horse village, visitors will be treated to demonstrations enjoying a chance to get up close with beautiful shires.

If heritage crafts are your hobby, you won’t want to miss the new crafters’ avenue featuring displays of weaving, hurdling and more. A huge new food and drink area will focus on Dorset produce. There’s plenty of new picnic areas and pitstops plus live music and a funfair.

Show Organiser James Cox said: “The final countdown to the Show is so exciting. From our little team during winter to over 400 incredible people, mostly volunteers working hard to make the County Show happen. A green field site is transformed in just three weeks into a rural city.”

Rural pursuits are at the heart of this Show, which has been showing Dorset agriculture, country and rural life for well over 100 years. Always a firm favourite is the traditional spectacle of champion livestock from all over the country competing to be crowned Best in Show.

Visitors can enjoy close-up milking demos, sheep shearing displays, gun dogs in action and falconry. There’s bees, rabbit , poultry, show-jumping, thrilling scurry racing and elegant carriage driving. A huge homecraft marquee will welcome exhibits of

sewing to cooking plus a massive horticultural and floral tent.

James Cox added: “The Show has a fresh look with us keeping our tradition alive while welcoming some new attractions. This year each ticket tier except the gate price has been lower than last year.”

There’s still time to take advantage of discounted tickets before the gates open on Saturday, September 2. Show week advance prices (valid until Friday, September 1) are £21, and the gate price is £23.

Book via the Dorset County Show website www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk.

Green-fingered champions

Gardeners, cooks and artists demonstrate their skills at show

by John Goodliffe

VISITORS turned out in force to see the array of vegetables, flowers, art and handicrafts at the 77th Iwerne Minster Horticultural Show.

The judges’ expertise was tested to the full by the high standard of the produce.

Inside the clubhouse, WI members were kept busy serving tea and home-made cakes.

The Sara Jones band entertained visitors and vintage cars and scooters made a glittering addition to a sparkling afternoon.

Steve Harrison won the coveted Banksian Medal for fruit and produce, the Fruit Bowl and the Bowhay Cup for the Men Only Cookery Class for his Dundee Cake.

Ron Benfield won the Elliott Cup for his vegetable entries and Gill O’Reilly the Audrey Brewster Cup for best exhibit for preserves and cookery.

Heather Overton shared the Simon Stobbs Cup for specimen flowers, Sue Le Prevost won Best in Show for her floral decorations and David Gorman the IMPHA Shield for photography.

Kim Ruddock won both the IMPHA Cup for

handicrafts and the Dwell Deep Bowl for best non-horticultural exhibit.

The children’s classes had excellent entries and the youngsters are to be congratulated for the imaginative and colourful way they interpreted the titles given.

President Sue Le Prevost gave special thanks to retiring show secretary Christine O’Luanaigh for her hard work over several years.

Profits from the show go to Dorset Air Ambulance, Julia’s House and Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society.

Left: Gill O’Reilly receives the Audrey Brewster Cup;

Above: Ron Benfield picks up the Elliott Cup

Summer sunshine

by George Jeans

THE residents of Kilmington raised more than £1,000 towards keeping St Mary’s church open for all.

Good food, music and a drink in the glorious summer evening sunshine were enjoyed, and their support of the church fund was gratefully received.

Historic walks

Take a step back in time with new guides to accessible ramble routes around Dorset

SIX new history walk guides by Stepping into Nature promise a fascinating journey through Dorset’s towns and villages.

The guides aim to unveil the region’s rich history and promote wellbeing through the beauty of the outdoors.

A collection of old photographs allow walkers to see the changes and preservation that have occurred over the last century.

Each history walk covers a relaxed distance of about one or two miles, taking around one-and-a-half hours to complete.

Steep hills and difficult terrain are avoided in the routes.

“We are thrilled to introduce these six new history walk guides as part of our Stepping into Nature project,” said project officer Steph Aburrow.

“Together with Dorset Council’s senior archaeologist Steve Wallis, we have created a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with Dorset’s history while immersing themselves in the beauty of our natural surroundings. ”

Stepping into Nature is led by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership and the guides have been funded through the National Lottery Community Fund.

Individuals can request a complimentary physical copy to be delivered via post or download a PDF version – both can be done from the official Walk Dorset’s History page on the Picnic in the Parks website (picnicintheparks.org.uk) or alternatively phone Steph on 01305 224788.

Regency romance

SUNDAY Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin will mark the arrival of her second book, A Lady’s Guide to Scandal, with a launch event at Castle Gardens in Sherborne.

She will be interviewed by fellow romance author Lulu Taylor and will sign books.

Sophie will take the audience on a journey into the depths of historical romance, as she spills the scandal of fictional character Eliza the Countess of Somerset, who finds herself drawn into misbehaviour when torn between two men.

Sophie’s passion for period research is showcased in the sequel to A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, as she delivers another delightful, escapist Regency romance.

The event, in association with Winstone’s Books, is in The Butterfly House at Castle Gardens on Monday, September 4, at 7pm.

Tickets cost £2 and are available at Winstone’s Books in Cheap Street, Sherborne, and at Castle Gardens in New Road, Sherborne.

Doors open at 6.30pm. The Walled Garden Restaurant will provide free refreshments.

Country

fair coins in the cash

Another successful show contributes to good

causes

SHERBORNE Castle Country Fair welcomed more than 11,000 visitors when it was held at the end of May and raised £63,000 for children’s charities in Dorset and Somerset.

The one-day event, which included main ring attractions, dog competitions, silent auction, rural crafts, rare breeds show, music, funfair, vintage vehicles, food and shopping, has now raised more than £1.3 million since it started in 1996.

The following charities are benefited from the day: A-Stars, Diverse Abilities, Dorchester Opportunity Pre-school Group, Future Roots, Hamdon Youth Group, Home-Start West Dorset, Life Education Wessex, Marine Society & Sea Cadets

Somerset & Dorset Branch, Mosaic Family

Support (Supporting Bereaved Children), PROMISEworks, Riding for the Disabled Blackmore Vale Group, Sherborne Area Youth and Community Centre, Somerset Sight, StreetLight Project, The Gryphon School Lego Club, The Rendezvous Sherborne, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity (Children’s Music Therapy), Yeovil Opportunity Group.

Smaller groups and charities which supported the fair on show day also benefited.

The fair was started and is still run by a team of volunteers, and over the years has

supported more than 100 local children’s charities. Anyone who would like to get involved should contact info@ sherbornecountryfair.com

The fair returns next year on Bank Holiday Monday, May 27.

Hospital fete

THE Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital Summer Fete takes place on Saturday, September 9, from 2pm to 4pm at Wincanton Sports Ground.

The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital invites you to join them at the annual Summer Fete.

Attractions include music from Wincanton Town Band, displays of country dancing, a bouncy castle, pony rides, skittles, a tombola, stalls and crafts, and refreshments including a barbecue and cake sale.

Plus the Rugby World Cup will be showing live!

Everyone is welcome to attend what is sure to be an afternoon of fun for all the family.

LOCAL COMMUNITY INVITED FOR AN EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT NEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IN BLANDFORD ST MARY

Local retirees and their families are invited to visit McCarthy Stone’s stunning new show suite at Stour Gate, a brand-new Retirement Living development at Blandford St Mary.

From Tuesday 29th August the grand reveal will take place at Stour Gate on Barley Place, built on the old site of Blandford Brewery. This will be a great opportunity for the local community to take a closer look at the professionally styled communal lounge, as well as the beautiful one and two-bedroom apartments available, which have

been thoughtfully designed with sophistication and style in mind. The show suite will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am to 5pm.

To mark the show suite opening, guests will be able enjoy refreshments and learn more about the unique brand of Retirement Living on offer at the development, which has been exclusively designed to provide everything the over 60s could need for a fulfilling and

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

TAILOR YOUR INSURANCE

independent lifestyle. A range of occupancy options are available at Stour Gate to help make retiring in style more accessible, including the Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England. Prices currently start from £198,750 for a one-bedroom apartment, and from £270,000 for a two-bedroom apartment*.

Those wanting to attend are encouraged to book an appointment by calling 0800 153 3076 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk/stour-gate

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Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre,

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre,

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

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Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

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Telephone 01747 826888

Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, www.valecraft.co.uk

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG

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Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, www.valecraft.co.uk

Telephone 01747 826888

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

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It’s good to talk

Podcast highlights characters and their valuable contributions to the community

THE TisTalk podcast, which broadcasts heart-warming stories and interviews from Tisbury and the Nadder Valley villages, is set to celebrate its first birthday.

The 20-minute podcast, produced by Tisbury-based volunteers led by Julie Ann Murphy and Mary Myers (pictured below), has been downloaded more than 4,000 times and has hundreds of regular listeners from Weaveland Road to Wardour, and Auckland to Zurich. Some 38 episodes have been produced since the launch on September 26, 2022.

Friends Julie Ann and Mary dreamed up the idea of TisTalk over a bottle of white wine one sunny afternoon summer.

Julie Ann is a librarian at Claysemore School and has worked at the BBC – she has also lived in Tisbury for over 30 years.

Mary’s professional background is in community radio in Africa, and she has lived in Wardour for 21 years.

They said: “We started TisTalk shortly after Covid, to continue and expand the voluntary spirit that was clear during that time.

“Feedback shows in our first year we have encouraged people to get involved

with the Neighbourhood Plan, to vote in local council elections and to volunteer for local charitable causes.

“There are so many unsung heroes in our community, working for no pay for the common good. TisTalk exists to celebrate them.”

TisTalk has interviewed lots of local figures including art curator Johnny Messum; former landlady of the South Western Pub Pat Ost; fundraiser Lady Holly Rumbold; Tisbury’s post-master Ed Rigg; young actor and singer Kiara Holley-Paliano; local historian Tina Richard; artist Patricia Low; and octogenarian Derek Tucker. Regular features cover gardening tips; farming, conservation and nature; health and wellness; local arts, music, theatre and films – and young Harry from Tisbury Youth Group welcomes listeners at the top of every show.

Friends and family members have helped with the weekly ‘what’s-ons’, the jingles and stings, leaflets and publicity posters. Tisbury’s parish council has given TisTalk two small grants for

Julie Ann and Mary added: “Thanks, Tisbury and the Nadder villages, for a fantastic year of storytelling and connection.

“Plans for the future include more music, sport, oral history – and don’t miss Tisbury’s ancient Yew Tree, who talks…

“By 2024 we hope to double our numbers to 8,000 downloads.”

To listen to TisTalk visit https://tistalk. buzzsprout.com. If you’d like to suggest someone local to interview, email tistalkradio@gmail.com.

Garden Buildings

Gates & Automation

Timber Framed

Extensions & New Builds

Fencing & Landscaping

Windows & Doors

L to R: Julie Ann Murphy and Mary Myers

Whilst the “no fault” divorce process simplifies that part of the breakdown of a marriage, the more complex and challenging elements of sorting out the finances remains the major concern for most divorcing couples.

Early Legal Advice Can Save Time and Money

When considering the assets of the marriage, and the parties (which are not necessarily the same thing), independent legal advice remains essential to ensure that both parties maximise their finances and ensure that a fair and reasonable settlement is reached.

Seeking advice at an early stage allows a party to discover what options may be available to achieve a practical and fair settlement, how to move forward in a positive and constructive way, what financial disclosure is necessary to enable an amicable and early settlement to be reached. Each case is different and will depend upon the knowledge and trust of each party of the other – or lack of that!

Make Informed Decisions

An amicable settlement should not be one of ignorance. A settlement must be based upon information and both parties being open about their finances. If a settlement is fair, there is no reason for a party not to provide details of their assets, including capital assets, pensions, property and business details, as well as income received.

If one party is not prepared to give this, or seeks to discourage the other from seeking advice from a solicitor before entering a settlement, ask yourself “why, if it is fair?”

Even if the parties do not think it necessary, a court requires such information before it will approve a financial settlement. And if you fail to disclose assets as you should, the agreement may not be binding!

And, if you are sadly in the situation where matters are not amicable, or like many, you feel confused or overwhelmed, seek advice! Early legal advice and knowledge from a solicitor can make all the difference, empower you to make informed decisions, as well as give you peace of mind as to your rights, what costs may be involved and how these can be met.

If you are looking for independent legal advice get in touch with our family law experts, Kay Levene, Margaret Baker, Leanne Weatherill, Darren Francis, Debbie Roper or Justin Martin.

“No fault divorce” is great but don’t ignore the need for financial advice

Firm’s boost for cricket club

Funeral director sponsors local sports team

A LONG-STANDING Blandford funeral directors has emphasised its role in the community with a cricket sponsorship.

In 1985, Grassby & Sons of Dorchester extended into the Blandford and North Dorset area by working with local funeral director Colin Close to open Colin J Close Funeral Service in Blandford Forum.

They renovated the old ambulance station in Peel Close, off the Salisbury Road, with the company saying the premises complement the high standard of service the business provides to Blandford and the surrounding areas.

Colin has lived in the Blandford area all his life and has worked in the funeral trade since leaving school.

Although now retired, he regularly keeps up to date with what is going on at the branch.

“One of Colin’s great loves is cricket, so he was very pleased when we were asked to sponsor Blandford Youth Cricket Club,” a spokesperson said.

The Blandford branch is overseen by manager/ funeral director Kaye Clemens, office manager

Cathy McIver and funeral assistant, Reuben Normandale.

“With their experience they will guide you through each process required with compassion and professionalism,” the spokesperson added.

“We pride ourselves in listening to what our families would like for their loved one’s funeral, and we endeavour to accomplish their wishes.”

Marathon returns in February

THE Blackmore Vale Half Marathon will return in February – with an extra run added for 2024.

Organiser, the Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC), said the event will set off from – and finish at – Bishop’s Caundle Recreation Ground at 11am on February 4.

BVLC has yet to announce the chosen charity for the event, which receives a share of funds collected.

As well as the main event, there will be an 8km (5.25-mile) fun run.

For more details, including how to enter, log on to bvlhm.yolasite.com

Now

Colin J Close staff with Stu Robbins from Blandford Youth Cricket Club

Wild writing

Nature-themed programme of talks from authors announced for the autumn

TOP names in nature writing are coming to Shaftesbury this autumn in a programme of talks organised by two of the town’s independently owned businesses.

FOLDE Dorset, the nature-themed bookshop and gallery on Gold Hill, is again collaborating with The Grosvenor Arms following their first author talks series, which enjoyed sell-out audiences earlier this year.

The writers appearing at The Grosvenor in the autumn include international bestselling author Tristan Gooley. He will be giving an illustrated talk on his most recent book, How to Read a Tree

Wainwright Prize-shortlisted broadcaster and author Stephen Moss will be speaking about Britain’s favourite birds.

William Henry Searle, whose book, Elowen, is a moving portrayal of the loss of his baby girl a few days before her due date and how his love for the natural world sustained him through the darkest of times, will be appearing.

Celebrity chef and TV presenter James Strawbridge will be exploring why salt has been misunderstood and misused, and why it should be championed for its ability to transform flavours

Husband and wife authors Fiona Mathews and Tim Kendall, whose Wainwright-shortisted Black Ops and Beaver Bombing crisscrosses Britain in search of eight mammal species threatened with

extinction will also be appearing.

Debut author Andrew Millham will be reading and performing from Singing Like Larks, a book that uncovers the remarkable relationship between birds and traditional folk music.

The season closes with the millionselling author of The Salt Path, Raynor Winn, whose talk sold out in just one hour.

FOLDE’s co-owner Karen Brazier said: “Shaftesbury is beginning to establish itself as a go-to destination for readers with an interest in the environment and the natural world, thanks to both our author talks programme and the town’s biennial nature-writing festival, Reading the Land, which returns next March.

“The Grosvenor’s generous hosting of these events opens up opportunities that just wouldn’t be possible for a small bookshop on its own.”

Elly Alexander, general manager at The Grosvenor Arms, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our close working relationship with FOLDE for its autumn events season.

“It’s a good example of the supportive nature of the business community within the town, but it also offers us a great opportunity to showcase the warmth of the Grosvenor’s hospitality to new customers visiting the town for the first time.”

For full details of FOLDE’s autumn events programme, go to www.foldedorset.com/events, or pick up a flyer from its shop on Gold Hill or The Grosvenor Arms.

Bestselling writer Raynor Winn PHOTO: Stuart Simpson

Our loose Canon

The aid budget is vitally important, but where it goes and how it is spent deserves scrutiny

by Canon Eric Woods

FOR some people, the UK’s Overseas Aid budget is sacrosanct. Of course, it hasn’t been known as “Overseas Aid” for some time, successive governments preferring to describe it as “International Development”. There used to be a Department of that name with a Secretary of State in the Cabinet. Now it has been subsumed into the renamed “Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office”.

I am entirely in favour of the principle that, as a comparatively rich nation, we should give aid to – or support “development” in – the impoverished nations of the world. But I think the time has come to scrutinise what is actually going on. For example, a report published earlier this year by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact showed that the UK Government gave £2.3 billion in aid to India in the five years to 2021. The Commission is not the most robust of watchdogs, but even it conceded that we did so with a “lack of coherence and absence of strong development rationale”. And it even stirred its stumps to criticise India for its failure to support democracy, freedom of speech and human rights.

Well, most developing nations go through difficult periods of transition from colonial dependence to modern democracy, and given British sensitivities to charges of the “oppression” it inflicted in its Imperial past there is perhaps nothing surprising in the UK wanting to support development in India and in other parts of the old Empire. But hold on a minute. Last year India’s economy

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overtook ours to become the fifth biggest in the world. It is predicted that it will overtake the German and Japanese economies by the end of this decade. Unbelievably, it has the world’s third-highest number of billionaires. And all this at a time when the persecution of Christian and other minorities in the country has reached epidemic proportions.

Now, on top of everything, India has landed its robotic Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south polar region. For those who think this is a good thing to be doing, it is a triumph. US, UK and European space agencies provided ground support. Russia has congratulated India on its exploration of the moon as “important for the whole of humanity; in the future it may become a platform for the deeper mastering of space.”

Does that mean that we – or rather, generations after us – can look forward to us exporting all our divisions and antagonisms into a race to “master” space? God help us all. In the meantime, this latest exercise has cost India what is being hailed as a “frugal” £59 million. Peanuts, compared with the 70% increase in handouts to India our Foreign Office is planning for next year.

I hate writing this. I really do. What has happened to the young Eric who, half a century ago, spent two idealistic years working for SHELTER, the National Campaign for the Homeless? Perhaps he has realised that simply throwing money away is the most terrible waste. It needs to be targeted. Very, very carefully targeted.

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A-Levels Success at Leweston School

As news services around the country reported a drop in A Levels this summer, Leweston students celebrated some of the school’s best results for nearly a decade.

Whilst the proportion of top grades in England was about 1% higher than 2019, Leweston’s grades were substantially higher than the last set of pre-COVID results at the school. Almost half of the students achieved at least two A* or A grades, and Caitlin, Katerina, Mimi and Anna achieved an impressive 4 A*,

12 A and 2 B grades between them. Those students taking the popular Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved 100% A* and A grades. Other subjects that saw majority A* and A grades were Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Computer Science, Religious Studies, Fine Art and Photography. Mr Paget-Tomlinson, Headmaster commented: “It has been well reported in the run up to A Level results day that there was a plan to bring grades back down in line with pre-pandemic levels, however, our students have outperformed these pre-COVID years. This is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by Year 13, as well as the teaching staff that support them. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and delighted by the wide range of courses and destinations they have chosen. This is truly a

reflection of our intent to find the right pathway for each individual pupil”. Students will be leaving to take up places at universities including Durham, Exeter, York, Bristol, Nottingham, Reading and Hartpury on courses as diverse as Medicine, History and Ancient History, Politics and Modern Languages, Computer Science with Maths, Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Product Design Technology and Equestrian Sports Science.

What a result!

STUDENTS across the Blackmore Vale were roundly praised for their efforts as they collected their exam results.

Young people turned out at schools to find out what scores they received in GCSE, A Level and other exams.

Here are some details from schools in the Vale...

Sturminster Newton High School

After two years of education affected by school closures and the pandemic, students at Sturminster Newton High School have been praised for showing ‘a real illustration of their grit, determination and resilience’.

Headteacher, Jason Davis, said: “We are really pleased and proud of students for these results, given the disruption they have faced, and the grade boundary changes this year.”

Among the GCSE results, particular congratulations were given to: Lily Bowers (eight grade 9s, two grade 8s), Amelia Tubbs (three grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s) and Josh Twist (two grade 9s, three grade 8s, four grade 7s). Also particular congratulations to Lilia, Victoria and Danilyo for their excellent results after only a short time in the country and taking exams in a foreign language.

Head of year, Tom Enticknap, said: “There have been challenging times for these students over the last few years which will have had a big impact on their learning, so I’m so proud of them for achieving these great results.”

In praise of A level students, head of sixth form, Sam Ling, said: “They have really gone above and beyond in the sixth form, not just in academic work but in working with younger students,

heading school events and working in the community.”

Among the A Level highlights were Katie Hull, who achieved an A* and two A grades, plus an A grade in her EPQ in the Arts and Humanities subjects, and Elsie Hayward, who achieved four A grades and an A grade EPQ.

A number of students achieved top grades in BTEC subjects, including Willow Franklin and Kayleigh Hall who achieved Distinction* and Rebecca Hill and Shannon Lockyer-Briggs achieving Distinction.

King Arthur’s School, Wincanton

GCSE students at King Arthur’s School in Wincanton are thrilled after receiving their exam results, with teachers praising them for performing ‘brilliantly across their GCSE examinations and vocational qualifications, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic’.

Left: Students at Sturminster Newton High School collect their results; Right: GCSE grades met with smiles at King Arthur’s School, Wincanton; Opposite: results day at Shaftesbury School

Headteacher, Jen Jacklin, said: “We are extremely proud of all the hard work and awesome achievements of our students.

“After what has been a disrupted and difficult time, our students have risen to the challenge and demonstrated resilience and commitment to their success.”

Student Amy Staines achieved a grade 8 in Biology and a grade 7 in Chemistry, and is set to study for A levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology at Strode College.

Shaftesbury School

Headteacher at Shaftesbury School, Donna London-Hill, praised the achievements of students, ‘despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic’.

She said: “The disruption caused by the pandemic has been immense, with students facing periods of remote learning, uncertainties, and adjustments to their usual routine, throughout

their secondary education.

“Despite these obstacles, the results we are celebrating today reflect the determination of our students to achieve academically and succeed in their educational journey.

Student Tilley Miles did exceptionally well, achieving seven grade 9s.

Every student who studied A level drama at Shaftesbury School achieved A* grades.

Meanwhile, all of those studying Spanish achieved an A grade. In English Literature, 100% of students gained an A*-B, and students excelled in the Extended Project Qualification, with 71% gaining an A*-B grade.

“As our students transition to the next phase of their lives, whether it’s embarking on higher education, pursuing apprenticeships, or entering the workforce, we have full confidence in their ability to shine brightly and make meaningful contributions to society,” said Donna London-Hill.

Leweston School

GCSE results at Leweston School were, for the seventh year running, higher than the national average.

While nationally, the top grades (7 to 9) have fallen from 26.3% in 2022 to 22% this year, this trend is not in evidence at Leweston, where top grades at the school remain twice the national average.

A host of pupils scored a majority of 7 to 9s (equivalent to A*-A) with some impressive individual results.

And A level students celebrated some of the school’s best results for nearly a decade.

Nearly two thirds of all grades at Leweston were A* or A, over twice the national average.

Almost half of the students achieved at least two A* or A grades. Those students taking the popular Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved 100% A* and A grades.

John Paget-Tomlinson, headmaster, said: “It has been well reported in the run up to A level results day that there was a plan to bring grades back down in line with pre-pandemic levels; however, our students have out-performed these pre-Covid years.”

Gryphon School

Gryphon School students are celebrating an ‘excellent’ set of GCSE results.

Acting headteacher, Jim Gower, said: “I am so very proud of each and every Year 11 Gryphon student. Our students have embraced our Gryphon ethos of striving to live their lives in all their fullness and have been rewarded by achieving incredible results that will allow them to move on to the next stage of their educational journey.”

Head of Year 11, Cath Moore, said: “I am proud of every single student’s achievement today; their time with us has been full of ups and downs but they have navigated this with resilience and relentless positivity.

Jim Gower also recognised the ‘hard work and talent’ of The Gryphon Sixth Form’s students.

“This year group has never sat formal examinations before, having had their GCSE year disrupted by the pandemic and lockdowns, so to see them succeed despite the challenges of the last three years is amazing,” he said.

And head of sixth form, Paul O’Donnell, added: “We are delighted with the A level and BTEC results of our sixth form students this year.

“This year group was a fantastic group of students to work with and they have achieved superb results that reflect their effort and hard work as well as their intellect and endeavour.”

Three Gryphon students are heading to Oxbridge universities this year: Adam Coleman, to read Physics and Ed Smith to read Engineering at Oxford University; and Neve Mumford to read English at Cambridge University.

Students who have chosen to follow a different route studying BTECs also performed ‘superbly’,

Above: Leweston School students celebrate their exceptional A level results; Right: GCSE and A level results brought joy to Gryphon School students; Opposite: students from The Blandford School proudly pose with their GCSE and A level results

the school said.

The following students achieved a Distinction* in their specialist fields: Ethan Bailey, Lillian Clothier, Isabel Green and Charlie Littlewood (Catering) and Harriet Caws-Lovelace (Heath & Social Care).

Bryanston School

Deputy head academic, Mark Deketelaere, said: “This year group went into these exams without any formal exam experience, having missed GCSEs two years ago.

“These grades reflect the effort our A2 pupils put in over that time and I am proud of the way they have approached them, and of the whole school community that has supported them.”

University places gained by students include Oxford, Imperial, Edinburgh, UCL, Exeter, Bristol and Durham as well as overseas including Harvard, Berkeley, Columbia, Boston in the USA and IE Madrid, ESCP Paris and Amsterdam in Europe.

“Our pupils achieved A level results in keeping with prepandemic levels, indeed better than our 2019 results,” Mark added.

Bryanston’s A level results (57% of grades awarded at A*, A or B), follow this year’s IB results where pupils achieved an average score of 32 points, surpassing the global average of 30 points.

The Blandford School

There was an air of celebration at TBS when Year 11 received their GCSE results – with staff, parents and young people gathering to review successes and discuss options, post-16.

Sally Wilson, headteacher, said: “It is important we commend students in this cohort for their calm and mature response to the rigour of studying 9 subjects (on average) which translates into approximately 25 examinations.

“Every single one of our students will have their own personal and special achievements, well done to them all.”

A total of 92 percent of A level students at The Blandford School secured their first-choice university.

Vicky Moore, head of sixth form/assistant headteacher, said: “We always encourage students of all abilities to follow their dreams and carefully consider all opportunities to secure their future ambitions; it is brilliant to see such a wide range of courses taking many TBS students to other parts of the country where they will meet new friends and embark upon exciting new challenges.

“I wish them all luck and look forward to hearing of their future successes.”

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Chesneys Beaumont

Dru Maestro 60 Tall

Onyx Avanti

Lesley’s Motivational Story After Losing 3 And A Half Stone!

I’ve been struggling with the menopause for over 2 years now and it really took its toll on me. Last year I was at my heaviest. The bigger I got the more sad I got.

I didn’t want to go out, I didn’t want to do anything. I hated the way I felt and thought this was how it was going to be forever. I knew I needed to do something about it but I just didn’t have the inclination to do anything.

Then one day I said to my boyfriend, I’m going to start Slimming World, so I walked in on the Wednesday 5.30pm group and signed up for a 12 week countdown.

Tracey, my SW Consultant was so lovely, very welcoming and easy to talk to. I stay to every group meeting, this was what kept me going. Tracey and all the other members give me the encouragement and support that I needed.

My partner has also been my rock the whole time, he eats what I eat and loves it, we’ve never eaten so healthy.

Fish, chicken, pasta, loads of vegetables and fruit. I eat more now than I ever have but I’m eating the right foods.

I’ve lost 3 and a half stone in 11 months,

my cycling has improved loads, I’m getting PBs most weeks, I’ve started the Parkrun again, after 4 years of not doing it and beat my last time by 1 minute. I feel so much better about myself, I am more confident, I want to go out, I’ve dropped 3 dress sizes, I love clothes shopping, I like looking and feeling good now and I’m loving life. Without Tracey and everyones support, I don’t think I could have done it, helpful tips and ideas help loads and when you haven’t had the result you expected, you realise you’re not alone and everyone helps each other, I know I would have given up if it wasn’t for the support of the group. I’ve made some amazing friends too.

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GENTS DARK BLUE BLAZER 44 ins chest hardly worn, very smart. £20.Tel.01823 480848

FREE DRAIN RODS and small length of hose on reel. 01747 822422

BOOTS BABYWAY UMBRELLATYPE pushchair, good condition - £25.00. Tel 01935 436816

GOLF CLUBS. Callaway big bertha war bird number 3 and 5 Ben Ross V12 driver 460. Tailor made jet speed get me out of trouble 1. Fairway series number 3. £10 each. 01935 476815

GOLF CLUBS Full set of left handed Slazenger golf clubs and trolley. £50 - 01935 421313

SWING ARM TABLE LAMP. Brand new. Black. £10. 01747 229148

BLACK TV STAND 3 SHELVES good condition £30. Tel 01963 362148

FREE BAMBOO PLANTS. Mixed varieties. 01963 210495. Call after 5pm.

WINE GLASSES. 12 red, 12 white. £2 each 01963 440741

CROQUET SET. Near new, with instructions so ideal if new to the game. £35. 07731 843743

SOFA £50 Tel: 07970 012046

SPANISH ACOUSTIC GUITAR little used £50. Tel: 01747-830544

10 WW1 THEMED BOOKS soldiers tales etc hard and paperback £5 - 01258 450233

PANASONIC CORDLESS TELEPHONE with answering machine White. In good condition

£6 Phone 07599 293339

BOX SET MILITARY BANDSMEN. York and Lancaster regiment. £48. 01747 840835

DOUBLE HEAD BOARD. Dark brown, padded. £25. 07923 113072

SET OF BOWLS, with case & size 7 shoes. £17.50 OVNO. 07545 065503

AIRFIX MODELS - Bristol MK32 Superfreighter and HMS Warspite 1/600, in original boxes, unopened packaging. £25 each. Tel: 07891 987809

VINTAGE MOBILE TYPEWRITER in working order ideal for collector £15.Tel.01823 480848

ROCKING AND SWIVELLING BAMBOO ARMCHAIR. Upholstered in deep buttoned floral fabric. In good condition. £30. Phone 07392 046655

3 TIER ELECTRIC STEAMER (no manual), 4brown material dining chairs very good condition.£35.00 for both items Buyer to collect. 07899 828070

16ft SMALL FISHING BOAT, water-tight, but needs renovation £40 Tel: 07743-731685

SINGLE DUVAN BASE and headboard. £20. 01202 692730

LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINIUM WHEEL CHAIR, up to 115kg, never been used. £50. 07484 117014

TRADITIONAL BOOKCASE / GLASS DISPLAY CABINET with cupboards & drawers in attractive dark wood grain. £50. Phone 07392 046655

WOOD DISPLAY CABINET with glass sliding doors on top & cupboard under. In 2 parts. £45. Phone 07392 046655

FM TRIAX ANTENNA 4 element, directional like new, £20 (Gillingham) 07963 319751

TESAL CLOTHES STEAM cleaner - £50 – 01747 826209

FREE - 3 YEAR OLD OAK SAPLINGS. 25+ available. 07923 113072

Events

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Remembering the 60’s. Tuesday 12th September, 2pm til 4pm. Vicarage School Room, Queen Street, Gillingham, Teas & Raffle available.

SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER

Tribute to Mary Cycle Rideplease join us

9.30am start from Barton Hill Car Park Shaftesbury 20, 23 or 33 mile rideout to Ginny’s Cafe Boyton All cyclists welcome. Please wear anything pink! Please confirm via email tributetomaryer@gmail.com

FREE CUPPA & LIGHT SNACK

STURMINSTER NEWTON

HIGH SCHOOL class of 1983

reunion 15th September

7.30pm Stalbridge British Legion. Further info Ianblokes492@hotmail.com

GREGORY STEWARD

PRESENTS AN EVENING OF CLASSICAL FAVOURITES

St Simon & St Jude’s Church, Milton On Stour.

Friday 8th September 2023

7:30pm.

Refreshments available.

Tickets £10, U.18s free.01747 821598 or 01747 840355

Wednesday 13th September 2023 10am - 12 noon

Stur of the Moment

(A choice of sausage roll, bacon banjo, or savoury scone) UPON PRESENTATION OF THIS VOUCHER (MAXIMUM VALUE £5)

Bath Road, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AS

All welcome

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SERVICE TO REMEMBER all personnel who served with the RAF on the occasion of the Battle of Britain at the Town Memorial on Park Walk, Shaftesbury, on Sunday, September 17, at 10.45am for 11am.

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

Allelujah Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 15 September / 7.00 pm / £6 Bar / Snacks / Ice creams

Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

MAKE YOUR OWN ROCKET MOUSE and see how high they go! Shaftesbury Library

Saturday 2nd September

11.00am to 12noon

MERE CARNIVAL

16th SEPTEMBER 2023 Starts 4:30pm Main Procession 7:30pm www.merecarnival.co.uk

AVON VALLEY CONCERTS PRESENTS POCKET

SINFONIA, 15th September at 19.30, Trinity Centre, Ringwood . Adults £18.

JUMBLE SALE

SATURDAY 14th OCTOBER

2pm

DAMERHAM VILLAGE HALL SP6 3HN Teas Raffle

In aid of St George’s Church Donations from 10am

Somerset Sight - Going For Over 100 Years

Somerset Sight is a local charity that has been supporting sight impaired people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 we proudly won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

Yarlington Country House Car Boot and Classic Cars can only happen because Count and Countess De Salis very kindly offer up their beautiful grounds for us to put this on. The funds raised from this event allows Somerset Sight to keep expanding on the services we offer.

One of which is the Volunteer Visiting Service, whereby volunteers are matched locally with a sight impaired person for regular visits to help with a variety of tasks and for comfort and support. Full training is provided and we cover all reasonable expenses.

We hold monthly Social Groups for the visually impaired in various towns across Somerset. Our service users come along to have a chat and a coffee, and they share ideas and information about living with sight loss.

We have a Mobile Advisory Service which travels across the whole of Somerset offering information, advice and visual aids for people with sight loss. There are lots of helpful gadgets and interesting resources on board. The dates are on the website.

Outings and events are arranged throughout the year for service users and volunteers. We deliver regular ‘Seeing Life Differently Days’ for people who are coming to terms with sight loss. We provide Low Vision Clinics and offer Emotional Support sessions via telephone. We have seen a big increase in the use of IT by our service users, so now offer IT support.

If you are interested in volunteering with us or any of our other services, please do call on 01823 333818 to find out more or email; admin@somersetsight.org.uk

For more information, head to their website: www.somersetsight.org.uk

Events

LYN’S BINGO AT MARNHULL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION on Monday 4th September Eye’s down at 7pm.

SHERBORNE DIGBY HALL MONTHLY MARKET

Saturday September 2nd.10-3 Antiques, Arts, Crafts, Food & More Tel: 07717 454643

BACKGAMMON CLUB next meeting Monday 4th September 7.30 pm. The Mermaid, Sherborne. BYO board. Colin 07709 611926

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT

Gary Ryan & Samantha Muir

Saturday 9th September 7pm

St. Laurence Church Holwell DT9 5LB

Tickets £15 Nave, £12 N. Aisle (restricted view) 01963 23428 budgells@hotmail.co.uk

JUMBLE SALE at Marnhull

Royal British Legion Sodom Lane DT101HR on September 9th. Doors open at 10.15am

TURNPIKE SHOWGROUND

CAR BOOT SALE SUNDAY 10th SEPTEMBER Sellers 8.30am

Cars £5, Vans & Trailers £10 Buyers 9.30am - £2 per vehicle

Turnpike Showground Motcombe SP7 9PL

SHACKLETON AND ENDURANCE

TALK BY MENSUN BOUND

Thursday 14th September at 6.30pm

Batcombe Village Hall

Tickets at £17.50 from Eventbrite.com in aid of Royal British Legion

MARSTON MAGNA VILLAGE HALL hosting The Askew Sisters concert Saturday September 23rd 7pm.

Tickets £12/ £8 concessions P.copp@tomjameseurope.com

Sunday 24th Septemb er 2023

Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL (B 30 81)

In Hand, Harness, Turnout, Ridden, Ladies Cart Classes, Trade Stands, Cra� Stalls, Refreshments, Classic Vehicles, Sta�onary Engines, Inflatable also featuring Fun Dog Show Tug of War Compe��on

Grand Horseshoe Making Compe��on

Adults £1 0

Chi ldren under 16 F RE E

Advance d T ickets £8

Show and Trade Stand Sche

Secrets of church to be revealed

A TOWN church is opening its doors and revealing hidden secrets next weekend. St Michael’s Church, in Mere, is welcoming visitors on September 9 and 10 as part of a nationwide event showcasing rarely-opened areas.

On Saturday, September 9, from 10am to 4pm, and from 1pm to 4pm the following day, the church will be opening up some little-seen parts of the church and introducing visitors to some fascinating information about the place of worship.

“There will be trips up the tower and up some winding steps into the littleknown Parvis room,” an organiser said.

“There will be guided tours around the church and activities especially designed for children.”

The day is free, apart from cups of tea and snacks served in the Grove Buildings.

Play tells war-time love story

A STAGE play set in Dorset that tells the story of a couple caught up in war-time struggles will be performed in Dorchester next month. The new adaptation of Devina Symes’ novel, Stronghold of Happiness, will be staged at The Corn Exchange on September 30. It tells the enduring love story of local couple, Peter and Ella Samways, who each experience life-changing conflict – Ella on the home front and Peter on the battlefront and the consequences of Ella’s trauma.

Reunited, their story deals with the aftermath of crisis as they make sense of their changed lives.

The play and the novel tackle strong themes of abuse that make them unsuitable for a younger audience, a spokesperson for

the production said. The play begins in 2005 when the older Peter and Ella are invited to watch a rehearsal of their story, which the local drama group has chosen to perform. Devina Symes said: “I wanted to tell a story that turned the tables on the usual narrative about war and look at the unspeakable traumas and conflicts sometimes experienced by vulnerable women left at home.”

Nuanced writing about the Home Front has become increasingly popular in recent years, with novels including Atonement and Human Voices capturing the

traumas, tragedies and complex ethical dilemmas in the lives of women at home. All proceeds from the performance will go to West Dorset Women’s Refuge Welfare Committee. Harry Cockerill and Tilda Sansom will play the young couple, while Barry and Chrissie White will play the contemporary couple. Symes’ novel will be available on the night and is also available in bookshops and online.

The performance is being sponsored by Purple Business and Personal Accountants, Poundbury, Dorchester.

The performance is set to get underway at 7.30pm on September 30 at the venue, in High East Street. Tickets cost £10 from WeGotTickets. com, or on the door, subject to availability.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Mothers’ Union meeting on Friday, September 22, 10am for a 10.30am start. Visiting speaker Sara Jacson will talk about the work of the local women’s refuge.

• Lillington: All morning services at Lillington from Sunday September 3, will begin at 9.30am.

• Lower Stour Benefice: Sunday, September 3: 9.30am – Communion at Blandford St Mary; 11am – Communion at Langton Long. Sunday, September 10: 10.45am –Celebration communion and blessing of Two Rivers Benefice with the Bishop of Sherborne. Sunday, September 17: 9.30am – Communion at Spetisbury; 9.30am – Family service at Charlton Marshall; 11am –Family service at Langton Long; 11am – Communion at Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, September 24: 9.30am –Communion at Charlton Marshall; 9.30am – Morning worship at Spetisbury; 11am – BCP Communion at Tarrant Crawford; 5pm – Blandford St Mary School Harvest Celebration; 5.30pm – Supper Church at Langton Long. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury, 10am11.30am, first and third Monday each month. Coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary, 10am11.30am, September 21.

• Sherborne Abbey: The Julian Group’s next meeting is at a new venue and time in the Sepulchre Chapel on Wednesday, September 13, from 4pm-4.30pm. The group is not a prayer group but aims to provide an opportunity to share half an hour’s silence and meditation with fellow Christians.

• Sherborne Abbey: Art and meditation sessions will be held in the Sepulchre Chapel on Wednesdays, September 6 and 13, 2.30pm-3.30pm. It would be helpful if anyone who would like to attend contacted the parish office, phoned David Marl on 01935 389673 or emailed burgoyne.marl@gmail. com.

• Sherborne Abbey concerts:

In September several concerts will be held on Saturdays in the abbey at 7.30pm. The band of the Grenadier Guards performs on September 23 (6.30pm) and the London Welsh Male Voice Choir on September 30.

• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 11am. BH21 5LZ.

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays – everyone is invited to Sunday services at 10.45am and to stay for refreshments. Thursdays –coffee and a chat from 10amnoon. Fridays – lunch club for the over-55s from noon at £5 per meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505543 to book. The church is anxious to offer help to all those in need – call church steward John Cornish on 07799 516735 or leave a message.

• Chalbury Church: Fourth Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Taize service – half an hour of prayer, meditation and music on the second Sunday of the month at 6.30pm. Everyone welcome.

• Churches in The Donheads, Charlton, East Knoyle, Semley and Sedgehill: A team of friendly people are available to offer home visits. Contact Revd. Kate at rector@ benofbart.org.uk, 01747 830174.

• Gillingham Methodist Church: Sunday recitals 3pm (about one hour). Admission free, retiring collection. Superb two manual William Sweetland organ restored and enlarged in 2006/2009. Video screen. For details and updates visit the website at www.musicatgmc. org.uk or phone 07817 379006.

• Hinton Martell: Second Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Horton Church: First Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Horton & Chalbury village hall: Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church.

• Kingston Lacy: Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion. Fourth

Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service.

• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9.30am and 6pm.

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends): Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB.

• Sherborne Abbey: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am Morning Prayer; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Tuesday, noon CW Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Wednesday, 10.30am Holy Communion with Homily; The Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursday, noon BCP Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. Friday, 9am Ecumenical Holy Communion; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.

• Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass times –Sacred Heart, Tisbury 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 10.30am.

• St Benedict’s RC Church, Gillingham: Sunday, 11am.

• St John’s (CofE) Church, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury: Service every Sunday at 11.15am; parish communion on the first Monday of the month; prayer services every other Sunday.

• St Mary’s, Sturminster

Newton: First, third and fourth Sundays – 11am Holy Communion; second Sunday – 9.30am Morning Prayer; fifth Sunday – 11am Benefice Holy Communion; second and fourth Sundays – 6pm Evensong; Wednesdays – 10am Holy Communion.

• St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary: First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion.

• St Thomas’, Lydlinch: Second and fourth Sunday, 11am Holy Communion. Third Sunday, 6pm Evensong.

• Shapwick: Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am Holy Communion.

• Sherborne Quakers: Meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room, Digby Memorial Church Hall. Everyone welcome.

• Witchampton Church: Third Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

• Sherborne Community Larder: Held in the grounds of St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Close DT9 4DU every Friday 9.30-10.30am. The Larder is run by volunteers and facilitated by FareShare. Membership does not exceed £5 a week and in return members receive at least three times that value in food and sundries. To sign up referral not needed nor is it means tested – visit on a Friday or request a form from FSSouthern Central@fareshare.org.uk

• Sherborne Abbey visitors: The abbey is open to visitors Monday to Saturday 8am-5pm and on Sunday 11am- 5pm. The abbey may close when private services are taking place.

WEST CAMEL INDEPENDENT METHODISTS, meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday September 3rd. 4pm. United “Sunday @ Four” with tea. Sunday September 10th. 6pm –evening worship. Sunday September 17th. 6pm – Service led by Marion Field of the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Sunday September 24th.

– Evening worship. Contact: 01935 850838 or Geoff.mead@yahoo.com SHAFTESBURY TEAM

Arts & Entertainment

Fairytale magic, murderous thrillers

SHAFTESBURY Arts Centre

Music and Drama Group is looking for cast members for two forthcoming productions.

Peter Pan, The Panto, directed by Rosie King, follows Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, in a tale of makebelieve.

The original script by J M Barrie dwelt on the innocence of childhood, depicting a pure and simple belief in the world of make believe.

And this gentle panto with

singing, dancing, mermaids, forest folk and pirates is a pleasure, amusing, colourful and funny.

A variety of parts is on offer for adults and children.

The interest evening is on Wednesday, September 6, at 7.30pm at the arts centre.

The show runs from January 24-27 and January 31-February 3, 2024.

The group’s other production

is Agatha Christie’s Murder in the Studio – a live radio play directed by Sophia Ruel.

This play will take audiences back to the golden age of British radio broadcasting with three murder mystery plays in one performance.

The actors – who may play multiple roles – are ‘radio actors’ portraying each character through their voices, facial expressions and posture.

Sound effects, music and

Classical guitarists at church

THE Friends of Holwell Church are staging a classical guitar concert by Gary Ryan and Samantha Muir at the church next weekend.

The programme will include works ranging from Bach to 20th century South American music and new compositions by Gary himself.

The concert is at St Laurence Church, Holwell (DT9 5LB) on Saturday,

Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli.

September 9, at 7pm.

Tickets, including a glass of wine or a soft drink, are £15 nave, £12 north aisle – restricted view – available from Bishops Caundle shop and Keith Budgell on 01963 23428 or at budgells@hotmail. co.uk.

The concert is in aid of St Laurence Church and Holwell Bridge Restoration Project.

silent pauses help create tension and drama around the room.

The interest evening is on Tuesday, September 19, at 7.30pm at the arts centre.

The show runs from Thursday, November 30, to Saturday, December 2, and rehearsals start at the end of October.

Anyone who would like to be involved but cannot make the interest evenings should contact stage@shaftesburyartscentre. org.uk

THE ULTIMATE PRINCE EXPERIENCE

AYNSLEY LISTER & HIS BAND SOUNDS OF PHILADELPHIA & MOTOWN

LIONEL THE MUSIC OF LIONEL RITCHIE

Gary Ryan is at St Laurence Church, Holwell

Neil strikes chord with choral group

WINCANTON Choral Society

(WCS) has welcomed Neil Moore to get their vocal chords going, ready for an exciting Christmas concert.

Neil is an experienced musical director in several choirs in the Westcountry, and WCS feels lucky to have him pick up the baton with them. He stepped in when the previous MD had a bout of Covid-19 and, by chance, it was looking to recruit at that time.

So, after a couple of lively rehearsals, he was offered the position there and then.

Neil said: “I am delighted to have been appointed musical director of Wincanton Choral Society.

“On the programme this year are two of the most popular works there are in the repertoire, both for those singing and those listening –Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s The Creation

Window on wildlife filming

WILDLIFE cameraman Doug

Allan is stopping off in Yeovil on his critically acclaimed new tour of England.

Doug, who has worked on Blue Planet and Planet Earth, will look back over his successes and setbacks during 35 years of natural history film-making.

The show also gives his perspective on climate change and its impacts on the world’s

wild places.

Doug said: “There are big days when animals behave spectacularly right in front of your lens.

“And other quieter times when a deeper understanding reveals itself, a new insight into the environment and what’s alive there.

“I’ll be talking about these moments of truth and how they’re the biggest privilege of a wildlife cameraperson.”

He is at the Westlands Entertainment Venue on Sunday, September 17, and tickets priced £24.50 are available from www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk

“New members are most welcome to join us for what should be a thrilling year’s music-making.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed the couple of rehearsals I’ve taken and look forward to getting stuck into the Handel next month.”

Rehearsals for the concert on Sunday, December 10, are at King Arthur’s School, Wincanton, on Monday 7.15-9pm, commencing on

September 11.

The choral society is always looking to recruit new members, and anyone interested is invited to join a rehearsal, no audition needed.

For more information visit the group’s website at www. wincantonchoralsociety.co.uk

Stand-up at The Gugg

THE Gugg at Stalbridge, which describes itself as ‘a really friendly and somewhat quirky venue’, is getting set to host its first stand-up comedy night.

It will be hosting four acts and a compere, all from the national comedy circuit who have supported big names such as Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill and Lee Mack.

Tickets for the event tomorrow (Saturday, September 2) are £15 in advance from The

Gugg on 01963 363456 or Eventbrite, or on the door.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the show at 8pm, and comedy fans can take their own drinks.

All proceeds will be shared between the Big Yellow Bus Project and The Gugg (CIC).

The over-18s event will include adult material which some people may find offensive. Plenty of parking is available outside the venue in Station Road (DT10 2RQ).

Panto auditions date

PANTO director Ross Lund has issued an invitation to a read through and auditions for Charlton Horethorne Amateur Pantomime Society’s January 2024 show The Frog Prince, by Stephen Duckham, in association with NODA Ltd.

It is at the village hall in Charlton Horethorne on Sunday, September 10, and starts at 1pm. Information via chaps.panto@ gmail.com.

Doug Allan is at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil

Musical director Neil Moore

New diagnostic centre in pipeline

AFTER years of hard work, students who sat exams from across West Dorset received results for their GCSEs last week. In many circumstances, the results will have determined future prospects with regard to further study or employment, and I hope everyone received the grades they wanted. Nonetheless, if you are a student and would like some advice, I am more than happy to hear from you to discuss your situation.

Recently, I attended an engagement event to understand the details about the development of a new standalone community diagnostic centre next to Yeovil District Hospital. The new centre will ultimately give NHS patients in Somerset and those residing in the north of West Dorset quicker access to diagnostic tests, which ultimately informs their treatment and care. Once completed, the new diagnostic centre will be open seven days a

week and provide more than 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments a year. This development is excellent news and will have numerable positive implications for people living in the catchment area of Yeovil District Hospital in West Dorset, who would otherwise have to travel further afield to receive a diagnosis. Radiology, endoscopy, cardiology and audiology will all be available

at the new centre. The announcement follows the already significant work under way in the south of the constituency at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, where a new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit is being constructed.

It was a privilege to also visit Leonardo UK in Yeovil recently to recognise the site as being the ‘Home of British Helicopters’. The company is a large employer of people from across the West Dorset constituency and plays a significant role in our local economy. It also provides highly-regarded apprenticeships, helping young people to enter the workplace, offering careers in cyber security, engineering and business. The event was a brilliant opportunity to truly appreciate the heritage of helicopter manufacturing, which for decades has employed local people and continues to do so today – many of whom have parents and

grandparents that worked for the company decades ago.

In other news, last week I attended a small ceremony at Sherborne School for the repatriation of a number of items belonging to Alan Turing. Thanks to the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, 17 possessions – including the mathematician’s OBE – have been returned since they were removed from the school in 1984. Nearly 40 years later, the items are now back where they belong. Turing attended the school between 1926 and 1931, and is, of course, best known for his lifesaving code-breaking undertaken at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. It is a testament to the efforts of, among others, the school’s archivist, Rachel Hassall, and headteacher, Dr Dominic Luckett, for keeping the momentum going to ensure that the these historically significant possessions returned to the school for all to appreciate.

New MP heads out on ‘summer tour’

I SAID I would hit the ground running as the new Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome and that is exactly what I have been doing. After winning the by-election held on July 20, Parliament im-mediately went into recess, so it has given me a wonderful opportunity to get out and about across the constituency and deal with the large amount of casework left outstanding by the previous absent Conservative MP.

I am delighted to be getting on with the job of being a hard-working constituency MP. I have already held a number of constituency surgeries and have recently held a summer tour reaching out to many towns and villages in the constituency. The tour kicked off in Beckington and culminated at Kingsdon. I visited Frome, Wincanton, Bruton, Milborne Port,

Dyke

Templecombe, Ilton, High Ham, Somerton, Lang-port and many other towns and villages along the way.

I particularly enjoyed my visit to Plotgate Community Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm near Barton St David where I was asked to cut a ‘ribbon’ to celebrate the purchase a new

parcel of land which will enhance the work of the farm. I was thrilled that the ‘ribbon’ was actually a string of baler twine which I had to cut with an old penknife!

I was delighted so many people took the time to come and welcome me into their communities and spend time discussing the issues affecting them and listening to what people want me to do for them in Parliament. A big thank you to all the residents, community groups and businesses who came out to meet me, it was real pleasure.

I am also in the process of opening a new office in the constituency and employing a new team ahead of my first day in Parliament on September 4 once summer recess ends. During the by-election, I promised to be an active

Member of Parliament for the Somerton and Frome constituency, and my aim is to fulfil that promise. If anyone has a problem in the constituency, no matter how big or small, I will be working flat out with my team and the local Liberal Democrat run Somerset Council to fix it. People across Somerton and Frome voted for change, and a strong voice demanding better local health services, help with the cost-ofliving crisis and a fair deal for farmers. That is my mission as I enter Parliament for the first time.

If you missed my tour this time, don’t worry, I’ll be out and about again soon. In the meantime, you can contact me at sarah.dyke.mp@parliament. uk if you have any concerns or would like to arrange a surgery session.

Conservative MP for West Dorset

Chris Loder

Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton & Frome Sarah

Grey mare to a white horse

I HAVE just got back from my second defence ministerial visit to Ukraine. Ministerial visits are always pressured with very little time for anything other than meetings. However, I was able to visit the town of Bucha, near Kyiv. You may remember this was occupied by the Russians early last year as they threatened to enter the capital before they were repelled by the Ukrainian Army. I viewed the memorial wall to civilians, including children and elderly, massacred by Putin’s thugs.

No decent person can fail to be upset by what happened in Bucha. As the aggressors are moved ever further back towards Russia, I fear we must steel ourselves for the revelation of more horrors.

The small crumb of comfort is that these days evidence is

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

much more readily gathered than in the years preceding the Nuremberg trials. It has been in this case. Those responsible,

wherever they lurk in the chain of command and whichever stone they crawl under, will, in God’s good time, be winkled out and held accountable for their crimes. I am pleased the UK is contributing significantly to the judicial process that will achieve it.

I am getting letters from people who are either concerned that small boat asylum seekers are being welcomed ashore and hosted in the lap of luxury or that they are being imprisoned in nasty, insanitary accommodation. Both sets of correspondents want to know what I’m going to do about it. Whether illegal or not, migrants have to be managed decently and with dignity in reasonable, if basic, clean, warm, safe accommodation. That’s what the Home Office is trying to do.

Good to see Westbury’s iconic white horse being restored to its full glory after years of being the grey mare. It was a pleasure to inspect the work at Bratton Camp with English Heritage. The monument is probably not as ancient as some of our other chalk carvings, but it’s no less well loved by residents and travellers. The horse was likely carved to commemorate the defining 878 Battle of Ethandun in nearby Edington. This is the one in which Alfred defeated the Danes. Thus, my constituency can properly be said to have witnessed the dawn of what we know as England. A proud boast. Whatever the truth, Westbury’s iconic white horse never fails to bring a smile to my face.

How Portugal embraces wind power

WELL, it’s good to be back after an extended break staying with our daughter in Portugal. We have been doing this for most of the past 10 years or so and I have been impressed with the number of power turbines on the hills, practically throughout the length and breadth of that long narrow nation.

I learnt this year that Portugal produces 85% of its power needs by this method and thus is virtually free of reliance on Russia for gas and the impact that would have on prices for consumers in the domestic market. In fact, Portugal can aid its neighbour Spain, as its hills are perfectly situated to catch those Atlantic winds.

Compare this to the UK where our geographical position on the Atlantic edge of Europe puts us in a similar situation and yet we are much slower to adapt to the change required to

convert our energy production to ‘green’ methods.

Yes, we have solar farms and

a meagre amount of wind turbines, most of which are offshore, and yet the planning authorities are still reluctant to agree plans. Take the Navatus Farm area off Bournemouth as an example.

To those who see such installations as blots on the landscape, or seascape in some cases, I have one question. Where do they think we are going to be able to find our future energy supplies in an increasingly risk-laden world?

Perhaps we should make ourselves reliant on Russia, which Eastern Europe was before the invasion of Ukraine. Not a political option.

Perhaps we should use every last drop of natural oil and gas from the North Sea and even consider shale extraction from Tory-voting areas in Surrey? Once again, I believe this is just a further denial of the inevitable.

The only long-term solution is to go full tilt on a green agenda with a massive extension of solar and wind farms – both on- and off-shore – as has been proposed by the Labour Party under Keir Starmer. This has to be an urgent action from day one of the next Labour Government.

Finally, I notice a most interesting report issued last week by the Office for National Statistics that showed the average pay increase for the chief execs of FTSE 100 companies was 16% in 2022.

This at a time when nurses, teachers, doctors, railworkers and many more were being held back by this Government to paltry amounts like 6%. Where is the justice in this situation?

The median FTSE 100 chief executive is now paid 118 times more than the median UK full-time worker – an increase from 108 times in 2021 and 79 times in 2020.

Dr Andrew Murrison

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

‘Homes strategy not released yet...’

DORSET Council has responded to Greg Williams’ recent column on housing, published in the New Blackmore Vale (‘Housing: Time to have your say’, August 18).

Sarah Smith, housing strategy lead at the council, said: “In response to the Labour party commentator Greg Williams’ article in the last edition, we would like to make some important clarifications.

“Dorset Council has not released an updated housing strategy. A consultation is currently running, and we are asking people to tell us what is important to them, to influence the council’s approach to housing over the next five years.

“The housing strategy will not be produced until the consultation and engagement process comes to an end on

October 2.

“The document referred to in his article as ‘a stop gap to the proposed local plan’ is not a housing strategy. It is a 13-page evidence-based document which provides a picture of the current housing climate in Dorset.

MP checks out white horse restoration

“We would also add that the housing strategy and the local plan are two separate documents which have different functions.

“A local plan focuses on development, while a housing strategy has a much wider remit and includes both new and

existing housing, and how the council plans to respond to housing issues in Dorset.

“This is an important clarification to make as we do not want respondents to falsely believe that this consultation solely relates to the development of new housing.”

LEP changes welcome: MP

CHRIS Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed changes to the functions of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), such as the organisation in the county.

From April 2024, sponsorship and core funding of LEPs will cease entirely, and local authorities will instead take on functions currently delivered by LEPs.

“Preference has historically been given to more urban areas in the east of the county, such as Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

“Moreover, it is questionable as to how exactly LEP funding has been distributed and utilised, and why there exists a high degree of overlap.”

SOUTH West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison was at Bratton Camp to view the transformation by English Heritage of Westbury’s iconic chalk carving from ‘grey mare’ back to ‘white horse.’

The restoration work comes after a campaign to spruce up the much-loved local landmark.

Andrew said: “Well done English Heritage and all involved, including local volunteers, for restoring our white horse. It’s once again a prominent landmark visible across the town and by travellers passing by.”

He is pictured atop the ‘white horse’ with English Heritage staff and volunteers.

Mr Loder has campaigned extensively to reform the Dorset LEP because of the lack of benefit it has brought his West Dorset constituency.

He said: “In its current format, and in my opinion, the Dorset LEP has not provided enough benefits for West Dorset: over the years, we have received a mere 3% of LEP investment, despite having around 10% of the population in Dorset spread over 400 square miles.

He added: “I welcome these changes and I hope that in Dorset we will start to see a more representative and fairer distribution of funding to areas which need it.

“The Government will now support local authorities to take on functions currently delivered by LEPs, meaning that for any future funding, it will be local authorities who decide how to spend it, rather than an appointed board.”

‘There’s better and cheaper alternatives to the tunnel’

I SUGGEST Elisabeth Inglis

– New Blackmore Vale, August 4 – drives Bruton-Frome bypass – Warminster bypass –Heytesbury – Shrewton –Stonehenge Visitor Centre –Rollestone Camp – Larkhill – Durrington – Amesbury – The Smoke – if she wants to avoid a 90-minute delay passing Stonehenge.

It’s five miles further and will take 10 minutes longer to Amesbury on a good day.

Regarding the Stonehenge Tunnel, opinions are divided. Generally, people living in South Wiltshire are opposed – they see their National Treasure being violated; people living further west in Somerset and Devon are in favour of a tunnel or anything that will shorten journey times and open up the South-West to more business.

The tunnel scheme comprises constructing eight miles of dual carriageway from Amesbury to Berwick Down, two miles of which are in a tunnel, and junctions with the existing A345 and A360 north-south roads. It is projected to cost £1.7 billion on last year’s prices.

On latest figures, the threemile A303 Sparkford to Ilchester upgrading to dual carriageway scheme, due for completion next year, is projected to cost £150 million or £50 million a mile.

With the tunnel, if we take six miles of dual carriageway at £50 million – £300 million –and add, say, £300 million for the road junctions, that leaves about £1.1 billion for the tunnel itself.

Now, as a Southern Moonraker, I am biased, but as a chartered quantity surveyor, I would say there are better and cheaper alternatives.

If all options were open, a 17-mile dual carriageway southern loop from Parkhouse Crossroads, Cholderton to Wylye running south of

Boscombe Down, plus an upgraded seven-mile dual carriageway A360 Devizes Road Cartgate-style link to Salisbury to ease its traffic congestion, would, on current prices, cost £1.2 billion – 17 plus seven times £50 million.

Similarly, a shorter nine-mile dual carriageway southern loop from Beacon Hill, Amesbury to Berwick Down, running south of Amesbury but north of Boscombe Down plus an upgraded four-mile dual carriageway A345 link to Old Sarum, Salisbury, would cost £0.65 billion – nine plus four times £50 million.

Or a ten-mile dual carriageway northern loop from Beacon Hill, Amesbury to Berwick Down, running north of Bulford and Larkhill would cost £0.50 billion – 10 times £50 million.

Officially, none of these has been considered.

And then, there are the next pinch points: Wylye to Stockton Wood, Chicklade Bottom to Mere, South Petherton to Southfields, Southfields to Honiton? or Taunton.

Robert Chalke Bruton

IT’S not fossil fuels which are the pressing problem, but electricity.

We are using ever more of it, including new demands such as the big data processing centres, recharging for electric cars and potentially domestic heating.

But we don’t have the generating capacity without gas, nor the transmission capacity to get renewables to the right place.

Since most renewables are variable, we rely on gas for security of supply and on scarce imported materials for batteries.

So, the focus should be on secure and increased generation capacity, including nuclear, on strengthening the national grid

and on visionary research for means of storing energy.

If, and only if, these factors are pursued successfully, fossil fuel use will fall away naturally.

In the meantime, electricity is a limited resource. Let us use it where we need electricity –communications, lighting, trains – and burn gas where what we need is heat.

Burning gas to make electricity to turn into heat makes no sense.

Mike Keatinge Sherborne

IN October 2021, almost two years ago, and following a prolonged campaign, Dorset County Council eventually agreed to necessary road safety measures for the young children attending the new Wimborne First School.

These basic and necessary safety measures included advanced warning signs, better visibility of school signs, traffic calming measures, a 20mph zone at the school access and the extension of double yellow lines.

All quite standard in the situation one would think, and of some urgency given that the lives of small children are at increased risk until they are carried out.

However, nothing has been

done!

Meanwhile, a short distance away in Broadstone and Merley – an area managed by a different council – the road safety for schools is markedly better.

Why are Wimborne children not treated the same? Are they in some way inferior?

In near despair, and after having made one final appeal to the chief executive of Dorset County Council, I am now referring the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman and asking our MP to intervene, including involving the relevant Minister of State.

Dr D S Biddle Wimborne

IN reply to Philip Hastings’ very informative letter – New Blackmore Vale, August 4 –[about a traffic calming installation in Zeals].

It is often hit by lorries as well as other vehicles – street light or no street light!

I suggest he comes in fog, mist, setting sun, rain and even a clear day to witness the near misses at this road calming scheme.

I like many residents have frequently put the arrow back up to try and keep it safe for the unsuspecting driver.

We have a new car game in the family, count the number of flattened bollards etc!

Entertainment for most age groups. There do seem to be a large number!

Lyndi d’Ambrumenil via email

Hedgehog sign stolen

TO try and help wildlife – and especially the hedgehogs we have in Fontmell Magna – we commissioned a sign.

The aim was to draw attention to the fact they frequently cross West Street, a busy through route, to try and reduce the number sadly squashed.

The sign was placed on the verge just before a favourite crossing point on the afternoon of August 6 and it

was well received by locals. Sadly, within 12 hours or so, it was stolen.

As the sign is a ‘one-off’ and very individual, we wanted to alert New Blackmore Vale readers, so that if anyone spots it ‘for sale’ they will know its history and it is hoped report their suspicions appropriately.

Carl Johnston Via email

Arrow words Wordsearch

Toolbox

Crossword

3 Portable climbing frame (6)

4

7

9

7 6 1 2 7 8 1 7

8 4 9

Brain chain

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Cryptic crossword

Brain chain (hard version)

77

×2/7 ×6 +112 -50% -58

Across

1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)

4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)

8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)

9 Harsh cut close to face (6)

10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)

Across

1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)

Down

4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)

2 Frequency of an event in police department from now commonly expressed (9)

8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)

3 Miss in competition for intimate photo (5-2)

4 Promotion in upcoming college for trainee

9 Harsh cut close to face (6)

10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)

11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)

5 Bachelor on American vessel by leading up point? (3,4)

13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)

6 Victor in haunt upset opponent (5)

11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)

13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)

16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)

19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)

20 English river over long time source of photos (6)

23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)

24 Support a book and film (4)

Across

1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)

4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)

8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)

9 Harsh cut close to face (6)

10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)

11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)

13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)

16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)

19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 3x3 box. No digit maybe repeated in any dashed-lined cage, and each dash-lined cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage

20 English river over long time source of photos (6)

22 Posh conservationists taken with regret? That’s false (6)

23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)

24 Support a book and film (4)

7 Old Arab in row (3)

16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)

12 Property in area that’s first given honour

19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)

14 Fruit that could be forced? Nonsense (7)

20 English river over long time source of photos (6)

15 Lethargy in a rite requiring reform (7)

17 Make solemn allegiance in Sunday sport

22 Posh conservationists taken with regret? That’s false (6)

18 Escape European lecturer due for replacement (5)

23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)

22 Posh conservationists taken with regret? That’s false (6)

21 A game in the past (3)

24 Support a book and film (4)

Down

2 Frequency of an event in police department from now commonly expressed (9)

3 Miss in competition for intimate photo (5-2)

4 Promotion in upcoming college for trainee (5)

5 Bachelor on American vessel by leading pickup point? (3,4)

6 Victor in haunt upset opponent (5)

7 Old Arab in row (3)

12 Property in area that’s first given honour (9)

14 Fruit that could be forced? Nonsense (7)

15 Lethargy in a rite requiring reform (7)

17 Make solemn allegiance in Sunday sport (5)

18 Escape European lecturer due for replacement (5)

21 A game in the past (3)

For the solutions,

Quality period furniture aplenty Rolex could make £18,000

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley is offering a number of pieces of quality traditional furniture in the first of its autumn sales next weekend.

Although ‘brown’ furniture has fallen out of favour recently, good quality period furniture will always find a new home and complement the clean modern look people prefer nowadays.

Among the furniture for sale is a fine quality Victorian burr walnut Credenza with ormolu mounts and boxwood inlay estimated at £300-£500, a George III mahogany serpentine-fronted card table on square tapering reeded legs, a decorative French Louis XV painted console table with marble top estimated at £150£300, a George II oak lowboy and a Victorian figured walnut

Wellington chest.

The sale also includes jewellery and silver items, paintings, ceramics and glass, militaria and musical instruments.

For more information, see the colour catalogue at thesaleroom.com or easyliveauction.com, or pop in on viewing days on Wednesday and Thursday, September 6-7.

Clarke’s is holding its Automobilia sale on Friday, October 13, as well as its Antiques & Collectables sale.

For entries into future sales, enquiries about probate or insurance Valuations, part or full house clearances phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

Antiques & Collectables Sale

AN abundance of silver, jewellery, watches and coins awaits in Duke’s upcoming auction on Wednesday, September 13.

The sale features iconic names including Cartier, Breitling, Rolex, Omega, Neil Lane and Patek.

A Rolex gentleman’s 18ct gold bracelet watch (pictured) has a pre-sale estimate of £14,000-£18,000. Its gold hands, perched on a black dial, circumnavigate a stunning diamond-encrusted bezel.

The auction includes a customary selection of precious gems and marvels – diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds mounted on gold, platinum and silver.

Nestled within is the iridescent charm of an 1823 George IV £2 gold coin – the

reverse with St George and the Dragon – estimated at £3,000£5,000.

Vintage jewellery continues to hold a command over the auction world and with pieces wreathed in history and quality, it’s no surprise this continues to be a popular and bountiful auction.

Viewing begins on Saturday, September 8, with bidding available on three different online platforms.

Find more information, including a fully illustrated catalogue, at www.dukesauctions.com

auction highlights

Silver, Jewellery, Watches and Coins

Sporting and Natural History Interiors

A Chinese famille rose bowl decorated with chrysanthemums and birds. Sold for £3,100.

Duchess’ painting sold for £1,700

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers’ two-day sale of 1,000 lots produced excellent prices.

A small-framed original drawing by the Duchess of Rutland of her daughter made a hammer price of £1,700.

The furniture also performed well with a very large antique pine dresser achieving £1,200 after fierce bidding on the phone, in the room and online.

A Liberty of London sofa bed also sold well making £290 and an unusual tent-shaped mahogany and fabric wardrobe £450.

Picture Goer magazines from the 1920s and 1930s, including the first six editions, were among a collection of film-related ephemera and sold for £290.

A General Antiques & Collectors auction is coming up

on September 28 and the Jewellery, Silver & Watches auction on September 29.

Consignments are now being accepted for these auctions as well for the Specialist 20th Century & Modern Art auction on October 26, and the Textiles Fashion & Apparel auction on November 10, moved from September.

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections.

If you have anything you would like to consign, contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 50874, or by email at auction@acremanstreet antiques.co.uk

Valuation days are held every Wednesday 10am-4pm at Acreman Auction, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES

Thursday 28th September

JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES AUCTION

Graham Oakley studio auction

CHARTERHOUSE has been instructed to auction the Graham Oakley archive of drawings.

“Graham sadly passed away in Dorchester last year,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

“A children’s book illustrator and author, he is perhaps most famous for his positively charming Church Mice book series, and in his will, he generously left his studio archive to benefit Save the Children.”

More than 750 Graham Oakley lots of original artwork will be sold without

reserve by Charterhouse Auctioneers on Wednesday, September 27, in Sherborne. All the lots, and live internet bidding, can be found at www.charterhouse-auction. com

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse Team are available for advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277 or at rb@ charterhouse-auction.com

Viewing Wednesday 27th September 10am - 5pm

Friday 29th September We

For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Specialist Free Valuation Days

Monday 12th Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards

Valuation Days in Sherborne

Tuesday 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches & Clocks

Jewellery, Watches & Silver 4th

Wednesday 14th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys

Pictures, Books, Maps & Postcards 5th

Thursday 15th Medals, Militaria, Coins & Stamps

Chinese & Japanese Ceramics & Art 6th

Friday 16th Asian Ceramics & Works of Art

Enamel Signs & Automobilia 7th

Classic Motorcycle Auction 28th October

Vinyl Records & Film Memorabilia 8th

Classic Car Auction 11th November

Classic & Vintage Car Autumn Auction

Further entries now being accepted

Classic Motorcycle Autumn Auction

The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS

Further Entries Now Invited

Sampson the Cat and the Church Mice from the Graham Oakley studio sale

are now consigning items for our September auction and our specialist sales.

Drawing by Duchess of Rutland of her daughter Hammer £1,700

For

Bloomsbury beauty sells for £11,250

by Richard Kay

WE

Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email: bill@tunes.co.uk

Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545 bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk

A BEAUTIFUL still life painting caught bidders’ eyes at Lawrences, Crewkerne, recently.

It was painted in 1929 by the celebrated Bloomsbury School artist Duncan Grant (18851978) and depicts a cluttered mantelpiece with a lidded urn, books and a clock – or jardiniere – alongside.

That brief description of its composition suggests a rather quotidian subject, but often a picture can exceed the sum of its parts and – just as crucially – incidental details can enhance the price.

This picture was appealingly early in date – Grant worked tirelessly for another half century after he had completed this work and it had been exhibited at the London Artists’ Association.

It had also been owned by the writer and keen Grant collector Sir Hugh Walpole (1884-1941), and it was sold by his executors at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in London during the period of almost reckless joie de vivre after VE-Day in May 1945.

In addition, it was in flawless condition, presented in a period frame and was appearing on the

market for the first time in over 75 years.

The picture had a technique that showed the swift accomplishment of a highly skilled artist – the varied palette balanced subtle shadows with bright daylight from the left, and the almost humble arrangement ennobled the simpler aesthetic appeal of the objects depicted within.

The whole picture had an air of studied informality – it was casual but careful, exacting but informal, and the whole design was as well observed as a Spanish ‘bodegón’ still life of the 17th century.

Measuring 32am x 42cm (12.5in x 16.5in), its modest scale belied an irresistible allure. It caught browsers’ eyes from across a crowded saleroom, helping it to a price of £11,250 against hopes of £8,000-£10,000.

PASTIMES

of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kits etc. Those magical makes; Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus Telephone: 01935 816072 Mobile: 07527 074343

Duncan Grant’s picture

Sumptuous sapphires

by Amy Brenan, Director of Heirlooms Jewellers,

21 South Street, Wareham

THE sapphire is one of the most recognisable gemstones and is the birthstone for September, representing truth and faithfulness.

This may also be why it is the stone associated with a 45th anniversary!

Sapphires were worn as far back as Greek times but the classic naturally grown sapphire became more common in late 19th and early 20th centuries originating from India.

It is a gemstone associated with royalty, much like the ruby, and we all remember the stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring that the then Prince Charles gave Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, now worn by the current Princess of Wales.

Even as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries, sapphires –along with diamonds, emeralds and rubies – were set in engagement rings, which were becoming more common with nobility during that time.

We’re more familiar with the traditional, deep rich blue of this incredible stone but it comes in a rainbow of colours – white – which as you might imagine is colourless – pink, orange, green, purple, brown and even black, which is incredibly rare.

One of the most famous and largest sapphires in the world is the Star of India.

Weighing 563.35 carats, it is even more amazing because it has naturally occurred ‘stars’ on each side.

It is kept safe in the American Museum of Natural

Silk Road Rugs

History in New York – although it was stolen in 1964 and then retrieved.

Another of the largest stones in the world is the Queen of Asia, which was discovered by a team of workmen digging a

well in Sri Lanka. It weighs in at a whopping 310kg and is said to be worth more than $100,000 million. Whatever the size and the value, the sapphire is one very special gemstone.

We have moved to new premises –ready to welcome new and old customers. I have a large private collection of French and English antique furniture, antique architectural items, interesting antiquities and objects d’art for home et gardens. I return to Dorset monthly with fresh items from my collection. Open 7 days, but please check as I may be away on delivering. I look forward to your visit!

The sapphire is the birthstone for September, representing truth and faithfulness, and is associated with a 45th anniversary

Reflections on the water-lily

by Sally Gregson

THERE is something calming about water in the garden. It’s cooling, tranquil, serene. It seems to lend another dimension to the design and the planting. An island of flowers floating on the reflections of passing clouds and blue skies inspired the impressionist painter Claude Monet to create his beloved water-lily lake at Giverny and paint it every morning.

But Monet kept the flowers and pads in discreet ‘islands’. He did not allow the plants to expand boundlessly. The surrounding water and its reflections were as important, if not more so, than the flowers and lily-pads.

Monet lived at a time when French nurseryman M. LatourMarliac was working on breeding varieties with less vigour than our enthusiastic North European native Nymphaea alba – pygmy water-lilies that would survive in the smaller, shallow ponds of humbler gardens. He was successful. The newer waterlilies with bigger, better flowers

wowed the gardening public, not just in France but throughout Europe.

Now US nurserymen are breeding plants such as Nymphaea ‘Hal Miller’ with dazzling white flowers; N. ‘Carolina Sunset’ whose deep yellow blooms have a peachy glow and purple mottled leaves; and N. ‘Chubby’ with enormous pink and yellow flowers that would drop any jaw. More varieties are being bred to resist crown rot, a highly destructive fungal disease that spreads to other water-lilies in the pond and is very difficult to eradicate.

Best advice is always to buy young plants at a specialist nursery that keeps its tanks free of duckweed and raises them in the UK. This ensures that the plants are fully hardy and will produce lots more flowers after our modern warm springs followed by hot, sunny summers. And every pond, big or small, can boast a truly gorgeous modern water-lily that survives our grey, wet winters and every summer produces flowers that gaze to heaven.

How to clean the garden pond

by Sally Gregson

IN an ideal world, garden ponds should be cleaned in late spring, just as the plants are beginning to grow and flower. But often the weather is far too cold, or on the only day available the rain pours down in torrents.

So, August can seem like the perfect time. The water is warm, the pond weed has got overenthusiastic and the family is on holiday. Choose a typically wet summer day with nowhere to go.

Then take the plunge. Empty the pond of any fish, storing them in a tank elsewhere, while the pond is emptied by about two-thirds – just enough to get to the nasty gunk at the bottom.

Late spring is probably the ideal time to clean a pond, but about now is a good time, too

Take out all the pond plants and clean them of algae, mould and dead leaves, before re-

potting them in aquatic compost specially developed for pond plants. This compost is low in nutrients to avoid too much nitrogen that causes the pond water to go green from excessive algae.

Place the plants in a shady corner while you attend to the stones on the bottom of the pond. They should be individually scrubbed to rid them of all the algae. Inevitably, a little green algae will remain, but it need not be such a concern. The eco-system of the pond will stay in balance.

It’s a pretty smelly job but it should not be neglected. Algal blooms quickly grow and get out of control, and eventually

completely shade the water surface preventing pond plants from growing.

If the algae have already got too numerous and the water is green, it can help to put in a small bale of barley straw. This exudes a natural chemical that kills the algae. Keeping the water moving constantly is always recommended. And be careful if you put in tadpoles in spring that there is no algal growth in their water.

Refill the pond, ideally with rainwater, to avoid the algae in alkaline tap water. And the glinting water will soon attract the pond life – the damsel-flies, dragonflies and water-boatmen back again.

It’s best buy young water-lilies at a specialist nursery that keeps its tanks free of duckweed and raises them in the UK

Garden jobs for start of autumn

SUMMER is over and shorter days and cooler temperatures are here with the arrival of September.

However, there’s still plenty to do in the garden.

Now is a good time to have a general spruce up outdoors –take the clothes line down, put away the barbecue and probably a lot of the garden furniture, tidy the greenhouse and deal with algae spreading on the fence.

In the vegetable garden, clear stems and leaves from vegetable beds and sow final crops of lamb’s lettuce and oriental salads.

Water tomatoes, beans and courgettes sparsely as their production period is coming to an end, but continue to water autumn and winter vegetables regularly. Make sure fruit and vegetables are harvested

regularly – leaving crops on the bough can lead to rot and disease setting in.

Now is also a good time to tidy garden borders. Remove any dying leaves and stems, weeds and old mulch. Cut back any trees and shrubs that are overgrown and deadhead spent flowers.

Once the borders are looking neat and tidy, spread a thick layer of compost, or a new layer of mulch. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, inhibits weeds and protects the roots of plants.

Containers can be planted for autumn colour. Use a loambased compost to retain moisture and nutrients but prevent water-logging.

Put life back into beds and containers with violas, cyclamen and pansies. Asters and chrysanthemums also give great autumn colour.

www.beaminstersheds.co.uk 01308 861144

info@beaminstersheds.co.uk

32, North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DY

A family-run business established more than 29 years ago, offering a huge range of sheds and outbuildings, including:

Bike Sheds, Dustbin Stores And Log Storage

Sheds To Suit All Budgets & Uses, From Hobbies To Workshops

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Poultry Housing, Dog Houses, Kennels & Runs

Garden Gates

Fencing

Bespoke buildings built to your requirements.

10% off all orders in September

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How to cope with a new school year

by Alice Johnsen

IT’S nearly time to shake off the sand and dust down the school uniform. Earlier this summer I wrote about the anxiety some children may feel about the new school year, especially if that means a new school. Here I offer some thoughts on how to support your child and yourself as the first day of term approaches.

FEAR = False Expectations

Appearing Real. Is that how your child is feeling? Their expectations and worries about next term will feel very real to them. Sometimes it is helpful to remind ourselves that our thoughts about something coming up can be aggravated by the stress and anxiety connected to it and, in fact, the anticipation really is worse than the event. Encourage your child to focus on what they really know, not

just on what they think they know.

Keep talking. Keep the channels of communication as open as you can. Short conversations while you’re unloading the shopping together. Snatched chats about how they are sleeping or how they are going to get their kit ready for school – keeping that age relevant, so less direct help from you the older they are. You can tell a lot about how someone is feeling about something by the way they are talking – or not – about it. Use that as your lead into asking them more direct questions such as: “Which bits of your new school are you looking forward to?”. Keep the questions simple and short and allow your child to use their own way of answering. Avoid the temptation to answer for them.

Setting examples. We do this all the time, which is obviously a good and a bad thing. Be conscious of the examples you are setting from phone habits to sleep routines, what you eat and how you deal with the stuff on your mind. Again, keeping it relevant to your child’s age, it can be really helpful for them if you share something that’s worrying you and show how you are going to address that concern.

At the end of the school day.

They will be tired. They will not want 8,073 questions. Let them decompress but be ready to listen when they want to tell you.

Finally, for those parents facing an empty house for the first time – new school children or maybe the university years, I’ll write about Empty Nest Syndrome soon.

n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne (phone 07961 080513; alicejohnsen. co.uk).

Blackberry brandy a delicious health-giving pick me up

by Fiona Chapman

THE summer seems to have been very short. I find it incredible that the leaves are starting to turn on some of the trees and there is an abundance of blackberries and hawthorns all ripe and ready for picking. As I write, it is only midAugust!

I love harvesting off the land, it gives huge satisfaction, and the actual act of picking blackberries is calming – as long as you have long trousers and boots on – and I picked the most enormous amount this

Our

morning. They are huge and succulent and totally delicious. This is what we should all be doing, eating what is in season to boost the body’s immune system, to prepare it for the long winter months ahead. Blackberries provide lots of vitamin C and K as well as manganese, and contain large amounts of resveratrol, which, as well as being a powerful antioxidant, is anti-inflammatory and helps to moderate the immune system. This is important in things like allergies when the immune system is

overactive or if you get lots of infections, when it is underactive.

Resveratrol will also help to regulate glucose levels and fats in the blood, so is good for diabetes and high cholesterol; it protects the brain and the cardiovascular system, so is beneficial for Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as cancer.

Blackberries go so well with apples – again in season and what we should be eating. Apples are also anti-oxidant and provide much-needed fibre in our diet. They are high in vital vitamins and help with gut health as well as keeping the brain healthy. The old wives’ tale ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is very true.

I make apple and blackberry

Blackberries provide lots of vitamin C and K as well as manganese, and contain large amounts of resveratrol PHOTO: Siala/Pixabay

crumble – the apple, blackberry and oats are extremely good –the sugar and butter not so good!

I am also going to make blackberry brandy, which is like a fresh herb tincture and should be treated as such! The blackberries need to be picked on a very dry day and put into a Kilner jar. Pour the bottle of brandy over the blackberries and make sure they are completely covered – if not, they will go mouldy and then ruin the whole tincture. This should be left to steep for a few months in a dark cupboard then strained. It makes a delicious health-giving pick me up for the depths of winter!

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

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Meditations in nature: Wonders of the sky above

by Susanna Curtin

THE swifts have now departed for their African home and the nights are drawing in. The countryside is slowly turning autumnal. More and more fungi are appearing, the leaves on the trees have lost their bloom, and rose hips and berries are beginning to ripen.

Although I find this shift in the year rather sobering, there is nothing quite like being under an August sky.

I can’t remember the very first time I looked up at the sky with wonder. I don’t think anyone can. A child’s eyes are so absorbed by their surrounds that the sky is just a ‘forgranted’ thing.

Yet I do recall that, for me, the sky became part of the fabric of my everyday very early on in four important ways – looking for shapes and symbols in the clouds with my grandmother, stargazing and birdwatching with my dad, and flying with my brother in a small light aircraft as his flying career began. Even now, my joy of looking up is entwined with the people who showed me how the sky shapes our day.

The sky is such a strange, obscure ‘thing’, though. How high do we have to jump before we are in it? For weather scientists the sky refers only to the lower, denser part of the earth’s atmosphere, the

troposphere, that extends between five and nine miles high depending on its proximity to the equator.

It is, of course, this layer that we are the most familiar with, as it contains the weather systems and the cloudy dramas that give us beautiful sunrises, sunsets, rainbows and dramatic thunderstorms.

Above the troposphere are four other atmospheric layers. There is the stratosphere, which rises to 31 miles high. This is where commercial airliners fly so they can escape most of our turbulent weather systems.

Above this, rising up to 50 miles, is the mesosphere. There are still air molecules at this level and when tiny bits of rock and dust from space descend towards the Earth, friction causes them to disintegrate, delivering us those exciting shooting stars that blaze across the heavens in August.

Then, going higher still, is the thermosphere. Outer space begins here, at 62 miles up. If you have ever been lucky enough to see the aurora borealis or australis then you would have been watching the colourful light activity of a solar storm in the thermosphere which rises to 440 miles high.

The International Space Station also flies in this layer 220 miles above Earth. You can often see its large bright light

Starting off by operating once a month it will give those with MS and their carers an opportunity to meet, share experiences and get advice as well as having refreshments and cake. The days and times are not yet finalised because we want to reflect your needs and wishes. It might also be possible to bring in speakers and, for those who wish, go for a swim. We are also looking for volunteers who might be able to help with the organisation of this new venture.

that creeps eerily and silently over the Blackmore Vale.

The final, and largest layer is the exosphere which extends around our planet into outer space from 375 to 6,200 miles above us, and this is the layer in which satellites orbit the earth.

It was flying with my brother, that I learned the truth about how complex clouds can be – sometimes benign and friendly, but other times violent and monstrous.

Most people assume that clouds are just water vapour made from restless evaporating particles that escape the earth from rivers, seas, lakes and vegetation. But if clouds were just vapour then we wouldn’t be able to see them. It is only when the water particles rise, cool, and condense back into liquid water or ice crystals that clouds

are formed and become visible.

I remember feeling anxious when we took off in low-lying cloud. It felt as though we were on a fairground ride, bouncing around at the will of the gods, dark grey clouds crashing past the windows at speed, solid looking yet not solid, uncontrollable and frightening. How grateful I used to be as the aircraft eventually escaped into the blue above them.

Now, all these years later, sat safely in my garden, the clouds above my head are the sky’s actors and players, and the drama is unfolding. Angelic puffs of whiteness skim playfully over the infinite blue, yet out there on the horizon, devious black storm clouds are gathering.

n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com)

Dorset Multiple Sclerosis Society are opening a new social club in North Dorset based in Shaftesbury.

Hoax but a message for us all

by Barbara Cossins

IF you didn’t watch the Channel 4 programme Good Harvest, then I’m sure you will have read about it or people may have mentioned it in conversation.

It was screened in July, and I sat and watched it in horror.

Gregg Wallace was the presenter and the celebrity chef Michael Roux cooked up the steaks to taste – all the meat supposedly grown from human flesh.

I thought it was a late April Fool’s joke and then I thought I must have been watching a horror movie and kept saying to myself, ‘I really hope this doesn’t take off’.

Thankfully, it was a hoax and the full story was published in the next morning’s newspapers. Thank goodness for that.

However, what it did, was highlight just how scary our food manufacturing industry is becoming and, although it was a joke this time, it made one

wonder what could be manufactured for real.

We are already eating lots of ultra-processed food that comes from modified starches, added sugars, fats and other nasty ingredients.

Even before the cost-ofliving crisis, it was shocking to learn that UK consumers were spending just 8% of their household budgets on food for their families.

This is significantly lower than other European countries, who spend 11-14% of their household income on what they eat at home.

It is so important to teach our children how to cook. We should be encouraging and

PHOTO:

Andrzej Rembowski/ Pixabay

educating them on how to eat well, and the importance of knowing where their food has come from and what is in it.

The chemicals in processed foods are designed to make us eat more, increasing weight, obesity risk and impacting our health. None of this is good news.

The importance of good, honest food labelling is vital for our health and wellbeing. It is essential to read the list of ingredients on food packaging before you buy. You have the right to know exactly what you are eating and where it has come from.

We are all are busy people and when we go food shopping,

we don’t have the time to read every label, but we need to support our British farmers more than ever right now. Buying home-grown produce will help achieve that, so a couple of minutes reading a label could make all the difference.

Farmers are really struggling with supermarkets cutting their prices below the real cost of food production. Selling it for less than it costs to produce simply spells disaster, the loss of farms, farming jobs and our fabulous British food heritage.

As ever folks, please buy British, support our brilliant, hard-working farmers and small food producers, and eat local and seasonal whenever possible. n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local www. lovelocaltrustlocalawards. co.uk; Rawston Farm Butchery www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; The Langton Arms www. thelangtonarms.co.uk.

Time to treat yourself, at the Clockspire!

Enjoy the Clockspire experience with our great value set menu

A three-course-menu with a choice of three dishes for each course (including healthy options) available for both lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Friday, and Saturday lunch: 2 Courses - £ 26, 3 Courses - £ 32 (offer not available on festive days)

Our Main Menu: Available for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch.

Set Sunday Roast: 2 Courses - £ 38, 3 Courses - £ 43

Enjoy captivating live Jazz with the Simply Jazz Trio on the last Thursday evening of each month, from 7pm to 9pm.

Listen as you delight in seasonal dishes, exciting cocktails and fine wines. Or simply come to enjoy a drink in our lovely mezzanine bar, Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm & 6-11pm, Sunday 12-4pm. 01963

It is important to teach children how to cook, says Barbara Cossins

Chipotle – the key to a smokin’ chilli con carne

by Lorraine Gibson

CHIPOTLE is the flavour of the moment. It’s everywhere – in snacks, on menus, at barbecues and in recipes that call for smoky undertones.

But what exactly is it?

“A chipotle chilli is a smoked jalapeno,” says Miles Halton, chilli tsar and festival director of The Great Dorset Chilli Festival, held recently.

Yep, that simple.

In his special recipe for the perfectly-nuanced chilli con carne, Miles suggests adding chipotle paste to a mix of the freshest chillies.

“It’s easy to make a hot chilli con carne by adding hot chilli powder or more chopped chillies, but for complexity of flavour, try a smaller amount of a variety of different chillies,” he says.

“For example, I add chopped, fresh, mild chillies for colour and freshness, and then add smokiness with the chipotle paste. I also like to add a couple of ancho chillies.”

Anchos are dried and ripened Mexican poblano chillies –minimal heat, but add a lovely, earthy flavour, and can be found as a paste in some supermarkets.

“When I want to spice it up,” he says, “I use a hotter fresh chilli, or a sprinkling of chilli flakes for extra heat – there’s a wide variety of chilli flakes, all with different heats and flavour profiles.

“Most supermarkets sell hotter fresh chilli varieties like Bird’s Eye or Habanero chillies, and even some super-hot chillies.”

Miles also sheds light on the pros and cons of using chilli powder.

“It’s worth noting that a regular jar of supermarket chilli powder is often a blend of

spices such as cumin, garlic powder, oregano and, of course, dried chilli, designed as a one-stop spice mix for making a chilli con carne.

“It’s very useful, if that’s what you want, but for pure chilli powder, look for Kashmiri chilli powder, a vibrant red, or use chilli flakes which are 100% pure with no added spices.

“This recipe is my standard recipe, and I add other ingredients depending on what I have in the larder or fridge.

“I often add diced leftover roast pork, or a chargrilled red pepper. Experiment with adding beer if it needs more liquid, or a teaspoon of cocoa powder for depth, or chopped mushrooms, soy sauce or anchovies for umami – Japanese for ‘deliciousness’.

“There are no prizes for making a chilli so hot you can’t eat it, but a mild chilli con carne needn’t be boring.”

Recipe by Miles Halton –inspired by Antony Worrall

Thompson

Ingredients

700g minced butcher’s British beef

2 white onions, finely chopped

5 garlic cloves, crushed

1 or more chilli, chopped (red for colour)

1 stick of celery, chopped

4-6 rashers British smoked streaky bacon, chopped

1 heaped dsp ground coriander

2 heaped dsp ground cumin

1 heaped tsp smoked paprika

2 dsp oregano

1 bay leaf

1 heaped tsp ground black pepper

1 heaped tsp salt

350ml beef stock

Tomato puree, a good squeeze

2 tins chopped tomatoes

1 tsp of chipotle paste

2 ancho chilli, softened in boiling water then chopped.

Instructions

Add oil to a large, heavy saucepan and fry the bacon, then turn the heat down a bit and add the onion and celery. Sweat for 15 mins until sweet and add the garlic, then the dry spices and herbs and stir for 5 minutes.

Remove from pan, turn up the heat, add more oil and brown the mince.

When browned, stir in the tomato puree and cook to remove the bitterness. Add back the spiced onion mix. Add the tinned tomatoes, the hot beef stock, the chopped ancho chilli and bay leaf.

Bring to the boil, then simmer for three hours to let the flavour develop. You’ll probably need to add more salt. Best reheated the next day with brown rice and a dollop of crème fraiche.

Enford Farm Shop

There’s no prizes for making a chilli so hot it can’t be eaten, but a mild chilli needn’t be boring PHOTO: remcoosculiflowers/Pixabay

Retain the water to add later.

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Škoda solution to parking stresses

DRIVERS are finding paying for public parking an ordeal, with 40% of UK motorists saying it’s as stressful as being late for work.

With so many different payment methods used across Britain, from ticket machines to apps, research by Škoda UK found that 20% compared it to having an argument, 16% said it was as stressful as opening a bill and 9% as bad as going to the dentist.

Almost half (47%) of motorists in the UK have given up paying for parking altogether because the process was too difficult, while 18% have said they’d spent more than 10 minutes trying to pay for a space.

In addition, 33% have failed to pay for parking at least once, and later received a fine as a

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The British public’s least favourite payment method is an automated phone call (38%), followed by a parking app (26%) and then a ticket machine (18%), according to the research.

Škoda is trialling a new Pay to Park service which enables cashless payments directly via its infotainment system.

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Pay to Park is being trialled in continental Europe but will be tested in the UK in the future.

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2022 (72) Vauxhall Astra 1.2T Ultimate Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 8 speed automatic gearbox, ½ leather, heated seats, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, reverse cameras, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, main beam assist, sign recognition, lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise, sunroof, hill start assist, only 450 miles .........................................................................................................£22950

2014 (14) Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Design Automatic Estate 5dr. 115bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, flat fold rear seats, large boot, parking sensors, cruise control, alloys, air con, 41,900 miles ............................................................£8250

2008 (58) Volkswagen Transporter 1.9TDi T28 SWB Van. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, converted day van, carpet lining, glazed side door & tailgate, rock `n’ roll bed, power converter, big wheels, side bars, air con, parking sensors, cruise control, 154,500 miles .........................................................£8500

eBay searches tell a tale on vehicle security

SALES data analysis for theft prevention products bought on eBay has uncovered what drivers are buying and their location, revealing the top 10 most security conscious areas in the UK.

eBay analysed the key security items purchased, including steering wheel locks and car immobilisers, between May 2022 and May 2023.

This was then compared to population size, with Romford in Essex coming out on top of any location in the UK, followed by Motherwell in North Lanarkshire and Redhill, Surrey.

Drivers being more security conscious comes at a time when car thefts are on the rise in some areas.

In the same period, the Metropolitan Police Service recorded a 12% increase in car theft, with a total of 35,765 offences, the equivalent of four per 1,000 people across all London boroughs.

Llandudno in North Wales placed fourth on the list and Southall in West London rounds out the top five, followed by Crewe, Dartford, Chelmsford, Truro and Doncaster.

As well as items sold, eBay Parts and Accessories also looked at the wider product search, revealing a 136% increase in searches for the phrase ‘car security system’ from May 2022 to May 2023, a 125% increase for the phrase ‘Faraday box’, and a 76% increase for the phrase ‘Faraday

Searches for the phrase ‘car security system’ increased 136% in the space of a year to May 2023

MAIN PHOTO: Pixabay

pouch’ – an item which blocks the signal between the car key and vehicle to reduce the risk of the car being stolen remotely.

Laura Richards, eBay category lead for parts and accessories, said: “By studying purchases made on eBay and looking at just how many searches are made every day, it’s clear to see people want to do everything they can to protect their vehicle.

“Having a car stolen can

Surprises in store at DVCA’s September Sale!

containing all of the correct equipment, a fun Fiat 500 with Abarth credentials, a specially restored Renault Alpine GTA by the Car SOS Team, a lady owned low mileage pristine Jaguar XK8 Coupe, a BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster with hardtop, and a rare 1952 Austin A40 Jensen-bodied Sports.

Military folk will love the 1942 Jeep MB complete with mock machine gun, and for late holiday fun is a VW T3 Camper. Open air motoring can be found via a

cause huge stress, but there are a huge range of items which can help prevent this, whether that’s to protect a cherished classic or a more modern model.

“At a time when we see more reports of vehicles being stolen and more sophisticated methods, owners are looking at all the different accessories that can help protect their vehicle when it’s parked at their home.”

rare split screen Morris Minor MM Tourer, and for lovers of a solid roof, there’s a Riley Elf and its cousin, a beautiful Wolseley Hornet, plus a Morris Isis Series II.

There’s an array of exciting vehicles on offer in Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions’ Autumn Sale, to be held on Thursday 7th September.

Bikers will be bidding for a Vespa 150 with a rare Commercial Sidecar one moment, then be amongst the heavy metal such as a 1991 Triumph Trophy 1200/4, plus a 2003 Bonneville, and a Suzuki GSX. A rare and beautifully built 1950s Triton 500cc and a 1951 Sunbeam S8, restored to S7 Deluxe specification, are also consigned to

the sale, as is an Ariel Colt and a BSA Bantam.

Meanwhile seekers of luxury motors can compete for a brace of Bentleys, a Mk VI and an R-Type, an immaculate Auntie Rover P4 100, a very British American Chrysler Richmond Six and a prewar Triumph Vitesse. There’s also a vintage Riley Lynx for restoration and a Talbot BD75 Special.

Those who prefer their transportation to be of a sportier kind are well served by a mighty Dax Tojeiro Cobra 427 5.7 V8

Motoring

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

Diagnostics

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

Air conditioning

Valets

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Air conditioning

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

459798

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com

459798

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

PETER HARRIS

Happy 50th Birthday, lots of love Tracy.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015

NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

Proposed development at: The Stables Long Mead, Melway Lane, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8EW. Take notice that an application is being made by: Mr Clive Knight for planning permission to: Demolish stables and storage building, erect 1 number dwelling, garage, workshop and plant room (alternative scheme to P-Ful-2022-00197)

Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ

Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application should write to the Council within 21 days of this notice.

Signatory: Mr Stephen Graeser (Agent - Stephen Graeser Planning)

Date: 1st September 2023

Statement of owners’ rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners’ rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease.

Statement of agricultural tenants’ rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants’ security of tenure.

‘Owner’ means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years.

‘Tenant’ means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that The Chedington Court Estate Ltd has applied to Dorset Council for a full variation of a premises licence in respect of The Old Brewery Café & Kitchen, Wyke Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4NW for regulated entertainment and the provision of alcohol generally between the hours of 09:00 and 23:00 Mondays to Saturdays, and 10:00 and 16:00 Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by e-mailing: Licensing@dorsetcouncil. gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice.

The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited.

DATE: 24th August 2023

COLIN AND SANDRA PITMAN

Congratulations on your 60th Wedding Anniversary 14th September

Love and best wishes from all the family

ANNOUNCEMENT

AFTER OVER 30 YEARS THE BISON CENTRE AT BUSH FARM,WEST KNOYLE WILL BE CLOSING ITS DOORS

The owners Lord and Lady Seaford are retiring and the farm has been sold. The gift shop will be holding a 50% sale of all marked goods on Saturday 9th September from 10am - 5pm.

WE WILL BE TAKING A SHORT BREAK FROM SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2023 TO SUNDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2023

THE TELEPHONE LINE DURING THIS PERIOD WILL THEREFORE BE CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT MAY BE AVAILABLE VIA

DORSET PATIENT TRANSPORT BUREAU ON 0300 777 5555 OR

NHS HOSPITAL TRANSPORT ON 01278 727457

For people in the SP8 area please call Gillingham Car Link 07599 311443

Announcements

FAYERS EVELYN

DEATHS

On 5th August peacefully at The Mellowes Care Home, aged 90 years (formerly of Child Okeford). A dearly loved Mum, Granny/Nanny, Great Granny/Nanny.

A private cremation, followed by a memorial service at St Nicholas Church, Child Okeford, on Wednesday 6th September at 2-30 pm.

Family flowers only but donations If desired for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, may be made online by visiting www. close-funeral.co.uk or cheques payable to the charity c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU Tel: 01258 453133

BRIAN GERALD RIDEOUT

Peacefully on the 14th August 2023. Brian aged 85 years. Much loved by all his family and friends. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday, 4th September at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The British Heart Foundation or Prostate Cancer UK.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

CHRISTOPHER SIDNEY JOHN MARSH

Chris Marsh of Milton on Stour, passed away on 12th August at the Malthouse care home aged 87 years.

A much loved Father, Grandfather, Brother and friend to many. A thanksgiving service to take place at St Simon & St Judes Church, Milton on Stour at 11am September15th, for all that knew him. Following a private burial the Family wish attendees to join them at the Scout Hut for refreshments. Family Flowers only please, but donations for St Simon & St Judes Church and Gillingham St Mary Scout Group may be sent to Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors.

PALMER - BETTY KATHLEEN

of Bruton passed away peacefully on 9th August 2023 aged 96 years at The Glen Care Home. Betty will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

A private cremation will take place. A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Monday 11th September at St Mary’s Church, Bruton at 12:00 noon, where all are welcome, followed by the interment of Betty’s ashes at Bruton Cemetery at 1:15 pm. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired for The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth may be forwarded to Trotman Funeral Directors, Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QQ

MRS BETTY ROSE BANDY

Passed away peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on 14th August 2023 aged 89 years. Beloved wife of Brian. Will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Family flowers only but donations if desired for cancer research UK.

Service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 4th September at 15.20.p.m C/O Bracher Brothers

DEBBIE JOY WALBRIDGE

Sadly passed away, aged 62, on Wednesday 16th of August at home surrounded by family. Much loved daughter, sister, wife, mum, nanny, and friend. Funeral service will take place at All Saints Church, Tarrant Monkton, DT11 8RX on Thursday 7th September 12 o’clock. Black formal wear with a splash of colour. Family flowers only please. Donations to Colin Close Funeral Director for Debbie’s chosen charities.

JENNY HOUSE

passed away at Dorset county hospital on the 16th of August, aged 82. Loving wife of Bernard. Mum of Martin, Tracey, Tina and mother in law of Tim and Mark. Loving Aunty. Funeral service at Long Barrow, Harbour View on 16th September at 10.30 a.m. No flowers please. Invited to wear Lilac or Mauve.

Donations to The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and c/o Tapper Funeral Services

GORDON RICHARD JOLLIFFE

of Ludwell. Funeral service will take place at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday 13th September at 2pm. No flowers please, but donations in his memory for Dementia UK, may be made online or sent to c/o Merefield & Henstridge, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury SP7 0BU.

KENNETH NICHOLAS ALFORD

Has sadly passed away on 16th August 2023. A Much-loved Husband to Maureen.

A special Dad and Father-in-law to Nicola & Paul, Tania & Andrew, Kerry & Richard.

A lovely Grandad to 10 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral Service is taking place on 14th September 2023, at St James’ Church at 1pm. Family flowers only. Spring colours for dress code

CARDEN Pam

Pamela Nellie Passed away peacefully in Alderney hospital on 8th August aged 89. Loving wife to the late Colin, Mother to Philip and Wendy, Motherin-Law to Roger and Karen, Sister, Gran and Great Gran. Loved by everyone who knew her. Funeral service at Poole Crematorium (Halo Ceremony Hall) on Monday 11th September 2023 at 12 noon. Family flowers only please, donations if desired are welcome for The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Personal messages, memories and donations may be made online at www.oharafunerals.co.uk

Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors Verwood 824961

JESSIE HUCKFIELD

Passed away 15th August. Sadly missed by her friends and her dog Queenie. Funeral at Tarrant Rushton Church at 11am on 14th September. No flowers. Donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind via Colin Close Funeral Directors Tel: 01258 453133

DEATHS

CONSTANCE IDA BOWMAN “IDA”

Died Peacefully, Age 87 at The Cedars nursing home, Shaftesbury on Friday 25th August after a valiant fight against cancer. Loving wife of Edred for the last 33 ½ years and Beloved wife of the late Richard Farwell who died 11th December 1987. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Rosemary FarwellGrivet and Son, Mark Farwell. Sister, Pam and Brother Tony. Sonin-law, Jeań Yves Grivet and Daughter-in-law, Mandy Farwell. Wonderful Granny to Juliane Grivet, Nana to Catherine, Martin and Matthew. Great Nana to Lucy, Stanley, Adelaide, Sam, Harriet and Erin. An Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great Aunt and Friend to so many people.

The Family will hold a private cremation however a Thanksgiving service for Ida’s life will be held for all who wish to attend at St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury on Monday 18th September from 2.00pm. Family Flowers requested only however Donations in lieu are welcome in memory of Ida, Received gratefully to ‘the Friends of Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury’ For further information, please contact Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newell, Gillingham, SP8 4QL on 01747 822494.

MARSH MARILYN RENEE

Formerly of Charlton Musgrove. Passed peacefully away at Fir Villa, Marston Magna, aged 91 years.

Widow of David, mother to Andrew, Lorraine & Richard & loving grandmother & great-grandmother. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 15th September 2023 at 2.00pm. Family flowers only please.

Donations in memory of Marilyn for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310. Please make cheques payable to the charity.

EILEEN HIGGINS

Of Harbour Road, Sherborne passed away peacefully on the 1st of August. In loving memory there will be a remembrance service September 11th at 2 o’clock at the Methodist Church, Cheap Street, Sherborne with tea and cake afterwards.

All welcome and invited to wear colours.

Thank you for all the care that she’s been given from everyone.

DAVID TRIM

Peacefully on the 19th August 2023 after a long illness bravely borne. Dave aged 70 years of Milborne Wick. Much loved Husband, Son, Dad, Grandad and Brother who will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday, 8th September at 1.20pm.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

MAURICE JOHN HANNAM

Passed away peacefully on August 17th at home aged 94. Dearly loved husband of Joan, Father of Dawn and Trevor, Stepfather of Martin and Denise, Grandfather to Tom and Luke, Great Grandfather to Oliver and Hailey.

Funeral Service on Friday22nd September, 11am at Salisbury Crematorium followed by a service at 1.30pm St Mary’s Church Gillingham. A celebration of Maurice’s life will take place at Gillingham Social Club, Hardings Lane following the church service.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Motor Neurone Disease Association

c/o Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QL

Brian is rocket man

THE life of a popular Gillingham man was celebrated at a special memorial event that was ‘out of this world’.

Brian Smith, a well-known member of the community in the town, passed away recently at the age of 76.

Among his final wishes was a desire to have his ashes sent into the skies in a rocket, to the sounds of Norman Greenbaum’s timeless classic, Spirit In The Sky. So, on Saturday, August 19, friends and relatives gathered at Rocky’s Bar, in Queen Street - where Brian was a regular on poker nights - to carry out his wish.

Born in Bethnal Green, London, in 1947, Brian was one of 10 children.

He was father to five girlsTerri from his first marriage and Zoe, Louise, Rosie and Grace from his second.

The family moved to Lox Lane in 1999, and Gillingham 13 years later, where Brian was a regular churchgoer and a popular member of the community.

“The church and Rocky’s especially have been so helpful in organising his celebration, the love felt there on Saturday was outstanding,” the family said.

“Dad’s wishes were to have his ashes in a rocket to the song Spirit In The Sky and it was a wonderful sight.

“The family would like to thank the church, Rocky’s Bar and his many friends in the community for attending his celebration.”

Rocky’s Bar was the ‘main helper and contributor’, the family added, with huge thanks.

Brian is survived by his five children and wife, Sharon.

Family and friends of Brian Smith, inset, gathered in Gillingham

Recruitment

FULL-TIME HOUSEKEEPER/CARER.

North Dorset

Seeking a housekeeper/carer for a gentlemen in his 80s living alone in North Dorset. Quiet confidence, technological awareness & practical skills with proactive and organised outlook are key requirements. Core responsibilities include household management, light housework, laundry, grocery shopping, local driving errands & personal care when required. Private, self-contained accommodation provided and a competitive salary package To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter, outlining your relevant experience. nfallsopp@gmail.com

FULL-TIME BRICKLAYER/GROUND-WORKER required for immediate start for work around North Dorset. Good rates of pay, holiday & pension. Van supplied. Must be able to use own initiative and work independently. For more information, contact Simon on 07967 808045.

COMPTON MCRAE, Deli and cafe, Semley Sous chef, barista, and wait staff. Small family run business. Full or part-time positions. No evenings, no Sundays. Please call 01747 448750 or email bill@comptonmcrae.com

Recruitment

TRAINEE SUSTAINABILITY ANALYST:

Would you love a role that is varied and exciting, in a fast growing consultancy business where no two days are ever the same?

Bachelor’s Degree or Strong A-levels required

You will need to drive for this role. Our office is located near Mear (Wiltshire) with no access to public transport.

Full-time (37.5hours)

Starting Salary £21,250 to £22,500

For more information, please email careers@asesoria-group.com

FULL TIME, SELF EMPLOYED LABOURER NEEDED. Call Simon 07847 659881

Pall Bearer/Driver (Part-time)

The main duties include Pall Bearing, driving and chauffeur duties on funerals, therefore the applicant must be smart in appearance with good communication skills and hold a full driving licence. Duties also include being on the out of hours on -call rota which entails providing assistance for removals of the deceased into our care at weekends and evenings. This is a casual part-time position with hours of work dependent on the number of funerals y ou are requested to attend and being available for the on -call rota.

Applications in writing with CV to Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Blandford Forum DT11 7JU. Tel. 01258 453133 www.close-funeral.co.uk

ASSISTANT CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR

Part-Time - 15 hrs pw Salary £22,369 - £24,496 (FTE) (NALC SCP 7 – 12)

• Primarily to support the town clerk and local councillors

• Dealing with telephone enquiries and visitors to the council office

• Competent computer skills, management of social media platforms, training can be given

• Some flexibility required for occasional evening meetings and holiday cover

Full job description available on STC website

If you would like to work with our friendly team please email your CV to; clerk@stalbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 13th September

GROUND PERSON AND GENERAL HELP, BETWEEN GILLINGHAM AND MERE. THREE DAYS A WEEK.

The Position may suite an older person/or semi-retired person who enjoys being outdoors.

Duties include mowing, strimming, hedge trimming, edging, keeping outdoor areas clean and tidy. Call 07540 633125

CHEF REQUIRED TO ASSIST AHEAD and second, chefs in a busy North Dorset pub. Full time to include evenings and weekends salary on application. Please phone (01747) 840866

A.P.STEPHENS & SON LTD

Require Multi-Skilled Labourer. Full time Blandford. Call Luke 07818297152

Independent Boarding and Day School for Pupils aged 4 -18 GSA/CISC

Lay Chaplain

Required from January 2024

Driver Required

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational Lay Chaplain to join our forward-thinking school.

Reporting directly to the Head, the role of the Lay Chaplin is co-ordinate the Chaplaincy work throughout the school, including leading the spiritual and prayer life of the school as a Catholic community, and developing, encouraging and strengthening the faith of all members of the community.

You will set an example of committed Christian living in word and deed and to co-ordinate all aspects of the school’s commitment to its Catholic ethos.

We are seeking to appoint a School Minibus Driver to start at the end of August 2018. The role entails driving the School vehicles on designated routes collecting children in the morning and dropping off in the afternoon at prearranged points. You will also assist with some basic maintenance and cleaning of the fleet The primary qualities sought are a genuine commitment to the welfare and safety of young people. You must hold a valid PCV Manual, (D or D1) Licence

There is some flexibility regarding hours of work which will be term time only (34 weeks) plus two days at the start and end of each term. Salary will circa £26,000 (full time) dependent on qualifications and experience.

Hours: 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 0630 to 0830 and 1730 to 1930 Term Time only Rate of Pay: £9 69 per hour plus holiday pay.

For further information and to download an application form please visit our website: https://www.leweston.co.uk/information/work-with-us

Closing date for Applications: Mid-day 15th September 2023

Please send your CV with the names of two referees to the HR Manager, Leweston School Leweston, Sherborne, DT9 6EN or email: recruitment@leweston dorset sch uk www leweston co uk

check

Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form The Society of Heads/CISC

Newly-digitised images give unique insight into war-time Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset landmarks

A UNIQUE insight into war-time Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset has been provided by new photographs released as part of an online archive.

Thousands of images, dating largely from 1943 and 1944, have been digitalised by Historic England.

They were taken by United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Photographic Reconnaissance (PR) units stationed at bases around the country during the Second World War.

Now, more than 3,600 black and white images showing England from the air are available to the public for the first time in an online, searchable map.

The collection gives a bird’s-eye view of the impact of war on the country, capturing a wide variety of locations in detail.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive at Historic England, said: “Our USAAF Collection records changes taking place in England as a result of the Second World War, as well as capturing fascinating incidental detail, like American troops playing baseball.

“Our collection of USAAF wartime photographs were taken in England by the pilots and aircraft of squadrons that provided intelligence for the eventual defeat

of Nazi Germany. This came at a cost, with many pilots killed in the line of duty.

“We are making these images available to the public for the first time online, giving

The outline of RAF Zeals is clear in pictures from 1944 and the present day - minus the planes Picture: Historic England Archives/USAAF Photography

The emergence of Frome is clearly shown when comparing pictures from 1943 and 2023 Picture: Historic England Archives/USAAF Photography/Google

people access to this remarkable collection of historic photographs.

“They help to highlight the vital role aerial reconnaissance played in the Second World War.”

Among the pictures are some south west landmarks, including Stonehenge.

Also revealed are some RAF sites that have since been lost, as many were decommissioned after the war.

RAF ZEALS

Among those shown in the images are RAF Zeals, where the outline of the former airfield is still largely in tact.

The watchtower building itself is also still standing, having been redeveloped.

Built in 1941/42, RAF Zeals was decommissioned in 1946.

FROME

Slightly further north, the town of Frome was snapped by crews in December 1943.

The expansion of the town in the following 80 years is clear...

STONEHENGE

The photos also feature a shot of Stonehenge, taken on Christmas Eve,

1944.

Much of the landscape looks much the same, as you would imagine, although the route of some roads and paths have been changed. The footpath around the monument has also moved back from the stones.

BOSCOMBE DOWN

Another location caught on camera in

December 1944 was Boscombe Down, which is now the longest military runway in the UK. Although civilian operated, it is still used to support aircraft development.

The modern technology is a far cry from the planes pictured on th ground in 1944, with no obvious ‘strip’ in sight.

To browse the entire archive, log on to https://historicengland.org.uk/usaaf

Stonehenge and the surrounding area is, unsurprisingly, little changed Picture: Historic England Archives/USAAF Photography/Google

Boscombe Down, minus the defined airstrip, is clear in an image from 1943

Picture: Historic England Archives/USAAF Photography/Google

Why is bird flu a concern ?

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

AVIAN flu, otherwise known as bird flu, is a virus which circulates within the wild bird population and periodically mutates into a more infectious or more deadly form around the world.

The baseline virus is Avian Influenza Type A, and the pathogenicity determines the severity of disease. It is monitored because low

pathogenic viruses can mutate to high pathogenic viruses, which can lead to rapid spread and high death rates in poultry, which has a significant economic effect on the poultry industry and has the potential for infection to spread to people.

The virus is classified by the combination of two proteins – H and N – and the current outbreak is caused by H5N1, which is highly pathogenic. The latest strain is unusually fatal in a wide range of bird species and

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation

is unusually transmissible between bird species.

The current outbreak has caused the deaths of more than 140 million poultry – directly or due to related culling –worldwide since October 2021, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. In the UK five outbreaks in a season was considered bad, but hundreds of farms have gone down with bird flu in the last 12 months, according to the University of Cambridge, and new outbreaks are still being reported weekly.

The Sea Bird Monitoring Programme has reported significant deaths due to avian flu in many sea bird species around Scotland. The adult survival rates of the Northern Gannet are estimated to be 42% lower than the previous 10-year average in the period 2021-22.

Avian flu infections in species other than birds have been recorded. In July this year H5N1 avian flu was identified as a cause of an unusual illness in cats in Poland from which 25 cats died. The outbreak appeared to result from direct access to wild birds and raw

PET SCANNING AND MICROCHIPPING service

Fully insured. Contact Sarah on 07769 323429

meat from infected poultry. There was no recorded cat-tocat transfer or infection of humans.

In 2011, 520 cases of bird flu were identified in humans, mainly in China, of which 307 were fatal. The likely sources of most of these infections were live poultry markets and steps have been taken to reduce future risks.

When bird flu infects mammals, it rarely spreads between them. However, there were a limited number of human-to-human infections within family groups in 2011. In 2022 there were reports of bird flu causing widespread mortality in farmed mink in Spain and sea lions in Peru. It is believed that infection spread within these populations, although this is unconfirmed and may be due to significant contact with infected wild birds. In the current outbreak, cases have been confirmed in the UK in foxes, otters, seals and dolphins, all likely due to close contact with infected birds.

While bird flu may seem a distant issue if you are not a poultry owner, it’s significance in the wider world may become important to the health of other species, including humans.

LURCHER PUPPIES for sale call 07808 850703

Food for our furry family members, cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds. Grain-free, vegetarian, frozen, gluten & sugar-free chews, natural treats. Soft toys, leather toys, leads & collars, coats, cool & heat pads, veterinary bedding, shampoo, towels... even microchipping!

Come and browse with a friendly chat... and if you don’t see what you want please ask!

“Ever

near Busypetz, Pebbles takes me to lovely Vanessa.” Anja C

MINIATURE DACHSHUND

PUPPIES black/tan girls

chocolate/tan boys ready now £1,200. Near Bruton 07815 721794

CAT SITTER WITH EXCELLENT REVIEWS. Christmas still available Booking advised. Please call Jacqui 07791 198679

MALE SMOOTH MINI DACHSHUND, last of a lovely litter ready for his new home. 07393 988911

SIAMESE AND ORIENTAL KITTENS. Ready now £650 01985 844795 / 07866 417777

RELIABLE , FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL CAT SITTING service. Please call Jacqui on 07791198679

DOGGY DAY CARE WANTED.

3-4 days per week starting from 4th September. Gillingham Shaftesbury area. Please contact Freya on 07799 795520

Pets

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

BEHAVIOUR TIPS

Tip #47: Dogs and children I

by Helen Taylor

THE internet and social media are full of ‘cute’ pictures of babies and young children hugging, kissing and manhandling dogs.

The dogs in many of these photos are displaying body language indicating that they are under stress.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that most dog owners are not able to accurately interpret dog body language.

If these stress signs are not recognised or acted upon this can lead to the dog eventually escalating to aggression.

Often – and if the child is lucky – the dog will first escalate to warnings such as growling or snapping – rather than straight to biting.

This is often the first time that parents realise there is a problem between dog and child –although the issue may have been going on for many months.

As we have already seen, growling and snapping are warnings and are a last-ditch attempt by the dog to avoid having to bite.

We also have kittens which will be looking for homes in the coming weeks – please get in touch to register your interest. Outdoors cats looking for homes – farms, stables etc For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/blandford.

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n Black fluffy cat missing since August

2 from Marnhull area. FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION

Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford

(Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)

Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

However, if parents reprimand the dog for growling or fail to address the underlying problem, it is usually only a matter of time before the dog bites.

Next time: We look at how to spot these non-aggressive signs of stress.

n Helen Taylor is a qualified, accredited behaviourist, a certified clinical animal behaviourist, a registered practitioner with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no 881). help@helentaylordorset.co.uk; www.helentaylordorset.co.uk

n Buttons (eight years). Delightful and would be a great companion to someone

n Lollipop (11 years). Looking for a rural home with no other pets where her diet can be controlled

n Lulu (three years). Sweet girl who is a little nervous but looking for a home in which she can blossom

n Freddie (eight years). Gorgeous long-term stray who just wants a home of his own

Jilly wins three golds at World Championships

LASER - RUN

HOT shot Jilly Wallace, from Semley, had a hugely successful end of season culminating in taking three gold medals in the Laser-Run World Championships held in Bath.

Laser-Run is part of Modern Pentathlon and she took world titles in the Ladies Masters Individual, Ladies Team and Mixed Relay events.

Competitors have to clear five bullseyes target shooting with the laser pistol before running 600 metres, then head back to the shooting range to repeat the shoot and then the run.

Jilly also won both the Laser-Run and Triathle –running, swimming and shooting – in the European Championships in Munich in July.

And earlier in the season she collected the British Champion title for Ladies masters in Laser-Run, Triathle and Biathle – swimming and running.

ANGLING

Bream win it for Rob

STURMINSTER & Hinton

AA’s Pairs Cup took place on club waters at Colber Farm.

Some 24 anglers took part on a very windy day, making presentation quite difficult. In addition, the water had hardly any flow, but a surprising amount of colour considering there had not been too much rain in the previous few days.

As has so often been the case this season, it has been big, bonus fish that have dominated the prize list, Rob Fletcher being the winner with four bream totalling 16lb 3oz.

He was pegged in the middle of the field on the upstream side of the demolished railway bridge and caught his fish on worm over groundbait, a tactic used by all those in the frame.

Jilly said: “The season really could not have gone better and it’s great to see all these sports becoming more popular and competitive.

“There is a fantastic set-up for training at Leweston Pentathlon Academy at

Leweston School, Dorset, where athletes of all ages are able to train and get coaching in swimming, running and shooting.

“I’m very grateful to the club there for making that available to everyone.”

Rugby club catches them young

YOUTH RUGBY

by Donald Smith

NORTH Dorset RFC are gearing up for the new season and on Sunday (September 3) Minis rugby sessions recommence.

More than 200 girls and boys aged five to 11 are expected at Slaughtergate, Longbury Hill Lane, Gillingham, the home of North Dorset. They will be preparing for a season filled with rugby fun, fixtures and festivals.

Rugby players, even at this age, follow the core principles of the Rugby Football Union of TREDS: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and

Sportsmanship, and they are coached and managed by a team of nearly 40 volunteers, many of whom are current or explayers at the club.

North Dorset boast some of the best facilities available for minis rugby, with dedicated playing areas and permanently marked pitches, and welcome many clubs from Dorset,

Wiltshire and Somerset for matches during the season that runs to the end of April.

The season culminates with a Minis tour to Devon and North Dorset’s own Mini’s Rugby Festival.

For any parents interested in their children joining North Dorset contact Minis@ndrfc. co.uk or visit ndrfc.co.uk/minis

Second was John Taylor, who had two big bream and a skimmer from Edwin’s Boathouse swim, together with a few small fish, weighing in 13lbs 4ozs.

Third, and pegged next to the winner, was Martin Barrett, also with two big bream and a skimmer to take 12lb 9oz to the scales.

The Pairs Cup was won by the second and third placed anglers, John Taylor and Martin Barrett, with a combined weight of 25lb 13oz.

Section winners were Ian Dunlop in the top section with 5lb 15oz, Jamie Bumby and Jack Stamp tied on 5lb 8oz in the middle length, and John Cattell won the downstream section with 5lbs 10ozs.

The Stour Cup, scheduled for Sunday (September 3), has been postponed to Sunday, September 24.

The air ambulance charity match will take place on Saturday, September 16, and members should note that all water from Wood Lane to Fiddleford Mill will be pegged and closed to pleasure anglers that day.

Jilly with Richard Wallace – no relation – her partner for the mixed relay event at the championships held in Bath

Pitman on song as Rockies go top

by Avril Lancaster

Blackfield & Langley 1

Shaftesbury

4

SHAFTESBURY went to the top of the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division with a win at Gang Warily, Brett Pitman scoring four times.

Pitman scored in the third minute after being set up by Asa Philips and then Ash Pope to put Shaftesbury ahead.

The Watersiders levelled in the 12th minute when former Rockies, Christchurch and Fareham Town poacher Eder Batista was threaded in to score.

FOOTBALL

The second half saw Cam Beard go close, and Louis Kellaway and Pope have efforts.

Joe Wickham then set up Pitman three times to seal victory, his hat-trick of assists adding to his goals against Hamble Club in the FA Cup and an assist against Westland Sports in the Dorset Premier League.

Pitman headed in Wickham’s cross 18 minutes from time before finding the net via

Wickham’s service twice in the last five minutes to add some gloss to the scoreline.

Blackfield & Langley showed – until the last 20 minutes – they have come a long way in a short space of time having put together a team only at the start of the season. This win will give Shaftesbury some confidence before a tricky trip to Brockenhurst, who did well in the FA Vase winning at East Cowes Victoria. The Meadens Skoda Arena has not been the Rockies’ most fruitful venue in recent times.

Shaftesbury will be playing AFC Stoneham, Fareham Town and Moneyfields soon in a league that has many good sides.

£1,000 for under 12s team

YOUTH football team

Shaftesbury FC U12s has netted a £1,000 donation towards new kit and equipment from Persimmon Homes South Coast.

Team manager Rob Lucas applied to Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme and was selected from dozens of applications to receive the award.

The gift will help fund new training kit and equipment for the team as well as the club’s planned upgrades to the pitch and goals.

Simon Hoare, MP for

WHEATHILL Golf Club held a fun get together for some of their newer lady members.

The event, staged under the umbrella of England Golf’s Women on Par scheme, aimed to help newer golfers meet one another and progress their golf in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Club pro Martin Liley gave the group some short game coaching and set fun challenges for everyone to try.

GOLF

Atkins lands Masters Trophy

WINCANTON Golf Club, 2023

August Masters, August 5-6.

August Masters Trophy: Winner – John Atkins best combined gross 144.

Masters Chandler Trophy: Winner – John Atkins best combined nett 143; Best Nett Round 1 – Steven Ireland nett 68; Best Nett Round 2 – Mike Taylor nett 68.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – August 8: 1 Simon Lenton 41; 2 Trevor Mills 37; 3 Chris Mieville 36.

Seniors nine-hole Stableford – August 8: 1 Reg Gazzard 17; 2 E G Applegath 15; 3 Alan Rogers 12.

Ray Adsett Greensomes Trophy – August 12: 1 Chris Chapman/Steven Ireland 40; 2 Rab Clyde/David Cartwright 39; 3 Trevor Mills/David Amann 34.

North Dorset attended a Shaftesbury U12s training session, alongside Lyn and Nick from Persimmon, to present the team with a cheque and learn more about the club’s important work

within the community.

Rob said: “The money will make a real difference, helping to make the whole experience more professional and enjoyable for the children.”

Seniors Monthly Medal –August 15: 1 Pete Starkey nett 67; 2 John Westaway nett 70 ocb; 3 John Morgan nett 70.

Seniors Back 9 – August 15: 1 Neil Auckland nett 35; 2 Derek King nett 39; 3 Mike Goodchild nett 43.

Cats Protection Trophy –August 19: 1 Rob Ley 36 ocb; 2 Steven Ireland 36; 3 Adam Smith 35.

Jack Smales Memorial Shield

– August 22: 1 Simon Lenton 40; 2 Trevor Mills 39 ocb; 3 Chris Dibben 39; 4 Pete Starkey 39.

Jack Smales 7 for 1 Glass –August 22: 1 Alan Rogers 17; 2 Reg Gazzard 16; 3 Derek King 14.

Category champtionships –August 26: Category 2 Winner – David Cartwright; Category 3 Winner – Brian White; Category 4 Winner – John Burns.

GOLF

This was followed by coffee and cake and then, with the support of some of Wheathill’s

more established members, the ladies went out to play a few holes on the main course.

Time to bring in hops and apples

by A J Selby

LAST month I wrote about harvest and to most country folk ‘harvest’ means the combining of the corn crops that signify the waning of the summer months. This year has been challenging with days snatched here and there between the showers to bring the harvest home – such a contrast to 2022 when all was safely gathered in by mid-August. Harvest, of course, is far more than just cereals and as we move into early autumn other crops are ripening in the late sunshine with hops and apples as important to those who enjoy a tipple as the malting barley now in store.

The important hop growing areas are Kent/East Sussex and Herefordshire. Hops will grow to over 20ft tall and the bines entwine themselves around thick string supported by rows of poles – hops ‘follow the sun’ and curl clockwise around the string –whereas runner beans curl anti-clockwise. Harvesting is best on those glorious late August and early September days that start

off with a thick mist at dawn, which is soon burnt off by the rising sun to leave a clear and warm day. Once the hops have started to dry a little on the vine, a cherry-picker or similar will cut the twine from the top wire and the hops will fall into a trailer running alongside. The crop is then taken to an oasthouse to separate the flowers from the vine, and to complete the drying process down to about 8% to 10% moisture. They are then tightly compressed into ‘pockets’ to store – there are pubs in hop-growing areas called The Hop Pocket. The UK has 27 varieties of hop each offering distinct flavours and degrees of bitterness for brewing, and of these the best known is probably Fuggles, an old Kentish variety.

And so then onto the top fruit harvest – apples, pears and plums but also greengages, damsons, quinces and medlars. The apple is a very British fruit with 2,500 varieties here out of some 7,000 world-wide, many of them iconic. Hasn’t everyone heard of

the Bramley, the Cox’s Orange Pippin and Granny Smith?

Brogdale in Kent is a ‘seed bank’ for hundreds of our heritage apple varieties and it’s worth searching out different types in farm shops and greengrocers. They have such a range of flavours and textures that put the standard supermarket types to shame, and old orchards are a great place for wildlife with mistletoe hanging from old branches and a host of insect life making a home in the gnarled old trunks.

Alongside our amazing range of eating and cooking apples are our cider apples, and again, we excel in choice with more than 300 available. Cider making is a bit of a ritual in the west of England with many small producers making excellent product from their own small orchards and even some village co-operatives getting together over a few autumn weekends to pick, juice, ferment and bottle their own vintage. Cider apples are just grown for their juice and so the look of the fruit is not important – many apples are gathered from the ground, and those that are left are a good food source for badgers, hedgehogs, rodents and a myriad of insect

life.

Away from the more formal orchards are the wild offerings, sometimes planted in years gone by and sometimes accidental. As a boy there was an entire hedge of plums on a local farm and every other year it would yield a bounty beyond compare. Large, purple, sweet and juicy plums that you could eat and eat until, unbelievably, you got fed up with them. Damsons and bullaces are less popular than they used to be, possibly because we have such choice in the supermarkets today whereas in the past country folk in particular would harvest free food before hunkering down for winter.

Blackberries are easily picked by all and so are hazelnuts. Mushrooms are less common than in the past as horse manure was ideal for them in old pasture – people aren’t as self-assured in identification today and tend to leave them alone. I love picking wild fungi and there is usually a choice of tasty offerings from the excellent ceps through to parasols and shaggy ink caps. If you go for a walk in the autumn countryside keep an eye open for fungi – if you are confident – as well as crab apples, sloes, nuts and damsons.

Fingers crossed for Indian Summer

by Tria Stebbing

THE summer that keeps on giving – wind and rain. Finally, this week a short hiatus in the foul weather, just in time for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury show. A few of our farmer friends spoke about the dilemma – to go to the show or cobble together some sort of bale with what is left in the fields.

Too late now to make small bales with haylage looking more likely. There is a heavy dew on the grass in the morning making it late morning before the sun

starts to dry and now dark by 8.30pm – haylage can be wrapped damp, has less dust so some horses prefer it.

We opted to go to the show and were pleased to bump into quite a few fellow Zwartbles breeders out for the day. We watched the judging and discussed the length of the white tails and enjoyed a day away from everyday life.

Talking to one of the breeders we got to discussing our own childhood summers and the burning of crops. My childhood

was spent in rural Essex where each year my family home was surrounded by burning fields.

The farmers back then were allowed to burn stubble after the crops such as wheat had been harvested and the residue of oilseed rape. The fires frequently blew out of control, and I can recall being given a fire-beater with my siblings to encourage the fire to go in a different direction.

It was banned in 1993, the downside being that blackgrass has increased, which can significantly reduce crop yields through competition to get the nitrogen from the soil. The greenhouse gases that the burning contributed to are now more known about, back then it was unheard of, and the only damage the farmer would be responsible for was the loss of the occasional

farm building.

The field is still definitely out of sync with the hedgerow, now full of sloes and elderberry, and the largest dog rose hips I have ever seen. The upside of this weather is that we have a lot of grass still to keep the flock going, without having to feed hay.

The flies continue to irritate the cows and we have now put some ‘spot on’ on them to help keep the flies away and stop them from biting. They are enjoying the windfall apples as a supplement to the grass.

Like everyone else, the jobs are stacking up at the field and we can only hope that an Indian Summer brings some sun and warmth in September to give us time to prepare for what might be a tough winter, if those berries are to be believed!

5 FLOCKED DECOY PIGEONS. 3 electric peckers with speed control. 4 decoy rooks. 2 leather cartridge belts. 4 cleaning kits. 1 single barrel 12 boar. POA. 07759 196385

Calves born with autumn in the air

by Ruth Kimber

THE season seems to have moved – there is an autumnal feel in the air. The hedges are full of berries and nuts – is this a sign of a hard winter to come?

Paul and I took our meat on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend to Bath Farmers’ Market, helped by Edgar, our eldest grandson. At 10 he’s a good help, and, in fact, when the card machine refused to work, he sorted it out for us!

On Sunday, we went to the Oak Fair set in the deer park at Stock Garland in Dorset. It’s a good way to spend the day – all things wood on show, things to buy and things to wonder at, great traction engines attached to saw benches sawing up logs and cutting through full lengths of tree trunks. Heavy horses demonstrating how to pull a tree trunk through the wood, causing very little damage to the surrounding area. Hurdles and basket making, bodging and chair making, felting, leather work, even some smelting. Stalls selling old tools and curios.

We also happened on a half-hour recital and readings of

William Barnes poems. All in local dialect, held in the little church on the grounds.

Other such fairs celebrate our past local skills and history, and they’re well worth a visit.

We spent Bank Holiday Monday in the garden, having a tidy up and clearing out our garage – where does all the stuff come from!

Our vegetable garden has been giving us lots of produce, with the runner beans being particularly good – all the rain has kept them growing quickly and made them tender. Our Victoria plum tree is overloaded and has broken branches. For the first time in years, I have done some bottling – the plums are a favourite and bottle well, and you don’t have to remember to defrost them!

The first of the calves has been born – as can be the case in lambing and calving, the problems often occur first. We had a twin born early and only one survived but is doing really well. Then a breach a month early to a heifer – first calf –which was born dead – having called the vet, the heifer is fine, though. Another three-week early Friesian heifer calf was

born, but alive and thriving. Since then, five more calves have been born, all okay.

We have been doing some improvements to the dairy and now we are embarking on updating the milking parlour. We installed the current parlour 30 or more years ago and now a good overhaul is overdue.

It will be a challenge while the work is done but we hope the result will cut down milking time and improve the milking experience for man and beast!

There’s never a dull moment on the farm and always a job!

The straw is being delivered

ready for winter but it doesn’t have that lovely bright yellow like last year. The corn farmers have had a challenging harvest, with rain stopping play – the quality of the corn has been affected, too, and drying costs will be high.

n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn; Linley Farm, Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD. Phone: 01963 33177; www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk, info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; Opening times Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am4.30pm.

Berries and nuts are plentiful this year. PHOTO: Jill Wellington/Pixabay

HEDGECUTTING. RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. Based around Gillingham/ Wincanton. Call Fred 07447 098610

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Mob: 07966 244536

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry

Pneumatic fittings

Air brake fittings

Hose clamps

Hydraulic Hoses

Quick release couplings Pressure wash hoses + lances

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Variation of oils

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

D CONIO COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE’S General Farm/ Countryside maintenance. Work including Fencing/ Digger Work/ Welding and Fabricating. Call David on 07813 835678

WANTED, BARNS WITH OR WITHOUT GRAZING for rare breed stock Stourhead/Frome/ Bruton/Wincanton/ Gillingham areas. 07866 417777 07917 443380 01985 844795

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Tel: 01258 472288. Mob: 07977 936109 New and second hand containers - blue/greenall with box locks

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service

Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience

Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk Cote

Mobile service available METAL

NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

METALS STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WA NTED

Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance

Weighbridge

Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection

Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

Cattle Yard Wanted

in winter, with silage, straw and labour. Headage payment per week, per animal.

07811 381159

EVERY WEDNESDAY SALE OF FAT CATTLE, CULL COWS. DAIRY CATTLE & CALVES PRIME, CULL AND STORE SHEEP.

EVERY FRIDAY – SALE OF STORE CATTLE

FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF PIGS – WEDNESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER

FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF REARED CALVES – WEDNESDAY

ES85 5F Rev Vari Width Auto Reset Plough, Browns Mole Plough, Vaderstad 6.2m Hyd Ring Rolls, Grays 10ft Water Ballast Roller, Weaving Sabre Tine Mtd 3m Direct Dril, Kuhn MDS935 Fertiliser Spinner + M620 & M420 Ext, Opico 6m Hyd Grass Harrows, Richie Galv 3m Aerator, Taarup 3128 7 Disc Mounted Mow/Cond, Teagle Side Shift 2.8m Flail Topper, Kverneland Taarup 9039 Single Rotor Rake, Fella 4 Rotor Tedder, PZ Haybob, McHale F5500 Round Baler with Fixed Churner Rollers, Claas Markant 55 Conv Baler, Teagle 8100 Trailed Straw Chopper, Westmac Mtd Bale Wrapper, Grays ½T Capacity Shear Grab, ADT Round Bale Squeeze & Spike, Fixed Bale Spike, Cherry Products Dung Fork, Twose GI 402 Flip Over Yard Scrape, Row Crop Wheels, Valtra Waifer Weights & Frame, Dumpy Bag Lifter, Parmiter Chain Post Rammer, Turner Mtd Snow Blower, IAE GI Cattle Crush, 4x 10ft IAE Cattle Hurdles, Gates, Jourdain GI Calving Gate c/w Head Yoke, Cattle Feeders, Slim Feed Bin, Pico GT Propane 355XL Portable Grain Drier, Ceres 5m Barn-Stormer 5 Grain Pusher, Cherry Products 2T Grain Bucket, Workshop Tools, 10kva PTO Generator. Inc by kind permission: Bateman RB15 Self Propelled 24m Sprayer (1997) 3,000 ltr tank twin spray lines & 2 sets of wheels. To be held at DANGELL’S BARN FM, MAIDEN BRADLEY, WARMINSTER, BA12 7HZ TUESDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2023 Commencing at 11am. Viewing 10am. Catalogue online inc Conditions of Sale & Payment Terms or Enquiries 01373 831010(3).

COLLECTIVE AUCTION AT FROME MARKET, STANDERWICK, FROME, BA11 2QB OF TRACTORS & FARM MACHINERY

TOGETHER WITH NEW TOOLS & WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES

THURSDAY 21st SEPTEMBER - ENTRIES NOW INVITED by Wed 6th Sept for the full Catalogue. Enquiries: 01373 831010(3) or online

FARMS & LAND For free Marketing Advice contact Martin Hemmett 01373 455060, Ross Whitcombe 01458 834288 or Hannah Pole 01761 411010

FARM & RURAL FINANCE Contact your regional agents: Chris Eden 01373 831010, Tori Osborne 01934 740055, Nick Oliver 01458 834288 www.cooperandtanner.co.uk/forthcoming-sales

JDG Structural Steel Ltd

Steel frame buildings for agricultural, industrial and equestrian enterprises

Pre-cast concrete wallings panels supplied and erected

Roller shutter doors supplied and fitted

All steel frames are designed, fabricated & erected to conform to current CE markings

Tel: 01747 811711

Mob: 07860 570258

Email: johnguttridge@aol.com

Email: Info@jdgstructuralsteel.co.uk.

www.jdgstructuralsteel.co.uk

On Behalf of R M Mogridge Contracting LTD (Retiring)

Marsh Lane Trading Estate, Henstridge, Somerset

Dispersal Sale by Auction on the Premises of The Entire Collection of Machinery & Equipment of the Business, including;

2 x Doosan 140, Doosan 6 Ton, Doosan 3 Ton, Wacker Neuson 9 Ton, Cat 3 Ton Excavators, Mecalec TV 1200 & Terex MB71 Rollers,Terex, Barford, Benfold and Volvo Dumpers, Manitou MLT 628 & Cat TH407

Telehandlers, Cat DP25

Forklift, Prodem Hydraulic Hammers, Renault 6X4 & 8X4 Tipper Lorries, DAF LF45 & Ford Transit Tippers, Man TG x 26.480 Auto/Sleeper Cab Lorry Unit, King GTS 44/3 Trailer, Renault & Vauxhall Vans, Ifor Williams Box & Flat Bed Trailers, Cement Mixers, Fuel Bowsers, Fuel Tanks, Power Floats, Somero 160 Self Propelled Laser Screed (Very Tidy), Shuttering, RSJ’s, Steel Lock Ups, Fuel Tanks & Bowsers, Plate & Trench Compactors, Lieca & Topcon Laser Units, Allen MP205 Ride on Power Trowels, Patterned Concrete Mats, Power Tools, Generators, Power Drills, Saws, Welders, Compressors, Bandsaw, Chainsaws, Roller Beams, Excavator Buckets, Workshop Equipment etc.

IN ALL SOME 800 LOTS ON

FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2023

1st Sale at 10am & 2nd Sale at 11am.

or 01722 321215

The Land & Farms Market 2023

SINCE the Truss/Kwarteng mini-budget, the ongoing war in Ukraine, increases in the cost of living and persistent interest rate rises, the residential and commercial property markets have been constantly adjusting with guide price reductions becoming frequent in less desirable urban areas.

However average land values across England grew by around 10% in 2022 and expectations were for this to continue in 2023 with demand remaining strong.

A wet spring meant several launches were delayed and since then supply has increased with 5% more land available than in 2022.

Demand is being driven by landowners and farmers, with capital to rollover from, selling often large blocks of land for development. We may see this reduce with a small slowdown in volume and pressure on developers’ margins.

Institutional and private investors and charities are becoming more active. There is much talk of the increase in natural capital buyers as another class of investor and we are certainly registering more such buyers, however, premium prices are difficult to extract.

Farmers, still the dominant buyers, are being more cautious if borrowing, therefore purely commercial farms or blocks of land need to be priced correctly to generate interest.

Our highlight of instructions in 2023 is the 952-acre Preston Farm near Blandford (pictured), the largest farm in Dorset this year. Offered in nine lots, the farm attracted huge interest nationally and locally with

several offers resulting in a sale being agreed over the £14m guide.

In April, 130 acres of arable land and woodland near Somerton were sold to three investor buyers, achieving an average of £11,500 per acre. In early summer, we agreed the sales of several ‘best-in-class’ residential and equestrian farms in excess of the guide.

However, it has not been all

plain sailing with some residential weighted farms generating good interest but still available.

If you are considering selling or buying, Symonds & Sampson’s dedicated farm agents can offer a national coverage and unrivalled local and industry knowledge to help. Contact Andrew on 01258 472244 or our dedicated farm agents in your nearest office.

Four-in-10 are ‘guppies’, research shows

MORE than four in 10 (42%) British adults under the age of 40 who do not currently own a home are now ‘Guppies’ – young people who have ‘given up on property’, according to new research.

Many of them have professional careers and big salaries, but stand in stark contrast to the ‘Yuppies’ of the 80s and 90s – young urban professionals with a good salary and no issues buying a home.

A new survey of 2,000 adults under the age of 40 by Zoopla revealed that even among those earning more than £60,000 per year, 38% have given up on affording a home in the next decade.

Overall, just one in five (21%) say they will ‘definitely’ be able to afford a home in the next decade, while 14% are currently planning to buy one, or are in the process of doing so.

The vast majority of Brits under the age of 40 in the UK do not already own a home – just 22.5% of those aged 25-34 and 1.4% of those aged 24 or under do.

In fact, non-home-owning under 40s in the UK are now more likely to be living with their parents than be planning to, or be in the process of, buying a home (14.4% vs 14.1%).

Those who have given up on a home in

the next decade cite 3 main reasons:

● The cost of living crisis (64%)

● Increasing house prices (51%)

● Higher mortgage rates (49%).

Of those who are planning to buy, or who are in the process of buying their first home, 85% say they have made financial sacrifices to do so.

Over a third 34% have given up holidays, and 30% have had to give up socialising.

A quarter (25%) have stopped saving for their future and one in 10 (10%) have even given up dating or being in a relationship in order to afford a home.

Andrew Tuffin, partner and head of Farm Agency at Symonds & Sampson reports that land values are currently defying the trend of most other property assets.

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Auction 21 September

Auction 21 September

Auction 21 September

East Burton, Wareham Guide £30,000 0.89 acres (0.36 hectares) of level, productive meadow pasture bordering the River Win/ Frome carrier. Freehold. Dorchester | 01305 236237

Auction 21 September

Piddletrenthide Guide £35,000 1.94 acres (0.78 hectares) of sloping pastureland enjoying impressive far-reaching views over the Piddle Valley. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Auction 21 September

Pitcombe, Bruton Guide £40,000 0.23 acres (0.09 hectares) of gently sloping scrubland containing the ruins of a traditional farm building with exceptional views. Freehold. Yeovil | 01935 382901

Marston Magna Guide £60,000 4.68 acres (1.89 hectares) of level pasture land situated in an edge of village location. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 382901

Auction 21 September

Wyke Regis Guide £125,000 10.08 acres (4.08 hectares) of level to gently sloping pasture land with outstanding views over the Fleet and Chesil Beach. Freehold. Dorchester | 01305 236237

Auction 21 September

Wimborne Guide £125,000 6.25 acres (2.53 hectares) of water meadow abutting the River Stour on the outskirts of Wimborne. Freehold. Wimborne | 01202 882103

Tender 21 September

Wanstrow Guide £130,000 13.33 acres (5.39 hectares) of gently sloping pasture land in two parcels, set to the south of the village. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 382901

Auction 21 September

West Parley Guide £165,000 16.12 acres (6.52 hectares) of productive level arable land situated between West Parley and Parley Green. Freehold. Wimborne | 01202 843190

Broadwindsor Guide £175,000

A delightful 3 bedroom detached cottage in need of modernisation with large gardens of about 0.32 acres. EPC Exempt; CTB F; Freehold. Dorchester | 01305 236237

Bedchester Guide £250,000 24.95 ac (10.09 ha) of level productive arable land with a stream and far reaching views across Bedchester and Fontmell Magna. Freehold. Dorchester | 01305 236237

Blandford Guide £250,000 20.77 acres (8.40 hectares) of productive arable and mature woodland. For sale in two lots. Freehold. Dorchester | 01305 236237

Blandford Guide £800,000 106.97 acres (43.29 hectares) of gently south-facing arable land, set in a tranquil location with far-reaching views. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

COLLECTIVE PROPERTY AUCTION | 21 SEPTEMBER | SHERBORNE

Colehill Guide £25,000

A former scout hut in about 0.06 acres providing scope for a range of uses (STPP/covenant consent). Freehold Wimborne | 01202 843190

Sherborne Guide £185,000

A deceptively spacious mixed-use property located in the heart of Sherborne on Cheap Street. EPC Band G; Freehold Sherborne | 01935 814488

Dewlish Guide £100,000

A building plot in a peaceful village location with full planning permission for a detached holiday cottage. Freehold Blandford | 01258 452670

Henstridge Guide £210,000

A well-proportioned 3 bedroom end of terrace property with parking and a good sized garden. EPC Band F; CTB C; Freehold Sherborne | 01935 814488

Corfe Mullen Guide £165,000

A former 2 bedroom annexe with Class E use utilised as an office with scope for a range of uses (STPP). EPC TBC; RV £4,650; Freehold Wimborne | 01202 843190

Cranborne Guide £225,000

A character property for refurbishment and possible extension (STPP/consents) in 0.36 acres. EPC Band E; CTB D; Freehold Wimborne | 01202 843190

Holworth Guide £225,000

A unique off-grid 2 bedroom mid-terrace former coastguard cottage with spectacular sea views. EPC Band F; CTB B; Freehold Dorchester | 01305 261008

Higher Ansty Guide £250,000

A charming, attached 3 bedroom cottage with a private garden, situated in a sought-after village. EPC Band D; CTB D; Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

Shillingstone Guide £275,000

A delightful 3 bedroom detached cottage in need of modernisation with large gardens of about 0.32 acres. EPC Exempt; CTB F; Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

Blandford Guide £275,000

A substantial 3 bedroom property with scope for remodelling in an elevated position on a favoured road. EPC Band D; CTB E; Freehold Blandford | 01258 452670

Morcombelake Guide £325,000

A 2 bedroom timber bungalow in need of restoration in an elevated position with views to the sea. EPC Band G; CTB C; Freehold Bridport | 01308 4220928

Lyme Regis Guide £500,000

A fantastic seafront refurbishment or redevelopment opportunity comprising a 3-storey house. EPC Band F; CTB D; Freehold Axminster | 01297 33122

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

An impressive Grade II Listed Georgian house with two apartments, two additional homes, and outbuildings, all located in an elevated position with beautiful gardens and grounds of approximately 21.60 acres. The house underwent extensive and sensitive restoration in the late 1990s and was the recipient of a Civic award for its outstanding restoration. EPC Exempt; CTB H; Freehold Poundbury | 01305 251154

A substantial and flexible detached 6 bedroom main dwelling, 5 holiday cottages, separate detached bungalow, 2 mobile homes, 2 carports and stabling in approximately 8.00 acres of glorious Dorset countryside with wonderful far reaching views. EPC B; CTB F; Freehold Sturminster | 01258 473766

Weymouth Guide £3,000,000

East Orchard Guide £1,500,000

Are rural rents catching up with the big towns and cities? Apparently not

HERE in the Vale, we are very protective of our rural idyll.

We heard stories of people in cities and towns looking to move out as the effects of the pandemic highlighted the benefits of life ‘in the sticks’.

But is it true that rents in rural communities like ours are rising faster than in larger towns and cities, as others seek to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside?

Well, according to property firm Zoopla, while rural rents are rising, costs in urban areas are climbing faster.

“Summer is one of the busiest times of year in the rental market,” a spokesperson said. “And demand for new rentals this year is now even higher than the same time last year.

“Meanwhile, the supply of homes to rent is only slightly ahead of last year’s levels.

“That means the supply-demand gap for the rental market is continuing to put pressure on rents. And as demand increases, so do the prices.”

Zoopla’s rental index of new lets shows the average UK rent increased by 0.9% over June - the highest monthly increase since October 2022.

The average UK rent has now reached

£1,163 - £110 higher than a year ago.

However, a new trend emerging in the rental market is rural areas becoming more affordable than cities when it comes to new lets.

“Rural areas are built out of Census output areas defined as those with a population of less than 10,000. They can include isolated dwellings, hamlets, villages and small hub towns,” the spokesperson said.

“In England, the average city rent in major cities reached £1,300 in June, while in the countryside it remained £220 lower, at £1,080.

“The lettings market in UK cities is prone to seasonal summer spikes in rental inflation as demand from students, graduates and relocating families grows over the summer.

“In recent months, some of the largest UK cities have experienced above national average inflation of more than 10%.

“However, rural rents are now growing at a slower pace. Over the last 12 months, rents in the English countryside increased by an average of 6.6% or £67 a year.”

The new trend marks a reversal of what happened during the pandemic years of 2020-21, when rural rental properties were

in hot demand, they said.

“The reopening of cities in 2021 has seen renters returning to urban areas,” the spokesperson added.

“And by June 2022, their regained popularity led rental inflation in cities to exceed that of their rural counterparts.

“Conversely, the average proportion of household earnings needed to rent in the countryside has stayed broadly the same over the last 12 months.

“Having said that, this won’t be a universal experience of all renters in rural locations.”

Around two out of five rural areas saw rental inflation rise above the national average wage growth (6.9%), they said, while renters in some rural areas are now having to put a higher proportion of their income towards housing costs.

However, ‘rental inflation’ is at its lowest in Northern Ireland (4.3%) and the South West (7.7%).

“Demand for rentals in the South West has slowed down from the pandemic peak of 2021 and it has been lagging behind other UK regions since October 2022,” the Zoopla spokesperson said. “This has eased the pressure on rental inflation in the region, particularly in the more rural areas.”

Rents in rural areas are rising more slowly in the South West, according to Zoopla

From 28 days to 60!

A recent update on planning law has seen a significant increase in the number of days farmers and landowners can provide camping pitches under a new ‘Class BC’ permitted development right. As of 26th July this year, farmers and landowners can now run pop-up sites for campervans, motorhomes and tents for up to 50 pitches over 60 days per year, without the need for full planning permission or a camping licence.

Prior notice is however required to the Local Planning Authority each year, setting out the dates, provisions for waste, and a site plan showing the proposed area and toilets. A maximum of 42 days of consecutive use is permitted, but there is no requirement to remove portable structures during ‘closed’ periods.

The location of a proposed campsite must not be within the curtilage of a listed building, within an SSSI, on a scheduled monument, or in a safety hazardous area. The issue of phosphates and the Poole Harbour catchment area also

needs to be taken into consideration. It should also be noted that this permitted development right specifically excludes caravans. Sam Haskell, Rural Surveyor in our Sturminster Newton office welcomes the update.

‘The extension of permitted development rights from the previous 28 days to 60 provides a greater opportunity for rural areas to take advantage of the staycation, general tourism and the UK festival markets. With diminishing BPS payments, income generation through diversification is widely sought-after, and it’s not too late to benefit from this summer season!

Symonds & Sampson’s Rural Agents can offer advice on all matters relating to diversification, permitted development and a wide range of matters relating to farms and rural property. Please contact Sam or Edward Dyke in our Sturminster Newton office on 01258 472244, or one of our Planning and Diversification experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.

£365,000

£116,500 Wincanton

£450,000 Wincanton

An individually designed detached house spread over three floors, situated at the end of a no through road with stunning panoramic views. The lower ground floor provides a self contained annexe but could easily be reverted to create a spacious four bedroom home. Generous off road parking and detached timber outbuilding ideal for a studio. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

Thinking of moving?

We require more properties to meet the demand from buyers looking for a home in Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary, Mere, Stalbridge, Milborne Port and the surrounding villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation.

NEW INSTRUCTION

£140,000

A Freehold one bedroom ground floor flat enjoying the benefit of a light and airy living room, stylish fitted kitchen, modern shower room, GCH, double glazing and with the benefit of no onward chain. EPC Rating: C. Freehold.

BRUTON

£225,000

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

NEW INSTRUCTION

£300,000

WINCANTON £145,000

A delightful Grade II Listed cottage within a short walk of the town centre. Brimming with character offering spacious living accommodation comprising wonderful sitting room, kitchen, utility area, cloakroom, three bedrooms, bathroom and an attractive cottage garden enclosed by fencing and natural stone wall. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on a mature development. Spacious sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom, easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first time buy. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON £226,500

Second phase now available. An exciting development of newly converted apartments forming part of a handsome period building situated in the heart of Wincanton. A wonderful opportunity to reserve one of these delightful homes. EPC Rating: tbc. Leasehold.

An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached house with stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside beyond. Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

£425,000 Buckhorn Weston

WINCANTON £179,950

A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular residential development. The property is presented in excellent order and enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting room, fitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). EPC Rating: D.

An attractive detached house in delightful village setting comprising sitting room with natural stone fireplace, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, third reception/bedroom four, cloakroom, new double glazed windows and doors, off road parking, garage and secluded gardens. No onward chain. EPC Rating: F. Freehold.

Wincanton 01963 34000 Shaftesbury 01747 851151

Hamlet Lettings

01963 34006

Wincanton

Templecombe

to £175,000 Wincanton

UK Removals

All

PROPERTY TO

1 BEDROOM SELFCONTAINED ANNEXE, 2 miles from Blandford. Fully furnished. Ample private parking References required. 07816 291103

LET

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817

INDUSTRIAL UNITS to let, ranging from Small to Large, available at Gibbs Marsh Trading Estate, Stalbridge, DT10 2RX.Contact: 07768 993222

SOUTH CHERITON

Asking price £750,000 Agricultural tied dwelling in South Cheriton comprising five bedroomed chalet style bungalow set in fifteen acres with an outbuilding. EPC D Please call Morton New on 01747 824547 for more information

Armishaws provide the highest levels of customer service, tailored to your move.