The New Blackmore Vale (06/01/23)

MP blasts HSBC bank closures

WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder has urged HSBC customers to move their accounts to banks that 'have more care for rural customers'.

The comments come after the chain, in November, announced it was to close 114 branches –including five in Dorset.

Bosses at HSBC say the closures were due to a range of factors, including customers moving to online banking.

Two set to close, in Bridport and Dorchester, are in Conservative MP Mr Loder's constituency and he has reacted angrily to the decision.

“This news suggests a total abdication of service from HSBC to their rural customer base, many of which have no wish to bank digitally,” he said.

“Many constituents I have spoken to believe in-person, cash-based banking is the most secure and the most userfriendly method of banking.”

He said the closure would affect the ‘wellbeing’ of the market towns.

“Bridport and Dorchester are both market towns, with the market playing an intrinsic part of these towns’ culture and economy,” he added.

“Cash underpins all of this, and HSBC making this even harder for customers is not going to incentivise growth in town centres.

“I would urge local bank customers to support our local high streets and markets by taking custom away from banks that are disinterested in the wellbeing of our communities and support those banks that are committed to a future in our town centres.”

HSBC said while it didn’t comment on individual closures, decisions were not taken lightly and were made after a thorough review of a branch’s location, with some proving

‘unsustainable’.

“Customers are continuing to migrate from physical to digital banking and footfall in our branches is at an all-time low, with no signs of it returning, while digital adoption and usage is soaring,” a spokesperson said.

“Banking remotely is becoming the norm and we need to take action to make sure we have a sustainable branch network that is fit for the

future.”

They said the firm was investing millions of pounds in improving branches staying open, as well as digital services.

“Our branch model does also encompass a broader range of local support, beyond the traditional bank branch, including pop-up branches that are arranged locally to address the needs in each local market,” the spokesperson added.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder (inset) has condemned the planned closure of HSBC’s Dorchester branch (above). MAIN PHOTO: Google

Snowy scenes delight

MIDWINTER has passed and the Vale is enjoying the second half of winter, before spring emerges over the horizon.

And our readers have been out with their cameras as part of our winter photograph competition, run on social media.

Last week, we showcased a range of their amazing efforts, and this week we can reveal the winners, as picked by renowned photographer Doug

Chalk.

“The winner just sums up winter very well – I dread to think where he stops on the sledge going down Gold Hill, though,” he said.

“It is a very worthy winner. Well done!”

Doug highly commended pictures by David Thompson and Annette Acreman.

Look out for more photo competitions on our social media channels.

PHOTO: Chris Robinson

PHOTO: David Thompson

Winner

Highly Commended

PHOTO: Geraldine Moore

PHOTO:_Graham P Bannister

PHOTO: Emma Black

PHOTO: Rose Faulkner

PHOTO: Sarah Corbett

PHOTO: Annette Acreman

PHOTO: Tracey Ann McDonald

Money rolls in for winter appeal

THIS year’s Surviving Winter Appeal, launched in November, has raised £100,000 thanks to the generosity of local donors.

Now grants of up to £500 are being disbursed to helP ensure vulnerable older people stay warm, safe and well in the face of soaring energy bills.

The annual appeal encourages pensioners to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment, if they do not need it themselves.

The donations provide funding and support to older people across Somerset struggling to

heat their homes.

SCF’s philanthropy director Laura Blake thanked local people for their support.

“We’ve been astounded by the magnitude of support we’ve received for the

Surviving Winter appeal so far this year, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis,” she said.

“We’ve seen many donors generously passing on their larger Winter Fuel Payment,

and others donating their monthly energy rebate.

“We’re hugely grateful to each and every person who has donated – and particularly those who donate year after year.

“Without your support, we know lots of older people in Somerset would be suffering in silence during these long, cold winter months.”

SCF is aiming to help at least 800 isolated and vulnerable older people stay warm, safe and well this winter.

To donate to Surviving Winter visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/ winter or phone 01749

344949. A donation form is also available to download from SCF’s website or people can send a cheque made payable to Somerset Community Foundation (writing SW on the reverse) to Yeoman House, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN or phone 01749 344949.

This year, alongside the Surviving Winter appeal, SCF is running the Somerset Cost-ofLiving Crisis Appeal. Together, these initiatives will provide a lifeline for local people of all ages.

A walk around... Chettle

By Chris Slade, retired Dorset rights of way officer

AS you approach the village from the Blandford road you will pass a brilliant barbed wire sculpture of a cow and calf! Park at the village hall and walk up the lane to visit the church, the building materials of which will give you a hint of the local geology.

Then head south-west along the byway through the parkland, diverting briefly to the left to get a better view of the mansion, Chettle House (pictured).

Continue along the byway, which is part of the Jubilee Trail, enjoying the view.

After about a mile leave the byway and turn right, joining a bridleway heading north-northwest uphill alongside the wooded parish boundary.

Look out for the ancient Chettle Long Barrow.

Near the top of the hill the path turns right and heads east for a furlong or so, then turns left and heads north-east for half a mile to – not very – New Barn where you cross a byway and head north for a furlong, then right past the site of an old settlement, right again and soon you will meet Dunspit Lane on a corner.

The lane will take you for half a mile in a straight line back to the village, which is worth exploring to see the pub, the pond and, if you are feeling peckish, a little grocery shop selling home-made pies.

You will have walked nearly four miles.

Mike Searle / geograph.org.uk

Counselling service aims to fill the gap

THE ‘Dorset Mind Your Head’ counselling service for children and young people has re-opened for referrals.

Mental health charity Dorset Mind aims to bridge the gap, as NHS waiting list times increase, for concerned parents and guardians unable to find the support needed for young people in their care.

Mind provides a subsidised one-to-one support service with a counsellor for children and young people aged 11-17.

Friendly Children & Young Person (CYP) counsellors will provide youngsters with tools to support their own well-being and explore solutions to problems they may be facing.

Talking therapies can build confidence and self-esteem, supporting the growth and development of young minds.

Mind says that during an uncertain time for young people and adults, it is important safe spaces are available within local communities for youngsters to talk about their emotions and feelings with a trusted adult.

Barbara Montagna and Christine Bridger, counsellors and CYP team leaders at Dorset Mind, said: “We are both so happy to be re-opening the counselling service for young people at Dorset Mind, as these are such challenging times.”

Feedback from young people who have received support through the charity’s CYP counselling service is positive.

One said: “It’s been very helpful to have someone to talk to and to be heard/supported. I have gained so much confidence and strength.” Another added: “I’m finding out more things about myself every day. I can ask for help now.”

The CYP counselling service accepts referrals from parents, GP practices and professionals working with young people, and for those 13 and under provided parental consent is given.

To find out more or access the counselling service visit www.dorsetmind.uk/help-andsupport/young-people

For information on how to support Dorset Mind, by volunteering or fundraising, visit www.dorsetmind.uk/ get-involved

Dorset Mind has re-opened its counselling service for young people as waiting times on the NHS lengthen

Burns Nights a world apart

TO celebrate the successful conclusion of an expedition we always hold a supper commemorating the birth of the Scots poet Robert Burns. It should be on 25 January, but we are not particular about the date!

This started when the Scientific Exploration Society’s Operation Drake was excavating the site of the Scots Colony in Caledonia Bay, Panama, in 1979. We had more than 50 young people in the team and flew in a consignment of fresh haggis from Scotland. J & B Whisky kindly provided a few cases of its splendid product and accompanied by Scots Guards Piper Robert Little we dined and ‘reeled’ beneath the tropical moon.

Towards midnight a Guardia gunboat sailed in and ran right onto a reef by our jetty. The crew, who it seemed had already dined well, were rescued safely and the party went on. Towards dawn, one of our visitors, an ugly little major rather the worse for wear, seized my spirited assistant and dragged her towards the bushes. Hearing her yell, I grabbed the wretch by his lapels and propelled him towards the sea. However, his pals intervened and apologised. Later I discovered his name – Manuel Antonio Noriega, later dictator of Panama. Had he drowned, future events in Panama might have been different.

Flying fresh haggis around the world was often difficult but luckily we met a kind haggis maker from Scotland named Ken Stahly, who now sends us supplies of the ‘wee beastie’ in tins.

In 1998 in West Nepal our elephant mahouts loved the haggis and asked: “Where did

Colonel John Nicholas Blashford-Snell CBE recounts more tales as part of his occasional series of articles for the New Blackmore Vale. John is a former British Army officer, explorer and author. He founded Operation Raleigh and the Scientific Exploration Society

you shoot this creature, Sir?”

Nearing the completion of the 4,000km reed boat voyage from the Andes to the Atlantic in 2001, our three-decker support vessel, nicknamed ‘El Viagra’, ran aground at the mouth of the Amazon. As the tide receded, ‘El Viagra’ began to list and, fearing she would topple over, we moved to the top deck. To boost morale we laid on an instant Burns supper. After a few drams no one noticed we had a 20 degree list! Fortunately, at dawn the tide reflated us.

In 2003, under the patronage of our friend, Sir Sean Connery, we had an archaeological quest on Panama’s Darien Coast. The local Embera people had helped us, so we asked their chief if we could hold our Burns supper in the circular Council House.

I explained that reeling would follow dinner. “My people love to dance, may I bring them,” he asked.

That night 200 Embera arrived, together with their girls in traditional saruma skirts, their upper bodies bare but painted with a black dye from the jaguar

tree, said to attract a mate. A trio of our Scots lassies piped in the haggis and morsels of the ‘timorous beastie’ were passed around while the astonished local people listened to the ode and poems. Then came the reeling, with which they happily joined, and as the Gay Gordons blared out from the tape player, the Embera seized us as partners. I must confess that dancing with topless ladies is an interesting experience. “It’s not quite like this in Aberdeen,” commented one of the Scots in our party. I’m sure our patron, sadly absent, would have enjoyed it!

n Autographed copies of John’s new book, From Utmost East to Utmost West, are available from the Scientific Exploration Society priced £19 including UK postage. Email jenny@ses-explore.org or phone 01747 854456 for details of how to order.

Dr Jo Rees ‘killing’ the haggis in Bolivia, November 2022

‘El Viagro’ listing on the Amazon

Reeling with the Emberá in Panama

MOBILE 4G signals could soon improve in the Shaftesbury area.

A planning application has been submitted for an upgraded mast at West Melbury Farm, Melbury Abbas.

Currently 16m high, the plans outline a proposed extension of the tower that would take it to about 21m, in a bid to improve 4G signals in the area.

A DRIVER is reported to have left the scene of a North Dorset crash that left others in hospital.

Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened on the A354 near the junction with the B3081 in Sixpenny Handley at about 3.10pm on December 19.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said the crash

Cellnex’s planning statement said the upgrade would mean the station could ‘provide 4G coverage to the cell area’ in accordance with conditions from communications regulator Ofcom.

As well as the main mast, the station would include about

involved a white Audi A4, a blue Land Rover Discovery and a black BMW.

“It is reported that the BMW failed to stop at the scene,” they added.

Current blackmorevale.net

“The occupants of the other two vehicles were taken to hospital as a precaution, but are not believed to have sustained serious injuries.”

PC Rhianna Sly, of Dorset

six antennas and two dishes, along with other equipment.

“The application site has been selected by the operator as this will provide the required level of 4G and other network coverage while properly meeting national town planning policy

objectives,” it said.

The provision of better 4G would be ‘critical to economic growth and sustainable communities’, it added.

Planners at Dorset Council are now considering the scheme, with a decision expected in the New Year.

For more details, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for application reference P/PAEL/2022/07833.

Police, said: “An investigation is under way and I am appealing for any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please get in touch.

“Also, I would ask any motorists who were travelling in the area with a dashcam to please check their footage for anything of relevance.

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you to do the right thing and come forward so we can take your account of what happened.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220203797.

“Finally, if you were driving the black BMW, I would urge

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Blanket approach pays dividends

A VALE couple frustrated at the lack of outlets for wool produced by sheep on their smallholding have come up with an eco-friendly business plan to make the most of the fleece from their flocks.

Mark and Rhian Rochford keep pedigree sheep –Coloured Ryelands and Black Welsh Mountains – on their plot at Maperton but found, due to the relatively small numbers of animals they had compared to larger commercial operations, they had no viable outlet for the wool.

Much of it previously ended up going to waste.

So, the couple – together with children Will and Elise – came up with a plan and their company, Gather, was born.

“Having spoken to other like-minded smallholders from across the South-West and Wales, we decided that we

would create a brand to utilise the wool and create something wonderful, which was fully traceable, sustainable and 100 per cent British,” Mark said.

“We travel around the South-West and Wales collecting native breed wool from our ‘Gatherers’ and turn this into our own yarn.

“We then work closely with our designer to produce timeless designs which utilise the natural colours of our wool before weaving in traditional British mills to produce our premium British wool blankets.”

The aim of Gather is to help smallholders like themselves take part in an ethical, sustainable business.

“We understand the financial challenges many smallholders and farmers face with no viable outlet for their prized wool,” Mark added.

“As a result we pay

considerably more than market value for any fleeces we procure, making Gather a sustainable venture for our partners.”

Due to the nature of the process, each blanket can be traced back to the flocks that produced it, with each item numbered from its batch.

“The entire manufacturing process takes place in the UK, with only 100 per cent British new wool used from our own sheep and our gatherers,” Rhian said.

“Each blanket is designed to last a lifetime if cared for correctly, and as well as being perfect to keep warm over the winter, they make a wonderful

gift to friends and family.”

The brand was launched at the Annual London Sheep Drive at Monument and Tower Bridge with great success, and the couple’s online shop is now taking orders.

But the launch is just the beginning for the couple, who have big plans for the future.

“We are currently looking for retail partners to help expand the brand nationally,” Mark added.

“Our first collection ‘Classic’ is available now and is priced at £135, including VAT.”

For more details on Gather and to order a blanket, log on to www.gatherwool.co.uk

Home-Start move

HOME-START, which has extended its support to Royal Navy families in South Somerset over the past year from where it operates in North Dorset, is changing its name to better reflect the area it serves and with the hope of attracting more funding.

Matt Ambrose, co-chairman of trustees, said: “We are very excited about our future and are confident that as Home-Start Blackmore Vale we will be able to attract funding from a wider range of funders to enable us to provide much-needed support to families in South Somerset, where Home-Start services currently aren’t available.

“There will be no change for

families living in North Dorset who access our services. We will continue to provide the same high-quality support currently available, and we intend to help even more families and add additional services as we grow.”

Families who have a child under five who would like help at home can contact Home-Start on 01258 473038.

Home Start is always looking for volunteers to support its families – anyone interested in volunteering for Home-Start Blackmore Vale in South Somerset or North Dorset should contact Chelsey on 07568 745982 or 01258 473038 for an informal chat.

Mark and Rhian Rochford, of Gather, which aims to help smallholders like themselves take part in an ethical, sustainable business

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COHABITATION “COMMON LAW MYTHS”

If you’re a cohabiting couple, don’t rely on “common law”, make your wishes clear in a will. Many cohabiting couples in the UK believe that once they have lived together for a certain length of time, they become married in the eyes of the law and obtain the same legal rights as couples who have formally married. This notion is best known as a Common Law Marriage.

Unfortunately, this notion is a myth which has most recently been busted on 19 October 2022 when the Government rejected the Women and Equalities Committee’s recommendation for the law to be reformed to this effect.

The recommendations have implications not only on the law of divorce, but also on inheritance and tax planning. In the fourth recommendation of the paper, the Committee called for the rules of intestacy to be altered by way of cohabiting partners being afforded the same entitlement as their married and civilpartnership counterparts.

What happens to your estate if you die without a will. The traditional rules of intestacy continue to apply– that is, if you are living with your long-term partner and pass away without a Will in place to confirm your wishes, your partner will not inherit any of your estate. Instead, your estate will pass to your closest living relatives. If you were married or in a civil partnership in this scenario, your spouse/civil partner would be entitled to the entire estate (unless there are children, in which case your spouse/civil partner is entitled to the first £270,000 then half of the remainder).

Married couples and civil partners also benefit from the transfer of the Nil Rate Band (NRB) and Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) on death. The NRB and RNRB are an amount you are able to offset against the value of your estate at death before being required to pay Inheritance Tax. The NRB and RNRB are doubled for married couples and civil partners in order to benefit their direct descendants. Again, this is not the case for cohabiting couples.

The rules could be seen as archaic given that marriage rates have fallen to their lowest on record since 1862, reflecting a shift in social values. Current legislation does not align with this shift. Recent studies have indicated 60% of UK adults do not have a Will, leaving over half of the population financially vulnerable in the event their partner sadly passes away.

How our professional legal advice can help Thankfully, there are things you can do to ensure your estate is distributed in line with your wishes, as well as reducing the tax implications of the same, without having to get down on one knee!

Seeking legal advice from one of our expert solicitors can make all the difference by empowering you to make informed decisions and giving you peace of mind.

If you would like to discuss tax planning and Wills, please contact one of our Private Client lawyers.

We have offices in Bournemouth, Cranborne Chase, Crewkerne, Dorchester, Parkstone, Poole, Swanage and Wareham.

Lynne said: “Sadly, I lost two people I cared about to cancer last year and I really wanted a into and raise funds for a charity

“The work Cancer Research for patients and for loved ones FootActive and the community have supported this initiative.” otherwise be thrown out and we couldn’t be prouder of the work continuing to raise funds for the

Pearly King and Queen dazzle to aid family charity

SHOPPERS received a dazzling greeting from charity fundraisers in Gillingham in the run-up to Christmas.

As they left Waitrose in the town, the Pearly King and Queen of Harrow – in full pearly suits – were on hand collecting for Home-Start Blackmore Vale.

The Pearly King and Pearly Queen, David and Paula Hemsley, now live in Mere but the Pearly King’s grandmother, a Pearly Queen, originally came from Harrow.

Paula married into the Pearly

Tradition of carrying out charitable work, and the pair meet regularly with other Pearly Kings and Queens in Covent Garden in London.

Caroline Salt, a trustee of Home-Start, collected with them and thanked them both for giving up a whole day to help the charity.

“Also a huge thank you to the manager of Waitrose for kindly letting us collect on such a busy day,” she said.

“The Pearlies collected just over £400, which was a huge sum and will go towards the

cost of funding a volunteer for a year.

“So, a huge thank you to all those who so kindly donated and another to Waitrose

Gillingham which has been giving us greatly needed financial support at Home-Start Blackmore Vale for a couple of years.”

Life

David and Paula Hemsley, the Pearly King and Queen of Harrow, who now live in Mere, collected for Home-Start at Waitrose in Gillingham

Dinosaur kites a soaring success

DORSET dinosaurs are soaring above the Jurassic Coast – and around the world!

But don’t be alarmed, dinos have not returned to rule the planet.

The sightings of flying dinosaur the pterodactyl are only kites, made in the county and now flying around the globe, just as their real life ancestors would have done hundreds of millions of years ago.

The flyers are produced by Dorset-based Jurassic Kites, which is celebrating the fact its unique pterodactyl kite is now being sold all over the UK and in Europe, Australia and North America.

people to send in pictures of their kites flying – and has received snaps from around the world, including in the Seychelles, over the Washington Monument in the USA, and even above the Pyramids in Egypt.

Pterodactyls were a type of pterosaur, a flying reptile that flew over the Jurassic Coast millions of years ago.

Famed Dorset fossil hunter Mary Anning discovered the fossilised remains of the first British pterosaur early in the 19th century.

The realistic-looking kite was the idea of Sibyl Fine King of the Fine Family Foundation, a long-standing supporter of

Dorset-based Jurassic Kites has sold its unique pterodactyl kite all over the world

She thought it would be wonderful for pterodactyls to fly once more over the famous Dorset and Devon coastline and so worked with designers to create and patent the unique design, and Jurassic Kites Ltd was born.

To begin with the kites were only available with local

the UK.

Sibyl said: “I’m thrilled to see pterodactyls flying so far and wide. It’s wonderful to hear from so many customers how much they enjoy our kite.

“One of my favourite comments is from a kite festival participant, who said ‘’Pterry’ stole the show! Well worth the money, highly recommended’.

“With each kite we also include information about the history of the dinosaurs and the Jurassic Coast which we hope will help promote our wonderful county across the globe.”

Martin added: “It’s great to see our kite being sold across the globe, from dinosaur museums in the outback of Queensland, Australia to toy shops in states across the US.

“We want more people to experience the fun of flying a kite. Our pterodactyl is educational and encourages the whole family to get outdoors

R ide & Stride raises £85,000 for churches

HUNDREDS of energetic supporters all over the county cycled, walked and rode – and raised £85,000 in Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s annual Ride & Stride event.

The amount is comparable with the pre-Covid-19 pandemic average, and the money will help with the upkeep of the county’s beautiful and historic church buildings.

The trust has given out more than £100,000 a year in grants in the last five years, largely for restoring church roofs, walls and floors to keep

out the rain and damp. Ride & Stride is a real, practical help to each parish, as 50 per cent of the money raised is returned to the church which raised it.

The trustees are grateful to everyone who took part and raised sponsorship in the event in September, and an active team of parish organisers who spread the word, encouraged participation and help send in the money.

Trust chairman John Stokoe said: “The trust is extremely grateful to all the many volunteers – by no means all traditional

church people – who get out and about, visit churches and gather in sponsorship for what is one of the largest conservation charities in

Dorset.”

The trust is always seeking volunteers with an interest in historic buildings to get involved in its work at parish,

deanery or county level. Anyone who would like to volunteer should seek out their parish organiser or visit the website www.dhct.org.uk

Ride & Stride participants at Sherborne Abbey with Dorset Historic Churches Trust chairman John Stokoe and vicar the Revd Martin Lee

Singers seek new recruits

THE Athenaeum Singers are looking forward to the restart of their Tuesday evening rehearsals on 10 January.

They welcome a new director of music, Thomas Mottershead, who will be starting his first full term with the choir.

He has planned an attractive and varied programme of music which the singers will tackle in

preparation for their concert in early June.

The singers are keen to attract new voices to experience the fun of making music together and there are vacancies in all voice parts.

Thomas is an experienced singer himself and in recent months appeared on the ITV programme The Voice as part of Sir Tom Jones’ team. He was also on television screens on Christmas Day’s Songs of Praise in his role as a tenor in the Llandaff Cathedral choir.

Why not join the Athenaeum Singers? See advert in this issue for details.

£40,000 gifts cards for hard-pressed

LOCAL food banks supported by customers at Co-operative stores and funeral branches will receive £40,000 worth of gift cards this winter.

Southern Co-op, which supports more than 70 food banks with collection points, will be sending out 4,000 community gift cards worth £10 each to help families and individuals affected by increases in the cost-of-living.

A further £25,000 is being donated to Neighbourly’s Warm Communities Fund – set up to provide ‘needs-led’ microgrants to charities and community groups providing ‘warm banks’, food donations and low-cost-to-prepare food items.

Neighbourly, a network representing 22,000-plus local charities and good causes, says 65 per cent of these causes have a seen a drop in financial donations yet the average annual energy bill for community charities is expected to rise by 119 per cent from £7,600 to £16,700.

Gemma Lacey, Southern Co-op’s director sustainability and communications, said: “This winter will be especially hard for so many people in our local communities. On top of

that, the local causes that people rely on for help, are also facing serious difficulties.

“We hope this targeted support will help make a difference alongside our in-store food banks which provide the opportunity for those who are able to donate products to support their local community.

“It is times like these when the community co-operative spirit is essential as we all come together to do what we can.”

Community gift cards will be sent to more than 70 food banks supported by Southern Co-op’s Co-operative Food and Funeralcare branches. These include: Appleford School on behalf of Salisbury Trussell Trust; Fair Frome Food Bank; Gillingham Trussell Trust; Gillingham Foodbank (Dorset); Wimborne Food Bank.

It is hoped the gift cards will allow people the opportunity to select their own products and possibly a small treat.

The gift cards are on top of the food bank donations made by store and funeral branch customers every day. From January to September 2022, customers and members donated 11,388kg of goods equating to about 4,783 meals.

Family Law Advice

Family Law Advice

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.

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

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

Director of music Thomas Mottershead leads the Athenaeum Singers

Lights alive in Christmas contests!

FESTIVE households in Mere and West Knoyle have been rewarded for their efforts.

A Christmas lights competition was organised by Mere Town and West Knoyle Parish Councils, with the winners announced after a recent tour of displays by the judges.

The winners in West Knoyle were Phil and Shirley Singer, of Stoney Bridge, who received the prize shield, while in Mere, the shield went to Geoff and Pat Sams, of Lynch Close.

Mr and Mrs Singer also picked up a £25 voucher donated by The Hill Brush Co, presented by West Knoyle Parish chair Paul Yates on Christmas Eve.

“Phil and Shirley Singer have spent thousands of pounds over the years building up their Christmas display illuminations,” a council spokesperson said.

“Their family and the local residents of West Knoyle love to see the display which involves a lot of work.”

In Mere, Mr and Mrs Sams picked up a Christmas hamper kindly donated by the Hill Brush Co, as well as the winning shield.

Town councillors Nick and Debbie Beale, judges, said: “A lot fewer lights this year but that is totally understandable with electricity costs, but some amazing displays.

“Again we judged on ‘wow’ factor, creativity and effort.

“The winning entry in Lynch close was amazing, the effort and imagination involved was second to none.

“Second place, Denes Avenue was also very imaginative and we even saw the owner out in the rain putting a few finishing touches in place and making sure everything was working okay.

“We should mention the window displays down Mill Lane, they are beautiful, so much effort and definitely worth a look and the Link Scheme display in Downside Close.”

The list of winners for each are was:

West Knoyle:

First: 2 Stoney Bridge, Phil and Shirley Singer

Second: 6 Puckwell, Debra Vincent and family

Highly commended: 6 Oderne, Richard and Paula Hull Mere:

First: 38 Lynch Close, Geoff and Pat Sams

Second: 11 Denes Avenue, Jake Francis and Susan Fricker

Highly commended: 8 Denes Avenue, Richard and Rose Adams

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In Mere, Geoff and Pat Sams, above, receive their prize from Cllr Lesley Traves and below, Cllr Paul Yates presents Phil and Shirley Singer in West Knoyle

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3) What was going to your 1st group like?

Brenda - “I was nervous and felt sick about what the scales were going to say. It wasn’t as bad as I had feared but bad enough. The actual group itself was welcoming and friendly, lots of encouragement and tips from the other members.”

Andy - “It’s not the easiest thing to walk in but Tracey really put me at ease, no judgement just really helpful advice and I was surprised at just how easy it was to follow the SW way.”

4)

What foods do you enjoy eating while losing weight?

Brenda - “I love that I can eat that cheese (weighed out) or those 2 big squares of chocolate or that I can go out for a family meal, SW has taught me how to enjoy food without taking it too far and ending up binge eating.”

Andy - “There isn’t much we don’t eat - roasts, curries, Chinese food - just all cooked from scratch at home without all the fat, we use fry light. We switched to healthy snacks, fruit and nuts. I stopped drinking in the week, I now just have a few bottles of beer over the weekend within my syns.”

5) Have you become more active since losing weight?

Brenda - “I have always exercised, even at my heaviest I used to run in the evening, in the dark so no one could see me. Since losing weight I move differently now, I have a bigger range of movement, I go spinning and exercise classes. I am a gym member and I exercise happily amongst everyone else.”

Andy - “Yes, I walk every day about 6 miles and canoe with my family.”

6) What do we enjoy about group?

Brenda - “I enjoy the camaraderie of the group, the support when you have a bad week, the building you up. The fact that everyone in group wants you to go out and smash it.”

Andy - “It keeps you focused and I enjoy learning from other group members experience.”

COULD you help young people improve their understanding of the law, their communication skills and teamwork?

If so, Dorset Police wants to hear from you.

The force is launching a recruitment drive for Police Cadet leaders to help make a difference to young people’s lives in the county.

Dorset Police has four volunteer police cadet units – in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth – that provide an opportunity for teenagers aged between 13 and 17 to learn about the law, police procedures and specialist police units, while developing a range of skills, including communication, interpersonal and teamwork.

A team of volunteers is needed to help run the scheme, with the police keen to recruit new leaders in Poole, Christchurch and the rural areas

of Dorset to expand.

Leaders do not have to have previous police experience, only an interest in helping young people achieve their best and reach their full potential.

The role includes running weekly meetings, supporting

outdoor activities and policing events.

Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley, director of people and support services at Dorset Police, said: “Volunteering as a cadet leader can be an inspiring and enriching experience.

“Our cadet leaders not only assist with meeting our force vision and local policing priorities, but they are instrumental in helping to develop, encourage and empower the young people of Dorset to have a voice and achieve things that they never believed possible.

“It only takes one adult to change one young person’s life forever and this is why we are recruiting more people to join our cadet leader team.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in giving something back to the community to visit our force website to find out more.”

To apply to become a Dorset Police Cadet leader visit https:// recruitment-dcp-dp.org/ dorset-police-volunteers/ cadet-leaders/ To have a chat with a member of the team, email Cadets@dorset.pnn. police.uk

Police Cadet leaders can help youngsters develop essential life skills

PHOTO : Dorset Police

Lions help vaccination drive

MEMBERS of Blackmore Vale Lions Club have helped deliver nearly 1,000 flu vaccinations.

Milborne Port and Templecombe Medical Centre ran three rapid turnaround ‘flu’ vaccination clinics, two in Milborne Port Surgery car park and one at Templecombe Recreation Ground, and members guided traffic and loaned a gazebo to keep the team outdoors comfortable.

Dr Ian Wyer, of the practice, said: “This was a chance to get on the front foot against the potential ‘flu’ outbreak.

“We are very grateful to the Lions for their help and the loan of their equipment. It all helped to make our team’s activity the success it was.

“I would like to thank the whole practice team for their enthusiasm and dedication over the long period of Covid and now influenza.

“Flu’ has been overshadowed

by Covid-19 in the last couple of years but it is still responsible for thousands of deaths a year and can put even previously healthy people in hospital with complications like pneumonia and myocarditis.

“This is not only a risk to the individual, but delays routine operations for others when the NHS is trying to recover. We still have vaccines available for the remaining eligible patients and can usually squeeze people into clinics on the same day if they ask.”

Lions club president Peter Oswick said: “We were delighted to help – this is very much our local patch.

“It’s part of following our motto ‘We Serve’ and undertaking charitable activity and good works at local, national and international levels is what we do.

“The practice’s team have made a huge effort on behalf of their patients and the residents of Blackmore Vale in these difficult times. We owe them. Thank you.”

Aldi donates Xmas meals

SUPERMARKET giant Aldi donated 4,300 meals to those in need in Somerset and Dorset before Christmas.

Working with local charities, community groups and food banks in Somerset on Christmas Eve, the budget chain paired stores across the area - including in Gillingham - with groups to collect unsold fresh and chilled food when stores closed early.

To further support local communities this year, Aldi’s Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund saw the supermarket also commit to donating £250,000 to charitable organisations throughout the winter season.

Both the festive food donations and fund are part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations. All of Aldi’s 980 UK stores donate surplus food.

Family charity gets a helping hand

A CHARITY that supports struggling families in West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland received a £1,000 boost thanks to a business’s fundraising efforts.

Goulds handed over the donation to Home-Start West Dorset, the result of efforts by staff and customers at the garden centre in Weymouth and its stores in Dorchester.

Goulds director Chris Gould said: “Each year we nominate a charity to benefit from the fundraising raffles held at our late night Christmas shopping evenings. Home-Start West Dorset does incredible work to support local families in their toughest times and we are pleased to have raised £1,007 for this deserving charity. We thank all our generous customers for taking part.”

The store gave ten prizes for raffles held in its Weymouth garden centre and its household

and fashion stores in South Street, Dorchester, on November 2 and December 1.

Prizes vincluded gift vouchers, hampers, beauty products, planted containers and even a fresh Christmas tree complete with lights.

The Dorchester 1st prize winner, Ronnie Tweddle, was delighted with her win of a £250 voucher to spend in Goulds.

“What a lovely surprise,” she said. “I only entered to support such a worthy cause but I am delighted to win a shopping spree at Goulds. It is a store I have been shopping at for over 30 years!”

At the garden centre in Weymouth, the first prize winner of a £200 Christmas decoration voucher was Lynn Walsh, who enjoyed selecting Christmas goods from a vast selection at the store.

Helen Horsley, manager at

Home-Start West Dorset, added: “We are delighted by the support Goulds has given Home-Start West Dorset. It has been an incredibly tough year for so many in our local community, and this welcome boost to our funds will go directly to support families who are struggling in Weymouth, Dorchester and West Dorset.”

The charity supports 70 to 100 families each year, and is expecting demand to increase with the cost-of-living crisis.

Helen said anyone who would like to help, either as a volunteer or with a donation, should get in touch.

To find out more visit www. home-start.org.uk/home-startwest-dorset

Winner Ronnie Tweddle with Goulds director Chris Gould and Home-Start West Dorset manager Helen Horsley PHOTO: Goulds

Care home’s birthday celebration

A SHERBORNE care home that opened a month before Covid-19 hit UK shores has celebrated its third birthday.

Trinity Manor opened its doors in December 2019, with staff and residents excited about what lay ahead.

But little did they know what would happen over the next two years, with government lockdowns and a tranche of restrictions for UK care homes.

At a special event to mark the anniversary, senior general manager Sohail Daniel said despite a difficult start the home had gone from strength to strength.

“Despite a bit of a bumpy start to life, we are now completely open and welcoming the community wholeheartedly into our home, which is as it should be,” Sohail said.

“With the pandemic firmly behind us, we have become a bit of a hub for the community, with events and groups joining

us regularly in our home, much to the residents’ delight.

“We now have a regular Trinity Café here on a monthly basis for the local community to join us for some entertainment and company, and also have several schools coming in and out to see us during term time, coupled with visits from animals, such as dogs and donkeys, entertainers,

hairdressers and lots and lots of family in and out, and we welcome them all with open arms.

“I am so very proud of the home we are becoming, even though it took a little longer to get there. I feel honoured to oversee this home and am excited for the future and what lies ahead.”

At the celebration, one

resident, Dr Valerie, was also celebrating the third anniversary of her arrival at the home and gave a small speech to everyone present, followed by a toast to Trinity Manor's future.

Deputy manager Paul Pippard added: “I cannot believe it’s been three years. It has been a very eventful journey to get to where we are now, but we are so proud of the whole team here and also so very grateful to our residents.

“We have been through a lot together and some of the residents have been with us since the very beginning, so really appreciate how far we have come and are excited as to what comes next.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local community here in Sherborne who have championed us in the past three years. Without your continued support, we could not be where we are now, so massive thanks to you all.”

To learn more about Trinity Manor, phone 01935 815972 or email TrinityManor@ Barchester.com

The Trinity Manor care home in Sherborne had a bumpy start to life three years ago because of the Covid-19 pandemic but has subsequently prospered

Doctors feel strain over Strep A and scarlet fever

GPs across the south of England have been inundated with worried parents following the increase in cases of Strep A and scarlet fever in children.

The update comes from Wessex Local Medical Committees (WLMC), which represents GP surgeries across the south, which says in some cases requests for appointments have more than doubled.

Joint chief executive of WLMC, Dr Laura Edwards, said the surge is putting huge pressure on the NHS.

“It’s really important people check whether their children’s symptoms require urgent attention but equally use reliable resources to decide when they don’t,” she said.

“If you are worried, look on the Healthier Together website which has clear information about what to look for, and when to be worried about your child, laid out in a traffic light system.

“At the same time, we are asking other patients to be understanding if their routine

How library could spark new interest

THE New Year brings a new calendar of events to Shaftesbury Library, spanning everything from musical theatre to classic motorcycles.

The library is hosting free events aimed at all ages every Saturday from 11am-noon that may promote a new interest among visitors.

The programme gets under way with a visit by the cast of Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s Nativity: The Musical on January 14

Visitors will have the chance to meet cast members, hear the songs and join in singing.

Vintage classic motorcycles will be displayed inside and outside the library on January 21.

And Anna McDowell will give a demonstration and talk

on the heritage craft of button making, using contemporary materials and designs, on 28 January.

Tony and Gareth from Cranborne Chase Astronomy Club are at the library on 4 February to talk about the joys of star gazing.

And Pip Johnsen will guide a gentle yoga session suitable for all ages and abilities on 11 February.

The early year programme draws to a close on 18 February with a willow-weaving session, in which participants can make their own bird feeder to take home and marvel at the amazing samples on display – call the library to book places in advance.

To find out more, phone 01747 852256.

appointments have been cancelled because of the increased numbers of patients seeking urgent attention coming forward.

“My thoughts go out to the loved ones of the children who have died as a result of Strep A infections, and understand parents will be worried, but death and serious illness as a result of this remains incredibly rare.”

In the vast majority of cases, Strep A causes mild infections and can sometimes lead to scarlet fever.

In a very, very small number of children it can develop into invasive Group A strep where children can become incredibly unwell after the infection spreads into the bloodstream, joints or lungs.

“Most practices have seen requests for emergency on the day assessments rise by at least

50 per cent, and in some cases practices have seen an increase from 100 calls a day to 250,” she added. “One practice reported to us they have seen nearly 20 per cent of their population in the past week.

“We understand parents will be worried but we simply do not have enough GPs to cope with that level of need.

“The vast, vast majority of children will only have mild illnesses, but if your child does meet any of the most severe symptoms listed on the Healthier Together website, including breathlessness, blue lips and a rash which doesn’t disappear with pressure, then do not wait for your GP – go to A&E. With so many requests for appointments, our GPs are being challenged to find the very sick children among the ones who do not need urgent care.”

500 years of school history

– and the trust that helps students

A SMALL but much appreciated local charity that has for nearly 100 years supported students from the Blandford area with grants to help them with their studies has a fascinating history going back over 500 years.

The Milton Abbas Emily Faulkner Trust celebrated the quincentenary of the foundation of the school which led to its

existence in 2021.

A free grammar school was founded in the town of Milton by Abbot William de Middleton (1482-1523) by deed dated 10 February, 1521, which was sealed with the common seal of the abbey. Trustees were established to oversee the running of the school, supported by the endowment of Little Mayne Farm in West Knighton,

which paid for its running and maintenance.

Less than 20 years later, the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII saw the monks dispersed and the abbey and estate sold to Sir John Tregonwell, whose family lived there for a century. In 1752 it was sold to Joseph Damer, who famously had the town demolished and replaced by the model village of Milton Abbas.

The school remained within the abbey grounds and in 1773 the trustees named in a lease offered to a farmer for the West Knighton Farm were named as Sir William Hanham, Baronet, of Deans Court, Wimborn Minster; George Chafin, Esquire, Chettle; Henry Bankes, Esquire, Kingston Hall (Kingston Lacy); Thomas Gundrey, Esquire, Dewlish; Edward Berkeley, Esquire,

Milton Abbas Grammar School schools directory: The school, gym and a classroom in Blandford at the start of the 20th century

Winfrith; Edmund Morton Pleydell, Esquire, Milborn Saint Andrew; Henry William Portman, Esquire, Brianston; Richard Bingham, Esquire, Melcombe; Henry William Fitch, Esquire, High Hall; Radford Gundrey, Esquire, Dewlish; David Robert Michel, Esquire, Dewlish; Jonathan Morton Pleydell, Esquire, Bath and George Bingham, Esquire, Batchelor in Divinity.

Notable by his absence was Joseph Damer, whom the trustees refused to accept, and with whom they had a longrunning battle over the state of the school until it was relocated to Blandford by Act of Parliament in 1775.

The site at 45 East Street is now Boots, next to M&Co, and occupied what is now the car park to the rear. Records reveal the occupants in 1804 to be school master John Wharton and clerk Morton Coulson. They were followed by the Rev Thomas Wise in 1830, the Rev Charles Stroud Green in 1842 and J Penny RA in 1865 – in 1861 the school had more than 50 pupils, including children of head, James Penny, and wife Elizabeth.

George Coombs was listed as resident in the 1882 Blandford Directory, Frederick Thomas Harrison MA in 1901 and the Rev Edward Mears in 1901 at what was described as a boarding and day school with covered playground and

gymnasium. The headmaster in 1917 was Mr ETH Royds.

A memorial to Old Miltonians, former staff and pupils from the school lost during the First World War, lists 2nd Lieut E de Q Mears of the 10th Essex, son of the former headmaster, and 13 others, many of whom had until aged 14 attended Blandford Secondary School in Damory Street and subsequently moved to the grammar school.

The school relocated from Blandford in 1928 to Whatcombe Manor but closed in 1932 allowing Blandford Secondary School to assume grammar school status.

In 1927 the Milton Abbas Foundation was established to assist only boys in the Blandford area. It received a bequest from John Iles Barnes in 1914 and a donation in 1932 from the Woodhouse History Prize Fund, and was further enhanced in 1998 when it was amalgamated with the Emily Faulkner Trust. That trust was

registered in 1995 pursuant to the will of the late Emily Ann Faulkner with the object of assisting boys and girls who were or had been pupils of Blandford Upper School or lived within its catchment area.

The amalgamated charity became the Milton Abbas Emily Faulkner Trust, and continues to support the education of young people in the area. It offers grants totalling about £4,000 a year to students aged 14 to 24 years for their education and training to help with their expenses, as well as extra courses, books, equipment and travel, giving a much needed boost to the students who have the extra backing of the charity’s eight trustees.

n For more on the trust’s work, to make a donation or bequest to help local young people, contact the chair of Trustees, c/o The Secretary Val Dear, Blanchards Bailey Solicitors, Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford St Mary, Blandford Forum DT11 9LQ.

Virtual plaque: The memorial to former pupils lost in the First World War

blackmorevale.net

Our Loose Canon

By Canon Eric Woods

FIRST of all, I hope all the readers of my ‘Loose Canon’ column have had a joyful Christmas, and will have a happy and healthy New Year. Meanwhile today, 6 January, is the Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the coming of the Wise Men to worship the infant Jesus.

Who were they? Well, they certainly weren’t the kings of legend and carol. Nowhere does the New Testament refer to kings, three or more. The clue is in the word Matthew uses to describe them in his Gospel: ‘Magi’. ‘Magus’ is a word which refers to anyone practising astrology, magic or even darker arts. The Magi in Jesus’ time were particularly associated with Persia – modern-day Iran.

The Magi had travelled to see Jesus because they had seen a new star in the night sky. Watching the stars was their stock in trade. Perhaps we should not judge too harshly. They believed that great events on earth were mirrored in the heavens, and that strange events in the night skies must reflect strange happenings on earth. No doubt they hoped to turn the latest celestial phenomenon – believed by some modern

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astronomers to have been a rare conjunction of Jupiter with Saturn – to their advantage. Jupiter was widely regarded as the ‘royal planet’, while the Jews described Saturn as the ‘Sabbath planet’ – so everyone else called it the ‘Jewish planet’. A conjunction of the two – could it mean the birth of a royal Jew, a genuine King of the Jews? Perhaps that was why the Magi followed their star to discover something or someone who could be useful to them. That is no doubt why they went first to Herod and told him they were looking for a King.

But they didn’t find what they were looking for in a royal palace, but in a pub stable – a child born to a very ordinary village family. Yet – and this is the astonishing part of the story – they didn’t turn away in disgust or disillusion but ‘were filled with an exceeding great joy, and fell down, and worshipped’.

The first thing we learn from the story of the Magi is that evil, superstition and fear can all be conquered by the love of Christ. No darkness is too great for the light of Christ, no sin too great for his forgiveness. That ought to be a great reassurance to us, but also a warning never to give up on

anyone and to be very sparing in our judgement of other people – for no-one is outside the love, care and compassion of God.

The second thing the story tells us is that the Wise Men only found the infant Christ by following the star.

Thousands and tens of thousands of people must have seen it, but only three men had the eyes to see in that star a sign of some amazing happening in the history of humankind.

May we all have the eyes to see the star, and the courage to follow it this year.

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SHAFTESBURY LIBRARY HOBBIES SEASON starts Saturday 14th January. Activities every Saturday until 18th February. For further information contact: 01747 852 256

RECORDS OF THE CHANCERY COURT is the next Gillingham History Society talk 2.30pm 17 January at the Methodist Church Hall

NTSDA 10TH JANUARY 2023 2:30pm “ RNLI Talk” by Andy Sargent, Coxwain. St Aldhelm’s Church Centre, Weymouth, DT3 5EW. Members £3 non-members £4.

BAKE-OFF & COFFEE MORNING

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Fire chief leads New Year’s Honours

A NUMBER of Dorset residents have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

From NHS workers to charity stalwarts, the great and the good were named in the list, released on Friday, December 30.

The list of recipients in Dorset is: n CBE

Claire Lois Whitaker: Member, Culture Recovery Board. For services to the Arts and Culture (Poole, Dorset) n OBE

Lieutenant Commander Anthony James Eagles RN: Lately Helicopter Policy Specialist, Civil Aviation Authority. For services to Aviation Safety (Sherborne, Dorset)

Russell Andrew Foster Corn: Chairman of Trustees, The Special Boat Service Association. For Charitable Service (Wimborne, Dorset) n MBE

Professor Dr Simon Benjamin Nicholas Thompson: For services to Clinical Psychology Education and to Healthcare Improvements (Poole, Dorset)

Janet Mary Thurgood: Lately Corporate Director for Adult Social Care, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council. For services to People with Learning Disabilities (Poole, Dorset) n BEM

Mary Buck: For services to the NHS and to the community in Dorset, particularly during Covid-19 (Swanage, Dorset)

Janette Radford: Prison Officer, HM Prison The Verne, Portland, Dorset. For services to Prisoners and to AgeUK (Portland, Dorset)

Janet Leek: For services to the community in Shipham, Somerset (Winscombe, Somerset)

In other honours, Derek James, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal. Derek, who has been a member of the fire service for almost 20 years, said: “I am

honoured to have been recognised by His Majesty.

“Throughout my career I have always done my upmost to help ensure we are a strong fire and rescue service that serves our communities well.

“I work alongside a bunch of fantastic people who work tirelessly at all levels to help make this happen. This award says as much about them as it does me.”

He was congratulated by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, who said: “I am absolutely delighted that Derek has been recognised nationally for his outstanding leadership in the fire and rescue sector.

“His skills, passion and leadership have been invaluable, and he has supported me and the Service in responding to the many challenges and large-scale incidents that we have faced over the years.”

And chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox, added: “I am really pleased that Derek has been recognised for his leadership and commitment to the fire and rescue service by His Majesty the King.

“As Deputy Chief, Derek works hard to support others and lead an outstanding team who provide a vital service to the public across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

“On behalf of the Fire and Rescue Authority, I send our warmest congratulations to Derek, this medal is extremely well deserved.”

£2,500 bike stolen in pre-Xmas raid

A MOUNTAIN bike worth more than £2,500 was stolen from an address in Dorchester.

The theft occurred at an address off Arlington Avenue at around 10.50pm on Tuesday, December 20.

Dorset Police received a report that two men were attempting to steal two motocross bikes from a garage at the address, with the suspects reportedly abandoning the bikes before making off from the scene.

It was then discovered that a black Specialized Fattie 29er mountain bike, valued at £2,800, had been stolen from the garage.

PC Nathan Busby, of West Dorset police, said: “We are investigating this burglary and I would like to hear from

anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident.

“I would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have home CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage that might assist our enquiries.

“Finally, I am issuing an image of the bike that was stolen and would urge anyone who comes across a similar bike being sold online or locally in suspicious circumstances to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset. police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220204432.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The bike was taken from an address in Arlington Avenue on

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Derek James has been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal

Church

• Lower Stour church services: Sunday 8 January –9.30am Communion –Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion – Langton Long; 11am Family service – Tarrant Keyneston. Sunday 15 January – 9.30am Communion –Spetisbury; 9.30am Family service – Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning worship –Langton Long; 11am Communion – Tarrant Rushton. Sunday 22 January – 9.30am Communion – Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning worship – Spetisbury; 11am Communion – Langton Long; 11am Communion(BCP) –Tarrant Rushton. Sunday 29 January – 10.45am Communion – Langton Long; 3pm The Well – Spetisbury; 5pm Choral evensong – Charlton Marshall. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury Church 10am-11.30am January 2 and 16; coffee and cake –Blandford St Mary Church 10-11.30am January 19; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm –Tuesday to Friday.

• Sacred Heart, Tisbury, and All Saints’ Wardour Catholic Parish: Sunday Mass times –Sacred Heart, Tisbury 9am, coffee after Mass; All Saints’ Wardour 11am.

• Mothers’ Union: At the Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne, on Friday 27 January from 10am-noon.

• St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: 8 January – BCP Holy Communion, 11.15am; 15 January – Matins, 11.15am; 22 January – Matins, 11.15am; 29

January – BCP Holy Communion, 11.15am.

• St Mary’s Stalbridge: 8 January, Holy Communion 9.30am; 8 January, Evensong 4pm; 15 January, Morning Worship 9.30am; 22 January, Holy Communion 9.30am.

• St Martin of Tours, Lillington: 8 January – BCP Holy Communion, 10am; 15 January – Morning Service, 10am; 22 January – Morning Service, 10am; 29 January – Morning Service, 10am.

• St James the Great, Longburton: 8 January –Family Communion, 10am; 15 January – Family Communion, 10am; 22 January – said Holy Communion, 10am; 29 January – Songs of Praise, 4pm.

• St Paul’s Church, Sherborne: 8 January – Holy Communion, 10.30am; 15 January – All Age Worship, 10.30am; 22 January – Morning Worship, 10.30am; 29 January – Morning Worship, 10.30am.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meet at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday services on January 8, 15 and 22 – 3pm; January 29 3pm – United Service. A warm welcome to all. Phone: 01935 850838.

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

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sunday services at 10.45am followed by refreshments. Thursdays: coffee and chat with refreshments from 10am-noon. This is a ‘warm

space’ for those wanting to reduce their energy bills for a morning. Fridays: Lunch club for over-55s from noon. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505 543 to book a meal – price £5. The church is anxious to offer help to those in need – call steward John Cornish on 07799 516 735. If leaving a message state name and contact details.

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

• 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.

• Community cafes: Every month in St Bartholomew’s Benefice 10.30am-noon, everyone welcome: first Tuesday – St Andrew’s, Donhead St Andrew; second Tuesday – St John’s, Charlton; fourth Tuesday – St Mary’s, East Knoyle.

• 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.

• 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.

• St Bartholomew’s Benefice: A warm place and a warm welcome at community cafes held every month – first Tuesday – St Andrew’s, Donhead St Andrew; second Tuesday – St John’s, Charlton; fourth Tuesday – St Mary’s, East Knoyle. Everyone is welcome 10.30am-noon.

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

• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First and third Sunday, 11am Holy Communion; 6pm BCP Evensong. Second and fourth Sunday, 9.30am Morning Prayer; 6pm BCP Evensong. Fifth Sunday, 11am Benefice Holy Communion. Wednesdays, 10am BCP Holy Communion.

CHURCH ORGANIST

• 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.

• 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.

Welcome to 2023: Change is coming

THE need for change is tangible. It is bubbling up in every region, every county, every town and every community. I hear it every day here in north Dorset. There is a deep-seated tiredness, a distaste for the same old, same old bleat and spin:

“Brexit is great.” No, it isn’t. It isn’t anything like what was promised. “We have taken back control.” No, you haven’t. “The trade deals are great.” No, they are not. They are selling farmers in the Vale down the river. There is no clear future model for improving our selfsufficiency in food.

“Social Care has been fixed.” No it hasn’t, not by miles, not by years, not by billions. “The NHS is in safe hands.” No it isn’t. US money lurks in the wings. Just as with eyes and teeth, other parts will be carved away and run with the skew that profit motives give to decision-

making.

“The problems in the railways, Royal Mail, the ambulances, the Border Force, the driving test examiners are nothing to do with us, guv.”

Yes, they are, Gov. They reflect a them-and-us attitude and managerial culture flowing from the top which perpetuates out of date, confrontational practices on all sides, left and right. In the case of the railways, the word ‘sustainable’ applied to the current model is risible. When air travel between our major cities is less costly than rail, our Victorian legacy can be seen to be evaporating before our very eyes. Such a good plan to split it all up into umpty-um little fiefdoms, eh? What nonsense.

“We are on top of illegal immigration.” No, no one is nor will be until our world recognises the flow of migrants is caused by the horrors of war, famine and economic hardship. All the migrants are doing is getting on their bikes. Tories used to applaud that. The idea that you can stop migration through deterrence is ridiculous. The solutions lie in investment

in more fairness, less economic exploitation, less idiot nationalism and less religious fervour.

“We are as green as can be.” Not by a long chalk. You don’t walk the walk and now you don’t even talk the talk. ‘Sorry’ doesn’t quite cut it for the Maldives and many Pacific Ocean island states. I wonder if we will be as complacent when it comes to swathes of East Anglia and much of London’s finest real estate. The pictures of the raised Thames Barrier this month were impactful and insightful.

The Tories have this air of always being in charge, of being the ruling class. Change is coming, though. It is coming from the thought-leaders, people with the smarts and hard heads to provide solutions, shape opportunities and the big hearts to deliver fairness. Stand by.

Britain and the great wealth divide

WITH a new year upon us, and at a time when so many are finding their finances stretched to breaking point, two recent news items caught my eye.

The first was by the Equality Trust, stating that the number of UK billionaires has significantly increased since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020 there were 147, but there are now 177.

The report also says that government and central bank interventions, aimed at supporting businesses and households, actually helped to fuel a boom in property and stock market prices and thereby lined the pockets of wealthy investors.

Our warped economic structure enables the richest few to accrue a huge amount of our nation’s wealth, while foodbank use soars, 3.9 million children live in poverty and 6.7 million households struggle to heat their

homes.

Such entrenched levels of inequality bring higher levels of violent crime and mental illness, and lower levels of health and trust in our economy and democracy.

The second item of news that got my attention was a speech given by the chairman of the UK’s Charity Commission, in which he stated that while the voluntary sector faces an existential crisis, the UK’s top one per cent of earners give even less to charity now than they did ten years ago.

Although their income grew by ten per cent in real terms between 2011 and 2019, their average donation to charity fell by 20 per cent to just £48 a month. A truly shameful figure.

Worse still, although as a whole top earners gave an annual total of about £3 billion to charitable causes, it is estimated this was down to the generosity of just one in five of them. For comparison, less well-off people in the UK gave about £10.7 billion to charitable causes last year, and very many also gave their time to act as volunteers and trustees.

What is it about humans that – with some exceptions, of course – those who have much more than they need tend to want even more, while those with the least are among the most generous in sharing what little they have? Why has our economic system evolved to funnel so much wealth upwards to the few, while failing to cater fully for the basic needs of the many?

Regulation and taxation are political choices. Rather than looking to save money through yet more cuts to public services, we need tax reforms to target the very wealthy and close the tax avoidance loopholes.

The money thus raised would greatly improve the lives of so many, and make our society more equal and democratic. We need a government that does what we pay it to do and run the country for the benefit of us all, do we not?

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

Pay offer to nurses is ‘ridiculous’

AFTER another tumultuous year in the political life of the UK, it is good to know that the dreadful handling of the NHS has been recognised by the King’s Fund in a recent report on the Conservative’s record as being due to “a decade of neglect...leaving it with too few staff, too little equipment and too many outdated buildings to perform the amount of surgery needed.”

Embarrassing or what?

The report goes on to compare that unfavourably with the tactics used by the Blair-Brown Labour Government in the late 1990s in chasing down the horrendously long waits for both care and operations, which that Government found on taking office in 1997.

While Rishi Sunak is throwing everything at the waiting times problem, it is

only having a limited effect. Those ten years of Tory/ LibDem ‘austerity’ have come back to bite him!

Sunak would be entitled to quietly curse David Cameron and Theresa May.

With the NHS cracking up under the strain of the Covid epidemic, it has to be said that those years of neglect, together with loss of staff through ‘burn-out’, return of workers to Europe following Brexit, and the huge deficiency of nursing and doctoral staff due to this Tory Government’s inability to recruit and train enough people, has led to this current impasse with the administration.

And is it small wonder the bubble has burst over the ridiculous pay offer made by the so-called ‘independent’ pay review body.

This is a fight this Tory government is totally unable to win.

It should call for pay talks with the unions now as this dispute shows signs of becoming nasty.

And let’s not forget the

nurses are the ‘darlings and heroes’ of the Covid days of two years ago, and polls still show overwhelming support for this strike.

Rishi Sunak says we cannot keep inflation down with such pay deals being done.

I say without upping the pay offer already on the table there will be no NHS left.

This is a pretty weak argument from this Government stuffed full of billionaires and millionaires, and given the billions of pounds lost in rotten PPE deals for Covid and the £40billion lost during the disastrous and short-lived leadership of Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

This year we will be getting closer than ever to the next Labour Government, this time under Keir Starmer’s control. A happy New Year to all readers.

‘My hope is for stability and civility’

MAY I begin by wishing you a very happy and peaceful New Year. I hope you were able to enjoy Christmas despite both the weather and the multitude of bugs and viruses that seemed to strike every family with Biblical severity.

Readers of keen memory may recall that I thought it was the word ‘change’ that best summarised 2022. My hopes for 2023 are twofold – stability and civility.

Turning to the latter first. I do not use this regular column to be overly party political. I represent all residents of North Dorset so I try to be as nonpartisan as I can be. From my inbox readers seem to appreciate this approach. I write my columns as the Member of Parliament rather than the Conservative MP.

I am, of course, proud to be a Conservative, a Party I have been a member of since 1985. So my incessant non-Party

drum beating is not out of any sense of timidity – I merely think it the better thing to do.

Elections, local and general, are approaching but not until May 2024 – to hear some, one could be forgiven for thinking an election is around the corner. But, the political temperature is beginning to rise and the pace

quicken. There will be a vigorous battle of ideas – waged with passion and energy. There will be political disagreements but, as I have got older, I realise that one can disagree without being disagreeable. Better to play the ball not the man. Cheap and snide shots are best left in the drawer.

So my first hope is we can have civility and respect in our political discussion. Given the upheavals we all witnessed over the last few years, I firmly believe it is what most people in the country, and certainly in North Dorset, want.

My second hope for 2023 is for stability. I think we all recognise we are living in a new world order. The impacts of Covid, the invasion of Ukraine – coupled to its domestic economic impacts – and the recalibrating of the UK’s economic model post EU membership made this inevitable. Change has come

upon us thick and fast leaving most people feeling exhausted.

2023 needs to be a year of stability. Letting the dust settle. Surveying the scene and replotting the course. The country at large wants and deserves UK political stability. It wants to see the Government deal with serious issues in a serious way.

I have every confidence that the Prime Minister will have this as his guiding star throughout the year. The markets have responded favourably to the Government’s economic policy. Who knows, there may be some currently unforeseen headroom when it comes to the next budget. We must hope that inflation has peaked and will be beginning to fall to something like 5-6 per cent by June. That of itself will provide stability for policy making.

So, a civil and stable 2023. Not too much to ask for is it?

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Wages, inflation and productivity...

HAPPY New Year everyone. I’m hoping for a better one than ’22 and certainly no repetition of our ’21 annus horribilis!

The auguries are quite positive with gas prices coming down and with them things like construction costs. However, we must tame inflation and improve productivity in key industries. That means wage restraint and more intelligent modern ways of working of the sort now routinely seen in successful European countries.

A big part of the block is the resurgence of 1970s-style militant trade unions. Rail is a good case in point. The rail unions want bigger pay settlements for their members, some already very well paid, than other workers, many of whom are not, at the same time retaining restrictive practices and resistance to technology. Trade union protectionism makes putting the rail industry

on a sustainable basis impossible. In the long term it threatens jobs and the safe, efficient running of the network. Residual Blairites on the Opposition front bench know this but, with their party hand-cuffed to the unions, they

refuse to condemn strikes and, because they don’t want to scare undecided voters, won’t be drawn on what they would do in office.

In the absence of an answer, we have to rely on the Opposition’s track record in office, recalling the ‘beer and sandwiches’ era at Number Ten. So, the working assumption has to be that they would cave in to demands.

The Opposition has apparently conceded the obvious point that the RCN trade union demand for 19 per cent for the country’s 700,000 nurses is just impossible. We all want more money for healthcare workers – declaring my own interest as I’m still one – but huge, inflation-busting rises in one, very large sector come straight out of the pockets of others.

The UK is now spending about the same on healthcare as

our European neighbours after many years of growth, though with generally less good outcomes, so we need to be careful about suggesting more money is key.

I’m still getting a few political pressure group inspired but unsubstantiated emails about ‘cuts’ to the NHS. But I prefer fact over fiction. In reality, there’s been a very significant uplift in the number of junior doctors, consultants and nurses over the past few years, notably as the service recovers from the pandemic.

In my view, as stated in my ten-minute rule bill last year, a central plank in reducing healthcare pressures is getting frail elderly out of acute hospital beds into more appropriate settings in the community. So, the focus in 2023 has to be on social care. In my bill I lay out how that could be achieved.

Government defends rail fares hike

RAIL fares will rise by 5.9 percent in March, prompting a political row.

The increase, which is 6.4 points lower than the RPI figure on which they are historically based, will officially come into force on March 5.

The Government said it has been linked to July 2022’s average earnings growth - instead of the RPI - for the first time in a bid to keep the increase down.

However, Liberal Democrats in Somerset have hit out at the rise - the largest in 10 years - saying it comes at a time of hardship for families enduring a cost of living crisis.

Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Somerton and Frome, said: “In the midst of a cost of living crisis, rail ticket prices will soar by the largest increase for 10 years.

“The Government should be freezing fares to help struggling households, but once again train users are being catastrophically let down. People are paying way over the odds for what has often been an appalling service. Living in a rural community, many rely on public transport to live and work.

“Many local people have to travel

great distances for work, education or training and market towns like Frome and Bruton rely on the income from tourism that is derived from people travelling to this beautiful part of Somerset.

“Our railways are a key part of a sustainable transport network, vital in the fight to tackle the climate emergency and cut air pollution.

“Rather than putting off commuters with yet another price hike, the Government must help the industry recover from the Covid-19 crisis. This means freezing fares and investing to increase capacity to make sure we have a rail network that is fit for the future.”

Announcing the increase, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said steps had been taken to minimise the impact on family finances.

“This is the biggest ever government intervention in rail fares,” Mr Harper said. “I’m capping the rise well below inflation to help reduce the impact on passengers.

“It has been a difficult year and the impact of inflation is being felt across the UK economy. We do not want to add to

the problem. This is a fair balance between the passengers who use our trains and the taxpayers who help pay for them.”

The Government said the rail industry is facing ‘serious financial difficulty’, despite taxpayers contributing £31 billion to the railways over the course of the pandemic.

Since rail services were privatised, regulated rail fares have increased closely in line with inflation - never being more than 1 percent above or below RPI.

However, this year’s rate was increased with July 2022’s average earnings growth, instead of RPI, avoiding an increase of 12.3 percent.

Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, branded the increase ‘brutal’.

“This savage fare hike will be a sick joke for millions reliant on crumbling services,” she said. “People up and down this country are paying the price for 12 years of Tory failure.”

The increase announcement comes amid ongoing industrial action by rail workers’ unions in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison

Home away from home for the dog in your life

By Andrew Diprose Editor, Dorsetbiznews.co.uk

A SHERBORNE hotel has won the title ‘Charming Canine Cottage’ in PetsPyjamas’ 2022 Dog-Friendly Travel Awards.

The Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa was described as a wonderful home-from-home experience by judges of the competition.

It was chosen from PetsPyjamas’ extensive portfolio of dog-friendly hotels, cottages, country houses and B&Bs in the UK and abroad.

The Cottage was one of 13 winning properties where a dog – and their lucky human – can enjoy a getaway.

Judged in-line with PetsPyjamas’ gold-standard of dog-friendliness, the awards consider a property’s ability to offer:

n Dog-loving atmosphere and staff at all times n Three or more dog-friendly rooms available to book n Four-legged access to some of the property’s communal areas

n Ability to dine with their owners with special pet menus being a bonus n Dog facilities and provisions such as a bed, bowls and treats in the property

n Nearby dog-friendly attractions such as doggy walks or a dog-friendly beach.

The Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa impressed PetsPyjamas judges due to its lovely character, dating back to the 17th century.

Featuring a sitting room with an Inglenook wood-burning fireplace, dining room, kitchen, three double en-suite bedrooms and alfresco dining terrace, plus a pretty enclosed garden for off-lead pottering, it was highlighted as a wonderful

The Cottage at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa in Sherborne features a sitting room with an Inglenook woodburning fireplace, dining room, kitchen, three double en-suite bedrooms and alfresco dining terrace

home-from-home experience.

Judges also recognised the benefit of access to the wider hotel facilities including a 2AA Rosette Seasons Restaurant with doggie meals expertly prepared in the kitchen and the spa, as well as access to the nearby historic main streets of Sherborne and the Dorset countryside.

Gemma Wells, hotel manager at The Eastbury Hotel & Spa, said: “We are thrilled to have won the ‘PetsPyjamas Charming Canine Cottage’ of

the year.

“Our Eastbury Cottage is extremely dog-friendly and we love having furry friends staying with us.”

James Williams, PetsPyjamas managing director, said: “Taking your dog away to somewhere they are welcomed is very much the norm nowadays.

“This feels like miles away from when we first started working with the hospitality industry in 2014, trying to switch their stance from merely

dog tolerant to truly dog welcoming.

“Leading the pack in the best in dog friendly holidays ever since, we always strive to offer something for everyone and every dog – and our annual awards shine a spotlight on the properties offering our most in demand kind of break.

“With all our brilliant winners, dogs have all the ammo they need to pet, set, GO in 2023 and we congratulate

The Eastbury Hotel & Spa on its place in the awards.”

Report highlights problems at special school

A TROUBLED special school in Dorset does not meet all standards required, according to a new report.

Coombe House, in Donhead St Mary, first opened in May but was temporarily closed just a week later after ‘a bumpy start’, according to Dorset Council, which owns the site.

The school, intended to be the council’s flagship special educational needs school, re-opened shortly after, taking a reduced number of pupils.

It is run by the Dorset Centre of Excellence, located next to the property.

The site was formerly home to St Mary’s School until it was bought by the council for about £10 million in 2021.

Ofsted inspectors visited the site in October to compile its first report, following a ‘serious complaint relating to safeguarding, pupils’ welfare and safety, and leadership and management’, it said.

The inspectors say the school failed to meet standards in a number of areas in two categories – welfare, health and safety of pupils, and quality of leadership in and management of schools.

Reporting on the first section, the report says: “The proprietor delayed the school’s opening in the autumn term to enable staff to complete a comprehensive package of staff training.

“This included safeguarding training in line with statutory guidance.”

It said staff now ‘better understand’ and report concerns ‘promptly’. However, it said ‘weaknesses’ in safeguarding remain.

“Despite recent training, staff did not apply the agreed procedures for reporting significant incidents to the designated safeguarding lead,” it said.

“In addition, some staff do

not understand some other important safeguarding procedures, for example, how to deal with allegations about members of staff.”

It also highlighted how the school did not have ‘sufficient information about the onward placements for some pupils who have left’.

“As a result, some important records, including those relating to safeguarding, have been slow to be transferred to new settings,” it went on.

Other concerns include the updating of pupils’ risk assessments in light of behaviour concerns and the lack of an up-to-date safeguarding policy on the school’s website. “Pupils attending school say that they feel safe,” the report says. “A very small number of

pupils who remain registered at the school do not attend.

“Leaders do not have sufficient oversight of these pupils’ wellbeing.”

Under the quality of leadership in and management of schools category, the report finds standards are not met.

“The proprietor has ensured the significant changes that were required to the site to assure pupils’ safety are complete,” it added.

However, it says the proprietor ‘has not ensured that the standards for the arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school are met’.

Dorset Council had not responded to a request for comment when your New Blackmore Vale went to press.

Temporary classroms to be replaced

SCHOOLS in Sherborne and Yeovil are looking forward to refurbishments after being allocated money under a government scheme.

The latest round of funding announced as part of the School Rebuilding Programme includes Milford Junior School in Yeovil and Sherborne’s The Gryphon School.

Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said: “Education is a top priority for this Government. That is why, despite facing challenging economic circumstances, we are investing a record amount in our schools and colleges.

“(This) announcement will transform hundreds of schools across the country and ensure

they are fit for the future.

“The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”

Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset and a former pupil of The Gryphon School, welcomed

the news, which will see the premises substantially refurbished, with temporary classrooms being replaced.

The announcement comes after months of campaigning by the MP to get the school prioritised for its dilapidated ‘temporary’ classrooms to be rebuilt.

“I am very pleased that today our hard work on this campaign has been rewarded with a successful funding bid which will finally deliver the investment the school requires to replace the ‘temporary’ classrooms which I was schooled in 25 years ago,” he said.

Head teacher Nicki Edwards said: “This is wonderful news and comes at the end of a great year for The Gryphon with our best ever exam results and our excellent SIAMS inspection.

“Our students and staff work hard everyday and deserve to have the best facilities to work in – replacing our 25 year old ‘temporary’ classrooms will make such a difference.”

Coombe House, the controversial new SEN school for Dorset

West Dorset MP Chris Loder with The Gryphon School head teacher Nicki Edwards

College apprentices treated shabbily

MY grandson, along with all other apprentices at Kingston Maurward College, were recently informed, midacademic year, that the college was no longer going to be running apprenticeships.

All, including my grandson – who is on an Arboriculture apprenticeship – were emailed out of the blue and given just two weeks’ notice that the college would no longer be providing any provision for apprenticeships, and they were being relocated to Sparsholt College 64 miles away.

The college said: “The current operating climate, funding rates and inflationary pressures are making it financially unviable for us to continue to deliver apprenticeships.”

As a retired teacher, I find it appalling that Kingston Maurward took on apprentices just over three months ago, at the beginning academic year, when its funding for the year should have been in place, and yet now must cease all provision because it has run out of money!

How, before September, was it not aware of its overall financial situation?

It is incomprehensible that an educational establishment with a duty of care has treated its apprentices, some as young as 16, in such an off-hand, thoughtless manner. Particularly when so many of these young people will already have suffered a particularly difficult few years due to the pandemic.

The only help Kingston Maurward has given to some apprentices is to forward their details to Sparsholt College in the hope there will be enough spaces to accommodate them, and a bus timetable!

It could be argued that my grandson is lucky. He, fortunately, has a very supportive employer, which is doing its best to find a way to support its apprentices to complete their course. It

recognises the importance of college tuition.

Kingston Maurward will argue that Sparsholt has agreed to fund a free bus for the students. The reality is this bus leaves Bournemouth – the starting point and 28 miles from Kingston Maurward – at 7am and takes over two hours to reach Sparsholt.

I am deeply concerned that many of the apprentices, particularly those living in the west of the county and those from low income families, will find it impossible to be in Bournemouth for 7am. How will they be supported?

Apart from the impact on the students’ lives, I don’t think this reflects well on the county! Hampshire, it seems, manages its funding to support an award-nominated college. Why isn’t this the case in Dorset? It’s heart-breaking to think that there will be no academic support in the county for future apprentices looking to go into agriculture and horticulturebased careers.

Also, where is Government support for apprenticeships? How on earth is this supposed to encourage economic growth and ‘levelling up’?

Mrs Bobbie Church via email

FOLLOWING on from David Prichard’s letter – New Blackmore Vale 23 December – about the Duke of Sussex, it is indeed bizarre that while spending much of their time publicly criticising the institution from which their titles derive – never, of course, the late Queen, whose last years they nevertheless didn’t scruple to blight – the Sussexes continue to use them, even whingeing that further titles haven’t been given to their children.

No doubt they are expecting an invitation to the Coronation, and will complain bitterly if they don’t get one.

Logic, consistency and

emotional intelligence are not the Sussexes forte.

At least we can be grateful they aren’t Duke and Duchess of Dorset!

Roger White Sherborne

MP Chris Loder – New Blackmore Vale, 9 December, meeting in Chideock – appears to have forgotten that it is his Government, with his support, which recently brought in increased legislation giving the police the authority to restrict/ prevent any demonstration or protest it does not approve of without reference to any judicial overview.

The visit by Dorset Police to the two innocent women is therefore no surprise.

It is also his Government which continues to delay and further delay legislation that

might curb and control horrific and widespread online abuse, of which he too unfortunately has experience.

Roland Britain Gillingham

THE Dorset Committee of the Army Benevolent Fund, the Soldiers’ Charity, would like to thank all those generous shoppers who supported the fund during our tin collection at Shaftesbury Tesco on Friday 16 December.

We raised the impressive sum of £740.

The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity founded in 1944 aimed at giving a lifetime of support to serving soldiers, former soldiers and their immediate families in time of need.

Christopher Price Colonel (Retd)

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall – justsocaricatures.co.uk

ABBA: All the hits and more

THE ultimate feelgood party show is coming to the Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil with Thank ABBA for the Music.

The two-hour spectacular captures all the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most successful and entertaining live bands – and all their greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Knowing Me Knowing You, Fernando and Super Trouper The show also features stunning costumes, a sevenpiece live band, interactive video projection, tongue-incheek Swedish humour and, of course, ABBA’s spectacular trademark harmonies.

Thank ABBA For the Music is on Saturday 28 January.

ABBA and 70s fancy dress is optional but strongly encouraged!

Ladies first in Beckett classic

IN 1953, Samuel Beckett wrote Waiting for Godot. In 1988, he sued five women for trying to perform it. In 1989, he died. Since then, his estate has continued to challenge any company that expresses a desire to perform Beckett’s seminal work if they aren’t all men. Why?

Since Waiting for Godot was written, non-men all over the world have been waiting to fill the boots of Vladimir and Estragon. Nearly 70 years later, the playwright is dead and his estate still says ‘no’. Well, Silent Faces Theatre is done waiting...

With its trademark style of playful and political physical theatre, Silent Faces explores permission, patriarchy and pop

music in a new song and dance show, created with a desire to provoke change within British theatre and beyond.

Following an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show heads to the South-West for a short tour and is stopping off at West Stafford.

Kerry Bartlett, director of Dorset’s touring arts charity Artsreach, said: “We are excited to work with Silent Faces Theatre for the first time and, following fantastic reviews at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, can’t wait to share their playful show with our audience.”

Godot is a Woman, suitable for audience members aged 14-plus, is at West Stafford village hall (07968 633834) on Saturday 28 January at 7.30pm.

PANTO is coming to Charlton Horethorne village hall. King Arthur by Rob Fearn and Leo Appleton is being performed from Thursday to Saturday January 19-21 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets priced adult £7, children £3, family £17 are available from January 7 at the village shop.

For advance reservations contact CHAPS at chaps.panto@ gmail.com or 07584 064233.

MAYHEM and audience interaction are promised with Elvis in Blue Hawaii at Sandford Orcas on Friday 13 January, Buckland Newton on Saturday 14 January, and Wimborne Allendale Centre on Sunday 15 January. For more information visit www.artsreach.co.uk

It’s back to the 1970s with Thank ABBA for the Music at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil

Model student faces a crisis

TALENTED actress Georgia Holder stars in Stuart Slade’s award-winning play Glee & Me at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil this month.

Sharp-witted and spiky, Lola is studying for her A-levels. She is working hard to get the grades for university, at the expense of fun and boys.

Then one night her life changes forever and suddenly she needs to re-think everything she does, re-evaluate her relationship with her Mum and her best friend Clem.

Suddenly every day of her life is thrown into sharper focus, every emotion heightened and more intense.

Director Mark Payne said: “When I first read the script of Glee and Me I was blown away by the quality of the writing –its ability to deliver some of the funniest lines next to the rawest emotion takes the audience on a roller coaster of a journey.

“From very early on you know the outcome – it is about how Lola copes with the most difficult of circumstances and in the process learns so much about herself and about life.

“There are two particular challenges to staging this play – one is finding an actress, of the right age, talented enough to

take on the enormous role of Lola and who, a la Shirley Valentine, can hold the

audience’s attention over 50 pages of script.

“Having worked with

Georgia on Di and Viv and Rose last January, I knew though she would be up to the challenge.

“The second challenge is the language. The script is written in the language of a teenager, and a teenager facing a crisis at that.

“The language is strong but utterly authentic and it is completely possible to move through it to find a warm, tender story full of hope and love.”

Glee & Me runs from Tuesday to Saturday January 17-21, starting at 7.45pm. Tickets are available from www. swan-theatre.co.uk or swantheatreboxoffice@gmail. com or 07500 376031.

George set to cook up a storm at show

AWARD-WINNING

comedian George Egg is coming to Yetminster this month with his unique and absurd comedy show Set Menu – The Best of George Egg.

George has toured three shows and cooked more than 1,000 dishes to date, all in front of a live audience and none of them with a kitchen. Three meals are cooked live, which audience members can try at the end.

George is performing on

the back of sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, extensive touring in the UK and beyond, and even an appearance on Channel 4’s Bake Off: An Extra Slice.

George Egg, recommended for ages 14-plus, is at Yetminster Jubilee Hall (01935 873546) with Dorset’s touring arts charity Artstreach, on Friday 27 January at 7.30pm. Further information and tickets are available online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Actress Georgia Holder plays the spiky Lola in Glee & Me

Napoleonic wars setting for thriller

DORSET author Paul Weston has released a new title, Not by Sea, the second book in the Jack Stone series following the warm critical and commercial reception of his debut novel Weymouth Bound Set in the Napoleonic Wars, the fastpaced thrillers are inspired by Paul’s fascination with history and his considerable sailing experience – he worked at sea for many years and has written for nautical publications such as Yachting Monthly

During the Peace of Amiens, in 1802, seaman Jack Stone visits Paris, where he encounters the feared head of the French secret police, Fouché, and witnesses what can only be secret preparations for an invasion of Britain.

When war breaks out again, Jack Stone is back at the centre of an attempt to protect Britain from its enemies.

Paul said: “Readers said they found Weymouth Bound interesting and exciting,

and I hope the same will be said of Not by Sea, which shares many of its main characters.

“I have told the story from several viewpoints, including from the French side.

“As well as the actions of war on sea and land, the story deals with the aftermath of revolution, the effects of a police state on its victims and technological advancement.”

Not by Sea weaves together the narratives of midshipman Jack Stone with those of other characters including the ruthless Breton Captain Morlaix, his daughter Dominique and Percy Snowden, Jack Stone’s fellow midshipman.

The book’s title refers to the famous quote of Admiral John Jervis: “I do not say, my lords, that the French will not come. I say only that they will not come by sea.”

Paul, who lives in Wareham, now works as an engineer, presently specialising in electric vehicle charging, but spent 11 years as a merchant seaman, on tankers, offshore

in the North Sea and on ferries.

He has been sailing since childhood, initially on his family’s converted fishing boat True Vine. He has also sailed across the Atlantic on a home-designed and built 26-footer, and to the Azores and back on another boat of the same size.

The first parts of Paul’s account of refitting a 31ft boat and taking it to the Mediterranean and back by sea, river and canal is available as a blog at www. paulwestonauthor.com He now owns a 42ft aluminium lift keel sailing yacht.

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

Cryptic crossword

Circuitous movement in whole or small part (5)

Stick put in part of reactor gets to deteriorate (7)

Someone with an instinctive aptitude for buff colour (7)

Unspoken merit a citation seals (5)

One pillaging place in the control of monarch (9)

Take action against endless fatty tissue (3)

Brood? It’s old-fashioned on reflection (3)

Down

1 Unite at college and enlist (4,2)

Across 8 Circuitous movement in whole or small part (5) 9 Stick put in part of reactor gets to deteriorate (7) 10 Someone with an instinctive aptitude for buff colour (7) 11 Unspoken merit a citation seals (5) 12 One pillaging place in the control of monarch (9) 14 Take action against endless fatty tissue (3)

2 Get in the way of work of court around summertime in the UK? (8)

3 Excite gentleman touring Thailand (4)

4 Prophetic artist discounted concerning vision? (6)

5 Members in order? Three are converted Britain and Norway (8)

Brood? It’s old-fashioned on reflection (3)

6 Necklace actor carefully conceals (4)

Card? It’s fine around clubs with small amount of money (9) 19 It could supply a connection, it’s said, in set of notes (5)

Card? It’s fine around clubs with small amount of money (9) 19 It could supply a connection, it’s said, in set of notes (5)

Across

Stay possibly around North America with liberal economic expert? (7)

Circuitous movement in whole or small part (5)

Advertising body to reign usually (2,1,4)

Follow translator with trouble (5)

Stick put in part of reactor gets to deteriorate (7)

Someone with an instinctive aptitude for buff colour (7)

Unspoken merit a citation seals (5)

One pillaging place in the control of monarch (9)

Take action against endless fatty tissue (3)

Brood? It’s old-fashioned on reflection (3)

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

7 Arrange support for driving seat (6)

13 Terrible director broke rule accepting commercial fine (8)

Stay possibly around North America with liberal economic expert? (7)

14 Party moved into medical facility for beauty treatment (5,3)

Advertising body to reign usually (2,1,4)

Follow translator with trouble (5)

15 Friendly college I found in rising Asian country (6)

Unite at college and enlist (4,2)

Get in the way of work of court around summertime in the UK? (8)

Excite gentleman touring Thailand (4)

17 Check renovation of pale section in church 18 Pet let out finds farm animals (6) 20 Old friend brings precious stone (4) 22 Political group losing power interested in aesthetics? (4)

Prophetic artist discounted concerning vision? (6)

Members in order? Three are converted in Britain and Norway (8)

Necklace actor carefully conceals (4)

Arrange support for driving seat (6)

Terrible director broke rule accepting commercial fine (8)

Friendly college I found in rising Asian country (6)

Check renovation of pale section in church (6)

Pet let out finds farm animals (6)

High prices in three-day sale

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley would like to wish its clients a very Happy New Year!

The firm ended 2022 with a three-day Christmas sale which had a very positive 88 per cent sold rate.

One of the highlights was an extensive late 18th/early 19th century hand-painted Berlin KPM porcelain dessert service with 19 comports and 46 dinner plates which sold to a German buyer for £4,400.

A 19th century continental yellow metal enamel and hardstone desk seal and matching propelling pencil sold for £4,100, and an Arts & Crafts oak chair in the manner of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, probably retailed by Liberty, sold for a shade under £2,000.

Clarke’s is looking forward to another successful year of

monthly auctions with its first sale of 2023 on Friday and Saturday February 11 and 12.

A very large country house four-plank oak refectory table comfortably seating ten people, a group of period Windsor chairs, a 19th century Military Campaign chest, 17th/18th oak coffers, an early 19th century mahogany Secretaire chest and other period and modern furniture are among the items already consigned.

For entries into any of Clarke’s forthcoming sales or enquiries for consignment, probate or insurance valuations, part- or full-house clearances phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

Silver is still going strong

A COLLECTION of silver, which had been put away in boxes for some time, is included in Charterhouse’s specialist auction of Silver, Jewellery & Watches in February.

“Last year the market for silver, jewellery and watches was particularly strong and we are expecting 2023 to be the same,” said Richard Bromell from the auction house.

The silver had been amassed by a collector in Norfolk. Sadly, he died, and the collection was inherited by his sister who lives in Dorset.

She was recently having some painting carried out in her

house, which made her have a sort through the boxes of silver and ask for help and advice from Charterhouse.

Items in the collection range from silver tea caddies, goblets, christening mugs and cutlery, but perhaps the most interesting and amusing item is a silver pincushion in the form of a frog.

At 96 years old, this frog might not have been kissed by a princess, but it has been well loved over the years. The blue velvet pad for the pins to rest in is well worn, as are the silver hallmarks, due to decades of being cleaned. The frog has also received a blow to its right eye.

Despite all this, the charming little piece of silver is estimated to sell for £100-150 in the auction.

Charterhouse is accepting further entries for its busy programme of auctions. Mr Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset, are available for help and valuations on 01935 812277.

200 years of Duke’s

THIS year marks 200 years of Duke’s, founded less than a decade after Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.

The first auction was held in Weymouth and a poster advertising the sale highlighted some of the lots, which included, rather appropriately for a seaside town, a ship’s mainsail.

Thomas Hardy was well acquainted with Duke’s and undoubtedly observed some of the great country house sales conducted by the firm in the 19th century.

An auction at Came House in 1898 included a ‘a noble set of Tudor dining chairs’, as well as the contents of the kitchen.

When Hardy’s second wife died it was Duke’s that sold the contents of Maxgate.

Looking forward to 2023, the

Duke’s is inviting entries for its February Sporting and Natural History auction

calendar is packed full of more specialist auctions than ever before.

Regular Interiors, two private collections and the second instalment of the hugely popular Sporting and Natural History auction, this time with the addition of two private and impressive collections – one of taxidermy and the other cockfighting memorabilia.

Duke’s offers confidential free valuations for sale and entries are being invited for many upcoming auctions.

Find more information and the auction calendar on Duke’s website, www.dukes-auctions. com

Monthly auctions moving to over two days

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers Sherborne had a busy 2022 and as a result is holding its monthly auctions over two days in 2023, always the last Thursday and Friday of the month.

That starts on Thursday 26 January with a General Antiques, Paintings, Furniture & Collectors Auction and Friday 27 January with Jewellery, Silver, Watches & Objet D’art – viewing is on Wednesday 25 January from 10am-5pm.

Catalogues are available on

easyliveauction.com and Saleroom.com ten days before auction day.

Acreman is holding specialist sales of Coins & Banknotes, Stamps, Ephemera, Postcards & Photographs, Oriental, Militaria and on 24 March Textiles, Fashion & Apparel.

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

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections. If you are downsizing or need to deal with a whole house it is happy to help with advice and valuations and can arrange a full house clearance at competitive rates. It is also happy to make house visits if required.

Valuation days are held every Wednesday 10am-4pm, where Acreman offers free valuations on items you are considering for auction – visit Acreman Auction, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

Time to call in a garden designer?

By Sally Gregson

AT this season, and especially last year, we have looked at our gardens struggling through the long drought, now under snow and ice, and perhaps thought of at least one or two modifications, or downright changes, we could make.

Full of plans and promises, we vow to improve the garden this winter. But, of course, it rains at last – the ice melts and the frost evaporates, along with our good intentions, and another year passes. It could be time to employ the services of a garden designer. A good designer will soon save you money spent on inappropriate plants and expensive constructions, and will sit down and talk with you about your concerns and planting tastes. He, or she, will analyse the soil; the aspect of the garden; and how much sun there

is through the year. They will consider the proximity of neighbours, roads and eyesores.

And then they will go away and think of solutions to any perceived problems and run them past you before putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboards.

Once the designer has drawn up a draft plan, including the location of any existing garden buildings – sheds, greenhouses, a detached garage – and located any planned additions, you, and he or she, will be ready for the pretty bits.

It’s here that their knowledge and expertise can also save time and money. They will make lists of favourite and suitable plants, including trees, shrubs and perennials that will make the garden your own.

Quite often a local garden designer has a favourite nursery where they will buy on a regular basis and can charge you less

than the usual price. Buying multiple plants often carries a discount for quantity. A knowledgeable designer can recommend a suitable nursery or nurseries that can supply the majority of necessary plants.

The ’dead’ days of January are just the time to enlist an

expert’s help. They are less busy – everyone thinks about their gardens in spring when there is already too much to think about and do. So, decide just how much you want to spend and get an estimate of costs. And set the ball rolling. It will soon be spring!

Spring green for winter gardens

By Sally Gregson

IN winter gardeners tend to rely on evergreens and the occasional spark of flower to give their gardens interest and pizazz.

And those evergreens do tend to be quite dark-leaved. Hollies, ivies, laurels all seem to have shining, deep green leaves. It’s the fresh green that is often missing.

Hardy, ‘evergreen’ ferns are mostly just that – light, refreshing, spring green. They survive the harshest of winters tucked up in the shade of shrubs and roses, out of the sun’s cold glare, clothing the bare legs of deciduous shrubs and roses with lacy green petticoats.

Our native Hart’s Tongue ferns are ideal for popping in difficult, dry, shady spots. And there are lots of variations with interesting leaves. Some are bifurcated, that is their tips are

divided; some have serrated edges to their fronds; while in others the whole leaf margin undulates.

A planting of these Adiantum scolopendrium ‘Undulatum’ covering the ground beneath winter-flowering shrubs, such as Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’, for example, looks like a stormy coastline with rough green waves. Then there are the dozens of varieties of Polystichum with its upright, laddered fronds. Some, such as P. setiferum ‘Divisilobum’ grows to about 60cm and, like the Hart’s Tongues, is tolerant of dry shade.

But P. setiferum has a useful trick up its frond – it makes little fernlets all along the leaf at each axil. In December and January it is possible to cut off a frond displaying the fernlets, and pin it down on a tray of cuttings compost – 50:50

compost and grit – to make more of itself. The fernlets should have rooted, or not, by the spring, when each can be given a separate pot and grown on until big enough to plant out the following year.

At the end of the winter, as spring starts to prompt new growth everywhere, the ‘evergreen’ ferns take a month

off. Their over-wintered foliage goes brown and dies back before their new croziers start to unfurl. A wise gardener will cut back the tired old leaves at this stage, to allow the young growth room to expand. And then the croziers will magically unfurl into fronds, to start another year in a shady part of your garden.

A garden designer’s knowledge and expertise can save time and money

PHOTO: eleus500/Pixabay

Cut off a frond of P. setiferum, displaying the fernlets, and pin it down on a tray of cuttings compost to make more of itself

What will 2023 bring for gardeners?

n Planet-friendly gardening

Our 2023 predictions are centred on the move towards planet-friendly gardening, with gardeners finding new ways to encourage even more wildlife onto their patch, trying innovative sustainable techniques to improve their soil and be water-wise. Non-traditional lawns, green landscaping and the welcoming back of previously undesirable garden visitors also make the list for 2023.

n Thriving houseplants

As a warming climate causes us to dial down the central heating, houseplants will flourish. The heat and dry air of centrally heated homes isn’t good for most plants, so more unusual exotics such as Cymbidium and Dendrobium orchids and scented-leaf pelargoniums will perform

BARTER,

better in a cooler home.

n Peat-free gardening

With peat-based bagged compost to be banned in the UK in 2024, more gardeners will seek out environmentally-friendly wood-based compost alternatives. Seaweed could be used to complement these alternatives.

n Gardening goes tech Apps and social media are becoming more important as gardeners share what’s happening on their patch. This sharing of information online will also give the added benefits of mapping plant health problems and shaping research projects.

n Grow your own herbs

Herbs are a cheap and easy way for people to add extra flavour to meals, and searches for herbs were up almost 600% this winter, compared with 2021. The most sought after varieties were classics such as mint and coriander, with the addition of more unusual varieties including edible flowers and lemon balm. Most herbs are easy to grow from seed, providing another cost saving, and can be sown indoors from March to April and outside from April to August.

n Innovative climate-resilient gardens

Following the heat and drought of summer, gardeners will be looking for ways to future-proof their spaces for a more extreme climate. Gravel gardens and xeriscaping (gardens designed to minimise future watering) will be popular,

but a changing climate doesn’t have to mean a totally different look for gardens. There are a few swaps gardeners could make to retain the same feel, including fragrant choisya for hydrangeas and Phygelius for fuchsia.

n Changing lawns

Gardeners will be saving time by giving up parts of their lawn to pollinators and other garden wildlife, letting borders grow long or looking into lawns that require less water and maintenance.

This includes tapestry lawns made up of low-lying, intertwining flowering plants such as yarrow and selfheal and mini wildflower meadows with native plants like yellow rattle and cornflower. Plants previously thought of as weeds, including dandelions, are also embraced for their ability to blend into their green surrounds.

RHS chief horticulturalist, GUY

on what to expect this year…

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing Free Quotation

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing Free Quotation

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing Free Quotation

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing Free Quotation

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions has been set up by husband and wife team Peter & Lizzie Price. Lizzie will be familiar to many as she has been involved with interiors, blinds and soft furnishings for over 28 years for a Wincanton based company, while Peter has over 40 years experience in the building and window industry.

Lizzie and Peter have a similar outlook on business with first class customer service paramount, and top quality products UK manufactured where possible combined with first class installation.

Lizzie has been a Silent Gliss specialist for over 15 years and is fully qualified to advise and measure for this premium product.

They offer a huge range of shading solutions for inside and outside the home including fabric roller, vertical and pleated blinds as well as venetians in aluminium and wood, either manual of motorised (an option that is becoming ever more popular and competitive says Lizzie).

With the onset of winter and increasing energy costs it is worth considering honeycomb pleated blinds with air trapping pockets to help retain heat within the room and during the summer they will help keep your rooms cool too.

Peter & Lizzie are delighted to have

sourced a British manufacturer of Plantation Shutters, avoiding the extended lead times and potential damage in transit with imports. These can be offered in any colour.

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions offer external roller blinds to reduce solar gain at source, awnings (manual or motorised) and to extend your outdoor living season they offer aluminium louvred roofed Pergolas, these are available in any RAL colour.

Lizzie and Peter offer home visits, with no obligation quotations, where they can show you a wide selection of samples

Swimmers put up strong showing in Christmas meet

By Ashley Tomkins

YEOVIL & District Swimming Club (YDSC) held their annual Christmas meet – which is always filled with fun, excitement and exhilarating swimming – at Millfield Swimming Pool in Street.

It is also the last chance for many swimmers to try and achieve county times for the championship that kicks off in late January.

Twenty-eight swimming clubs from around the area joined YDSC, showing what an important meet it has become.

The venue was full to the rafters with swimmers and spectators, and YDSC had a fantastic turn-out with 57 swimmers racing over the weekend, over half of the club’s membership of about 100 swimmers.

A big shout out must go to Chloe Bartlett, 11, Soccoro Bowen, 13, Kai Rumbelow, ten, and Ellie Tomsett, ten, for whom this event was their first swim meet. They swam amazingly well and all achieved personal bests.

The weekend saw super performances and standouts for the girls were Harriet Scott, nine, with two golds, three

silvers and one bronze medal, and Liy Nutland, 11, with three golds and one bronze.

For the boys, Jackson Green, 12, came home with three silvers and one bronze, and Rowan Hooper, 14, with one gold and two bronze.

In addition, Rebecca Tomkins, 13, had superb swims in the 50m and 100m breaststroke with times of 37.85 and 1.25.96, not only achieving county times for these events but regional times as well.

Not to be overshadowed, Theo Perrin, 13, and Oliver Frost, 14, cemented their places in next year’s regionals with Theo in the 50m backstroke achieving a great time of 33.76 seconds, and Oliver in the 50 freestyle a stunning swim of 27.36 seconds.

The club would like to thank all the swimmers who attended for the way they conducted themselves over the weekend, and all the spectators who helped create a special atmosphere.

Head coach Ian Angell said: “Without the support of all the parents, committee members, coaches and officials, meets like this wouldn’t be possible.

C lub welcomes new members

YDSC are always open to new swimmers and welcome those who swim around stages 7/8 or above to join the squads. They complete regular trial sessions to assess swimmers’ ability and correctly assign them to appropriate coaching staff.

They also have a small mini-skills squad for those children with a lower swimming

ability.

At the other end of the club, a Masters squad caters for those adults looking to participate in ‘coached sessions’.

YDSC has talented, qualified coaches and anyone who would like to give the club a try should contact membership.ydsc@ gmail.com for more information or visit the website, www.ydsc. co.uk

“At YDSC we are lucky to have a fantastic number of people all willing to help, making sure the weekend was a massive success. Swimmers at all levels had the opportunity to gain those last-minute Somerset qualifying times or be rewarded for all the hard work they have put into training over the past three months by gaining a

personal best. A massive well done to everyone!”

YDSC now move onto the Somerset County Championships held over four weekends in January and February. YDSC have 33 swimmers that achieved the qualifying times in attendance at this championship.

Rockies grab points in tight encounter

FOOTBALL

Shaftesbury Town 1 Brockenhurst 0

By Avril Lancaster

SHAFTESBURY Town returned to Wessex League Premier Division action with a hard-earned win over Brockenhurst at Coppice Street the day after Boxing Day.

Brad Hill cut in down the left and switched the ball across for Ash Pope to plant a superb shot past Brad Snelling to give Shaftesbury the lead after 27th minutes.

The Badgers nearly levelled

when their captain Alex Haynes cut inside the byline and curled a shot onto the crossbar.

The game between two evenly matched teams saw few chances as the Rockies picked up three valuable points and moved up to 8th place.

Wincanton winners

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors turkey trot – 6 December: Winner – Brian White 21.

Monthly stableford – 10 December: 1 Phil Francis 39, 2 Simon Lenton 31 ocb, 3 John Atkins 31, 4 Mike Taylor 31.

Turkey trot – 17 December: Winner – Simon Lenton 33.

GOLF

Seniors Texas scramble –20 December: Winners –Simon Lenton/Pete Starkey/ Kevin George/John Wolstenholme 47.

Nine-hole stableford – 24 December: 1 Steven Ireland 19, 2 Pete Anyan 18 ocb, 3 Rab Clyde 18.

Referee Lucas Bomela takes charge at Coppice Street

YDSC swimming team at the Christmas meet in Street

Good to see ‘local boy’ showcase great

WELL, I don’t know about you, but I was so proud of being a Dorset girl, watching a Dorset boy in the finals of Master Chef: The Professionals.

Charlie Jeffreys was a runner-up – what a great achievement!

He was so proud of his roots, showcasing wonderful crab and lobster from our shores, and lots more loveliness from his Dorset upbringing.

This was why Love Local Trust Local was founded in 2018 to help tell the wonderful stories of local businesses, new as well as old, right here in Dorset.

November and December were busy months for the sponsors and judges, as they visited entrants in the LLTL 2022 awards and heard firsthand the journeys of these businesses.

Healthy drinks to help you start the year refreshed

YOU might have overindulged, whether on food or drink or just good times, so what better way to get yourself back in the groove than a healthy drink.

Adding cucumber or mint, or both, to any drink makes it instantly more refreshing. You’ll also benefit from some added nutrients and antioxidants, vitamin A and K

in cucumber’s case, which benefits your skin and muscles, for a start.

Mint is well-known for its digestive benefits.

You can simply add cucumber slices and mint leaves to a glass of water. Or you can add them to a jug of water and leave them to do their thing for a while.

You can take this basic

Sponsors and judges have been visiting entrants in the Love Local Trust Local awards

drink up a notch by using sparkling water, or if you aren’t so fixated on health, they are good additions to lemonade.

The EatingWell.com website has a recipe for cucumber juice, which adds apple for sweetness. You’ll need two large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped. A small Granny Smith apple,

At Love Local Trust Local we want to help Dorset businesses promote their produce and support them when needed.

It’s very tough out there in all areas of business and it doesn’t look as if it’s going to be any easier for the rest of the year.

We all need to stick together and feel part of something we can grow and connect with. No

peeled and chopped, a cup of pure unsweetened coconut water and ice cubes for serving.

Blend the cucumber, apple and coconut water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh into a jug. Fill two glasses with ice and divide the juice between the two. Simple, delicious and healthy.

ICE COLD

Adding cucumber or mint, or both, to any drink makes it instantly more refreshing

Dorset produce on TV’s Master Chef

matter where you are, if you need someone to help, we are all part of the love local family.

On 9 February our second in-person awards ceremony –the first one in 2020 was virtual due to Covid-19 – will be held at Kingston Maurward, our very own agricultural college in Dorchester.

It’s a night to celebrate our wonderful producers, farmers and fishermen who are working hard, creating and working

together to make some of the best produce in England.

We look forward to showcasing our 2022 award winners soon!

On the evening, a dinner will be followed by the awards ceremony.

If you would like to go along and support the evening, or if you would like to get involved and be part of this growing family, contact us on 07831 184920.

There are so many wonderful businesses on our doorstep and their stories need to be told.

Advertising and social media, it’s hard work and expensive, especially for small independent businesses trying to make a living to put themselves out there and get themselves known.

We need a voice to stand up to the big organisations which dictate our prices and make the money while our producers

struggle to make ends meet.

We are so lucky here in Dorset, as we have some of the best produce in the country, so let’s all get behind our local businesses that need your support to keep them going, growing and producing for our tables.

We should all be buying local – it’s better for our planet, keeps the carbon footprint down and is more sustainable. Love local trust local!

Chicken & ham pie a winter warmer

MANY of you will cook a ham over the winter months or buy one from a butcher.

Waitrose offers several delicious recipes for using up leftovers and I couldn’t resist this sumptuous-looking pie.

This one-pan meal can be made and cooked straight away or chilled or frozen until ready to use.

You can freeze the sauce before or after adding your chosen filling depending on what you have to hand and your requirements.

If using leftover meat, the total weight needs to be about 650g. Then it’s just a matter of topping with ready-made pastry and baking.

As an alternative, you can replace the pastry topping with cut up leftover roast potatoes and halved sprouts.

This serves six, takes 20 minutes to prepare and an hour and ten minutes to cook.

Ingredients

3 leeks, halved lengthways

50g unsalted butter

A pinch dried thyme

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

3 tbsp plain flour, plus extra for dusting

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

500ml stock

150ml pot double cream

1½ tbsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh soft herbs (tarragon, dill or parsley)

For the meat filling

250g cooked ham/gammon/ham hock

400g cooked chicken or turkey in bite size pieces

For the pie topping

320g ready-made puff pastry 1 egg, beaten Method

Finely slice the leeks. Then, in a large pan, melt the butter over a low heat. Add the leeks and thyme with a pinch of salt and cook gently, stirring every so often, for ten minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for a further five minutes or until the leeks have softened and are starting to colour. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes, then stir in the vinegar and cook for a minute more.

Gradually add the stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly, then add the cream, turn the heat up and bring to the boil, but still stirring.

Simmer for a couple of minutes until you have a thickened sauce. Take off the heat and stir through the mustard, herbs and the meat.

Season – the ham will already be adding some salt – and set aside to cool to room temperature. You can cover and chill this for up to three days or freeze it for up to six weeks.

Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.

Spoon the filling into a 1.5-litre pie dish. Dust the worktop with flour, then unroll

the pastry onto it, rolling it out a little widthways.

Lightly brush the edge of the dish with a little beaten egg, then lay the pastry over the top. Press down the edges and trim. Crimp to seal.

You will need to make two little holes in the middle of the

pastry to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg.

Shape any scraps of pastry into decorative shapes and place on top of the pie, making sure these also get brushed with egg.

Put the pie on a baking tray and bake for 40-45 minutes,

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

Home reared and locally produced meats, game, deli, fruit, veg, free range eggs and lots more.

Follow us on Facebook for all our latest meat pack deals and what’s in fresh that week.

BBQ packs also available. Half a pig approx £120.

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 8.30am-4pm.

Outside shop with self service for essentials open daily 8am-8pm

Just another day in the life of a vet...

By Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

A DAY in small animal veterinary practice can be very varied. This can make each day exciting and unpredictable and can really test your knowledge, experience and emotions. The following was one day of consulting last year.

It involved seven vaccinations. One was a new puppy and we discussed his progress – and had a cuddle! – one we delayed due to recent vomiting, and three were healthy young dogs with no other issues noted following a full history and examination.

Behaviour issues are a growing part of our job for which we give basic advice and recommend a behaviourist to allow a plan of action to be formulated. Two of the vaccinations were for young canine brothers who were fighting, leading to recurrent injuries. Another dog presented with a noise phobia which required anti-anxiety medication – the owner had already tried desensitisation.

An old cat with weight loss and poor appetite was admitted for my colleagues to blood test and x-ray. I subsequently phoned the owner to discuss the results. Another elderly cat which was being treated for hyperthyroidism had a general check up to ensure his

medication dose was still appropriate.

A cat presented with an open wound from a cat bite, a whippet came in with an open wound which required admitting for suturing and another whippet presented with a torn dew claw. A young bulldog presented with a suspected ongoing bone injury from a dog bite which was not healing and was booked in for exploration of the wound.

A boxer presented with a lump on his lip which we arranged to remove as boxers are quite prone to tumours. An older collie came in for an ultrasound scan due to ongoing urinary problems and I scanned him between consults because our surgical vet was busy. Surgery was booked so that removal of a bladder mass could be attempted.

Three dogs presented with digestive issues. I gave advice for a young dog with ongoing diarrhoea and recommended faeces collection for lab examination. An older dog presented for constipation but actually had an anal gland infection – unfortunately I ended up with gland contents and faeces all over me and had to change my clothes!

Two dogs presented with allergic skin disease. One, a young German Shepherd, had recurrent ear problems but could not be examined due to

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his temperament – we discussed appropriate treatment and future prevention.

Sadly euthanasia is often a part of our day and this day was no different. One little old dog presented with a skin problem but it was clear that he had multiple age-related conditions and, following a detailed discussion, his owner requested to put him to sleep. Later a 19-year-old cat was also brought in for euthanasia due to declining health and quality of life.

The day ended with two bearded dragons with some health issues. We had a long discussion over their husbandry and I made suggestions for some changes because most reptile problems are due to a sub-optimal environment. I also requested a faeces sample to

check for parasites.

In between consults I answered queries raised by reception, phoned clients with lab results, helped out our new graduate with some complex cases, assisted the nurses with queries, phoned an external lab to discuss an unexpected lab result, phoned several clients regarding ongoing conditions to discuss altering medication and dispensed a number of repeat prescriptions.

The joy of a new puppy can be followed by the sadness of an end of life decision. The satisfaction of life-saving surgery can be followed by emptying anal glands. Each day can vary massively and I’m glad I chose this profession for the huge variety it provides and I recommend it if you want a challenging career.

ENGLISH POINTER PUPS.

Black/white. KC registered. Vaccinated/microchipped. Top quality. No health issues. Fabulous temperament. Biddable/sensitive. Pleasure to own. 07594673101

MUCKY

Friars Moor Sturminster Newton Contact Gloria 07784 332682 muckypupsfrance@yahoo.com http://muckypups-bee-online.com 15 years experience in dog grooming

MISSING CAT

Sheeted Bengal female. Chipped. Hinton St Mary in December. Karen Pashley 07821 391080

Variety is the spice of life in small animal veterinary practice

PHOTO: Mirko Sajkov/Pixabay

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

Kevin, one. A very confident happy boy who needs to learn some boundaries

Sausage, five months. Very sweet-natured little cat who loves being stroked

BEHAVIOUR TIPS Tip #31 –puppy series: Fear periods

Fudge, four. Looking for an understanding home to call his own

Trigger, two. Gorgeous chunky chap who was found as a stray

Schnitzel, five months. He wants attention but is not quite brave enough to come forward for it yet

PUPPIES go through two fear periods in their first year or so.

The First Fear Imprint Period – between eight and 11 weeks – is a time when scary or traumatic experiences can have far-reaching effects.

This period coincides both with the Socialisation Period and also with most puppies going to their new homes.

Bonnie, 14. A sweet chunky older lady who came to us through no fault of her own

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, small cat missing from Alder

Hills area since 11 November. 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.

We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10 and DT11, SP7 and SP8, and BH21. Phone: 01258 268695.

It is important to try to avoid anything which is likely to be very traumatic, such as being left alone all night in a strange place on his first few nights away from his litter-mates.

Likewise, early exposure to the world at this time – which is vital – needs to be planned carefully to avoid frightening experiences.

The second period occurs between six and 14 months – although it is likely to cycle ‘on and off’ in this time.

Like the first period, scary experiences can have a lasting effect on the puppy, and owners will often see their previously confident pup suddenly showing fear and reactivity toward things he has not previously feared.

It is important for owners to protect pup from frightening experiences, and to continue to build positive associations with everyday situations and interactions – at the their puppy’s own pace. n Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM; certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB); ABTC register of Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Animal Training Instructors; full member APBC & APDT (881); phone: 07951 985193; help@helentaylordorset.co.uk; www. helentaylordorset.co.uk

THANK YOU DEATHS

DAVID SMITH

Cindy Brierley, Tony, Jakki, Jenny and all the family of David Smith want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful Goodbye that you all gave him. So many tears turned to laughter. So much happiness remembered. He would have been so proud. Thank you so much everyone.With our love.

DEATHS

FREDA JERRAM

With great sadness the family of FREDA JERRAM announce her death on Monday 19th December 2022. The funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Gillingham on Thursday 12th January 2023 at 12.30pm. No flowers please. Donations to Parkinson’s UK please.

DAVID ROBINS (La Valette-Robins)

On 13th December 2022 peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 93 years of Shaftesbury. Lovingly remembered by all his family. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 24th January at 1pm. No flowers please, but donations, if desired, for The Brain Tumor Charity may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques made payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

COOPER CAROL of Motcombe

Passed away peacefully on 14/12/2022 aged 79 years. A dearly loved Wife, Mum and Nanny. Funeral service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium on 13th January at 3pm. Family flowers only. To make an online donation in memory of Carol please visit her Tribute site at: www.funeralcare. co.uk/tributes-and-donations

Or send cheque made payable to Marie Curie c/o Co-operative Funeralcare, 2, High Street, Gillingham, SP8 4QT. Tel: 01747 824738

MARY ELIZABETH SWEET (nee Bushrod)

Peacefully passed away on the 11th December 2022 aged 84 years of Holton. Wife of the late Dennis Sweet, much loved Mum of Nicholas, Rachael & Sally and a dearly loved Gran & Great Granma. Memorial Service at St. Nicholas Church, Holton, on Friday 6th January at 12 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for Stroke Research can be forwarded to M. Franks and Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors. Bath Road, Ashcott, Bridgewater, TA7 9QT. Telephone 01458 210627

ALFRED ERNEST MULLENS

on 19th December 2022, peacefully at home with his family by his side, aged 89 years of Charlton. Husband to the late Pat and much loved Dad to Car, Sue, Kate and Chris. Also a loving Grandad and Great Grandad. “A character in so many ways who will be hugely missed by many” Funeral service takes place at St. John’s Church, Charlton on Tuesday 10th January at 1.00pm. Family flowers only but donations, if desired, for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send a cheque payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

CONSTANCE LUCY THORNTON

Passed away peacefully at her home in Motcombe on 11th December 2022, a few days after her 100th birthday. Private cremation.

KENNETH LIONEL PIKE

on 3rd December 2022 peacefully at home, aged 84 years of Fontmell Magna. A much loved Husband to Janet, Dad to Kevin and Katherine and Grandad to Verity, Emma, Jess and Amy. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 16th January at 11.00am. No flowers please but donations, if desired, for Guide Dogs for the Blind may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send a cheque payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

BIRDSEYE OLGA

Passed away peacefully in Salisbury Hospital aged 99 on Monday 19th December. A much loved Mum and Nan who will be missed by all that knew her. Funeral service to take place at Salisbury Crematorium. Detail from Co-operative Funeralcare: 01747 858968. No flowers please. Donations if desired to Stars Appeal via the tribute site at: www.funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations

Or send a cheque made payable to Stars Appeal c/o Cooperative Funeralcare, Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, SP7 8BS.

Tel: 01747 858968

DEATHS

MARGARET BLIGDON “Maggie”

Passed away peacefully on 18th December 2022, aged 88. Loved so much by all her family Funeral service at St Mary’s, Kilmington, on 12th January at 1pm. Please wear a splash of colour. Collection for Wiltshire Air Ambulance in remembrance of Maggie

OLIVE IRENE GRAY

On 18th December 2022. Passed away peacefully at home in East Knoyle aged 97.

Very much loved Mum, Nanny and Great Nanny. Funeral Service will take place at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday 11th January at 12:00pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations to East Knoyle Charities. Enquiries to L C Hill & Son Funeral Directors. 01747 860361

MORRIS

Peggy (Margaret Mary)

aged 93 years of Castle Cary (formerly of Ansford and Queen Camel) on 23rd December 2022, suddenly but peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved mother, grandmother and friend. Funeral Service at St Barnabas Church, Queen Camel on Tuesday 17th January at 2. p.m. followed by interment in the Churchyard. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Peggy are being invited for The Royal Air Force Association or The Children’s Society C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES.

Telephone (01963) 440367

LUXMOORE ‘Kate’

Died, after a short illness, on 13th December, 2022, aged 93 years. The beloved wife of Cory, who will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Funeral Service will take place at Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, on Friday 20th January, 2023 at 12.30pm. No flowers please. Donations in memory of Kate for the RNLI and all enquiries to A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ. Tel: 01935 816817

DICKINSON GEORGE WILLIAM HUGH

Passed away peacefully in Blandford Grange Care Home on 23rd December 2022; just one month off his 95th Birthday. Much loved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, and he is already greatly missed. Funeral Service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on 27th January 2023 at 2pm. Family flowers only please, donations for Dementia UK and Wincanton Parkinson’s Group. c/o Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL.

GEOFFREY MULLINS

Geoff aged 96 yrs of Tisbury, peacefully passed away in Albany House on the 23rd December 2022. Much loved Father, Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service at St John the Baptist Church, Tisbury on Friday 20th January at 12pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for the East Window fund for St John the Baptist Church c/o Chris White Funeral Directors, 12 South Street Wilton SP2 0JS

DOREEN FRANCIS TRIM

Passed away peacefully on 31st December 2022 aged 97. Much loved Mum, Nana and Great Nana. A celebration of her life will take place at the Antelope Inn, Hazelbury Bryan, on Friday 13th January at 2:30pm. Please wear colourful dress. Donations for Dementia UK www.dementiauk.org

DAVID BRYAN GRAY

on 14th December 2022 suddenly in Salisbury District Hospital, aged 85 years of St.James. A loving Husband, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad who will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Thursday 12th January at 11.00am.

No flowers please but donations, if desired, for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online at www.mhfd. co.uk or send a cheque payable to the charity

c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU.

Tel: 01747 853532

DEATHS

ANTHONY WILFRED JOHN BURT

on 19th December 2022 peacefully in Yeovil District Hospital aged 85 years, of Shaftesbury. Formerly of Yeovil. Much loved Dad to Stephen, Clive and Robin and will be sadly missed by all of their respective families. Funeral service takes place at Bell Street United Church on Friday 27th January at 11.00am followed by a service at Yeovil Crematorium at 2.40pm. All are welcome. No flowers please but donations may be made either online at www.mhfd. co.uk or by cheque made payable to Merefield & Henstridge and sent to them at Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Charity to be decided.

ANNE MATTHEWS

1959 – 2022

On the 19th December 2022. Anne aged 63 years of Gillingham. A much loved Wife, Mother and Nannie. Funeral service at Gillingham Cemetery on Monday 16th January 2023 at 12noon. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel – 01747 833757

DAISY WHITAKER

Sadly passed away on 23rd December 2022 at the age of 91 years of Sturminster Newton. Funeral Service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 25th January at 11.20 am. Family flowers only please, or if desired donations to Dementia UK. c/o The co-operative funeralcare, 4 Market Square House, Station Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1FG

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

“Golden

“Ridgemount”, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

New police data reveals UK speeding hotspots based on tickets issued

NEW data has revealed which police regions in Britain have received the most speeding tickets.

Avon and Somerset came out in second place, behind West Yorkshire, after a Freedom of Information request (FoI) for the number of speeding tickets issued between January 2021 and January 2022.

However, only 23 police forces out of 44 responded to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Therefore, the data doesn’t give a complete representation of Britain’s roads.

Below is the top 10 speeding capitals based on the information received: West Yorkshire – 224,160 Avon and Somerset –

173,428

Thames Valley – 151,501 West Midlands – 95,093 Surrey – 87,270

Bedfordshire – 69,818 South Yorkshire – 67,255 Hampshire – 62,514 Lincolnshire – 59,525 Hertfordshire – 53,627

Out of the 224,160 speeding tickets issued in West Yorkshire, 220,545 were from fixed speeding cameras – with only 3,615 being given to drivers directly from police officers.

Worryingly, the data also revealed that every 16 minutes someone is either killed or seriously injured on the roads in Britain.

The FOI request was obtained by vehicle mitigation system operator Heald.

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Tea is great for the January detox

JANUARY sees the detox season, much to my poor husband’s dread and horror!

I do understand because it is such a bad month and if, as I write, the last couple of days have been an indication of January, we are in for some miserable weather.

It is therefore a depressing thought to give up everything that you enjoy in the dark, dank days. I, however, rather relish it because after the initial hardship of the first couple of days, you start to feel really rather energised and definitely sleep better.

My difficulty is coming off coffee, although I know it really does not agree with me, and it is, probably, the one thing I should really give up permanently. As said in a very early article, the best place for coffee is up your bottom as an enema! But it is not such a nice idea!

To speed up detoxing, I make a lovely tea which includes some of the following herbs:

Dandelion root, which is excellent for dredging the liver of toxins and helps keeps the bowels moving. Burdock root, which helps the liver, is good for digestion, the skin and sugar balance. Yellow dock root, surprisingly delicious as far as herbs go, is a gentle laxative, helping the body get rid of all the toxins and is also very nutritious, containing lots of iron and other minerals. A little bit of liquorice root is added, again this is good for the liver, it supports the adrenal glands, keeps things moving and also acts as a synergist for the other herbs, making the mix all work harmoniously. Fennel seeds are excellent for digestion, settling the stomach and dispelling wind. Some fresh ginger for circulation and calming the

stomach. Juniper berries and black pepper for warming up the digestive process, as well as cinnamon bark which balances the blood sugar.

When I say tea, it is actually a decoction and needs to be boiled up to release all the goodness of the roots. I put it in one of those teapots that go on

the stove and reheat it during the day so I get at least three or four cups out of it.

Once I accept that there is no coffee, it is surprisingly good and warming and just what you need on cold days.

n Fiona Chapman is a Naturopathic Herbalist (Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

London Road Clinic

56 London Road Clinic has had a facelift!

We now sport a brand new logo and freshly painted exterior woodwork. We offer the best in health and beauty care, and we are ready for the festive season.

Established in 2005, this integrated clinic offers various therapies, in five well-equipped and beautifully-furnished rooms, where you can relax and know that you are in safe hands. Our highly trained therapists offer the very best in their field: physiotherapy and acupuncture; structural and cranial osteopathy; integrative counselling; trauma and bereavement counselling; advanced clinical massage; luxurious hot stones treatment; Bowen technique; scar work; sports and remedial massage; soft tissue therapy; Shiatsu for chronic pain relief and long term health; microblading by MJC; professional foot health care; and solution-focused hypnotherapy. Professional beautician Serina Galliers will be joining the team in the New Year. The clinic is conveniently located on the A30 in the pretty village of Milborne Port, near Sherborne and has disabled access and free parking nearby. Please do take a look at our website to find out more: http://www.56londonroad.co.uk or call (01963) 251860.

We wish all our clients - past, present and future - a happy, healthy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.

Fiona Chapman’s tea includes dandelion root, which is excellent for dredging the liver of toxins and helps keeps the bowels moving

PHOTO: Silvia/Pixabay

Painful condition can be worsened by cold weather

INDIVIDUALS are being urged to be aware of a littleknown condition brought on by the cold, with more freezing temperatures likely this winter.

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is urging people to look out for signs of Raynaud’s – a painful condition that affects blood circulation and is triggered by the cold.

SRUK says many in the UK are unaware of Raynaud’s, despite about one in six people living with the condition.

The charity says more than one in two UK adults don’t know any of the signs and symptoms with millions likely to dismiss symptoms rather than visit their GP.

The charity is also concerned

that high energy prices are preventing many people from properly heating their homes, meaning those living with Raynaud’s are likely to spend the winter suffering in silence.

What are the symptoms?

For someone with Raynaud’s, cold temperatures and stress can cause painful flare-ups, also called Raynaud’s attacks.

This is when the blood temporarily stops flowing to parts of the body, most commonly the hands and feet.

Signs of Raynaud’s include: n Colour changes to the skin in areas such as the hands or feet, often in response to cold conditions n Cold and numbness in the affected areas, such as the

fingers and toes n Tingling or pain, especially as the circulation returns to the affected areas.

The condition can also be extremely painful, preventing many people from carrying out everyday tasks like handling house keys, unbuttoning a coat and even driving.

SRUK chief executive Sue Farrington said: “Winter is well and truly upon us and we know that people with Raynaud’s can find this time of year extremely difficult.

“We all get cold hands and feet when the temperature drops, but for those affected by

Raynaud’s attacks occur when the blood temporarily stops flowing to parts of the body, most commonly the hands and feet

Raynaud’s the impact can be seriously debilitating, so it’s important not dismiss it and seek advice and support.”

For about 300,000 people with Raynaud’s, the condition can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as the autoimmune diseases lupus and scleroderma, which is why SRUK is urging people in the South-West to visit their GP if they think they may have Raynaud’s.

The charity also has an online test people can take to check if they may have the condition. This is available at www.sruk.co.uk/testme

Thoughts on New Year resolutions

By Alice Johnsen

WHY I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Ever.

New Year’s Eve is a funny one. By the time we get to 31 December, we’re in the party frame of mind because, for most of us, we’ve had a week of a different routine and we’re really not thinking of work very much.

Of course, not everyone gets to take a week off, and this year in particular I want to add my thanks to all the armed forces and emergency services who are looking after us all. You will have had your plans disrupted and will have had to do a lot more than go the extra mile. Thank you.

On New Year’s Eve, we acknowledge the end of an old year and the start of the new, and few can avoid the feeling of a clean sweep. A new start. A sharpened pencil, ready to go without all the challenges and

disappointments of the previous attempt holding us back.

And yes, that is liberating and really rather nice. But it can lead to a false hope, an expectation that is unrealistic and unnecessary.

Of course, it can be fun to declare we are taking up or giving up something for new year. We are far more likely to succeed if the challenge we set ourselves is small. Have a meat-free Monday rather than go vegan overnight. (That’s just an example, I’m not flagging up support for either step).

But were we really doing so badly last year? Goodness knows, 2022 threw challenges at us all and 2023 is pretty much guaranteed to do the same. With the exception of a few international politicians and one or two other exceptions – you fill in the gaps how you want – I would say we did our best.

Back to resolutions. Why

Few can avoid the feeling of a new start at the beginning of a new year, but that’s not necessarily the best idea

don’t I make them? Because I don’t see the value of sweeping, big changes and if something needs a small change or tweak, better to do it at the time the need arises rather than waiting for January 1.

But here’s an idea to replace the traditional New Year’s resolutions. Why don’t we use that day to resolve to call someone a bit more? Either an

elderly or lonely friend or relative, or just someone we’ve slightly lost touch with.

In this fast moving and often inward looking world, I think that could be a small but significant change with far reaching, good effect.

n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne. Phone 07961 080513; visit alicejohnsen.co.uk

PHOTO: Fiete Becher/ Pixabay

Meditations in nature: A visit to Narnia...

By Dr Susie Curtin

THE year is drawing swiftly to an end as we approach the winter solstice. The North Pole has reached its maximum tilt away from the sun and soon the days will be lengthening. Just the very thought of this warms my heart, as although I love the winter, the shortened days and shrinking daylight makes it feel as though nature is stealing precious time.

This year, the transition from a mild autumn to a harsh winter has come very swiftly with a swathe of artic air descending upon Dorset, dropping the temperatures to as low as minus seven. The sub–freezing cold has lasted for over a week now. Day after day the ice in my pond thickens and my garden

plants that were once flowering have shriveled and melted to a brown pulp and have sadly flopped onto the ‘perma-frosted’ ground beneath them. And yet, despite this pervasive coldness, everything is starkingly beautiful covered in an ice blanket of diamond dust.

It’s Friday evening and the temperature outside is falling rapidly. My son and I, having feasted on winter fare, want to walk off the cobwebs of the day spent behind our desks. So, donned in as many warm, downy layers we can wear, we head off out of town to witness nature’s artwork.

Away from the yellow town lights, along the track, the night cold bites harder. We have to quicken our pace to warm our hands and feet, and it is not long

before we are away from civilisation amid the exquisite designs of Jack Frost where every leaf, tree and stone are etched in white, and where seed heads are frozen in time beneath their icy covers.

As we approach the River Stour, we step through ribbons of thick fog. Were it not for the unique beauty of these ice clouds, it might have been quite disorientating, but I don’t ever remember seeing this track look so magical. The ground beneath our feet looks like a universe of fallen stars. The ordinary has turned into the extraordinary.

In the distance, we hear the hollow, eerie sound of a tawny owl calling out his territory. But other than that, there is utter stillness beyond the occasional bleating of sheep and the rustle of bank voles disturbing the crisp leaves that line their runs. Beyond the river, fingers of frozen fog hug the ground like phantoms, occasionally dissipating long enough for us to behold the heavens.

Jupiter is in the South tonight

and is shining bigger and brighter than any of the stars. Then to the north-east, Mars is a shimmering red, while Orion is low on the horizon – it’s belt as distinctive to the eye as the Southern Cross. In between them hang the familiar constellations of Pleiades, Perseus and the Plough, and there is a feint rendition of the Milky Way rolling above our heads.

Just half a mile later, the fog has reclaimed the sky and trees loom suddenly large as they emerge in the white gloom. Walking without torches, we chat through this magical, changing landscape. Talking heart to heart about life, the universe and everything until eventually our walk draws to a close. Once home, our trip to Narnia feels like a dream, and yet, as we huddle by the log fire, the beauty of tonight will remain as etched in our memories as the ice on the holly leaves.

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

FOOT CARE AT HOME

Professional, friendly service since 2005. All common problems treated. Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Shaftesbury areas. Ring 01258 820203 www.bmvfootcare.co.uk

WE ARE THE DORSET SELF-MANAGEMENT SERVICE, delivering Coaching and Social Prescribing Services across Dorset. WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR A FULLTIME HEALTH & WELLBEING COACH for the Blackmore Vale Partnership. If you are a good communicator and grasp how economic and health issues impact on people then we would like to hear from you! A good understanding of local services and NHS priorities is desirable. For more details and to check out our current vacancies and apply today, visit: https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/work-with-us/ vacancies or contact us at hrsupport@helpandcare.org.uk

Sarum West Primary Care Network are looking to recruit an experienced Elderly Care Facilitator to work across their region.

The region covers seven practices but would be working predominantly in the East of the PCN which would include Wilton and West Lavington.

Working with local practices and the PCN to carry out detailed clinical assessments on nominated patients within professional boundaries.

30 hours pw preferable but flexible working is available. Ability to work alone or as part of a team essential.

Reports to the PCN manager and clinical lead.

Responses to Ian.hall20@nhs.net

Closing date of 15th January but may close sooner if the right candidate is identified.

Recruitment

CHURCH ORGANIST

St Martin’s Church, Lillington, near Sherborne, seeks a new organist to play our recently restored organ for regular vibrant Sunday services. We have a wonderful vicar and very friendly congregation! Please phone Mark Church Warden 07817 845775

Youngstock Unit Foreman

We require an experienced stock person to take on full day to day responsibility of our progressive youngstock herd for our established Holstein Friesian herd in Somerset.

The successful candidate must be passionate about youngstock rearing from calf through to calving and be committed to providing our dairies with quality replacements.

An ideal role for someone looking to specialise, join a large team with a positive, ambi tious vision and the opportunity for career progression. The role could suit a couple or an experienced herdsman looking to be relieved from milking duties.

An excellent package, ongoing training and on farm cottage is available for the right candidate.

For further details or to apply please send covering letter and CV toE-mail – jack.elworthy@wykefarms.com Phone – 07912 514076

Wincanton Town Council is seeking to appoint a motivated Responsible Financial Officer/Deputy Clerk to support the Town Clerk and Councillors in achieving their aims and aspirations for the parish of Wincanton. The role will compliment that of the Town Clerks supporting an ambitious Town Council.

Salary Scale: LC3 SCP 33-36 £39,493 - £42,503 pro rata (depending on experience and qualifications) plus Local Government Pension Scheme. The role is for 15-21 hours (2-3 days) to be discussed with the correct candidate.

A Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification is required as a minimum, or a willingness to achieve this within 12 months of commencing the role. For an informal discussion about this role please contact the Town Clerk, Emma Curtis on 01963 31693 or email townclerk@wincantontowncouncilgov.uk. The full recruitment pack can be found on the Town Council website www.wincantontowncouncil.gov.uk.

P/T ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT required to join small busy team for varied office tasks supporting property managers and family business situated close to Gillingham, flexible working hours. Please apply with covering letter and CV to: forwarddevelopmentsltd@ gmail.com

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A GARDENER/HANDYMAN. A full time position for a self employed person shared between three households. Tisbury area. Trish Scott Bolton 01747830480 or 07949 852820

EXPERIENCED VEHICLE

TECHNICIAN - Full time Monday-Friday- Classic cars- engine rebuilding etc.Gillingham Email: info@sigmadorset.co.uk BOOKKEEPER, part time required for Moonfleet Farm DT2 7PU, familiar in the use of Quickbooks. Tel 07850 305725

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Papertrees

33 High Street Wincanton. BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 32356

Paper Delivery Persons Required (2 or 4 persons)

I need either 2 persons working 7 days a week or 2 persons working Monday to Friday and 2 working weekends only. To deliver Papers in Wincanton and surrounding villages. Car essential and Business delivery insurance required. Good rates of pay. Phone up to apply.

EXPERIENCED PRIVATE CARERS. Available for days/ nights, block hours. Dbs, insurance and references Contact 07898 609405

YEARS EXPERIENCE LIVE-IN CARER for the elderly and dementia available. Excellent references, DBS certificate, covidvaccinated and boosterjabbed, driver with own car. Contact 07711 356062

HOME CARER, 20 Years Experience, DBS Checked, Fully Insured, Yeovil/Sherborne Area, Competitive Price 07565 915736

EXPERIENCED NVQ3 CARER AVAILABLE. Insured, Dbs and vaccinated. All areas of care offered. Blandford forum vicinity. Please call 07391 690861

Under the weather – but the animals just don’t look after themselves...

By Tria Stebbing

THE bugs finally got us. Having avoided Covid-19, flu and seasonal bugs, we were finally caught Christmas week.

When you are unwell having the animals is a real eye opener as to what you can achieve if you have to. They do not see to themselves and still need our input daily to ensure their needs are met.

We went over today, coughing and spluttering, and found one of this year’s ewe lambs running up and down the paddock next to the one the rest of the flock were in. The little thing was distraught it was not with the others – they were happy with their heads down grazing, while she was shouting in her best ‘baaa’ that she was in the next paddock.

Sheep are not known for their intelligence, and she appeared to have become scared of the gap in the gateway –every time she ventured closer, she would appear spooked and run off again.

I ended up walking over to her, shaking a bucket, and as the others had followed me, she happily skipped through the gate as if nothing had happened.

The cold weather recently bought its own challenges. The frost on the grass stayed all day limiting grazing and the water froze solid.

The other half found me a brick to start chipping at the solid ice and encouraged me NOT to drop it in the water

once I had found it. You guessed – I bashed it so hard the brick flew out of my hands down to the bottom of the tank, and that water was so cold.

Farmers encourage you to take every scrap of ice out, making it harder to freeze back, by which time my hands were blue.

This made me a bit more sympathetic to the temperature, and we supplemented the hay with some dry mix, which looks like muesli for sheep with added molasses.

We are running low on grass now and will be moving them back to their home village in the next few weeks. Historically, the few weeks after Christmas always seem to be a bit rubbish and they will be pleased to get their field shelter back, also making it a bit easier to keep the feeding hay off of the ground and dry in the racks.

It is always interesting to watch them return ‘home’, as they do remember the field, and each have their own favourite spot.

The field has had to endure frost, mud and two resident deer, so we hope it will now provide us with the home the flock needs until lambing at Easter.

We have a barn full of hay ready for them and if the weather changes again we will be ready.

For those of you interested in all the paperwork aspect of sheep keeping, we have just filled in our annual flock count

in which we count sheep and ewes in lamb and send the results off to DEFRA.

We are double in size currently as increasing the numbers to accommodate a new piece of land. After Christmas we will also send off information to the Zwartbles society about how many Zwartbles we have and how old they are.

We keep meticulous notes in my ‘sheep book’ about who is grazing where, who has had

foot spray and who needs replacement tags etc. As well as the official paperwork the notebook keeps track of the various friendships, sheep limping, what we did – it is a steep and ever changing learning curve.

After another year, we will remember Gizmo and Gemma sadly taken from us too soon, but celebrate King and all the other lambs from this year. Here is to a successful year for all our smallholding colleagues.

Cold weather brings its challenges, including a frozen water trough

Your countryside: It’s a case of looking after it or risk losing it

By AJ Selby

IN 1942 the War Office commissioned Bradford artist Frank Newbould to produce 11 posters to help rally the troops fighting at home and abroad. The title of this set of posters was Your Britain, Fight for it Now. The posters were bold and colourful and all were of the English countryside, including iconic views of the South Downs, Salisbury Cathedral from the water meadows, and a small Devon village lane leading down to the sea.

Of all the things the War Office thought that Tommy Atkins would want to fight for – our castles and cathedrals, Big Ben, red phone boxes, the Salvation Army – they picked the English countryside to boost morale. That countryside is, and has, been in terminal decline with a loss of habitats and destruction, some of it for housing on the hitherto untouchable Green Belt. This column is not a polemic but surely we have long ago reached peak population in the UK and we cannot continue to just build houses, roads and schools without long-term damage to the very thing that makes our countryside special. And if we do build then surely brownfield sites within existing towns and cities should be utilised first.

In half a century of nature watching I have seen enormous changes in wildlife and landscape, including the bad days of the 1960s when DDT usage was rife – for younger readers, DDT was an insecticide that stayed in the food chain, so dead insects, good and bad, were eaten by birds who then died or passed the lethal chemical on to their chicks when they fed them. It was a catalyst for Rachel Carson’s seminal 1962 work Silent Spring

In the British Trust for Ornithology State of Birds 2017 report were some alarming

statistics within, but also some grounds for optimism in certain species. Climate change is causing the distribution of many birds in a northwards direction, and migratory species are arriving earlier, such as swallows whose appearance here is 15 days earlier than 50 years ago. We have seen a further decline in some species such as dotterel, whimbrel and common scoter, and all these three are at a high risk of UK extinction. The UK’s kittiwake population has declined by 70 per cent in 30 years and other maritime species that rely on sand-eels for their diet such as Arctic skuas, Arctic terns and puffins are in serious decline. Inland, the same applies to the hen harrier and capercaillie, with the former a cruel target by moorland gamekeepers.

Of the three main habitats recorded – farmland, woodland and wetland, farmland birds continue to show the biggest decline. The farmland species indicator remains at less than half of its 1970s level and still continues to fall, showing that farm management practices have had a greater impact than other factors such as climate change. Woodland birds are just about holding steady after a drop in the 1970s and 1980s while wetland

species are also holding steady with some actually increasing of late. The exception to this is the curlew whose numbers have dropped 65 per cent since 1970 and continue to fall. The Duke of Norfolk is currently involved in trying to reintroduce curlews to the south coast with eggs from more robust northern populations.

Some species such as the little egret, bittern – itself almost wiped out 40 years ago – and Dartford warbler – reduced to three or four pairs after the biting cold winter of 1963 – are on the increase and our old friend the red kite has been a success story with more than 1,000 pairs now living in the Chilterns and a distribution that has spread as far west as Dorset. This from an introduction 30 years ago as the UK population had dwindled to a handful of birds deep in the mid-Wales countryside.

Anyone who regularly walks the countryside, and has done so for more than a decade or two, will have noticed the disappearance of many birds that were common a few years ago – yellowhammer, skylark, bullfinch and pied flycatcher, to name but four. I haven’t heard a cuckoo around Gillingham for five or six years, although I have heard them a little further afield

but in much fewer numbers – their national population has declined by 43 per cent in just 20 years. And when was the last time you heard a nightingale sing?

The future of the countryside is in our hands. I have highlighted the worrying statistics for birdlife but they are high up the food chain and everything else around them is inter-dependent. Spraying crops kills insects which the birds need to rear their young, and building houses affects drainage and water run-off, as well as loss of actual habitat. Climate change affects sea levels that raise the tide-line, reducing the area for wading birds to feed and nest.

We can’t change a lot as individuals but on a day-to-day basis, little by little, we can make a difference. Recycling, walking more, avoiding unnecessary journeys in the car, making ourselves heard when developers want to build on greenbelt land, supporting conservation organisations which are working to improve habitat. The wonderful countryside around us has never been under so much threat, so let’s do what the Frank Newbould posters told us to do 75 years ago, Your Britain, Fight for it Now.

The English countryside is a precious place to be cherished

PHOTO: PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay

The start of your new year to-do list for 2023

By Alice Miller Friars Moor Livestock Health

AS we all return to our normal schedules after the Christmas madness, many of you may have started planning your to-do lists for the year ahead. Whether you have a large commercial herd or flock, or a few pet animals on a smallholding, it is the perfect time to take stock. When it comes to health planning everyone’s systems will be different, which means your priorities and the timing of events may differ from your neighbour’s. That is why it is advantageous to carry out your specific annual health plan with your vet, to make sure it is tailored to your specific needs. That said, there are several areas of management everyone can consider, and it is useful to review these options with the improvements you wish to make this year in mind.

Vaccinations. Did you experience a particular disease outbreak last year? It is useful to look back at your records to

see if you were treating several animals with the same condition or perhaps you noticed an increased use of a particular treatment at a certain time of year?

Often a better and more cost-effective option is to plan a vaccination protocol in advance to prevent the disease before it reoccurs. For example, last calving season, you may have had a problem with Rotavirus in calves. This year you may wish to consider a preventative scour vaccine that can be given to the dams ahead of calving to boost the level of protective antibodies against such viruses to ensure better protection for the calves.

You may have had an outbreak of pneumonia in calves or lambs last year. So, this year, ahead of the risk period, be it weaning or certain weather conditions, why not implement a vaccination control

plan. Many other diseases can be reduced through vaccination from Footrot and Ringworm to Enzootic abortion and Toxoplasmosis, as well as BVD, IBR, Leptospirosis and several different Clostridial diseases.

Mineral supplements and nutritional status. Perhaps you noticed an unexplained poor performance in your herd or flock? Last year we saw several cases of Vit A deficiency in calves, which caused general ill-thrift, poor immunity against other diseases and blindness.

It is also worth bearing in mind that some calves may lack protective immunity not due to poor colostrum management but due to poor colostrum quality.

It is worth checking the protein content in dry cow diets as well as the nutritional status of the cows before calving to ensure they produce a satisfactory level of antibodies.

Pre-lambing and pre-calving blood sampling profiles are helpful and will indicate whether you need to adjust the energy or protein levels in their feed. We also see cases of infertility where trace element deficiencies occur and recommend annual blood

profile checks. Occasionally we even see individual requirements for supplementation, for example in goats which can commonly lack Zinc and become more susceptible to skin diseases and ill-thrift.

At this time of year spring lambers and autumn calvers will be planning to ensure they have booked in their scanning visits to obtain accurate pregnancy diagnosis results to aid management of groups. Those who are set to start lambing and calving soon will need to ensure they have all the necessary equipment and supplies ready too, as well as the necessary expertise and additional labour.

We will again be running a comprehensive series of training courses this year, so it may be that you book onto our lambing course, for example, to refresh your skills.

With so many different species and eventualities to cover I will make sure in the upcoming editions of the magazine that I concentrate separately on as many different animals and scenarios as possible. But for now, hopefully this has started to give you food for thought. I hope to help make this a happy, healthy and productive year ahead for you and your animals.

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury

Please call the office on 01258 472314

Please call the office on 01258 472314 www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

Please call the office on 01258 472314 www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

Alice Miller

Christmas time

By Ruth Kimber

I REALLY hope you all had a good Christmas, whether you were with family, friends or on your own.

We were with family at our daughter Bex and son-in-law Danj’s home, together with most of the family except Fran and Andrew and girls, who should have been with Andrew’s family but had Covid.

I took three of the grandchildren to the village crib service, then at 9am on Christmas Day we went to Communion – both churches were packed. We had a wonderful dinner, turkey, of course, and all the trimmings, games and even fitted in a walk where we got a soaking!

Christmas on a dairy farm is much the same as when I was a child in Cucklington, and when Paul and I were at the farm, cows have to be milked and animals attended to. One of my fondest memories was when my father took my hand and we would go to check on the cows on Christmas night – in those days they were in stalls, tied

with a chain to the partition with food in front of them. It just seemed somehow different on that night, the smell of the hay and breath of the cows – I can bring it to mind now after all these passing years. We always went to church, and I remember the magic of the decorated church with candles and carols.

Then here in Charlton Musgrove, Paul had to milk the cows and we would skuttle round to do the jobs before the children were allowed to see if Father Christmas had come – he always came to the sitting room where the chimney was. The children were very good and realised that if their father were to join in the fun they would have to wait! Then off to church and checking the turkey, which had been put in at 5.30am before milking. We always had a full house with family and gathering old and single people to join in, it made Christmas. The sweet smells of cows and good silage were just as welcome as the hay years before. The thought of the stable with the oxen drew us close to the true Christmas

GOS x OSB. READY NOW (8 weeks). £40 each. Tel: 01725 519267

GRAZING WANTED. 10 mile radius of Tisbury please call 07786 261967

STOCKMAN / GENERAL FARM WORKER required full time on modern dairy / arable farm near Shaftesbury. Phone 07711 281703

HEDGE LAYING AND PLANTING, tree planting, fencing, work sought by experienced crew, 20 years Contact 07929 995747

then and now...

experience with our own animals.

Our nativity at the shop has survived the weather and the calf – a large toy one – that is part of the scene, has been given a calf jacket to keep it warm, by Alan and granddaughter Mabel!

The shop was very busy on collection days, which seemed to go more smoothly this year. Kate in the shop and Graham on car parking duty and showing customers where to go to collect their orders made a big difference. As usual we served mulled cider using our secret recipe and Dowdings cider. Jane did the honours and kept everyone happy and warmed up.

By the end of Christmas Eve all the internet orders had been delivered apart from just one or two that had gone AWOL!

Naomi had to refund these, as there is no comeback on the delivery companies, so this was a total loss, plus the cost of sending. It doesn’t seem fair but

it’s a common practice. This year was particularly fretful with strikes, bad weather and road problems – that’s without illness and breakdowns, it’s amazing more were not delivered. Naomi spends far too much time sorting out all this. She tries to check people’s addresses and post codes – it’s surprising how many customers make errors on their address.

The land is really wet now and having had frost, inches of rain and now wind to add to the mix, it’s lovely to see the nights already drawing out and the birds beginning to claim territories. Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year! 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 8.30am5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

Village among ‘poshest’ places to live

A DORSET village has been named among the poshest places to live in Britain.

A new list of 54 of the UK’s poshest places to live has been compiled by The Telegraphincluding Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck, pictured.

The list was compiled using data such as house price data from Savills, costs of living and lifestyle benefits. The full list of the 54 poshest villages and average house price - is:

TO LET

3 BED SEMI IN MERE. Sort after area, Modern efficient heating. Ample parking, Garage, Garden and Shed. Non smokers, 2 months deposit. References required. Available to Rent from 1st March 2023 £920.00 per month. Contact Steve 07843 200844

Bedfordshire - Studham - £700,494

Berkshire - Sunningdale - £1,101,285

Buckinghamshire - Turville - £1,463,240

Cambridgeshire - Hemingford Abbots - £829,437

Cheshire - The Alderleys£1,268,175

Clwd - Rowen - £363,214

Cornwall - Rock - £1,080,534

County Durham - Brancepeth£390,238

Cumbria - Hawkshead - £460,001

Denbighshire - Llanarmon-yn-lal - £290,118

Derbyshire - Edensor - £670,644

Devon - South Pool - £999,000

Dorset - Studland - £972,831

East Lothian - Gullane - £356,615

East Riding of Yorkshire - Sutton upon Derwent - £409,071

East Sussex - Kingston-near-Lewes - £792,339

Essex - Ramsden Bellhouse£1,017,722

Fife - Elie - £349,951

Gloucestershire - Bourton-on-thehill - £799,348

Greater Manchester

- Haigh - £257,020

Hampshire - Beaulieu£1,524,287

Herefordshire - Bosbury - £452,954

Hertfordshire - Little Gaddesden - £1,333,501

Isle of Wight - Fishbourne£509,356

Kent - Ightham - £836,260

Lancashire - Great Eccleston£430,630

Leicestershire - Newtown Linford - £692,157

Lincolnshire - Uffington - £467,548

Merseyside - Hightown - £299,304

Monmouthshire - Shirenewton£474,775

Norfolk - Burnham Market£826,770

North Yorkshire - Kirkby Overblow - £698,656

Northamptonshire - Church with Chapel Brampton - £681,450

Northumberland - Warkworth£289,459

Nottinghamshire - Colston Bassett - £786,955

Oxfordshire - Harpsden£1,307,182

Pembrokeshire - Newgale and Roch - £219,555

Perthshire - Strathtay - £287,476

Rutland - Burley - £737,762

Shropshire - Cound - £454,587

Somerset - Wellow - £954,993

South Yorkshire - Cawthorne£512,288

Staffordshire - Shenstone£575,613

Stirling and Galkirk - Killearn£315,927

Suffolk - Walberswick - £832,131

Surrey - Shackleford - £1,161,183 Tyne & Wear, Dinnington, £210,671

Warwickshire - Whichford£901,115

West Glamorgan - Oxwich£309,519

West Midlands - Barston£571,202

West Sussex - The Lurgashall, Lodsworth and Lickfold Triangle£1,055,250

West Yorkshire - Scarcroft£630,325

Wiltshire - Avebury - £422,413

Worcestershire - Ombersley£435,943

In 2022, you helped Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust raise over £30,000, which we used to support:

CANCER UNIT WELDMAR HOSPICE MOSAIC CHILD BEREAVEMENT THE ROBERT WHITE CANCER CENTRE INDIVIDUAL GRANTS The Trust would like to thank its supporters for their generous donations and tireless fundraising. The Trust was founded to boost awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, and their families and local cancer services.