The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

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Edition 47

Friday, 8 July, 2022

The New Blackmore Vale

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

What’s inside this week…

Announcements Arts & Entertainments Antiques & Collectables Business Church Education Events Equestrian Farming Field & Stream Food & Drink Health & Wellbeing History Home & Garden Items For Sale Letters Local Services Motoring Pets Politics Property Puzzles Recruitment Sport

77-80 42-45 49-51 90 35 37 33-34 92 92-99 91 69-71 67-68 36 52-58 76 38-39 59-66 74-76 72-73 46-48 103-110 40-41 81-89

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EDITORIAL

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• Top: The latest summer festivals in the Vale, page 30 • Above: Find out more about the ancient art of hedgelaying, page 15 • Left: Read tales of the Shaftesbury swifts, page 22

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Welcome to The New Blackmore Vale

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As we think more optimistically about our first iconic and inspirational pioneers of British summer outdoors, word has it we’re also farming and wildlife, the late Mrs concerned about inflation climbing like crazy Angela Hughes, with her daughter – many smaller events and festivals are being Fiona Gerardin. Mrs Hughes’ passion cancelled, as they feel the pinch of us all trying in life has been honoured with a to spend less money going out than was nature reserve specially created by the expected after being locked down for two years.

Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) So, as schools, start to close their on the land where she first turned her notebooks, pack away their pens, and vision into reality at Bere Marsh Farm decompress for the next 6-8 weeks of in Shillingstone, Blandford Forum. summer, we thought it would be a good time Read her daughter’s tribute to an to look at imaginative ways to economise incredible woman on page 8. while still allowing ourselves to be And as the summer warms up, and entertained. Turn to page 18 to reveal a few we reach 80ºF next week, we are of the best, most stylish places you can visit determined to get you excited by for free, without needing a purse or wallet. vintage, from pre-loved stylish designer Likewise, download the app and make bags, shoes and clothes (page 16) to your way to the Shaftesbury Fringe, heritage steam engines and classic cars Blackmore Vale’s very own celebration of (page 30) with news of the 2022 Dorset MILES TOCK ALL RDERED ITEMS FROM ITEMS BYOVER 5PM BA12 ONLY) £200 UPTO 6HB(IN ON IF 20ORDERED STOCK MILES ALL ITEMS FROM ITEMS BYOVER 5PM BA12 ONLY) £200 UPTO 6HB ON 20STOCK MILES ALL ITEMS FROM ITEMS OVER BA12 ONLY) £200 6HB(IN ONSTOCK ALL ITEMS ITEMS OVER ONLY) £200 (IN STOCK ITEMS ONLY)Fair next month. live performance and street theatre – (IN many Steam of its performances are free.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

End of term… but a new start for many

Here’s a little reminder why we need to cherish our rural community schools and connect more directly with teachers so that future education is more of an open dialogue

Closing the doors for good?

This time last year, rumour had it that Okeford Fitzpaine primary school was closing.

At the time SAST denied that this was the case, but from July the school has been told it will close and not reopen in September with children bused from the village to nearby Shillingstone

by Nicci Brown ST ANDREW’S PRIMARY School in Okeford Fitzpaine is one of the smallest in Dorset with a total of just 17 pupils, and the Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) to which it belongs has launched a consultation into its potential closure.

A public meeting was held at the school on Wednesday 6 July after a letter advising the proposal was posted on the school’s website on 16 June.

It said that last September saw only one child join in Reception and only one child was registered to join Reception in September this year, with only one or two in each year group up to years 5 and 6, where there is currently a total of only 10.

A spokesperson for SAST said, “Whilst as a Trust we have several small village schools, who flourish and deliver an excellent quality of education to our children, we are now faced with examining the experience that the children are receiving at Okeford Fitzpaine Primary and comparing it to that of other schools.

“We must question whether children are receiving the best possible education as well as social opportunities, with some children having no peers of a similar age.

With so many year groups in any given class, it becomes difficult to deliver a curriculum that meets all their needs.”

Okeford Fitzpaine Primary was rated as ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted in 2018, and despite work and resources dedicated to its

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VILLAGE LIFE

Are villag e schools geared u p for mod ern life – can they offer the wraparound c a r e n e e d working p ed by aren school as ts? Is a village essential as a post offic e and a p ub for a des irable village?

St Andrew’s in Okeford Fitzpaine celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2014, but pupil numbers are currently unsustainable

improvement, numbers have continued to drop as parents have chosen alternative neighbouring schools.

The Trust says that three teachers have resigned, and recruitment of replacements has proved difficult alongside the challenges of mixed year-group teaching and meeting the needs of a high proportion of SEND children. The current staffing structure is unsustainable for staff and children.

The proposal is to merge the school with nearby Shillingstone, a more modern and popular school less than two miles away which converted to Academy status in 2019 after previously been rated Good by Ofsted as a CoE VA school.

No final decision will be made about the future of the school until the autumn.

High headteacher turnover

MEANWHILE, a second St Andrew’s Primary School within the SAST has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.

Since its last inspection in 2017, Fontmell Magna Primary School has seen 15 headteachers appointed and resign. And, following its ‘Inadequate’ rating five years St Andrew’s in Fontmell Magna has seen 15 headteachers in 5 years and was recently rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors

ago, it was sponsored by the southern academy trust until becoming part of the SAST in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

The Ofsted report acknowledges effective safeguarding and achievement in sport and music, and notes that new leaders have engaged well with parents and local societies and created stability in the school after many leadership changes, but weaknesses remain.

Curriculums in some subjects need further revision, and teachers’ expectations on standards of work and behaviour need to rise, adjustments made for pupils with SEND, and plans for personal social, citizenship and economic education developed further.

There are two secondary and 14 primary schools within the multi-academy SAST. Shaftesbury Primary was rated Good after an inspection in February earlier this year, as was St Mary’s in Bradford Abbas, and St Andrew’s in Yetminster was rated ‘Good’ last year.

Reports have not recently been published on others within the Trust, many of which have only converted to Academy status within the last three years.

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A’s or B’s? British Baccalaureate to axe A-levels

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

WELL DONE!

Congratulations to all those student graduating over the next couple of weeks, after what has been the most extraordinary couple of years.

Local response to proposals

Headteacher Mrs Helen Cullen at Sexey’s School, Bruton says, “I am sure all of those working in education are interested in the work that The Times Education Committee has done, looking at how students are externally assessed and gain qualifications during the educational journey.

“At Sexey’s School we have a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares students well for making their GCSE options choices.

We encourage and facilitate students selecting GCSE subjects that form the EBacc combination as this ensures they have a range of opportunities and experiences available to them as they progress into Post 16 studies and beyond. We strive to prepare our students academically, socially and emotionally to be successful in school and in their lifelong learning and we will maintain this commitment as the educational landscape evolves ahead of us.”

“By its nature, any effective education system needs to be dynamic,” says Richard Jones, Head of Bryanston. “It must flex and adapt to reflect constant socio-economic changes and developments.

Photo by Caleb Holden on Unsplash

Report welcomed by Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major recommends A-levels should be replaced with a ‘British Baccalaureate’

TWO FORMER PRIME ministers, along with ten former education secretaries, have signed a letter to The Times supporting a “reset” of education as a year-long investigation by the newspaper concludes. Recommendations to replace GCSEs with slimmeddown exams at 16 years of age (hands up who ages in seconds whenever they cite the term O-level rather than GCSE), integrate digital skills across the curriculum and provide laptops for every child were among the advice from more than 600 experts across business, the arts and education as part of The Times Education Commission.

However, the main recommendation included the introduction of a British Baccalaureate, an equally rigorous but broader qualification than A-levels including both academic and vocational routes or a combination of the two.

Based on the International Baccalaureate, an A-level alternative offered mainly in private schools, but customised for the UK, pupils studying for the academic diploma programme would take six subjects covering both humanities and sciences as well as units on critical thinking, communication and creativity.

“Unfortunately, both our current GCSE and A-Level programmes were set up for a different era and have failed to move with the times. I suspect we are more likely to see changes to the current GCSE qualification before we see any fundamental changes in post-16 qualifications. Any major change to post-16 qualifications will need to be accepted by the further education institutions and that will take some time.

“At Bryanston, we make it our aim to provide pupils with every opportunity to have a fulfilling and inspiring education that supports their personal development and ambitions.

“That’s why we offer both International Baccalaureate (IB) and A level qualifications. The IB represents a natural extension of our unique learning environment and extensive co-curricular programme. It is, without doubt, a more versatile and contemporary qualification and is an increasingly popular alternative to conventional ‘A’ levels.

“However, we should remember that breadth can also be found when studying A-Levels, as long as pupils have access to the EPQ qualification and a wide co-curricular offering.

“Naturally, we will support and provide assistance for every pupil whichever qualification path they choose as I know that both qualifications will be recognised and respected by employers for many years to come.”

Is Hardy no longer relevant?

Culture MP appalled at removal of Thomas Hardy from GCSE syllabus

TIMING IS EXTRAORDINARY, isn’t it?

No sooner do we end the Thomas Hardy month of June, than GCSE exam board OCR announce they’re removing Hardy’s literary gems such as Jude The Obscure (1895), The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886), Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1891) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874) from the syllabus in a desire to make the subject ‘more diverse’, including works by disabled, black and LGBT poets.

Chris Loder, Member of Parliament for

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West Dorset and NBVM political columnist, has widely condemned the news, “The recent attempts to erase some of the greatest literary icons of our history is of grave concern,” he said. “Not just in terms of educating our children, but also for maintaining Dorset’s unique cultural heritage.”

In truth, Hardy often discussed poverty, adultery and misogyny, with many of his classics being deeply critical of Victorian society and the perceived decline in status of rural people, especially from Dorset.

“While Hardy appears to have been side-lined in the name of diversity, it is important to note that Thomas Hardy himself had to climb a mountain from being

the son of a rural builder who could not afford a university education, to eventually becoming an Order of Merit who now lies in Westminster Abbey buried amongst Kings and the finest poets in history,” says Loder. “He confronted social taboos, gave strong voices and stories to marginalised groups, and he challenged the conditions of the poorest in society through his work, often incurring the wrath of the establishment. He did at least as much, if not more for social justice in this country during his time, than many of the ‘progressive’ initiatives today.”

Is this cultural vandalism or time for a 21st century regeneration for the future? Have your say newsdesk@blackmorevale.net.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Shady goings on with developments behind the Old Ox Inn, Shillingstone Word has it there’s a development in the pipeline for more houses on crucial green space, but locals say they’re being misled…

By Milly Suter A CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL for seven houses has been made for land behind the Old Ox Inn in Shillingstone. This has been met by firm resistance from local residents, as well as by opposition from the Parish Council. However the developer, Montpellier Land and Developments, and the landowner suggest that they have the broad support of the local community. Many villagers are outraged, especially neighbours of the development, who received an extremely poor consultation about the plans and none of their feedback implemented.

The site in question was identified in the Shillingstone Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) in 2016 and allowed up to three dwellings (which have already been built) as well B&B accommodation to provide additional income for the pub to secure its long-term viability. The SNP was confirmed by village referendum in 2017 and subsequently adopted by the District Council.

The Parish Council held an extra-ordinary planning meeting on Tuesday 14 June, which attracted a large and representative

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The Old Ox Inn at Shillingstone: locals fear more development will rip the heart from their village

audience, highlighting the strength of feeling held by villagers about the planning proposal and its potential damage to a much-loved community asset.

Locals voice their opposition

Focus surrounded the dangers of the proposed access junction onto the busy Blandford Road (A357), one of several notorious blindspots throughout the village; it is only a short distance away from where a near-fatal accident befell one of the neighbours only a few years ago. The proposed access road, running up the left side of the pub, will be a hazard for both vehicles and pedestrians alike.

The proposal dramatically reduces the amount of green space available to the Old Ox, reducing the beer garden to a shady 10% of its current size. Of major concern was the number of mature trees that were to be felled under the scheme, drastically changing the character of this part of the village. The plans suggest there are 16 trees across the total site, but as many as six of those belong to neighbouring properties.

The density of this development and consequential lack of green space given to the growth of trees is a heightened concern of flood risk. The character design and height of the planned houses was also of concern, with no indication of renewable energy sources which contravenes Government Sustainability Plans, which is also upheld in the North Dorset Local Plan.

Preserving the heart of the village

The Old Ox Inn sits in a conservation area, as well as being protected under policy 3 of the SNP for the need to maintain a green corridor to Hine Town Lane. It was made clear that this would be breached as the rear paddock would be reduced considerably, and the “green corridor” and footpath would be achieved by felling trees and putting in a tarmac access road.

This much-loved pub is the social heart of the village, hosting an array of events, raising money for a variety of charities as well as supporting local sports teams, clubs and organisations. A pub is typically a place of community and of historical importance to a village. The loss of land at the pub will severely affect the community detrimentally and the village heritage.

Most villagers are hoping that the Local Planning Authority at Dorset Council will put the welfare of the village ahead of the interest of the developer.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Backdoor to new planning?

The detailed plans, which have now been submitted, have yet to be validated by Dorset Council, but letters sent to more than 250 households show the phased development of a temporary trailer park on what was once home to the Deer Park riding stables. The site was subject to a heavily contested bid by the then owners, the Crown Estates, to build homes close to the Stour flood plain.

Developers could be using the Ukraine crisis to usher in more housing

by Nicci Brown A PROPOSAL BY Bryanston Estates to create a trailer park for Ukrainian refugees on part of the Bryanston Deer Park next to the river Stour in Blandford has aroused a mixed response and considerable suspicion that it will lead to permanent development.

The proposal was described at Blandford Town Council’s recent meeting on Monday 27 June by Roger Carter, chairman of the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan, as having generated “a lot of traffic in social media, with most people against it”.

The town council had not been officially notified, but the application is likely to be considered at its planning committee meeting on 11 July. Those with views for or against were urged to give their response to Dorset Council rather than to the town council, which can only comment on the application.

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Contested site

The Crown Estates proposal was withdrawn from the then draft North Dorset Local Plan in 2014 after Historic England’s objection on heritage grounds and the Environment Agency’s objection due to flood risk, together with a petition signed by over 6,000 people.

The site is now owned by Bryanston (RFE) Ltd, a company held on behalf of the Viscount Rothermere and his son, the Hon Vere Harmsworth, which was established after the Crown Estates sold off much of their land in 2015.

A spokesman for agents Savills, Alice Rawdon-Mogg said: “We’ve been moving as fast as possible due to the urgency of the situation in Ukraine – so the letter was intended to both inform the neighbours and seek feedback, but concurrently to starting the formal planning process.

“The proposal has been designed to be flexible, to allow a phased approach and therefore also to allow us to take feedback on board.”

PLANNING PERMISSION HAS been granted for the expansion of boutique hotel No1 Bruton, as the adjacent Blue Ball Hotel is up for renovation.

Currently it’s a little confusing which entrance leads to the hotel or its neighbouring restaurant, as the two adjacent buildings can blend seamlessly into each other. Internally, the idea is to bring the Blue Ball Hotel up to the modern, stylish standard of No 1, by adding additional rooms and linking both hotel sites together.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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A fitting tribute to a Dorset icon Nature reserve opened at Bere Marsh Farm to honour Angela Hughes: legendary, inspirational pioneer of wildlife conservation and farming

FRIDAY 24 JUNE saw the sunshine in celebration of the new nature reserve being opened at Bere Marsh Farm, dedicated to the memory of Angela Hughes, an absolute legend in North Dorset as far as nature conservation and farming is concerned.

The loving memory of one of Dorset’s most iconic and inspirational pioneers of farming and wildlife, Mrs Angela Hughes, was honoured on 24 June with a specially created nature reserve on the land where she first turned her vision into reality.

The new nature reserve at Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone, Blandford Forum, has been fulfilled by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), breathing new life into the 92 acres it committed to help thrive as Mrs Hughes’s inspiring legacy.

“This is our way of honouring Mrs Hughes and all the magnificent work she did in demonstrating all those years ago how farming and wildlife could holistically work together,” says Danielle Dewe, chief executive of the CRT. “She was both a pioneer and an inspiration, so we hope that the reserve is a fitting tribute to her wonderful memory.”

A personal tribute

Upon cutting the ribbon that marked a tree-lined corridor rich in birdsong, wildflowers, bees and all manner of small mammals that are testament to her mother’s foresight and conservation commitment, Angela’s daughter, Fiona Gerardin, said, “This is the perfect way of reflecting my Mum’s lifetime of work. She absolutely loved the area where the reserve has been created and talked so much of the plans that she had for it.

“I am so pleased that the CRT bought the farm because they are

sensitively reflecting all that she believed in and worked hard to achieve. It holds so many memories for me that it is reassuring to know the place is in good hands.

“The nature reserve has been created on the old, disused Somerset and Dorset Railway Line which runs through Bere Marsh Farm, a piece of land which particularly inspired Angela because of its rich diversity of wildlife created by the man-made embankments and cuttings.”

A phenomenal history

Angela, one of the founders of Dorset Wildlife Trust, bought Bere Marsh Farm in 1971 to add to another family-owned farm, East Farm, at nearby Hammoon.

As well as managing a herd of dairy cattle (and goats), she still found the time to forge a second ground-breaking career in wildlife conservation, advocating its fusion with agriculture and organic farming.

A keen ornithologist and wildlife filmmaker, she also founded the nearby Ham Down Woodland Burial Ground and in 1982 was awarded the OBE for her services to conservation and nature.

“My mother, who was so well known in the locality and Dorset-wide, was a founder member of the Dorset Wildlife Trust and Portland Bill Observatory,” says Fiona. “She involved all her (Dorset) life with the NFU, the CLA, the local Red Cross and Sturminster Newton Town Council (she managed to get them to ban bird-harming pesticides in the 1960s). She was determined to convince post-war farmers to stop pulling out hedges and destroying habitat, and instead join her and her small band of like-minded conservationist farmers to conserve and encourage wildlife within their Mrs Hughes’s daughter, Fiona, officially opens the new nature reserve at Bere Marsh Farm

Mrs Hughes, as she was known to everyone but her very closest friends, was awarded an OBE for her services to conservation

farming structure.

“She was a formidable woman. One always called her Mrs Hughes unless you knew her really well!

“Her knowledge of the natural world: ornithology (her first love: she worked with Sir Peter Scott in the 1950s), insects, bats (we would often sit by the river Stour at dusk with her bat detector), wildflowers (she counted the cowslips religiously on the old railway line every year), trees, grasses… was astounding.

“I remember so well when she was chosen to run the Otter Release Project in Dorset in the 1990s, everyone was sworn to secrecy: she had to feed and then release over a period of a few months two otters which were kept in the middle of the farm in a specially built enclosure. Now the Dorset otter population is thriving.

“Her whole life was an adventure in understanding how the natural world was so important to the human race and she knew that starting even in a small way would lead to bigger things, hence her constant recording and counting of everything on the farm, a fantastic record for the CRT to have to be able to compare with today.

“I am so proud, and feel sure my mother would be pleased that the CRT have formed a legacy in her name that will only encourage more of the way she believed wildlife should be honoured.”

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PASSION FOR S CHARITIE % GIVES 100 TO 100KM

Kim finishes in style!

Kimberly Kirby, mother of Isabella, 5, and Elwood, 16 months, who was born premature at 30 weeks, completed the two-day 100km endurance challenge along the Cotswold Way. Walking to help raise awareness for the charity Baby Life Support Systems (BLISS), Kim has so far raised £1,900 through the support of family, friends and colleagues with a second 100km walk, the South Coast Challenge, scheduled for 3–4 September.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my dear friend Anna Parisi,” says Kim. “We trained together for weeks and her unwavering support throughout has been amazing. The hardest moments for me were from 23km. The hill after that stop was hard, my feet were blistering and by 51km I felt mentally broken, but then we rested overnight. By 73km I had my feet strapped again as the blisters were so severe: there was so much padding I even had to remove my insoles! By 93km I really struggled and was very emotional; I was so near but doubted I would finish.

“Hitting the 99k mark, I knew I’d made it and felt such a sense of achievement it’s hard to explain. I had completed something that would help other families in the future.

“Having my husband Bruno at the finish line meant the world.

He reminded me how proud he and the kids were, which meant so much to me.

“I will be doing it again, for me walking is my sanity and escape; and being healthy is more important for my children.”

Every five minutes, one in seven babies in the UK is born premature or in need of extra care on a neonatal unit. All donations via Kim’s JustGiving page https://tinyurl.com/4fz35zt6 go to Bliss Charity. Kim hopes her fundraising will help to raise awareness of the difficulties associated with having a premature baby.

£5,500 for ABF

TWELVE TENACIOUS DORSET lawyers teamed up last month to cover the 100km iconic Jurassic Coast and raised £5,500 for former soldiers and their families.

The team from Ellis Jones Solicitors, who have five offices along the south coast including Wimborne and Ringwood, raised money in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity by carrying out gruelling trek and challenging inclines that covers the stretch of coast from Corfe Castle to Bridport.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity, helping past and present soldiers and their families when they are in need.

Senior associate solicitor Will Dooley, who was joint team captain with solicitor Conor Maher, said: “Our thanks go to everyone who supported us in aid of such a worthy cause. Many former servicemen and their families have incredible mountains to climb so every penny counts for the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity so it can aid when it is most needed.”

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

THE DORSET OPERA

MMXXII

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists and full orchestra

Marquee Bar | Picnics | Formal Dining

Giacomo Puccini

MANON LESCAUT

25, 28, 30 July at 19:00 | Matinée 27 July at 14:00 Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

THE MAGIC FLUTE

26, 27, 29 July at 19:00 | Matinée 30 July at 14:00 Sung in English with surtitles

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum

Box Office: dorsetopera.com 07570 366 186

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

The alternative Royal Garden Party DORSET’s oldest resident was the guest of honour at Blandford St Mary’s ‘alternative Royal Garden Party’ in Blandford’s Woodhouse Gardens last weekend

by Nicci Brown She’s lived through two World Wars, two pandemics, and Annie ‘Nan’ Dennett in Blandford St Mary is due to celebrate her 109th birthday on 27 July.

Following her nomination by North Dorset MP Simon Hoare and former Blandford town mayor Lynn Lindsay, Nan was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party when she was 106, but it was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Now aged 108, she was invited to attend the rescheduled party at the palace in May this year, but couldn’t attend due to her mobility.

As a result, Blandford Town Council organised and hosted an ‘alternative royal garden party’ in her honour in Woodhouse Gardens.

Nan was welcomed to the event by Blandford Town Cryer Jean Jeffries. Blandford Royal British Legion attended in honour of her late husband Ivor, whom she met when he was serving with the Royal Engineers in Lancashire during World War II, and their long-standing association with the local branch and club. A certificate of appreciation was presented to her by branch chairman Terry Clarkson, branch standards were carried, and a fanfare was played by Geordie Thomson.

Others to wish her well were Maria Jacobson of the Royal Voluntary Service, with which Annie served when it was the Women’s Voluntary Service during World War II, representatives of Clayesmore School, where she worked when she first came to Dorset, and Anthony Woodhouse of the Hall & Woodhouse

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney, and do you need one?

If you need somebody to rely on in later years, perhaps to take over making decisions on your behalf, that person will need your formal written authority.

This authority is given by creating a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are documents that, when registered, mean you have given another person legal power to deal with financial decisions for you, or medical and welfare decisions.

At Winterborne Legal Services we can help you to put suitable protection in place in your Lasting Power of Attorney, so that you can be comfortable giving power to your children.

Making a Lasting Power of Attorney can be a big leap of faith for you, if you have any questions we are ready to help.

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Annie ‘Nan’ Dennett cuts her garden party cake with daughter Sandra, left, and Jenny, right, watched by other members of her family (and the Queen!)

Brewery where Ivor worked for many years.

Born in Lancashire, one of ten children, Annie moved to Dorset after her marriage to Ivor, whose family home was in Charlton Marshall. They lived there after the war for 38 years, and she worked locally: first for Clayesmore School, then at Markwells Grocery Store in Blandford Market Place, Bennett’s general shop in Charlton Marshall, and at Clayesmore again for 13 years in its new location at Iwerne Minster.

Nan retired at 74 to take care of her husband, who died a few years later, and at 80 became a volunteer with Help the Aged at Blandford, where she worked for two afternoons a week for 14 years.

At nearly 109, Nan continues to live independently, with the support of carers, her two daughters Sandra and Jenny and their children and grandchildren, and clearly enjoyed meeting old friends and remembering her long life. After a long chat with Mr Hoare, he reported that she had told him the recipe for long life was “working hard, being born in Lancashire – and moving to Dorset”!

Time to celebrate

by Nicci Brown AROUND 100 members of Blandford & District u3a gathered in Durweston village hall last week to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary.

There was a fairy theme to the afternoon, with a talk by Jerry Bird on ‘Dorset Fairy Lore’, followed by the u3a Singing For Fun group led by Rachel Cook, who sang ‘There are fairies at the bottom of our garden’, and a birthday tea with fairy cakes alongside slices of a special anniversary cake.

Amongst the guests were several people who had joined Blandford & District u3a when it launched in 2002.

The group now has about 270 members of well over 30 interest groups who share their knowledge with a wide variety of skills and life experiences, learn from each other and develop new interests.

The Blandford & District u3a’s next open meeting at Durweston village hall will be on Friday 30 September, featuring a talk by John Smith on ‘The Battle of Britain and Dorset’.

For more information see www.u3asites.org.uk/blandford.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Gratitude and respect in Blandford

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Blandford’s Royal British Legion recognise the service of the military and individual contributions in a day of celebration and ceremony

by Nicci Brown ARMED Forces Day on Saturday 25 June was celebrated in Blandford by the Royal British Legion branch and club in Church Lane, where a parade of standards and the local army cadet detachment from the Town Pump to Legion House was followed by a service in the garden led by chaplain Emma and Dale Carmichael.

Amongst the participants were branch president Byron Quayle, who accepted his office from retiring president Gyan Tamang, who was in turn presented with the RBL Gold Award for his service to the Legion, which has included the branch presidency for over five years, branch chairman for eight years and a range of other offices.

Mr Tamang, the first Gurkha in the country to serve as an RBL branch chairman and a member of the branch since just before retiring from the Blandford Camp based Queen’s Gurkha Signals, has chaired the Nepalese community in Blandford since 2006 and recently became chairman of the Tamang Clan in the UK. The service, giving thanks for the service of the military and prayers for those injured, lost and bereaved, was attended by the

Mayor of Blandford, Colin Stevens, and North Dorset MP Simon Hoare.

It was followed by an open day at the club at which SSAFA, the Royal Naval Association and the Veterans Forge were represented, and an Armed Forces Day concert with The Mill Singers.

Left: The parade for Armed Forces Day up Church Lane in Blandford Top: Retiring branch president Gyan Tamang receives his RBL Gold Award for services to the Legion from Paul Harris, a member of the RBL Board of Trustees

Jubilee

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

60 seconds with… Matt Brady the dance world however: all of them.

The Director of The Covent These artists open themselves up and bare Garden Dance Company their souls on stage and in the studio. Even celebrates the return of Ballet if you don’t appreciate what they are doing, even if it is not your taste, you have Under The Stars and the joy to be inspired by their courage to do it. of performing again after being apart from an audie nce How did your career evolve? for so long…

I would love to be able to give you a long

You’ve always been a Somerset guy… Tell us why the Blackmore Vale is so special?

I moved here when I was 10, and have been back and forth ever since. I’ve lived in London and other countries for 10 years.

But here has everything. It is home. It is where you want to come back to. I’m a country boy and love horse riding and fishing. When I lived in the Middle East, I would dream of Somerset all the time, in all her seasons. Strangely, I dreamt of our garden in a hoar frost every night for the first two weeks after I moved there. I missed the seasons a lot and couldn’t wait to come home.

Artistically, who inspires you?

Picasso: he was a genius. Jules Verne: where do I start? Where do I stop! Within

list of experiences and roles that I had that led me into dance, but the truth is much simpler. It was pure passion and a lot of luck. Dance has always been a passion since I was a child, but then I had a 15-year hiatus while I worked in film.

I didn’t actually see my first live dance production until I was 30: it was the Rambert Company performing in Brighton, and it was sensational. I sat with a friend and in those first 30 seconds it felt like I was home. I can’t explain it, I just knew it was something that had to become a huge part of my life. From that point on I would see probably two or three things a week if I could. This went on for a good five or six years.

When I was headhunted to work in the Middle East it was even harder to find things to see. It escalated from there and you don’t have enough seconds for me to

blackmorevale.net

tell you more! I want to create venues like Hatch House around the UK and also the world. Our USP is that we take stunning, unique locations and create a 450-seat dinner theatre and then invite the greatest dancers from the greatest companies to perform. Simple – but very hard to do. It’s high risk all the time.

What have you learned as a director?

What utterly incredible artistry all the performers bring to Hatch House each year.

It blows your mind when you see them as an audience member. But from where I stand, and with what I know is also going on in their personal lives, to see them always produce exceptional performances, night after night, is superhuman.

One of the many skills I have personally had to develop is how to think on your feet and react to tough situations – it’s essential with live performances.

What has been the best moment of your career so far?

The 10th anniversary performances at Hatch House in 2019. The programme was scintillating, near-perfect. Two months later,

KELPIES,LOCHS AND GLENS AT THE WINNOCK HOTEL LOCH LOMOND 3rd – 7th August, £565 EASTER IN WEST YORKSHIRE 1 – 5 Apr £515 LOOE, CORNWALL 12 – 15 Aug, £495 SUNDAY LUNCH 25 Apr £45 HORSE DRAWN BARGE ON THE TIVERTON CANAL RHS MALVERN SPRING SHOW* & FISH & CHIPS 20th August, £79 8 May £79 RHS HYDE HALL* 15 May £65 LIVERPOOL & MERSEY TOUR 21 – 25 Aug, £535 AGATHA CHRISTIE WEEKEND 21 –Sept, 24 May HIGHGROVE GARDEN’S & TETBURY 3rd £89 £375 THE EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL* 10th Sept,22£75 LEED’S CASTLE* May £75 WINDSOR CASTLEMAY* & CRUISE* 17th Sept, £89 GUERNSEY DAYTRIP 22 May £65 & TINSEL IN LLANDUDNO, WALES SUNDAYTURKEY LUNCH 30 May £45 28th – 31st Oct, £420 SUDLEY CASTLE & GARDEN’S* 6 June £65 CHATSWORTH & BEAMISH LIVING MUSEUM SAINT12th FAGAN’S MUSEUM* 12 June £55 – 15th Nov £360 plus £66 single supplement JAMES HERRIOT’S 14 –HERRIOT’S 18 June £529 CASTLE HOWARD ATWORLD CHRISTMAS & JAMES PLUS ATRIP* FREE DAY IN HARROGATE BRYAN’SWORLD MYSTERY 19 June £60 27th – 30th Nov £445, plus £99 single supplement HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM* 19 June £69 THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR GUERNSEY DAYTRIP JUNE* 20 June £80 11th – 13th Dec, £325 HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR* CHRISTMAS IN WARWICKSHIRE 26 June ADULT / £91 CHILD 23rd – 27th Dec, £730 plus £101 £200 single supplement NEW YEAR INSHOW* EASTBOURNE RHS HAMPTON COURT 10 July £89 30th Dec 2022 – 2nd Jan 2023, £490 plus £55 single10 supplement LOOKING GOOD DEAD July £95

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Book your SUNDAY LUNCH 25 July £45 getaway! CASTLE* HIGHCLERE 28 July £75 HAIRSPRAY *Packed lunch included in these trips 31 July £115 Find us on2 Facebook www.valecoaches.com PEAK PERFECTION – 6 Aug £479 ARUNDEL CASTLE* 8 Aug £75 LOOE CORNWALL 13 – 16 Aug £525

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

we were virtually sold out for 2020 with a 96 per cent re-booking rate. Then the worst moment, 23 March 2020, when Covid instantly wiped out a decade of work. But we are back, rebuilding, and we are stronger. This year’s programme is going to bring a lot of joy, we hope.

What has been your favourite performance?

That is like trying to choose your favourite child. It is just not possible! Our programmes are always created with diversity and are meant to entertain the hardened ballet and dance fan as well as those who are experiencing it for the first time. However, the work we created with Mara Galeazzi and Tim Podesta for my father (based on his libretto, the last he wrote) was incredibly special. He was terminally ill, and it was the last thing that he ever saw staged. He wanted to see if performed and refused to stay in hospital.

All the new creations have a special place in my heart, but that one was very personal.

What did lockdown teach you about life?

Lockdown taught me that you never know what is going to happen and we must appreciate all the real things we have. When I say real, I mean touch, companionship, love and community. Lockdown gave us a moment to reflect on this. As someone much funnier and cleverer than I once said: “The World has sent us to our rooms to think about what we have done.” Wasn’t that the truth?!

Tell us about The Bruton Boathouse…

It was my lockdown project. I was going insane not working so I built a cabin on our lake. I had never built a house before… I am super proud of it. I am also very proud of our 100th five-star review on Airbnb.

It’s hard to believe you’re into DIY – convince us!

Me too! My father and I used to joke that we were terrible at carpentry. We were. But if you have a good teacher – and I have a great friend who runs The Wooden House Company (Will Le Trobe Bateman) who taught me how – you can do anything. I am forever grateful. It’s been another obsession, hopefully one that will stay.

Want to build an A-frame eco house next.

Tell us one thing you think people don’t know about you.

I’m Spartacus.

Ballet Under the Stars, 22–24 July 2022 at Hatch House, West Hatch, Salisbury. Book online at www.coventgardendance.co.uk or email events@coventgardendance.com.

Pictures (from top): Matt Brady, Director of The Covent Garden Dance Company, photograph by Alice Pennefather; Ksenia Ovsyanick and Zdenek Konvalina at Hatch House, photograph by Signe Roderik; Lauren Cuthbertson, Principal, The Royal Ballet and Matthew Golding, photograph by Alice Pennefather

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

SPRING

blackmorevale.net

SAVINGS

ON OUR BEST SELLING BEDS

Do you earn more than your house?

Summer

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Inflation may be at an all-time high since the 1980s, but with house prices still increasing homeowners are pocketing more per working hour from the rise in value of their properties than they earn from being at work A NEW ANALYSIS by a company called House Buy Fast shows house prices soared by almost £10 per hour in many regions last year due to an explosion in the housing market. In key areas where sales are strong, such as the southwest, your house will potentially make more than your salary.

According to current many homeowners Find data, your perfect new bed withnow us clock up more per hour through the current rise in value of their property in our summer bed sale. than they do from sitting at their desks. Those living in a property worth £289,099 (the current UK average) can expect to have seen the valueand of their home increase by at least £19,842 over the past 12 months. That’s £9.88 an hour, £79 a day, £1,780 a month.

Meanwhile the millions of Brits who now live in properties worth £425,000 have seen their value rise by almost £30,000 a year.

That is the equivalent of £560 a week which, according to the Office of National Statistics, is higher than the current UK average weekly wage. Many owning properties worth between £850,000 to £1m are likely to have seen values rise at more than double the rate of the national average weekly wage over the past 12 months.

The surge in house-price inflation is laid bare in new research carried out by the analysts who’ve also created a free-to-use Price Earnings Calculator, housebuyfast.co.uk/PEC, which allows users to see how much their home has risen in value over the past year.

The rise of websites devoted to buying your house quick for cash has grown disproportionately, but don’t get sucked in. From HBF to Quick Move Now, We Buy Now to The Property Buying Company – the initial price quoted is not indicative of your final offer price, and the average house sale still takes well over four months.

“The house price surge over the past couple of years has been truly staggering,” says Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast. “This calculator lays bare just how remarkable some of the regional increases have been. In very many cases homeowners are now earning far more an hour through the value of their property increasing than they are by going to work. However, to see house prices rising faster than the rate of wages in this way is bittersweet. On one hand it underlines, once again, the strong position those owning their own home now find themselves in.

But on the flip side it shines a light on the struggle many have trying to enter the market place. With house prices rising higher than the rate of wages, many young people will now really struggle to get on the ladder.”

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Ash dieback hits the Vale hard Has anyone else noticed the demise of our local ash trees?

by James St Anton LAST SUMMER MY wife was convinced our beautiful weeping ash that sits over an old, Grade 2 listed pond (currently empty and in need of maintenance before you get too jealous), was dead. Mid May there were still no leaves in sight. “Be patient,” said I, “there’s a leaf.”

All through Spring 2021 as life was unfurling anew and the garden around blossomed, this resplendent tree stayed bare. It was surreal.

“It always comes back mid-June, wait and see…” So, we did; and it did.

But now, as the deciduous leaves reappeared once more only last week, it’s not what it was.

Concerned, I investigated, and I’ve learned that it’s not just a peculiar foible of our tree. A great many British ash trees are infected by a fatal fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, also known as ‘Chalara’ or ash dieback.

So, what is ash dieback?

First confirmed in the UK in 2012, ash dieback is a disease affecting ash trees with blackening leaves, and dead twigs and branches in the tree canopy. The fungus

stresses the trees, making them susceptible to secondary diseases, particularly honey fungus. Climate change and other factors (including drought) may then exacerbate their condition.

Word has it that even though diseased trees may survive in the short-term, ultimately the disease is thought to cause most infected ash trees to die. Young ones dying swiftly, while mature trees can be killed by a yearly cycle of repeated infection (I think that’s us). Woodland and rural trees seem more susceptible than lone veteran trees, in hedgerows for example.

Is it dangerous?

The disease makes ash trees more susceptible to secondary diseases, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to other stress factors, thereby increasing the likelihood of these trees falling or shedding branches.

As if that’s not bad enough, it’s said that trees which appear only lightly infected by Ash Dieback can suddenly collapse or have large and heavy branches fall without warning. The amount of dead wood in the canopy and the unpredictable nature of collapse makes these trees extremely hazardous, hence a decision to fell trees at an earlier stage than might otherwise be taken, to reduce risk to staff, and the visiting public.

Can you sense my unease? Do we need to increase our house insurance? One side of our garden could cope – the other side is a busy road.

What can we do?

According to the Forestry Commission, the normal procedure for dealing with any hazardous tree is to remove individual dangerous limbs or the entire crown, and only fell completely if essential.

However, with thousands of ash trees under attack, only those trees that pose a risk to the public, livestock or some physical structure are dealt with as a priority. The number of trees felled, and the areas affected, will vary. In woodlands, where there are fewer visitors, the fallen trees often stay decaying on a footpath or track.

So, my advice, while going for your constitutional, is look up and around, and take note of trees that may be struggling to survive, as from September 2022, a new programme of tree felling works will focus on diseased and dying ash trees in high public access including those in our beautiful Blackmore Vale wooded landscape.

Our diagnosis is complete. We are nursing our favourite, poorly tree that stands majestically at over 40m in height.

But alas, I fear we will soon hear “timber”.

S H A F T E S B U RY F R E E VA LU AT I O N DAY J E W E L L E RY, WATC H E S & CO I N S •

1 4 J U LY 2 0 2 2 AT 1 0 A M – 2 P M S H A F T E S B U RY A RT S C E N T R E 1 3 B E L L S T R E E T, S H A F T E S B U RY S P 7 8 A R I F YO U ’ R E I N T E R E S T E D I N S E L L I N G YO U R I T E M S A N D YO U ’ D L I K E A F R E E VA LUAT I O N , W I T H O U T O B L I G AT I O N , O U R E X P E RT S L AU R A S M I T H A N D T I M W I L K E S W I L L B E H A P P Y TO H E L P PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT O R E M A I L J E W E L L E RY @ N O O N A N S .CO. U K W W W. N O O N A N S .CO. U K

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Preloved, reloved, treasured, unique

As the trend for more ecological, sustainable fashion heightens, saying ‘No’ to fast fashion brands and valuing vintage is now easier than ever thanks to a new passion for fashion that’s pre-loved.

antiquities and bric-a-brac too, with a new section for men called ‘Dapper Chaps’ selling men’s clothing and accessories.

The Boutique, 7 Church Street, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BD. ♥ 07307 054353

Love lemons

style doesn’t have to cost the planet.

Sustainability is at the heart of our story.

We know the world is full of beautiful, unworn clothes crying out for a new home, and it’s our job to find them.

LoveAlice is open Tues to Sat 10am-5pm at Station Rd, Unit 7 Old Mill Business Park, Bruton BA10 0EH. ♥ love-alice.co.uk ♥ shop@love-alice.co.uk; 01749-938029 ♥ Instagram @lovealice

A treasure chest of pre-loved vintage and designer pieces of clothing, plus jewellery and even a little retro pottery. Stunning, sustainable, and with eco totally at their heart, we dare you to leave empty handed.

Lemon, 81 Cheap St, Sherborne DT9 3BA ♥ 01935 813743 ♥ Instagram @looklikearightlemon

Lifelong passion

Designer pre-loved pop up

Think Lanvin to Lauren, Mulberry to Moschino, there’s always a delectable delight to pick up at Love Alice. “I’ve never been disappointed,” said Phoebe Jo. “The latest are navy cashmere ribbed opera pants

by Chloé. On Net A Porter they’d have cost me over £1,000; here they were £45 and I love them.” An online and destination pop up selling preowned designer fashion wear, founder Alice de Muller says “we believe

Fake news

Like a treasure trove of pre-loved fashion with a 40s vibe, Zoe Ford of Swan Vintage says “I dreamed that one day I’d have a little shop on a High Street. I’m in a great spot, it’s a lovely community, my kids are at school nearby.” Everything in the shop is handpicked by Zoe. “I’m quite selfmotivated: a complete anorak,” she says, though she’s never actually been seen in one. “All I think about is clothes, so it’s quite easy!”

Swan Vintage, 35 High St, Bruton BA10 0AH. ♥ 07596 508977 ♥ Instagram @swanvintagebruton

The Boutique and The Emporium

A charity boutique with a difference, Preloved Boutique is often stocked with quality charity donations of fab quality ladies and children’s wear, partly because regulars donate knowing all profit is poured back into the town! The nearby Emporium is a treasure trove of furniture, collectibles,

by Faith Eckersall

A SHERBORNE WOMAN who was stopped with over 300 items of counterfeit clothing, including fake Armani and Hugo Boss items in her van, has been prosecuted and sentenced.

Weymouth magistrates heard that Tracey Hampson, 41, of South Avenue, Sherborne, was stopped by police whilst driving her van near the town in March 2021. They found it was loaded with clothing and footwear which they suspected was counterfeit and seized the goods, passing them to Dorset Council Trading Standards to investigate.

A total of 322 items were seized, mainly clothing and footwear with some cosmetics and handbags. The brands represented included Nike, Adidas, Stone Island, Armani, North Face, Hugo Boss, Moncler and Michael Kors. If the goods had been genuine

More vintage vale finds ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hogspear, Muston’s Yard, Shaftesbury SP7 8AD; 01747 850354 Donna May Vintage, 28 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BY; 01373 228472 Second Hand Stoney, 88 Water Lane, Horningsham, Warminster BA12 7LL Bridal Reloved Street, 142 High St, Street BA16 0ER; 01458 440803

the total value would have been over £56,000.

Hampson told officers she had obtained the goods from market traders in London and Bristol and believed they were genuine. She had sold some through Facebook but her main outlet was through an eBay shop. She ceased trading after the seizure.

In sentencing, magistrates took account of Hampson’s difficult personal circumstances. She was sentenced to 100 hours unpaid work after pleading guilty to four offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 at an earlier hearing. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £95 and prosecution costs of £500.

Principal Trading Standards Officer at Dorset Council, Martin Thursby said: “The maximum penalty for selling counterfeit goods is 10 years imprisonment. Anyone tempted to sell counterfeit goods over the internet should be aware of this.”

To report someone selling suspected counterfeit goods, the first point of contact is the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

A warm welcome

17

Our intrepid restaurant reviewer heads off the beaten track to discover a farmyard with a delicious secret

by Katrina Ffiske FRIENDS KEPT DROPPING the Stalls Café into conversation… “You must go,” they kept telling me, so I duly set off for Sutton Mandeville.

A large sign on the A30 directs me into an impeccably clean converted farmyard.

The Stalls Café is based in Chestnut Yard Studios, which lie at the heart of Strang Manor Farm; modern industrial units sit alongside grade II listed barns, all available to rent.

Too hot to sit outside, I step inside the converted old shire stalls. A long wooden table with benches either side is set within the stalls where shire horses once stood.

The menu is uncomplicated, and very reasonably priced. The cheese and tomato sourdough toastie I order arrives with a tray of condiments. There is a choice of milkshakes including caramel biscoff, vanilla and chocolate malt. In the specials drink list there is a V60 drop, a Polynesian Latte and affogato. I was too late for breakfast, but the Dorset muesli with yoghurt and Black Bee honey looked very tempting, or there were toasted ham and cheese croissants.

Maggie Kerr and Anna Strang are the inspiring duo behind The Stalls Cafe. Anna grew up on the farm in Sutton Mandeville and Maggie worked as a barista and restaurant manager in Melbourne, Australia.

The girls have been sailing the world working for non-profit organisations and studying ocean plastic pollution. They are both passionate about educating people about the evils of plastic and the damage it does to our natural world.

“We wanted to settle down,” said Maggie. “We have spent over 10 years working in yachting and we have always dreamt of running our own cafe, so we decided to set one up with the aim of bringing top-quality coffee in a sustainable way to the area. Our focus is on food miles and being plastic free”.

Maggie’s passion is evident. The coffee is delivered in large containers that are picked up and refilled, generating no waste.

“We are keen to limit the food miles so we source as much as we can locally. The coffee is roasted in Andover and the Black Bee honey comes from next door.” They are also keen to support local art: large bright

In The Stalls Café, Maggie and Anna have created a vibrant, rustic, ecologically sound space with fab food and great coffee

watercolours hang on the beams; the artist has her studio in the yard.

The Stalls is an idyllic spot to visit.

Children are welcome, and the bowls of water on the floor are a clue that dogs are also invited.

In keeping with Anna and Maggie’s ethics, the café has a refill station, Miniml, selling refills of honey, cleaning products and milk.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Take your time and leave your purse Summer can be an expensive time, if you are an art lover here are the hottest galleries that are also free to enter

by Katrina Ffiske

Long set in a dramatic Wiltshire landscape.

Wander through woodland and discover the Design House in the walled garden. The original Garden Cottage has been transformed

by Stephen Marshall, creating a unique blend of gallery and living space. As a functional home, visitors are able to see how painting, sculpture, ceramics and furniture can coexist. www.sculpture.uk.com

Messums, Tisbury

Hauser and Wirth

Based in Bruton, Somerset, Hauser and Wirth is presently exhibiting more than 60 works by Henry Moore, curated by Hannah Higham of the Henry Moore Foundation in collaboration with the artist’s daughter Mary Moore. The exhibition is showing six decades of Moore’s work until 4 September.

The gallery is a wonderful space. There is just enough to inspire without feeling saturated by the end of it. For children there is outdoor space with work decorating the landscape: including: ‘The Arch’ (1963/69), ‘Large Interior Form’ (1953–54) and ‘Locking Piece’ (1962–63).

Garden lovers will enjoy Piet Oudolf’s large perennial meadow situated behind the gallery buildings, a wonderfully informal space to wander round and be inspired. www.hauserwirth.com

Set in a stunning tithe barn, Messums’ main gallery forms a dramatic backdrop for any artwork. This July, Messums is exhibiting its collection of British Impressionism, including masterpieces by Henry Lamb, Sir Matthew Smith, Julius Olsson, Raymond Coxon, Dame Elisabeth Frink and Kurt Jackson. Johnny Messum said that they are particularly looking forward to showing The Harvesters, by Lucy Kemp-Welch (1869-1958), pictured below. It was painted when Lucy was 30 and showed in the Royal Academy Summer show of 1899.

Separate from the tithe barn is a modern, glassed, white walled Pod Gallery. Here there will be an exhibition of vibrant paintings including St Ives artists Rose Hilton and Sir Terry Frost. www.messumswiltshire.com

The Gillingham Museum

There is much to read and learn in this gem of a local museum.

Find out about when the Blackmore Vale was under sea, and where John Constable stayed when visiting Gillingham in 1823. An interactive display shows Constable’s paintings and sketches from the area including ‘Gillingham Bridge, Dorset’ (original in the Tate collection). www.gillinghammuseum.co.uk

New Art Centre

A spectacular park, and the home of Lady Bessborough, which you can visit for free.

Collect the map from a side door and explore over 80 sculptures.

There are many dramatic Anthony Caro sculptures in the garden alongside words by Anthony Gormley, Barry Flanagan and Richard

It’s a bugs life on Dorset allotments

by Faith Eckersall Dorset allotment holders are being asked to get behind a new survey as part of National Allotments Week.

The Bugs, Bees and Broccoli survey takes place during the week, from August 8-14, and calls upon allotment holders to

identify insects on their plots, to help the charity, Buglife.

The National Allotments Association says: “An allotment plot is a complex web of plants, micro-organisms, fungi, insects and animals that not only produces food but also supports eco-system services such as

pollination and offers a refuge for wildlife in urban areas.”

It says the information collected will help Buglife learn more about how allotments can help nature and encourage future pollinators.

For further information visit nsalg.org.uk.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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The magic of your local library If you’re looking to cut your spending it’s time to check out what could be The Blackmore Vale’s best-kept money-saving secret: libraries

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

by Faith Eckersall DEPENDING ON YOUR reading and listening habits and hobbies, it’s estimated you could save more than £600 a year simply by reading free books, accessing magazine subscriptions, newspapers, and basic genealogy research. You can also save on free events, children’s entertainment, and some libraries can even be used as an informal workspace.

Dorset and Somerset Libraries are free to join. All you need to join is a proof of address, although if you have no fixed address you can be helped to join without. Find out more online at somerset.gov. uk/libraries-leisure-and-communities/libraries and dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/w/join-the-library, or in your local branch.

Become a member

Once you’re in, you can use your membership card at 31 libraries in the Dorset Council area (34 if you’re in Somerset), and also at some of the LibrariesWest locations, including Poole, Bath and Northeast Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Here’s where the savings start…

• Use the Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and Oxford Music Online.

• Access Ancestry’s Library Edition, where you can look at the census from 1841-1901 as well as many parish records.

• Comics fan? You can access more than 2,800 titles across a range of genres, including Marvel. Check out as many titles as you want for 21 days each.

• You can borrow e-books and audiobooks on the BorrowBox

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website, which has 12,0000 e-books and 2,500 audio titles.

• Save on your favourite magazines, by borrowing them through your library. You’ll be able to access 12 months of back issues too.

• One of the biggest savings could come from accessing daily and weekly newspapers, with more than 1,000 for you to choose from.

You can even use the app to have the paper read out loud to you.

• And then, of course, there are the books! Not just the ones on the shelves, which you can borrow that day but the ones that have just come out, or are about to come out. Instead of lashing out the best part of £20 on the latest detective thriller, pay £1 and reserve it online, saving a potential £19.

Get inspired

Across Dorset, many libraries are also established as cultural hubs, with fascinating free events, both online and in-person.

On 20 August you can visit Dorchester Library for free between 11am-12noon to hear American crime fiction author Rachel Amphlett talk about her latest novel A Silent Truth. It’s the fourth in her Detective Mark Turpin series, and you can question all things murder, mayhem and where the bodies might be hidden.

Dorset Council’s Culture, Communities and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, Laura Beddow, said: “When money is really tight it can be hard to look after yourself, so do remember that our libraries are brimming with free activities for all ages, as well as the free books you’d expect.”

She also urged people to look up the council’s Cost of Living Help web pages at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help for practical advice about managing money worries.

“I know it’s not going to pay the electricity bill but doing the things we like, especially when they’re free, does help put us in a better frame of mind to tackle our problems,” she said.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Our Loose Canon Modern governance is based on a flawed system that fails to protect true democracy

by Canon Eric Woods It was the 18th-Century French philosopher Montesquieu who coined the term we translate as “the separation of powers”. Put very simply, he argued for a model which would divide governance into separate branches, each of which would have independent powers. This independence would prevent any one branch from becoming more powerful than the others.

Montesquieu thought that Great Britain had the most effective separation of powers, but it was never as simple as that. Certainly we have three distinct branches of governance. They are the Executive, comprised of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers and their departments; the Legislature, comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and the Judiciary, comprising the judges in the courts of law and tribunals and the lay magistrates.

Over them all, as a symbol of unity, is the Crown. Everything is done in the Monarch’s name, but her only real power is to advise, to encourage and to warn.

However, the UK has a largely unwritten and uncodified constitution which often allows the separation of powers to become

blurred. One example: until 2005 the Head of the Judiciary was the Lord Chancellor, who was also a cabinet minister – ie a politician. Another: in 2019 the Prime Minister requested the Queen to prorogue Parliament. As a constitutional monarch, she had little choice but to do as asked. The prorogation was duly proclaimed. The English High Court ruled that it was a political matter in which it could not intervene. But in response to an appeal, the Supreme Court ruled that the prorogation was illegal, and null and void.

Parliament reassembled the next day.

Trouble in paradise

Meanwhile, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America were deeply influenced by Montesquieu’s model, and to this day the US has a written Constitution which adheres closely to the doctrine of separation of powers. Article I grants powers to the legislature; Article II gives executive power to the President, and Article III creates an independent judiciary.

Congress is elected separately from the President, who does not sit in the legislature. The US Supreme Court can declare the acts of both Congress and President to be unconstitutional.

The trouble is that the President appoints the Justices of the Supreme Court, and all Donald Trump’s nominations were of

right-wing judges.

As a result the Supreme Court has recently struck down a New York law restricting gun-carrying rights. It has also reversed the 1969 verdict of the Court that a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy was protected by the US Constitution.

Back home, a single Judge of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the first deportation of illegal immigrants to Rwanda could not take place – without hearing any representations and even though our own Supreme Court had refused leave to appeal. Hence the new Bill of Rights now before Parliament, to reduce the influence of the ECHR. We will all have different views about the issues themselves. But clearly these systems are in a mess. Montesquieu was on to something!

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Shaftesbury in Bloom A little focus on one of the Vale’s prettiest villages

SURELY ONE OF the most beautiful small towns in the Blackmore Vale (please don’t all write in at once to protest because we are just obsessed), Shaftesbury seems to be perennially ‘in bloom’.

So it seems only fair to support this historic town as a key entry to the South and Southeast in Bloom (SIB) competition for 2022, after having been awarded Gold this time last year.

Needless to say, all hands are on deck, with every local business, shop and resident pulling together to create the greenest, prettiest vista once again.

“Our floral troughs and displays (of which there are around 150) will be put up around Shaftesbury on the Tuesday Shaftesbury Library’s ever popular Reminiscence group is getting together on Monday 4 July from 2.30–3.30pm to create a map of the shops and businesses in Shaftesbury over the last century. You are invited to pop along and share experiences of individual shops past and present.

Tea and cake will be served. To book in advance call 01747 852256.

evening,” says volunteer and Vice Chairman for Shaftesbury in Bloom, Alison Harding. “These have been grown and made up by the hard-working volunteers and team at Thorngrove in Gillingham. The SIB watering team tend them two or three times a week throughout the hot spells.

“Volunteers maintain the Ivy Cross and Royal Chase flower beds, Angel Lane and Bell Street car parks, the library garden, war memorial, the entrance to Abbey View GP surgery and the bed by the police station. We also tidy the Shaftesbury Lido bed and pots, and recently helped Shaftesbury Abbey to maintain their crypt.

“This year we are asking all businesses create a floral window display, while pubs and cafes are being creative with their menu, adding floral drinks or cakes!

“As volunteers, we are constantly looking for fresh ideas to incorporate for next year’s competition. Anyone can join SIB, by sponsoring a bed on the roundabout or a window trough/box, give a few gardening hours to keeping an area tidy, or join our working groups. We would be happy to assist girl guides, scouts, DofE candidates who may like to volunteer too.

We aim to keep Shaftesbury Town in Bloom and ask everyone to help support us, by keeping Shaftesbury clean, tidy, litterfree and a lovely area to live.”

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A history of hashing…

Blandford Hash House Harriers celebrate a milestone run and explain the appeal

The Blandford Hash House Harriers running group recently celebrated their 900th run in Semley near Shaftesbury, with a bumper turnout.

Hashing is an international phenomenon that has a long history, originating in Kuala Lumpur back in 1938 when a group of British colonial officers and expats began meeting on a Monday evening to run.

Traditionally, a hash blends running with finding the route, as the group of ‘hounds’ chase a ‘hare’, following a pre-set trail.

The BHHH’s got together in 1993 and every week ran local cross-country hash trails starting at a different location in North Dorset, often a public house with the pre-set trail route typically between 7–9km, leading back to the pub again, where runners have the option to refuel with a post-run meal and/or drink!

“I like the fact that hashers get out in all weathers and share banter both on and after the trail,” says Andrew, aka ‘Some Frog’ (seasoned hashers are given ‘hash handle’ names), who has been hashing since 2000.

“I like the Blandford Hash because most runners stay for a meal in the pub afterwards. We’ve become great friends.”

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Hash runs have the advantage of including several waiting points too, so runners can regroup, catch their breath and enjoy wonderful views across the Blackmore Vale. The group is non-competitive and includes local folks of a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Wherever possible, the routes will also try to accommodate walkers.

A wonderful way to explore

“It’s a great way to explore hidden parts of the county… because the course is pre-set you don’t need a map, so can just enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge that you will return to where you started from”, says Lex (aka ‘McAlto’) who has been Hashing since 2016. “The way the course is set as a paper chase means both fast and slow runners can go out together and we manage to stick together nicely through the run. It’s really easy to dip in and out of and just a relaxed and fun time. I can’t recommend it highly enough” Tim (aka ‘Silent Running’), the group’s president since 2005 says, “Hashing is much more sociable than just running but still helps to keep you fit. During a hash we are kept together and sometimes wait for the last person, so we have a chance to chat.

I’ve met some lovely people hashing and have made some great friends.”

If you would like to find out more, email claudine.cash@icloud.

Top: Blandford Hash House Harriers pose on the occasion of their 900th run; Bottom: Silent Running – Tim gives the thumbs-up on his last run as ‘On Pres’

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Don’t feed the locals!

A fresh campaign aims to remind holidaymakers to keep their food under wraps to protect endangered seagulls

The brilliant Litter Free Dorset is in full force again for summer.

The group of volunteers has come up with another Don’t Feed the Locals campaign, working with town councils and food businesses to help spread the message to residents and tourists alike, to discourage intentional and accidental feeding of seagulls.

Don’t Feed the Locals is an engaging, positive and humorous way to reduce a littered environment and antisocial behaviour by seagulls, by improving human behaviour at seasides and town centres. The simple message asks: • Never leave food unattended.

• Carefully dispose of any unwanted food.

• If public bins are full, please take your rubbish home.

“It’s really important we do not feed seagulls,” said Litter Free Dorset’s Sophie Colley, “as encouraging this bad behaviour can lead to them relying on scraps from humans. This may result in greedy gulls pulling rubbish out of bins to find scraps or stealing straight from our hands or laps. No one wants their alfresco dinner ruined by some aggressive gulls.”

There are already over 60 businesses across Dorset currently displaying Don’t Feed the Locals window stickers and posters, as

well as banners in Dorset’s carparks and along seafronts.

“If the bins are full, please take your rubbish home,” says Sophie. “Seagulls are clever and will pull rubbish out of overflowing bins and tear apart bags placed next to or on top of bins, scattering litter everywhere while on the hunt for tasty treats.

It is then blown or washed into our watercourses and out to sea.”

This is not an anti-seagull campaign. By not feeding seagulls human food, they will be more likely to seek out more appropriate food sources that are actually much better for them.

“This campaign isn’t just about litter on our streets,” says Ria Loveridge, Mitigation Coordinator at the Bird and Recreation Initiative (BARI). “Feeding seagulls human food is very bad for their health.”

It’s also an important message about the health of our most iconic seaside birds.

For many of us, seagulls are the sound of the British seaside. “Although it may seem like there are loads of gulls around, the Herring Gull has actually been on the RSPB Red List (a list of 67 British endangered birds on a list including the Nightingale, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, and believe it or not a House Sparrow) since 2009 due to declining populations, so please don’t feed the locals!”

For more information visit www.litterfreedorset.co.uk or find them on Facebook @LitterFreeDorset.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is back in action!

Nothing beats the sound of that ‘hello’ toot of a steam train to appeal to your inner child…

THE 52ND WORLD-renowned National Heritage Show, aka the Great Dorset Steam Fair (GDSF), will be held over the summer bank holiday weekend 25-29 August.

This annual family show covers 600 acres and features the largest collection of vintage steam-powered

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It’s a great way experience the history of steam up close.

Chances are you’ll see ‘Earl Beatty’, the Burrell Scenic Showmans Engine; ‘Dreadnought’, the Fowler Ploughing Engine; and ‘Wally’, a Robey Traction Engine, among many vintage classics.

Visitors can also experience unique trailer rides in the heavy haulage arena. This year’s rides are in aid of Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Greatest Need Appeal to provide direct funding on wards and in key clinical units, for the enhancement of the hospital environment and treatment facilities.

Along with magnificent fair exhibits, there are food and crafts stalls, auto jumbles and collectables to enjoy. This year’s fair will also introduce modern classic motorcycles to complement the established Vintage Motorcycle section. “Visitors who grew up in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s have often said how they would love to revisit their youth and see modern classic bikes at the show,” says Martin Oliver. “We see it as a natural progression for us as a heritage show.”

Much like Glastonbury Music Festival, many members of the public have kept their tickets (and camping) from the 2020/21 show. As a result, new tickets and camping for the 2022 show are expected to be in high demand so don’t delay.

For booking and more information, visit www.gdsf.co.uk. Find the event on the day at Great Dorset Steam Fair A354, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford Forum DT11 8HX.

Rail trails nostalgia • The Gartell Light Railway (GLR) based at Yenston, Templecombe is an adorable ¾ mile section of a track-bed of the old Somerset & Dorset line. Friends of Templecombe Station holds steam train days on the two-foot gauge railway once a month, from April-Oct. The next, on 24 July, leaves the main station at Common Lane every 25 minutes from 10am-4pm. Call 01963 370752 for details.

• Yeovil Railway Centre, a five-minute walk from Yeovil Junction station, is in the heart of heritage steam. Here you can plan a Steam Train Day, a steam-hauled train ride, or become an ‘Engine Driver’ for the day. Group bookings make this a fun party idea, whatever your age. Find out more online at www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com, call 01935 410420 or email yeovilrailway@hotmail.com.

• Midsomer Norton South Railway & Museum has an array of restored station buildings and locomotives, plus a static buffet coach open for refreshments. Silver Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2EY. If you’re a train enthusiast, check out www.blackmorevaletrains. com for all their latest news and events.

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Train & a tipple?

FANCY A SUMMER’S evening of wine-tasting? The awardwinning Haselbury Mill has just the ticket, and yes, you guessed it, you don’t even have to drive.

On Thursday 14 July, just hop on a train from Tisbury, Gillingham, Templecombe or Sherborne to nearby Crewkerne Station, from where Haselbury Mill can arrange for you to be collected, and transport you to and from the evening in style, either by limousine or vintage bus (arrange when booking).

You’ll then be free to enjoy a fantastic evening exploring the depths, flavours and bouquets of many wonderful grape varieties, while succumbing with ease to the occasional full glass. Relax and enjoy summer wines and fruitful stories with a guest speaker from St Austell brewery, plus live jazz music too.

The evening costs £22 and runs from 7pm-9pm in The Great Tithe Barn.

For more information or tickets, call 01460 77095 or visit www.haselburymill.co.uk.

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Gong bathing among the trees

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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VERVE FESTIVAL

9am-midnight, 17 September at Hatch House, West Hatch, Tisbury SP3 6PA

by Rosie Redmond

NBVM was invited to a taster for the Verve festival, a celebration of health, wellness and nature that’s to have its second outing at Hatch House, Tisbury on 17 September.

Organiser Anna Hayward had planned a yoga and gong bathing session among the trees of the Nadder Valley.

So at 9am on a damp Saturday morning, I found myself in a stunning spot in rolling countryside near Tisbury.

A group of 15 were welcomed by Anna and her team into a small woodland area. A large gong dominated the rural scene, and a fire was warming water for herbal tea to be served later.

We began with a half-hour yoga session; surrounded by trees, with the birds singing and light filtering through the leaves, my mind drifted off and the worries of the week began to disappear.

We then snuggled under blankets in preparation for the gong session run by Joanie Solaini. I had done my research on gong sessions and read that ‘the sound and vibrational energy of the gong is an ancient and powerful tool used to help still the mind and allow the body to deeply relax…’

With eyes closed Joanie begins to bang the gongs. The sound is pleasantly overpowering; the vibrations resonate through you and seemingly soak up the sounds.

After a short time, Joanie twists her way

through the group tapping smaller gong, before bringing the gongs to a soft finale and we lie in silence, listening to the rain gently falling on the canopy of trees.

A warming cup of herbal tea is handed to us, bringing us back to reality. We all agreed it was a magical experience having these two sessions outside. We all felt so at one with nature, lying on the ground, the smell of earth and a gentle wind blowing through the trees. www.feeltheverve.com

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order Gillingham Showroom

01747 833 789 Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG Opening Hours Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm by appointment only.

Closed Saturday & Sunday. www.solsticekitchens.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

The true taste of Somerset

blackmorevale.net

On the hunt for the contents of your ideal picnic hamper? Look no further…

THE SOMERSET FOOD TRAIL is like one long, yet wondrous grocery shop that lasts for up to 10 days and gives you total insight into where your food comes from. Think artisan, homegrown, sustainable, British and deeply considered, The Somerset Food Trail is a major food festival of around 190 farms and independent food companies, across the county, not just the Blackmore Vale, from goat herders, cider makers and dairy farmers to cheesemakers, pubs, vineyards, artisan bakers, specialist shops, foragers, and vegetable growers.

The food trail is mostly free, with a modest charge for some specialist events, and gives you the chance to try a vast array of delicacies and homegrown talent.

Organised by a team of volunteers led by Wells Food Network, a non-profit run by four trustees from across Somerset, the Food Trail first started in 2018. “We believe that by putting healthy, sustainable food at the heart of all we do, we can strengthen our communities, conserve our countryside and boost our local economy,” said Stewart Crocker, Wells Food Network Chair.

To help you create your own trail and your own route over the 10-day period, check out the interactive map on the Somerset Food Trail website www.somersetfoodtrail.org/map. Simply choose the route yourself based on your area, what catches your eye or appeals to your appetite. Do check out the venue listing before heading out.

During the festival, participating pubs, cafes and restaurants, independent shops, farm shops and delis. Celebrate local food with complementary tastings, or a special menu. Most are already

enthusiastic supporters of local, sustainable suppliers anyway. The Trail is a great way to show how creative and authentic the county is.

This family-friendly event is a great opportunity for all of us to learn more first-hand what it means to be in the farm business, where our food comes from, and the high standards required countrywide for sustainability, biodiversity, and animal welfare. www.somersetfoodtrail.org

Kimbers Farm and Farm

shop Open Day. Part of Somerset Food Trail 23rd July. 10 until 4pm FREE EVENT We are opening our farm for tours: - Meet the Animals- Cows, Sheep, Pigs and Turkey Chicks - Tractor and Trailer Rides- Travel from the farm shop through our fields to the farm - Static Machinery Display- Vintage and Modern Machinery - Hosted Farm Tour- Take a walking tour around a working mixed livestock farm.

- Food Available- BBQ , Ice creams - Farm shop- Butchery Demonstrations, Antique and Collectibles Fair, Sample Tasters.

Find us between Bruton and Wincanton on the B3081, BA9 8HD Tel 01963 33177 www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk Email Info@kimbersfarmshop

Vote for your fave Vale farm shop WITH MORE PER square metre than any other part of the UK, farm shops in the Blackmore Vale are the best way to support local whatever the season, and tasty enough to rival Harrods Food Hall. Why not tell the NBVM which you rate and why: email newsdesk@blackmorevale.net • Teals Farm Shop recently awarded Best Farm Shop in Food magazine Reader Awards 2022, it’s a fave. 1 Orchard Lane, South Cadbury BA22 7FS0; 1963 361755 • Kimbers’ Farm Shop packed with local produce including Dowding’s apple juice and cider, plus there’s an adjacent vintage interiors barn. Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HD; 01963 33177.

• Durslade Farm Shop is The Soho House of farm shops.

Fresh organic meats, homegrown vegetables and the tastiest sausage rolls. Dropping Lane, Bruton BA10 0NL; 01749 717130.

• The Udder Farm Shop, award-winning farmer’s market, with organic foods, hampers, delicious coffee, and fab breakfasts. Manor Farm, East Stour, Gillingham SP8 5LQ; 01747 838899.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Our pick of the producers on the Trail…

Godminster – Winner of the Soil Association’s Boom Award for ‘the nation’s favourite organic product 2019/2020’ and ‘best of organic farms (over 10 hectares)’ – is hosting two special events: a two-hour farm walking tour on Friday 15 July at 1pm, and an exploration of cheese, wine and cider on Friday 22 July at the nearby Cellarhand.

The Godminster Shop, Station Road, Bruton BA10 0EH. £10pp, max 20 people.

Kimbers’ Farm and Farm Shop Open Day – meet the animals, enjoy tractor and trailer rides from the farm shop through the fields to the farm; take a hosted walking tour around a working mixed livestock farm. Enjoy butchery demonstrations, sample tasters and fill up on barbecue. Find Kimbers’ between Bruton and Wincanton on the B3081, BA9 8HD. For more information call 01963 33177, email info@kimbersfarmshop or visit www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk.

23 July, 10am-4pm; free.

Bruton Electric Cycle Safari A guided five-hour cycle tour of around 22 miles takes in local producers of artisan cheese, charcuterie, beer, cider and wine in some of Somerset’s prettiest villages.

Price includes lunch. Suitable for all cyclists.

Bruton Bike Hire, Station Rd, Bruton BA10.

20 July, 10am-3pm; £110pp.

Wild Garden Open Day Tour this small-scale organic market garden that specialises in salad, leafy greens and herbs, which are sold very locally to shops, restaurants and caterers within 10 miles of the garden. Visit the garden, bring a picnic, eat under the apple trees, enjoy home-made light refreshments and produce.

Wild Garden, Sandbrook Lane, Galhampton, Yeovil BA22 7BG. 16 July, 10am-2pm, 11.30am; free one-hour garden tour.

Castle Cary Market Somerset’s prettiest market town, Castle Cary has a regular Tuesday market and thriving vintage event once a month.

The vibrant Tuesday Street market offers a comprehensive range of produce, including 60 varieties of West Country-sourced fish, greengrocery and eggs, artisan bread, rolls and scones, homemade jams and chutneys, cheese and home-baked pies and savouries, plus plants and crafts.

Castle Cary Market, Market Place, Castle Cary BA7.

Tuesday 19 July, 9am-2pm; free.

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

SPORTS BRAS 30 High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JG Tel:01747 852444

shirleyallum.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Events Guide

Get ready for a summer of fun at Dorset’s top family theme park!

Adventure Wonderland is the perfect destination for family fun in Bournemouth.

There is so much to enjoy during your next visit including all your favourite rides and attractions! Make a splash on Jungle Falls log flume or ride the waves of the Ghostly Galleon. Fly high on the Flying Elephants and get in a spin on the Turbo Teacups! Plus NEW for 2022 is ‘The Buccaneers Bouncer!’

And ‘The Caterpillar’s Sensory Garden’.

Your ticket also includes the huge indoor WIMBORNE ST GILES, Church Flower Festival July 16th & 17th

COME AND HAVE “TEA IN THE GARDEN” on the 23 July from2:30 to 5pm at the Old Rectory Stock Gaylard DT10 2BG. Fabulous teas, stalls all in aid of Lydlinch churchyard fund and Ukraine. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Admission including tea £5 children under10 free.

WIMBORNE ST GILES CHURCH BH21 5LZ Flower Festival ‘God Save The Queen’ Sat July 16th and Sunday July 17th 10am—6pm Refreshments on Sunday 17th from 1pm Songs of Praise, Sunday 17th at 6pm BUCKHORN WESTON CHURCH FETE and Fun Dog Show. Saturday 9th July at 2.30pm. Wincanton Silver Band Coconut Shy- Bottle Stall - Teas - Bouncy Castle Cakes - Plants - Books - Toys - Fancy Goods White Elephant Face Painting - Sports etc.

Grand Draw

play centre, ‘Wild Thing!’, ‘Alice at the Movies’ crazy golf, Shetland World animal area, the Alice in Wonderland Maze and take your seats for showtime in The Theatre!

It’s a summer full of event-ure! Adventure Wonderland will also be welcoming some very specials guests during the summer holidays. Come and see Peppa Pig on Thursday 4th August, Bluey on Thursday

BURTON’S COMMUNITY ORCHARD, Shillingstone DT110TX Family Dog Show Sunday 10th July, sign in at 11am for 12 noon start. Car boot & stalls. 01258 860019 LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull Royal British Legion on Monday July 11th.

Eyes down 7pm NEXT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Tuesday 19th July 2 - 4pm.

Vicarage School Room, Queen St, Gillingham.

Dancing and teas £3

POUNDBURY INDEPENDENT MARKET - Sunday 10th July 10am4pm Crafts, stalls, food, amazing local makers.

Across Poundbury from Bonjour Cafe, through the park, QueenMother Square & Jubilee Hall.

TURNPIKE SHOWGROUND CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 17th July Sellers 9am Cars £5 Vans & Trailers £10 Buyers 10am £2 per vehicle Turnpike Show Ground Motcombe SP7 9PL

18th August and Bingo (from Bluey) on Thursday 25th August 2022.

Adventure Wonderland - memories made here.

Book your visit now. Visit www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

CREAM TEAS, ST MARY’S CHURCH, Lytchett Matravers, BH16 6BS, July 10th 2.30-4:30 pm

THE YETMINSTER FAIR returns on Saturday 16th July on Yetminster Community Sports Club grounds. £1 entry

SHAFTESBURY LIBRARY’S second Summer Reading Challenge activity programme continues with “Floating Flowers” on Saturday 16 July 10.00 – 11.00am. Free children’s event.

DORCHESTER REPAIR CAFE Bring your broken things for volunteers to repair.

Details on Instagram/Facebook @dorchesterrepaircafe

THE FIFEHEADS GARDEN FETE Saturday 23rd July Plumber Cottage, Fifehead Neville, DT10 2AL at 2.30pm. Tea, cakes & strawberries, Plants, Brica-brac, Cakes, Gifts, Wine Raffle, Children’s games Entry £1, Children free cash only please THE PYTHOUSE TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS are announced for 2022. There are two weeks, each one over 3 days. Week 1 Tuesday 26th July to Thursday 28th July Week 2 Tuesday 9th August to Thursday 11th August. The camps are open for three age groups, Minis, Juniors and Teens with coach Ben Joy. Recommended ages: 6 – 16years. Please book early to avoid disappointment, each week per child is £62. Timings and booking details on link below. https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ PythouseClub/Coaching/ Camps

To advertise your business in

CHETNOLE CHURCH FLOWER FESTIVAL: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8, 9, 10 July, 11am-5pm, free entry.

TRAILWAY AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, Stourpaine: Popup cafe, exhibition of historic documents and Chris Dowie playing, Sunday, July 10th, 2-4 pm.

WINCANTON PARISH CHURCH, Church Path Fete, Saturday, 9 July, 10am-1pm.

Books, cakes, gifts, raffle.

Stalls, refreshments.

Everyone welcome MARNHULL FLOWER SHOW, 16th July, 12-4.30 @ The Recreation Ground. DT10 1PS. A traditional show, crafts, flowers, fruit, vegetables, jams, & bakes. Music, food, bar COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel. Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 www.country-link.org.uk

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine contact: Tel: 07714 289409 Debi Thorne

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Events Guide

SUMMER FETE

Sunday 24th July | 11am – 4pm Come and join us for some Summer fun and games in the garden at Elliscombe House

Stalls selling food and local wares Tea and Cakes | Fun and Games Raising funds for

HIGHER HOLTON, WINCANTON, SOMERSET, BA9 8EA 01963 32746

WWW.ELLISCOMBEHOUSE.COM

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Events Guide

West Knoyle Church Fete Saturday 16th July, 12pm-5pm at “Blakeneys”, West Knoyle, BA12 6AG Entrance next to Church

BBQ

g Fun Do w o Sh

Cake Stall

Bottle

Stall Stall Book

Family Ga mes

kes Teas and Ca tall S t n Pla G ony rand Raffl Shreen Harm rs

e

Singe

Fun and Games for all the Family!

Donations at entrance in aid of Village Church

Contact Liz 01747 830422 or Martin 01747 830089 for contributions or more information

WORKSHOPS & EXPERIENCES

We have a great programme of workshops for you to enjoy.

Sign up to our newsletter and receive 10% discount off selected workshops

With thanks to our main sponsor

Candle Making ...........................................£59 Perfume Making ......................................£84 Silk Dyeing ....................................................£44 Silver Clay Jewellery.................................£90 Floristry .............................................................£58 Aromatherapy..............................................£55 Pen&Watercolour.....................................£58 The Secrets of Scent ..............................£50 Exploring Scent & Wellness ..............£35 All Day Perfume Workshops....................................................£129 A Scent For The Season ..........................£35 Other workshops and experiences are also available.

For full details see our website: KEYNESTONMILL.COM

All details at

Call 01258 786022

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Thought for the Day

35

Church

by Canon Charles Mitchell-Innes at Sherborne Abbey

IN OUR RECENT jubilant celebrations of the Queen’s long and exemplary reign we have seen how powerful her influence and personal authority continue to be, not only in this kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth; indeed, we have seen the respect in which she is held worldwide. Yet she has little actual power in worldly terms. Instead, she demonstrates to us all what might be called the royalty of service, embodying in her public life the values of truth, wisdom and integrity, and what St Paul calls “the fruit of the Spirit,” qualities that include patience, kindness and faithfulness. To wear the crown is not an easy calling: it comes with heavy responsibility. Carol Ann Duffy, in her poem The Crown, written for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (2012), speaks eloquently of its load: “One head alone Can know its weight, on throne, in pageantry, And feel it still, in private space, when it’s lifted.”

This crown, she says, has many jewels, amongst which are “The shy pearl, humility.” Above all, it is “Not lightly worn.” These are the things that are truly valuable, of which the Queen, over these 70 years, has been a constant example. This celebration has been a way of giving thanks for that example, and an encouragement to let the Christian spirit of humility and service to others infuse our own lives, “So that, bearing about with us the infection of a good courage, we may be diffusers of life… giving Thee thanks always for all things” (Robert Louis Stevenson).

If you would like to book an Abbey tour, please contact the Parish Office: 01935 713777 (Mon–Fri 9am–3pm), parishsecretary@ sherborneabbey.com, www.sherborneabbey.com.

• Shaftesbury Quakers (Society of Friends). Meets for one hour each Sunday from 10.30am at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8BB. • West Camel Independent Methodists. All Saints Church on the first Sunday of the month at 4pm followed by tea. Other Sundays, evening worship is at 6pm. 01935 850838, Geoff.mead@yahoo.com.

• Blandford Methodist Church.

Sunday services start at 10.45am.

Thursdays: Coffee and Chat from 10am- noon. Fridays: Lunch Club for the over-55s from noon at £5 a meal. Phone John Cornish to book your meal, 07799 516735.

• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles. High Mass is the first Sunday of each month at 10am. BH21 5LZ. • St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull. Coffee, Cake and Company, Thursdays from 10-11am. Everyone welcome.

• Sherborne Abbey. Monday to Saturday, 8.30am MP; The Sepulchre Chapel. Mondays, 9am CW HC; The Lady Chapel.

Tuesdays, 12 noon CW HC; The Lady Chapel. Wednesdays, 10.30am HC with Homily; The

Lady Chapel (alternates CW and BCP). Thursdays, 12 noon BCP HC; The Lady Chapel. Fridays, 9am Ecumenical HC; The Lady Chapel. First Friday of the month, 9am Requiem HC; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen.

Saturdays, 9am CW HC; The Sepulchre Chapel.

• St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary.

First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am MP. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am HC. • St Thomas’ Lydlinch. Second and fourth Sunday, 11am HC. 3rd Sunday, 6pm Evensong.

• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton. First and third Sundays, 11am HC; 6pm BCP Evensong.

Second and fourth Sundays, 9.30am MP; 6pm BCP Evensong.

Fifth Sunday, 11am Benefice HC. Wednesdays, 10am BCP HC. • Kingston Lacy. Second Sunday of the month, 9.15am HC. Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.15am Family Service.

• Shapwick. Third Sunday of the month, 9.15am HC. • Horton Church. First Sunday of the month, 10.30am HC. • Hinton Martell. Second

Sunday of the month, 10.30am HC. • Horton and Chalbury Village Hall. Third Sunday of the month, 9am Breakfast Church.

• Witchampton Church. Third Sunday of the month, 10.30am HC. • Chalbury Church. Fourth Sunday of the month, 10.30am HC. • Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull. Mass Sunday, 9.30am and 6pm.

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

• Fancy a coffee? The churches in The Donheads, Charlton, East Knoyle, Semley and Sedgehill now have a team of friendly, approachable people available to offer home visits. Contact Revd.

Kate at rector@benofbart.org.uk, 01747 830174.

• St Mary’s, Stalbridge. 10 July, Evensong 4pm; 17 July, Morning Worship 10am; 28 July, HC 10am.

• Lower Stour Benefice. Sunday,

10 July: 9.30am Communion – St Mary Church, Blandford St Mary; 11am Communion – All Saints Langton Long; 11am Family Service – Tarrant Keyneston. Sunday, 17 July: 9.30am Communion – St John Baptist Church, Spetisbury; 9.30am Morning Worship – St Mary The Virgin Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship – All Saints Langton Long; 11am Communion – Tarrant Rushton; 4pm Family Service – St Mary The Virgin Charlton Marshall.

• Julian Group: Next meeting on Wednesday 13 July, at St John’s Almshouse Chapel from 4-4.30pm. Everyone welcome.

• Saying Goodbye Remembrance Service: Sunday, 10 July, at 3.30 pm at Wimborne Minster, Dorset. For people who have suffered the loss of a baby, either recently or past, and for those grieving the fact they have been unable to have children www.sayinggoodbye.org

ST PETER & ST PAUL WINCANTON CHURCH PATH FETE Saturday 9th July 10am - 1pm Wincanton Parish Church Books, Cakes, Gifts, Raffle, Refreshments, Various Stalls Country Dancing. Everyone is very welcome For further information. Please Tel: 01963 824503

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Letters

Time to think inside the doughnut I was pleased to read that Mike Chapman, Liberal Democrat, has come across Kate Rayworth’s book ‘Doughnut Economics’ (New Blackmore Vale, 10 June).

The quirky-sounding title should not detract from the seriousness and relevance of this idea. Ms Rayworth is an academic economist attached to both Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

She sees the damage caused by the conventional mantra of ‘economic growth at all costs’ espoused by most economists and politicians of all persuasions, and uses the image of the ‘ring’ doughnut to define desirable inner and outer limits to economic activity.

The outer circle represents the boundary beyond which unsustainable environmental damage is caused – the inner ring is the minimum acceptable standard of living for humans.

Economic activity needs to operate between those limits if we are to live sustainably.

Economic growth means exponential growth, which, as we learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, implies doubling times. In the case of the pandemic these were sometimes a matter of days or weeks – in the case of economic growth of say two to three per cent the doubling times would be much longer – 35-25 years – but the principle is the same.

It is blindingly obvious – as environmentalists were pointing out 50 years ago – that economic growth, insofar as it depends on resource consumption, is ultimately impossible in a finite world.

The crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has simply brought forward the problem of resource scarcity which would have in any case arisen within a decade or two.

Kate Rayworth is one of very few professional economists who realise that we have to do things radically differently. And the longer we continue on our present path – as the global warming crisis is showing us – the more difficult it is to change direction.

ditch economic growth as the be-all and end-all and have some imaginative leadership and thinking outside the box – but inside the doughnut!

Colin Marsh Gillingham Dr Colin Clarke’s suggestions were such clear, sensible and practical solutions to present difficulties (New Blackmore Vale, June 10).

Such suggestions should be considered by those in power. I wonder how difficult it would be to incorporate them into existing laws?

The need for equality among a population was mentioned in ‘Small is Beautiful’ by E.F.Schumacher and the Scott Bader Commonwealth, that wages should be lowest to highest one to seven.

I wonder what ideas Dr Clarke would have to remedy the problems facing modern families, the building blocks of our society?

Janet Swiss Shaftesbury

On that issue, a sensible use of North Sea oil revenues which flowed from the 1960s would have been to insulate people’s homes. This is not something that would naturally interest the utility companies whose aim is to maximise profits – contributing to economic growth – and people with properly insulated homes are obviously going to buy less gas, oil and electricity.

And another thing. Here is the nonsense of economic growth as the arbiter of wellbeing – it assumes every activity is valueless unless it is being paid for. Parent A likes looking after children; parent B likes doing the laundry. So Parent A agrees to look after Parent B’s children – along with his/her/their own – if Parent B will do Parent A’s laundry. Notice that no money has changed hands, so this beneficial activity has so far contributed nothing to the

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk

national economy.

But as soon as these parents pay each other for services rendered those transactions contribute to Gross National Product. And if each parent takes on more paid work year on year, we have economic growth – even though this activity could perfectly well continue voluntarily.

Economic growth has been espoused for decades by all parties as the way to raise everyone’s ‘standard of living’, itself defined only in narrow economic terms. Yet it hasn’t worked for everyone – while investment bankers cream off profits and bonuses while betting with other people’s money, thousands are queuing at food banks and needing somewhere affordable to live.

As John Bird, founder of the ‘Big Issue’ says, ‘this isn’t capitalism failing – this is capitalism working’. So let’s

The 13th Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, previous owner of the Ferne Estate at Berwick St John, died in 1940.

At the time of his death he owned one, or possibly more, Sheltand pony carts which were known to have survived in one of the Ferne outbuildings into the 1960s.

Do any New Blackmore Vale readers know the subsequent fate of these small carts or whether any still survive in new ownership?

I would greatly welcome any information and can be contacted on 01308 868612.

Adrian Dixon Beaminster When I was at school many years ago we were asked to write a poem about the Queen’s Coronation. Herewith my effort: On June the 2nd of this year the gleaming Coronation Coach will Westminster Abbey approach.

Thousands of people will flock to cheer the most spectacular event for many a

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

37

Letters year.

On that great day a Queen will ride with her husband the Duke by her side.

To become Queen Elizabeth the Second and to reign greatly and wisely over our domain.

I think I had okay marks for this – it all seems a long time ago.

God save the Queen!

Sheila Martin Marnhull We would like to say thank you and well done to all the homeowners, gardeners and bakers who helped make the Blandford Hidden Gardens such a wonderful day.

All of the gardens were inspirational in their own way and it was a privilege that so many people allowed so many of us to explore their gardens.

The hosts were all happy to talk to everyone about their creations and we came home with lots of new ideas – plus plants and cake!

Jon and Liz Doyle Blandford Forum

Just take a moment This sensitive poem sent to the NBVM, demonstrates the thoughts and feelings of those living or caring for the elderly or ‘well-aged’ hoping it might help them understand.

by John Bowles When I just sit and stare, Bright glaring sun, black threatening clouds, Branch ripping wind with endless roar: Cascading rain hits the ground and rebounds.

Empties from full gutters and beats a tattoo on sills, Or desperately parched ground when huge cracks open up.

My stupid mind has thoughts that disappear down them.

What do I do? I sit in my chair and just stare.

Oblivion broken by the aerobatics of the birds; By the antics of squirrels.

Watching traffic and passers by Their actions remind me of when I could walk, run, Hop, skip, twist like a top, and feel the movement of

the ground beneath my feet.

Now? I wobble from one chair to another where I sit and stare.

Too dependent on others for this and for that, You see this is the place I am at.

Out for a drive, monotony broken, and sights absorbed But can only surmise the sounds and the smells.

Home to my chair and just sit and stare.

Back to memories. Memories? Yes, well I have those, Drawn from experience of them all.

Plus, the memories of things, I missed or tried and failed.

So, I am so lucky that memory bank is there.

My mind fit and able to conjure them up as I sit in my chair and stare.

Extra lucky because I am not alone or in a home.

Memories shared with my wife, family, and friends, Memories filled with happiness, fulfilment and Love.

Don’t feel sad if you see me just sit and stare, You see I am not there: I am being happy some place elsewhere.

Business

Luxury rural retreat has ‘nailed it’

by Andrew Diprose, dorsetbiznews.co.uk “You’ve nailed it!” Just one of the compliments received as proud owners Simon Brooks and James Maidment showcased the latest renovations at their venue, Abbots Court Rural Retreat.

The duo took on the large rambling Victorian farmhouse, set in six acres of grounds at Winterbourne Kingston, in 2019.

It was just before the pandemic hit and, at the time, the property was operating as a bed and breakfast.

But, said Simon: “I’d always wanted to run a venue and could 100 per cent see the potential of this one.”

Unbeknown to the businessman, whose other companies include Seventa Events, James was also interested in acquiring Abbots Court.

Simon said: “James was viewing it separately. We were already friends, but literally bumped into each other on viewings and said: ‘What are you

doing here?’.”

After their negotiations for the property were accepted, ambitious plans were drawn up for Abbots Court to become a luxury house for hire and as a wedding venue.

They included building a wedding walled garden, converting the Victorian stables into a ceremony room and creating a glass-fronted and oak-framed wedding pavilion capable of seating 120 guests.

The main house and gardens were also lined up for improvement.

While the house, and its nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms over three floors sleeping up to 22, proved popular for exclusive hire for events and staycations, work began on the renovations.

And now, after 24 months of hard graft, the project is complete with the results on display at two open days.

Simon, 36, said: “When we first began renovations we couldn’t have dreamt of the time and effort we would commit to

The Abbots Court Rural Retreat and (inset) Simon Brooks (left) and James Maidment.

this project. Two years later and we have been absolutely blown away by the responses we’ve received. It’s made all the days worth it.”

Having just opened for weddings, 20 are already booked for this year. Numbers will be limited to 30 weddings annually.

Simon said: “We are an

exclusive use venue. We’re not interested in just cramming in as many weddings as possible. We want these to be weekend long experiences that people remember for lifetimes.”

No figure has been disclosed for the cost of all of the renovation works but Simon conceded it ran ‘well into six figures’.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Puzzles Arrow words

Crossword 1

Samba relative (5,4)

Clothing fastener

Roman god of war

Abstruse

Lubricate

Berserk

Sixty seconds

Someone who looks down on others

Sunburn relief

Hart

Umbrella spoke

Mature

Extreme tiredness

Wordsearch

Famous Aeroplanes

C H I C A G O M O B I E P I E

M M P I S T T T T R L I O U L

O E M L H F I A F G T P P O L

I M S H A U N O S F O C Y L O

N P T S F P R U I L F H A T C

AIR FORCE ONE CHICAGO ENOLA GAY EUROFIGHTER GLAMOROUS GINNIE GLAMOROUS GLEN HURRICANE LOCKHEED VEGA

N H U T E C O R A T A L G S K

I I T P E R E R I I A P A F H

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T S T O O M S S H C I P L O E

I B N M U T I C P T A G O T E

7

13

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21

19

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Most enjoyable

A F A U E A O U H R A A N S E

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blackmorevale.net

39

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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For the solutions, turn to page 105

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

History

How to add colour to family history

by Laura Manning Jim Williams, an internationally published author of 13 novels, including ‘Farewell to Russia’, ‘The Hitler Diaries’ and his latest, ‘American Values’, gave an entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentation to the Blackmore Vale Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.

Jim was explaining how to leave a record of our lives for our grandchildren and future family historians. He pointed out that our awareness of history rarely extends beyond our grandparents. A bland record of births, marriages and deaths is not good enough – we are talking about real people who loved and lived.

We research our family history and may discover the dry facts that our ancestors were servants and grocers – how much more engaging if they had written down stories from their lives! Everyone who explores their family history knows the thrill of discovering a photo or a newspaper article which adds another dimension to an ancestor, something which makes them more ‘real’. Jim says we must do better for future historians.

To sit down and attempt to write an autobiography is such a huge undertaking that, understandably, most people never even start. However, Jim had some great ideas for writing short ‘essays’ about a particular event or a photo which captures something of what it was like to live through at the time.

Life is not like a novel. It does not have a plot – it is just

Man and boy: Jim Williams with his father.

Author Jim Williams has had 13 novels published, some shown below.

full of ‘stuff that happens’. A collection of photos – maybe weddings or family cars – could be used as a starting point for an essay – stories which engage the reader and make them smile provide a link between generations.

The essence of essays is that they are self-contained. An autobiography built up out of essays is always, in one sense, complete no matter how many essays you write – and you can add to it at your own pace

without having to explain all the preceding parts.

He also suggested compiling a list of ‘family words’ – it was a relief to hear from everyone at the meeting that every family seems to have its own set of nonsense words! We need to write these down and explain when they would be used and, maybe, how they originated – they give an insight into the character of the family members and bring them to life.

Above all, Jim gave sage

words of advice about remembering for whom we are writing our autobiography – the readers will be our family and friends.

To find out more about Jim Williams and his books, go to Amazon, Good Reads or https:// jimwilliamsbooks.com The next talk at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, is ‘Mad Earl Henry and Other Despicable Relations,’ by Sue Burne, an experienced family historian, lucky enough to have had a few famous and infamous ancestors in her own family tree, as she reveals in an entertaining talk.

Everyone is invited on Wednesday, 20 July, at 7.30pm.

For more information email blackmorevalegroup@gmail. com or phone 01258 472942.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

41

Education

Gryphon scores ‘Outstanding’ rating Staff, pupils and parents are celebrating after The Gryphon School in Sherborne was rated ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection. The school received the rating in its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist School (SIAMS) inspection.

The report said the school has a ‘broad, inspiring and strongly creative curriculum which allows all learners to explore their personal spirituality’ and that ‘a deeply embedded and transformative Christian vision holistically infuses the life of the school’.

The Gryphon describes itself as a 10:10 community referring to the deeply held vision of living ‘life in all its fullness’.

The inspector found that ‘the caring ethos has outstanding impact on the flourishing of pupils and adults…the senior leadership team provide inspirational and caring leadership exemplifying the vision’.

The provision of SEND support was also highlighted as a successful area, and the school’s innovative nurture groups help ensure rapid progress in areas such as reading. The teaching of RE is ‘exceptionally well planned…

and the quality and range of theological thinking is impressive’.

The SIAMS report praised the variety of ways students can get involved in community projects, including creative fundraising to help people in Ukraine, developing a spiritual garden and working to reduce waste across the school site.

The report says ‘pupils have a real passion and desire to do more as advocates of change’.

Headteacher Nicki Edwards said: “Our SIAMS report is a

wonderful recognition of the hard work put in by all of our staff to ensure that all of our students get the opportunity to experience life in all of its fullness. Our team really goes the extra mile to ensure that every student has not only excellent teaching but a myriad of opportunities to take part in sports, the arts, outdoor adventures and other enrichment activities.”

The Gryphon School is a member of the Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust, and SAST chief

executive Colin Sinclair said: “We are exceptionally proud of Nicki and her staff at The Gryphon for achieving this Outstanding result.

“We are working closely with the Diocese of Salisbury on its ‘Church Schools Flourishing’ programme, and Nicki is part of the team that will ensure all the schools within our trust benefit from their experience and expertise in this area, which supports the holistic development of our students.”

The portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills & Early Help at Dorset Council has spoken of the ‘challenges’ of starting a new special school.

The council bought the former St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury for £10 million last year and turned it into a hub for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Coombe House School, as it is now known, opened with the promise of ‘relationship-based, high-quality education’ for young people with special needs.

But the school has had to close on several occasions and staff and parents have complained it is underresourced and under-staffed.

Parents say they recently

received a letter from Ian Comfort, chairman of Coombe House, in which he said the school ‘does not presently have all of the right provision in place to meet your child’s needs’.

Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills & Early Help, said: “During the past few weeks, we have worked with a dynamic and changing situation at Coombe House School. The school closed for a period of a week and since that time most children on roll have been in school for some set days each week, but none full time, and some have not been considered by the school to be ready or able to return.

“We have reviewed the Education, Health and Care

Plans for a small number of children, to consider if Coombe House can meet their needs at this time. As a result, their families have been written to suggesting we look at a suitable education offer elsewhere. All these families have a single point of contact at Dorset Council, and I am confident they are being kept informed as to why we feel we need to make these changes.

“Starting a new special school often has its challenges as children and staff come together. As a result of discussions with the Board an external interim head was appointed by the chair of the board.

“Dorset Council has been providing day-to-day support to the staff, children and the

Board. That work continues and involves other members of our special school system. A key part of that has been secured with the agreement of Sean Kretz, the Head Teacher of Westfield School, to step into Coombe House full time in the short term and support the teaching staff prepare for September.

“Children and young people are at the heart of our decision making and we must make sure the school can offer the firstclass education that we know we can provide them by supporting the Board, the staff and our families. There is not an overnight solution to this, it will take a bit more time than we had envisaged but we are confident that it is going in the right direction.”

The Gryphon School in Sherborne was rated ‘Outstanding’ following a SIAMS inspection.

County responds on special school

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Arts & Entertainment

Shakespeare in a super setting The gardens of Hatch House will form the backdrop for two of The Bard’s classic plays

Troubadour Stageworks will perform two of its most successful productions at Hatch House this month – William Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Twelfth Night’.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is a play about war in all its forms, with a plot which features courtly love, dastardly villains, original songs and ‘sportive tricks’. This adaptation is quick, funny, moving and vibrant.

The play will have the walled Dutch Garden as a backdrop.

Often described as ‘the best room in the house’ with its raised levels, pavilion, herbaceous borders, stone staircase and front house facade, it’s an instant stage for this adaptation.

The outdoor staging of ‘Twelfth Night’ adds to this popular, comical and playful

tale. Now a musical, it’s a speedy adaptation focusing on the turbulence of households, the comic nature of love and romance, and features an original score, troublesome twins and much more!

‘Twelfth Night’ will be performed in The Avenue, a beautiful, romantic and secluded grove next to the house, not normally open to the public.

Formal garden

Troubadour Stageworks was founded in 2017, with the aim of creating a stage in any space, and combining community, heritage and culture through theatrical performance.

In the past five years venues have included an 18th century formal garden, a 14th century crypt and a castle setting.

The group travel the width of England as a young charity with no core funding, sharing unique

Entrance to the walled garden at Hatch House. PHOTO: Jake Eastham

performances in often quite isolated rural areas.

Audience members are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, seating and warm clothes.

Performances of ‘Twelfth Night’ are on Friday and Saturday, July 15/16, and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ on Saturday and Sunday, July 16/17,

Hatch House is in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside at West Hatch, near Tisbury.

Evening performances start at 6pm – doors open 5.30pm – afternoons at 1pm – doors open 12.30pm. Tickets cost £15 – anyone interested in becoming a patron of Troubadour Stageworks or who requires tickets should visit www. troubadourstageworks.com

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

BARRY STEELE:

ROY ORBISON & FRIENDS 85th Anniversary Tour

Saturday 9th July 7.30pm Tickets £25 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

KOSSOFF:

THE BAND PLAYS ON A celebration of the music of Paul Kossoff featuring songs from Free and Back Street Crawler

Saturday 23rd July 7.30pm Tickets £18 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

TOP GUN MAVERICK (12A) 11th, 12th, 13th July 7.30pm Matinee 14th July 2pm Tickets £8 Evenings £7 Matinee £6 u16s (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE

YOU WIN AGAIN:

Celebrating the Music of the Bee Gees

ETS ST! K FA TICNG Friday I L 15th July 7.30pm SEL Tickets £25

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

Saturday 16th July 7.30pm Tickets £25 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

The Blandford School presents

SWEENEY TODD

Tuesday 19th - Friday 22nd July, 7pm Tickets £15 Concs £12 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

LONDON REPERTORY PLAYERS RETURN TO THE TIVOLI, PRESENTING A SUMMER SEASON OF 5 PLAYS! TAKING STEPS THE SMALL HOURS FALLEN ANGELS I HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE

by Alan Ayckbourn

by Francis Durbridge

by Noel Coward

by J.B Priestley

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

Wed 27th July - Sat 30th July 7.30pm, Sat 30th July 2.30pm

Wed 3rd Aug - Sat 6th Aug 7.30pm, Sat 6th Aug 2.30pm

Wed 10th Aug - Sat 13th Aug 7.30pm, Sat 13th Aug 2.30pm

Tickets £18.50 evenings (£17 concessions), £17 matinees

Wed 17th Aug - Sat 20th Aug 7.30pm, Sat 20th Aug 2.30pm

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

43

Arts & Entertainment

Shaftesbury Fringe is back!

New and established artists will be performing at Shaftesbury Fringe, a celebration of all things creative Shaftesbury is set to see an explosion of creative energy from artists, poets, musicians and comedians in the Shaftesbury Fringe.

The event will run in 30 venues, including historic churches, cosy cafes, hairdressing salons and even a dentist’s surgery, as well as Shaftesbury Arts Theatre, from Friday to Sunday, July 22-24.

The festival features shows for every taste and age, including theatre, comedy, dance, music, musicals, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, opera, poetry, spoken word, exhibitions and more.

Visitors can create their own festival experience from a mixture of ticketed, free and street performances.

The Fringe line-up

For more information on what to see and do, visit www. shaftesburyfringe.co.uk, Facebook or Instagram.

Alternatively, the official Fringe programme is now available in Shaftesbury, Blandford and Salisbury tourist offices; many local shops, restaurants and bars; and The Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AR, phone 01747 854321, www.shaftesburyartscentre.org. uk or check out the new app.

Underdog at The Fringe

by Dave Chawner I must admit I’ve never performed here before. In fairness it hasn’t been running the past couple of years – for obvious reasons! Yet, if there is one good thing to come out of the pandemic it’s how we’ve begun to celebrate the jobs, people and pets that would normally be overlooked. Let me explain.

Pre-pandemic it wouldn’t be surprising for shelf stackers, cleaners and posties to be

Not all heroes wear capes – some wear collars – says Dave Chawner, who is appearing at Shaftesbury Fringe.

dogs are better than humans. looked down upon, talked about million UK households got a Through a three-year pet during the pandemic. Dogs with sniffy snobbery. However, adventure of meeting all types were resoundingly the most post-pandemic we now realise popular pet of choice with more of breeds from sausage dogs to their worth – all these essential schnoodles – it’s a real dog than 12.5 million pet dogs in jobs kept the country moving. breed, do yourself a favour Britain. To put that into They were our knights in PPE perspective that’s more than the and look them up, they’re armour. We stood on the amazing – from German human population of doorsteps clapping for them, Shepherds to French Bulldogs Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, our ‘key workers’. If there’s I’ve come to realise she’s Belfast and London combined! one thing, I want to remember right. So, if you think dogs are In the South-West alone 25 from the two years we’ve all better than humans and that per cent of the population own been through, it would be that it’s about time, we truly a dog, that equates to not all heroes wear The celebrate the underdogs, this is 582,000 capes – some wear easiest way to the show for you! households. collars!

(Alternatively, if you just want Yet, they After all, plan your visit is with to come and look at some cute don’t get there’s no the new Shaftesbury puppy photos, that’s equally the respect bigger Fringe app. You’ll find details okay too!) they underdog of every performance and a After a turbulent time for all deserve. than dogs planner to help save favourite of us, it’s time to make the most So, themselves. of our newly found freedom and Think shows. A handy map will help I’m getting together to have a laugh. aiming to about it, a you find all the venues. The So, if my show doesn’t ‘tickle set the dog never app is available for your pickle’ go see another record asks you to Android and Apple performance at The Shaftesbury straight. My lose weight, phones.

Fringe because we all need a show this year earn more money laugh right now! is all about dogs, or get a promotion.

Venue – St Peter’s Church Hall, defeat and There are male and High Street, Shaftesbury SP7 female working dogs but there’s determination, to use comedy 8LY in order to celebrate the no gender pay gap. Dogs don’t Show – Dave Chawner, unsung heroes. I’ll be kill, maim and fight each other Underdog completely honest – I haven’t in the name of ‘Almighty Dog’ Dates – Saturday, 23 July always been a ‘dog person’. I and the nearest any dog has used to be terrified of them. ever got to chemical warfare is Times – 8pm However, my partner reckons breaking wind and walking off Entry – Free in disgust.

Leave time for surprises in the rest of Shaftesbury Our fluffy friends helped us While it’s a good idea to book in advance for any shows get through the various you don’t want to miss while you’re in Shaftesbury, lockdowns, restrictions and we’d recommend leaving some gaps to squeeze in time political scandals. Some 74 per to explore the delights of the town, visit bars and cent of people said having a pet restaurants – booking advised – and Gold Hill, one of helped their pet throughout the steepest streets in England. lockdown. No wonder over 3.2

44

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Arts & Entertainment

Song for Ukraine

Musical teenager Daisy Turner (pictured), from Edmondsham, has penned a song for war-torn Ukraine.

Daisy, 13, attends Bryanston Knighton House School in Durweston, which has put her recording of ‘Dear Ukraine’ on its YouTube channel.

Her musical influences are Ed Sheeran and her father, Andrew, who used to play guitar to her each evening when she was younger.

blackmorevale.net

TV stand up hits the road Life, family and everyday nonsense is on the agenda when comedian Chris McCausland stops off in Yeovil as part of a UK tour this autumn.

If you ever find life feels a little overwhelming, burdened with the stresses and strains of parenthood, a busy career, the rat race or everyday existence, you’re not alone.

But imagine all that and being blind, like Chris.

He made his debut appearance on ‘Live at the Apollo’ in 2018 and has become a regular face on television, with multiple hit appearances on comedy favourites such as ‘Would I Lie to You?’, ‘Have I Got News for You’ and ‘QI’ – coupled with celebrity episodes of ‘The Chase’, ‘Mastermind’, ‘Antiques Road

Trip’ and more. Chris has appeared on ‘Live at the Apollo’ three times and made his Royal Variety Performance debut last December.

Chris, who is originally from Liverpool, has spent almost two decades travelling the country performing stand-up and has more than 100 dates on his Speaky Blinder tour.

His blindness is due to the degenerative eye disorder Retinitis Pigmentosa, which caused him to lose his sight gradually throughout the first 20 or so years of his life.

He is at the Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil on Saturday, 12 November.

Tickets can be purchased direct at www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk/ whats-on/comedy/chrismccausland-speakyblinder/8752/

Chris McCausland is coming to Yeovil on his Speaky Blinder tour.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

45

Arts & Entertainment

The Athenaeum Singers Jubilee Gems The old saying was proved wrong – you can teach old dogs new tricks!

The Athenaeum Singers, after the Covid pause and in the interregnum between musical directors, came out all guns blazing under the baton of Nigel Perrin. This was a joyous evening – the choir, normally formally dressed and marched to their places with military precision, were relaxed, comfortable and colourful as they embarked on an eclectic and fun programme, both ancient and modern.

Off they went firstly with a contemporary piece – In Our Service by Thomas Hewitt Jones – accompanied powerfully and deftly by Simon Dinsdale – sub-organist at the Royal Memorial Chapel Sandhurst and international concert player. The choir from the beginning handled the rich harmonies and phrasing well, the sopranos accurately managing some high reaches.

This was a beautiful piece to start with: “no gilded crown nor gleaming crown of sapphire Can sure outshine an earthly vow To serve, to live with dignity, With humble stewardship and sacrifice, A pledge of unity a vow of love”.

How moving on the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Next came Handel’s Coronation Anthem, Zadok the Priest. The Singers made a confident opening. It is a soaring piece, and the Singers did soar, even if occasionally – through numerical disadvantage, not poor singing – it was a little difficult to

Guest conductor Nigel Perrin and the singers in readiness for ‘Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo’.

hear the altos. “God save the King; long live the King; may the King live for ever”. Again, no one could have failed to be moved.

Then we were treated to another innovation: Bach’s Partita No 2 in D minor BWV 1004 – Allemanda – originally for violin and here transcribed for saxophone – performed solo

by Katie Bunney, a young saxophonist studying for a Masters degree at the Royal College of Music, and already a versatile performer. She chose to stand near the altar; this helped the rich tones to radiate across the church.

“She loves the versatility of the instrument,” our programme informed us – well, she gave us a masterful demonstration of just that, through fast, slow and complex sections.

Next the Singers returned to the Coronation Anthems for ‘The King shall rejoice’,

resoundingly accompanied by the organist. It was again a soaring performance by the Choir, notwithstanding a challenging entry at the start of the Hallelujah. Rich tone was once again to the fore.

Following the intermission, a glass of wine for those who wanted it and delicious eats provided by choir members, we were in for a surprise.

The choir retook their places in colourful hats and regalia in which they performed Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo by Flanders and Horovitz. The visual impression was fun, relaxed and amusing.

This was not conventional Athenaeum fare. With a jazzy accompaniment including drums, double bass and a piano, the singers really went for it, imparting energy and more joy to the performance and bringing in valiant soloists

Top folk at village pub International singer, musician and interpreter Martin Carthy, who has spent over six decades at the top of the folk and folk-rock genres, is coming to The White Hart in Bishops Caundle.

He has played alongside Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and has garnered a host of musical awards and an MBE. Martin (pictured) is at The White Hart (DT9 5ND) on Saturday, July 9.

Music enthusiasts can gain an insight into his life in an afternoon

question and answer session, and see him perform in concert in the evening.

from their number. It was a little difficult to hear the male voices on occasions, but the overall effect was fresh and energetic, the rich melodic phrases surging as the singers swayed rhythmically.

The performance completed with the swelling crescendo of Gjello’s Evening Prayer.

The Athenaeum Singers are to be congratulated on their readiness to innovate, as is their seasoned temporary conductor for leading them so effectively.

Chatter in the intermission suggested the concert came together in the nick of time – they always do! It was a brave and energetic programme. The choir rose to the challenge splendidly, and thus contributed a lovely dimension to our memories of this resounding Jubilee weekend.

Hooray! Thank you.

Charles Style

MARTIN CARTHY The White Hart, Bishops Caundle DT9 5ND Interview/Q&A session, 3.30pm, £7; concert, 8pm (£15 – or £20 for both) Book on 01963 362890 or email jhnwaltham@ yahoo.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Politics

Reasons to celebrate the young I am pretty certain most people think their generation was the best and everyone else who comes afterwards is not quite as good.

Well, among all the doom and gloom, war, upheavals and political uncertainties I thought we could all do with a bit of good and encouraging news.

If my recent interactions with young people in North Dorset is anything to go by then our immediate area and the wider country is in safe hands.

Recently, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Blandford, I had the great pleasure of meeting young St John Ambulance volunteers.

They were engaged and committed to their work. They explained to me how to use a defibrillator. They were happy to be volunteering and keen to help their local community.

Every school I visit I am quizzed and cross-examined about climate change, pollution and what the Government is doing to make things better.

Last Friday I was invited to talk to a group of students about pollution in the River Stour and

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare what they could do to raise the profile of the issue.

A recent visit to the Brownies of Shaftesbury raised similar issues of environment and climate.

I have seen young people raise money for Ukraine as well as welcoming new families into their homes. On Armed Forces Day it was a real pleasure to see the young cadets proudly wearing uniform and taking a full part in the service.

Climate change is a big issue for young people.

PHOTO: 0fjd125gk87/Pixabay

These young people and countless others take a broader and wider view of the world than any other generation before them.

Connected by technology, concerns and values theirs is a view that looks to engage and to help shape the future.

They are certainly more liberal and relaxed in social issues be it sexuality, ethnicity or background.

They are far more interested in what you are doing and going to do than what you’ve done or where you’ve come from.

Theirs is also a world a lot more uncertain than previous generations. Climate change, job security, getting on the property ladder are real issues of anxiety.

My job, and the job of politics more widely, is to address these issues in order to ensure that, what we always thought of as the uninterruptable journey of upward social mobility – but which has frustratingly paused in recent years – is rebooted and in a sustainable way.

on the successful speed of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out but deliberately ignore the huge failings elsewhere in dealing with the pandemic.

Such as the claim that a ‘protective ring’ was thrown around care homes for the elderly.

Not true. My mother caught Covid in Yeovil Hospital but was promptly discharged right back into the care home she’d come from. We now know that tens of thousands of care home residents caught Covid and died.

Then there was the debacle of PPE procurement, with eyewatering profits and obscene commissions being paid to middlemen. Also the purchase of items which turned out to be useless. Billions of taxpayers’ money wasted, which could have been used to achieve a vital reduction of our country’s energy consumption by insulating homes, for example.

Johnson has blamed the media for the dramatic Tory defeats in the Wakefield and Tiverton/Honiton by-elections, saying they focused more on his personal conduct than on policy.

So he considers his personal conduct to be of no consequence.

For us to have such a Prime Minister at this time is more than just a national embarrassment, it’s a disaster. The enormity and urgency of the environmental crisis is ever more apparent, unfolding as it is even sooner and faster than was anticipated.

Now more than ever we need strong, compassionate and caring leadership, with an understanding that we are all in the same boat.

No doubt many are now wondering where best to place their political allegiance. As an ex Conservative voter myself, I’m happy to have chosen the Green Party.

Johnson’s ‘exceptional’ government Boris Johnson recently claimed his Government’s record is ‘exceptional’. He has never spoken a truer word.

The record includes lockdown rule-breaking in Downing Street; failing to introduce urgently needed changes to the ministerial code and instead making changes that entrench the Prime Minister’s powers over standards in government; attempting to silence public dissent by criminalising non-violent protesters instead of dealing with the critical issues being protested about; accepting donations from Russian donors and failing to stop the UK being used as a safe haven for dirty money; pledging to help end deforestation but paying Drax power station a subsidy of more thab £2 million a day to burn 25 million trees a year; dragging its heels over replacing the zero-carbon building regulations the

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset Conservative Government scrapped in 2015.

The list goes on. An exceptional record but hardly one to boast about.

Government spokespeople take every opportunity to focus

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

47

Politics

All parties have failed in rail dispute

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour Politics seems obsessed with boiling everything down to false, binary choices.

At the moment every Labour representative is demanded to answer whether they support or condemn the rail strikes. No nuance, no middle ground.

You’re either on the picket line or you’re against collective bargaining and the right to withhold your labour.

Is it any wonder when our politics is so binary that the sides in the dispute have failed to reach a negotiated settlement?

There is a middle ground here – both for politicians and the negotiators.

We should all support workers

Train stations across the UK were deserted on rail strike days.

who, after already having a real terms wage cut during the pandemic, now just want, just need even, a pay rise that goes some way towards helping them with rampant inflation. We all need it.

Yet we can also be angry about the disruption of the strikes and the damage they’ve done to the economy, school exams and the environment. I had to drive all the way to Hull and back for work during the strike rather than taking the train and I was not happy!

How many RMT shop stewards does it take to change a plug socket? Nine, apparently.

It’s a cliched and no doubt

unrepresentative example but, by refusing to modernise working practices until now, the union leaves itself vulnerable to Tory attacks.

It seems like there’s been a ‘landing zone’ for a settlement on the table for weeks. A pay rise of about five per cent in exchange for removal of outmoded working practices. Five per cent would still be a real terms cut but I do get the point that wage discipline is needed to help tackle inflation. It’s painful but we must all be prepared to endure it.

This should be the case for all pay grades, though. No industry execs should be getting doubledigit increases or six-figure bonus

PHOTO: Bukkywanderlust0/Pixabay

pay-outs right now.

And it should also be the case for pensions. I cannot fathom why it’s acceptable to give an inflationary increase to the state pension but not those of working age on low incomes.

Anyway, back to the point. I don’t accept the false, binary choice to either support the ‘strikes’ or the ‘strivers’. I choose to support all working people across the country needing a pay rise. And I’m really annoyed at the Government, Network Rail, the train companies and the unions. They have all failed.

They failed to negotiate properly and they collectively caused these strikes.

Putin and a question of political will I’m in my 42nd year of regular and active reserve service in the Armed Forces, my brother’s an admiral, two of my five girls are military officers and I represent a very large number of service personnel and their families.

In other words, I’m heavily, personally invested in defence.

So, you would expect me to be echoing calls this week, based on what’s going on in Ukraine, for lots more defence spending.

But it’s important to draw the right conclusions from the conflict.

What we’ve learnt, to our very great surprise, are the severe military limitations of the

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison

Russian Federation.

A relatively poor eastern European country is humbling the Kremlin’s much-vaunted military.

NATO with its overwhelming might hasn’t even engaged yet. I hope it never will.

Since NATO – even before Sweden and Finland join – seems to have more than enough men and material to tackle Russia conventionally, the issue then isn’t so much hosing more money on defence but whether the West has the political resolve to face Putin down were he to try his luck with, say, Lithuania.

In what manner and how soon would NATO respond if

Putin mounted a ‘special military operation’ at the Suwalki Gap to link its client Belarus with its Kaliningrad enclave?

Or maybe, safer from Putin’s perspective, take another bite out of Georgia?

My point is that our weakness in dealing with Putin’s imperialism isn’t military, it’s political.

Closer to home, I’ve been looking at how we reconcile the greening of land-based business to meet net zero targets with the need to grow more of our own food.

I had no idea fertiliser could be so interesting!

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Politics

‘Levelling up’ is so hard to do It would be easy to crow about by-election results. Too easy.

Winning the battle of the ballot box is good but there is also the battle of ideas to be won and ensuring the liberal, progressive developments in society of the last 50 years are not lost.

In many ways today feels like the 1970s – Russia as the great enemy, oil price shocks, significant inflation, low investment, a weak pound, a populace hankering after lbs and ozs and a set of industrial and public sector stand-offs like those which ended up with the three-day week.

There is something equally retro-visual about the judgements out of the US Supreme Court, especially in their implications. Abortion today, same-sex marriage and even racial equality under threat tomorrow.

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale Yet, the right of an 18-yearold to an assault rifle marches on. All down to the interpretation by ideologues of words and sentences from 200 years ago, backed up by their perception of the broad

sentiment of the people, however faint the traces.

Similarly, Downing Street seems often to drive forward while looking in the rear-view mirror. Sometimes it presses on with no mirrors at all – signal, manoeuvre without looking.

Put another way, at times we have a prime minister saying, ‘there go the people, I must follow them because I am their leader’ – for example, Brexit – while at the same time much given to a patronising and often secretive ‘I know best’ stance.

Following the crowd is well and fine while things are tickety-boo but not so good when the going gets tough, as now. The problem with ‘I know best’ is that every so often it proves not to be the case – for example, migrants to Rwanda.

There is little room for the

views and voices of others when you are hell-bent on your own agenda.

It is very difficult to see how ‘Levelling up’ can work under such a regime. The suspicion is that it will become a top-down re-distribution exercise – like throwing sweets to the audience in a panto, particularly to marginal seats/areas and based on beauty contests of ideas and projects, not on fair assessments of need.

It should not be that way. A vibrant, capable, beautiful place like Dorset should be able to plan and implement its own socially and environmentally positive community-building and sustainable economic future without diktat from but rather with central government confidence and support. A blend of opportunity and fairness.

In defence of Hardy’s legacy Last week, I read that the poetry of several of our greatest writers, including West Dorset’s own Thomas Hardy, was being removed from the GCSE English syllabus by the OCR examination board in measures supposed to improve the ‘diversity’ of the syllabus.

I feel this sets a worrying precedent, not just for the education of young people today, but for West Dorset long-term.

Thomas Hardy was the most ardent champion of West Dorset and its people in recent history.

He was a true maverick for his time, challenging the taboos and inequalities he saw in Victorian society, giving a rare voice to the rural working classes of places like Dorset, and, especially rare for his time, giving a powerful voice to women – single mothers who were particularly marginalised in Victorian society – through the many female heroines in his novels.

The fact that Thomas Hardy’s work, alongside the likes of Wilfred Owen and

Conservative MP for West Dorset Chris Loder Philip Larkin, has been seemingly dropped in favour of modern, more modern and diverse content, suggests a worrying shift away from the staples of English literature.

West Dorset benefits greatly from Hardy’s legacy. We are fortunate to have the Hardy Players and the Thomas Hardy Society based in and around our county town contributing

immensely to the culture of Dorset.

We have Hardy’s birthplace at Bockhampton, Hardy’s house at Max Gate and the many landscapes and settings he described in his work. All of which bring in tourism from around the world and greatly enrich our county.

All of this is sustained by education and propagation of his works in schools. To undermine Hardy’s legacy in schools will no doubt affect his legacy in West Dorset, and this is what I am pushing back against as West Dorset’s MP and have written to the Secretary of State for Education accordingly.

I also wish to thank the many people across West Dorset who marked Armed Forces Day on 25 June – a celebration of the service of all those in the Armed Forces.

Earlier in June, the 14th also marked the 40-year anniversary of the conclusion of the Falklands War. It was a great pleasure to meet Falklands veterans with serving members

Thomas Hardy’s poetry is being removed from the English syllabus by the OCR examination board.

of the Armed Forces at an event in Yeovilton to commemorate this significant event in our history and to remember all those who lost their lives through the conflict.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Antiques & Collectibles

Advertising feature

Beautiful Bikes roar to top prices The Charterhouse auction of classic and vintage motorcycles held at the prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum on Wednesday, 29 June, was another great success with sales totalling nearly £500,000.

“We had some fabulous entries with bikes being consigned from Leicestershire to Cornwall to Wales, and even from over the water on the Isle of Man,” said George Beale. “Bidding was fast and furious, rather like some of the bikes!”

Top lot of the day was a 1976 MV Agusta 750 S America (pictured) sold on

the hammer for £35,000 to a buyer from Belgium. Entered into the Charterhouse auction from a private museum on the Isle of Man, it had not turned a wheel on the

road for several years.

Elsewhere in the auction, a 1973 Triumph Hurricane sold for £21,000, a rare 1925 Ner-a-Car for £15,500 and a 1982 Hesketh V1000 for £13,500, all on the hammer.

Charterhouse is accepting entries for its next specialist classic and vintage bike auction. George Beale and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for valuations, help and advice at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277 or via bikes@charterhouse-auction. com

Rolex could make £25,000-£30,000 Acreman St. Antiques Auction, Sherborne, is offering for sale in its 29 July auction a Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Sea King’ Limited Edition, No. 029 of 123, in mint unworn condition with box and papers. Estimate £25,000-30,000.

This watch (pictured) was commissioned following a request to Rolex by a Lieutenant, Royal Navy,

stationed at the time – about 2014 – at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

It was to commemorate over 47 years of multi-role service by the Sea King helicopter in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy and the Search and Rescue Wing of the Royal Air Force.

Only 123 watches were made, one for every Sea King

procured by the MoD. To make an appointment to discuss any items you may be considering for auction contact Gill Norman.

Acreman is also happy to make home visits and can arrange house clearances.

Phone 01935-508764/ 07908 333577 or email auction@ acremanstreetantiques. co.uk

5th & 6th November

Sold for £11,500

28th October 27th July

5th & 6th November Sold for £3,200

Specialist FreeSale Valuation Advance Notice: Days

A CHINESE ENAMEL ALTAR PIECE

Sold for £91,000 in Asian Art

Upcoming Auctions 28th

Interiors

August

25th

Interiors

29th 30th

The Autumn Auction Art & Design post 1880 (both inviting entries until 19th August)

October

6th

Icons of Motoring - A Land Rover Auction (inviting entries until 2nd September)

Find more information on all auctions on our website Duke’s Brewery Square Dorchester Dorset DT1 1GA

Tuesday 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches Clocks Viewing 25th & 26th on site DT11&area

Free14th Specialist Valuation Wednesday Model Cars, Trains,Days Dolls & Toys Watches, Jewellery & Silver 12th Friday 16th Asian Ceramics & Works of Art

(inviting entries until 11th August)

September

Monday 12th Pictures, Maps, Books & July Postcards Country House Auction 27th

Pictures,15th Maps, Books & Postcards Thursday Medals, Militaria, Coins &11th Stamps

Auctions commence at 10.30am

July

49

Tel: 01305 265080 enquiries@dukes-auctions.com www.dukes-auctions.com

Doulton, Worcester & other Ceramics 13th Classic Motorcycle Auction 28th October Model Cars, Trains, Toys & Dolls14th Classic Auction Ceramics 11th November ChineseCar & Japanese 15th Further & entries now Car beingAuction accepted Classic Vintage Classic Motorbike AuctionDT9 3BS The Long Street&Salerooms Sherborne Entries invited for the next above sales r XXX DIBSUFSIPVTF BVDUJPO DPN

The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

50

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Antiques & Collectibles GOOD CONDITION VINYL RECORDS WANTED Larger collections preferred No classical please, cash paid 07831-266478

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

WE BUY RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE AND SMALL Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100 Email: bill@tunes.co.uk

Antique & Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales

Clocks Unlimited

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

Clarke’s Auctions

Auctioneers & Valuers

Classic Vehicles & Automobilia Antiques & Collectibles Sale Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July 2022

Viewing Thursday 7th July and open for live bidding

blackmorevale.net Advertiser’s announcement

Marble head sells for £22,100 Duke’s is inviting entries for its Autumn Auction and Art & Design post-1880 sales. The two auctions span entries from 14th century antiquities to 20th century pieces the next day.

Strong international marketing and presence on three online platforms has led to world record-breaking results.

The April Fine Art sale saw a Roman marble head of a youth (pictured) and a George I girandole mirror each make £22,100, inclusive of fees.

The more modern ‘Figure Study at Cookham’ by Stanley

Spencer sold for £18,850 and a work by Cayley Robinson for £123,500.

Duke’s is proud to be art market leaders – its specialists would be delighted to provide confidential advice, whether on a single painting, sculpture or antique, or an entire collection.

For more information and last dates for entries for all its upcoming autumn auctions visit the website, www.dukesauctions.com Please contact enquiries@ dukes-auctions.com or phone 01305 265080 to arrange an online or in-person appraisal at your convenience.

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES AUCTION SHERBORNE GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS AUCTION Friday 29th July

VIEWING Thursday 28th July 10am - 5pm

Est. £25,000 - £30,000

A 1928 Ford Phaeton. Estimate £15,000 - £18,000 Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9BU

01747 855109

enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk clarkesauctions.co.uk

Catalogue available to view through Saleroom.com & Easyliveauction.com

We are now accepting entries for our July auction For all enquiries please contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

51

Antiques & Collectibles

Ford Phaeton Tourer star of the show Clarke’s Auctions at Semley is holding its July auctions on Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9.

The star of the show at its second Classic Vehicle and Automobilia sale of the year is a 1928 Ford Phaeton Tourer.

This vehicle has been fully restored from the chassis up with a photographic record and

extensive history file detailing the restoration. It is estimated at £15,000-£18,000.

A fully restored 1930 Austin 7 Chummy from the same vendor, with history and spares, is estimated at £10,000£12,000.

In the Classic Motorbike section is a fully operational A fine bronze study of a jockey on horse is coming up for sale at Clarke’s Auctions.

1964 BSA A65 Rocket estimated at £4,500-£4,800 and a Triumph Daytona, an Ariel Arrow, a traditional gypsy bow-top wagon and two hand-painted horse-drawn carts.

The Automobilia section includes a variety of Bugatti spares from a Type 35 Bugatti, enamel advertising signs, automobilia ephemera, car mascots and scratch-built models. This auction will start at 10am on Friday, 8 July.

The antiques auction will

follow the vehicle sale on the Friday and continue at 10am Saturday with a fine bronze study of a jockey on horse, standing 87cm high, along with the usual selection of antique and modern furniture and objects.

For enquiries for consignment into future sales, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

Antique & Vintage Fair at Stourhead FREE ENTRY to our Fair Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th July 10am - 5pm.

Stourton Memorial Hall Spread Eagle Courtyard, Wiltshire, BA12 6QE. stourheadantiquefair Tel: 07934 057 877

We’re coming back

Just Like the Old Days

Free Valuations, Shaftesbury Office

PASTIMES Of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kits etc.

Those magical makes; Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus Telephone; 01935 816 072.

Mobile; 07527 074 343 COVID SAFE

A Gentleman’s Rolex GMT Master wristwatch, model 1675.

SOLD FOR £11,300 • Entries invited for

our forthcoming Specialist sales • Catalogues available online • Full calendar of Specialist sales Large pair of Chinese cinnabar lacquer vases, 19th century.

SOLD FOR £36,000 Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9AN 01747 855 122 www.semleyauctioneers.com Offices in Dorset, Wiltshire and London

52

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Home & Garden

Gardening with the seasons

by Sally Gregson One of the unspoken and deeper joys of gardening is that of working with the seasons – planning ahead in the garden, weeding, planting bulbs, all keep the gardener in tune with time passing.

Now in June, spring’s sparkling, translucent new leaves have matured to green, the Persian carpet of spring bulbs is fading, overwhelmed by perennials powering their way into the summer spaces.

Without attention the borders would soon be emerald with new weed seedlings pushing their way into their neighbours.

After a shower of rain, it is one of the most therapeutic occupations to gently pull up the weeds, the hairy bittercress, the chickweed, the annual grasses and put them in a bucket for the council compost bin.

Throwing them onto the compost heap with other seeding weeds is not a good idea. Very few domestic compost heaps reach a

temperature where they burn off the seeds, and successful weeds respond with enthusiasm to newly prepared soil.

The white, brittle roots of some perennial weeds are also best disposed of in this way.

Dandelions and docks love warm, moist, compost heaps and their vigour when meeting a new border is legendary.

Some seedlings of what Americans call ‘volunteers’, that is, self-sown ephemera, put themselves where they want to grow. And they do have good taste. Plants such as Gaura lindheimeri, primrose yellow Oenothera stricta Sulphurea, Alchemilla mollis all will emigrate lock, stock and leaf from the rich soils of the garden border, to the gravel paths where they are truly happy.

They are best left alone. The result is a wilder, more casual look. Sometimes the paths become impassable, but in extremis the usurpers pull out easily.

Some of the volunteers, however, are neither classic

The garden at Stockton Bury, Herefordshire, showing a few self-sown ‘volunteers’ in the paving cracks.

weeds, nor welcome offspring.

It is very tempting to fill new beds and borders with good ‘doers’ such as Alchemilla mollis. The lime-green flowers accompany blue mounds of geraniums with style. The spreading Geranium x oxonianum works well with oriental poppies.

Until they don’t – poppy or Geranium gets too big for its spot, and some geraniums have very bossy ways, elbowing their

shoots and roots into beautiful neighbours while they are dormant. Oriental poppies in particular flower gloriously, then they fade in mid-late summer. Meanwhile the geranium becomes a cuckoo – far too big for the space it occupies at the expense of its neighbouring poppy.

And so the border moves on constantly. The gardener peacefully responding to the dynamics of the garden border.

Clematis viticella lifts the spirits

by Sally Gregson Many English gardens reach a crescendo at the end of June.

Thereafter the ‘old’ roses start to drop their once-glorious petals, the glamorous peony flowers fade and the whole panoply of early-summer perennials peaks and collapses in bathos.

This somewhat dispiriting anti-climax can, however, be lifted and joy restored with the later flowers of Clematis viticella and her offspring.

This species is tough, disease resistant and pruning is simple.

They flower later in the summer on the growth made during the current season. So, in early spring it’s a simple matter of cutting the old foliage down to about 30cm from the ground, and with a dose of fertiliser and plenty of watering the clematis will power back up and flower for England.

One of the oldest, and still

very popular, is C. viticella Purpurea Plena Elegans. Its name may not trip off the tongue easily, but its tousled, dusky purple flowers capture everyone’s attention.

It can be a good companion to the enormous, felted leaves and mauve-pink flowers of Hydrangea aspera Villosa. The hairy leaves of the hydrangea pick up the bloom of the unopened clematis petals perfectly.

Another good marriage is that of the dark, crinkled green leaves of Ceonothus Concha whose deep blue flowers have faded by the time C. viticella Prince Charles produces its denim blue flowers in July and August.

Or, for a strong contrast, try growing papal purple C. viticella Polish Spirit through the foliage of Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit and sparks fly in heaven as well as in the garden.

Training clematis through a mother shrub is just how they prefer to grow in the wild. All clematis are essentially hedgerow climbers with their heads in the sun, and their feet down in the rich, shade of a hedge.

They do all prefer a draining soil rather than heavy clay, so incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting. A heavy stone at its feet, covering the area of roots, should provide enough protection from the direct sun.

Unfortunately, the dreaded molluscs also like the underside of stones, so it pays to take preventative measures to safeguard the clematis, especially while it is a young plant.

And then with plenty of watering and tlc, the new clematis will take pride of place in the garden through the summer and into early autumn.

Clematis viticella Prince Charles.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

53

Home & Garden SELF DRIVE DIGGER AND DUMPER HIRE, 01258 861647 DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER & 1.5ton digger, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience Contact Ken 07882 441873 01963 32034 GARDEN AND PLANTING DESIGN. Expert gardening.

Wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. Garden restoration and advice.

Extensive plant knowledge.

Call Stephen and Claire at Manyberries 01963 441454, manyberries.co.uk

LAWN MOWING SERVICE, Tel 01747 821 726 R&W FENCING SERVICES All types of fencing, Agriculture and Domestic 01258 880892 07980 036250 ASBESTOS REMOVAL Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling

BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

GUTTERS CLEARED • • • • • •

Windows, Fascias, Soffits, Gutters cleaned, Repairs, Free Estimates 07788-376752

OLD BYGONES & COLLECTIBLES

Rural, garden & agricultural items bought & sold

Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301 FURNITURE & RESTORATION GIBSON AND RADFORD RESTORATIONS Est 1976 T: 01963 370471 M: 07802823123 jake@gibsonandradford.co.uk www.gibsonandradford.co.uk

WINDOWS BLACKMORE WINDOWS AND DOORS. Locally based company in Stalbridge with 25 years experience. All your window and door needs undertaken, from repairs to replacement. Contact Terry on 07514224712 or find me on Facebook and WhatsApp. FREE QUOTATIONS.

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine to advertise your business email

Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net debi.thorne@icloud.com

(Established 1997)

Tree Surgeons TREE WORK

Felling Section felling Pruning/shaping Hedge cutting Scrub clearance Stump grinding Planting £10M public liability insurance

LANDSCAPING Fencing Patios Sleeper walls All hard landscaping

Vale Tree Surgeons Limited www.valetreesurgeons.com Tel: 01747 228484 Mob: 07770 833734

The New Blackmore Vale DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before the publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to space.

Advertising:

adverts@blackmorevale.net

Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net or online at blackmorevale.net

54

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Home & Garden

HOUSE CLEARANCE Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com www.

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blackmorevale.net

Treecare Co. Tree Specialists

TREE STUMP REMOVAL Pruning, bracing, shaping.

Preservation of mature trees.

Hedge cutting. Trees supplied & planted.

Landscaping & maintenance.

Heavy duty winch hire available.

Tree Surgery BS.3998 Contractors to local authorities.

WOOD CHIPPINGS FOR SALE Free Quotes & Advice Tel/Fax: Shafts 853512 Mobile: 07831 262083 Established in 1976

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Tree and Garden Services • 25 years’ experience • Registered waste carrier • Free estimates • All areas covered • No job too small

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HEDGECUTTING & Potting compost. Large STUMP REMOVAL selection of Terracotta Pots.

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Make a wise choice call Telephone: 01258 and 452513 David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361

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55

Home & Garden

Fabulous heavy-duty firepits, hand forged in Britain.

Perfect for extending the long summer evenings while cooking great food!

Sustainable olive wood charcoal also in stock.

Monday – Saturday 9am – 5:30pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm Milton on Stour, Gillingham SP8 5QA 01747 824015

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Home & Garden

Garden Design

For all your fencing and decking needs

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted.

Gates made to measure.

£395

Est 20 Years

01258 881112 07900 431701

Sherborne Fencing Ltd Tel: 01935 814272 Mobile: 07814246332

GARDEN RESCUE TEL: 01747 821 726

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son) Bedding plants. Roses.

Perennials and shrubs.

Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds. Potting compost.

Large selection of pots.

Open daily 10am - 3pm.

Langton Long, Blandford Forum, Dorset. DT11 9HR. Telephone: 01258 452513

EXPERIENCED & RELIABLE GARDENER. Planting and maintaining herbaceous borders, vegetable gardens, pruning, training etc.

Available Monday - Friday.

Based in Stalbridge but willing to travel. Call or text Lucy: 07831 766100

North Dorset Tree Surgeons We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding.

Ash dieback specialist.

Fully insured and NPTC qualified.

Call Will today on 01747 854517 or 07872 970741 Professional

Experienced

Reliable

SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK! UNIT 2, STATION ROAD, GILLINGHAM SP8 4QQ

01747 359015 www.inspire-eden.co.uk | hello@inspire-eden.co.uk

We are a traditional sawmill in Dorset offering

High quality timber from locally sourced trees Building, Landscaping & Fencing Timber Cedar Shingles & Shakes Feature Stumps Cladding – Waney edge, Square edge, Featheredge and Profiled edges

Posts –inc weather tops Beams/Mantels (New & Rustic) – Green & Air Dried Sleepers 200 x 100 & 200 x 50 (or any other size) Rare, unusual & exotic hardwoods

Extensive range of Slab/Plank Wood available both air dried & kiln dried – Oak, Birch, Beech, Ash, Yew, Walnut, Sweet Chestnut, Macrocarpa, Sequoia (Red Wood), Cherry, Plum, Monkey Puzzle, Sycamore & more! 100s in stock...

Woodland Mulch & Clean Path/Play Chip Linwood’s wood chip is made from a mixture of hard and softwoods, its durable and long lasting.

Woodland Mulch Chip Clean Path Chip Woodland Mulch Chip Clean Path Chip

Cube Bag (0.6m3) Cube Bag (0.6m3) Cube Loose (1m3) Cube Loose (1m3)

1 bag/load 2 bag/load 3+bags/load each each each £30 £35 £40 £50 £55 £60 £20 £25 £30 £25 £30 £35

*Prices plus vat. Free delivery for BH postcodes (min order of 2 bags/loads)

Linwood Sawmill Ltd, Willow Farm, Holt Road, Wimborne, BH21 7JY 01202 402018 / 07444 789137 / sales@linwoodtimber.co.uk / www.linwoodtimber.co.uk

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Home & Garden TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 850474

PARKING/STORAGE AVAILABLE Iwerne Minster 01747 811238

NEW HYUNDAI 16” Motor Mower. Fully assembled. £150 ono 07958 437860

WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

SCREENED TOP SOIL FOR SALE 1T - 5T LOADS DELIVERED TEL NO: 01258 861046

GARDENER. We are looking for an enthusiastic gardener to join our team in maintaining our beautiful woodland Garden near Cerne Abbas.Must be strong and fit and available to work a guaranteed day a week throughout the year. Contact us on 07970 444447 or by email (rfb@gillans.net) if preferred

OUTDOOR RUBBISH AND GARDEN WASTE cleared, also hedge trimming free estimate 07864 960768 GARDEN RESTORATION & MAINTENANCE, pruning & border care 25yrs experience.

Please call: 07795 417572 EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

• All garden and tree work carried out • Tarmac drives and block paving restored and repaired • Patio laying • Pressure washing • Fully insured • Waste Carriage licence • DBS certificate on request

TREE & GARDEN SERVICES 07435 220238 / 01258 858888 Fully insured quality service provided

STORAGE BOSS

FLAT PACK STORAGE CONTAINERS

for SALE or RENTAL* *(on your own premises)

Call 01722 714514 today to discuss your requirements www.storageboss.co.uk

Looking to upgrade your insulation?

A Higher efficiency Lower bills

01258 480032 07879 230 284 fbdrivewayandgardenservices@gmail.com

Blue Water Koi

Maintenance of filters, aquariums, aeration, pumps, UVC Cleaning Fish care Advice Water quality Holiday care Miroscopic analysis Email: enquiries-bluewaterkoi@outlook.com

OLD SIGNS WANTED wooden, enameled or aluminum phone Pete on 07739 069607

B C D E F G

Keep the heat in your home.

Higher energy rating. Lower energy costs.

£750 VOUCHER

TOWARDS THE COST OF YOUR UPGRADE Book your free loft survey today 0800 246 5145 www.countrywide-surveys.co.uk

established in 1978

OUR LOCAL SHOWROOMS: Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SPB 4QL | 01747 835394 Wincanton Business Park, Somerset BA9 9RR | 01963 33574 www.cullingfordcarpets.co.uk | info@cullingfordcarpets.co.uk

Carpets Vinyls Rugs Wood Karndean Curtains Blinds Re-Upholstery

Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 4.30pm

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Home & Garden LOGS

Machine or Hand-Lay Local Authority Approved ESTABLISHED 1988

All aspects of Surfacing Roads Drives Footpaths Drop Kerbs Resin Bond Drives

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED OAK & ASH LOGS Barn stored, £170 for 8ft by 6ft trailer load, Delivery free within 10 mile radius of Templecombe.

07773 254174, ANDY

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

LOGS R US 1 ton pickup load of logs £100 double load £160 dumpy bag £70 All hardwood 07790 404593 01258 818081

Season Barn Dry Logs

20 miles radius of Sherborne FREE delivery

Call for a free quote

01747 820234

The Depot, Longcross, Zeals BA12 6LJ info@cgtarmac.co.uk www.cgtarmac.co.uk

From

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS £150 double load £85 half load 01258 880892 07980 036250

Tel: 01935 815534

Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Maintenance, Landscaping, Landscaping, Groundworks Groundworks and and Garden Garden Maintenance, Maintenance, Landscaping, Landscaping, Groundworks Groundworks and and Garden Garden Maintenance, Maintenance, Specialists Specialists in in Patios, Patios, Fencing, Fencing, Driveways, Driveways, Specialists Patios, Fencing, Driveways, Specialists Specialists inin Patios, in Patios, Fencing, Fencing, Driveways, Driveways, Landscaping, Groundworks and Garden Ma Walling, Walling, Ponds, Ponds, Turfing Turfing Walling, Walling, Ponds, Ponds, Turfing Turfing Walling, Ponds, Turfing Specialists in Patios, Fencing, Drivew Free Free Quotation Quotation Free Free Quotation Quotation Free Quotation Walling, Ponds, Turfing amralphlandscaping@gmail.com amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel: Tel: 01747 01747 850544 850544 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel: Tel: 01747 01747 850544 850544 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel: 01747 850544 Free Quotation www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk Mobile: Mobile: 07921 07921 637227 637227 www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk Mobile: Mobile: 07921 07921 637227 637227 www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk Mobile: 07921 637227 amralphlandscaping@gmail.com Tel:

£895

*

for a fully fitted electric garage door.

WAS £1,354 INCLUDING VAT.

www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: • • • • •

EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING 2 REMOTE CONTROLS ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge.

CALL US TODAY ON:

01963 530 112 MOBILE:

07537 149 128

*Offer valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

Mobile:

Tree Tree Surgery.

Surgery. Reductions.

Reductions. Felling.

Felling.

Hedge Hedge Trimming.

Trimming. Stump Stump Grinding.

Grinding.

Woodchip supplies.

Woodchip supplies.

Family Family run run business business since since 1946 1946 Tel: 01963 250005 Tel: 01963 250005 Mobile: Mobile: 07976 07976 934 934 252 252 www.bandgdown.co.uk

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Local Services ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL ALL IRONWORK. Handrails. Gates. Railings.

Repairs. Restoration.

01258 880301

Fully Insured Failed Double Glazed Units UPVC Windows and Doors Shower Screens, Balustrades Free Survey T: 01747 631899 / 07708 180306 e: shaftesburyglass@gmail.com w: www.shaftesburyglass.co.uk

DORSET LIME Specialists in all external and internal lime work.

Lime crete flooring.

All aspects of traditional building.

Call Dave or Dan 07492 181788

DORSET WOOD TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

Oak Timber Framing Bespoke Timber Building Traditional Building Specialist inc All Building WorklAll aspects of Lime External and Internal Rendering/Plastering/Repointing Lime Crete Flooring Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing

www.dorsetwood.co.uk

Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468

djwelsh@btinternet.com

Damp Control Timber Treatments Dry Rot Condensation Control 30-Year Bonded Guarantee

Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382 Mobile: 07881 504426 Email: maplepres@aol.com www.maplepreservation.co.uk

Architectural Services Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions

01747 822162

Our advice is always free

enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK Custom made or restored in numerous finishes and metals

- Balustrades - Canopies & Pergola's - Estate Ironworks - Furniture & Ornaments - Handrails - Orangeries & Glass houses - Railing & Fencing - Staircases - Steelworks & Fabrications - Windows & Doors REQUEST A QUOTE: WWW.NEWTONFORGE.CO.UK/REQUEST-QUOTE 01258 472407 | MAIL@NEWTONFORGE.CO.UK UNIT 20C, BUTTS POND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, STURMINSTER NEWTON, DT10 1AZ

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Local Services ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS All aspects of building and plumbing catered for Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

Bryan G Paulley Ltd Oil Tank Services Domestic & Commercial

Tel: 01963 363870

24hr Emergency, Leaking Tanks or Oil Spills 07836 502683

E: office@bgp-oiltanks.co.uk www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

01963 364457 07368 516658 dorsethandyman26@gmail.com www.jchandymanservices.com

FRANKS MAINTENANCE GROUP Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

•Alterations •Renovations •Carpentry •Kitchen Fitting •Bathroom Fitting •Wall/Floor Tiling •Plastering •Hard Landscaping •Painting & Decorating •Plumbing •Electrical

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

New bunded tank installed for between £1300 and £1900 +VAT depending on size of tank.

All areas. OFTEC Registered

Plumbing Door hanging & skirting boards Painting & decorating Guttering and facia clearing Shed erecting & repairs and replacement Flat pack furniture Fencing Shelves & curtain rails Pointing etc...

No job too small. Please call with your requirements.

LTD

REPLACEMENT TANKS INSTALLATIONS RE-SITING TEMPORARY TANKS EMERGENCY PUMP OUTS BUNDED /SINGLE SKIN METAL TANKS/FUEL STATIONS ABOVE GROUND OR BELOW MOLING SERVICE FOR BELOW GROUND UTILITIES COMMERCIAL BOILER REMOVAL

J&C Handyman Services

Building Construction Specialists

Home extensions | Barn Conversions Cottage Renovations | New Build Homes Project Management Established over 40 years Phone: 07979 210 074 / 01747 855 280 E: andy@sandsltd.biz w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

Concrete & Floor Screed Mixed On site Any Quantity Delivered Sand Gravel Stone Cement Blocks etc Supplied Loose or in Big Bags Good Quality Top Soil in Stock

Now available... Rockery Stone

Competitive Rates 01747 853687 or 01747 855630 www.hardimanconcrete.co.uk

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Local Services ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD accredited installers from the competent persons scheme for wood burners, multi fuel stoves, chimney liners and twin walled flues. Sweeping chimneys, birdguards & cowls. Fireplace alterations to your needs, chimney works including pointing.

01749 677440 - 07921 074602 dolidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

Contact us 01963 to advertise 400186

B.LUCAS

Steve Guppy

General builder

25 Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

Home Maintenance & Improvements

Fully Insured Tel: 01747 590584 Mob: 07812 106 513

Quantity Surveying Estimating Surveying Dispute Resolution

01749 813625

Robert Chalke Associates www.rca-qs.com

ASAarchitects

CHIMNEYS

Architecture Masterplanning Conservation

EXTENSIONS, CONVERSIONS, NEW BUILD.

FREE CONSULTATION.

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps

General building Extensions/Renovations Loft conversions Oak frame buildings Groundwork/Landscaping All your property needs

Call 01747 229757 email: alanlewisaml@aol.com

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY SWEEP: Brush & vacuum APICS registered 01963 370038

To place your classified adverts CLASSIFIEDS

NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m) Tel: 01258 455251 smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk nacs.org.uk

Contact us to advertise

call Jaz Radford 01963 400186

01963 400186

Free estimates for all electrical work, no VAT North Dorset location, will travel.

Call Alan Brown, C&G 2330, 2391,2382 on 01258 446258 or 07976 630 904 Email: alan@acbelectricals.org.uk

www.ACBElectricals.org.uk

62

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Local Services COMPUTERS & TECH Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

AERIALS & Satellite Direct Repairs & Installations - 7 days per week No VAT - Prompt & Friendly Service TOM MOSS Mob: 07931 727 961 Email: tommoss50@aol.com

Vale Computers

Your local computer specialist Any computer related problem fixed: Blank screen, slow computer, upgrades, virus removal, broadband setup and data recovery.

Fixed charge repairs – no call out charge.

New and second-hand computers for sale.

MS CompTIA+ certified engineers.

Ring 01258 880442 Email: Valecomputers.2006@btinternet.com Open Hours: Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm Sat: 9.00am to 1.00pm

Get connected. Stay connected.

WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons).

PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/ Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/ Software Tuition - Call Gregg on 01963370713

Joseph Crocker Computers Custom built gaming & office PCs Desktop, laptop and mobile device diagnosis and repair General computer and IT advice

Contact Us to advertise

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

01963 400186

01963 23669 or 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine To advertise in local services call us on:

Tel: 01963 400186

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

CLEANING

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• • Buying advice, setup and installation

I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

Call me now on 07805 783147

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING

DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area

Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401 www.shinystoves.com

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

PAINTER AND DECORATOR REQUIREDon a self employed bases, vehicle and tools required.

Must be experienced, long run of work Call Wayne on 01935 87200

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Local Services DECORATION, FLOORING & CARPENTRY CARPENTER AND GENERAL BUILDER All aspects of building fully qualified trades 07852 201867

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

BLACKMORE VALE HANDYMAN SERVICES Efficient - Tidy - Insured - Reliable 35 Year’s Experience. Contact Brian: 01747 821454 / 07410 580499 Phone / WhatsApp blackmorevalehandyman@gmail.com

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Jeans Electrical

www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

Jeans of of Mere Jeans Mere, offeroffer appliance repairs on appliance most brands with repairs fixed labour repairbrands charges on most (parts on top) with fixed labour

repairCall charges (parts 860215 on top) 01747

Book your ad online

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

PROPER DOMESTICS APPLIANCE REPAIRS & INSTALLATION

01747 416059

www.properdomestics.com EDUCATION / TEACHERS WANTED

WANTED: GERMAN TEACHER for adult learner.

Native Speaker preferred.

Blandford area. Please email at: frank.shon@cantab.net - 01258 860929

CHESS TEACHER AVAILABLE Call Mr Spencer 07377 991 848 Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS

classified@ blackmorevale.net

Call 01747 860215 to advertise your business email

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net debi.thorne@icloud.com

John Banham’s

Property Service

Shoe Repairs Key Cutting Engraving Car Key Programming & Repairs

REFRESHING Bathrooms & Kitchens

Upgrades and Carpentry Decorating services Refreshing sale and rental upgrades Handyman projects Plumbing repairs Tiling services Contact: John Banham

Office: 01747 838 087 Mobile: 07768 190 131 email: refreshingrenovations@gmail.com

4 Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8EJ 01747 853 585 Emergency locksmith call out number 07747 488 587 www.aslshaftesbury.co.uk

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Local Services LOCKSMITHS & GARAGE DOORS

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

D&T Plumbing and Heating Sectional Doors / Roller Doors / Up and Over Side Hinged / Personnel Doors Spares & Accessories Installation / Servicing Automation / 2 into 1 Conversions Insulated Garage Doors Call 01963 363782 or 01258 472830 www.dorsetgaragedoors.co.uk MUSIC Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

SHERBORNE GUITAR TUITION 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com

PEST CONTROL SPECTRUM PEST CONTROL

Wasps, Rodents and all other pests humanely dealt with.

Honey Bee swarms collected and re-homed Qualified and Experienced Technician. Member of the British Pest Control Association T: 01258 721462 M: 07379 405080

PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE

Oil servicing and repairs, plus all other aspects of plumbing and heating carried out

Sinks

Toilets Rodding High pressure jetting CCTV Surveys No dig relining Septic tank and water treatment plant installation All repairs and renewals No call out charge

01747 640188 07587 238563

We cover all of the Blackmore Vale area

Debi Thorne

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

07714 289409

FOR ALL YOUR DRAINAGE NEEDS

• Blocked Drains • Drain Repair/Relining • CCTV Surveys for Drains • Drainage Investigation • Septic Tank Installation/Repair • Sewage Treatment Plant Installations/ Services 24 HOUR DRAIN CLEARANCE Office: 01747 859203 Mobile: 07453 319391 Email: Info@wefix-drains.co.uk

OKEFORD HEATING LTD

• PROFESSIONAL • TRUSTED • RELIABLE • • OIL AND GAS HEATING INSTALLATIONS • • BOILER REPLACEMENT AND SERVICING • • LANDLORD’S GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATES • • BESPOKE PLUMBING AND BATHROOM DESIGN •

Shaftesbury 01747 812335 Mobile: 07971 865496

ABBEY DRAINAGE UNBLOCKING DRAINS

Want to advertise your business? contact:

123456 128053

email: okefordheating@yahoo.co.uk

Septic Tanks, Treatment Plants & Soakaways Problems with your sewage system?

MJ HPPS LTD Plumbing and Heating Contractors

General Plumbing Oil/Natural Gas/LPG Installations Bathroom and Kitchen Installations New Boilers and Cylinders Underfloor Heating & Renewables Landlord Safety Certificates All workmanship guaranteed, along with manufacturers’ warranties.

Office: 01747 829222 Mobile: 07900916810 Email: mike@mjheat.co.uk

Need to replace your septic tank?

Speak to your local experts 01747 823731 or 07970 484890

Established 1980

www.dorsettreatmentplants.co.uk

500285

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Local Services PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE KDL PLUMBING AND HEATING. ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN. FREE ESTIMATES. ALL AREAS COVERED CALL KEVIN. 0747-512-8249

ROOFING

TILING

THE HANDYMAN

SEMI-RETIRED PLUMBER, Blandford & surrounding area, for all plumbing problems, oil fired, heating, no job too small call Ken on 07896 601563

Inside/Outside work

Electrics Plumbing Painting/Decorating Tiling

No job too small

• Natural Gas, LPG and Oil • Central Heating and Power

01258 446186 07973 183658

www.quinnsheating.com

LTD

Servicing

HEATING AND PLUMBING

FRANKS

ROOFING Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Tom the Roofer I cover all aspects of roofing work, gutter replacement, cleaning and repair work

t:01747 854887 m:07525 755 696

Call: 07788 724616 or 01935 712046

Flushing • Condensing and Combination Boilers Landlord’s Certificates • • Bathrooms, Kitchens and Tiling • All of the Blackmore Vale area covered

•Boiler Replacement •Boiler Servicing •Gas, Oil & LPG MAINTENANCE GROUP •General Plumbing •Bathrooms Installations, •Landlord Certification servicing and •Solid Fuel Stove maintenance Installation and

01747 826656 franksgroup.co.uk

Email: Charles.white40@aol.co.uk

• Felt Roofing Specialist • Tiling, Slating and UPVC • Velux Windows • No Job Too Small • Insurance Work • Leadwork Friendly Service Free Estimates Mobile 07973 248319 scott@scottmilesroofing.co.uk

CHRIS LANGLEY FLAT ROOFING BLANDFORD Specialist in Hi-performance felt & GRP. All of our work is GUARANTEED. All types of roofing professionally carried out.

PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF ALL ORDERS.

FREE D AN QUOTESATES ESTIM

01258-450879 | 07855-402799 Clangley12@aol.com

TOOLS & DIY Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

Based in Wincanton

Tel: 07931 583614

valesideroofing@hotmail.com Find us on

TAXIS

JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE 07495 922821 Comfortable, spacious and clean estate cars.

For hospitals, airports, seaports and local work.

Distance no object, day trips and special occasions.

Lady driver available. For safe Covid-aware transport.

5 star Google rating. JUST ASK!

www.jasminecarsdorset.co.uk jasmine.cars@btinternet.com

The New Blackmore Vale DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before the publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to space.

Advertising:

adverts@blackmorevale.net

Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net or online at blackmorevale.net

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Local Services WASTE & HOUSE CLEARANCE

Rob’s Clearance • •

To advertise your business contact:

House, shed, and site clearance Rubbish removed

• Recycling carried out • Good/interesting items bought for cash • Friendly and reliable

Debi Thorne Advertising Manager Tel: 07714 289409

01747 839751 or 07956 414896

Clive Smith Waste Transfer Note.qxp_Layout 1 01/10/2020 09:33 Page 1

email: Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net debi.thorne@icloud.com

Clive Smith Ltd. SKIP HIRE

WOODROW CLEARANCES Free No-Obligation Quote 07368 608340

£6.16 per ton.

SKIP HIRE Wood chip and oversized rubble available Waste Transfer Note Crushed concrete available at

Smiths Triangle, Fifehead, St Quinton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2AW (Also disposal site) www.clivesmithskips.co.uk Email: clivesmithskips@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01258 860 166 Mobile: 07974 822243 Waste Carriers Number: CBDU112820 Permit Number: EPR/JB3101KP VAT Reg Number: 634 6316 44

Ticket No:

Date ________________ ALL AREAS COVERED free of charge, with from the yard.

ONLY • AVAILABLE • LEVEL LOADS ALL SIZE OFcollection SKIP PLEASE RING PLEASE NOTE

• No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum • No Fires in Skip • No Sludge • NO Fridges/ Freezers • Tyres • Gas Bottles • Toxic Solvents • Paints and Liquids

(See Condition 17 overleaf).

Vehicle Registration

Driver

Customer

Address

PLEASE NOTE

CLIVE SMITH 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243 CLIVE SMITH CUSTOMERS ORDERING VEHICLES OFF THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY DO SO ENTIRELY ON THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRANSPORT AN OVERLOADED SKIP, THIS INCLUDES BOARDS TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE LOAD. THE DRIVER MAY REFUSE TO REMOVE AN OVERLOADED SKIP AND/OR AN EXTRA CHARGE WILL APPLY TO COVER COSTS.

ANYTIME

Clive Smith Waste Transfer Note.qxp_Layout 1 01/10/2020 09:33 Page 1

01258 860 166 or Clive Smith 07974 822 243Ltd. S.I.C Code: 38110

Skip Size

Description

2 Yrd

Mixed Con, Brick

4 Yrd

Concrete

6 Yrd

8 Yrd

DATE

170107

170101 HIRE SKIP

Soil & Stone Waste Transfer G MixedNote Waste

170504

DELIVERY

SKIP HIRE Tel: 01258 860 166 Mobile: 07974 822243

Waste Carriers Number: CBDU112820 Ticket No: Permit Number: EPR/JB3101KP SIGNATURE ________________________________ VAT Reg Number: 634 6316 44 Date ________________

ALL AREAS COVERED ONLY • AVAILABLE • LEVEL LOADS ALL SIZE OF SKIP PLEASE RING

PRINT NAME __________________________________

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (SEE REVERSE)

CUSTOMERS ORDERING IT IS DANGEROUS TO TRANSPORT AN OVERLOADED SKIP, THIS INCLUDES BOARDS VEHICLES OFF THE PUBLIC TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE LOAD. THE DRIVER MAY REFUSE TO REMOVE AN OVERLOADED SKIP AND/OR AN EXTRA CHARGE WILL APPLY TO COVER COSTS. HIGHWAY DO SO ENTIRELY ON • No Asbestos • Do not move skip • No Plasterboard/Gypsum THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

PLEASE NOTE

PLEASE NOTE

YELLOW - CUSTOMER

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We clear houses, garages, gardens across Dorset.

Our experienced team will bag, box and clear everything.

We will purchase some items or advise on those that should go to auction. Free quote on viewing.

Where our waste goes – we try to recycle as much as we can however some of the items cleared are not reusable.

Our waste is split into categories of household waste, wood, rubble, metals, and hazardous waste such as old refrigeration units, paint and mattresses.

Our waste goes to Canford Recycling centre, near Wimborne or Dorset Waste Partnership.

Contact Chris: 07580 193 352 Kim: 07467 070 960 Email: mnclearance@live.co.uk www.maidennewtonclearance.co.uk

Fully licensed & insured. Waste carriers licence no: CDBU204730

HOUSE CLEARANCE Plus Sheds, Attics, Garages & Gardens Quality Items Offset Registered Waste Carrier

Tel: 01258 440838 or 07853 275379 enquiries@back2market.com www.

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blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: Life on the edge

by Susie Curtin I am writing this under a moody Cumbrian sky, perched on a grassy shelf looking down from the side of Helvellyn, England’s third highest peak, towards Striding Edge.

It is a typical Lakeland day with occasional bursts of sunlight amid dark rain clouds, and swirling mists that allow only brief glimpses of the waterfalls and steep-sided U-shaped valleys below.

For reasons I cannot entirely explain, dramatic landscapes like this lift my spirits like nowhere else.

Although there are skylarks, wheatear and pipits on the lower slopes, and some unique alpine flora, there is little to divert my attention away from the immensity of the mountains. I am just here in the moment on top of the world.

There are many evolutionary theories as to why we like heights, not least the fact that we can see our enemies approaching.

Having scrambled along Striding Edge and down the steep vertical seven-metre tower known as ‘The Chimney’, my feet are planted on terra firma while I just enjoy the feeling of being here in this place.

Striding Edge is an arête, a sharp ridge which was once a boundary between two parallel glaciers. It now separates two valleys and is a magnet for walkers and scramblers alike.

Although it feels remote, there is a steady flow of people following in my footsteps, one by one stumbling over this famous landmark, stopping to take in the views and to capture the moment with a photo.

What is it, I wonder, about ‘edge lands’

Striding Edge, the renowned ridge which flanks the south-eastern passage to Helvellyn.

that are so attractive? Sat here amid the swirling clouds, it occurs to me that much of life is lived on the edge.

We exist on the brink between dreams and reality, happiness and sadness, prosperity and poverty, and life and death.

Perhaps ‘down there’ in the real world, we take too much for granted. While up here, it is indeed foolish to assume anything given the mountain’s changeability.

In the time it has taken me to scribble these notes, the rain clouds have descended.

I quickly gather my things, don my waterproofs and climb to the summit of Helvellyn, before scrambling down Swirral Edge and over towards Catstye Cam, unable to see beyond a few metres.

That is until I descend. Then, like a miracle, the land appears swathed in a steamy, ethereal light that guides me safely

back to Glenridding and back to reality.

Yet, in my dreams I am still up there on Striding Edge, where the ravens call and the clouds gather.

Dr Susie Curtin email curtin.susanna@gmail.com n If you love nature and enjoy creative writing, then come and join me for an inspirational day in the beautiful surroundings of Bere Marsh Farm, Blandford, Dorset DT11 0QY. The Countryside Regeneration Trust is running two writing workshops – one for adults on 16 July and one for children on 27 July.

The cost is £40 for the day. For more information and to book a place, contact Elaine Spencer-White at the CRT office on 01258 860090 or email e.s.white@thecrt. co.uk

A walk around…East Orchard

by Chris Slade

Here’s a short walk of a little over three miles. Park in the layby near the church. Visit it to see if it’s still standing as there was a massive crack at the south-east corner when I visited.

There’s an unusual tree, one of the quercus species, I think, in the churchyard. See if you

67

can identify it.

Now walk south-south-west down the road for a quarter of a mile, then turn right, northwest, up a road which soon joins a B-road. Turn left and, after a short distance, southwest, join a footpath which leads south-east along the parish boundary crossing several stiles to join a road that continues in the same direction along the

boundary for half a mile crossing a bridge and meeting a junction where you turn east for a short distance.

Then, at a grassy triangle in the road, turn left, north-west, passing Meads Farm and then join Church Lane heading north-east until the Tarmac runs out at Pennyclose Farm. The lane then bends left and heads north, uphill, along an unpaved

road for half a mile, passing some houses then meeting a road.

Here you turn left and head west for 100 yards or so, then join a footpath heading southsouth-west, first crossing a lawn, then a field where the path branches south-west down to the church and your car.

Chris Slade is a retired Dorset rights of way officer

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Health & Wellbeing

Mistletoe, an ancient and pagan plant

by Fiona Chapman By the time this article goes to press, I will have done my final exam for Herbal medicine and just have one clinic day left at college and a dissertation to hand in.

Five years over. It will be with a mixture of relief that I am not having to go up to London every week – very nice for my dogs – sadness at not seeing my classmates and excitement about starting to practice properly down here.

My dissertation has been on Mistletoe, an ancient and pagan plant that has fascinated medicine men throughout the ages. The Druids – or Oak men – revered mistletoe and thought it was a Heal All plant.

If they found it on Oak trees, it had even more special properties. They believed it was the essence of the tree – not far wrong as it is a hemi-parasitic plant and feeds off the host for most of its nutrients.

They had major ceremonies in the depth of winter, involving white bulls and robes and cut the mistletoe with a golden sickle, catching it before it touched the ground to protect its magical powers.

They used it specifically for fertility as they thought the berries looked like spermatozoa.

Ancient herbalists applied a ‘doctrine of signature’. As the plant was suspended in mid-air and defied the laws of

The Druids – or Oak men – revered mistletoe and thought it was a Heal All plant.

gravity, it should be used for epilepsy.

This continued with various renowned herbalists until the 19th century and, as it calmed the nervous system, it was also used for hypertension.

Rudolf Steiner gave Mistletoe a further ‘doctrine of signatures’ saying it looked like a tumour and should be used for cancer.

Since then, there have been extensive studies on the properties of mistletoe which

to précis a long dissertation has validated what these old herbalists knew by instinct, being in touch with nature and a certain amount of trial and error.

Harvesting and storing it is extremely important, as if it is old, it is rendered useless, but if used correctly it is a wonderfully powerful but gentle herb.

In the UK, it is now mainly used for high blood pressure, however in Germany and Austria, it is potentised and

used, very successfully, as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment to stimulate the body’s own immune system, to improve quality of life and to empower the patient to free themselves from negative influences, something that is extremely important when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

Fiona Chapman is a Naturopathic Herbalist who trained at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. (pellyfiona@gmail.com)

Connecting you with local customers To advertise call: 01963 400186

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

69

Health & Wellbeing

How to...conquer frustration

by Alice Johnsen I came across a good quote recently from the author T F Hodge. He wrote ‘From Within I Rise’ and in it he said: “To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.”

For many of us life is particularly frustrating and stressful at the moment. The rising costs of fuel and food and with that the ability to maintain a job and feed a family. The ongoing wars across the globe.

The weak-morale goings on in politics.

Even those things that don’t touch us directly or immediately, do have an impact on our lives.

Last week I found it particularly hard to focus. Our holiday plans had been dashed by the air industry, I had children going in different directions each requiring lost walking boots and camping gear that apparently didn’t exist any more, our collective diaries are perhaps over-filled as they usually are in June – it all got a bit distracting. All very first world problems, yes.

Perspective essential. But distracting nonetheless.

So coming across this quote was helpful.

What is my goal? What is my intended outcome and am I on track? Why am I focusing on temporary blockages and time-consuming hazards?

It’s a great reminder that once we have waded through treacle and reached our intended destination, even if it is by an unplanned route, the result will still be the

Life is particularly frustrating and stressful at the moment for many people.

PHOTO: Lukas Bieri/Pixabay

same. So that needs to be our focus. In business perhaps more than in life, we need to check our end goals regularly. Are they enough – or too much? Are they still right for us and for the world we operate in?

Fatal to sit still when you are running a business.

Sometimes in coaching, I find myself saying similar things repeatedly. Not because there is a finite amount to say, rather because however many different issues clients raise, they are all inter-woven

into the great happy mess we call humanity.

Whether it be stress management, growing a business, working through a troubled relationship, very often the deliberate move to stop, take a step back, re-group and check in with our final destination goal is what we need to do. “To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.”

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

HEAD SHOULDERS KNEES AND TOES

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SOMERSET EAR WAX CLINIC • • • •

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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

70

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Food & Drink

Great salad for a barbecue

by Rebecca Vincent Fennel and courgettes are hitting the shelves of greengrocers in abundance at the moment, and this simple, fresh and aromatic salad really makes the most of them!

Fennel has a lovely mild liquorice-like flavour and provides good levels of vitamins C, K and A, manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium, and contains a selection of anti-oxidants including chlorogenic acid, limonene and quercetin.

It’s a good source of fibre with around three grams per cup of raw fennel bulb, which includes some prebiotic fibres such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) which can help feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Courgettes are a wonderfully versatile vegetable – although botanically considered a fruit – that is lovely in stews like

ratatouille, just lightly griddled or raw in a salad like this one.

They are also a good source of vitamins C, K and A, manganese, potassium and magnesium, as well as folate, copper and some B vitamins.

The anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are also present at good levels.

Fennel and Courgette Salad (Serves 2-4) 1 large fennel bulb 3 medium courgettes 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Zest and juice 1 lemon Leaves from small bunch of fresh thyme Pinch of salt and pepper Optional extras: toasted pine nuts, ricotta – chilli and mint also make tasty additions, in fact, this recipe will work well with almost any herb – why not experiment and make it your own!

Top and tail the courgettes and trim the top of the fennel.

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 Wednesdays to Saturday 8.30am-4pm.

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

Fennel and courgettes are a winning combination.

Thinly slice the fennel and courgette lengthways, either by hand or using a mandolin, and pile in a salad bowl.

Mix together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and zest, thyme leaves, salt and pepper.

Coat the fennel and courgette in the dressing and set aside to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Serve on a bed of mixed salad leaves and top with ricotta and/or lightly toasted pine nuts.

Lovely served as part of a summer barbecue and pairs nicely with spicy foods.

Rebecca Vincent BSc (Hons) BANT registered nutritionist 07515 019430; www. rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine To advertise in the business section call:

Debi Thorne

Tel: 07714 289409

The spirit of Dorset...

Piquant

Aromatic

Warming

Delivered.

Call us on 01258 795022 Head to Shrotonfairgin.co.uk to read the story behind our award-winning, hand-crafted Dorset Gin.

01258 450050 hello@shrotonfairgin.co.uk

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Food education is key for the future

by Barbara Cossins, founder of Love Local Trust Local Due to the war in Ukraine, there is complete uncertainty about what foods will be on our plates in the months and years to come.

We relied totally on certain types of imported food, and we still do as our Government has this crazy idea that it’s better to bring in foreign imported food and ask our own British farmers to re-wild and grow trees instead.

Confused? Yes, us too.

Of course, it’s important to look after our wonderful wildlife and nature, it’s one of the things which makes the UK such an incredible place to live, but we won’t have anything or be able to live anywhere if we don’t have basic food on our tables to feed our families.

We must educate future generations about the importance of how to grow food from raw seeds and seedlings so they know where it comes from and why none of us should be wasteful.

We believe British farmers and the UK hospitality industry have a joint responsibility in sharing what they know about our food production with as many people as possible. Food education needs to be a huge focus for the future if we are to be truly sustainable and able to feed our own population and communities.

An added benefit will be that this knowledge will also naturally help all of us with our health and well-being as we will have a better understanding of

what we are putting in our bodies which in turn will lead to a healthier, happier nation.

The huge increase in the cost of living in the last year is having a significant impact on everyone but if we can, we need to buy as fresh and local as possible – and it doesn’t have to cost us anymore, just buy whatever is in season.

Yes, we are all busy people but it’s healthier and more cost-effective to be cooking from scratch instead of buying ready-made meals from the supermarkets with masses of sugar and salt.

A clever cook can make four meals from a whole chicken – roast it, make a risotto, then sandwiches for lunch and a soup with lentils from the stock. Now that’s savvy and better on all our wallets.

Let’s eat cheaper, wonky veg with a little bit of mud on it. It’s not too far a stretch to think that it might soon be our only choice if food becomes in short supply on the supermarket shelves.

A lovely elderly couple from Bridport wrote a heart-warming letter a few weeks ago, saying how they supported everything we were saying and have been saying this since the Second World War and still have their ration books from that time (pictured).

Let’s hope we never go back to that situation again, but if we do, a real shortage of food might make our Government finally appreciate the importance of our great British farmer growing food in our own country.

71

Food & Drink

“Let’s eat cheaper, wonky vegetables with a little bit of mud on it.”

NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Visit our beautiful, thatched 17th Century pub and restaurant where a warm welcome from Jonathan, Ronnie and their team awaits you We are also proud to offer local real ales, lagers, and ciders alongside a stunning new wine list. Find out why so many are now talking about this gorgeous destination pub!!

Once you have tried us you will definitely be back for more!!!

Our talented chefs have created a new spring/summer menu serving fresh homemade dishes, prepared on the premises, with locally sourced ingredients where possible. The new menu includes tasty classic pub favourites together with our scrumptious seasonal specials. The Sunday Roast is a must, with a choice of meats, also vegetarian and vegan options, together with fluffy roast potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and delicious gravy!

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72

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Pets

Brachycephalic breeds and health

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

Brachycephaly means ‘short’ (brachy) ‘head (cephaly).

Brachycephalic breeds typically have a short muzzle with an upper jaw shorter than the lower jaw. These features have been bred for over generations to give an appearance which varies significantly from wolves and wild dogs. Brachycephalic breeds include bulldogs and pugs.

If these features are bred to excess then significant health issues can be present. The teeth and soft tissue are the same in a long-nosed breed as in a short-nosed breed but the underlying bony support is missing and this leads to problems. The teeth are often displaced and baby teeth are commonly retained. Displaced teeth can cause injury to the inside of the mouth leading to pain and infections and affected teeth may need removing.

The soft tissue inside the mouth hangs loose when the skull is short and this leads to abnormal air movement and the typical snoring sounds. The dog finds it harder to inhale air leading to reduced ability to exercise, heat intolerance and

secondary problems of tracheal collapse and inhalation pneumonia. During exercise or hot conditions this can lead to collapse and death.

Surgery can improve these symptoms but, once tracheal collapse and pneumonia has developed, permanent damage will have occurred and the benefits of surgery will be significantly reduced. Affected dogs often have narrowed nostrils which further reduce air flow leading to additional difficulties with breathing and this can also be surgically corrected.

Eye problems are also common in brachycephalic breeds due to the shallow eye sockets leaving more of the eye exposed and the shorter muzzle provides less protection from trauma. Commonly these eyes suffer recurrent low-level injuries leading to reduced sensation allowing significant ulcers to develop before discomfort is noted. Chronic ulcers of affected eyes are difficult to heal, often need surgery and may lead to the loss of the eye.

As seen on the inside of the mouth the skin on the face is the same volume as in a longer muzzled dog but has less space for attachment leading to the

MUCKY PUPS DOG GROOMER Friars Moor Sturminster Newton Contact Gloria 07784332682 muckypupsfrance@yahoo.com http://muckypups-bee-online.com 15 years experience in dog grooming

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

Some English Bulldogs can be prone to health problems because of their physical characteristics. PHOTO: Olga Oginskaya/ Pixabay

formation of skin folds which are prone to fungal and bacterial infections and eyelid abnormalities, all of which commonly cause pain.

In addition to the facial problems, brachycephalic breeds commonly have spinal deformities. The corkscrew tail is an abnormal spinal formation and this often leads to skin infections around the base of the tail and may cause difficulties with defecating.

Spinal issues further up the back are common and can lead to mobility issues later on.

BLACK LAB PUPPIES, bitches and dogs, family pet/working parents.

Pedigree KC reg. Ready now. £1750. On hols this summer? We’ll help.

01747 840144 BEAUTIFUL TRUE PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER Puppies for sale. £1,000 each Array different colours. We have 1 bitch and 4 boys. Vaccinations/microchip/ worming/flea treatments all done. Ready to go now. All puppies can be seen at our family home with mum. Call Mark on 07774 189013 to arrange viewing.

COCKER SPANIEL PUPPY 10 wks old black and white microchip and jab due to time wasters - 01963 458199 4 BORDER TERRIER DOG puppies,microchipped,vet checked,1st vaccination,both parents owned by us,4 star licensed breeder.bournemouth. £1,000 Tel: 07976 904175

While many of the facial defects can be surgically improved it would be preferable for the dogs welfare not to be bred like this in the first place.

Many of these breeds can be healthier if they are not bred to have extreme features.

To acquire a pet which is healthy and pain free it is important to choose a reputable breeder who does not breed for the extremes. Viewing the parents will allow you to choose a puppy with moderate changes who has a better chance of leading a long and healthy life.

KOI CARP for sale 12” £40 each 07745 898265 FOR SALE PEDIGREE BLACK LABRADOR puppies. Champion bred, KC registered. 07554 426744 PRETTY GINGER AND WHITE KITTENS litter trained £75 01747 830484 BEAUTIFUL PURE BRED BRITISH SHORT HAIRED KITTENS for sale Tel 07799 296502 AMAZON PARROT 9 months old - just started talking - with cage and toys etc.

Tel 07480 411246 COCKER SPANIEL PUPPIES, KC registered. AMS, FN and prcd-PRA clear. Many FTW and FTCh in pedigree.

Parents lovely temperaments. Ready 3rd Aug. 01747 850410 Contact us to advertise

01963 400186

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

73

Pets CAN YOU BE A FOREVER HOME?

BEHAVIOUR TIPS

These are just some of the cats the Blandford & Sturminster Newton branch of Cats Protection has looking for new homes.

Hattie, Simba and Nero (eight months). Trio looking for an understanding home together. Do you have the space, time and patience for these three?

Felix (13) and Patch (ten). Timid pair who need a home together.

Pebbles (eight months). An in-your-face very loving girl, still learning boundaries.

Stanley (one). Lovely boy looking for a home to call his own.

with you quickly if needed.

Kittens n Tabby male, missing from West We have kittens available soon. If you Moors since June 17. would like to register interest, please n Black and white female, missing visit our website and fill in the enquiry form – www.cats.org.uk/blandford from Bryanston since June 13. n Distinctive Birman/Siamese cross Please do not ring as we are all missing from Ringwood since June volunteers and can’t always answer the 17. phone. Thank you.

Found cats For details, please call our helpline If you are regularly seeing a cat in your on 01258 858644 or visit our website, garden or down your street which you www.cats.org.uk/blandford don’t think has a home, please give us a Lost cats call – it might be a lost cat which could If you have lost a cat please contact us be reunited with its owner. via our website, phone or Facebook. n Bishops Caundle, black and white Please make sure we have a contact with a black splodge on its nose. phone number so we can get in touch We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10 and DT11 SP7, SP8 and BH21. Phone 01258 268695.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)

Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

Tip #18: Fussy eaters (part 1)

by Helen Taylor Unless there is a medical factor that is affecting a dog’s appetite or ability to eat – and this must always be ruled out – ‘fussiness’ is a problem almost completely created by owners.

The following often work together to cause healthy dogs to be fussy: 1 – Being overweight. Well over 50 per cent of pet dogs are now overweight or obese.

Unlike humans – who may eat for reasons other than need – having fat stores greatly reduce an animal’s drive to eat.

2 – Offering alternatives if the dog does not eat what is offered. No healthy animal will starve itself. But some dogs will learn that, if they refuse what is offered, they will eventually be offered something more desirable.

3 – Giving food ‘for nothing’. Not having to work for food is a highly unnatural state for dogs, and is a totally human invention. Like human attitudes to money, dogs which earn their food appreciate it much more than those which get it handed to them ‘on a plate’.

4 – Leaving food down. Like children, dogs which pick at their food through the day, will often not eat their dinner. Next time, how to apply this practically.

Helen Taylor is a qualified, accredited behaviourist, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, a Registered Practitioner with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no 881). help@helentaylordorset.co.uk www.helentaylordorset.co.uk

74

SUNRISE SERVICE & New Blackmore 8 July 2022 MOTVale, CENTRE

blackmorevale.net

Motoring

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES MOTORBIKES WANTED SUNRISE HORSEBOXES SERVICE & Non runners and Unwanted INCLUDING MOT CENTRE Phone Keith on AND MOTORHOMES 07966 213344 SUNRISE SERVICE & Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, SERVICING AND REPAIRS from MOTS, small scratches complete resprays, MOT to CENTRE STORAGE FOR ON ALL VEHICLES UP welcome.

TO 3.5 TONNES insurance work INCLUDING HORSEBOXES MOTS, SERVICING MOTS – class 4,5AND andREPAIRS 7 AND MOTORHOMES ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, Diagnostics INCLUDING HORSEBOXES from small scratches to complete resprays, AND MOTORHOMES Air conditioning insurance work welcome.

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, Valets MOTS – class 4,5 and from small scratches to resprays, MOTs – class 4, 5complete and 7 7 insurance work welcome.

Diagnostics Courtesy Cars Diagnostics Conditioning MOTS –Air class 4,5 and 7 Air conditioning CollectionsCourtesy within a 5 mile radius Cars Diagnostics Valets Air conditioning Concessions for Pensioners, Concessions forCourtesy Pensioners, Forces Cars Armed Valets Armed Forces and Emergency Services and Emergency Services Collections within a 5 mile radius Courtesy Cars Concessions for Pensioners, Forces Collections within a 5Armed mile radius and Emergency Services Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road 15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST 15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST8ST Blandford DT11 Tel: 01258 459798 Tel: 01258 459798 Tel: 01258 459798 Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

PARKING/STORAGE AVAILABLE Iwerne Minster 01747 811238

The Blackmore V C

CARAVANS, BOATS AND CARS at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

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ETS TRUCK&VAN DORSET’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SERVICE ETS Truck and Van are looking for GOODS VEHICLE TECHNICIANS and APPRENTICES for their Blandford and Poole locations.

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HGV licence preferred but not essential as training will be given.

Factory training included.

For an informal interview contact Colin or Darren on 01258 480404 or 01202 669339

CAR SERVICE COMING UP? All Makes Servicing Free vehicle health checks MOT Tests £39 Air-Con Servicing Tyres and Exhausts Brakes and Clutches Batteries Suspension Cambelts and Water Pumps ODIS VW Audi Diagnostics Generic Diagnostics (most makes)

Cann Common, Shaftesbury SP7 0EB

To book your service please call

01747 855247

or email sales@melburymotorcompany.co.uk

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Save money with fuel-saving tips THE chief executive of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco.com, John Wilmot, provides his ten fuel saving tips for motorists.

“With recent hikes in the cost of a litre of fuel, millions of UK families are feeling it in the pocket.

“Most of us can’t do without a car, and with fuel prices unlikely to drop in the coming weeks, it’s worth looking at how we can adapt our driving, and how often we drive, to squeeze as much value as possible from that litre of fuel.” n Accelerate smoothly. Slow and steady will conserve fuel.

Driving erratically or aggressively can consume more than 50 per cent more fuel. Avoid tail-gating with sharp braking. If possible, try to drive at a constant speed and in the highest gear. When pulling away from lights, do so smoothly, and don’t overtake unnecessarily. n Keep rolling. Stopping and starting again will use more fuel than rolling. If you’re approaching traffic lights or a queue, then slow early and you might not need to stop completely. n Remove unnecessary weight.

The heavier your car the more fuel it needs to move around. Clear out all the unnecessary junk in the boot, the golf clubs and tool box you never use, and lighten the load. The lighter your car, the more efficient it will be. n Check tyre pressure. Lower tyre pressure will drain your tank, because you’ll need more fuel to move it down the road. Check you tyre pressure as soon as possible to see if it’s too low, and then do regular checks every two weeks to keep those tyres pumped up. If you’re not sure what the pressure should be, the figures are normally shown near the lock inside the driver’s door. n Change up gear earlier. Try not to labour the engine. Changing up at an engine speed of about 2,000rpm in a diesel car or about 2,500rpm in a petrol car, can make a real difference. Newer car models have now been fitted with a gear shift indicator which help to change gear more efficiently.

n Turn off the air-con. Many of us won’t use the air-con during the winter. And for those who do, to demist the windows and act as a dehumidifier, it’s probably worth using it sensibly for a while. It’s actually important to turn the AC on at times throughout the year as an essential part of car maintenance. If it’s not used for long periods it can seize up. n Turn off electrics. Turn off your rear window heater, demister fan and headlights when you don’t need them. And the seat warmers are a luxury you can probably do without for the time being. n Take off the roof box. If you have a roof rack or roof box, it’s worth removing it, particularly if you aren’t planning to use it for a while. Roof racks and boxes create wind resistance, and the drag effect will result in your car using more fuel. The faster you drive the higher the drag effect.

An empty roof rack could increase drag by almost 20 per cent, and a roof box almost 40 per cent, when driving at 75mph, making your car much less fuel efficient. n Keep windows shut. Open windows aren’t great for fuel efficiency. Try to keep the windows shut, particularly when driving at faster speeds out of towns or on motorways. Open windows increase drag, slowing the car down and increasing the amount of fuel it needs to operate efficiently. n Combine trips. A cold engine uses much more fuel during the first five miles. Think about combining daily errands into one big trip to maximise fuel usage.

This may not be possible during the week if you use your car for work, or to drop the children off at school. But certainly at the weekend, try to avoid short trips. n Car share. It might be worth asking work colleagues if they would consider car sharing for a while until fuel prices ease. There are also car share websites which allow you to co-ordinate and share journeys – it’s worth checking them out as a short-term solution.

You might even find it works longer term as a money-saving option.

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Motoring UNWANTED VEHICLES BOUGHT FOR CASH ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £150 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS WANTED PRE 1990S Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

Over Over Over 3030 30 years years years experience experience experience

Best Best Best prices prices prices paid paid paid please please please call: call: call:

www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk www.kpcleisure.co.uk

John’s Caravans

Mobile Caravan Servicing & Repairs Please call

01747 853114 or 07546 548017

Keeping you on the move...

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Servicing & MOT from the name you can trust

Gillingham Service & MOT Centre

SERVICING.95 FROM £124 All makes and models - Including parts, labour and VAT

• MOT’s • Diagnostics • Air Con Service • Tyres and brakes Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Brickfields Business Park, New Road, Gillingham SP8 4PX Tel: 01747 823204 Email: service.gillingham@fjchalke.co.uk

CAR SALES

01747 854789 www.crewscars.co.uk

2013 (63) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating position, large boot, appearance pack, convenience pack, partial leather, F&R parking sensors & auto parking system, cruise control, climate control, auto lights & wipers, bluetooth, hill start assist, only 64,800 miles ...................£9850 2011 (61) Honda Jazz 1.4 ES 5dr. 98bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, small on the outside but very spacious on the inside with a good sized boot & clever folding rear seats, parking sensors, air con, alloys, only 39,600 miles ...................................................£5950 2019 (19) Mazda3 2.0 Sport Black 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, stunning car finished in metallic Soul Red, heated seats, heated steering wheel, sat nav, reverse camera & park sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, bluetooth, upto 55mpg, only 15,800 miles ..............................................................£16750 2008 (08) Mini Hatch 1.4 One Salt Pack 3dr. 95bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, salt pack, air con, alloys, ideal 1st car, upto 49mpg economy, MOT - Feb 2023, lots of history, timing chain replaced, 89,900 miles .............................................................£2850 2018 (68) Renault Clio 0.9TCe GT Line 5dr. 90bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, great looking car with the GT Line styling kit, great performance & economy, sat nav, partial leather, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start assist, touch screen, bluetooth, 18,900 miles ...........................................................................................£10650 2019 (19) Skoda Karoq 1.5TSi SE Automatic SUV 5dr. 150bhp, petrol, 7 speed automatic gearbox, high seating position, large boot, touch screen, bluetooth, parking sensors, cruise control, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, pre-collision assist, great performance & economy, only 12,900 miles ...........................................................£19650

PART EXCHANGE CLEARANCE VEHICLES 2009 (59) Alfa Romeo 147 1.9JTDM Ducati Corse Q2 5dr. 170bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, limited edition, 1 of only 200 cars produced to mark the end of the 147 production, leather seats, 126,000 miles, needs some work but it's the cheapest Ducati Corse Q2 available, to be sold as seen as a clearance vehicle with MOT until August 2022 .........................................................................................................£1500 2004 (04) BMW 7 Series 735 Li 3.6 V8 Automatic Saloon 4dr. 268bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, long wheel base, the ultimate in luxury with all the equipment you can think of, needs some work to improve, 1 rear suspension air bag is faulty & goes down when parked, to be sold as seen as a clearance vehicle with MOT until November 2022, possibly the cheapest in the country, only 78,000 miles ...........................................£1800

Five Square Motors (Bosch Garage) Salisbury Road (A30) Shaftesbury SP7 8BU

2007 (57) Ford Ranger 2.5TDCi XLT Thunder 4x4 Double Cab Pickup 4dr. 143bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive with high & low ratios, leather, rear canopy, 195,000 miles, No VAT to pay, needs some minor work to make it a perfect workhorse, to be sold as seen as a clearance vehicle with MOT until January 2023.......................£3500 2017 (66) Jaguar XF 2.0D R-Sport Automatic 4dr. 180bhp, diesel, 8 speed automatic gearbox, heated leather, heated steering wheel, sat nav, park sensors, cruise, auto lights & wipers, lane aid, sign recognition, hill start assist, bluetooth, £30 tax, upto 65mpg, full history, 121,800 miles, to be sold as a clearance vehicle as it smokes a little bit for a few minutes from cold start, otherwise drives perfectly, the cheapest 2017 Jaguar XF 2.0D R-Sport in the country.................................................................................................£9000 2004 (04) Jaguar XJ6 V6 Automatic 4dr. 240bhp, petrol, V6, 6 speed automatic gearbox, exceptionally well maintained car with a fully documented service history, leather, cruise control, climate control, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, 152,200 miles, to be sold as a clearance vehicle with MOT until October 2022.......................£3000 2005 (05) Landrover Defender 110 County 2.5 TD5 Double Cab Pickup 4dr. 120bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, rear canopy, front bar, winch, needs some work & bodywork needs tidying up, noisy fuel pump, 165,000 miles, possibly the cheapest 110 double cab in the country, to be sold as a clearance vehicle with MOT until September 2022 .............................................................................£8500+Vat = £10200 2003 (53) Smart 0.7 Pulse Automatic 3dr. 61bhp, petrol, 6 speed semi automatic gearbox, un-used for over a year, starts & drives, 107,000 miles, to be sold as seen as a clearance vehicle for spares or repairs with no MOT....................................................£600 2007 (07) Toyota Hilux 2.5D-4D HL2 Double Cab 4x4 Pickup 4dr. 120bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive with high & low ratios, tough dependable pickup, 159,000 miles, No VAT to pay, to be sold as seen as a clearance vehicle with MOT until January 2023, needs rear wheel arches tidying up but otherwise straight clean & tidy .....................................................................................................£4500 1999 (S) Volvo S70 2.5 Automatic 4dr. 144bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, solid & reliable, starts & drives well, electric seats, electric sunroof, cruise control, ice cold air con, 113,000 miles, to be sold as seen as a clearance vehicle with MOT until September ..............................................................................................................£850

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

77

Motoring

Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions Remain Steadfast Despite ‘Organ Failure’ Mr Brian Chant and his determined firm seldom, if ever, shrink from a challenge and, as can be seen in the lots on offer at their recently held specialist auction of vintage and classic vehicles and automobilia, they produced a really interesting catalogue, most exciting in content.

A private collection is always welcome and the local Samson Collection added great diversity and fine quality to the proceedings.

The Collection began with half a dozen classic bicycles in grand order, followed by twelve immaculate and low mileage motorcycles, one with only 3 (that’s three) miles on the clock, 9 out of 12 of the latter were to find new homes.

At the other end of the scale, the Sansom Collection also contained more affordable classics in the shape of a 1962 Rock and Roll era Ford Consul 375, making £7,150.

Unsurprisingly, the lovely SD1 Rover 3500 went at a respectable £9,680, whilst the modern 216 Rover Cabriolet sold for £3300.

From the collection, the rare Singer Gazelle and the highly usable Ford Escort 1.8 LX Estate both remain available.

Other individual entries included two Land Rovers, a Series IIA taking a respectable £12,650 and a mighty £24,750 was achieved for one of those limited edition Heritage Defender 90 County TD5s in nice condition.

An imposing 1924 Sunbeam 24/70 Four Seat Tourer took the vintage devotees by storm and nuzzled close to the one hundred thousand pound mark, a well-deserved result for a very fine machine.

A Morris 1000 Traveller hit a new high at £15,400 but before you all bring Aunt Agatha’s love child in seeking a similar result, this one was/is stunning and deserved every penny paid.

A 1939 Morris Eight Series E saloon, defied those in the know, who sought to belittle the sale estimate and romped home at £7,150.

Again it was lovely.

The MG TD Midget was a little careworn though in regular use, so the £14,300 paid seemed fair and a little over estimate.

Morgans always excite and the pile of bits and pieces which might one day become a fabulous 1948 F4 three wheeler, did not disappoint at £4,620 An early Herald Convertible was probably much better than its outward appearance suggested so the £3,960 paid was possibly a shrewd buy for someone. Likewise, the new owner of the 1963 Austin Cambridge grabbed himself a usable and well-priced classic for £3,400, as did the person buying the 3.5 litre Rover P5B for £3,300.

If it had not been for that superb Sunbeam, the surprise of the day must surely have been

Advertisement feature

1964 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller the Westwood garden tractor, complete with mower which raised a staggering £977. To be fair, the vendor had polished it!

We are not too proud to admit to an organ failure. Despite being played con brio in the background during the bidding, the fabulous 1928 Voigt Fair Organ Model 34, 56 Keyless in its purpose built trailer, remains with us.

We understand that it is likely that wind of it has reached its mother country and it may be on its way to foreign parts.

DVCA steadfastly continue to find new homes for the unsold items so a visit to the website at www.dvca.co.uk clicking on to the Private Treaty Sales, is well worthwhile for those that were unable to bid on the day.

1999 Land Rover Defender 90 County TD5 Heritage Edition

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

1972 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Coupe For sale: £46,000

Contact Brian Chant T: 01963 363353 E: info@dvca.co.uk W: www.dvca.co.uk

Station Road, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RH

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Items for Sale LARGE TABLE AND 6 CHAIRS for sale £150 Tel 01963 251572 PLANT TRAILER 5FT X 12FT including ramps £750 ono 07399 521377 2 WILTON BAR STOOLS new - black £150, assorted paint accessories i.e trays, rollers - new £15, 3 tea, coffee & sugar caddies “On The Farm “ range - new £10 Tel 07817 664015 KONTURMATIC ELECTRIC adjustable bed. As new. £250.00 01747 825666 TRUMPET WITH CASE, mouthpieces and 4 mutes.

Good condition and well maintained £50 ono 01258 475378 THREE WHEELBARROWS of TOPSOIL, 2 Sandy, £6, Microwave GC. £15, Gillingham, 01747 824240 KENWOOD CHEF MIXER Attachments: Mincer, Colander & Sieve. £50.00 for both. Tel: 01963 364632 THREE CORGI TOY CARS 271; 345; 266; Fifty plus years old V.G.C offers 01747 830000 CURTAINS, GREEN/CREAM Regency Stripe. 90ins wide x 78 ins drop. Perfect condition, Cost £250, accept £50.

Tel 07966 053208 (Shaftesbury) GAS HOB & FAN assistant oven very good condition £30 01935 421996 PRESTIGE 6LTR ALUMINIUM pressure cooker as new with spare seal £15 01747 812738 AXMINSTER LATHE 6 SPEED with lots of accessories and chisels £450 ono. Bandsaw record power 13S large £350 ono.

Pillar Drill free standing - tilt and turn - higher or lower £275ono. Cross Key Cut Saw bench £150 ono. Bob Sander with selection of bobs £75ono. 07480-411246

PINE SINGLE BED FRAME and mattress. Rarely used. £20. 07855 258831 BREATHABLE CARAVAN AWNING Mat (blue/grey) forsale. £25.00 martyn.redford1@gmail.com FOLDING SHOPPING TROLLEY very good condition £10, 01747-854983 VAN HAUS ELECTRIC GRASS RAKE and scarifier used once but to strong for elderly couple. £50 - buyer collects - driffers@gmail.com TALL SLIM LINE DARK PINE UNIT shelves Drawer in the bottom. Nice unit £50 Contact 07970 568679 WORK TOP TO CEILING ACRO props X 2 Brand New never used £50 the pair Contact 07970 568679 PARASOL, TILT & WINDUP. Navy blue with cover, as new. Heavy gauge. Cost over £100, accept £50.

Tel. 01935 814404 ELECTRIC FLYMO LAWNMOWER 300 turbo compact £45 Tel 07944 672751 PAIR OF BLACK, FLOOR STANDING SONY Speakers, Excellent reproduction.

Cabinet slightly scruffy 14cm bass speaker £20 01258 472041 PAIR VINTAGE BOSE SPEAKERS separate manual treble control.

Unmarked Rosewood finish cabinets H43cm-W26cmD20cm £25 01258 472041 18 HARD BACK BOOKS. the history of films, cinema, films stars and silent films Tel 01202 886054 - £50 DYSON VACUUM CLEANER £30 Call 01747 826209 GENTS PYTCHLY SPORTS JACKET 44 ins.chest very stylish £35.also old style gents canary gents jodhpurs 40ins waist £10 01823 480848

KODAK BOX CAMERA 70 years old in case £15, Fishing rods 3 Beach casters, 1 carp, 2 reels £20 Work Bench, heavy duty steel frame £15 01963 364692 SUNCAMP MA5050 MOBILE 3-WAY MAINS POWER UNIT 240v for CAMPING In the Original bag. Small scuff mark to one side of unit else VERY GOOD & HARDLY USED. £20.00 01747-855666 – SHAFTESBURY. LEAF BLOWER, very light and powerful Flymo leaf blower, perfect condition. £35.

First to see will buy.

Tel: 01747 822422 WEDGWOOD 20 PIECE SET. White with gold trim. 4 each Cups, Saucers, T/Plates, D/ Plates, Bowls. Unused £20 01985 216546 KINSMAN DELUXE KEYBOARD BAG. 61 Key 97cmL X 40cmW X 15cmD Unused £20 01985 216546 FERPLAST CARRIER FOR LARGE CAT VGC plus litter tray and 6 s/s feeding bowls £12 Call 01747 590386 4 WAY LOCKING PET DOOR for large cat/small dog. New and still in box £12. Call 01747 590386

DAXARA 127 MULTI PURPOSE TRAILER complete and ready to go 3ftW 4ftL 1ftD £130ono for more info 07950 450824 GALVANISED CATTLE WATER TROUGHS, ideal planters. Tel 01747 820541 evenings LADIES ELECTRIC BIKE, excellent condition, includes helmet, lights, lock. £650.

Call 07884 296762 A NATURAL LIGHT PINE DRESSER, as new, hardly used, excellent condition, height 2 metres, width 130cms, depth 43cms. £395 collection only 07968 105063 MOBILITY SCOOTER KYMCO ForU, black with spare battery, charger, wheels & extras £475 ONO Tel 07480 411246 BLUE LEATHER 2 SEAT SOFA £70, small arm chair £30, oval mahogany table 140cm l £90, & 6 chairs £50, World collection of 28 little bells £40 - 01258 472516

To place your classified adverts CLASSIFIEDS

CONCRETE BLOCKS (16), size 44x21x10 cm approx.; £10 cash; tel:07774-628641 GARDEN GREEN METAL ROUND TABLE and two chairs £40 travel cot £10 01935 815337 WOOD AND MULTI FUEL STOVES at discount prices.

Latest pervious and exdisplay models traditional and modern design Wessex wood burners 01747 853110 BARGAIN IN PERVIOUS AND EX-DISPLAY wood burning stoves limited stock at unrepeatable prices Wessex wood burners 01747 853110 PRIDE JAZZY POWER CHAIR. immaculate £475.

Please phone 07968 447369

call Jaz Radford 01963 400186 WANTED ALL RADIO CONTROL MODELS WANTED. Planes/Trains/Boats.

Complete Collections Purchased.

Ring Michael 01747 229725 OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 01747 855666

FREE ADS up to £50: classified@ blackmorevale.net

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

79

Announcements BIRTHDAY DAVID PIKE Happy Birthday from his wife and Family,

80

on 21st of July 2022

LANGDON VERONICA HELEN Birthday 25th July I’m Always thinking of you Veronica, but especially on your birthday. I miss you terribly, with all my Love, your husband, Richard

THANK YOU GARRY DARE Valerie and family would like to express their sincere thanks for the lovely cards and messages of sympathy received. Also to all those who attended Garry’s funeral service and for the generous donations for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust.

DEATHS STAN HUNT (Formerly of Sturminster Newton) Died peacefully on the 24th June at Cedars nursing home Shaftesbury, aged 86.

He will be sadly missed by Ken, Rich and families.

There will be a private cremation.

ALBERT ROBERT MATTHEWS “BOB” Passed away on 13th June 2022 aged 86. Sadly missed by all his family. Funeral to take place on 11th July at 11.00 am at Salisbury Crematorium. Casual dressed.

WINIFRED STOKES WIN Of Gillingham, passed away peacefully at Dorchester Hospital on 17th June 2022 aged 96 years. A dearly loved widow of Ken, Mum and Nanna. Funeral service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium at 10am on Thursday 14th July. A tribute site can be found at www.winifredstokes.muchloved.com Donations to “South Western Ambulance Charity” can be sent to Co-operative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QT. Tel: 01747 824738

DEATHS SKELLY MARGARET BERYL MBE On 6th June 2022, peacefully at The Grange, Blandford.

Aged 101 years. Wife of the late John, Beryl will be sadly missed by her many friends. Funeral Service has already taken place. All enquiries c/o Colin J Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU. Tel: 01258 453133

THRESH VIVIENNEL MURIEL MAY of Sherborne, formerly Charlton Adam near Somerton, passed away peacefully on 27th May 2022, aged 97 years. She will be sadly missed but always remembered by all her family and friends. Funeral Service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 8th July 2022 at 1.20 pm. Family flowers only. Donations (in lieu) made payable to The PCC of The Charltons can be made online (viafuneral-notices.co.uk) or forwarded to Forsey and Son Funeral Directors, Willowfields, Lowerside Lane, Glastonbury BA6 9GY

PETER JAMES HOUNSLOW It is with great sadness we announce the loss of our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather. Peter died peacefully on Friday 24th June 2022 at home with family around him.

PHYLLIS SARAH PARTINGTON (née Marks) Died peacefully aged 102 in Garden House on 7th June 2022.

Formerly of Adber, Trent. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday, 22nd July at 11.20am. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for RSPB or PDSA (Bristol Branch).

Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Tel: 01963 362570

BERNARD COLIN “Herbie” Suter Passed away peacefully on 30th May in Salisbury District Hospital, aged 77 years. Herbie will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service to take place in Gillingham Town Cemetery at 11:00, on Tuesday 12th July 2022.

Family flowers only please. Donations for Cancer Research UK may be sent to Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL.

EVANS RUSSELL Passed away on 27th May, 2022 aged 74 years.

Much loved Dad and Grandad.

Donations in memory of Russell for Ayrshire Hospice may be sent to c/o A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland, Sherborne, DT9 3JQ. (Please make cheques payable to the charity)

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Announcements DEATHS RICHARD I CASE Passed away peacefully at home on the 16th of June. Much loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and Brother, will be sorely missed by all. Funeral service to take place on 11th July at 11:30am Horsington Church, family flowers only please.

Donations in memory of Richard to Children’s Hospice South West, care of Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Mons, High St, Henstridge, BA8 0RB.

LISA HOGHTON Passed away peacefully at her home on the 12th of June 2022 aged 89 years. Her family would like to thank all her friends for their many cards and kind words we have received

ROGER TREVOR STELLAR Joan Passed away peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital, aged 94 years. Much loved wife, mum, gran, great-gran and friend.

Private funeral service - details from A.J.Wakely & Sons.

Donations in memory of Joan for ‘Wincanton Live at Home Scheme’ and ‘CAT Bus Wincanton’ may be sent to c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310.

Please make cheques payable to MHA Live at Home or SSCAT

BLAKEMORE CONSTANCE AMY (Connie) Passed away at Riverside Nursing Home, Sherborne on 6th June aged 97 years. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 21st July at 11.20am. Any enquiries c/o Bracher Brothers, Newell, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Aged 84, passed on 20th June after many years of determinedly battling illness and infirmity. At peace now joining with his beloved wife Jo after a short separation. Memorial service at St. Mary’s Church, Stalbridge on Tuesday, 26th July at 2.30pm.

Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services.

Tel: 01963 362570

JOHN HENRY ROWE On 1st July 2022 suddenly in Salisbury District Hospital aged 80 years of Shaftesbury. Beloved husband to Kath, dad to Debs and Paul and a much loved grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather who will be sorely missed by all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 27th July at 11.20 am. No flowers please but donations if desired to Shaftesbury Bowls Club or Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance may be made online at www. mhfd.co.uk or send a cheque to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset.

SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

STEVEN PADFIELD CYRIL BOND The Bond Family are sad to announce the passing of Cyril Bond on 25th May, 2022 a much loved Dad, Grandad, Brother & Uncle. A service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium, Yeovil, BA20 2EJ on 22nd July at 1.20pm.

Light refreshments will follow at Folke Golf Centre, Sherborne DT9 5HR. Donations, instead of flowers, can be made at the Crematorium.

RONALD ALFRED THOMAS RON GINGER Passed away peacefully at home on 19th June, with his family by his side. Aged 91 years. Ron will be sadly missed by his loving wife Violet, sons Andrew and David and all his family and friends. Funeral service to take place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 20th July at 11:00. Family flowers only by request. Donations in Ron’s memory may be sent to Help Musicians UK, care of Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset. SP8 4QL

‘Pad’ Peacefully on the 3rd July 2022 at Yeovil District Hospital.

Steve aged 58 years of Templecombe.

A dearly loved Husband, Dad, Son & Grandad. Funeral service to be arranged. Donations if desired for St. Margaret’s Hospice.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

JOHN THOMAS GOULD Passed away peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital, 24th June, aged 91 years. John will be sadly missed by his sons Paul & Peter, daughter in laws Hazel & Jilly and his 5 grandchildren & 9 great grandchildren, family and friends.

Funeral service and burial to take place at St, Mary’s Church West Stour, Wednesday 13th July at 11:00, No flowers by request. Donations for Farming Community Network may be sent care of Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL

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Announcements DEATHS RUTH HUSTINGS (nee Macey).

Ruth (formally of Blandford) passed away peacefully at Maiden Castle House, Dorchester aged 95 on 22nd June 2022. Much loved mum, grandma and great granny. Funeral will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 19th July at 2.40pm.

Family flowers but donations if desired to Maiden Castle House Amenity Fund. (Please make cheques payable to Care South Amenity Fund), C/o Colin J. Close Funeral Service, Peel Close, Blandford DT11 7JU. 01258 453133.

A box for donations will be available at the Crematorium.

PHILLIP VERNON JACKSON (VERNON) Age 93 of Corton Denham. Peacefully at home on 20 June 2022. Much loved husband of Betty for 68 years. Devoted father to Phillip, Andrew and Nicholas and much loved grandad and great grandad. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 15 July at 10 am. Any donations to Marie Curie nurses.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Place your ad today call

Jaz Radford Classified Ads

01963 400186

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

PETER JACKSON FUNERAL SERVICES

Independent Family Owned and Run Funeral Directors Private Chapels of Rest • 24 Hour Service • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans

Henstridge (01963) 362570

Mons, High Street, Henstridge, Somerset BA8 0RB

Gillingham (01747) 833757

Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QJ

HENRY RICHARD CARD Passed away peacefully at Shaftesbury hospital after a long illness on the 4th July. Loving husband, proud father and cherished Grandad. Funeral service will be held at Harbour View, Lytchett Minster on Monday the 11th July at 3pm.

Family flowers only. Donations to Myeloma UK.

STREET LIZ passed away peacefully at home in Tisbury on Friday 10th June with her family by her side. A celebration of her life will be held at Nappern Orchard on the 15th July from 1.30pm onwards.

All those who knew Liz and wish to join the family are most welcome. Donations to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on the day or via Chris White Funeral Directors

CHANT BRYAN Formally of Stalbridge passed away peacefully on 25th June 2022 aged 91 years. A dearly loved husband to the late Kathleen, dad to Susan and Judith and a much loved brother and grandad to his four grandchildren.

Funeral service to take place at Bridport United Church on Monday 25th July at 1pm.

Family flowers only. If you wish to make a donation in Bryan’s name then please make a donation directly to a charity of your choice. Further enquiries to A J Wakely & Sons, 91 East Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3LB

pjfs@btinternet.com www.peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk

82

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Announcements FUNERAL DIRECTORS H E L P I N G YO U E V E RY S T E P O F T H E WAY

Your Local Funeral Professionals

Proudly serving your local community

01747 860 361

• Unattended funerals starting from £995

Water Street, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6DZ

• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals

Call us for immediate support, advice, or to find out more about our prepaid funeral plans.

We are here to help 24 hours a day.

• Prepaid funeral plans also available • Local knowledge and expertise with a reputation for quality that is second to none

"

• Reassurance that your loved one will be looked after with utmost care and professionalism

www.lchillandsonfuneraldirectors.co.uk

@

BRACHER BROTHERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Available 24 hours a day.

Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral.

Family Run Caring & Efficient • Private Chapels of Rest Personal Day & Night Service “Golden Charter” Pre-paid Funeral Plans available Memorials in Stone Marble & Granite, etc.

Shaftesbury (01747) 853532 imerefield@aol.com Gillingham (01747) 835335 www.mhfd.co.uk “Ridgemount”, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU

A J Wakely AAJJJWakely& Wakely& Sons A Sons Wakely& Sons A J Wakely& Sons AA JJ Wakely& Sons Wakely& Sons Independent

Fully guaranteed, inflation-proof, pre-paid funeral plans Free bereavement care

Available 24 hours a day/ 7 days week

Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Independent Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family Funeral Family FuneralDirectors Directors Directors Directors Directors A A J J Wakely& Wakely& Sons Sons Directors GILLINGHAM Directors Choice Hearsesavailable availableChoice including Land Rover Hearse Choice ofofHearses including our Land Rover Hearse ofour Hearses available including 2 High Street, SP8 4QT 01747 824738

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse – 24 Hour Service –

– 24Hour Hour Service ––Land Rover Hearse Independent ChoiceIndependent of Hearses available including our 24 Service –– 24 Hour Service – – 24 Hour Serv Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Sherborne Tel: 0193531310 816817 Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse – 24 Hour Service – Family Family Funeral Funeral Wincanton Tel: 01963 Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817Tel: 01 Sherborne Tel: 01963 31310 Pre-payment plans available – 24 Hour Service –Wincanton SHAFTESBURY Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Directors Directors Sherborne Tel: 01935 Pre-payment plans available816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Tel: 019 Wincanton Greenacre House, Salisbury Road, SP7 8BS Tel: 01935 Sherborne 816817 Pre-payment plans available Choice ChoiceofofHearses Hearsesavailable available including including our our Land Land31310 Rover RoverHearse Hearse Wincanton Tel: 01963 Pre-payment plans available 01747 858968 Pre-payment plans a Please contact Richard Wakely, or a–member of Service our dedicated –2424Hour Hour Service – – team for any advice or guidance Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member ofRichard our available dedicated any advice gu Pre-payment plans Please contact Wakely,team or a for member of ourorded Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

funeralcare.co.uk

Sherborne Sherborne Tel: Tel:01935 01935816817 816817 Pre-payment Please contact plans Richardavailable Wakely, or a member Tel: ofTel: our dedicated team for any advice or gui Wincanton Wincanton 01963 01963 31310 31310

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or available guidance.

Pre-payment Pre-payment plans plans available

Please Please contact contact Richard Richard Wakely, Wakely, oror a member a member ofof our our dedicated dedicated team team forfor any any advice advice oror guidance. guidance.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

83

Recruitment PROFESSIONAL WALL & FLOOR TILER looking for regular work with established builders or likewise. 25 years experience.

Call - 07855 326654

PART TIME PALL BEARERS Local Independent Family Funeral Directors are looking for reliable and suitable candidates of smart appearance for part time pall bearing, training and supervision provided.

Please contact Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors on 01747 853532

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN REQUIRED at Five Square Motors Ltd. £25-£30k annual salary. MOT licence a plus but not essential. The role will include servicing, tyres/exhaust and general repairs, Call on 01747 852295 or email steve@fivesquaremotors.co.uk

TRACTOR DRIVER/ GFW NEEDED on Dairy/Beef and Turkey farm. Between Wincanton and Bruton. May suit student. 07812 009364

ROOFERS/LABOURERS required. CSCS card needed, good rates of pay. Contact Sam Teversham 07831 643176 for more information

GREENHAVEN LANDSCAPES Landscapers and labourers needed.

We are looking for skilled landscapers and general labourers to join our team. A good knowledge of hard and soft landscaping along with a can do attitude required, drivers preferred but not essential. Long term positions within an establish local company. Previous applicants need not reapply.

07792892999 info@greenhavenlandscapes.co.uk

GENERAL LABOURER REQUIRED 47 hours per week, monday to friday. Near Winterborne Stickland. Please call for more information 07796 792064

Sandroyd

To avertise in our recruitment section contact us on:

Co-ed Boarding and Day Prep and Pre-Prep School

Nursery Practitioner

01963 400186

Required September

The Blackmore Vale Ltd

We are seeking to appoint a warm and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner with a passion for giving children the very best start in life. The successful candidate will join a thriving nursery, housed in our new and bespoke nursery building in a stunning setting.

Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent required. Term time only.

The Blackmore Vale Ltd are looking to expand their highly successful advertising sales team for our portfolio of local magazines.

We are an energetic, fun and friendly team who are always busy, the fantastic feedback we receive from readers and advertisers alike fuels our day!

You will be managing a regular client base as well as generating new business selling into various magazines. You will have previous publishing experience with the ability to meet deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills both face-to-face and on the telephone.

The role involves selling into Classified and Display sections with a consultative approach.

You can be office-based working in Wincanton or working from home within the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas.

You must own your own vehicle – a mileage allowance is paid – and be able to attend meetings in Wincanton when requested.

Good written English, spelling and grammar, are essential as is a great sense of humour and being a team player.

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm.

Salary is dependent on experience.

If you’ve got what it takes to be part of this dynamic team, please send your application to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net Closing date for applications is Friday 22nd July, interviews will take place at our Wincanton office. y, 10

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84

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Recruitment EVENT PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBER / Assistant Superplants Ltd – Near Sherborne Full time / Part time DL essential Please contact christina@superplants.co.uk

Product Genius FJ Chalke Kia, Mere If you are an exceptional customer service hero that has endless ideas about how to create a wonderful experience for our customers, this job really is for you.

As an FJ Chalke Kia Product Genius, we want you to excite and inspire our customers. From the very moment they walk through our showroom door to the moment they step into one of our cars.

Sharing your in-depth knowledge and product information is as important as the exceptional customer service you will offer them.

Motor trade experience is not essential as a full training programme will be included. A valid UK driving licence is required.

For further information please visit www.fjchalke.co.uk or use the contact details below.

Apply with a cv to George Chalke, Branch Director, FJ Chalke, Talbot Garage, Salisbury Street, Mere, BA12 6HE or email george.chalke@fjchalke.co.uk

FJ Chalke & Vale Motors

PART TIME HOUSEKEEPERS REQUIRED A beautiful Sporting Estate in Dorset seeks experienced Housekeepers to start as soon as possible. Discretion and good attention to detail is essential. Working as part of a great team, duties to include; general cleaning and polishing of rooms to a very high standard, care of fine furnishings, wardrobe management, laundry and ironing. Flexible hours, good rate of pay and car driver essential.

Please contact: Claire 07384 471126

Wren Classics Limited, Knights Barn Farm, Higher Coombe Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9LS info@wrenclassics.com

Aluminium and Steel Fabricator required We require an additional Aluminium and Steel Fabricator at our Classic Car Restoration Company near Shaftesbury, Dorset.

Hours available are 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Full or Part Time hours would be considered for the right person.

No weekend or Bank Holiday working.

Salary will be dependent on experience.

Tel: 01747 852899 for further information.

Email your CV to: info@wrenclassics.com

Catherines Well, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0AT

Milton Abbas Surgery is a small friendly practice providing care to patients in rural Mid-Dorset. We are currently looking to recruit the following positions: Integrated Nurse Team Leader: An exciting opportunity has arisen to join and lead the integrated nurse team at Milton Abbas Surgery in a beautiful area of Dorset. This is a unique role and offers the successful candidate the chance to undertake general practice nurse duties in a clinical setting, but also involves providing community care to our patients in their own homes. The post is for 31 hours per week and salary is aligned with AFC Band 7, dependent on experience.

Closing Date: 24th July 2022. For further information, or to apply, please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and use the reference J180-A2292-22-4779.

Health Care Assistant: Due to an increase in patient population and staff progression, a post for a Health Care Assistant has become available at Milton Abbas Surgery. The role will support our Integrated Nurse Team, providing a full range of services to our patients both within the Practice and their own homes. The post is for 30 hours per week and salary is aligned with AFC Band 3, dependent on experience. Closing Date: 13 th July 2022. For further information, or to apply, please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and use the reference: J180-A2292-22-5485.

For queries regarding either of these roles or applications, please contact our Practice Manager, Sarah Noble on 01258 880210, or email sarah.noble@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

85

Recruitment

Hospital Metalcraft Limited Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship We are recruiting now for apprentices, offering a pathway for individuals who would like to develop new skills and gain a professional qualification with a market leading manufacturer.

What is a Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship?

This is a fantastic way for you to ’earn while you learn’ in a job, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification – the Engineering Operative Standard.

What does an Apprenticeship give me?

An apprenticeship with Hospital Metalcraft provides an EAL Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations (Skills and Knowledge) Level 2. It also provides the chance of progression to a higher-level apprenticeship qualification and on completion of your Apprenticeship, an opportunity for a long term, permanent career within the company.

What are the entry requirements?

English & Maths GCSEs are important, however more than good grades, we are looking for candidates who are committed, motivated, enthusiastic & dependable.

Interested in an Apprenticeship at Hospital Metalcraft Limited?

Please contact Melanie Kirkwood, HR Manager at Mkirkwood@bristolmaid.com

Green Island Holiday Trust is a Dorset based charity providing supported holidays for local people living with a disability.

CHARITY COORDINATOR

Required for August/September 2022 We are looking to appoint a self-employed inspirational and dedicated charity coordinator. The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate up to six holiday weeks per year, manage the day-to-day administration, volunteer recruitment & training, holiday requests, organise holiday accommodation and oversee holiday weeks. Please apply by sending your CV or application form and accompanying letter to: debbie@greenislandholidaytrust.com Please visit https://greenislandholidaytrust.com/ to download the full job description and application form.

Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on Friday, 15 July 2022. Green Island Holiday Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the holidaymakers and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Registered Charity No 1198244

2nd CHEF / COOK

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

A great opportunity for an enthusiastic team player to join our friendly kitchen staff.

Join our friendly kitchen team in this thriving school.

The role involves washing up, simple food preparation, general assistance.

40hrs per week. Term time only (34 weeks) with school holidays off. Some flexibility around shifts for the right candidate and a competitive salary.

Closing date: 9am Friday 15th July 2022 For an application form please see our website, or for more information email office@hanfordschool.co.uk Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Registered charity number 01001751

Term time only (34 weeks a year) with school holidays off. Competitive salary.

For more information please email office@hanfordschool.co.uk or www.hanfordschool.co.uk Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 15 July 2022 Hanford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Registered charity number 01001751

86

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Recruitment EXECUTIVE CHAUFFER/ DRIVER WANTED For occasional trips throughout the year. In owner’s vehicle.

To and from London/East Dorset. Clean driving licence and references required. Please contact dpmrecruitment2015@ gmail.com for more details

POOLE LIVE-IN CARER for lady 97yrs. With dementia. 07836 250077

BUILDERS LABOURER AND MERLO DRIVER required for Wimborne.

Please call 01258 472394 or info@a-hammond.co.uk

HELP WANTED WITH WINCANTON GARDEN, experience not necessary, 1 hour per week to be arranged Tel 01963 34459 DOMESTIC CLEANER required 3/4 ours per week.

We are between Kington Magna & Henstridge.

Tel 07815 760661

SCHOOL RUN DRIVERS required for OAKWOOD TAXIS. Must be over 25.

Could suit semi-retired person. All expenses paid for. Average 4 hours per day, school time only. For more details ring Andy on 01258 455555 between 10am and 2pm or email: oakwoodtaxis@aol.com BUILDERS LABOURER required for Sherborne area to assist with general site work. Please call 01258 472394 or info@a-hammond.co.uk

Requires a

Stores Assistant/ Yard Person We are looking for a motivated, confident and pro-active person to join our team carrying out a wide variety of tasks in our busy Yard & Stores. You will have an outgoing personality and enjoy interacting with customers and staff.

If you are physically fit and able to demonstrate the following skills and experience we would like to hear from you: Excellent organisational ability.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Happy with working outdoors in all weathers.

A car driver with a full licence.

It would be an advantage for you to have knowledge of products commonly used in the construction trade and to hold a fork lift truck certificate, but full training can be provided.

Please contact us for an application pack:

Mrs Jules Simmons M J ABBOTT LTD

Bratch Lane, Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5EB Email: jules.simmons@mjabbott.co.uk www.mjabbott.co.uk MJ Abbott Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer

M B CROCKER LTD, Egg packers required Weekends 7.30 -2pm (Age 16+ with own transport).Please call Paul 07967 388895 CARER/COMPANION, part-time. Required by Sturminster Newton lady. For further details call 07340 182269

SITUATIONS WANTED EXPERIENCED PA/ SECRETARY looking for work living in the Sherborne area. Adhoc and regular work accepted. Can travel to client/and work from home. £15 ph.

Tel. 07748 483365 PRIVATE CARER COMPANION Available for days evenings and weekends.

DBS checked and fully insured. References available 07930 498794

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

87

Recruitment

Are you a

Care Superhero?

Care Assistant Heroes Wanted Days, nights and weekends

Support staff within housekeeping and kitchens teams also required.

Carers £10.10-£10.40 Support roles starting at £9.90 Homes’ Locations are Odstock Road, Christie Miller Road and Old Sarum We are looking for team members who have the passion for providing the best quality care and support to our residents, attending to their personal care and wellbeing. You will be helping residents go about their daily activities, so it will be important to spend time getting to know them, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them smile.

Due to our strong training team, you do not need to have previous care experience.

Find out more:

www.osjct.co.uk/heroes

88

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Recruitment

GILLINGHAM SCHOOL, DORSET Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QP https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk

CLEANERS (part time) Cleaners required working from 0600-0800 and 15451745. For further details and an application form, please ring 01747 822222 and ask for Tina Hull. Closing date 15 July. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and will require the disclosure of any criminal convictions.

Fabrication and Installations Manager for an Energy Efficient company within the Building and Construction Industry.

Location: Hartgrove, Nr Shaftesbury, on location sites, and countrywide We are a company with a great reputation and unique, patented products and we are looking for an organised and self-motivated person to join our team.

We fabricate, supply and install ICF for the construction of energy efficient foundations and walls and your primary role will be to maintain quality control, co-ordinate orders, supervise installation on client sites and manage the warehouse.

Interested? For more information and to send your full CV please contact tony@buildhomesbetter.co.uk.

To advertise your business business in in recruitment

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine contact: Tel: 07714 289409 Debi Thorne

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Recruitment

The New Blackmore Vale DEADLINES

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before the publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to space.

Advertising:

adverts@blackmorevale.net

Classified ads: classified@blackmorevale.net or online at blackmorevale.net

Sandroyd

Co-ed Boarding and Day Prep and Pre-Prep School

Two Domestic Assistants

Required September We seek 2 cheerful, energetic and hardworking individuals to be part of the School’s cleaning team.

Term time only.

Meals provided during working hours.

For further details please contact: Chris Stewart, Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Nr Salisbury, SP5 5QD Tel: 01725 516329 bursar@sandroyd.com www.sandroyd.org

89

Sport

Swimmers in fine form

by Ashley Tomkins Yeovil District swimmers have been back in the pool competing over the last few weeks.

YDSC had more than 30 of their competitive swimmers in attendance in an open meet held at the Five Rivers Leisure Centre in Salisbury hosted by the Salisbury Stingrays Swimming Club.

Stand out performance for the girls was Eleanor Swan who had a fantastic swim in the girls 11-year-old 50m fly and knocked off 3.84 seconds off her season’s best time to get a bronze medal and her first ever county time.

She also clocked a time of 1.27.10 in the 100m back for another bronze medal.

For the boys, Theodore Perrin took home three gold medals and two silver medals, and put up a fantastic performance in the 13-year-old 100m back stroke, knocking off 1.02 seconds off his personal best with 1.15.20.

Harry Abbott had an outstanding weekend with Gold medals in the boys 50m and 100m fly, and earned a silver medal in the 50m free.

Rebecca Tomkins continued her good form in the girl’s breast stroke events with a bronze medal in the girls 13-year-old 100m event with a new personal best of 1.28.18.

Lucy Bibby had an impressive swim in the girls ten-year-old 50m free for a great bronze medal performance. Oliver Frost did well to get a bronze medal in the 100m fly in the boys 14-year-old

event and Harry Waller had a closely fought race to achieve a silver medal in the boys 11-yearold 50m back.

Congratulations must go to Harry Carver, George Crabtree, Isla Gibson, Nooa Loxston and Lottie Kollmeier who were competing at their first ever swim meet.

Members put up a number of impressive personal bests and deserve praise for their effort, performance and behaviour for the swimming club.

Coach Mark Ovens said: “A massive well done to all the YDSC swimmers who have competed at Salisbury – you all did amazingly well. There were lots of personal bests, county times and a lot of medals for the swimming club. A fantastic achievement by all the swimmers, so a huge well done to everyone who took part. Also, a big thanks to parents and all the other supporters who came to watch – you helped make it super-exciting for all our swimmers’’ For more information about Yeovil Swimming Club visit www.ydsc.co.uk YDSC caters for all swimmers of all levels from level 4/5 including a master’s swimmer section.

If you are interested in joining the club, email the membership secretary to sign up for a free trial. Trials take place from 29 August onwards – to book a space for the start of the new season email membership.ydsc@ gmail.com

Closing date Friday 29 July Interviews the following week Sandroyd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post involves contact with children and is classed as “regulated activity” by the UK government. As such, a number of mandated preemployment checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken to ensure that the successful candidate is suitable for work with children. Additionally, suitability for work with children will be assessed by taking up appropriate references and at interview. Finally, candidates should be aware that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Oliver Frost in the 50m breastroke.

90

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Sport

Shaftesbury FC 1888 gear up for new season

by Avril Lancaster ‘It’s ‘Hammertime’ again as the Rockies and Hamworthy United meet in the Wessex League Charity Shield at Coppice Street.

Shaftesbury FC1888 have a busy pre-season schedule plus the visit of Wessex League Champions Hamworthy United in the Charity Shield on Saturday, July 30 (3pm).

Admission is £7/concessions £4 as a Wessex League event. The programme is by donation for one of the club’s charities.

The new-look ‘Rockies’, having won the Wessex League Cup, will get the chance to contest with the new Pitching In Southern League South West Division side – Hamworthy were champions last season.

The league opener is against Alresford Town on August 2, followed by FA Cup and Vase ties before a trip to Horndean in the league. Fans are welcome to go along to the family-friendly club and support their local team.

The 3G pitch allows Shaftesbury to stage all friendlies at home and Coppice Street is a top quality facility suited to fast-paced football. It also helps clubs who may be unable to play at home due to pre-season ground work.

July fixtures: Friday 8 – Reserves v Verwood Town (7.45pm); Saturday 9 – New Milton Town (home) 3pm; Tuesday 12 – Andover New Street (7.45pm); Saturday 16 – Reserves v Winchester Castle (11.30am) first team (TBC); Saturday 23 – Street (home) 3pm, Reserves v Street Reserves (11.30am); Thursday 28 – Reserves v Downton Reserves (7.45pm); Saturday 30 Hamworthy United, (Wessex League Charity Shield) (home

The outdoor bowls season is in full swing and 2022 is a big season for Mere Bowls Club.

Although a comparatively small club with just over 50 members, secretary Don Butchers is this year’s president of Bowls Wiltshire Men, a major honour for Don and the club. It recognises many years voluntary effort supporting bowls locally and in the county.

Sunday, 14 August, is the key date in the club’s calendar as they are hosting a match against Bowls Wiltshire Men when players from across Wiltshire will visit Mere, many for the first time.

Don is being kept busy with

many trips representing Bowls Wiltshire and playing for Bowls England.

Bowls is a game of skill and strategy played in a spirit of fun and camaraderie between April and September.

Mere Bowls Club play

friendly matches and in two mixed leagues. They also have club competitions and regular roll-up sessions for practice and coaching. Anyone who would like to go along and try out the sport can phone Don Butchers on 01747 860775.

friends and – willow-wielding – foes alike, for a family fun day featuring live music, sports, children’s events and great food.

Tent @ The Terrace on Saturday, 9 July, kicks off at 2pm and closes at 11pm. Microlight and Flic Kierle and Bill Osbourne will provide the music.

Other attractions include

DJ, face painting, bouncy castle, kwik cricket, yoga, pies, pizza by Bakerman Dan, food from The Farm and drinks.

Tickets priced £10, children free, include entry and a drink with funds being raised going to the club.

Sherborne Cricket Club is at The Terraces, Sherborne.

The Rockies and Hamworthy United are meeting in the Wessex League Charity Shield at Coppice Street.

Honour for bowls club and Don

Family fun day fundraiser Sherborne Cricket Club are setting aside sporting rivalries and opening their doors to TENNIS COACHING individual, or family tennis experiences. Call Jeremy on 07825 795 440 for a professional and friendly service

Bream and carp bite

Gillingham AA Second Summer shield at Lodden Lakes, Gillingham, (25 pegs).

The second match in this popular series was held on the big lake and blustery conditions did not stop the bream and carp feeding well.

Winner was Rob Fletcher who drew peg 29 and caught three carp on the method to 17lb and skimmers on the pole to weigh an impressive 61-02.

Runner-up was venue expert Mark Harper, who drew peg 41 and caught mainly bream and skimmers, plus a solitary tench on the pole and worms over groundbait to weigh 39-12.

Other places: 3 James Kiernan, 33-06; 4 Joe Sheppherd, 31-02; 5 Jason Mills, 31-00; 6 Rich Fripp, 28-08.

The next match is on 10 July at Revels. Book with Dave on 01747 823159.

Golf results

Wincanton Golf Club results – Seniors Monthly Medal, 28 June. 1 Pete Starkey, nett 65; 2 Philip Dewar, nett 70 ocb; 3 Phil Francis, nett 70; 4 Trevor Mills, nett 71.

2022 Rider Cup, 2 July – Oldies: Phil Francis (capt), Trevor Mills, Jim Stephen, Jim Phillips, John Burns, Simon Lenton and Ian Chandler.

Beat. Youngsters – Ross Chandler (capt), Chris Chapman, Maxine Portnell, Rab Clyde, Pete Anyan, Kevin Francis and Rob Ley. Oldies 8½, Youngsters 5 ½.

blackmorevale.net

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

Hopes high on and off field for rugby 7s event

by Simon Drake (North Dorset RFC) North Dorset 7s (ND7s), now one of the largest communityrun one day rugby 7s tournaments in the South-West, is staged on Friday and Saturday, 8 and 9 July, at North Dorset RFC in Gillingham.

Having staged a bumper event book-ended by Covid-19 in the summer of 2021, ND7s has built a reputation in the local community and the national rugby 7s stage.

ND7s, now in its ninth year, promises to be the best event yet on and off the field.

Boasting more than 120 matches of rugby 7s across six pitches and with 56 teams taking part, the tournament offers rugby for elite, social and ‘super-social’ players across the men’s and women’s game.

A tournament for ‘veteran’ over-35s will kick-off proceedings on the Friday followed by live music from

returning Yeovil-based rock ‘n’ roll party band D-State and a DJ set from former Legends nightclub DJ – now resident at Atik, Marlow – both returning favourites of the ND7s crowd.

Gates open at 3pm on Friday, July 8, with rugby and entertainment from 6pm. This year’s all-day tournament starts at 9am on Saturday.

Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy a festival atmosphere including local food stalls, ND7s’ sponsors tents and bars such as world renowned movie director Guy Ritchie’s own local craft beers from Gritchie Brewing Co. After all the trophies and prize money – top prize is £750 for the winner of the Elite competition – are awarded, festival-goers can enjoy BBC Introducing-tipped rising star Charlotte Blunn, performing soulful pop covers and originals, followed by Simply Sheeran, one of the country’s

finest Ed Sheeran tribute acts.

The live music finale comes from UK’s premiere Foo Fighters tribute band ‘Foo Forgers’ followed by DJ Willie B, a resident DJ of the Chapel nightclub in Salisbury.

To date, ND7s has raised £15,000 for charitable partner Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) over the last seven editions, with more than 14,000 spectators and 220-plus teams having graced the pitches at North Dorset RFC in Gillingham. On the day charity raffle tickets are available with prizes ranging from a weekend in a Shaftesbury AirBnB to an Exeter Chiefs shirt signed by local rugby star Ollie Devoto.

Booking tickets in advance is recommended with early bird tickets from £5 from www.nd7s. co.uk Under 16s get in free accompanied by an adult.

Limited tickets available on entry. ND7s also offers weekend camping tickets.

Cycling club’s time trial Yeovil Cycling Club’s time trail on 28 June was ridden exclusively by members of Wincanton Wheelers, who gave a great demonstration of what time trialling is all about – clubmates all out to do the best ride they could with the competitive edge of trying to

beat a fellow rider of similar ability.

Course: UC30/10, name, club, time: 1 Gary Francis, Wincanton Wheelers, 24:340; 2 Steven D’Arcy, Wincanton Wheelers, 26:370; 3 Chris Hill, Wincanton Wheelers, 27:33; 4 Nick Winsley, Wincanton

Wheelers, 28:28; 5 Matt Loader, Wincanton Wheelers, 28:41; 6 Ben Whitney, Wincanton Wheelers, 28:54; 7 Jill Gosney, Wincanton Wheelers, 29:19; 8 Chris Plowman-Hart, Wincanton Wheelers, 29:20; 9 Carl Wilson, Wincanton Wheelers, 29:21.

91

Sport

Sherborne fall short

by Emlyn Kuhn Sherborne 1st XI v Poole 1st XI, Saturday, 2 July It was a disappointing day at the office for the 1st X1.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat on a weather-affected pitch, Poole bowled Sherborne out for 97.

The only notable score was Marc Lock with 20. The Poole bowlers bowled very tight lines and gave Sherborne nothing to hit.

The home team bowled well at the openers but could not get a breakthrough until they were close to the target of 98 with Tim Durston taking two wickets.

Sherborne host Cattistock on 9 July at the Terrace where a Tent at the Terrace fundraising music event will be held.

Broadstone 2nd XI v Sherborne 2nd XI, Saturday 2 July Having won another toss, Andy Guppy chose to bat on a great track prepared by Broadstone’s groundsman.

Guppy 33 and Adam Smith 50 made a solid start against well-disciplined bowling but a couple of quick wickets had Sherborne on the ropes. Some fine batting from Danial Baker 64 and Henry Harden 22 helped Sherborne to 222, a good all-round performance.

The home side made a good start to their innings which put Sherborne under pressure from the start. Guppy brought himself on and quickly took four wickets, aided by good bowling from David Barnstable – eight overs for 36 – which kept things tight. But despite good fielding all round Sherborne could not get the wickets needed to trouble Broadstone and they finished the task with six overs left to win by six wickets.

Bobby Garland made his debut for Sherborne aged 13 and did not put a foot wrong.

On the day Sherborne’s 2nds were beaten by a better team – they go on to Kingston Lacy on Saturday with plenty to play for.

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Field & Stream

Rain upsets best laid plans

by Tria Stebbing

So we meticulously checked the weather forecasts daily until we were 100 per cent sure we were in for a dry week, so cut the field on Monday afternoon as the forecast predicted dry scorching weather until the weekend.

Both tractors were moved to the right position and the mower, tedder and bailer oiled up and strategically placed to be hooked up ready to run.

Marvellous weather on Tuesday with warm sun and a stiff breeze was perfect for drying the grass, and it was turned again into neat rows of green mounds.

Wednesday was hotter still and we waited again until late afternoon to turn/tedder again, picking it up, shaking it around and dropping it again in neat rows.

Thursday was a long day at work – the day job – and I came home to a longed-for cuppa, put my feet up safe in the knowledge that him outdoors did not need my help to turn it again, for the last time.

I scrolled through my phone apps, glancing at the satellite images for north Dorset, and could not believe what I was seeing. Rain. Rain just north of Yeovil and heading our way.

The sky had turned an ominous shade of grey and the wind had got up. , As we legged it to the field

Work in progress cutting the field – now the sheep are in for a treat next winter.

we were cursing the weather forecasters, with everything crossed it would hold off.

Two paddocks had been cut and we made the decision to try and save one of them – starting

up the baler was the most anxious part, hoping the temperamental old bugger would start without any hitches.

We were off, some kind folk from the village came out to help and it was all hands on deck. Row after row of small bales were spat out by the obliging baler and stacked ready to pick up.

To be fair, they did feel a bit loose but we stacked them up in the corner of the field and covered them with a tarp hoping the rain would hold off.

Friday was bright and sunny and thankfully we were able to bale and bring the bales back to the barn, tucked up safely and dry. Tighter bales this time and very heavy, not ‘fusty’ as him indoors called it. It smelt lovely and it was good to have it safely tucked away.

Looking at Thursday’s bales on Saturday morning we decided to redo a few of them as they were not up to standard and would have fallen apart when moved. Half of them went back through the baler and came out much firmer, nice bales to handle.

They joined the first batch in the barn and true to form, having just stacked the last one, it started to rain.

Job done, we made the right decision not to wait until Saturday, but what a farce the weather forecast was! The sheep are in for a treat next winter.

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Field & Stream

‘You may expel Nature with a pitchfork but she will always return’ – Horace, 20 BC

by A J Selby

In a previous Country Diary I wrote about the rewilding project at Knepp in Sussex, a 3,500-acre farm which has been left to nature for 20 years.

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to visit the site and have a guided tour of the project.

Looking at the photos in the book ‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree, the wife of owner Charlie Burrell, from the early years to walking one of the blocks – the southern block – the transformation was astonishing.

The introduction of a small herd of native Longhorn cattle, plus fallow and red deer, Exmoor ponies and a few Tamworth pigs has mirrored the pattern of evolving landscapes from distant history.

The livestock don’t only graze and browse, which create different habitats compared to a livestock-free area, but the pigs rootle the turf up, which exposes invertebrates for many bird species, and the rutting season has a similar effect as the stags paw the ground and disturb the sward.

The other effect of leaving the land alone has been a huge increase in scrub across the site – not covering the ground completely but hawthorn, blackthorn and other shrubs are forming clumps in the rough turf grazed by the stock.

Far from being untidy, scrub is an extremely rich habitat with the thick cover giving protection to mammals, birds and insects as well as other plant species.

The old saying is ‘the thorn is the mother of the oak’ and this dates back 300 years or more when it was unlawful to remove scrub.

The reason being that oaks, for example, could grow through a patch of blackthorn and bramble without being damaged by deer and then grow

Longhorn cattle at Knepp grazing the pasture and scrub.

on to make mature trees.

Several clumps had whitethroat and blackcap singing their hearts out from the topmost twigs.

A new experience for me was to see storks nesting and flying over the estate. There are over half a dozen nests and the storks regularly circle over the farm – I managed to film two birds flying high just as a plane from Gatwick came into the shot – an amazing contrast.

Native birds thrive here too with stable populations of species which are absent elsewhere, such as nightingales, turtle doves and cuckoos – in fact, I heard many cuckoos while there but none here in north Dorset in the last half a dozen years.

Apart from the guided tours plenty of public footpaths cross the estate and much can be seen and heard for the casual visitor.

Lepidopterists will salivate at the incredible number of butterflies to be seen, including the purple emperor – Knepp now has the biggest UK population of this rare species.

All five UK owl species can be seen and 13 out of 17 of our breeding bats, alongside breeding populations of declining birds such as peregrines, lapwings, skylarks and yellowhammers.

The best experience for me happened overnight. I camped on the ‘wild’ campsite which is spacious and comfortable, although basic – no luxury glamping here – although a few cabins are for hire for those who don’t like canvas.

I woke several times in the night, ‘disturbed’ by the rise and fall of the song of half a dozen male nightingales staking their territory in a scrubby hedge which bordered the campsite.

I hadn’t heard these birds since the early 1970s and was mesmerised – by 5am the dawn chorus was in full voice and I just lay there enjoying the

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music as the sun came up.

What has surprised conservationists is that some species may not be living where they want to be but where they can as we reduce their habitat.

Nightjars – known as a heathland bird, are visitors – there is no heathland at Knepp – and ‘woodland’ birds like the nightingale actually prefer mature scrub and overgrown hedges to the actual woods.

Because Knepp is not a ‘managed’ reserve and nature is allowed to express herself, it is teaching the ecologists new things which will help with species conservation in the future.

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Farming

The weather and vets and cows Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health As a farm vet I enjoy working outside, we are often surrounded by beautiful views of the Dorset countryside and are exposed to plenty of fresh air.

As with other people who work outside, I often find myself checking the weather forecast. This helps in terms of planning the necessary protective weather gear, but it can also help with anticipating when potential health problems may occur in our patients.

For example, temperature fluctuations and increased humidity can lead to outbreaks of pneumonia in calves. The stress of coping with these changes has a detrimental impact on their resilience and ability to fight infection.

Parasitic diseases like gut worms and liver fluke can also be seasonal. Traditionally many worms ‘over-winter’ remaining dormant during the colder months and become active as Spring and Summer temperatures rise, at which point we start to monitor for disease.

Parasites such as fluke

Cows need to maintain their body temperature at about 38.8°C. PHOTO: Eszter Miller/Pixabay

require a host to complete their lifecycle. The free-living stage infects a mud snail, which then sheds the infective larval stages on to pasture.

You will find mud snails in wet areas at pasture, and this tends to occur late summer, early autumn due to the weather conditions at this

time.

Autumn grazing cattle tend to pick up infection and show signs of chronic disease in late winter and early spring.

However, we are already noticing the effects of global warming as the parasite seasons are becoming less well defined and should

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therefore be monitored in line with weather changes rather than the traditional farming calendar.

Looking forward it seems temperatures are set to rise again and while it is nice to see the sun, extreme temperatures can have a detrimental effect. Heat stress can have a significant impact.

We see reduced feed intake, lower milk yield, poorer fertility and the rise in the risk of clinical mastitis. Cows need to maintain their body temperature around 38.8°C. They are sensitive to external factors such as reduced speed of air movements, increased humidity and rising temperatures, all of which affect their capacity to manage heat exchange.

Cows naturally find ways to reduce their body temperatures in times of heat stress, but these can have implications on their long-term health and production. You may see cows drooling and panting, however this uses up significant energy that would otherwise go into production.

They will also seek water and shade and should have free access to both. Cows will

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Farming ventilated naturally, with unrestricted air inlets and outlets. Where this is not enough, mechanical ventilation systems should be considered.

Buildings that work best can control ventilation to suit daily changes so cows can always avoid thermal extremes. Placing fans in areas where cattle are grouped and natural ventilation is Farm vet Alice Miller. restricted, such as the collecting yard and parlour also try to decrease the should be considered. amount of heat they produce Reducing walking distances by limiting their activity and can help. Sprinkler systems reducing rumination. work well to cool cows when In housed systems heat used in well ventilated areas to stress can be avoided by reduce humidity build up. ensuring buildings are well

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Farming

Zero-grazing reduces the waste Mid-summer already! The grass is just about holding up – a bit more soft, refreshing rain would be welcome.

Tom has been zero-grazing the dairy cows in the evening.

This means cutting the grass and feeding it direct to the cows – when the cows graze for themselves there is always some waste.

We say they spoil five mouthfuls to each one they eat!

Four feet, one tail end, which can spoil more than a mouthful!

So, when grass is a bit tight, zero-grazing can help to eke it out. The cows were grazing as usual in the day and had a buffer feed of zero-grazed grass in the evening. Now they are back to normal grazing as the grass has recovered.

Second cut silage has been done and the barns are filling nicely ready for the winter. The messy weather is just what’s right for the grass and maize, a

Many turkey farmers have decided not to grow any this year. PHOTO: David Mark/Pixabay

week of this will be fine, then hopefully get back to some summer days.

The turkeys will be with us at the beginning of July and preparations are well under way.

The threat of AI (bird flu) is a real concern, now restrictions have been lifted and poultry are allowed out, but we have to be prepared to keep our flock as safe as possible with enhanced bio-security.

Keeping their food and water away from wild birds is one of

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the key points – clean disinfected footwear only is allowed into the barns avoiding cross-contamination.

Many turkey farmers have decided not to grow any this year – we too have had a big chat about the risks but decided to go ahead.

School trips to the farm Tom and Jen are looking forward to the first school trip under the Farm-link scheme.

Our farm has a long tradition of welcoming school children to learn about how their food is produced, Jack and Win, Paul’s parents, ourselves, now it’s Tom’s and Jen’s turn!

Our swallows have fledged the first brood – it is hoped they will get straight onto having a second. We have three nests in our garage and lots at the farm, with good luck it will boost the numbers.

I had a reader of my column make the comment that not all

tractor drivers are courteous and thoughtful to the homes they pass by, and sometimes drop some of their load. Sadly, this is true, and it is, of course, the tractor drivers’ responsibility to make sure their load is secure and not overloaded, and that other road users are considered.

Please pull in if you have a queue behind, and remember other road users are busy, too!

I have to say it’s not just farmers and agricultural contractors who drive tractors, builders and councils etc do too!

However, I stand by my plea for patience for farmers on the road as they go about their business of growing our food.

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Farming

Consumer research suggests an opportunity for farmers Farmers have an opportunity to build their story around the sustainability of UK agriculture, recent research from the AHDB has suggested. As part of its Future Farming Programme, Cornish Mutual learnt more about the findings and what they mean for farmers.

The study by AHDB and Blue Marble found 65% of consumers believe UK farmers care about the planet, with farmers receiving the highest score across the food supply chain. Consumers also value farmers for their expertise, care for the environment and animal welfare, it revealed. Previous research also found that farmers are the most trusted part of the supply chain, with 70% of consumers trusting farmers.

The results are encouraging, says AHDB’s Senior Consumer Insight Manager, Steven Evans: “Consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact of foods want to hear more from farmers about what they do, and how they are working to become even more sustainable.”

He concludes that farmers should be encouraged by these findings and inspired to share more of their stories.

For its Future Farming Programme, Cornish Mutual has been exploring the latest thinking in Consumers and Markets, including how to bridge the urban-rural divide and examining the latest exports research. Read the full articles at: https:// www.cornishmutual.co.uk/future-farming-programme/

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Farming

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Farming

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CORNWALL | DORSET | DEVON | HAMPSHIRE | SOMERSET | WILTSHIRE | LONDON Auction 28th July

East Orchard

Auction 28th July

61.52 acres (24.89 ha) Marston Magna

• 38.60 acres of level arable and pasture land with road frontage and mains water. Guide £340,000 • 22.92 acres of level and gently sloping pasture with a pond and a brook. Guide £200,000

Andrew Tuffin 01258 472244

50.82 acres (19.76ha)

• A former dairy farm with 5 bedroom bungalow (AOC, CT Band C. EPC F), farm buildings and 22.90 acres of pastureland.

Guide £625,000 • 27.92 acres (11.30ha) of productive arable land. Guide £250,000

Lucy Carnell 01935 423526

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A substantial 5 bedroom farmhouse with annexe, significant Entry form available on our website, closing date for entries buildings (currently let) a 5-pitch campsite, glasshouses, stables, yard Wednesday 14th July. and paddocks. (CT Band A, EPC E)

Jack Edwards 01722 334323

Greg Ridout 01935 382909

PLANNING | VALUATIONS | BUILDING SURVEY

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Farming

QUALIFIED | EXPERIENCED | PROFESSIONAL

Mid Dorset A productive arable farm in the heart of Dorset

389 acres (157 ha)

Level and rolling chalk downland in a quiet rural position boasting far reaching views. Two grain stores, dryer and former parlour with potential.

Offlying block of 83 acres. Available as a whole or in 4 lots.

Andrew Tuffin 01258 472244 & Will Wallis 01305 236572

SALES | LETTINGS | AUCTIONS

Guide £4,435,000 (whole)

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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Property

Livestream & Public Auction Wimborne 28 July 2022 CORNWALL | DORSET | DEVON | HAMPSHIRE | SOMERSET | WILTSHIRE | LONDON

Crossways

Guide £1,000,000

A development site of 2.95 acres (1.05ha) within reach of Dorchester and the coast, and with PP for 9 detached homes. Freehold.

Dorchester 01305 251154

North Curry

Guide £18,000

A parcel of level pasture land with areas of scrub providing a haven for wildlife, extending to 1.83 acres (0.74 ha). Freehold.

Yeovil 01935 423526

Minterne Magna Guide £365,000

43.21 acres (17.49 ha) of productive level chalk arable land situated in a magically peaceful spot. Freehold.

Sturminster 01258 472244

Lyme Regis

Guide £250,000

A site with commenced PP for a detached 3 bedroomed bungalow with outstanding coastal views.

Freehold.

Axminster 01297 33122

Corfe Mullen

Guide £35,000

Approximately 3.61 acres (1.46ha) of attractive woodland with an abudance of flora and fauna in a secluded location. Freehold.

Wimborne 01202 882103

Nr Ringwood

An attractive and secluded 1.94 acre (0.79 ha) parcel of pasture situated in the heart of the New Forest.

Freehold.

Wimborne 01202 882103

Guide £70,000

An attractive parcel of woodland extending to approximately 7.00 acres (2.83 ha), in a quiet yet accessible location. Freehold.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Matchams

Nr Fordingbridge Guide £50,000

Guide £195,000

A former golf driving range with open fronted former clubhouse. In all about 5.72 acres (2.31 ha). Freehold.

Nr Dorchester

Guide £75,000

3.23 acres (1.30ha) of gently sloping pasture land with useful outbuildings and far reaching views. Freehold.

Guide £170,000

1.91 acres (0.77 ha) of land with a small building with potential for various uses STPP. Freehold.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Lyons Hill

Guide £125,000

Dorchester 01305 236237

32.45 acres (13.13 ha) of mature broadleaf woodland with a disused limekiln and super views over the Blackmore Vale. Freehold.

Lytchett Matravers Guide £5,500

St Leonards

Wimborne 01202 843190

Wimborne 01202 882103

Wimborne 01202 843190

A triangular area of land measuring approximately 0.08 acres (0.03ha) of land just outside of the village.

Freehold.

Bickleigh

Nr Helston

Tiverton 01884 218911

Axminster 01297 33122

5.30 acres of attractive meadow pasture with woodland on the edge of Dartmoor with PP for a stable block. For Sale in two lots. Freehold.

St Leonards

Guide £135,000

Derelict stone buildings including a former farmhouse in 2.80 acres (1.13ha)set in a delightful rural setting. Freehold.

Sturminster 01258 472244

Guide £75,000

A vacant plot measuring approximately 0.45 acres (0.18ha) occupying a secluded semi-rural location. Freehold.

Henstridge

Guide £75,000

A modern, purpose-built semi detached industrial unit with forecourt located upon Marsh Lane Trading Estate. Freehold.

Yeovil 01935 423526

PLANNING | VALUATIONS | BUILDING SURVEY

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103

Property

QUALIFIED | EXPERIENCED | PROFESSIONAL

Bromham

Guide £395,000

The former village store with 3 bedroom flat above with potential for re-development STPP. EPC B. CT Band B. Freehold.

Devizes 01380 710535

Nr Ilminster

Guide £450,000

A Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse, offering huge scope and potential.

EPC Exempt, CT Band F, Freehold.

Ilminster 01460 200790

Hermitage

Guide £280,000

A 3 bedroom cottage for improvement, set in a peaceful village with large garden. EPC F. CT Band C. Freehold.

Sherborne 01935 814488

Stalbridge

Guide £175,000

A large residential/retail property sold with vacant possession in the heart of Stalbridge. EPC’s C & D. CT Band A. Freehold.

Dorchester 01305 261008

Dunbridge

Guide £295,000

A 3 bedroom cottage for modernisation. CT Band D. EPC F. Leasehold. 1000 yr lease to 23.6.2905. No ground rent payable.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Nr Ilminster

Guide £300,000

A 3 charming bedroom converted granary wing of a Grade II Listed cottage with parking and garden.

EPC Exempt, CT Band D, Freehold.

Ilminster 01460 200790

Horton

Guide £275,000

A bungalow for redevelopment (STPP) in 0.32 acres (0.13ha). EPC F. CT Band D. Freehold. Further 0.89 acres (0.36ha) Guide £40,000.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Blandford

Guide £120,000

A 2 storey town centre retail property let until 2027 and producing an income of £12,000 p/a. EPC D. Freehold.

Dorchester 01305 261008

SALES | LETTINGS | AUCTIONS

West Moors

Guide £210,000

A deceptively spacious 3 bedroom bungalow for refurbishment in an accessible location. EPC D. CT Band C. Freehold.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Spetisbury

Guide £225,000

A detached renovation project occupying an elevated position enjoying impressive, far-reaching views. EPC E. CT Band E. Freehold.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Bath

Guide £195,000

A period 2 bedroom house requiring complete renovation within the popular Fairfield Park area. EPC G, CT Band C. Freehold.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Sherborne

Guide £215,000

Attractive offices with vacant possession providing approx. 290m2, with potential for change of use STPP. EPC TBC. Freehold.

Dorchester 01305 261008

Marshwood

Guide £350,000

A bungalow for redevelopment STPP set in 3.1 acres (1.25ha) with stunning views. EPC G, CT Band B. Freehold.

Axminster 01297 33122

Dorchester

Guide £250,000

A Grade II Listed 4 bedroom townhouse with walled garden, close to the town centre. EPC Exempt.

CT Band C. Freehold.

Dorchester 01305 261008

West Grimstead Guide £175,000 A derelict cottage with PP to rebuild.

Approx. 0.07 acres (0.03 ha). EPC G. CT Band D. Freehold. Adjacent 0.06 acre site. Guide £120,000.

Wimborne 01202 843190

Spetisbury

Guide £200,000

A garage and workshops in a prominent position with road frontage offering development potential STPP. EPC E. Freehold.

Dorchester 01305 261008

104

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Property

CORNWALL | DORSET | DEVON | HAMPSHIRE | SOMERSET | WILTSHIRE | LONDON

Marnhull

Guide £585,000 Bradford Abbas

A stunning 3 bedroom detached family home with a single garage in a sought after village location. EPC TBC; CTB TBC. Freehold.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Blandford Forum

Guide £650,000

A spacious, 5 bedroom family home located on a prestigious road in the centre of town.

EPC G; CTB F. Freehold.

Blandford 01258 452670

Kingston

Sherborne 01935 814488

Shaftesbury

Sturminster 01258 473766

Guide £625,000

A detached and extended 4 bedroom bungalow with lovely large south facing garden on the edge of the town. EPC C; CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster 01258 473766

Guide £465,000 Milborne Port

A detached 4 bedroom house with a single garage set in a peaceful location in a sought after village. No onward chain. EPC D; CTB E. Freehold.

OIEO £790,000 Blandford Forum

An immaculately presented 5 bedroom family home situated on substantial plot in a convenient location. EPC D; CTB G. Freehold.

Guide £225,000

A well presented 2 bedroom Victorian mid terraced house with two reception rooms located in a sought after village. EPC D; CTB B. Freehold.

Sherborne 01935 814488

Guide £600,000

A large 3 bedroom detached bungalow with stunning garden, double garage and ample parking. No chain and vacant possession.

EPC D; CTB E. Freehold.

Blandford 01258 452670

Charlton Marshall Guide £1,300,000

A stunning 4 bedroom country house with period features boasting 4.60 acres (approx.) of gardens and land with studio/apartment.

EPC D; CTB D. Freehold.

Blandford 01258 452670

Yenston

Guide £1,250,000

A elegant 4 bedroom Georgian house with scope to update and improve with a range of outbuildings, gardens and paddocks totalling 3 acres. EPC F; CTB F. Freehold.

Sturminster 01258 473766

PLANNING | VALUATIONS | BUILDING SURVEY

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105

Property

QUALIFIED | EXPERIENCED | PROFESSIONAL

Godmanstone

£3,500 per calender month

A distinctive Grade II Listed house set in mature gardens with a swimming pool and located within the desirable Cerne Valley. Reception Hall, Kitchen/breakfast room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Study, 6 bedrooms, Conservatory, 4 bath/shower rooms. Garaging and stable block.

Mature gardens with river frontage. Heated swimming pool. Freehold. Available from July for an initial 12 month tenancy. Rent £3,500 pcm/807 p/w. Holding Deposit £807; Security Deposit £4038. Council Tax Band F; EPC F

Lucy Nolan, Dorchester 01305 261008

Briantspuddle

Guide £2,250,000

A substantial country house in a wonderful position with far reaching countryside views. Reception hall, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 7 bedrooms, dressing room/bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms. Outbuilding with 2 bedroom flat, large office/games room, garaging and traditional stabling. Landscaped garden. Pasture. Pond. Woodland. About 19.8 acres (8.01 ha). Freehold. EPC House E Flat F; Council Tax House G Flat C

Richard Taylor, Dorchester 01305 261008

SALES | LETTINGS | AUCTIONS

Imogen Judd, Wimborne 01202 843190

106

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Property

A spacious country home originally built

by Ernest Debenham

Blackdown House is a substantial country house situated in an elevated position on the edge of Briantspuddle with far reaching views across open farmland and beyond. The house was built in the 1920’s by Ernest Debenham (of department store fame) who purchased 3.500 acres across Briantspuddle, Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle in 1914. His plan was to target rural unemployment by merging production and sale to create sufficient agricultural holdings – he was later awarded a baronetcy for his services to agriculture and in particular his work on model farms.

Approached via its private driveway, the house has spacious and well-

proportioned rooms typical of the era.

Many of the rooms on the ground floor have traditional oak flooring, impressive fireplaces and wooden panelling plus, of course, the added bonus of the glorious views.

The 8 bedroom house is surrounded by its mature garden with rolling lawns, formal garden, woodland, pond and pasture, in all about 19.8 acres.

Outside, a self-contained 2 bedroom flat, traditional stables, garaging and a magnificent large office/games room as well as a barn complete this stunning country house which is on the market through Symonds & Sampson’s Dorchester office with a guide of £2,250,000.

Advertising feature

For further details, please contact Richard Taylor 01305 261008 or Imogen Judd 01202 843190

blackmorevale.net

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

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The New Blackmore Vale Magazine

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817 PROFESSIONAL YOUNG WORKING COUPLE with pets seeking long-term accommodation locally. references available.

Tel 07548 674385

to advertise your property listings call

Debi Thorne

WEST BAY 2 - BEDROOM ground floor hoilday flat to let Tel 01963 23456

07714 289409

Book Online classified@ blackmorevale.net

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108

New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Property

ST NE RU W CT IO N IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

H ◆A ◆M ◆B ◆L ◆E ◆D ◆O ◆N £335,000 Wincanton

£850,000 Compton Pauncefoot

An exceptional Georgian style town house set around a central green within a short walk of the town centre amenities. Spacious living accommodation spread over three floors, sitting/dining room, four/five bedrooms, allocated parking, attractive courtyard garden, two en-suite shower rooms, cloakroom and fitted kitchen. EPC Rating: C.

A characterful and substantial five bedroom attached period cottage offering versatile accommodation including a ground floor bedroom with en-suite providing potential granny annex/Airbnb. Spacious sitting room, large reception hall, dining room with flagstone floor, stylish fitted kitchen and attractive gardens. EPC Rating: D.

WINCANTON

£410,000

An individual and deceptively spacious four bedroom detached bungalow which enjoys the benefit of a large landscaped garden. Characterful sitting room, separate dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite and useful attic room.

EPC Rating: D.

SOUTH CHERITON

£430,000

A substantial three bedroom detached bungalow situated in a small close in the sought after village of South Cheriton. Spacious sitting room with open fire, separate dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot room, en-suite shower room, attractive landscaped garden and garage.

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Due to continued sales success we urgently require more properties to meet the demand from buyers looking for a home in Wincanton, Bruton, Mere, Stalbridge, Milborne Port and the surrounding villages.

IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Thinking of Moving?

If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free £300,000 Wincanton £265,000 Wincanton market assessment and valuation.

Attractive three bedroom end terrace house Attractive period cottage situated in the heart of Please call 01963 34000 situated in the heart of Wincanton. Benefitting Wincanton. Accommodation spread over three from a double garage, lounge, dining room, floors with a spacious sitting/dining room, fitted to arrange£225,000 an appointmentWINCANTON or email BRUTON £226,500 fitted kitchen, master bedroom with house en-suite, kitchen, large garden, GCH, double glazing, no house situated within a short walk of A spacious four bedroom terrace An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached with @hambledon.net GCH, attractive garden. EPC Rating: C. beyond. forward chain. EPC Rating: D. The property enjoys the benefitwincanton local schools. of a loft conversion creating stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside

ST NE RU W CT IO N

Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

IN

IN

ST NE RU W CT IO N

a master bedroom with dressing room/study and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

£785,000 North Barrow WINCANTON

£145,000

£425,000 Templecombe WINCANTON £179,950

A substantial four bedroom chalet style detached family home situated on An exceptionally well presented three bedroom detached bungalow An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular the edge of the village withdevelopment. views over Spacious adjoiningsitting fields.room, The kitchen/diner, exceptionallybathroom, situated residential on a small development.

This delightful home enjoys spacious a mature development.

The property is presented in excellent order and spacious and versatile living accommodation features a huge kitchen/family living accommodation including a large room, fittedsitting kitchen, easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first enjoys the benefit of a car port, longsitting/dining driveway, enclosed garden, room, large diningtime room, attractiveroom, garden, solar panels, en-suite and buy. conservatory, EPC Rating: C. double garage, solar panels and fitted kitchen, conservatory and attached potential garage. to extend (STPP).

EPC B. Rating: D. attractive gardens. EPC Rating: D. EPC Rating:

WINC ANTON W I Wincanton NCANTON 01963 34000 0Tel: 1 9(01963) 6 3 3 434000 000

Shaftesbury

G I Gillingham LLINGHAM Tel: (01747) 0 101747 7 4 7 8824924 2 4851151 924

HA MLET LETTINGS Newton S T USturminster RMINSTER N EWTON 01963 34006 Tel: (01258) 472647 012 5 8 47 2 6 47

S H Shaftesbury AFTESBURY Tel: 0 1(01747) 7 4 7 8851151 511 51

HM AM ED . N. ENTE T W WW WW. W H .A BBLL E DOONN WWW.HA MBLEDON.NET

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Property

Mere Downs, Warminster £1,740,000 Freehold An exceptional four-bedroom property offering over 3,800 sq. ft. of beautifully presented accommodation along with enclosed gardens and a double open garage, situated in a stunning, elevated position with awe-inspiring panoramic countryside views. The home benefits from the latest technologies ensuring energy efficiency and air quality.

PEA: B; CTB: TBC. 01722 569054 SALISBURY@HAMPTONS.CO.UK

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Wincanton • Gillingham • Sherborne • Mere • Castle Cary • Bruton R CE FOSTL

R

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SA

SSA

Wincanton - £775,000 Guide Price

Bourton £445,000

RE FOAL S

Wincanton £350,000

RE FOAL S

Wincanton £177,500

0.75% COMMISSION RATE +VAT

All our properties are marketed on Rightmove & OnTheMarket.com

CALL: 01963 34455 • KingslandProperty.com HEAD OFFICE: The Tythings Commercial Centre • Southgate Road • WINCANTON • Somerset • BA9 9RZ

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New Blackmore Vale, 8 July 2022

blackmorevale.net

Gillingham - Guide Price £500,000

Gillingham - Guide Price £300,000

Stalbridge - Guide Price £625,000

An attractive double fronted detached family home offering spacious accommodation, with five double bedrooms, four reception rooms, double garage and parking EPC C

A delightful semi detached bungalow with two double bedrooms, good sized gardens, situated in a sought after location where town and country merge EPC D

A bright and generously sized detached family home with four double bedrooms, three reception rooms plus a one bedroom annexe boasting spectacular views EPC D

Don't leave your property sale to chance - call our Award Winning Team for a FREE valuation today!

Mere - Asking Price £165,000

Zeals - Guide Price £500,000

Horsington - Guide Price £445,000

A beautifully converted Grade II listed first floor apartment with one large double bedroom, presented to the market with the advantage of no onward chain EPC C

A two double bedroom detached bungalow sitting in grounds around a third of an acre, presented with no onward chain and enjoying a pleasant location EPC TBA

A spacious semi detached family home with three double bedrooms, two reception rooms, sitting in about a third of an acre and offered for sale no onward chain EPC TBA

Gillingham 01747 824547 Sturminster Newton 01258 473030

www.mortonnew.co.uk

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At the moment the law enables a landlord to take back possession of their property, which is subject to an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, without having to establish any fault on the part of the tenant. The landlord can give the tenant two months’ notice (subject to satisfying certain requirements) to leave the property at the end of the fixed term.

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