The New Blackmore Vale - Issue 108

What’s inside this issue…

in touch with

by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186

Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

07850 529937

Debi Thorne Sales Director Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409 Jane Toomer Senior Account Manager Jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411

Village remembers the Fallen in memorial to lives lost in the Great War Page 7

Popular cafe to shut up shop after 10 happy years serving hungry customers Page 10

Some 570 runners entered The Stickler, the Dorset Three Peaks race, Page 83

Lanes open as A303 nears completion

A NEW dualled section of the A303 through Somerset opened on November 4.

Drivers using the route, between Sparkford and Ilchester, will have noticed two lanes open on the whole stretch for the first time on a weekday commute.

The multi-million-pound scheme in Somerset has involved upgrading a 3.5-mile section of single carriageway to a dual carriageway, unlocking a major bottleneck in the county.

The scheme includes 89 native trees and over six miles of new hedgerow, and has created the equivalent to 1,352 football pitches of woodland and linear belts of trees.

Siân Hopkins, National Highways’ Senior Project Manager, said: “The whole team has worked incredibly hard to achieve the opening of the new stretch of A303 this November.

It has been years in the making, with drivers experiencing a range of speed limits, diversions and single-lane changes to the A303 as work was completed.

National Highways, which is overseeing the multi million-pound project, said the new section “will significantly reduce travel time in the region, giving millions of people a smoother journey to the south west”.

During the excavation and construction, National Highways’ on-site archaeologists have helped to chart the history of the area and have discovered a selection of artefacts, including:

• A copper alloy brooch, decorated with

enamel-filled lozenges, dating back to between AD 60–150

• Worked bone point which could have been used as a pin, skewer, weaving shuttle or pin beater for textile manufacture

• Mesolithic chert and flint tools

• Neolithic flint knives and charred plant remains from Neolithic pits

As part of the work, National Highways has built: three new junctions at Camel Cross, Downhead and Hazlegrove; a bridge at Steart Hill and an underpass at Hazlegrove, which will allow all road users to cross the A303 safely.

“This will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses – this year and into the future. I would like to thank everyone in Somerset for their patience and support since construction of the project started back in 2021.”

While the main A303 dual carriageway is now open for traffic, work is still happening at night, and in other areas, to finish the central reservation, local accesses, side roads and the surrounding landscape.

The project is due to finish these works in early 2025.

To find out more, visit nationalhighways. co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a303-sparkfordto-ilchester

Knickers! Young Serena’s on a mission!

YOUNG Bruton woman Serena Chamberlain, founder of Let’s Get our Knickers in a Twist, is on a mission to provide vulnerable women with new underwear.

Serena, 22, who has returned to the village where she lived for 12 years before going away to university, founded the charitable campaign two years ago.

It provides underwear to women’s refuges, community outreach organisations and women in need.

Serena said: “Our mission is straightforward yet vital – to ensure that every woman has access to new, clean underwear.

“It’s a basic right – one that impacts a woman’s dignity, health and overall wellbeing.

“In situations of poverty, displacement or crisis, underwear is often the last thing considered and the first thing overlooked.

“For every woman we reach, we’re not just providing a piece

of clothing – we’re restoring a sense of dignity, offering comfort and promoting better health.”

Serena was inspired to create Let’s Get Our Knickers… after volunteering at local women’s refuges and being told that clients could often not afford underwear.

She said women in need now have improved access to secondhand clothing through charity shops, but stores cannot sell underwear for personal hygiene reasons.

Serena added: “We accept both donations of new unused packaged underwear and monetary donations to spend on buying it.

“The items are distributed to women’s refuge centres around the UK and now globally.

“These centres help provide recovery and support for vulnerable women who have been victims of addiction and domestic abuse, who are involved in sex work and who

Serena Chamberlain, from Bruton,

provide new underwear for clients at women’s

and women in need through her Let’s Get our Knickers in a Twist campaign

have been in contact with the criminal justice system – often through no fault of their own.

“Many of these situations lead to homelessness and these ladies have little to no access to new clothes or underwear.”

She said her organisation aimed to stock women’s rooms at refuges with underwear, so clients do not need to ask for it.

Let’s Get Our Knickers…

Hooray for Hollywood: Dementia group fundraiser

HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for Dementia Friendly Gillingham when a ‘Hollywood Magic’ concert was held at St Mary’s Church in the town.

The new Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, opened the concert, after being introduced by town Mayor, Councillor Roger Weeks, and spoke about how his own family had been affected by dementia.

The Top Brass & Wind Concert Band, directed by

Jackie Adams, captured the ‘magic of Hollywood’, the varied programme including

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Michael Dooley; John O’Brien, Army Cadet Leader; Mayor of Gillingham, Cllr Roger Weeks

music from films and shows. The packed church also heard the wonderful voice of

organises fun fundraising Pink Pants Parties for women where the theme is pink and pants, and the price of entry is a few pairs or a pack of pants, which are donated locally.

For more information, the organisation’s Instagram account is www.instagram.com/ letsgetourknickersinatwist and its website is www.letsgetour knickersinatwist.co.uk.

Arabella Heaton singing songs such as I Will Always Love You, Circle of Life, and Memory

A beautiful arrangement of the melody Magh Seola provided an opportunity for the audience to hear Michelle Hudson playing the flugel horn.

Frances Eustace, making a special guest appearance, also enthralled concert-goers with Themes from Wolf Hall

Hello Dolly – after the winning raffle numbers were drawn – allowed the audience to lift the roof off the church and bring the concert to a close.

The evening raised a grand total of £1,430.79.

is seeking to

refuges

Somerset’s most exclusive charity jumble sale set for Wincanton…

VINTAGE-SAVVY shoppers are looking forward to next weekend’s Winter Fair at Wincanton Racecourse, being held in aid of The Balsam Centre.

The healthy living centre in Wincanton benefited to the tune of more than £20,000 from last year’s event, known for its high quality and vintage goods.

Volunteers put in months of hard work to get the event –dubbed Somerset’s most exclusive charity jumble sale – off the ground.

“We never really stop,” said Julia de Salis, lead organiser of the fair’s vintage clothing stall and daughter of the event’s founder, Countess Carolyn de Salis. “It’s a year-round effort.”

Each stall is coordinated by a sub-team of volunteers, responsible for gathering donations such as jewellery, clothes and handbags, artworks, toys and kitchenware, throughout the year.

Other stalls tempt with homemade goodies, such as deli treats and seasonal planters.

Everything sold on the day has been handmade, donated, upcycled or repurposed, and the volunteers are proud of this sustainable approach. “It feels appropriate for our times,” Julia added.

The Balsam Centre chief executive, Sue Place, said: “The Winter Fair is an incredible feat of organisation and the single most important fundraising event in The Balsam Centre’s calendar.

“Each year we are staggered by the energy and commitment of all involved, and equally staggered by the sum of money raised.

“All proceeds directly benefit people living in the Wincanton area.”

The Winter Fair is on Saturday, November 16, and is open from 10am-3pm.

A shuttle bus will run throughout the day from Wincanton Memorial Hall and entry to the fair costs £1.

For more information, visit www.balsamcentre.org.uk/ events-1/winter-fair.

Yeovil College’s £60m-plus Big Build under way

A MAJOR project to bring state-of-the-art facilities to Yeovil College has broken ground.

The £60 million-plus campus transformation promises to offer “unparalleled education experiences” and will see the creation of a technical construction centre, a cuttingedge sports centre, a modern teaching centre as well as a host of commercial outlets such as reenvisaged salons and restaurants.

The project, known as the ‘Big Build’ is being funded by the Department for Education after the college was selected as one of 16 colleges across the UK to receive a share of the £1.5bn Further Education Capital Transformation Fund. Plans were approved for the project in August 2023 – with completion expected in four years’ time.

They will see the older Kingston Building, Bridge Block and Sports Hall will be

knocked down.

Spread across the multi-level site, the new Yeovil College plans also include a spacious new refectory, versatile lecture hall and performance spaces, and an inclusive learning department.

The flagship teaching centre, an L-shaped 10,000 square metres-plus building, will be the academic heart of the new campus and will comprise 100

new classrooms.

“Whether students are attending lectures, participating in group projects, or simply enjoying a coffee break, this building aims to elevate their campus experience and promises to be a hub of activity, fostering collaboration, creativity and community,” a spokesperson for Yeovil College said.

The main teaching building will also incorporate the Yeovil College University Centre, offering a dedicated and focused space for those advancing to higher education.

“This is the last and largest piece of our campus renewal jigsaw, the culmination of years of hard work following the refurbishment and refit of almost every other building and space at our Yeovil site.”

He added: “We anticipate that the increased numbers of fulland part-time learners and apprentices will continue, further increasing our ability to provide life-changing opportunities and careers for our learners.

“From our work with our business community, we know that the number of degree apprentices and other universitylevel students will continue to grow strongly, supporting local industry to succeed with amazing people, providing the higher skills and knowledge that underpin both success and prosperity.”

Tim Chell, regional director at the project’s main contractor, BAM, said: “We’re proud to support Yeovil College and the Department for Education on this transformative project, which will benefit both current and future learners.

- 1:30pm info@acnorthdorset.org.uk

The college said the technical construction area will address skills gaps in the construction industry with a variety of workshops housing the latest technology and machinery to provide students with hands-on experience.

The sports centre will be equipped with advanced training equipment, a cutting-edge gym as well as versatile fields and pitches.

Mark Bolton, chief executive and principal at Yeovil College, said the investment provides a once in a lifetime opportunity and can be transformational for Yeovil.

“It will accelerate and widen the impact of our work, in our mission to create life-changing opportunities,” he said.

“Over the next four years, we’ll generate more than £15m in local social economic value by creating local jobs, apprenticeships and providing supported learning experiences for students, all while working closely with local businesses and the wider community.

“We will maximise the positive impact of this project, helping to drive growth and prosperity in Yeovil and beyond.”

Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “Leonardo welcomes the news that Yeovil College has secured the ‘Big Build’ investment for its campus.

“Investing in the redevelopment of the college will not only enhance the educational experience for the students, who include many Leonardo trainees, it will also serve as a cornerstone for economic growth and the development of future skills within our community.”

Mark Bolton, principal and chief executive of Yeovil College, and Adam Dance MP, at the ‘groundbreaking’ event PHOTO: Yeovil College

Vale village remembers the Fallen

TO mark the 110th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, Okeford Fitzpaine Local History Group has installed a memorial at the approach to the village in Castle Lane next to the recreation ground.

During Great War the graves of the Fallen were initially marked with white wooden crosses.

Later on, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission consolidated the cemeteries and erected Portland stone headstones.

The display in Castle Lane emulates those first crosses with a cross to each man from the village who lost his life in the two world wars.

The Village Museum has a display on the village war dead, and St Andrew’s church has a cascade of poppies falling from its tower.

In 2014, Local History Group chair, Andrew Vickers, researched the lives and deaths of each man and produced a book called The Butterboys In Battle

The principal employer in the village at the time of the Great War was Hill View Dairies and new employees would start their career as ‘Butterboys’.

The name was taken up by Okeford United Football Club, a nickname by which they are

still known today.

The memorial to the fallen Butterboys, alongside the playing field on which the present day Butterboys, makes a fitting location.

Each cross bears the name of the fallen serviceman together with a photograph to put a face to the name.

Although there are photographs of most of the 19 men, Andrew is still short of pictures of Samuel Fox, Maurice Miller, Howard Ridout,

If any New Blackmore

readers have a photo of any of these men, please get in touch with Andrew at ajvickers@ outlook.com

John Warr, William Kendal Clarke and Charles Ricketts.

Vale

The crosses carry the names of 19 men who died in two world wars

The cascade of poppies on St Andrew’s church

Seven marathons in seven days: Pair’s mission for good cause

TWO men whose families have been touched by cancer are to run seven back-to-back marathons in seven days for a Dorset charity.

Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash will run a total of 183.4 miles next March to raise funds for The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Their quest will begin on Monday, March 10, at Sandbanks in Poole and crisscross the county, taking in towns including Dorchester, Wareham and Sturminster Newton, before finishing on Sunday, March 16, at Bournemouth Pier.

The duo hope to raise more than £20,000 through their efforts.

The DCCF provides muchneeded financial assistance to Dorset residents and their families who suffer financial hardship due to cancer.

Chris Helberg said: “Many people in my family have been affected by cancer. My mum, Eve Went, who is a co-founder of the DCCF, has been through cancer three times.

“She helped set up the charity

to help Dorset families suffering intense financial hardship because of the disease.

“I’m constantly amazed by the difference the DCCF makes to so many lives, whether it be covering the cost of a mortgage or rent repayment, or transport to and from hospital.

“My friend Chris and I decided we wanted to do something to help the work of the DCCF.

“Completing this challenge won’t beat cancer, but if we can make a small difference, it’s absolutely worth doing.”

He added: “Training for the challenge is incredibly difficult, but the thought of raising as much money as possible for those who are suffering, pushes us to keep going.

“At the moment, we are finalising our routes and the logistics of the event, but we have launched our JustGiving page, and the money is already coming in, which is incredibly encouraging.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.”

Friends Chris Bryer-Ash and Chris Helberg are hoping to raise £20,000 for The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

Chris Bryer-Ash added: “The training regime has started, and we are excited to be doing this.

“We hope even more people will come forward and sponsor us, knowing that every penny we raise will go straight to families here in Dorset who are struggling because of a cancer diagnosis.”

Eve Went, mother of Chris Helberg, said: “My first reaction when the boys said what they were planning was one of concern – running seven consecutive marathons in seven days is a feat of endurance for anyone.

“But knowing them both as I do, I have no doubt of their determination, and I am immensely proud and excited to see them achieve this for the

DCCF and the local families we help.”

She added: “The increase in the cost of living means that the work of the DCCF has never been so vital in helping local families going through cancer.

“We have given over £750k in non-returnable grants since we started fundraising 10 years ago, but the number of applications for our help are increasing every year.

“We hope people will get behind what the boys are attempting and support them by making any donation they can.”

The runners’ progress can be followed on Instagram at @7marathons7days_

To sponsor this marathon effort, visit www.justgiving.com/ page/super-seven-dccf.

Meet the Maker date at the Mill

THE president of Walford Mill Education Trust will talk about the early days and growth of his business in a talk at the mill later this month.

Simon Pirie, a designer and maker of contemporary furniture, interiors and public art commissions, will be giving the talk as part of the mill’s new Meet the Maker programme supported by Dorset Council.

Simon Pirie

He will offer a behind-thescenes look at his creative process, inspiration and stories relating to some of his unique pieces.

Simon has had a long association with Walford Mill, having first exhibited in 1998, and becoming its chair for nearly a decade until 2010.

Jeanette Hinton, Walford Mill trustee and organiser, said: “Everyone is welcome to find out more about what it means to be a contemporary craft professional.

“Simon will take us through

his business journey from early days to the present.”

The event is set against the Christmas backdrop of Handmade Wimborne’s Festive Craft Showcase.

The talk on Friday, November 29, at 6pm is free admission but pre-booking with Eventbrite is necessary –visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/ meet-the-maker-simon-pirietickets-1037871019157

Melody of moonlight

EASY listening Victorian style is on the menu at the Bow Room at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.

Richard Hall, Gareth Jones and Clara Pears will present Melody of Moonlight at a meeting of the Blackmore Vale Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.

The Smith family were at the centre of music making in 19th century Dorchester –teaching, composing and performing.

Visitors will be able to learn about their story through piano solos, duets and settings of humorous dialect verse by their good friend, William Barnes.

The event, presented with Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust, is on Wednesday, November 20, at 7.30pm and entry is £4.

Hot and cold drinks will be available at the bar.

Pantomime production

MERE Amateur Dramatic Society’s autumn production will be Eric Kincaid’s Alice in Blunderland.

It will be staged on the last weekend of November and tickets priced £10 adults and £3 children are available on 01747 861257 or 07539 3299798, and by email from pennyallen@ hotmail.co.uk.

Morris money

DORSET Button Morris has presented a cheque for £850 to Wessex Cardiac Trust.

The money was collected during the summer dancing around Dorset.

Mathew Cornick, from the Trust, is pictured with many of the group’s dancers. The Trust supports Heartbeat House in Southampton, which offers accommodation to relatives of cardiac surgery patients in Southampton Hospital.

A spokesperson for Dorset Button Morris said: “We thank everyone who donated during our dancing.”

Popular cafe shuts up shop

THE popular Yellow Bicycle Café in Blandford is to close after more than a decade serving hungry visitors.

The Salisbury Street eatery has shut up shop as owner, Steve Bell, recovers from a recent illness.

He said he had been putting off announcing the closure as it is ‘a hard notice to post’.

“Unfortunately – as some of you may have guessed – I’ve had to make the unbelievably tough decision to close the cafe after 10 and a half years,” he said.

“I’m recovering well from my illness, but a combination of the time we’ve had to be closed and making sure I put my health first for once, has left me with no choice.”

Steve said he had no plans for future, other than ‘returning to full fitness’.

“I can’t really put into words my gratitude for the support from you our customers, Blandford as a whole, our suppliers and, of course, all the wonderful staff it’s been a joy to work with since we first opened our doors way back in 2014,” he added.

“At present I don’t know what I’m doing next other than returning to full fitness.

“Thank you for being part of the most incredible time at the Yellow Bicycle.”

Customers reacted with sadness to the news.

One said: “You and the

Yellow Bicycle will be very much missed – have always had the best food with you.

“Take care and I hope you recover fully before too long. Thank you for all your wonderful hard work and great food.”

And another added: “So sorry to hear this Steve. I wish you the best in your recovery and your future.

“Thank you for being a great

business in town and providing us with lovely food and happy times.”

Over the years, the Yellow Bicycle Café has been nominated for a number of awards and recognised by a variety of prestigious organisations, including the National Breakfast and Brunch Awards, and the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.

The Yellow Bicycle Cafe in Blandford PHOTO: Google

BLACK

BOURTON’S Halloween Fun Dog Show was well supported by local people and the wider community, said organiser Barbara Borwell.

More than 40 dogs were Dog show fun

Celebrate Christmas in Style at Bryanston

Looking for a stunning venue to host your Christmas party this year? Look no further than Bryanston School!

Set in beautiful Dorset countryside just outside Blandford Forum, our unique and elegant Grade I listed venue offers the perfect backdrop for a magical festive celebration. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a gathering with friends, or a special family get-together, Bryanston has everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

We can accommodate parties of all sizes, and our dedicated events team will work closely with you to bring your festive vision to life. Enjoy delicious seasonal menus crafted by our talented chefs, featuring the finest locally sourced ingredients, a well-stocked bar, and a DJ and dancing in the historic surroundings of Bryanston House.

With stunning decorations and atmospheric lighting, our Christmas parties are designed to make your celebrations truly special.

Choose Bryanston for a stress-free, Christmas party night to remember!

For more information and to secure your date, visit bryanston.co.uk/ christmas-parties or contact our events team on tickets@bryanston.co.uk or 01258 484677 (office hours).

Book takes quirks and all look at town’s past

BRIDPORT Museum has published a book celebrating the quirky, the amusing and the downright odd episodes in the town’s history.

The book, Quirky Bridport, containing 80 illustrated stories about Bridport and nearby villages, was launched at an event at the museum with the support of Bridport 24 – Town of Culture.

Mayor, Anne Rickard, museum trustees and volunteers, and many others who had supported the project’s Crowdfunder campaign, or provided photos or other help, attended the launch.

The author, Tegwyn Jones, a volunteer at the museum, described how he had collected stories for Quirky Bridport largely from museum archives and prepared them for publication.

Stories about people like Antarctic explorer Albert Balson; Walter Powell, the ballooning MP; Ethelbert Holborow, the DIY sailor; and events such as an exorcism of the A35, a tsunami in 1755 and

the Hat Festival.

Each episode is illustrated by a photo or contemporary picture.

Tegwyn said: “It’s been a fascinating exercise, inspired by a similar book on offbeat Paris.

“I found plenty of great stories in the museum archives, the library and local papers –many more than I needed for this book.

“Bridport has a seemingly endless capacity to produce

Mayor supports Poppy Appeal

THE Mayor helped officially launch this year’s Poppy Appeal in Wimborne when he purchased the first poppy.

The event in the Town Square also saw a cry by the Mayor’s Sergeant and a trumpet call – and a display of vehicles by the

wonderful characters and quirky events.

“In the end, I had to cut the number of stories down to fit into a paperback.”

He added: “Last year, the museum’s booklet on Boozy Bridport was so popular that we had to print a new edition.

“Encouraged by this, and the amount of material that was coming to light, I felt that a book on Quirky Bridport might be really interesting for locals and visitors alike.

“The sales of the book will provide some useful income for the museum.”

Emma Squire, chair of museum trustees, said: “Like all museums, we are always looking at new ways to engage with local people and visitors about the heritage of the town and our area.

“This book, Quirky Bridport, is part of that effort.

“This launch is at an ideal time, hopefully it will appeal to the Christmas gift market.

“It’s a great way to support the museum and find out more about the town’s fascinating history.”

• Quirky Bridport is available from the shop in Bridport Museum in South Street and it is hoped it will be stocked by other shops in the town in due course.

Book launch attendees in front of Bridport Museum in South Street.

PHOTO: Jim Binning

Book cover featuring the Hat Festival PHOTO: Neil Barnes

Albert Balson serves cocoa to his crewmate aboard the Terra Nova in Antarctica

Dorset Historic Vehicles Trust.

Royal British Legion (RBL) branch president David Hoyle

and Wimborne RBL Poppy Appeal organiser Dave Keig welcomed the Mayor. PHOTOS: Gary Mason

Ready, steady...

It’s the Great Santa Run!

CHRISTMAS-THEMED fancy dress will be the order of the day when about 400 entrants take part in this year’s Great Motcombe Santa Run.

The event, a fundraiser for Motcombe Primary School, will see participants run, walk and roll the 3km course around the village.

The Santa Run, now in its sixth year, attracts entrants and supporters from near and far, and sees serious competition at the front!

Event organisers, parent volunteers from the school, have again included a wheelchair category in the run.

Wheelchair participants, wheelchair users who need to be assisted or pushed, and

participants who need a guide or support runner are all welcome to take part.

Both Motcombe Memorial Hall, where the race starts and finishes, and the course are wheelchair accessible.

The Great Motcombe Santa Run is on Sunday, December 1, and lots of festive fun will be on offer at the hall from 9.30am with the run starting at 10am.

All money raised from the event goes to Motcombe Primary School and will help fund projects such as new play equipment, a forest school and the spiritual garden.

Before the run begins, Miss Kendrick, head of school at Motcombe Primary, will be do a fun warm-up, designed to

Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

elevate the heart rate and get all participants ready for the run.

For more information and to

book places, visit www. thegreatmotcombesantarun. co.uk

Learn something new

HAVE you ever wanted to learn how to knit, work with wood or make your own cards? Or wondered how to create a fishing fly, wax a jacket or plait your hair?

The talented craftspeople of Mere can help with the third Creative Mere weekend offering the chance to learn a new hobby or master a new skill.

Pop into the Grove Building (BA12 6DS) or Mere Lecture Hall (BA12 6HF) on Saturday, November 16, between 10.30am and 5pm, and on Sunday, November 17, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Youngsters get ready to race at Motcombe last year

School supports town food bank

PUPILS at Bryanston School, along with parents and staff in the community, have collected the ingredients for more than 100 recipe bags for Blandford Food Bank.

The bags contained the ingredients for families to make nutritious home-cooked meals like cottage pie and pasta bake.

Bryanston Prep also recently supported the food bank with donations to its Harvest Festival Service, held at St Martin’s Church and led by school Chaplain, Revd. Davis.

Bryanston’s head of charities

and community engagement, Doc Fearnley, said: “Humanity and a sense of community is at the heart of what we do at Bryanston.

“Our pupils are aware of the struggles faced by many people in our local area and understand the importance of coming together to offer support and help in any way they can.”

Prep School families have also recently given children’s coats and pyjamas to the clothes bank at The Centre in Ferndown, which is linked to Wimborne Food Bank.

Meet the local PCSO

A PCSO from the neighbourhood policing team will be at Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall on Tuesday, November 19, at 10.30am. Local people can go along to the drop-in style event to raise any issues of concern.

Carols by candlelight

CAROLS by Candlelight at Sturminster Mill will be held courtesy of Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust. The Revd Mary Gubbins, from St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton, will lead the event on Wednesday, December 4, from 7-pm.

SHAFTESBURY VALUATION DAY

Bryanston pupils with Doc Fearnley, the school’s head of charities and community engagement

Awards set to honour one of Dorset’s own

DORSET-BORN musician, composer, poet and songwriter PJ Harvey is to be honoured with a special award for her Contribution to Dorset Music at the Original Music Awards at Lighthouse Poole in the New Year.

She has consistently drawn on her Dorset roots, from the gutsy songs of her 1992 debut album Dry, through the Mercury Prize-winning Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000) and Let England Shake (2011), to last year’s I Inside the Old Year Dying

In 2022, she published her verse novel Orlam, the first substantial work written in the Dorset dialect for decades.

Polly Harvey grew up on a farm near Corscombe and cut

her musical teeth playing pub back rooms and get togethers in West Dorset before joining Bristol-based band Automatic Dlamini.

That led on to her forming her own band in 1991 and moving to London where their first demo tape attracted the attention of John Peel, the music press and record labels.

Announcing the award, the Original Music Awards (OMAs) panel 2024 said: “We are recognising PJ Harvey with this award, not because of her notable successes, but because Dorset has always remained at the heart of her work.

“Whether it be using soundscapes of Dorset in her creations or writing poetry in the Dorset dialect, it’s very clear

that she has always remained true to her roots. What we want to celebrate is the inspiration this brings to grass roots Dorset musicians, particularly the younger generation.

“That in this day and age of streaming music to the masses, as a songwriter and composer you should never be afraid to be experimental, to try new things and continue to discover where your voice and writing can take

you.

“This award is for her often unseen or overlooked contribution to the music scene, but one that we think is highly important to recognise and should indeed be celebrated.”

The annual Original Music Awards being staged on Friday, January 17, celebrate original music talent and the creative services that support it in Dorset.

Specialist wing designed to cater for residents with advanced stage dementia

Garden View at Bramley House in Mere is our exclusive, intimate wing offering unparalleled, personalised care for residents with advanced-stage dementia. Garden View provides a rare opportunity for personalised, high-quality care in a serene and controlled environment. This exclusivity ensures that each resident receives the utmost attention and bespoke care, tailored to their unique needs.

Why choose Garden View

PJ Harvey: Original Music Awards accolade PHOTO: Steve Gullick

Crime in Dorset: What the statistics say

DORSET remains one of the safest places in England to live, according to new statistics, following a decrease in crime.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows Dorset is one of the country's 10 safest areas.

In the 12 months from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, overall crime in the county fell by 2.3%.

The number of rape offences decreased by 12.6%, compared to a 1.9% average increase seen elsewhere across the country.

Reports of stalking and harassment continued to fall, in this period by 8.1%, compared to a previous decrease of 2.9%.

The county also saw a reduction in violence against the person offences of 4.5%, just under the national average drop of 5.4%.

Racially or religiously aggravated offences decreased 2.3% in Dorset but rose nationally by 6.5%.

Deputy Chief Constable,

Rachel Farrell, said: “I am pleased to see that crime in Dorset has continued to fall, keeping the county one of the safest areas to live, work and visit.

“We are committed to our vision of being the safest county and remain steadfast in our relentless pursuit of criminals who cause harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.”

But she did highlight an increase in some crime rated, like in other parts of the country.

She said: “Unfortunately, residential burglary has risen by 8.6%, while shoplifting has increased by 19.2%.

“Even though this rise is well below the national increase of 28.2%, I acknowledge the impact these offences have on our business communities.

“We can attribute some of the increase in shoplifting reporting to our Operation Shopkeeper initiative, which is our approach

to supporting retailers who are the victims of these offences.”

The Deputy Chief Constable also said that there had been a

reduction in robbery, with a decrease of 12.6% in Dorset compared to a national increase of 6.3%.

King Henry’s art

KING and Collector: The Art of Henry VIII is the title of Siobhan Clarke’s forthcoming lecture to the Arts Society Mid Somerset charity at Castle Cary.

The king is less famous for his arts patronage than his personal life, but the works he commissioned enriched the Tudor Court and laid the foundation for the Royal Collection. The lecture is at the Caryford Hall, Ansford, on Tuesday, November 19, at 11am.

Entry is free for members and £7 for visitors. Tea and coffee from 10.15am.

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Pumpkin designs impress judges

HINDON’S annual Halloween pumpkin competition was a ‘spooktacular’ success, showcasing the village’s creativity and community spirit.

The annual event drew participants of all ages and pumpkins were displayed on doorsteps in a hauntingly beautiful display of creative carving talent.

Hindon’s Wizard and Wicked Witch made their annual appearance touring the village after dark to judge the pumpkins and were impressed with the standard.

“The creativity we’ve seen this year has been truly inspiring,” they said.

“From classic Halloween themes to completely original designs, the residents of Hindon

have once again raised the bar with the standard of entries getting higher every year.”

The winning pumpkins this year included a creative Stonehenge design in the adult/ family section, and a howling wolf in the children’s section.

Runners-up prizes were also awarded, and all entrants received a spooky goodie bag.

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Hindon’s Wizard and Wicked Witch and (inset) the Stonehenge pumpkin

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OUR LIVES, OUR WAY: Making our dream retirement a reality.

The rising cost of living and future uncertainty can be daunting. Retirement living experts, Platinum Skies, make the dream of a fulfilling retirement more attainable than ever with easy, low-cost living.

Ian is enjoying the next chapter of his life with new like-minded friends. Ian downsized from a four-bedroom family home following the death of his beloved wife.

“One of the features that attracted me to Platinum Skies was its flexible purchase options. It allows you to buy an apartment that you wouldn’t be able to afford normally. The Shared Ownership Scheme releases equity in your house, which gives you options for the future - whether you want to give it to your children or go on a world cruise! You have that flexibility.

With the money released from my previous house, I’ve invested it for my children. Hopefully, the savings will grow and become their inheritance.”

Jill has rheumatoid arthritis and uses a powered wheelchair outside the home. She lived in a 3-bedroom house that she was finding increasingly harder to look after.

“Platinum Skies gave me the ability to move before my house completed with the part exchange scheme. There was help with solicitors and estate agents and all the financial side of things. They also arranged for me to have help from Senior Move, who helped me downsize and declutter, pack and unpack.

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Thank you to everybody, the homeowners and the Platinum Skies staff, because coming in as a single person can be quite daunting. However, it was so lovely to be welcomed right from day one.”

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Bryanston’s unsung heroes in spotlight

SUPPORT staff at Bryanston School and Bryanston Prep, near Blandford Forum, took a turn in the spotlight at the BRYte Lights awards dinner.

The BRYte Lights initiative, launched in 2021, is designed to recognise staff who go the extra mile.

The two schools have a team of about 500 support staff.

Security guard, Arthur Buchan, was confirmed as the winner from a list of nine finalists at the dinner held at the senior school.

Arthur said: “Having worked here for just over 12 years, I am honoured to have received this award from my colleagues.

“One of the things I enjoy most about working at

Bryanston is watching how staff, both academic and support, interact with the pupils.

“I believe it is this interaction that allows our pupils to feel at ease and enjoy the unique environment in which they are educated.

“I also love speaking with members of the public when I am out and about patrolling the site, as they always comment on how lovely the grounds are.

“No matter what the season, you see what a wonderful job the grounds team do, and I really do appreciate how lucky we are to work in such a wonderful environment.”

Arthur’s responsibilities include overseeing the

maintenance and operation of CCTV and access control systems, ensuring effective communication within the security department, assisting the head of security in implementing the school’s security strategy and helping to promote a security awareness culture within the school community.

Nominations for the 2024 BRYte Lights awards were received from all departments in the schools including estates, housekeeping, catering, medical, academic support and

administration, and the judging panel comprised a diverse cross-section of support staff.

Finalists for 2024 included Matt Chambers (assistant network manager – IT), Lisa Daniels (matron – Allan House), Hilary Emerson (school shop assistant), Louise Redfern (data protection and compliance officer), Tom Matthews (groundsman), Simon Parker (senior theatre technician –Coade Hall), Graham Haigh (exam invigilator and driver) and Rodney Ayres (facilities operative).

In the picture (from left) Louise Redfern, Simon Parker, Hilary Emerson, Graham Haigh, Lisa Daniels, Matt Chambers, Arthur Buchan and Tom Matthews

Preparing your child for the journey ahead

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Based in the heart of Salisbury, August Motors is a family run business that has been in the motor trade since 1971. Part of the Balmer Lawn Group covering Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, they are committed to building long-term relationships with their customers and providing a high-quality product and service.

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Couple whose ‘world fell apart’ raise £23,000 for hospital

supported by the Stars Appeal Benson Suite after the loss of their baby son and daughter have raised more than £23,000 for the Salisbury District Hospital charity.

Neal Riley and his wife Els lost their son Oscar at 31 weeks in January 2023.

The couple’s “world fell apart again” in November of that year when they lost their daughter Sophie at 35 weeks.

The Benson Suite within the Maternity Department at the hospital provides a dedicated, private space where families who experience the death of a baby at birth can be cared for

with their baby, away from the labour ward.

The specialist suite helps ensure the time these families are able to spend with their baby is as precious, dignified and personal as possible.

Neal and Els, with the support of friends and family, have been raising money over the last 18 months.

Neal and his friends took on a 100-hole golf challenge in June at Rushmore Golf Club, which raised more than £16,000.

The challenge, which started at 4.20am, took over 16 hours to complete and saw the team walk over 30 miles.

They previously completed a 72-hole golf fundraiser, raising more than £4,500.

Since January 2023, £23,512 has been raised for the Benson Suite in memory of Oscar and Sophie.

Neal said: “I’m immensely proud of the team and the amount of money we have raised for a charity that is so close to our hearts. The day was a massive success, lots of people turned up to welcome us home.

“We all had a few aching

bones on the Monday morning after the golf marathon. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”

Speaking of the support they received at the Benson Suite and from the Stars Appeal bereavement midwife, Neal and Els said: “The Benson Suite provided a space where we could process the tragedy and come to terms with losing Oscar and Sophie.

“The staff were incredible, supporting us throughout and making us feel at ease.”

Wreath making

THE SERO charity, which raises money for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and local good causes, is holding Christmas wreath making sessions at Hazelbury Bryan Village Hall.

The event is on Friday, December 6, with sessions in the morning and afternoon limited to 15 places in each.

Refreshments and a light lunch are included, along with everything needed to create a festive decoration.

The cost is £35 – email serocharity@gmail.com, to book and for further information.

Christmas lights

A FUN-FILLED day for the whole family is promised when Wimborne stages its annual Christmas lights switch-on in the town square and Christmas market in High Street car park.

The event on Saturday, November 30, will feature a line-up of free entertainment from local performers, with the lights being switched on at 4.30pm, followed by carol singing by the Minster Choir.

Wimborne Militia will fire muskets on the Minster Green at about 5.15pm.

Neal and Els Riley present the funds raised for the Benson Suite to midwife Maria Bartlett

Speaker: Silas Hedley-Lawrence

Tim Williams Holly Purdey

Martin Lines

Tickets on sale now for new-look festive trail at Stourhead

The National Trust’s Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of its glittering Christmas light trail between Friday, November 29 and Wednesday, January 1.

This magical meander through Stourhead’s unique gardens, deep in the heart of Wiltshire, will be filled with larger-than-life illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We have a brand new route and installations for 2024 so those people whom we welcomed to the trail last year can enjoy a unique experience which is sure to mesmerise families, friends and loved ones.”

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Stourhead has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.

Discover hundreds of colour-changing lights stretching out into the distance across the lake, huge feathers floating high into the night sky, a sparkling tunnel of light and illuminations that fill the air with all the colours of the rainbow.

Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special.

Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.

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Christmas at Stourhead is brought to you by Sony Music in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.

What: Christmas at Stourhead - The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens

When: From December 1-31. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm.

Why Visit: Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Stourhead.

Admission: Off-peak: Adult £15, Child £10 (Age 3-16); Family £47 (2 adults + 2 children). Standard: Adult £22.50, Child £16, Family £74. Peak: Adult £24, Child £18, Family £80. Parking £8 per car.

Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Tickets can be booked at: www.christmasatstourhead.co.uk

Christmas Cathedral by Mandylights, My Christmas Trails 2023. Photo © Sony Music

Light as a Feather by Pyrite Creative, My Christmas Trails 2023. Photo © Sony Music

On the Tide, My Christmas Trails 2023.Photo © Sony Music

Our loose Canon

Why looking forward is more important than looking back

by Canon Eric Woods

BEFORE our new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa (21-26 October) he insisted that “reparations” for the UK’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade would not be on the agenda. I remember grumbling to myself, “That’s what he thinks”. And I was right.

Large chunks of the Commonwealth have sensed that the time might be right to insist on financial compensation for that horrible trade. They suspect that a Labour government will be more likely to give in to their demands. Once again, as I so often have to say in these columns, I don’t want to get involved in party politics. But as someone who has lectured in both history and ethics at university level, I would like to make the following observations.

First, it is not at all clear that the descendants of those who have committed crimes – even crimes against humanity – should be held responsible for the deeds of their ancestors. The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed by Parliament in 1807 – outlawing the actual trade in slaves – and the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1833, freeing every slave on British territory. No doubt there were infringements, but should we in the UK be held responsible for what some of our forefathers did two hundred and more years ago?

If so, what about British men, women and children captured as slaves during the Roman occupation of Britain. Should we send a bill to Italy? Or perhaps Israel should, for all the enslaved Jews used to build the Colosseum? Or Greece to Turkey, for centuries of enslavement by the Ottomans?

Second, nothing is being said about the tribal chieftains, especially in West Africa, who were only too pleased to sell members of enemy tribes to slave traders coming from Britain. More bills, perhaps, for Nigeria and the rest of West Africa?

Third, what about the regular practice of north African states to send ships to southern England, Wales and southern Ireland to capture white men, women and children to serve as slaves in modernday Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and so on? It is reckoned that between 1 million and 1.2 million Europeans were captured by Barbary pirates and sold as slaves in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire between the 16th and 19th centuries. More claims for reparation? Meanwhile, on the east coast of Africa, Arab slavers were busy buying – again, usually from tribal chiefs – thousands of native Africans to be sold into slavery in Arabia. There is a very moving memorial to slaves outside the Anglican cathedral in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar (pictured). This time the bill for reparations should go to Oman, perhaps. I doubt they would even notice it. Nor would the Americans, who were still sending slave ships all the way to East Africa long after the trade was banned in Britain. It’s a mess. History always is. We need to look forward to discover how to end 21st century slavery. It still exists. It’s time to end it.

‘Candles on the Green’ Returns to Wimborne for a Night of Reflection and Community Spirit

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is excited to announce the return of their poignant event, ‘Candles on the Green’, set to illuminate Wimborne Minster on Saturday, 16 November from 6pm to 8pm. This enchanting event invites the community to come together to celebrate, remember, and reflect on their loved ones.

Attendees can dedicate a message on a candle, which will be displayed on the Green adjacent to Wimborne Minster, creating a magical spectacle. The evening will begin with the Boscombe Salvation Army Band, who will set a reflective and heartwarming ambiance with their performance outside the Minster. Inside, the local choir Cantilena Voices and the popular Rock Choir will provide additional musical delight, enhancing the event’s uplifting atmosphere.

A suggested donation of £6 per candle will help fund Lewis-Manning’s Bereavement and Family Support services, ensuring that essential support continues to be available to those in need within the community.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Events Fundraiser, Anna DuRose, shared her enthusiasm, “We are delighted to bring this magical event back to Wimborne for its second year. It offers a wonderful opportunity for the local community to reflect, celebrate, and remember their loved ones while supporting our vital Bereavement and Family Support services.

“Special thanks to our headline sponsor, Care South, for their continuous support of our Candles events and also sponsors Douch & Small Funeral Directors and MJP Law. We’d like to express our appreciation too to The Rock Choir, Cantilena Voices and The Salvation Army Band for their brilliant support of this event.”

Anyone wishing to take part is urged to pre order a candle at https://lewis-manning.org.uk/candles/ Candles will also be available to purchase on the evening of the event.

10 years of all singing, all dancing academy

THE Performing Arts Theatre Academy in Blandford Forum is celebrating its 10th birthday.

The academy, set up in November 2014 with just 20 pupils, taught acting, musical theatre and singing from the Parish Centre in the middle of town.

The academy now has its own studios in the Grainstore complex in Shaftesbury Lane, after moving there in 2019, and has more than 100 pupils learning ballet, tap, jazz, acro, musical theatre, acting and singing.

The academy has performed in local community and charity events and produced four musicals, raising more than £1,500 for local charities Mosaic, Teddy 20 and Dorset Mind.

Principal and founder,

Pupils at the Performing Arts Theatre Academy in Blandford learn ballet, tap, jazz, acro, musical theatre, acting and singing

Rebecca Hollands, said: “We believe it is incredibly important to give back to and support our local community, and each production we choose a new charity to support that has a connection to us.”

Pupils have excelled in examinations across all the disciplines and attended workshops, theatres and dance conventions to broaden their performance experience.

Past pupils have gone on to performing arts colleges and to

jobs in the industry.

“We are very proud of our alumni and cannot wait to see what all our pupils go on to succeed with,” added Rebecca.

“Some have been with us since reception age and so it has been a pleasure to watch them grow up and develop into these wonderful young adults.”

The academy hopes to continue to grow and support more local schools and events in the area and raise more money for charity.

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Cartons and Foil now accepted in your kerbside recycling collection

Food and drink cartons, as well as foil trays and sheet foil, can now be placed in your household recycling bin for collection.

Cartons have been difficult to recycle in the past as they are similar to cardboard when sorting mechanically but contain foil/plastic. Our sorting facility partners are now able to separate these cartons for recycling, which we hope residents will find more convenient than the banks in car parks.

We now accept empty food cartons and drinks cartons (e.g. soup, milk, juice etc.) in your recycling bin or box.

We will also accept cardboard tubeshaped containers (e.g. curved crisps, hot chocolate, gravy granules).

Just make sure they’re completely empty, flatten them, and pop the lids back on (if possible) before placing in your recycling bin.

We now accept the following foil items in your recycling bin or box:

• Foil containers (e.g. pie trays, takeaway dishes)

• Foil sheets (e.g. to cover food or wrap sandwiches)

• Confectionary foil wrappings (e.g. Easter eggs, inner wrappings of chocolate bars)

• Foil lids (e.g. yoghurts, noodles)

Please rinse foil trays and wipe sheet foil clean if possible. Sheet foil or wrappers should be scrunched into a ball roughly the size of a tennis ball before placing in your recycling bin. If it does not scrunch, it’s not the kind of foil that we can recycle.

Some items that look like foil (e.g. crisp packets, sweet/biscuit/chocolate bar wrappers, pet food pouches etc.) are joined with plastic or paper and cannot go in your recycling bin.

Residents create Remembrance poppy tribute

HOMEOWNERS at Mulberry House in Sherborne joined forces to create a Remembrance Day tribute.

Resident Avril Druce came up with the idea of wrapping a tree at the Platinum Skies over-55s retirement village in poppies eight months ago. She found a pattern and ladies in the Friday morning craft group and volunteer knitters offered to knit or crochet poppies.

Homeowners made donations towards the cost of wool and other materials, and about 1,400 poppies were made.

The estate manager and two of the contract gardeners from Averys attached the finished project to the tree trunk.

Any donations will go to the British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Gift to Brownies

MERE Art Group member Aubrey Coleman donated this fun Halloween painting to be raffled for Mere Brownies.

Mere Girlguiding is made up of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and has more than 40 members from Mere and further afield.

Picture by Tor ‘Sparkle Owl’, text by George Jeans

WI flies the flag

WOMEN from all over the county came together for Dorset Federation of Women’s Institute’s annual meeting at Lighthouse Poole.

Delegates from the organisation’s 79 institutes representing more than 3,000 members were entertained by Jan McNeil, a cruise ship entertainer, and Christian Ørner, a private chef and chocolatier.

A parade of banners made a powerful statement about the range of institutes, their history and local landmarks.

Stalls selling local crafts provided some retail therapy.

The Events team offered

opportunities for canoeing, axe throwing, holidays, shopping trips, garden visits, literary lunches and a skittles league.

The Membership and Support team offered ideas on planning programmes, setting up new WIs and training programmes for volunteers.

The Sustainable Living group showed its plans for local projects, including a refurbished sofa with recycled materials.

If you would like to know more about the Women’s Institute in Dorset, visit www.Dorsetwi.org, email federationsecretary@dorsetwi. org or call 01305 266366.

Cat charity Christmas

SAM'S Stray Cat Rescue in Wincanton is holding a fundraising coffee morning next weekend.

The event, in aid of local cat rescue and rehoming, includes a cake sale, Christmas decorations, presents and bric-a-brac.

The event is at Unit 14 Bennetts Field Trading Estate, Wincanton (BA9 9TD) on Sunday, November 17, from 10.30am-1.30pm. For more info call 07761 573444.

Festive flowers

CHRISTMAS is coming for Shaftesbury Flower Arranging Group with its Christmas open meeting at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

The demonstrator is Tracey Griffin, a florist and NAFAS national demonstrator. She will create about seven floral designs with a winter/Christmas theme.

The meeting is on Monday, November 18, and doors open at 6.30pm for a glass of wine and a chance to buy from the sales table, with the demo starting at 7.30pm.

International flavour

THE award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis and his trio are celebrating 18 years of touring with a new concert programme, Pictures at an Exhibition. That premiered at The Queen’s Hall in March and is coming to Piddletrenthide and Winfrith next month as part of Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach’s autumn programme.

The trio, completed by Nigel Clark on guitar and Roy Percy on double bass, combine virtuosity and improvisation with a varied repertoire sourced from classical music, gypsy jazz and folk.

This year sees the 150th anniversary of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and in celebration of the anniversary, the trio are presenting a new version.

Original movements, Promenade, Baba Yaga, The Old Castle and more are reinvented, and Kliphuis has composed new musical representations of famous paintings

like Klimt’s The Kiss, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Hokusai’s Great Wave and O’Keeffe’s Ritz Tower

Music associated with Django Reinhardt will form the second half of the concerts, including pieces by Hoagy Carmichael and Tim himself.

The Tim Kliphuis Trio are at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 12, at 7.30pm, and St Christopher’s Church, Winfrith, on Wednesday, November 13, at 7.30pm.

Full details and tickets can also be found online at www.artsreach.co.uk

The club usually meets on the third Monday of the month at Shaftesbury Town Hall and arranges a mixture of demonstrations and workshops with an outing in June, Afternoon Tea in August and ‘something’ in December.

For more information about the club, contact Liz Newton on 01747 838481 or email her at newtonliz818@gmail.com

For tickets for the November demonstration, contact Liz Flower on 01747 840074 or email lizmflower@gmail.com

The show must go on

WESTLANDS Entertainment Venue is offering more than 600 tickets at just £3 to individuals on low incomes who would like to see a show.

The Accessible Ticket Scheme launched this month in partnership with the Abri Housing Group.

Arts & Entertainment venues manager, Adam Burgan, said: “We are proud to offer a range of pricing schemes and even prouder to be introducing our Accessible Ticket Scheme at a time when rising prices and the cost-of-living crisis are impacting the communities we serve.

“We are delighted to make theatre more affordable and to share the magic and joy of live entertainment with as many people as possible.”

The scheme has been made possible thanks to the Octagon Theatre becoming an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and being awarded £760,000 to support arts and cultural activities in Somerset from 2023-26.

Gardeners’ meeting

SOME 40 members and friends attended Wimborne Gardening Club’s October meeting.

A report of the year’s activities was given, along with the current state of the finances.

At the end of September, a healthy balance of £2,400 was in the account.

In the elections, Martin Stewart continued as club president with Pam Chamberlain carrying on as honorary secretary and Anthony

Oliver as honorary treasurer.

Jane Green remained a member of the planning group with three new volunteers, Jane Jackson, Tim Jones and Sarah Cheney.

Membership subscriptions for the new year, at £12 a year, were due and several members renewed while others joined.

An illustrated talk by Jane Green, entitled My Really Rewarding Allotment Experience, followed.

An appeal for a peal

TARRANT Monkton’s three historic bells (from 1610,1690, and 1694) resonate with a range of joyful tunes.

However, the corroded steel structure supporting the bells needs urgent attention. To raise funds for restoration, villagers are holding an auction of unique donations, experiences and collectables on Friday, November 15, at 7.30pm in The Langton Arms.

A preview of lots will be held in Tarrant Village Hall on Saturday, November 9, from 11am-1pm.

Craft fair coins in the cash for Rotary charities

THE Wimborne Rotary Craft Fair, held in the Allendale Centre, Wimborne, at the end of September, raised £440 for good causes.

Some 20 stallholders presented a range of crafts and interests with appreciative visitors attending throughout the day.

Craft fair organsier, Rotarian Chris Mogg, said: “We were delighted with the support from the crafting community and equally pleased to welcome so many interested members of the public.

“We plan to run the fair again next year, and the monies received from this year’s event will be used to benefit Rotary supported charities.”

FULL FIBRE BROADBAND HAS LANDED

Bringing faster speeds to rural villages and towns.

Upgrade to 100% full fibre broadband and video call, browse, stream and game to your hearts content.

How live-in care can help you get through the winter months

As we approach the winter months, we’re faced with shorter, darker days. If you combine this with colder temperatures, it can really take its toll on those living with mobility issues, health conditions or those living alone.

Having live-in care at home during the winter can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re concerned about navigating your way through seasonal challenges. Some of the benefits of live-in care can include:

Supporting seasonal wellness

Winter months are notorious for cold, flu, and other common infections. Having a care professional supporting you around the clock can ensure you’re taking precautions such as staying warm, hydrated, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to illness, especially if you’re vulnerable to infections.

C omfort at home

A live-in care professional can help keep your home warm by ensuring the heating is working correctly, layering your clothing, and preparing food and drink to keep you warm and comfortable.

Peace of mind for worried families

If you have family who worry about your wellbeing, this service care provides peace of mind knowing that someone is always there to assist in case of emergencies or sudden health changes.

C ompanionship

Winter can bring longer nights and isolation. Having someone to talk to and spend time with can be a significant mood booster.

At GoodOaks, our warm, friendly and highly trained team of care professionals offer support around the home as well as companionship to help keep loved ones safe and happy at home for as long as possible.

Stay at home with around the clock care, companionship and home-cooked meals.

Care tailored around you and your routine Experienced care professionals matched to you Keep your beloved pets where they belong - With you

North Dorset Railway is making tracks

THE North Dorset Railway (NDR) heritage railway charity, based at Shillingstone station, says track laying north of Haywards Lane now underway.

It is the first time since 1967 that track has been laid on this section of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway, and will eventually run back over the bridge and connect to the track already laid in the station.

Volunteers at NDR have been working hard for many months to prepare the trackbed, which has entailed tons of stone, ballast, sleepers and track which NDR has been stockpiling ready for this big step forward.

Contractors have also started work on NDR’s new car park for which planning permission was granted in March.

This will go some way towards replacing the car parking lost when two of the industrial units were sold, and will enable NDR to host larger events again.

It will also relieve parking pressure on the industrial estate where NDR is based.

Accessible parking will still be available at the station itself.

Shillingstone Station was featured in the first programme of Abandoned Railways from Above TV series on Channel 4, and this provided welcome publicity for NDR.

The views from the station are spectacular and can be enjoyed from the station platform in good weather and from the Mark 1 carriage when the weather is not so good.

Groups are welcome to visit and see behind the scenes by booking for a guided tour – ask at the station or phone 01258 860696 during opening hours.

Next year is designated Railway 200, marking the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and events are planned to celebrate this milestone.

The station is open all year on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as some Bank Holidays, from 10am to 4pm.

Entrance is free and visitors can walk around the station,

view the exhibits in the museum, see what happens in the signal box – when open, browse for gifts in the shop and visit the popular cafe.

Santa’s annual visit to the railway is on Sunday, December 15, from 11am to 3pm.

Children are welcome to go along and meet Santa and receive a Christmas gift but parents and carers must book either by visiting the station or phoning the number above – the cost is £4.50 a child.

The event is in aid of NDR. CONTRIBUTED

Track laying is underway and Santa will be visiting before Christmas

Care homes help town food bank

TWO Somerset care homes, Frome Nursing Home and Catherine House Care Home, have once again come together to support the Fair Frome Food Bank.

Team members gathered food donations, along with a monetary donation from the two homes.

Jacqui, home administrator at Frome Nursing Home, said: “We collected for Fair Frome earlier in the year, and I felt it was important to do so again.

“With the rising cost of

living, it’s been a challenging time for everyone, but even small contributions make a difference.

“Food banks play a vital role in supporting not only parents and children but also older people and anyone in need.

“It was wonderful to be able to contribute to our community in this way.”

Frome Nursing Home and Catherine House Care Home will continue their partnership with Fair Frome as part of an upcoming Christmas campaign.

Lions support SCARS with birthday donation

MEMBERS of Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) handed over a cheque for £350 to Stalbridge Cancer and Recovery Support (SCARS) when the group held a 10th anniversary celebration at Stalbridge Village Hall.

SCARS, run by Tracy White, has been supporting individuals living with cancer and those recovering from treatment since 2014.

BVLC helped start SCARS with an initial £200 donation. For more information about SCARS, visit www.stalbridgecancerandrecoverysupport.co.uk

BL ACK FRIDAY EVENT OUR BIGGEST

Join us at the Bakhtiyar Winter Exhibition

Steeped in three generations of history, Bakhtiyar has long been a respected leader in the Persian and Oriental hand-knotted carpet trade. Headed by internationally renowned carpet expert Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, he and his son Koroush continue to carve a new path for the industry.

Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. As an authoritative figure within the industry, Masoud is often invited to share his expertise and insider knowledge with media outlets such as the BBC to discuss the ever-changing market. He also advises auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value Persian rugs and carpets.

But we would be remise to say that is all we do, we carry out general carpet repairs for clients, whilst also working with many historic organisations to clean and restore carpets, bringing them back to life, in some cases removing 200 year old stains.

Our team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers, based in our London Warehouse, carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.

We invite you to explore our winter exhibition in the Mintern Barn at Luccombe Farm in Dorset, and discover a wonderful world of exotic goods.

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th of November 2024 Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

Purchase from a large selection of hand woven Persian carpets, runners & kelims ranging from antique to modern pieces from internationally renowned Persian carpet specialist Masoud Mazaheri’s latest buying trip.

Persian food will be served daily with all proceeds raised being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

MINTERN BARN, LUCCOMBE FARM, MILTON ABBAS, BLANDFORD FORUM, DORSET, DT11 0BE

Directions: Approach the exhibition at Luccombe Farm from Winterborne Whitechurch (A354), using the signed Milton Abbas Road. Ample parking is available and Mintern Barn is wheelchair accessible.

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

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

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

• Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2-3.45pm.

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday; Sunday service at 10.30am, refreshments available afterwards; Monday Music – a discussion group based on a piece of secular music and how it relates to people’s Christian lives – second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper; Taizé Service the second Sunday each month at 6.30pm. Further details on all activities from church secretary Sue Way on 07522 509868. Sherborne Churches Together Christmas Tree Festival starts on Saturday, November 30, and ends on Saturday, December 7, with a carol service at 5pm. Volunteers are needed to man the festival in hour-long slots, welcoming and taking donations for the church’s two charities. Anyone who can help should email Rev.Becca. McDonnell@gmail.com

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Sherborne Quakers meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. Everyone welcome. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599. The next meeting of the Mothers’ Union is on Friday, November 22, at 10am in the Griffiths Room. Creative activities and coffee

and cake will be on offer.

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

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

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

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

• Lillington: All morning services at Lillington now begin at 9.30am.

• Longburton Village Café: The café, held in the village church of St James, provides tea, coffee – free refills – and great cakes for just £2. Tuesday, November 19, 10.30am-noon.

• Lufton Church: BA22 8SU, just to the west of Yeovil. Prayer Book services every Sunday evening at 6pm. Sung Mass on the third Sunday. See www.lufton.co.uk for details.

• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9am and 6pm.

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

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

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

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

of the month, 9am Requiem Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel. Third Friday of the month, 11am Remembering the Fallen. Saturday, 9am CW Holy Communion; The Sepulchre Chapel.

• Sherborne Abbey organ recitals: Mondays at 1.30 pm, free entry, retiring collection, everyone welcome.

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

• St Gregory’s, Marnhull: Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.

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

• St Margaret’s, Margaret Marsh (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0AZ: Alternating first Sundays Mattins and Holy Communion, 11.15am. Everyone welcome.

• St Mary’s, East Knoyle: All Souls Service, remembering those who have died, with music, poetry and candlelighting, Sunday, November 3, 4pm.

• St Mary’s, Motcombe: Evening worship (BCP) – every first Sunday 6pm; parish communion – every second and fourth Sunday 9.30am; evening worship – every third Sunday 6pm.

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

• St Paul’s Fareshare Larder: The food larder that runs every Friday morning at St Paul’s Church needs additional helpers. There is a monthly rota and volunteers attend to suit their availability – from 8.30am-11am, depending on the role. Roles include set up/pack down, distribution and administration. If you think you

could help, contact Sarah at the St Paul’s church office on 01935 816444 or admin@ spcsherborne.co.uk

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

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

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

• Two Rivers Benefice: November 10 – Remembrance Sunday, 10.45am, Act of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 10.45am, Act of Remembrance at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 10.45am, Act of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 10.55am, Communion and Remembrance at All Saints, Langton Long; 10.55am, Family Service at All Saints, Tarrant Keynston. Sunday, November 17 – 9.30am, Communion at St John the Baptist, Spetisbury; 9.30am, Family Service at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am, Morning Worship at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am, Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, Coffee and cake –Spetisbury, 10am-11.30am, first and third Monday each month. Coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary, 10am-11.30am, November 21. Coffee stop –Charlton Marshall Parish Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Please note new service times. Sunday, November 10, 3pm –afternoon service. Sunday, November 17, 3pm – Sing Sankey. Sunday, November 24, 3pm – afternoon service with Holy Communion. Sunday, December 1, 3pm – Tea @ Three. A very warm welcome to everyone. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff.mead@ yahoo.com

Museum helps names of the Fallen

live on

THE Museum of East Dorset is inviting people to find out more about their loved ones who fought in the First World War, in the lead up to Remembrance Day.

Through a comprehensive free database, people can explore records of more than 1,000 serving men and women from Wimborne and the locality. The database includes military and death records and

CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR

CHARLTON MARSHALL VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 9th November 10.30-3pm

Free Entry - Refreshments

Raffle for “Acts Fast”

photographs, where available.

It is part of the museum’s One Hundred Year Heritage of the First World War for Wimborne and East Dorset project.

Delayed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, extensive research has now enabled the museum to record and map details from all commemorative memorials in East Dorset, private, public and religious. Museum director, Francesca Hollow, said: “Our aim has been to ensure the names of those who died in the conflict from the community are available in one place for

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull

Royal British Legion on Monday November 11th Eyes down 7pm

A database contains the records of more than 1,000 serving men and women from the Wimborne area

current and future generations.

“To make sure that the precious photographs, letters, diaries, postcards, medals and other links to the First World War are recorded, we worked with the community to take digital photographs of the artefacts and memorabilia they shared with us to ensure these are recorded, on our own website and also with the Lives of the First World War Imperial War Museum digital project.”

The database and war memorial information can be found at museumofeastdorset. co.uk/ east-dorset-first-worldwar/

THE MILBORNE PORT WEEKLY MARKET held at The Tippling Philosopher Public House DT9 5AQ8 10am -12.30pm. Food and Handmade sellers something different every week

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23rd. There will be a Christmas Market at Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall. TA14 6 SF from 1pm - 4pm. Loads of stalls. including - Craft, Food, Gifts, Christmas Deccies. Candles, Aromatic scents. Knitware. and lost more.....Refreshments Teas and Cakes. Also Bagnell Farm’s Burger van will serving their amazing food. Any more information please phone Jennie Harris. 01935 881718.

Art in parallel

TWO widely respected Dorset artists, Jon Adam and Jason Anderson, are set to showcase their collaborative exhibition, Parallel Origins, at The Salt House in West Bay near Bridport.

Their exhibition features unique yet complementary styles that offer individual perspectives and distinct artistic voices with a deep connection to the region.

Jason’s work is heavily influenced by his stained-glass background, featuring thick daubs of vibrant colour applied in an impasto style.

Selling internationally, he was commissioned by Billie Eilish to create the cover art for her single everything i wanted.

THE NORTH DORSET TRAILWAY AGM MEETING, November 26th, 7pm. Stourpaine Village Hall, DT11 8TJ All welcome. Guest speaker and Refreshments.

CHRISTMAS THEMED TABLE TOP SALE, 16th NOVEMBER DAMERHAM HALL SP6 3HU, Sellers 10am £10 table info@damerham. org, Buyers 11am £1, Refreshments

CHRISTMAS FAIR HOOPER HALL, Lydlinch DT10-2JA. Saturday 23rd November, 10am-12:30pm. Local stalls/ crafts+food. Entry £3 to include coffee and mince pie.

Anne Hildyard’s collection of Central Asian embroideries and robes, Turkish kelims, bags, shoes, interesting and unusual presents...

SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM

Saturday 9th & 16th November Friday 15th November Shaftesbury Town Hall 9-4.30pm

CHRISTMAS THEMED TABLE TOP SALE 6th November

DAMERHAM HALL SP6 3HU

Sellers 10am £10 table info@damerham.org Buyers 11am £1 Refreshments

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

The Fall Guy Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ - Friday 15 November | 6.30 for 7.00 pm £6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

HANDMADE AT THE INN –SPARKFORD INN

SUNDAY 17TH NOVEMBER

10-15.30 – GILLINGHAM HANDMADE

A wonderful craft fair full of lovely unique products, perfect for Christmas shopping.

Exclusively Yours Bridal THE OUTLET OPEN DAY

The multi award winning Exclusively Yours Bridal in Blandford are opening their own outlet where you’ll be able to grab yourself a designer wedding dress for as little as £50.

On Saturday 9th November Kayleigh is holding a no appointment necessary open day which is expected to get extremely busy so book your free ticket via the link and don’t miss out!

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/the-outlet-openday/928444512062456/

Letters

Time to bring back the stocks?

HOW should we address the epidemic of shoplifting?

Any form of discipline needs enforcement, which is quick, simple and something that the offender will be keen not to repeat.

But we have become too precious in our approach to punishment.

Our obsessions with process and cruelty have made it impossible to achieve the essentials.

In the past, a policemen could adminster ‘a clip over the earhole’ to a young miscreant – a short, sharp shock.

But now the policeman would be prosecuted for assault.

A magistrate, sitting the next morning, could administer a quick fine to a ‘drunk and disorderly’ offender.

But it now takes weeks and a string of people to deal with a simple case of anti-social behaviour.

A school, which could once administer an instant lesson with a ruler or a cane, has no ultimate remedy other than suspension or exclusion, which simply give the miscreant more free time for further mischief.

Gilbert & Sullivan's Mikado sought to ‘make the punishment fit the crime’ and ‘make the prisoner pent a source of innocent merriment’.

Perhaps we should reinstate the stocks.

A shoplifter forced to sit in the public eye for a morning might be less inclined to repeat the offence.

Mike Keatinge Sherborne

Town plans for Remembrance

WINCANTON will once again remember the Fallen with a parade and service.

The parade will meet outside Wincanton War Memorial Hall at 10am on Sunday, November 10, before marching off promptly down the High Street

for a service at the parish church commencing 10.45am.

Following the service, the parade will form back up and march back to Churchfields car park – everyone welcome.

On Monday, November 11, a short service of Remembrance will be held at the Wincanton outdoor war memorial in the grounds of the War Memorial Hall – those wishing to attend are asked to arrive no later than 10.45am with the service commencing at 10.55am.

Following this short service, a short service of Remembrance will be held at the ‘Old Faithful’, memorial at Bayford viewpoint.

Steve Lee

Secretary, Wincanton & District Royal British Legion

Poppy symbols and cable ties

I LIVE in Shaftesbury and wholeheartedly support Remembrance Sunday and poppies – I would not have a life of freedom and choice but for those who fought for England and beyond.

But, I am afraid, as a keen follower of the Great Pacific garbage patch cleanup on Instagram – please take a look – I really dislike plastic, especially single use.

So, I am dismayed that on pretty much every lamppost in Shaftesbury – and no doubt beyond – big poppy symbols made of plastic have been put up.

I am hopeful these are recycled annually.

But why, oh why, are folk using two plastic cable ties for each symbol.

It is a huge waste because each cable tie is used only once, so this is just adding to the immense amount of plastic waste.

Please at least use wire, this can be reused every year and then recycled at life’s end.

Or even better, string, as

previous generations would have.

Please think before you use cable ties – sometimes there’s no choice – but if there is, think of the Great Pacific garbage patch.

Liz Wegwermer Shaftesbury

Charities Fair fundraiser

IT is hoped that about 30 charities and organisations will come together under one roof for a Grand Charities Fair on Saturday, November 9, between 10am-3pm in the Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne.

Each charity/organisation has been allocated a six-foot table from which they can either publicise themselves or raise money for their own causes.

It should prove a useful opportunity to do both –especially so as we approach the Christmas period.

Entrance will be free, courtesy of Wimborne in Bloom.

Anthony Oliver Wimborne

Green festival goes down well

LIKE all good things, this year’s Planet Wimborne Green Festival had to come to an end.

But not before several hundred people had enjoyed this annual week of green-themed events showcasing great environmental work already happening and encouraging us all to get involved.

Notable firsts this year included community group flags outside 20 shops in the town, live-streaming and recording some talks, creative writing workshops in schools and sustainable business networking events.

Factored into the festival were also ‘green’ elements such

as the Green Transport Hub with More Bus offering discounted travel to events; reduced and recycled paper used for the programme, complete with green lifestyle tips; reuse – for the fifth time – of the opening ceremony ribbon.

The varied programme featured Dorset Wildlife Trust’s president, the engaging Dr George McGavin, sharing his lifelong passion for wildlife; a poetry competition for schoolchildren; a celebration of local businesses’ achievements in reducing their carbon footprints; hands-on activities like making plastic-free party decorations, litter-picking and hazel fencing; visits to organic Hemsworth Farm, Lush’s Green Hub, and Deans Court to see bird-ringing and moth-trapping.

Chair of the Green Festival, Linda Bunting, said Planet Wimborne was delighted at the enthusiastic feedback already received from those who attended the events that would be built on for next year.

Save the date – Planet Wimborne Green Festival 2025 runs from October 11-18.

Planet Wimborne

Great careers in engineering

AS a fast growing sector with great prospects and significantly above average pay, young people unsure of what career path to take, should take a good look at engineering and technology – the opportunities are likely more wide-ranging and attractive than they’d imagine.

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week – November 11-15 – is a community-wide campaign, running every year since 2013, showcasing modern engineering and technology careers to young people, their teachers, parents and other influencers.

Run by STEM charity EngineeringUK, its success lies

in the support it garners from professional engineering institutions, employers, educators, government departments, practitioners and thousands of individuals, all seeking to attract more young people from all backgrounds into the sector.

Engineering and technology employs 6.3 million people across the UK with faster growth predicted up until at least 2030 in all regions compared with other occupations, and these people are working to improve all our lives, for example, through better medical technologies, renewing our national infrastructure, and addressing climate change.

Vocational routes such as T-Levels and apprenticeships offer fantastic pathways in, alongside university studies.

This year’s Tomorrow’s Engineers Week will help more young people better understand the breadth of opportunities available for all sorts of people with all sorts of skills, from problem solving to creativity.

A toolkit for schools and local employers offers great free resources from lesson plans to short videos plus the chance to chat to a panel of early career professionals working in engineering and tech.

Unfortunately, most young people don’t have a good understanding of the amazing opportunities available to them in engineering and technology, so whether you’re an engineer, a STEM expert, an educator, a mum, dad or carer, please help them to find out more.

Dr Hilary Leevers Chief executive of EngineeringUK

Hit an animal?

Here’s what to do

AS the days draw in and the clocks go back, the darker evenings create more hazards on our roads for animals.

Sadly, more animals are hit by cars during the winter months, so we’re asking drivers to be cautious when they’re out and about.

Stick to the speed limit and be extra vigilant in residential areas where cats could be crossing the road, as well as areas with wildlife warning signs.

If you hit an animal on the road, put your hazard lights on and stop somewhere safely. Never put yourself at risk to help an animal.

If an animal is injured, then it’s important to get them help as quickly as possible.

Knowing who to contact for help or how to safely transport an animal yourself, will help ensure animals in need get help quickly.

Here’s what to do depending on what sort of animal you hit: n Cat – if safe, please carefully pick it up to check for its owner’s contact details – such as on a collar ID tag – or take it to a nearby vet so it can be scanned for a microchip and receive any urgent medical treatment

n Dog – you must report the incident to the police. If it is safe to do so, carefully and slowly approach the dog to restrain it and move it to safety. If it has an ID tag, please contact its owner. If not, please contact the dog warden

n Horse or farm animal – you must report the incident to the police. They’ll also be able to assist in moving any other animals to safety

n Small wild animal, such as a rabbit or pigeon – if you can locate the injured animal safely, please carefully pick it up – wearing gloves or using a towel or coat – and put it in a box with air holes to transport it to a local vet for help n Large wild animal, such as a badger, fox or deer – if you can find the animal, please do not approach it, but contact a local rescue organisation or vet for guidance. Alternatively, contact

A poignant roadside tribute

MY photos don’t do it justice, but this poignant and thoughtful tribute on Castle Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, is the work of Andrew Vickers. He produced a book detailing the lives and deaths of the men named on Okeford Fitzpaine’s war memorial, called The Butterboys In

the RSPCA for advice at www. rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern or on 0300 1234 999.

Thank you for doing your bit to help animals and to create a better world for every kind.

Steve Bennett RSPCA

chief inspectorate officer

Rotary craft fair raises £440

THE Wimborne Rotary Craft Fair, held in the Allendale Centre at the end of September, raised £440 for Rotarysupported charities.

Some 20 stallholders presented a range of crafts and interests with appreciative visitors attending throughout the day.

We were delighted with the support from the crafting community and equally pleased to welcome so many interested members of the public.

Battle.

He has now made these splendid crosses, each with a name and photograph, to commemorate those who died. I think everyone who passes by has been astonished at the sight. It is remarkable, beautifully done, and speaks volumes.

Debbie Aldous Via email

We plan to run the fair again next year, and the monies received from this year’s event will be used to benefit Rotarysupported charities.

John Gully Wimborne

Refugees should be remembered

Remembrance

Remember to wear your poppy red

Remember all our war-time dead

Remember how and why they died

Remember them with thanks and pride.

Remember also wars today

Remember those who flee away

Remember they are not dead yet

But might be if we just forget. A reminder that refugees should also be remembered.

Martin Hobdell Swanage

Arts & Entertainment

Best friends and a ghost on a hillfort

FORT, Tabitha Hayward’s debut play, inspired by her childhood growing up in rural north Dorset, is coming to Ibberton and Langton Matravers next month.

The play, touring as part of Dorset rural arts charity Artreach’s autumn programme, is produced by Dorsetborn Theatre.

1am. An Iron Age hillfort in North Dorset. Viv and Daisy

wait for a ghost.

Away from dysfunctional families and small-town gossip, Viv and Daisy can be entirely themselves.

With so much beyond their control, Fort is their stomping ground. Their escape.

Until the ghost turns up…

Best friends for as long as they can remember, their bond has survived school bullies, witchcraft, jealousy and

Grief, care and Eurovision...

NAN, Me & Barbara Pravi, billed as a memoir of care, crisis and Eurovision, is set to be performed in Dorset this month.

In 2021, Hannah Maxwell moved back to the Home Counties to care for her terminally ill grandfather.

But this show isn’t about that. It’s about France’s Eurovision star Barbara Pravi, who’s just lovely.

In between cooking, cleaning and Countdown, Maxwell escapes into an intensifying fantasy of ballroom dances, heartfelt ballads and Parisian cafés.

The show invites audiences

vengeful cows.

But at the end of a summer when everything is changing, can it survive the ghost?

Dorsetborn is an associate company of the National Youth Theatre, creating new work across Dorset and the south west.

Playwright Tabitha Hayward is currently based in London.

Her plays have been performed at the Southwark Playhouse, the Burton Taylor Studio in Oxford and the Black Cherry in Bournemouth.

She was shortlisted for Masterclass Pitch Your Play

Post Office scandal inspires musical

THE Post Office scandal is the inspiration behind a new musical set to be performed at Winterborne Stickland this week.

Award in 2023, the Theatre 503 International Playwriting Award 2020 and was longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize 2022.

Tabitha has also been shortlisted for development as a writer at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, and at Bristol Old Vic.

Fort is suitable for audience members aged 14-plus and is at Langton Matravers Village Hall on Wednesday, November 13, and Ibberton Village Hall on Saturday, November 16.

Further information and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

that will most likely resonate first hand with people in the audience at every show is massive.

“My biggest hope is that, as a company, we can put together a piece of theatre that will stick and literally ‘make good’.”

The Post Office scandal, one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British history, saw sub-postmasters face bankruptcy, isolation and jail for crimes they never committed for debts that never existed.

to sit down at the kitchen table with Maxwell and talk through grief and care, addiction and recovery, and hope and coping.

Nan, Me & Barbara Pravi, an award-winner at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, is being presented by Artsreach, Dorset touring art’s charity, at Gillingham School Theatre on Wednesday, November 20, at 7pm; Drimpton Village Hall on Thursday, November 21, at 7.30pm; and Sixpenny Handley Village Hall on Friday, November 22, at 7.30pm.

The show is suitable for ages 16-plus and tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

Make Good was three years in the making and informed by conversations with affected subpostmasters.

Leading rural theatre companies Pentabus and New Perspectives have co-produced this topical musical to mark their 50th anniversaries.

Jeanie O’Hare wrote the script and Jim Fortune the music and lyrics, with the support of the RSC and the National Theatre’s Generate Programme.

Member of the cast, Samuel Gosrani, said: “To share a story

One of them, speaking about Make Good, said: “The musical is full of feeling. And that’s what we need to portray to people now, so that they can feel and understand what we felt, all the heartache that we went through.

“The songs bring so much to the story, they’re heartfelt and there’s humour in it too, it’s funny. It made me smile as well as being touching.”

Make Good is at Winterborne Stickland Village Hall on Thursday, November 14, at 7.30pm with Artsreach, Dorset’s rural arts charity.

Tickets and further details are available from 01258 881329 or online at www. artsreach.co.uk

PHOTO: Andrew Billington

Arts & Entertainment

Back to cinema’s Golden Age

AUDIENCES will be transported back to the 1930s, the cinema decade spanning Hitchcock noir and classic technicolor showstoppers, when The Regalettes is staged at three Dorset venues.

Kate Bramley’s acclaimed comedy sees celebrity and rural life clash head-on.

Two sisters are about to have their quiet world turned upside down when a new Hollywood film is premiered at the tiny Regal Cinema in Bottledale.

Badapple Theatre’s show, which features original music and songs by Sony awardwinning singer-songwriter Jez Lowe, promises comic theatre with a fusion of film, music and clowning.

The Regalettes is at Yetminster Jubilee Hall on Friday, November 15, at

7.30pm; Briantspuddle Village Hall on Saturday, November 16, at 7.30pm; and Broadwindsor Comrades Hall on Sunday, November 17, at the earlier time of 2.30pm.

The show is being staged with Dorset’s rural arts charity Artreach and tickets are available online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Circus meets dance

KNOT, an internationally acclaimed circus and dance show, is coming to Dorset this weekend.

It is billed as a very modern affair which examines love and conflict between two people seemingly in a relationship.

Nikki Rummer and JeanDaniel Broussé created Knot, their debut show, in 2019, in collaboration with awardwinning choreographer Ben Duke.

Knot went on to be crowned winner of the Total Theatre and Jacksons Lane Award for Circus 2019, and runner-up for the prestigious Carol Tambor Best of Fringe Award.

It is at Child Okeford Village Hall on Saturday, November 9,

and Halstock Village Hall on Sunday, November 10, both at 7.30pm.

Nikki and Jean-Daniel will also lead an Acrobatics & Acro-Dance Workshop, exploring techniques including handstands, floor acrobatics, partner balances, group lifts and climbs before the show in Halstock.

Dorset rural arts charity Artsreach is presenting Knot and tickets and more information about the show and workshop are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

NICK HEYWARD

(15)

CATFISH KEITH

JACK DEE: SMALL WORLD

Celebrity and rural life clash in The Regalettes

Knot performers Nikki Rummer and Jean-Daniel Broussé PHOTO: Phil Fisk

Shaftesbury Arts Centre is putting on Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

TheShaftesbury Arts Centre Music and Drama group invites you to join an Interest Evening on Wednesday November 13th, 7.30pm, for our Spring show, Tony-award winning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

First staged at the 1966 Edinburgh Fringe and recieving critical acclaim for its London premier at the Old Vic in ‘67, Tom Stoppard’s thoughtful, witty and inventive script centres on two characters from Hamlet. Barely glimpsed in Shakespeare’s play, their actions nevertheless have a profound impact on the story of the tragic Prince. Stoppard draws them into the limelight and shows the two protagonists first trapped in a strange, ethereal space following a summons to the royal court to investigate Hamlet’s apparent lunacy. The pair then join the Prince aboard an ill-fated ship en-route to England as unwitting pawns in King Polonius’ plot to kill his nephew-turned-stepson.

As the machinations of Shakespeare’s major players unfold around them, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern muse on themes of identity, fate, free will and, perhaps inevitably, the certainty of death while their own fate - are they alive or merely reliving their last moments? - remains unclear.

Touching and darkly humorous, the play offers a cast of four principle roles for adults alongside a small supporting ensemble of Shakespearean characters and The Tragedians - a troupe of down-on-their-luck travelling players. There are also opportunities to work backstage in a range of roles, such as set building, costume creation, lighting, sound or stage management, and to be part of a small band. New and returning cast and crew are always welcome!

30th Oct - 5th Nov

Peter Ursem 25 years Painter Printmaker(Gallery)

4th The Music and Drama AGM

12th Lunchtime with Simeon Walker (Music)

13th Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead Interest Evening (Music and Drama)

Beetlejuice (Flim)

Thoughts on Assisted Dying Bill

AT the time of writing, we have not yet had the Budget announcement, and while there has been much speculation, the reality is that until the Chancellor stands at the Dispatch Box we will not know to what extent this is a Government committed to fixing the problems left by the last administration or simply continuing with business as usual. I have no doubt I will return to the subject of the Budget in my next column.

Instead, I thought I would use this chance to address one of the major pieces of legislation set to come before Parliament very soon: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Commonly referred to as the Assisted Dying Bill.

First, I think it is important to deal with the facts of what this legislation proposes as there is a

lot of misinformation in the press and online.

As of today, the full text of the bill has not been published. Once it has, time will be set aside to debate the legislation in

Parliament and propose amendments, before any vote takes place.

The merits or otherwise of what the bill actually says, and not the hyperbole that surrounds it, is what matters.

What the MP proposing the bill has made very clear is that the change of law will only apply to adults who have a terminal prognosis and have less than 12 months to live. They must also be cognitively healthy and therefore able to make an informed decision themselves.

It will not apply to people living with a disability, mental health condition, or long term/ chronic pain, the elderly or anyone else. Only those with a terminal diagnosis, who have less than 12 months left to live, and are cognitively competent.

Importantly, it will require

the agreement of two doctors and a judge before the patient’s decision can be agreed to.

The safeguarding mechanisms that the bill puts in place will, without doubt, influence how MPs vote. No one will support a change in the law that risks anyone being forced or coerced into making a decision against their will.

While I will keep an open mind until the details of bill are published, if it achieves the high level of safeguards I wish to see, then I am minded to support a change in the law.

That said, I strongly believe we should be focused on dramatically improving assisted living – or palliative care – so that people do not have to endure pain and suffering and can properly enjoy their final days with those they love and who love them.

Budgets: Political theatre, in two acts

ACT 1 – the set up. We’re faced with a Budget that raises £40 billion in tax due to what this new Government inherited. Economists, commentators and anyone who isn’t on the Tory payroll is united on this – the pre-election employee National Insurance (NI) giveaway by the Tories was unfunded. It presupposed years of unrealistic, sustained cuts to already crippled public services. They gambled on setting an election trap for Labour. Would Labour reverse their tax cuts? No. We promised not to increase taxes on working people and won the election on an equally important promise to rebuild the broken fabric of our nation.

This Budget is inevitably where we end up. Taxes on businesses and wealth going up, to meet our manifesto promises to the British people. Act 2 – the consequence. Worryingly for the Chancellor, that off-stage actor, the OBR,

Greg Williams, on behalf of Dorset Labour

has forecast that the consequence of an increase in employer NI will be stagnant wage growth. I’m not going to argue with the OBR, when I’ve been happy to quote it as an authority previously. Instead, let me try and address why this loss of

opportunity is worth it.

In the Labour party, we measure quality of life with a wider range of metrics than ‘the pound in your pocket.’

By raising taxes, we can make progress on fixing the NHS. Shorter waiting times mean less time spent in misery and pain. A healthier population is a more productive one, and more productive employees increase business output.

By raising taxes, we can rebuild our crumbling schools and attract more teachers. We can better equip the workforce of the future with the skills to master the next technological revolution, securing British jobs in the face of international competition.

By raising taxes, we can invest a further £2.9bn in our armed forces. A more secure country, and world, brings lower commodity prices, which reduces the cost of energy and food.

By raising taxes, we can

rebuild our stripped-down justice system. We can reduce the early release of prisoners and invest in the prison service to ensure lower rates of reoffending.

There will be an additional £500 million for the Affordable Homes Programme. £3bn in additional guarantees for small house builders and build-to-rent developers, ensuring tenants benefit, too. Local authority grants are increasing by £1.3bn, to pull them away from the brink of bankruptcy.

I think you get the point. The money will be available to rebuild Britain. There should, rightly, be a lot of scrutiny to ensure it is being spent wisely. But the net impact of all these measures should be a more healthy, happier and productive nation. This is what we all value, along with earnings. Building a better Britain, in the broadest sense, is the national mission to which this Government was elected.

LibDem MP for West

Dorset

Edward Morello

Politics

NICs move will hit jobs and salaries

BASED on an analysis of my inbox there seem to be two major things that people do not like about our current Government. The first has been the ‘holier than thou’ hypocrisy of the free suits, glasses, tickets etc. Typical Labour – do as I say not as I do. But, that pales into insignificance when compared to being lied to.

I do not use the word here lightly – the Government lied to us about its plans for tax. If there is a black hole of to start with £22 billion now reduced according to the IBR to £8bn, then it seems a strange way to fill it by increasing it to £40bn and rising. It’s akin to seeing one’s house on fire and using petrol to dampen the flames. The increase in employers’ NICs will clearly see, as Labour Minister Jonathan Reynolds confirmed, job numbers and salaries fall

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

while inflation and interest rates won’t. Bad enough if that was the accidental impact of a policy but to know that that is the outcome from its inception seems to me somewhat perverse. The extra money for the NHS and Local Government is, of course, welcome but none of it is contingent upon an increase in

efficiency, value for money or productivity. More operations may well be operations undertaken but there could be so many more if there was a productivity enhancement v investment increase quid pro quo. Moreover, private sector suppliers to both local government and the NHS will simply pass the increase in NICs on to them, reducing the overall spending figure.

Farmers were lied to, to their faces, at the NFU conference by Keir Starmer. The tax on family farms will devastate UK food production and, given the vast number of family owned and small tenant farms that make up the landscape of North Dorset, things are going to change for us and not for the better. I described the Budget as being rurally ignorant. It is a judgement I stand by.

Labour Ministers seem unwilling, or unable, to understand that you cannot milk the private sector until it is dry merely because you deem it to be inferior to the public sector. Ministers have been plain offensive by saying that these tax rises are designed to help working people as if the farmers and small business owners who will pay them aren’t themselves workers. North Dorset is heavily reliant on micro and small businesses. They are our local economic lifeblood. I am fearful for their future. And the grossest Government misunderstanding is that a government needs a strong, vibrant, confident private sector to generate the taxes to pay for vital public services. The recent Budget would make Dennis Healey blush. It should make Labour Ministers ashamed.

Remembrance and Labour’s Budget

AS we head toward Remembrance Sunday on November 10, it is an annual opportunity to reflect both on our history as a country, but also on the truly unimaginable sacrifice that many of our forebearers made, in many cases, literally giving their today for our tomorrow.

I cannot imagine what it must have been like for the thousands of men from Dorset who went from living a quiet rural life in our county to the horrors of the First World War. Equally hard must have been the huge toll placed on their families, not knowing from day to day if their sons, fathers and husbands were still alive, or not.

More than 4,500 men from Dorset never came back home to our county after the First World War, and more than 16,000 came home but with the most appalling injuries.

We must never forget what

Reform UK Dorset county organiser Thomas Gargrave

that generation gave, and we are duty-bound, in my view, to question how we have honoured the sacrifice of so many.

Have we earned what they gave us?

Have we created, or at least maintained, the country that those men, and women, gave their lives for?

Labour’s Budget, the first in

14 years, was a continuation of the failed policies of the Conservatives, high-tax, high-spend, but on steroids.

Neither the Tories nor Labour are prepared to acknowledge the huge red elephant in the room – we are wasting billions upon billions of pounds every year and no amount of tax rises will resolve that. In fact, I would argue we are now well over the efficient point of taxation and are firmly into the territory of diminishing returns which will drive away wealth creators and innovation.

As an example, the massive increase in National insurance contributions by companies will raise about £25 billion a year, yet the interest alone on our national debt now stands at £90 billion per annum.

We will not get ourselves out of this financial mess by making it significantly harder for businesses to employ people, or

by pushing away those prepared to work extremely long hours and make significant sacrifices to grow their business.

Rather than constantly burdening hard-working families and businesses with ever higher taxes, we need to completely end the utterly frivolous spending by successive Tory and Labour governments.

£15 billion a year on foreign aid, as the last Tory government did, must stop. £11 billion on foreign climate change initiatives, another Tory policy, renewed under Labour – £5 billion – can go. £8 billion a year paying benefits to the 1.7 million unemployed non-UK nationals living here. Gone. £3 billion on ‘carbon capture’, gone. £40 million a year on NHS diversity officers – certainly gone!

End the waste! dorset@ reformuk.com.

Budget changes and farming

WELL, the dust is beginning to settle from the Budget excitement last week. While some things are still somewhat unclear, we are starting to get a better picture of how this Budget has addressed rural issues, especially for our Somerset communities and farmers. It was good to see more money for the NHS, something Liberal Democrats have continually kept pressure on the Government about. However, we have yet to see how this will make a difference on the ground and whether rural communities like those in Glastonbury and Somerton, which suffer from longer wait times and poorer access to healthcare, will be prioritised. I’ve pushed the Government repeatedly on rolling out rural health hubs, and I do hope some of this extra NHS money will mean we finally see progress on that. I’ll continue to keep pushing in Parliament for them to do the

Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton & Frome

Sarah Dyke

right thing and prioritise rural communities.

The rural issue which made headlines in this Budget was the family farm tax. This was a slap in the face for farmers, who had been promised that Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) would not be touched, as they’re so important to keeping farms financially viable. Keir Starmer

READER’S PICTURES OF THE WEEK

had previously personally promised he had farmers’ backs, and that now seems to not to be the case.

At a time when many farmers are struggling to keep their businesses afloat and a shocking number are considering giving up farming, this is a blow that could have devastating effects on our food supply and ultimately, national food security.

In this uncertain climate, amid huge failings in farmers’ financial support by the last Government, the choice to tax farmers on passing on their farms to the next generation is extremely risky and is another early misstep for this new Government. The average return of most farm businesses is less than 1%, so ABR and PBR underpin viable working farming businesses. The changes to these reliefs will mean that many farmers who are already struggling to keep their

farms afloat will have no choice but to sell land or capital assets to pay the tax. For tenant farmers it could be disastrous, as it makes their already precarious tenancies more vulnerable to evictions, as large corporations and millionaires seek to land grab.

At a time when we have food supply insecurity, wouldn’t it make sense to support our farmers properly? To make sure that farming families can plan for the future, continue in their traditional places as custodians of the countryside, protect the environment and put food on all our tables for another generation?

As always, I want to hear about what matters to you. If you would like to share your views on a subject, have an issue I can help you with, or would like to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at sarah. dyke.mp@parliament.uk

Patrick Mitchell spotted this baby rabbit – kit or kitten – when he was looking for his ball in the rough at Wolfdale Golf Course, near Dorchester

New Blackmore Vale reader John Webb took

Phantom

Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce Silver Wraith outside the church in Folke recently

The Wessex Event Company presents... Bryanston Christmas Fair

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

1 Small change for policeman (6)

4 Woollen blanket from a fine African country largely (6)

8 Popular new hostel (3)

9 Doctor with man in reserve showing lack of poise (9)

11 Former partner in morning takes test (4)

KILLER Sudoku Pro

12 Loyal recording of female 60s British singer (8)

15 Fellow amid poor toil working to get collection of papers (9)

18 Good general driver, maybe, for US choir (4,4)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

19 Painful separation without companion, serving woman (4)

21 Improperly obtained tent I log roaming round lake (3-6)

23 Illuminated set of items with sun gone (3)

24 Salesperson gets to publicize resort (6)

25 Disclose writer engaged by publishing company (4,2) Down

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

1 Herbs caught by places with a buzz? (6)

2 Tree by tech giant producing fruit (9)

3 Fine old monarch in charge (4)

5 Complete fool defending new driver at high speed (4,4)

6 Natural layer in the neighbourhood (3)

7 Dislike obelisk (6)

10 Have eventual success – as an orchard does? (4,5)

13 Stump place with a note and diagram of layout (5,4)

14 Brother with old cricket club given exotic for vegetable (8)

16 Posh Greek concealing falsehood is more disquieting (6)

17 Part of a shoe conforming with others?

20 Crack crisp biscuit (4)

22 Insolence overturning a lot of lager (3)

Antiques & Collectibles

Life’s work in 1,000 lots

CHRIS Watts: The Salisbury Antiquarian auction will be staged at Duke’s Auctioneers on Wednesday and Thursday, November 13-14.

The 1,000-lot auction consists exclusively of famed antiquarian Chris Watts’s private collection.

Chris is renowned for his emporium of wonders carefully curated over decades in the antique world.

His journey into the world of antiques began at the age of 12.

Now, as he approaches his 77th birthday, Chris has had an incredible 65 years immersed in antiques.

He has a lifetime of experiences and stories but feels it is time to relax and reflect on a journey that has shaped his identity and passions.

A highlight of the collection

Advertiser’s announcement

Noble coin comes to Charterhouse

is a beautiful set of etched armour, made in the German style.

Standing at a towering two metres, it is set to make between £2,000-£4,000 at auction.

The collection can be viewed at the Salisbury Antiques Centre before the sale at Duke’s in Dorchester on November 13-14 at 10.30am.

CHARTERHOUSE in Sherborne is selling an Edward III gold Noble coin at auction later this month.

“This ancient gold coin was found by the widow of the late owner in his study while she was having a sort out and a tidy up,” said Richard Bromell, from the auction house.

“Having found the coin, and various other items, she phoned us to ask for a home visit, help and advice.”

The coin was minted in the reign of King Edward III and is about 680 years old.

It is in Charterhouse’s specialist coin, medal, militaria and stamp auction at its Sherborne salerooms on Thursday, November 28, and is estimated to sell for £2,000£3,000.

The widow’s late husband

lived on the Somerset/Devon border, and it is a mystery how it came to be in his study.

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for home visits, advice and valuations on coins, medals, militaria and other collector’s items at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne – phone 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouse-auction.com

A 16th century German-style etched suit of armour

A Noble coin

circa

in the reign of King Edward III

50-plus lots of teddy bears

ONE of the furniture lots Clarke’s is offering in its Saturday, November 9, sale is an Edwardian Howard & Sons upholstered armchair.

Howard & Sons have been producing quality, handmade furniture for over 200 years and this timeless country house design is estimated at £800£1,200.

An early 17th century Jacobean oak food or dole cupboard on stand with a pair of panelled doors with carved spindle grills could make £400-£600.

Just in time for Christmas, a single-owner collection of more than 50 lots of fine designer and collectors teddy bears are estimated to sell at prices ranging from £20-£30 to £300-£400.

Clarke’s two-day Christmas

sale specialises in jewellery and gold pieces, antique collectable items and objets de virtu.

It is expected that more than 1,000 interesting lots will be on offer and anyone with anything delicate, beautiful or unusual lurking in the backs of cupboards and drawers is invited to give Clarke’s a call to make an appointment to have them appraised.

Clarke’s offers free home visits to value items for consignment into future sales and is open by appointment for free verbal valuations Monday to Friday at its new showrooms in Gillingham.

Enquiries should be directed to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 or 01747 855109 at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

Valuation days at auction house

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers Sherborne is holding a two-day auction at the end of the month.

The General Antiques & Collectors sale on Thursday, November 28, at 10am features a Lalique Champs-Elysees bowl; military items – medals including service wounded stripe, Victorian naval pike and a VC winner’s cartridge case; plus a Heals-type Arts & Crafts oak chair and book table and a Mughal dagger with a carved jade handle.

The Jewellery, Silver Watches & Clocks sale on Friday, November 29, at 10am includes about 50 clocks.

Acreman is now holding regular valuation days when prospective sellers can bring in their items for its specialists to evaluate.

Valuation days, 10am-3pm, are: Jewellery & Watches, Tuesdays and Saturdays; Silver & Obje't D'art, Tuesdays and Saturdays; Toys & Collectables, Wednesdays and Saturdays; Oriental & Asian, Thursdays and Saturdays; Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera Fridays and Saturdays; Militaria, Fridays and Saturdays; Textiles & Fashion, Mondays and Saturdays; Paintings & Contemporary Art, Mondays and Saturdays.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 508764 or email auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH. House visits can be arranged.

A Royal mystery solved

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham

ONE of the most exciting parts of my work is when I come across treasures like the brooch you can see in the picture! A client came in to find out a bit more about it and who the

figures were on it as they thought it might be Russian due to the ornate enamel colours.

The brooch belonged to her mother, but no one had any idea of how or why she owned it.

It was, in fact, a rare British commemorative brooch made from bloomed and polished yellow gold, diamonds and enamels.

It was most likely made to commemorate either the Coronation in 1911 or the Silver Jubilee in 1935 of King George V and Queen Mary.

A number of different styles of brooch like this were made, possibly for a staff member or distant relative, but to find one in solid 9ct gold is rare.

At this time, it wasn’t unusual for the public to spend a great deal of money on commemorative jewellery to mark allegiances to the Crown, therefore marking their position in society.

The crown at the top of the brooch is modelled on the crown that appears at the top of

A rare British commemorative brooch made from bloomed and polished yellow gold, diamonds and enamels

the Coat of Arms for Mary of Teck – the formal name for Queen Mary, George V’s wife – when she was Royal Consort.

The five petalled roses are traditional heraldic roses and the same ones were included on the embroidery of her coronation gown.

This beautiful piece of British history was valued in the mid-hundreds but could do very well if it appeared on the open market and would appeal to Royalist collectors.

It’s never been easier to get your art, antiques, jewellery and collectables valued by our experts. With almost 400 years of combined expertise, our Specialist Valuers are able to offer free valuations and home visits without charge or obligation throughout the West Country.

us to make an appointment or go to lawrences.co.uk to request a free online valuation.

Variety abounds at Dore & Ree’s November auctions

Dore & Rees host auctions of Fine Asian Art; Fine Jewellery, Georgian Costume and Watches and Fine Silver in November.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CHARLES II CHASED TAZZA, LONDON 1664

Estimate £2,000-£3,000

The flagship auction of Fine Asian Art will be held on Monday 11 November featuring prime examples of silver, ceramics, bronzes, furniture, textiles and works of art. There are many prized pieces including an extremely rare lacquer ‘lotus’ brush washer with carved wood stand made in the Qianlong period (1736-1795) and offered at an estimate of £500-£1,000. It comes from the Somerset collection of the late Anthony McGreevy and was purchased from renowned antiques dealer Edward A. Nowell & Sons in Wells.

Rolling forward, the Fine Silver and Objets de Vertu auction kicks off at 10:30am on Wednesday 27 November. An early Charles II chased tazza, made in London in 1664, displays a collared bear, a lion and a stag within flowers on its border and is offered at £2,000-£3,000.

Fine Jewellery, Georgian Costume and Watches auction follows on at 2:00pm on Wednesday 27 November, featuring many interesting pieces including a mid-Victorian archaeological revival micromosaic bracelet offered at £2,000-£3,000. A private collection of Georgian costume dresses featuring fine embroidered decoration augments the auction.

We look forward to our December auctions – Collectors Cars and Automobilia on Wednesday 4 December and Select Interiors on Friday 6 December. Contact the team on 01373 462 257 or by email enquiries@ doreandrees.com to arrange a free appointment to have your items appraised and valued.

AUCTION 10:30AM

VIEWING

Friday 8th - Sunday 10th November 10:00am to 4:00pm

Home & Garden

How to get winter ready

by Sally Gregson

ONE of the most satisfying tasks in autumn is readying the garden for winter. It’s a pleasantly slow task bringing in those tender pots of plants and tucking them up somewhere dry for the shorter days.

It becomes important, too, to check the refugees for pests and diseases before letting them loose in the greenhouse or porch. If there is any sign of green – or blackfly, or the dreaded red spider mites or whitefly – put the whole thing in the council recycle bin, pots and all. The pests would only spread to infect everything else if brought in under protection. It pays always to think of the bottom line – how much and how difficult would it be to replace that plant in spring if it was thrown out in autumn?

Well-rooted cuttings and seedlings are especially problematic. If a tray of young plants looks really healthy and keen to get away, keep them under protection. But don’t pot them on and encourage any more soft growth. Between November and the end of February there is not enough light to make healthy, shortjointed plants, and you could end up with lots of straggly young plants unable to face the rigours of next spring at all.

It's not just the cold weather that kills tender plants, often it is the relentless wet. And this autumn we have experienced more than enough rain. So, plants that in previous years managed the winter in a pot beneath overhanging eaves on the south side of the house, might be better off under cold

Planning a new border

by Sally Gregson

THIS is the quiet time of year that all gardeners are secretly waiting for – a time of renewal and making plans for the future. As the borders are readying themselves for winter, it’s the right time to make alterations to existing layouts and work out any new plantings.

An entirely new border will need careful planning. Mark its outline on the ground either with an old hose or with a can of spray paint. It will soon fade, but while the outline is being worked out, it’s an immediate visual reference.

The next step involves killing off the ‘weeds’ or grass. If the thought of weed-killers does not appeal, some serious digging over has to be contemplated. Ensure every dock and dandelion root is binned. And incorporate some well-rotted

glass this year. Marginally tender French Lavenders, Osteospermums, herbaceous Agapanthus, all deserve a break from the wet. They may have survived last winter outside in the shelter of a warm wall, but perhaps not this year. It does require more protected space perhaps than last winter, but if there’s room in a greenhouse, keep them in

until next spring.

And next spring is when the problems really arise. The plants overwintered under protection will grow away with enthusiasm too early, and their new growth will definitely be unable to cope with frost. It’s quite a dilemma, but perhaps choose the largest and the best to protect first. Discarding pots of survivors is even more difficult in spring.

manure or special compost comprising sterilised manure and mushroom compost. It’s available online. This is ‘manna’ to young plants and breaks up any heavy soil, too. If the exercise is completed before Christmas there is the whole of the winter to break down the turned clods.

If the ground is too difficult to turn with a spade, the last resort is simply to ‘top-dress’ the soil with the manure or special compost. The main drawback to missing out this step is that every dock and dandelion, nettle and couchgrass, will welcome the attention and grow for England. It’s a recipe for ongoing work for years.

But get this step right and the new border will be ready to welcome plants by early spring. Start the planting with any trees

or woody plants while they are still dormant, before they make leaf. By the following autumn all the bulbs could be planted

too. And by next summer the new border should look well-furnished as if it had always been.

A barrow-load of finished flowers

It is wise to check plant pots for pests and diseases before putting them in the greenhouse or in the porch

Get in the Garden

Home & Garden

Houseplant options for Christmas

We stock a range of commercial and domestic machinery including: Stihl, Echo, Weibang, EGO, Cobra, Cub Cadet, Segway Robot Mowers & Webb machines

AT Christmas our awardwinning houseplant departments are at their busiest and the range of plants available is wonderful.

The classic Christmas houseplant is, of course, the Poinsettia.

The best-known variety has bright red bracts but now a vast array of other colours are available including white, pink, cream and marbled, with the foliage also available in a variegated form, too.

These best quality plants are compact and bushy.

They are sensitive plants and like an even warm temperature away from draughts and don’t like getting too wet.

They will go on for many weeks but to get them to colour up again the following year requires dedication and attention to detail as the bracts colour up only after several weeks of 12 hours light and 12 hours dark a day.

Cyclamen also are a seasonal favourite, and it used to be straightforward with there being distinct hardy and indoor types.

Now many varieties can be used as autumn and early winter bedding plants, too.

The indoor types like cool conditions and must be watered from the base to keep them in good form.

What the plant doesn’t drink after a quarter of an hour can be tipped away, leaving the plant in a dry saucer.

The flower colours are stunning from purest white to darkest reds and purples, and the range of sizes too is from miniatures through to the very large.

The adage of small pot meaning large amounts of

flowers is well described by indoor flowering Azaleas.

These varieties are potted into relatively small pots, which forces the plant to flower profusely.

If looked after correctly, then the flowering time can be very rewarding.

Care must be taken not to let the plant dry out at any stage, as this will cause flowers to abort just as they open, which is very frustrating.

Orchids are a Christmas favourite and despite being more and more popular still have a certain mystique and exotic feel.

They are easier to look after than many believe, with the Cymbidium needing fairly cool conditions and Phalaenopsis and Cambrian liking it slightly warmer.

The Cymbidium are larger growers and have large flower spikes which can last a very long time.

Phalaenopsis have a more sophisticated look to the flower which again lasts a long time and they will re-flower, too.

There are lots of bulbs around, too, including Hyacinths with their glorious colours and powerful scent. These come from ‘prepared’ bulbs planted in early September.

Our growers grow them as individual pots and then group together those at the same stage to ensure even flowering.

We have them as planted bowls but also in individuals if you are doing your own arrangement.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group

17D Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury SP7 9QJ

The latest gardening news, hints and tips, with Mike Burks, MD of The Gardens Group

Home & Garden

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DEADLINES

Health & Wellbeing

The power of gratitude

by Danielle Goshawk

AT the time of writing, it was Thanksgiving in Canada over the weekend and, although it is not a tradition we share in the UK, it was a reminder of the benefits of focussing on what we can be thankful for in our lives. Pausing to take stock of what we already have and cultivating a regular gratitude practice has been shown to have a positive impact on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.

It is really hard to be grateful at times, when life is hectic and stressful, when there are daily struggles, and when global events are out of our control and overwhelming. When I talk about gratitude, I don’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or putting our heads in the sand, but rather recognising the good alongside

the difficult, so that there is balance and room for both. We are hardwired for survival, and that means a natural bias towards looking out for problems and dangers, but with conscious effort and consistent practice it can become easier to notice the good stuff as well. The good stuff doesn’t have to be anything particularly big either – a ‘gratitude practice’ might sound like a bit of a chore, but it can be just noticing the simple things like the warmth of that morning cup of coffee or checking in with a friend. Today, one of the

things I’m grateful for was an extra five minutes in bed cuddling the cat – she’d decided that time to get up was the moment for cuddles, of course!

If you’re up for giving it a go, this is a simple yet potentially powerful daily exercise:

• Note down three good things that happened that day, people – or animals! – you love, or things you are thankful for.

• Take a moment to consider why those good things happened – that is, was it a choice you made, something you contributed to or the kindness of another person?

• For the next three weeks, do not repeat anything on your list!

The lack of repetition may be tricky, but the practice itself is helping you to tune in more

Meditations in nature: Autumn adventures

by Susanna Curtin

I HAVE just arrived in the New Forest. It is early morning and ribbons of autumn mist linger in the valleys and between the treetops. The rising sun is just breaking through, and I can already feel its warmth. As I set off for my adventure, I am accompanied by a symphony of birdsong. There are robins, long tailed tits and blackbirds, all punctuated with the easily recognisable, staccato notes of a nuthatch. Occasionally, from deep inside the thicket, there comes the hollow call of a male tawny owl – perhaps a young bird trying to establish his territory. After the breeding season, parent tawnies drive their young away from their patch. Sadly, having to fend for themselves, as well as find and establish a new home, means that nearly two-thirds of young

owls die in their first year. This one needs a solid, old oak tree to see him through the winter, and luckily for him there are lots to choose from.

Like much of the British Isles, the New Forest was once deciduous woodland that was recolonised by trees as the last Ice Age retreated. Man first arrived on this landscape in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods between 5000 and 2000 BC when it was a ‘wild wood’, forested with elms, oaks, beech trees and birches. These early hunter-gatherers were eventually replaced by Bronze and Iron Age settlers who began to clear the land of its woodlands. But the poor quality soil meant that little could grow, and so eventually the area turned to heathland, suitable only for grazing cattle. Next came the Romans and Anglo-

and more to the smaller moments of positive experiences that are easy to overlook otherwise, particularly when we are low or anxious. You might want to take it a step further and express gratitude to others when you feel it. As with any practice, it takes consistency and a willingness to return to it when we inevitably forget to do it, but in time it can bring us a more balanced mindset. n Danielle Goshawk is a counsellor working with adults and couples, based in Lytchett Matravers and also online at www.acaciacounselling.net. She is also the co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support which provides local businesses with counselling and wellness services, for more information, email DorsetEWS@proton.me

Saxons until, in medieval times, in 1079, William the Conqueror proclaimed the ‘Nova Foresta’ a royal hunting ground. (Even today, 90% of the New Forest is still owned by the Crown). By the 1600s, Royal hunting had somewhat declined but the demand for timber to sustain a growing Royal Navy had increased. Parts of the forest were then enclosed as broadleaved woodland plantations to meet the demand for shipbuilding.

Despite such heavy human involvement, the New Forest still has a feeling of the ‘primeval Neolithic wild woods’. The skeletal roots of fallen trees, gnarled, twisted branches, cankered ancient oaks and enormous beech trees lure me into the magic of this place. I tack back and forth, following rides, and moving through the

covert worlds of dense thickets, glades and clearings, while feeling totally enthralled by the multi-sensual experience of an autumn woodland walk. Although never far from roads, people or civilisation, it is just me here plus the myriad of squirrels planting their winter stores, the birds and a deeprooted sense of peace and calm on a path that many centuries of feet have trodden before. It makes me want to keep walking

Woodlands in autumn are a wonderful sight

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Meditations in nature

Continued from previous page

as the forest beckons my soul deeper towards its heart, past tannin-coloured pools, moss beds, fairy mushroom rings and amidst the pitter patter sound of falling cinnamon and turmericcoloured beech leaves.

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At this time of year woodland scents are dominated by the complex, organic chemicals produced by the rotting activities of bacteria, enzymes and fungi which set about cleaning up the forest floor. The ‘mushroomy’ smell is coming from the fungal ‘fruiting’ bodies and their mycelium and hyphal threads which branch out through the soil. These are released by my footfall on the damp forest floor. Autumn is the perfect time to explore the world of fungi. Today, I spotted the coral-like yellow staghorn – Calocera viscosa – emerging like flames from the dead branches or roots of the pine trees. I do not recall seeing it before, but it is widespread.

Late afternoon arrives too soon as the sun hides behind the trees. The forest has fallen quiet except for the robins and the distant sound of hooves. As I look up, I see a herd of deer in the distance, huddled together

as they cross the path. I count nine of them, but maybe there are more. Their light chestnutbrown coat with white spots suggests they are fallow deer. There is only one buck with large, palmated antlers and a coat that has begun to turn dark grey for the winter. They suddenly become aware of me and momentarily stop and stare before taking immediate cover in the thicket.

I wait a while to see if they emerge again but finally decide to call it a day and make my way back to my car before dark. Although it is an hour’s drive from home, I am so glad that I have reacquainted myself with this extraordinary place.

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

Yellow Stagshorn

Christmas Delights

Enford Farm Shop

Weird British Christmas Traditions

Home

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

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

Although Christmas is celebrated all over the world, each country treats the festival differently with different customs and traditions. If it’s your first time in the UK over the festive period, then get prepared for the big day with our guide to British Christmas time.

Silver coin in the Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is a type of fruit pudding that is served in the UK during Christmas dinner.

The pudding was first eaten in the UK back in the 14th century and is normally made with raisins, currants, prunes, wines and spices. An interesting Christmas tradition in the UK involves placing a silver coin in the pudding that is said to bring luck to the person who finds it.

This tradition is thought to have originated in the court of King Edward II where a bean or dried pea would be placed inside the pudding and whoever got a slice with it in would be crowned King or Queen for the day.

Hold your Christmas Party at the Plough Inn, Manston

Enjoy the festive season by choosing The Plough at Manston for your staff Christmas Party.

pub atmosphere and log fire creates the

or a group of friends.

Gillingham Handmade are really excited about their upcoming event of ‘Magic of Christmas’

at Riversmeet, this is the tenth anniversary of the event. Started eleven years ago, friends Judy Watts and Gaynor Lunn have brought their combined experiences in craft fairs together, and now, as Gillingham Handmade, pride themselves in curative beautiful eclective stalls of local craft people.

The event has grown over the years and now has over sixty stalls, twelve of which are designated ‘New Starters’ with the aim of encouraging fresh new talent. This family event will also welcome some local choirs - and lets not forget Father Christmas’

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Here’s some history about the cheese...

The Davies family have been making Dorset Blue Vinny at Woodbridge Farm for almost 40 years. Although we can’t give away all our secrets, here’s a little sneak peak into how we make our delicious cheese...

Dorset Blue Vinny takes over 24 hours to make. Each morning, we use fresh milk from our herd of 270 Friesian dairy cows. Once it’s been pasteurised, handskimmed and the starter culture, rennet and penicillin mould added, it’s ready to be made into cheese…!

Once the milk coagulates (sets) it is cut into small pieces before being left overnight, next morning, ‘Little Miss Muffet’s favourite… curds and whey have formed. The whey is drained off leaving the curd to be ground, salted and put into moulds where it stays for a few days, before being moved to the maturing room.

The cheeses need to be turned by hand every day for the first few weeks and then once a week after that. The cheeses are spiked with long narrow pins to allow air into the cheese which helps the blue veins and flavour to develop. It can take up to 20 weeks for the cheese to mature into the Dorset Blue Vinny that we all know and love.

In 1998, we were the first food producer in the country to be awarded a Protected Geographical Indicator (now replaced by a Protected Geographic Origin status since leaving the EU) and are still the only producers of Dorset Blue Vinny.

Here’s some history about the cheese...

The Davies family have been making Dorset Blue Vinny at Woodbridge Farm for almost 40 years. Although we can’t give away all our secrets, here’s a little sneak peak into how we make our delicious cheese...

Dorset Blue Vinny takes over 24 hours to make. Each morning, we use fresh milk from our herd of 270 Friesian dairy cows. Once it’s been pasteurised, handskimmed and the starter culture, rennet and penicillin mould added, it’s ready to be made into cheese…!

Once the milk coagulates (sets) it is cut into small pieces before being left overnight, next morning, ‘Little Miss Muffet’s favourite… curds and whey have formed. The whey is drained off leaving the curd to be ground, salted and put into moulds where it stays for a few days, before being moved to the maturing room.

ORDERING IN BULK?

If you wish to order items in bulk for weddings or parties, please do not hesitate to ask by phoning us on 01963 23133 or emailing info@dorsetblue.co.uk

The cheeses need to be turned by hand every day for the first few weeks and then once a week after that. The cheeses are spiked with long narrow pins to allow air into the cheese which helps the blue veins and flavour to develop. It can take up to 20 weeks for the cheese to mature into the Dorset Blue Vinny that we all know and love.

In 1998, we were the first food producer in the country to be awarded a Protected Geographical Indicator (now replaced by a Protected Geographic Origin status since leaving the EU) and are still the only producers of Dorset Blue Vinny.

ORDERING IN BULK?

If you wish to order items in bulk for weddings or parties, please do not hesitate to ask by phoning us on 01963 23133 or emailing info@dorsetblue.co.uk

Christmas Fair at Bryanston School

Welcome to our 1st Christmas Fayre at Bryanston School!

After three years of running our hugely successful Bryanston Summer Fair, Wessex Events invite you to join us at our first Bryanston Christmas Fair on the 23rd and 24th November.

With over 90 stands inside and out, selling food, drink, crafts and homeware gifts, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

We also have 2 wreath making sessions running each day. You can book your place on the workshop by following this link. https://www.bryanston.co.uk/christmas-wreaths

Local musician Phil Smith will be playing and singing throughout the weekend.

We also have our Street Food Area, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks and lunches, including Pizzas, Bratwurst, Falafels, Indian Vegan Street Food, Dorset Lamb burgers, Hot Potatoes, Seafood and desserts, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or gluwein.

There is also lots for children to enjoy. Inside our children’s entertainment area will include a Frozen themed room,

where kids can meet, and have their pictures taken with Elsa and Anya, who will be joined by Captain America and Spiderman . They can also enjoy our craft room where they can make Christmas decorations, make Sand Art pictures, or have their face painted. In association with our sponsorship partner, Meyers Estates, our children’s areas will be raising money for this years charity.

As well as parking on site we are also running a Shuttle bus every 15 minutes from Blandford Tourist Information Office starting at 9.30am and running all day.

So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful Christmas shopping day in the most beautiful of settings.

£4 for Adults

£3.50 for Concessions

Under 16s FREE

We would like to thank our sponsors, Save Energy UK, The Blackmore Vale Ltd and Meyers Estate Agents for their support of this event. ADVERTISING FEATURE

Christmas Delights

Memory Lane

ADVERTISING FEATURE

New book Two Grow up in Dorset promises to transport you back to simpler times, far removed from today’s fast-paced, digital world.

Cousins Jeanette Hardiman and Jackie Spiteri have brought together the best of their podcast ‘ramblings’, along with family photographs and archive images to create Two Grow Up in Dorset, reminiscing on life in the country in the 1960s and 70s.

From school milk to Maypole dancing, mini skirts to Mini cars, their reminiscences cover a wide range of subjects such as pop music, television and film, food and fashion, shopping, school days, social life and cultural change.

The original podcasts and radio broadcasts were a relaxed, two-way discussion and the pair have attempted to reflect that chatty and informal style in the book while incorporating some humorous elements.

Although the cousins spent their childhoods in the neighbouring Dorset villages of Fontmell Magna and Compton Abbas, much of the content includes references to Shaftesbury and the social changes affecting many people in Great Britain in the 60s and 70s and will appeal to ‘baby boomers’ everywhere.

Two Grow Up in Dorset is available from Amazon, Folde of Shaftesbury and local outlets.

Dorset Memories - the perfect Christmas Gift

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the ‘baby boomers’ in your life? Two Grow Up in Dorset is based on a series of well-received ‘in conversation’ podcasts and radio broadcasts by cousins Jeanette Hardiman and Jackie Spiteri. The pair have brought together their ‘ramblings’ – from school milk to Maypole dancing, miniskirts to mini cars - with much of the content including reference to Shaftesbury and North Dorset. Two Grow Up in Dorset, published by Brimstone Press ISBN 9781906385927, is available from Amazon and Folde of Shaftesbury.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a public holiday the day directly after Christmas. And, although there’s a lot of different theories about the origins of Boxing Day, it is generally thought that the day was created as a holiday for the tradespeople to receive a ‘boxing,’ or gift, the day after Christmas. Nowadays, many Brits use their day off on Boxing Day to travel and visit their relatives.

Eating Turkey on Christmas Day

Turkey is a staple of the Christmas Dinner in Britain!

Although turkeys are not native to the British Isles (they were first brought to Britain in the 16th Century), people in the UK began to eat turkey during Christmas dinner as farmers would need their cattle for milk and would often be saving their chickens to lay eggs. Before this, British people would often eat geese, boar, and even peacocks.

Giving Presents on the 25th

While giving presents is a normal part of Christmas celebrations around the world, very few countries actually give and receive gifts on the 25th December.

In many other European countries it is custom to give gifts on the 24th and in Spanish speaking countries it is often custom to give presents after Christmas. The United Kingdom is one of the few countries where gifts are opened on Christmas Day itself.

Hanging out stockings on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, children around the UK hang stockings (a type of large sock) on their fireplaces.

This is so Saint Nicholas (otherwise known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas) can fill their stockings with presents, fruit, candies or coins. In the Western tradition, it is believed that if children are badly behaved their stockings will be filled with a single lump of coal instead of presents.

Time for music

Our next Live Lounge lands on Friday 15th November - unwind with a signature Clockspire cocktail and our DJ’s chilled Ibiza vibes.

Just stop by - but we recommend booking a table if you think you’d like to eat.

Our jazz nights fall on the last Thursday of each month and are enormously popular - come and see for yourself on Thursday 28th November!

Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest events - visit our website.

Time to celebrate!

Join us at The Clockspire as we ring in the season – it’s our favourite time of year!

Perfect for groups and office parties, or simply to enjoy – our festive menu is filled with tempting flavours of the season. Start your celebrations with a bang.

2 courses £39 // 3 courses £45

Our Festive Set Menu will be served Wednesday – Friday at lunch and Wednesday – Thursday at dinner, from 27th November.

Motoring

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer. Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ........................................£6450

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, over £5000 of optional extras, heated leather, heated front screen, sat nav, parking sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, lane aid, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .................................................................................................£7450

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles £23000 + VAT = £27600

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles ...........................£21000 + VAT = £25200

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...............................................................................................................£4250

2015 (65) Mini Countryman 2.0TD Cooper S D SUV 5dr. 143bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Chili pack, park sensors, auto lights & wipers, hill hold, ½ leather, heated seats, cruise, BT, upto 60mpg, 83,800 miles ............................£6450

FORD MONDEO ZETEC TDCI diesel 2006 6 months MOT, 3 months tax. Good runner used everyday, 137,000 miles. £500 ono, phone Roger 07870-862426.

CHEVROLET SX AUTOMATIC ESTATE, 2009, 100k, 1800cc petrol, excellent runner. Needs new sensor on central locking. £650 ono. Tel: 07903-169618

IVECO DAILY, MWB Van, High roof,2014reg, 3500 KG gross weight. Diesel with side windows, long MOT, ideal camper conversion. £3800.00 OVNO. Tel: 07960-848726

●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

2011 (11) Nissan Note 1.6 Visia Automatic Estate 5dr. 109bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, high seating, big boot, spacious interior, parking sensors, air con, Bluetooth, only 41,500 miles ............................................................................£4850

2012 (62) Nissan X-Trail 2.0DCi Tekna 4x4 Station Wagon 5dr. 173bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating, big boot, switchable 2 & 4 wheel drive, hill descent control, hill hold, heated leather seats, sat nav, reverse cameras, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, sunroof, full history, 155,800 miles ............................£4850

2014 (63) Peugeot 2008 1.2VTi Allure Estate 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, big boot, flat folding rear seats, partial leather, parking sensors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, £35 a year road tax & upto 57mpg economy, just had cambelt kit replacement, 80,800 miles ............................................................£4850

2019 (19) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Iconic Automatic SUV 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, cruise control,

Unit 12 Marsh Lane Trading Estate, Henstridge, BA8 0TG waverlycommercials@outlook.com 01963 363738 | 07860 669630

Vehicle Repairs | Servicing | Recovery and Tyres

Used Vans for sale, Prices from £1950

BRIDGE MOTORS

Wincanton Ltd. Silver Street | Wincanton | BA9 9AW | 01963 33313 www.bridgemotorswincanton.co.uk

OF THE WEEK

2017(66) VW Beetle 1.2 TSi Bluemotion Design, £4600 worth of option when new, Metallic grey with full Vienna leather, Panoramic Sunroof, £9495

2021 (21) Citroen C3 1.2 Shine Puretech 30,000 Miles, Met Grey/Black Roof, Alloys, Excellent Vale For Money ................................................ £9795

2020 (69) Seat Leon 1.5 TSi EVO FR Automatic, White, 44,000 Miles ....£12995

2018 (68) Skoda Citigo 1.0 Mpi Greenwich SE, Blue, 1 Owner ......... £6795

2018 (18) Ford Focus Titanium Estate 1.5 TDCi, Champagne Silver, 2 Owners, Sat Nav 21,000 miles, FORD Service history ........................ £11795

2017 (17) Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 HSE, Silver, Manual, 62,000 miles Pan roof ................................................................................................ £13695

2015 (15) VW Golf 2.0 TDi SE Cabriolet, Black, Air Con and alloys.....£5495

2014 (14) Mini Cooper 1.5D, Chilli Pack, high mileage, new shape, service history, met red/white ............................................................................ £4695

2013 (63) VW Beetle 2.0 TDi Design, Alloys, ...................................... £5295

2010 (10) Vauxhall Astra 1.6SE, 2 Owners, 69,000 miles, Metallic Grey, Good Service History ............................................................................ £2795

2010 (59) Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge 82, 3Door, Blue, 30,000 Miles, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Air Con, Service history, Cambelt done.............. £3995

2015 (64) VW Golf 1.4TSi SE SV, 1 owner, 64,000 miles .....Arriving Soon

2014 (14) Ford Fiesta Style Econetic 1.6 TDCI, Above average miles.....£3495 2011 (11) Ford Focus Titanium 1.6 TDCi, New shape, High Mileage, Clean car with service history To clear .................................................. £2195

GOLF

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors 9 Hole Stableford, October 18: 1 John Wolstenholme 20, 2 John Morgan 19, 3 Steven Ireland 18.

Seniors Monthly Stableford, October 22: 1 Brian White 34, 2 Rick Graham 32 ocb, 3 John Westaway 32.

Seniors Front 9 Hole

Stableford, October 22: 1 Reg Gazzard 13 ocb, 2 Keith Williams 13, 3 Harry Eden 12.

Seniors Roll Up Back 9 Stableford, October 25: 1 John Morgan 16 ocb, 2 Kevin George 16, 3 Chris Dibben 16,4 John Wolstenholme 16.

Monthly Stableford, October 26: 1 Steven Ireland 34, 2 Jim Phillips 33 ocb, 3 Mike Case 33, 4 Rick Graham 33.

Seniors Texas Scramble, October 29: Winners Jim Stephen/Colin Jacobs/Mike Case 40.

Seniors Back 9 Stableford, November 1: 1 John Morgan 20 ocb, 2 Simon Lenton 20, 3 Mike Case 18.

Monthly Stableford, November 2: 1 Jim Phillips 40 ocb, 2 Brian White 40, 3 David Whitehand 38.

2024 Merit Board: Winner – Steven Ireland 86 points.

TABLE TENNIS

Blandford stay top of table

by Paul Cross BSHC Men 2

Southampton Otters 0 AFTER a week’s rest, Blandford faced a return trip to Southampton. This time they faced a very different test against the youthful exuberance of Southampton Otters. A tardy arrival resulted in a sluggish start for the visitors, with misplaced touches and errant passes aplenty.

15 minutes into the game, Blandford began to find their feet. Pressing high up the pitch, they rattled their inexperienced opposition and pinned them inside their 23.

Theo Browning pushed the ball past the onrushing Otter’s keeper, but the ball was scrambled off the backline.

The next opportunity came for Tom Tridgell, who struck a sweet shot straight at the keeper.

After 27 minutes, Blandford got the breakthrough they deserved. Following some intricate passing between Tridgell and Mitchinson, the ball was fed out right to Theo Browning. Browning cut inside and fed the ball to Matty Lewis, who took a touch and fired a rocket past the outstretched

Masters head to New Zealand

by Nick Mowat MEMBERS of Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club have flown to Auckland in New Zealand to take part in the World Masters 2024 Hockey World Cup.

Masters’ hockey, for players aged over 35, has become an important, high-profile feature of the hockey family with local leagues across the UK.

Yeovil & Sherborne have a number of masters players participating at regional level, including a number who have been selected to represent their country.

The Masters’ World Cup, which takes place every two years, is shared between two

by Avril Lancaster

Southern League South Shaftesbury 1 (Pitman 90+3)

Willand Rovers 0 SHAFTESBURY picked up back to back wins with an injury time goal from Brett Pitman enough to defeat a Willand Rovers side fresh from an outstanding result at Evesham United.

HOCKEY

The recently completed competition in South Africa saw a range of age groups participate.

The baton has now been handed over to Hockey New Zealand with the current phase of the tournament running from November 7-16.

Different age groups will take part with players from all corners of the world.

Trophies will be won by squads participating in both men’s and women’s competitions.

The Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club members who

FOOTBALL

Liam Farrugia cut in and crossed for Pitman to spin a header into the net past keeper George Burton, who did everything to try and keep it out, to no avail.

It was a game of very few chances with both defences solid.

keeper’s foot.

With a shortened rotation up against fresh legs, Blandford knew they would face a tougher test in the second half. And so it proved.

For the first time this season Blandford faced pressure at the back, with a high press preventing BSHC from playing through the phases as they usually do. However, despite this pressure, the Otters were unable to muster any shots on target, with keeper Clint only touching the ball once.

Midway through the second half, Blandford began to re-establish their grip on the

have flown to New Zealand are: Debs Gemmell, Scotland O55s; Mike Gilbert, Scotland O60s; Jo Stevenson, England O70s; Liz Herbert, England LX; James Bell, Scotland O55s coach; Liz Basson, England O50s manager; Tracey White, tournament technical participant.

For more information about Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club, visit the club’s website, www.yshc.co.uk, which includes details of informal masters sessions on Thursday from 8pm-9pm.

The sessions are held in Sherborne in the winter months and at the club’s ground in Yeovil in the summer.

Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club provide hockey for all age groups with an active junior coaching programme and seniors teams fielding players from 14 to 88.

Pitman had chances in the first half and Jack Hoey hit the post in the first half.

Rockies keeper Shane Murphy did well to keep Ashton Hewitt out.

This was a tremendous three points for Pat McManus' side to haul the team out of the drop zone before a trip to secondplaced Exmouth Town.

venues.

Blackmore Vale Table Tennis League

game.

A short corner from Matty Lewis was saved by a diving keeper. The ball fell to Brian Bell, but the keeper recovered quickly to smother the shot. A second short-corner was slipped to Theo, who failed to convert. A third corner was again saved by the keeper, but this time Bell made no mistake, calmly poking the ball underneath him.

Southampton threw caution

by Emma Dorey

Sport

to the wind, piling the pressure on. Blandford responded with a change in formation, adding another striker to pin back Southampton.

Blandford quickly caught them on the break, with Barney Jacques-Gray having the opportunity to settle nerves, but struck the side-netting.

The 2-0 win maintains a five-point gap at the top of the table.

Hundreds run in The Stickler race RUNNING

THE weather was perfect for this year’s 29th incarnation of The Stickler race, competitors in previous events often running in flood-like conditions.

The 10.1-mile Dorset Three Peaks race involves more than 1,500ft of gruelling climbing, beginning with the infamous ‘Stickle Path’.

Runners ascend three locally renowned peaks along the Stour Valley – Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill.

This year more than 570 runners registered with 510 finishing the race.

Local runner Dave Hewes from North Dorset Triathlon club was under strict instructions to get around safely as it was his stag do and he was getting married the next day –luckily he achieved both, so huge congratulations to him and his new wife.

And the Doddlers’ very own Jane Feather ran it as a birthday present to herself – what better way to spend the day.

The winner was Charles Ford, who completed it in a time of 1hr 6mins 2sec. The first female runner was Anna Philps, from Purbeck Runners, in 1-19-20.

The second and third males were Christopher Peck from the Egdon Heath Harriers in 1-06-44 and Matthew Harris from Oxford University AC in 1-08-32.

The second and third females

were Emma Hines from Swindon Harriers in 1-20-02 and Ali Young in 1-21-16.

The winning female team from Chippenham Harriers were made up of Liliano Soto, Juliette Hatt and Julia Maddocks, and the winning men’s team were the Dorset Doddlers consisting of Christopher Wright, Rich White and Tom Mitchell.

This year, donations will go to Shillingstone Church Centre for a new church roof, Child Okeford and Shillingstone schools, Child Okeford Parish Council, Stourpaine Parish Council, Sherborne Scouts, Shillingstone Railway Project and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

The race organisers have thanked everyone who helped make the 29th Stickler a success. The race is only as good as its volunteers and they reckon they have the best, among them Dorset Doddlers Running Club, local community volunteers, Ann Powell and everyone at the Shillingstone Church Centre, Shillingstone Station, residents of the local villages who are always so patient and supportive, and the sponsors, Hall & Woodhouse, Honeybuns and Up & Running Bournemouth.

Next year’s event is on Sunday, October 26, when Adam Frampton takes on the role of race director.

Happy 80th Birthday Margaret Pitman

Still living up to her nickname of the ‘Duracell Bunny’ and no sign of slowing up as yet!

Lots of love, Mark, DJ, Gary, Jane, Rachael & Hailey

80th BIRTHDAY THANK YOU

IN MEMORIAM

MARJIE TIMMS

11/11/14

10 years since I lost you That very sad day I miss you everyday Always in my thoughts. Love Geoff And all the family xxxxxx

Marion Hemborough

Geoffrey, Christopher, Sally and families wish to thank all who attended Mums funeral service and sent messages of condolence.

Thanks also to all the staff at Yeovil District Hospital and Harold Miles Funeral Director for their care and professional service. Donations are still being received for Project Mozambique and Holy Cross Church, Weston Bampfylde. Please accept this as our personal message of thanks

DEATHS

WINDROSS Maria Venetia. On 17th October in Yeovil Hospital after a long illness bravely borne. Beloved daughter of the late Lois and Eric. Thanksgiving Service on Thursday 5th December at 2pm at Christ Church, East Stour SP8 5LP and afterwards at the Village Hall, SP8 5JY.

Rachel SHERGOLD (previously McLEAN) neé WATTS

A retired District Nurse/Midwife in Shaftesbury. Sadly, died on 20 October 2024 in Salisbury, aged 90 years. Loving Mother to Joy and Fiona, Mother-in-law, Granny, Great Granny and Auntie who will be sadly missed. Funeral Service to be held at Salisbury Crematorium on 14th November 2024 at 11am.

Family flowers only with donations to Dementia UK c/o I N Newman Ltd., 55 Winchester Street, Salisbury 01722 413136

Maria Windross

Announcements

DEATHS

Hislop Joan Blanche

Passed away peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on 15th October 2024, aged 90 years.

A much loved Mum, Gran and Great Gran. Funeral service to take place in The Barn Ceremony Hall at Harbour View Crematorium, Randalls Hill, Friday 8th November at 3pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be made via www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk or sent c/o Harbour View Crematorium, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Dorset, BH16 6AN, Tel: 01202 630111

Evelyn Mary Guyatt

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Evelyn (Mary) Guyatt, on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. Predeceased by her dearly cherished husband, Mick (Albert), and son, Michael. Evelyn is survived by her two grandchildren; Adam and his wife, Dr. Jenny Black, Pete Guyatt and his wife, Dr. Merunka Guyatt; and her six great-grandchildren; Anita, Davis, Zadie, Maive, Milena, and Misha. Eve was deeply loved and adored by those she leaves behind and will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral to be held at Yeovil Crematorium, on November 11 at 10:30 am.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel 01963 362570.

BEN JAMES

Passed away peacefully on 30th October 2024

A much loved husband, father and grandfather aged 89.

The Funeral service will take place at St. Peter’s Church, Hinton St. Mary. Friday 22nd November.

For information please email: benjamesfuneral@gmail.com

Margaret “Maggie” Yule

28th October 1939 - 25th October 2024.

Passed away suddenly in Stalbridge.

Much loved Wife, Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma. Funeral to be held at Mendip Crematorium 22nd November 12:30.

Family flowers only. Donations to Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth and Cancer Uk.

The family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who tried to help her in her final moments.

Clare Robertson

Died at home in Shaftesbury, surrounded by her closest family and friends on 19th October 2024, aged 70 years. Her last days were calm and full of love. There will be a private cremation and celebration of life.

In Clare’s memory, donations for BooBs charity can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

Alan Eric

Sadly, we lost Dad on Saturday 12th October 2024 aged 86 years, Widower of Beryl, Father to Julie & Paul, Grandad to Lauren, Rebecca, Jack & Harry. Any donations will be sent to Alzheimers Research UK. Our thanks to the wonderful carers who were so kind and caring right to the end, meaning Dad was able to stay at home peacefully. There will be a gathering to celebrate Dad’s life on Monday 11th November midday at one of his ‘happy places’ Rushmore Golf Club Tollard Royal Salisbury SP5 5QB where all will be welcome

DITTRICH John

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 15th October 2024, aged 89 years. Beloved husband to Daphne, father to Claire, Stephen and Guy, and step-father to Christopher. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral service to take place at St Mary Magdalene Church, Castleton, on Monday 18th November at 1:00pm. Family flowers only please, but if desired, donations for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. All enquiries and donations to A J Wakely & Sons: 01935 816817.

SURRIDGE

Christine Anne

Peacefully on 20th October 2024 in Yeovil District Hospital, aged 88 years, of Gillingham.

Beloved Wife of the late Richard. Loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and friend.

Funeral service at Salisbury Crematorium on Friday, 15th November at 12.00pm. No flowers please. The family would like to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Donations can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel: 01747 833757

Maidment

DEATHS

Woolridge neé Read.

June formerly of Blandford.

Peacefully on the 18th October aged 89. Dearly loved Mum to Rachel, Deborah and Helen. Nannie and Great Nannie.

Donations for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk

White

William James (Jim)

died at home on October 27th 2024. Beloved husband of Kate and adored father of Sarah, Emma and Lucy, and grandfather of Jago, Milo, Claudia, Malin and Jonty. Loved by all who had the joy of knowing him. Thanksgiving service will be held at St Michael’s, Mere on Friday 22nd November at 12 noon. He loved colour, so please do wear bright clothes / ties, if you wish. Donations in his memory can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/inmemoryofjimwhite

Ray Brooks (Charborough Park)

Passed away peacefully on 31st October at Alderney Hospital. Much loved partner, Dad and Grandad who will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral to be held at Harbour View, Lytchett Minster on 20th November at 12:30. Family flowers only. Donations to Dementia UK.

Brenda Kathleen Knight

Passed away on Friday 25th November at Castle View Care Home. Brenda aged 91 years, formerly of Sturminster Newton and Bowes Lyon Court, Poundbury.

Funeral Service to be arranged. Donations in Brenda’s memory if desired for Weldmar Hospicecare.

C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0PP Tel: 01963 362570.

Margaret Mary Grant

Died peacefully aged 95 years at The Malthouse on 11th October 2024. Much loved friend to Maureen and loving God Mother to Jane and David. Funeral service at St. Mary’s Church in Gillingham on Friday 22nd November at 11:30 followed by refreshments in the Vicarage School Room. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for the British Heart Foundation or the Stars Appeal C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ. Tel 01747 833757.

Grace Mason

Passed peacefully at Dorchester County Hospital on 24th October 2024, aged 100 years. She will be missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service will take place at Poole Crematorium on Thursday 14th November at 2pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations to Weldmar Hospicecare c/o Colin Close, Blandford Forum 01258 453133

Vera Lilian DIBBEN

Vera passed away peacefully at home on 29th October 2024 aged 100 years. Beloved daughter of Hubert and Elsie Dibben, Vera was much loved and is sorely missed by all her family. Funeral service at St Mary’s Church, Sixpenny Handley on Friday 15th November at 2pm, followed by cremation. Family flowers only, but donations if desired in Vera’s memory to The Children’s Society

C/o Darren MacDonald Funeral Directors, 26 Pennyfarthing Street, Salisbury, SP1 1HJ, Telephone 01722 330598.

HOWE

Kenneth Gordon

Passed away at Castleman Plus Care Home on the 13th October 2024, aged 93 years. Much loved Father to Nigel, Sonia and Jackie, Grandfather and great grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ken’s funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 13th November, at 12:40pm. No flowers please but donations, if desired, to Parkinsons UK can be sent c/o Woods & Tapper Funeral Service, 6 Albert Road, Dorchester, DT1 1SF. Tel: 01305250425 or online at www.woodsfuneralservices.co.uk

JOHN HAROLD RUTTER (J.R.) of Shaftesbury,

formerly of Birmingham and Banbury, died peacefully on 21st October, 2024 aged 90. Husband of Pat, Father to Jill and Mike and “Bamber” to Sam, Emil, Izzy, Amy and Fay. Much loved by all. John will be remembered for his generosity and sense of humour.

A celebration of John’s life will take place at St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury on Wednesday 13th November at 1:00pm.

Family flowers only. Donations if desired for Parkinson’s UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

DEATHS

GIBBS Brenda Ellen

Died on 18th October 2024 at Abbey View Nursing Home, Sherborne, aged 95 years.

Beloved wife of the late Edney. Dearly loved Mum of Wendy, Chris, Stewart and Val.

Much loved Nanny and Great-Nanny. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday, 19th November at 12.00pm. No flowers please. Donations if desired, in memory of Brenda for Cancer Research UK can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP Tel: 01963 362570

TINA SUSAN GATEHOUSE

on 29th October 2024, peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 76 years. Of Shaftesbury.

Wife of the late Bernard, a loving Mum to Darren and Paula, Nanner to Ellie and Nan to Ruben.

“Forever Missed”

Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 19th November at 11.00am. No flowers please but donations for Cancer Research UK or Stroke Association may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532. Please make cheques payable to the individual charity.

STONE MASONS

Douglas Sturmey

After a long battle with Cancer, Doug passed away on 18th October aged 94. Honouring his wishes there will be no funeral service – No fuss.

He was much loved by his family & friends, and he will be sorely missed.

Donations if desired to Prostate Cancer UK https://donate.prostatecanceruk.org/single-donation/step1/

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Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Pre-payment plans available

Tel: 01935 816817 Tel: 01963 31310

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494 Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Pre-payment plans available

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Pre-payment plans available

– 24 Hour Service –

Pre-payment plans available

Pre-payment plans available

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Pre-payment plans available

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Available 24 hours a day. Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Available 24 hours a day. Find us at: dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Pre-payment plans available

Pre-payment plans available

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.

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Recruitment

SHOP MANAGER NEEDED GOLD HILL ORGANIC

FARM DT11 8HB. Take over the ordering, setting up and serving in the farm shop. Thursday-Friday 8am-4pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Monday 4 hours anytime that suits you. Benefits £15 per hour, free fruits and vegetables, lunch and discounts on food from the shop. Please contact me at goldhillorganicfarm@gmail.com

Sherborne School is a boys’ independent school situated in the shadow of Sherborne/Abbey. There are eight boarding houses accommodating a total of about 600 boys (aged 13-18). The School has its own Health Centre, which is staffed around the clock by a team of qualified nurses.

Sherborne School are seeking to recruit

HEALTH CENTRE NURSES

Working either 5 or 3 shifts per week over a 7-day period, a combination of Early, Late and Night Shifts dependent on service requirement.

For a full job description and application details please visit our website www.sherborne.org/about-sherborne/job-vacancies

Closing date: 9.30am Monday 18 November 2024

Early applications encouraged

Sherborne School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure & Barring Service.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Class 2 Drivers 7.5T Drivers

Wincanton Based

• Monday to Friday

• Weekly salary

• Tips

• Weekly rewards

• Occasional European travel

• Heavy lifting required

Hi-viz, hard-work, bad jokes and loyalty, we’re proud of our drivers and porters who are the backbone of all we do.

As well as receiving tips, our teams benefit from a bonus scheme.

To apply, please send your CV to; kye@armishaws.com

CHARLTON MUSGROVE PARISH COUNCIL seeking Part Time (Flexible) Parish Clerk, 20hrs a month. Email clerk@ charltonmusgrovepc. org.uk for full details and application pack

EXPERIENCED CARPENTER/CABINET

MAKER sought to teach keen young adult. Full time preferred, part time considered. Good rate of pay.Please contact 07887 954701

PART TIME GARDENER:

Knowledgeable gardener sought for approx 2 days/ week in 3 acre garden near Maiden Bradley. Ability to maintain/develop herbaceous borders, experience of pruning esp roses and fruit trees. Excellent pay for right applicant. Email: sarah. neish@hotmail.co.uk

HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED, for a busy friendly family home. 8 hours a week, flexible hours and days. Previous help would recommend! Tel 07970-642775

BOOKKEEPER/OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR wanted part time for small company. Flexible hours to suit. Wages negotiable. Ring Patrick 01963-371123, 07751-278363.

SHIRLEY

ALLUM FASHIONS AND LINGERIE. Job vacancy. Have you a passion for lingerie and fashion and would like to join our team of bra fitters and growing online store. 3 days a week, competitive rates of pay. Must be computer confident, training given, call in for details or email shop@shirleyallum.co.uk

Are you ready to make a difference in the waste industry? R.V Maidment Ltd, a proud family-run business, is looking for a dedicated Waste Operative/Yard person to join our team!

Full Time 45 hours a week with potential over time. Monday to Friday. Good rates of pay.

What you’ll do:

Operate waste sorting machinery in a safe and efficient manner.

Drive forklift to move and load materials.

Operate baler to bale recyclable materials.

Keep the yard tidy.

Report and record sorting data.

Experience in telehandler and forklift operation preferred but full training will be given.

Team player with proactive attitude.

Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

What we’re looking for: Why join us?

Be part of a family business that values its employees. Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunities for growth and development.

If you think you’re well suited to the role and want to join our team, we want to here from

MANUAL LABOUR REQUIRED. Ad-hoc basis. Must be physically fit. Good rates of pay. Own transport preferred. Gillingham/ Wincanton area. 07879-428722

CLEANER,

BISHOPSTROW, WARMINSTER,

Excellent, reliable cleaner required weekly for about 6 hours near Warminster, £18 per hour. 07768-770805

SHARE AND CARE WITH ELDERLY WOMAN in BA4 6EA for £150 per month. Lovely house, double room, shared bathroom, if interested pls call Carola 07817-522480

CAMELOT PHOTOGRAPHIC OF WINCANTON requires part-time picture framer. Experience preferred but full training given. 2/3 days/week. Wages negotiable. Call Graham 01963-34424 email grahamhiscockphoto@ gmail.com /www. camelotphotographic.com

CLEANER for a family house, near East Knoyle, approx 3 hours twice a week (6 hours total). 01747 830097

EXCELLENT, RELIABLE CLEANER required weekly in Chalke valley £18 per hour 07790524241

LOVE WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND ANIMALS?

Mother’s Help needed for busy family home near Templecombe Including baby minding and housekeeping tasks Approx 8-10 hours a week, can be flexible on timings Advanced DBS check and own transport required Contact Grace for more info 07967-640036

Recruitment

LIVE-IN HOUSE/DOG/CHICKEN SITTER. Free accommodation in separate self-contained, fully refurbished, 1 bedroom flat, in rural position, near to Shaftesbury. In return for occasional house/dog/chicken sitting and some extended periods/weekends, when the owners are away. Must be fit and active, car owner, with excellent references. Would suit someone who works from home. Reply to: bevnewton73@gmail.com

SKILLED GROUNDWORKER/PLANT OPERATOR

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team. Ability to set out & read drawings preferred. Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail.

We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.

If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk

SITUATIONS WANTED

CHRISTMAS POULTRY WORKERS REQUIRED between Wincanton and Bruton. Good rates of pay. 07812-009364.

CHEMISTRY TUTOR Experienced GCSE and A Level teacher. Call 07732 418488 or visit www.cometugrow.com/services.

DECORATOR REQUIRED. Own tools and transport required. 07976-246728. info@bkhdecorgroup.co.uk

EXPERIENCED FLOOR AND WALL TILER/ DECORATOR seeks permanent employed position. References and portfolio available. Please call 07960-127694.

SALES ADVISOR Wincanton

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine are looking for an enthusiastic individual to sell advertising in our local magazines from our Wincanton office.

Full or part time to suit the right candidate.

As well as an hourly rate, you’ll earn extra sales commission, making this a great opportunity for someone target driven.

Responsibilities:

• Contacting customers by phone

• Understanding the customer’s requirements

• Offering them the best solutions and packages

Experience preferred:

• Previous sales experience/customer service background

• Excellent communication skills

• Self-motivated and target driven

We have an endless supply of biscuits, great team atmosphere, help and support on hand.

To apply, please send your CV to; kye.harman@

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

BUSYPETZ

THE COOL PLACE FOR PET PRODUCTS

Wyke range of dog and cat food, treats, vegetarian, grain free, gluten free, sugar free. Paleo Ridge and Natures Menu frozen dog

How to feed pet rabbits

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

food. Natural treats, toys, collars leads and harnesses. Veterinary bedding, shampoo, grooming and towels

Wild bird food, cage and aviary COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING for Cats, Dogs, Puppies & Kittens 2024book yours now - call or pop in store Check- a-chip service is free

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm. Christmas opening hours: Open until 3pm on 21st December

Last orders for collection 16th December Re-open 2nd January.

18 Broad Robin, Gillingham SP8 4PJ, opposite the Onestop. Parking available. Email: enquiries@busypetz.co.uk

Web: www.busypetz.co.uk Facebook: Busypetz Call: 01747 706152

5*

KENNELS

5*

KENNELS

Owners: Elaine & Ed Tilley Lattiford, Wincanton, BA9 8AF | 01963 32104

Email: merrymeet.kennels@btinternet.com Website: www.merrymeetkennels.co.uk

Let us pamper your pet in our luxurious kennels and cattery. All accommodation has central heating and double glazing to keep our guests comfortable. Our dogs are exercised in secure gardens. Open for boarding 7 days per week from 09.00am. See website for details of opening times.

DOGGIE DAY CARE FROM 07.30 AM

WE NOW STOCK

PLUS A RANGE OF WILD BIRD FEEDERS AND TABLES.

WE STOCK A VARIETY

RABBITS are lovely affectionate pets, but they do require a balanced complete diet and regular handling so that any changes are noticed quickly and can be dealt with.

Rabbits are designed to eat high fibre low quality food little and often. Wild rabbits typically eat grass and weeds, and these provide the fibre and nutrition they need.

Their teeth grow continuously and, unless they eat enough fibre, the teeth will become overgrown and uneven and spurs can develop which grow into the cheeks or tongue causing pain, and lacerations of these sensitive areas can occur. The rabbit then stops chewing food properly or even stops eating completely. This then affects their gut which stops working and they stop defecating and fill up with gas, which is very painful and life threatening.

Rabbits which eat a mix or muesli-type diet often choose the bits they like but leave other bits. This leads to an unbalanced diet and dietary deficiencies which, among other things, causes the tooth enamel to become soft and deformed leading to abnormal tooth wear and infections. Even if fed a complete pelleted food, most

rabbits will fill up on this and eat less grass and hay, which reduces their overall fibre intake. The ideal diet for a domestic rabbit is grass and/or good quality meadow hay with a small daily amount of a complete pelleted feed and regular weeds or vegetables. The rabbit’s gut depends heavily on the bugs that grow in it, and these will remain healthy if they receive the same foods regularly. Sudden changes in diet or high sugar foods such as fruit can cause rapid changes in these bugs leading to abnormal bacterial overgrowth and diarrhoea.

Rabbits excrete excess calcium in their urine and high calcium diets can lead to urine sludge and stones developing. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium and so are dark leafy greens. Pelleted foods contain calcium and, if too much is fed, they can also lead to dietary excess. Some rabbits are very sensitive to calcium levels and may need very restricted calcium intake. Rabbits produce two types of faeces. The small dry round pellets are produced little and often throughout the day. The soft sticky caecotrophs are typically produced in the early morning and a normal rabbit will re-eat this because it provides B vitamins produced by bugs in the rabbit’s gut. If they don’t eat it, it will remain stuck on their bum looking like diarrhoea. Causes of rabbits not eating their caecotrophs include dental pain and arthritis.

Generally speaking, feeding everything in moderation is fine. Be consistent and monitor closely for any changes which may indicate an underlying health problem.

Canine Cohesion: Three tips for creating a harmonious multi-dog household

Raychel Curson

eating together, that is not the same in our dogs - feed each dog in their own space to prevent competition and giving each dog their own designated feeding area reduces tension around mealtime – also do the same for enrichment activities. It’s a good idea to provide them with individual beds or crates in different parts of the house, to ensure that each dog has a quiet, comfortable place to relax. This helps prevent territorial disputes and gives each dog a safe space to unwind.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

Dusty, 13-yearold ginger and white friendly boy

Dinky, threeyear-old white and black friendly boy

CREATING harmony in a multi-dog household involves ensuring that each dog feels secure, valued and has their individual needs met. Dogs, like people, have different personalities, and fostering a peaceful environment requires mindful management. Here are three key strategies to promote harmony:

Clear boundaries and consistent training ENSURE that everyone in the household maintains the boundaries you have agreed on for the dogs to prevent confusion. It’s also important that you train each dog individually before you start training them together. Introduce the same positive interrupter cue to all the dogs in your household so you are able to disrupt them positively if you need to – for example, if play is getting too rough. Provide separate resources and space

ALTHOUGH humans enjoy

Individual exercise and attention needs

WHILE it’s great to walk your dogs together for bonding, make time for individual walks or activities to meet each dog’s specific exercise needs. Some dogs may need more intense exercise, while others may benefit from slower, more relaxed walks. Individual walks are also a good time to spend individual time with each dog daily to strengthen your bond with each of them, but also think about meeting their attention and mental stimulation needs as individuals, too. With patience, consistency and awareness of their dynamics, dogs can learn to coexist peacefully, but if you need more help, please get in touch.

n Raychel Curson BSc (Hons) MA CCAB APBC-CAB FABC ABTC-CAB is owner of Pet Peeves Animal Behaviour & Teaching. Email raychel@ petpeevessomerset.co.uk.

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

Misty, 11-yearold grey and white sweet girl

Benji, two-year-old black and white. Energetic boy by

Rosie, three-yearold black girl with little white star looking for a quiet home

Gruba/ Rene/Mimi/ Yvette, four-monthold black and white kittens

n For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/blandford

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please provide a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call. It may be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

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

Items for sale

CLASSIFIED ADS

CLASSIC VW CAMPERVAN, V-reg. offers invited. Tel: 07950-450824

MIGHTYMAC Leaf vacuum/ mulcher 8hp Self propelled. Hardly used. £700 01747-828036

COMPLETE CAPITALS SINGLES, Frank Sinatra CD collection, Rat Pack 6CD collection £45 01963 220004

2 SEATER SETTEE, wooden frame, tapestry fabric. Very clean and pretty. £25. Frome area. Tel: 07563-340823

KENWOOD HAND MIXER / whisk: three speeds. Also Revel grinder. Both in good working order, £5 each. Tel. 01747 852725

2x WHITE, 2 DRAWER, flat-pack filing cabinets. £10 each. Buyer collects. Sherborne. Tel: 01935-815648

YAMAHA 1979 CX400 twin for renovation £400. 07780-828767.

OCEAN FRENZY KAYAK for sale £350. 07780-828767

LADIES GIANT HYBRID TWIST LITE, with all manuals. Little used £600. Tel: 07976-806703

POOLE POTTERY VINEYARD CHINA. 8 setting dinner set. 3 oven to tableware pieces. 7 piece tea set. Plus other items. Also Maxwell Williams 58 pieces cutlery set. 07401 323522. SOLID PINE TABLE and four leather chairs GC £100. 01963-350578.

DAY’S FOLDING LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIR. Still boxed. £100. 01935 475412.

SHOPRIDER MOBILITY SCOOTER. Plus charger, rain cover and panier. £200. 07960-091096.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

ANTIQUE, LARGE (109cms high, 83cms wide) oak corner cupboard with shelves. £20, in Donhead St Andrew, Tel 01747 828403.

CD PLAYER WITH SPEAKERS full working order, excellent condition. £50 ono. 07931-766380

FAB PINE TABLE STILL AVAILABLE! Vintage. 105 cm diam top separates from heavy pedestal base. £50. Photos available. Sherborne. 07774 680733

TALL TABLE LAMP WITH SHADE, mottled base in pink and black with pink shade, in working order and excellent condition. £50 ono. 07931 766380

STUBBORN BRIDLE full size & breast plate full size, good condition £45 07935 698505

11 x ASSORTED JIGSAW PUZZLES 500 & 1000 piece plus jaques felt large roll-up mat and case £15 lot 01747 835680

DARE2BE Sno wear/snowboarding/ ski trouser. Size UK Large/EUR 50/52. £20. Tel: 01747 840473

KITCHEN STOOLS, pair of modern design, moulded sear, chrome base good condition Tel no: 0781 8345464

19g CLAMPS, different sizes. £50. Tel: 01747-870824

52 USED PAVING SLABS 45cm square £20 (buyer collects). Sherborne. Tel 07875-566224

GRANDMA SELLING 2x child car seats. 1-7years. VGC. £30 each. Tel: 07794-136581

MINKY WING 12m heated clothes airer. October 2023 purchased from Argos code, 707/6006. Perfect condition, hardly used. £42.50. Tel. no. 07851 408667.

MET ECHO CYCLING

AIWA FM TUNER WITH 5 ELEMENT ANTENNA. £20. GILLINGHAM. 07963 319751

OVAL MIRROR 67 x 100cm whitewood surround good cond £10 ono 01935-873441 near sherborne

LADIES CHRIS BRASHER walking boots. Never worn. Still in box. Size 5.5. £50. 01747-830000

CARRIAGE CLOCK, solid brass, in art-deco style with quartz movement (Smiths). Excellent condition. £25. 01935 815887 (Sherborne).

DOUBLE BED METAL FRAME & MATTRESS only used as quest bed, still like new. £50. Tel: 07710-457287

LADIES FUR COAT, size 12-14. £40. Fur hat £5. Tel: 01258-820099

3 WHEELER DISABILITY

WALKER. Hardly used. £25. Tel: 07770-536656

FRIDGE/FREEZER free buyer collects +conservatory suite £50 buyer collects 01747 826349

8 HIGH BACK CHAIRS, £25. each. Needs recovering. Tel: 07588-053555

DOUBLE LIFT ALUMINIUM LADDER, £25 Ono can deliver. 07855 557585

FLYMO ELECTRIC LEAF BLOWER with vacuum function ,good working order Bargain £20 Tel 01747822422

ELECTRIC BEKO BRDF21000X

Eye Level Double Oven, top oven has grill. Good working order. £50, Contact 01963 846153

TRAV ALL DOG GUARD for VW Golf VII Estate (TDG 1407) with instructions £40 - 01747 853942

52 USED PAVING SLABS x 45cms. square. £20 (Sherborne) Tel. 07875-566224

THE WORLD OF BEATRIX

POTTER. Mrs Rabbit In Rocking Chair Excellent Condition £35 07707 112910

GRANDPARENTS Selling travel cot and mattress (bought separately) both as good as new hardly used, £50, 01935 421313

DINING TABLE & 6 CHAIRS mahogany 1920s vgc seats new pads reupholstered, matching cabinet, photos available £50 01747 825614 Gillingham

M&S KNEE LENGTH BROWN BOOTS. Side zip. Size 6. Worn once. Cost £79.99 accept £50. Tel: 01935 814404 (Sherborne)

REGATTA OFF-WHITE

WATERPROOF hooded jacket size 16. Worn only once (don’t like hoods!). Partially fleece lined. £35. Call 07966 053208 (Shaftesbury)

CREAM 2 SEATER SOFA - Very solid frame £45.ONO. Can deliver (Extra). 01458 223946

ARCO ESSENTIALS YELLOW waterproof Hi-Vis Coat Brand New Size Medium £20 ono 01747-870778

DOG CRATE 29” wide, Diapers, Training pads Silver bowl, Pillow, £50 ONO, 07729 700582, Nr Blandford

1000 BEER MATS, brand new, dating from 1960. £40. buyer collect. Milborne Port. 07961-698050

6 HIGH BACKED CAST METAL CHAIRS and table base 48 x 24” suitable for indoors and outdoors. £30.00 ono. call 01747 824482

CHAMPAGNE FLUTES - 2 boxes of 4 plain glass unused £10 Tel: 01258 628121 Blandford centre of town

GENTS HALFORDS APOLLO HIGHWAY, light alloy tech. As new £50. Tel: 07976-806703

PAIR OF INTERIOR WOODEN DOORS. 15 panel. Bevelled edge, obsure glazed, 1980x670. all fittings. £50. Tel: 01747-822345

PINE WASH STAND - would be lovely for plants. £45. 01305-568237.

VIRTUALLY NEW TWO 12 and a half by 2 and a quarter inch wheels and tyres for wheelchair. Plus two front wheels. £30. 01935 475412.

CHRISTMAS TREE 5ft artificial Nordmann Fir by Balsam Hill. Realistic, easy to assemble. Comes in own zipped bag. £45, 01963-362638.

TABLETOP FOOTBALL 36” long, 20” wide, 8” deep with legs and a scoreboard. As new, £40 cash. Gillingham, 07787-371823.

STONE COPINGS £30. 01747 840835.

BOW FRONTED GLASS CABINET. Length 33 inches by 42 inches high. £10. 07938-707527

AS NEW (UNUSED) CLOSE coupled white toilet cistern and seat £50. 01963-23477

SONY HOME THEATRE SYSTEM, subwoofer and sound bar for tv. £40. Tel 01963-362041

TWO BOXES OF 4 PLAIN CHAMPAGNE FLUTES unused £10 Tel: 01258 628121 after 5pm

TRAVEL STAIR GATE adjustable width in carry bag as new with instructions £10. Central Blandford phone 07442-164854

1980s AND 1990s VINTAGE COMPUTERS and mobile phones. Call Mike 07795-349466

CHRISTMAS POULTRY WORKERS REQUIRED between Wincanton and Bruton. Good rates of pay. 07812-009364.

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392-602014

My country life in books (part one)

“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”

JK Rowling by AJ Selby

I HAVE always been an avid reader, right from pre-school when my mother spent time with me ensuring that I had gone well past the Janet & John stories before I went to the village school the day after my fifth birthday. My abiding memory of that January day was walking there in the snow with mother and drying our coats in front of the coal fire in the classroom.

I soon settled in – there were fewer than 30 pupils in the entire school – and only 12 of us aged five to seven in the infant class. I enjoyed spelling, as does anyone with a subject that comes relatively easy, as my early pre-school reading had clearly paid dividends. Before school I had read my first proper book several times – The Little House in the Woods and Other Stories, by Herbert McKay. I still have my copy in front of me as I write this, notated as “A.J.’s first reading book 1964” in my mother’s hand.

The main story involved Mr Dog getting a letter from Mr Fox, Mr Pig and Mr Cat to come to the little house in the woods. The idea was to trap him and keep him to wash and clean for them! However, as I was bought up in a cottage in a heavily wooded area I could easily relate to aspects of the story where the animals were ‘swallowed up in the darkness of the woods’, and the hints at the menace of the silence of the forest.

By the time I was eight or nine I had started to read a series of books, once more with animals as the theme. There were around a dozen or so books in the collection and I can

recall drawing back the curtain to the bookcase in the schoolroom and choosing my story. I can only remember an elephant and a beaver, and possibly some big cat or other, but the story I read and re-read was Loki the Wolf. I think it was set in Canada and told the story of Loki, the only white wolfcub in the litter and son of Ragnar. It follows his life through growing up to becoming the pack leader after Ragnar perishes in a moose hunt. The story was wonderful, but it also inspired a young reader to learn more about other parts of the world, and the legends of the Norse Gods that gave their names to the characters.

By this time, I was a keen young naturalist and had started to be gifted some lovely bird books, and I still have my first one – Birds in Colour by Penguin Books. Next came the Collins Field Guides for Nests and Eggs, Wild Flowers, the Insects of Britain and Northern Europe, and Mushrooms and Toadstools – my bird watching had expanded into a curiosity about all the natural world around me. These books were a great reference to learn more about each subject in depth, but The Observer’s pocket books, mentioned before with great affection in previous Diaries, were the ones I carried on my forays outdoors.

I also enjoyed crime fiction as a diversion and greedily devoured Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie in my early teens. It so happened that around this time we had a summer holiday in Devon, as my aunt and uncle had moved to Plympton, so I had my first experience of Dartmoor as we drove from Mortonhampstead to Tavistock past the prison at Princetown. I am still fascinated

by Dartmoor and work takes me there several times a year. As a story for another day, my uncle Billy was invalided out of North Africa fighting with Monty in 1942 and worked for SouthWest electricity getting mains supplies to farms and hamlets on the moor – he told so many stories about those days.

The essential reading therefore was The Hound as I could by then visualise the big black dog roaming the moor at night. Then Christie’s The Sittaford Mystery, also set on Dartmoor in January 1931 in heavy snow, and it was here that I realised that I had a gift for remembering dates, something I still possess to this day. I noted in the text that the journalist Charles Enderby was going to contact Sir Oliver Lodge and Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle about the strange séance that predicted the death of Captain Trevelyan. However, Doyle died in July

1930, and I pointed this anomaly out to my father, who explained that the book was obviously written perhaps a year before publication –subsequent reprints have never corrected this. It helped to sharpen my own observations, and I have delighted in picking out proof errors, timeline errors and continuity errors on TV and film ever since.

One summer in my midteens I spent the school holidays with my godparents in their cottage in the Cotswolds. Apart from miles and miles of walking discovering and learning about nature, I read a couple of very inspiring books which encouraged me to think about the bigger picture of life, the land, the environment and the sort of existence that I wanted for myself moving into adulthood. Those books and others I will write about in next month’s column.

These books provided some of AJ Selby’s reading as a youngster

Farming

‘Shell-shocked’ by Budget measures

by Ruth Kimber

THE day after the Budget! I guess we are not alone in fearing for the future, as employers, small business owners and farmers, we feel somewhat shell-shocked.

How these taxes won’t result in increased prices and challenge the cost of living, beats me.

The increase in wages. Employers’ portion of the NIC and then – when after years of hard work, long hours coupled with low returns, trying to build a farm business fit to pass to the next generations – the hand of the greedy tax man reaches into the pocket of genuine farmers in the misled perception it will dissuade wealthy individuals from buying

up farms as a tax dodge.

As food producers and land caretakers, there is never much money to put aside for these punishing taxes. I feel this will add to further exits in our industry. Food security in our country has been forgotten.

Of course, we are happy to pay our loyal staff more, but it has to come from somewhere.

I dare say there will be lots of meetings and advice on how to mitigate the worst effects of a Labour government which clearly has little understanding or desire to give security to rural business and farming owners.

But it is not just the rural economy, but all business owners, who will be heading for

sleepless nights.

Most of the cattle are now housed for winter. The winter routine is dominated by feeding, cleaning and bedding up. It is a relief to have them in, yet daunting with many months of managing food and bedding supplies and the resulting manure.

The first of the turkeys will be processed for Thanksgiving soon, many are in the order book already. The Christmas orders are now coming in – how the weeks fly by!

On a more positive note, Naomi, our eldest daughter, is trekking with Darren in Napal to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. She has

had a lot of support so far – if anyone wants to donate, please do so using her JustGiving page or drop by the shop where there is a donation pot.

The Christening gown display in St Stephen’s went really well. The gowns looked beautiful and raised a lot of interest, as well as £525 for Action for Children and church funds. A big thank you to all who helped.

n Kimbers Farm Shop, Kimbers Kitchen, Somerset Trading Barn BA9 8HD, on B3081 Wincanton Racecourse Road. www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; phone: 01963 33177. Open TuesdayFriday 8.30am-5pm; Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

Farming’s three Rs and skittles

WAREHAM farmer Ian Baggs will give an illustrated talk on conservation farming based on the three Rs – Restoration, Regeneration and Rewilding – at the next meeting of Cerne Sheep Group.

The meeting is at The Fox at Ansty (DT2 7PN) on Monday, November 11, at 7.30pm.

The Royal Oak, Milborne St Andrew, is the venue for the group’s annual skittles match against the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The date is Thursday, November 21, at 7.30pm and the cost is £5, including supper.

Book with Stephen Tanner on 07974 814751 to confirm

numbers for catering.

The group’s Christmas Supper is at The Fox on Monday, December 9, at 6.45pm for 7pm.

Team Morgan will provide the entertainment with Call My Bluff, which will be followed by a hot Christmas buffet.

Donations for the annual

raffle being held that night will be gratefully received. Anyone intending to go along should phone or text 07816 291103 so The Fox can be informed of numbers. Members will need to make a contribution of £6, nonmembers must pay the full price of £15.

Trials of TB testing and Belle’s in calf...

by Tria Stebbing

JUST like that, it is November. What beautiful colours there are this year, a vibrant display that is hanging on despite the wind.

We have been busy both with the sheep and hairy cows, thankfully although dull, it has not been as wet.

TB testing was interesting. We set up the compound and cattle crush for the cows to make life easier and safer. Always wary of those giant horns, it makes it safer to handle them if they cannot move or swing their heads around.

Sebastian and Belle were brilliant, following the sound of food being shaken in the bucket and walking slowly into the set-up fences. Babybel had other ideas and danced around

us on the muddy hill displaying more than teenage stubbornness, indeed outwitting us at every turn. For over half an hour we tried to contain him, only coming down when we took to ignoring him.

Dreading doing it again four days later, we talked through a strategy to lure him into the fenced area earlier in the morning, far better to have him in than dancing about again. It worked, although he clearly was not impressed at being shut in before the vet arrived, being very vocal to the other cows and stomping about.

Luckily for us, we had a negative TB test, a huge sigh of relief for the next few months and time to think through where they should graze. Better still,

the vet was able to confirm that Belle is expecting a calf next spring, so now we will relax that feeding regime and let her gain a few pounds. She has naturally weaned Babybel off now, so putting all her energy into her pregnancy.

Clover and Cupcake have come for a month’s sleepover as Humphrey the ram has now gone in with the ewes. Their keepers only had two to put to the ram this year, so it was easier for them to come to us.

We put our girls in last weekend and Humprey got

straight to work – he has worked relentlessly this week and shows no sign of flagging. If all goes to plan, we will begin lambing at the end of next March. As the saying goes: “In with a bang – Bonfire Night –out like a fool – April 1.”

So, although we are well and truly into autumn, our time has been spent on creating new life for next spring. We will need to plan where to lamb, take time off work and be ready for the hard work it brings, but what a lovely event to spend the winter months working towards.

Bluetongue Update

By Synergy Vet Imogen Rogers

Last year, and now again this year, cases of a new strain of Bluetongue have been confirmed in the UK. The BTV-3 strain that had previously been seen in Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany) finally crossed the channel last November. Whilst the cases were limited to the South East (Norfolk and Suffolk mostly), livestock farmers across all of the South were worried about the implications it may bring to their farms.

Given the current temperature and wind direction, the risk of infected midges coming over from Europe remains very high and is likely to do so until the colder months arrive. This means that farmers in the South should remain vigilant at monitoring for clinical signs.

Signs include swelling, discolouration, discharge and sores around the muzzle; with fever, abortion and lameness

ADVERTISING FEATURE

also possible. These signs can be seen in sheep, cattle, other ruminants and camelids, with sheep most likely to show severe signs. If you have stock showing these signs, please contact your vet immediately for further advice.

Bluetongue vaccines have been approved for use in the UK under special licence – speak to your vet for further information.

Please visit the APHA website for further updates as they come. You may want to consider signing up for their ‘Disease Alert

Subscription Service’, which will notify you of any new cases as they are confirmed. Otherwise, keep an eye on Synergy new streams for updates from us.

Humphrey the ram has been spending time with the ‘ladies’

25 years of farmers’ helpline

THE NFU is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its CallFirst service, which has become an invaluable resource for members since its inception in 1999.

CallFirst provides initial legal, business and professional advice for farmers and growers across the UK to tackle a wide range of challenges.

Over the past year, CallFirst advisers have handled more than 45,000 calls offering NFU members and their businesses advice.

The service has grown over the last 25 years and now offers access to 21 legal and technical advisers with expertise in areas such as employment law, land management and animal welfare.

NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, said: “CallFirst is a vital support system for our members.

“For 25 years, it has delivered timely and expert advice that has helped farmers and growers navigate legal and business complexities, with our CallFirst advisers going above and beyond to ensure that members receive the best possible outcome.

“Whether it’s resolving disputes, managing land transactions or offering practical guidance, the value CallFirst brings to our farming community cannot be overstated.

“This is a brilliant service and I would urge members to use it and maximise the value of their NFU membership.”

NFU business services manager, Kirsty Kane, said: “It’s incredible to reflect on the journey of CallFirst over the last quarter of a century.

“We’ve even got one adviser in the team who has been with us since day one.

“Our team of advisers work tirelessly to ensure members receive the highest level of service.

“We pride ourselves on being more than just a helpline

– we are a lifeline for many of our members facing complex issues.

“Every day we hear success stories where CallFirst has made a real difference in members’ lives, and we look forward to continuing this legacy.”

HEDGE TRIMMING, Topping and laying. Tel: 01747-855198

2 HAMPSHIRE DOWN, 2 Texel (1 blue) Shearling Rams. Tel: 01258-817423

CONCRETE GROOVING SERVICE. Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040

SHEEP KEEP WANTED. 12 miles radius from Wincanton. To suit 100 ewes. Tel: 07564-277083

HEDGELAYING AND PLANTING

please call James for more information 07930-262639 CLASSIFIED Place your classified advert

RELIEF MILKER, available afternoons. Tel: 07425-811817

WANTED: Small piece of land. (Dorset area) Tel: 07810-472347

DORSET DOWN X POLLED DORSET 8 EWES (reared lambs 2024) and 5 shearlings. suitable as small flock. 07901 807290

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935 873169 or 07368 380477.

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Tel: 01258 472288 / Mob: 07977 936109

New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks

ALICE CHAMERS TRACTORS WANTED for parts. 01935 873169.

18 ACRES AVAILABLE for grazing or agriculture, 3 miles north of Sherborne. 07711 184124

MOBILE CRIMPING AND ROLLING.

All cereals pulses and maize, up to 20 tonnes per hour. Call Andy 07979-758907

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service

Agricultural Specialist

Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

WEDNESDAY 20th NOVEMBER SALE OF REARED CALVES

MONDAY 16th DECEMBER SALE OF TB RESTRICTED CATTLE

WEDNESDAY 27th NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FATSTOCK SHOW CLASSES FOR HANDLED & UNHANDLED PRIME CATTLE. BARREN COWS. PRIME LAMBS. PRIME PIGS & CALVES FATSTOCK SHOW DINNER FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL

BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288

TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031

ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859

ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863

Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11

1298 acres of Standing Straw

• 599ac Wheat

• 281ac Winter Barley

• 119ac Spring Barley

• 229ac Oats

• 70ac Oil Seed Rape Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk

ON-FARM AUCTION

Thursday 17th October at 11.00am

Silverlake Farm, Sherborne, DT9 6SN

Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm Bindon & Pinhay

The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset 830ac of Standing Straw

Genuine Dispersal of Combine, Self Propelled Sprayer, 4 Tractors, 2 JCB Telehandlers, Forklift, Pick-Up, Arable Machinery & Livestock Equipment

• 461ac Wheat

• 237ac Winter Barley

• 132ac Oats

2017 Claas Lexion 650 Combine with Vario 770 Header, Shelbourne Reynolds RSD20 Stripper Header, 2011 Bateman RB17 (3,708hrs) Sprayer, 2019 Massey Ferguson 7720S Dyna6 (2,320hrs) & 7718 Dyna6 (2,880hrs), 2016 New Holland

Friday 30th June at 12 noon

Tuesday 21st November at 11.00am Tarrant Crawford & Abbey Farms, Tarrant Crawford, Blandford On behalf of Tarrant Crawford & Abbey Farms (Change in Farming Policy) Sale of 3 Tractors, Farm Machinery & Livestock Equipment, etc Including: Massey Ferguson 6150 Dynashift (95), John Deere 2850 (94), Sollis 50 RX (20), RS Agrimix Evolution 21m³ Diet Feeder (09), Teagle Tomahawk 8080 Bale Shredder, Ransomes 8’ Subsoiler, 11’ Spring Tine Cultivator, 10’ Packer Roller, 50 Series 3.9L 86hp John Deere Engine, IAE Foot Trimming Crush, John Shepherd Feeders, IAE Cattle Hurdles, Large Quantiy HD Yard Gates, Sheeted Doors, IAE Rollover Water Troughs, Approx. 150 Cubicle Hoops, Quantity Rubber Matting, Honda Pressure Washer, etc

Dorset

1298 acres of Standing Straw

Saturday 29th July Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467

• 599ac Wheat

• 281ac Winter Barley

• 119ac Spring Barley

• 229ac Oats

• 70ac Oil Seed Rape Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk

On behalf of John Swain Limited (Retiring) Online bidding available Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467

Saturday 29th July

Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH

Quick release couplings

Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and Miscellaneous

Pressure wash hoses + lances

Including: 1995 Same Silver 80 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988

Hoses

and agricultural experts On behalf of John Swain Limited (Retiring) Online bidding available Contact Greg Ridout: 01935 382909 / 07817 517467

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Variation of oils

Mobile service available

Same Explorer 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973 Ford 4000 (fully restored), 1976 International 454 2wd, Marshall SM6 Drop Side Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, Ransomes TS59 & TS90 & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.

Further suitable entries welcome.

our

Please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467

| AGRICULTURAL | COMMERCIAL Our Agents will be at

Please call in to our stand for refreshments and to

KRM Sola Ares 2713 Drill, Vaderstad NZ 6m Cultivator, Kuhn HR 4004 Hyd. Folding

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

Ansty, Dorchester

Guide £750,000

An exceptional Passivhaus, the first of its kind to be built and certified in Dorset. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 261008

Marnhull

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village

facing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Stour Provost, Gillingham

Guide £645,000

A stunning Grade II listed period house in the heart of the village with south facing rear garden. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Cheriton

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

Guide £875,000 Hermitage, Dorchester

Guide £875,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Guide Price £1,100,000

A substantial detached house in an edge of village location with verdant views. Freehold.

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Situated in an impressive plot, this 2146sq ft property offers five bedrooms and a generous garden. Freehold.

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

Marnhull

Nr Sturminster Newton

Broad Oak, Sturminster Newton

PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024 AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM

Guide £40,000

North Perrott Guide £45,000

Wincanton

Guide £70,000

Witchampton Guide £50,000

Wimborne

Guide £100,000

Verwood Guide £125,000

Yeovil

A parcel of land in a village location measuring 0.15 acres with potential for development (subject to planning permission/consents). Freehold.

3.01 acres (1.22 ha) of gently sloping pasture land with direct road access. Freehold.

Yetminster Sherborne | 01935 814488

Yeovil | 01935 432526

0.19 acres of amenity land with scope for a range of uses (STPP/consents), adjoining residential properties. Freehold.

A ground floor retail unit forming part of an attractive Grade II Listed building in the heart of the town. Leasehold 999 years from Feb 2005 (980 years remaining).

Sturminster | 01258 473766

Wimborne | 01202 843190

West Moors

Guide £120,000

Pallington

A 0.38 acre garage site with 10 vacant garages providing development potential (subject to planning permission). Lapsed planning permission for 3 detached dwellings. Freehold.

Bere Regis

Guide

£125,000-£150,000

Guide £350,000

38.42 acres (15.55 hectares) of fertile, workable arable land with good accessibility. Conveniently split into three workable parcels. The land has previously been used to grow salad crops and is understood to be very productive, more recently the land has been in a combinable crop rotation. This Autumn, the land has been drilled with a cover crop. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Dorchester | 01305 236237

A detached period brick barn with full planning permission for a replacement 3 bedroom dwelling with off-road parking and garden. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

Bradford Peverill

Batcombe, Dorchester Guides £40,000 to £115,000 20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.

Guide £300,000

Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

A charming 4 bedroom cottage requiring complete renovation throughout in a peaceful position on the edge of this popular village. Freehold.

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000 Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Dorchester | 01205 261008

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Hurcott Guide £200,000 A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

Iliminster | 01460 200790

5.70 acres of permanent pasture land with mature boundaries in a secluded location on the rural fringe of Colehill. Freehold.

1.38 acres with a derelict barn in a residential location falling within the main urban development area on the Local Plan. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Wimborne | 01202 843190

A historic town centre retail property for renovation with land at the rear, suitable for a variety of uses or conversion/development subject to planning permission. Freehold.

Yeovil | 01935 423526 Guide £100,000

Winfrith Newburgh Guide £170,000 20.42 acres (8.26 ha) of level, productive permanent pasture land adjacent to Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

A 3 bedroom semi-detached cottage for updating with garden, garage and parking in the popular village of

|

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Guide £225,000

Winterborne Houghton Guide £400,000 42.94 acres (17.38 ha) of productive arable land. Free draining loam soil over chalk, two road access points, a cattle handling race, outstanding views and private water supply. South east aspect suited to vines and solar. Freehold.

Corfe Castle Wimborne | 01202 843190

An attached Grade II Listed 3 bedroom cottage in need of complete renovation enjoying views towards the castle.

close to amenities and

Shaftesbury Guide £95,000

A charming 1 bedroom property forming part of a Grade II* Listed building, ideal as a buy to let investment or bolthole. Leasehold with 50% share of freehold.

£300,000 A three bedroom end of terrace cottage for refurbishment, enjoying countryside views situated in Lower Burton on the edge of the town. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Dorchester Dorchester | 01305 261008

Tarrant Gunville Guide £225,000-£250,000 A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

Milborne Port Guide £150,000 An attractive period property for renovation enjoying a generous garden sitting on the outskirts of Milborne Port. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

3.35

Belchalwell Guide £250,000 A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Bridport

01308 422092

Salwayash. Freehold.

Situated

UK Removals

All

Storage

24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.

European Removals

Our friendly team will help guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Country House Moves

Armishaws provide the highest levels of customer service, tailored to your move.

£400,000 Wincanton

£365,000 Wincanton

Milborne Port

Thinking of moving?

Thinking of moving?

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.

Having enjoyed an exceptionally busy October we require more properties in the local towns and villages to satisfy the demand for a number of buyers registered with us wishing to purchase in the near future.

If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

£312,000 Wincanton

There is charm and character throughout this delightful home. EPC Rating: E. Freehold.

£310,000 Bruton

delightful two bedroom period cottage oozing charm & character throughout. This impressive property is situated in the heart of Bruton making it ideal for Airbnb, holiday home or for someone wishing

Prices starting from £415,000

Your dream home awaits at Jubilee Green this Autumn

Discover a charming collection of 3 & 4 bedroom homes in the heart of Charlton Marshall, Dorset.

Each home blends traditional charm with modern luxury, featuring spacious interiors and high-spec finishes. Nestled in the enchanting village of Charlton Marshall, set back from the peaceful River Stour and minutes from the bustling towns of Blandford Forum and Wimborne Minster.

New properties available now.

Reserve by the end of October and SAVE UP TO £10,000 ON STAMP DUTY!*

Opening Hours:

- Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 10am - 4pm

*Terms and Conditions Apply, please contact us to find out more information.

Morrish_Jubilee Green Blackmore ad2 v1.indd 1

New role for former care home

A CENTRE to help elderly people recover after leaving hospital is to be created in Bridport as part of an £80 million investment.

The 60-bed facility, at the former Sidney Gale Care Home site, will be Dorset’s first reablement centre for older people.

Funding of £28.32m has now been approved for the redevelopment of the site, which will focus on supporting residents discharged from hospital or recovering after a fall or illness in their own home.

In 2022, Dorset Council’s Cabinet authorised an £80m investment pot to build up to three homes to ensure the

county has enough reablement and rehabilitation services.

A report to councillors at a recent meeting said the Bridport scheme would bring savings of about £3.47m in its first year, and about £2m each year thereafter.

“The centres are not hospitals or long-term care homes, but places where people receive short-term, intensive care and therapy in a home-like environment,” a council spokesperson said.

The council has identified providing services for elderly people as a priority, due to Dorset’s ageing demographic.

A planning application will come forward next year, and if successful, construction will start in early 2026 with the opening planned for 2028.

Talks for a second site, on the Dorset County Hospital estate in Dorchester, are continuing, the council said.

TO LET / RENT

3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SHERBORNE with garage for rent. Near centre. £1,100 pcm. Available from Jan 2025. Tel: 07906-810191

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817

DEADLINES

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

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