The Blackmore Vale 09/12/22

Operation Christmas Child hailed a success

MORE than 100 boxes of

collected in the Vale will be sent to refugees to help ensure young people have a very merry Christmas.

The Operation Christmas Child campaign, overseen by Samaritans Purse, is organised in the Blackmore Vale by Holly Lamb (pictured right).

And this year, charitable people have donated more than 100 boxes-worth of items to help young people in difficult circumstances celebrate the festive season.

A plethora of knitted soft toys and clothing, toys, soap, toothbrushes, stationary, note pads, stickers, socks, gloves, books and many more useful and fun gifts were donated, making up more than 100 boxes which will be sent to refugee children, including many who have fled the war in Ukraine.

“This year we were truly blown away by donations and we thank all those who gifted such wonderful items,” Holly said.

“We thank all the members of the public who dropped their donations to our unit in Blandford, as well as Dorset Police, who kindly donated along with Blandford St Mary School, and the many knitting groups.

“This allowed us to have our record year of over 100 boxes – more than doubling last year’s total.”

Holly has been organising the Blackmore Vale (Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire) shoebox appeal for three years now and has seen the campaign bring joy to hundreds of children.

“It has shown us how strong and generous our local community is,” she added.

“We thank all those who have taken the time to go out and purchase such lovely gifts or those who knit such beautiful soft toys and clothing.”

She said many of the shoeboxes collected in the UK will be sent to displaced Ukrainian children living in bordering countries such as Moldova, Romania and Poland, where Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground helping provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

Thoughts are now turning to the 2023 appeal, with donations being accepted from September. More details will be announced nearer the time.

Are you a lift legend?

also those who decide to drive after taking illegal drugs.

DESIGNATED drivers can earn themselves free soft drinks this Christmas.

Dorset Police has launched its Lift Legend Christmas drink drive campaign, with more than 30 licensed premises set to offer soft drinks to those who give free lifts home to friends and family after a night out.

The initiative runs from 1 December to 1 January 2023. On the purchase of their first soft drink, drivers will be offered a voucher to have their second free of charge at participating venues.

During the month-long operation, officers will also be raising awareness of the inherent dangers involved in drink driving by encouraging people to take responsibility for their actions this Christmas.

Breath tests will also be requested from all drivers who commit a moving road traffic offence, irrespective of whether or not they’re suspected of a drink driving offence.

Officers will also be carrying out intelligence-led fixed site checks, as well as engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after a drink.

Superintendent Chris Naughton of the Specialist Operations Department said: “It is vital we do all we can to ensure anyone on a night out is able to get home safely.

“Our initiative aims to encourage those heading out for the night to plan who is going to be their Lift Legend.

“Officers will not only be tackling those getting behind the wheel after a drink, but

“Despite longterm reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.

“Alongside the Lift Legend education campaign, officers will be out in force rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.”

Supt Naughton also warned people not to accept lifts from people they don’t know.

“It is also important to remember that you shouldn’t seek out lifts from those you don’t know or who aren’t licensed such as through social media networks. Only get into a vehicle with someone you know and trust,” Supt Naughton said.

“Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly. This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol is consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.

“If police think you are unfit to drive through consumption of alcohol, even if your breath test registers lower than the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, you can still be arrested and may be charged

A walk around…

Thornford

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

THORNFORD is a small but expanding village to the south-west of Sherborne.

Park near the church, which is worth a visit, and then join the adjacent footpath. There are lovely wide views over the Vale which you may wish to pause and appreciate. The path leads downhill in a fairly straight line for a mile west north-west across several fields to a bridge over the River Yeo, the parish boundary with Bradford Abbas. Having looked for minnows, turn back and retrace your steps across a couple of fields then fork right along a footpath following a hedge line until you get to a meeting of ways.

Join the byway heading uphill south-east to the road. Cross it to

Police will be testing drivers for drink and drugs; the Lift Legend campaign runs until 1 January 2023

with an offence. In short, you do not have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Don’t risk it.

“It’s not just you that’s at risk. You could kill or seriously injure another person. Drink driving destroys people’s lives and those of their families. Avoiding this happening is as simple as planning ahead, leaving the car at home, and using a taxi, public transport or designated driver to get home.”

If you have information about anyone who has been drinking or taken drugs and is about to drive, you should call police on 999 with the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.dorset.police.uk/LiftLegend.

join Horsepool Lane, downhill to the south-east. Soon after crossing a stream, turn left to join a footpath heading north-east to meet another byway, Blacksmith’s Lane, where you turn right and head south-east to join a bridleway, Green Lane, which takes you north-east for half a mile. It then turns left and heads north-west down to the road.

Follow the road for half a mile south-west, passing several housing estates, until you get to the corner by the King’s Arms – which is in the Good Beer Guide – and the village clock on its imposing tower. After quenching your thirst, turn right and head along Church Lane and you’ll soon be back at your car.

William / geograph.org.uk

Dorset drivers can earn free soft drinks this Christmas amid police crackdown

Furry friends

It was an al-packed house at Wincanton Hospital during an unusual visit…

ALPACA Adventure brought Guinness and Casper to the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust-run facility recently for a visit to perk up patients.

The animals alpaca-ed their bags to visit, in a trip funded by the Friends of Wincanton Hospital, to meet staff and patients.

SJ Ayo, activities coordinator at Wincanton Hospital, said the visit was a great success.

“Patients particularly loved the physical contact with

Guinness and Casper – it really lifted spirits,” she said.

“The looks of amazement and happiness from patients, visitors, and staff as they walked through the hospital was really was lovely to see.”

Meanwhile, Crewkerne Hospital received a visit from Liquorice and Caramac.

The trips were the latest in a series of visits by therapy animals to South Somerset hospitals.

Angels expected to arrive in Mere

Hundreds of mysterious knitted angels to land in the village before Christmas

HUNDREDS of knitted angels from as far afield as Ireland and Yorkshire are set to land in Mere this month (December) in a Christmas mystery.

The festive visitors will be landing around the village on 1, 8, 15 and 22 December.

It is hoped people will find them while out and about, before taking them home and giving them names.

The only clues available so far indicate they could end up on benches, in hedges, at bus stops and more locations around Mere.

A spokesperson for the mystery makers of

the angels said: “People have been busy knitting little angels since the summer and member of the congregation from St Michael’s Church have been attaching labels to them, so they are all ready for the drop.

“The angels have been knitted for people of any age to find, take home, give a name and bring to the crib service on Christmas Eve.

“It is hoped that not only will people come with their angel, but the knitters will also come along so that they get to meet each other.”

If you find an angel, send a picture of you with them to newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Appeal for witnesses after Dorchester hit and run

A woman was taken to hospital after being hit by a car in Dorchester

POLICE are investigating the collision, which occurred some time around 8am on Tuesday 29 November in Prince of Wales Road.

It involved a black Renault van and the pedestrian, a woman in her twenties. She was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be serious, police said.

Police Sergeant Geraint Butler said: “Although the vehicle involved was reported to have failed to stop, it was located shortly after.

“Our enquiries are underway and I would ask any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward. I would also like to thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www. dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220193080.

Woman killed in A30 crash

A man has been arrested after a crash in which a woman from Milborne Port was killed

THE collision happened on the A30 between Sherborne and Yeovil, close to Marl Lane, at around 4.45pm on Thursday 1 December. It involved three cars – a silver Ford Zetec, a blue VW Passat and a silver Vauxhall Astra.

“Very sadly, a woman in her 30s from Milborne Port died at the scene,” said a Dorset Police spokesperson. “Her next of kin have been informed.”

A young child from Milborne Port was taken to hospital with serious injuries and a Yeovil man in his 30s also sustained serious injuries.

A 55-year-old man from Yeovil has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

Police Sergeant Richard Stroud, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who sadly died.

“An investigation into the incident is underway to establish the full circumstances and I urge anyone with information, who has not yet spoken with police, to please come forward.

“I would like to hear from any motorists who were travelling along the A30 and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact, by email to scit@dorset. pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 01:387.

Alternatively, people can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bikes worth estimated £22,000 stolen in burglary

Police investigating two burglaries in Poundbury, Dorchester have appealed for witnesses and information

A BREAK-IN at Chasing Tails Bicycle Repairs, Buttermarket, was reported at just after 1am on Thursday 24 November.

Three bicycles – a black Evil Chamois Hagar gravel bike, a grey and black Transition Patrol all terrain bike and a red Santa Cruz V10 downhill all terrain bike – were stolen. Their combined value is estimated at £22,000.

A further burglary was reported at a residential garage in Widcombe Walk at around 2.15am on Friday 25 November. An orange KTM off road motorbike was stolen.

PC Maddie Barber, of

Dorchester police, said: “I would urge residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras to review their footage for anything that might assist us.

“I would like to hear from anyone who comes across a bicycle or motorbike matching the descriptions of those that were stolen being offered for sale locally or online in unusual circumstances.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police online via www.dorset.police. uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220190454.

Arrests in Sturminster Newton

Firearms officers were involved in a preplanned police operation in Sturminster Newton that ended in two people being arrested

DORSET Police’s Rural Crime Team was supported by the armed officers, as well as colleagues from the professional development unit and operations department, on 24 November.

They carried out arrests and a search in the Sturminster Newton area in an operation targeting allegations of illegal possession of a firearm and handling stolen goods.

During searches, a quantity of cash, weapons and suspected stolen items were recovered.

A 53-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms without a certificate and handling stolen goods.

PC Kate Schofield, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “This operation was organised as part of our ongoing commitment to relentlessly pursue reports of criminality in our rural communities.

“Through information sharing with our partners and intelligence gathering, this put us in a better position to tackle suspected offending and take decisive action against those believed to be involved.

“We will continue to respond to concerns and information received from members of our communities and would encourage anyone with information relating to these matters to please contact us.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220143332.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

High-value gardening equipment stolen from Wincanton Racecourse

HIGH-value equipment was stolen from Wincanton Racecourse during a midnight raid POLICE say two lawnmowers, a gator and a large quantity of power tools were taken from the site some time between midnight and 12.30am on Tuesday, November 22.

Items taken included two John Deere lawn mowers, one John Deere Gator and a large quantity of Stihl power tools, hedge trimmers, strimmers and blowers.

Dorset Police are now asking for the public’s help to locate the stolen items, as well as appealing for anyone who may have been in the area or saw or heard anything suspicious.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote reference number 5222280307.

Community ties support Sturminster social supermarket

A collaboration with Goldhill Organic Farm has enabled the Vale Pantry to supply fresh produce, but donations are urgently needed to fund the ever-growing food bill

THE cost-of-living crisis is hitting households hard.

Inflation – the rate at which the cost of goods increases – has reached 40-year highs in recent months, with prices rising by more than 10% in September.

Wages and benefits, of course, have not risen at the same rate, leaving many facing problems balancing the books – and affording the basics.

While some support from government has been provided, many are still struggling to make ends meet. And with war in Ukraine and sustained supply chain problems, things are not set to get better any time soon.

From fuel bills to food shops, costs are rising, and the Vale Pantry is at the forefront of the issue.

The charity provides a ‘social supermarket’, where members can pay £6 for a shop with a value of up to £50, as well as providing a range of other support to help households through difficult times.

And it has seen demand spiral as the

“September saw our busiest month, with just under 800 shops taken, representing a 30% increase on the same time last year,” said Pantry trustee, Carole Jones.

“Since we opened, we have actually provided 13,599 shops – which will be added to every day.

“Currently, we are working with 302 families comprising 494 adults and 359 children. This number is growing exponentially and it’s a challenge and in all honesty, it’s worrying as to how we can cope.

“Can we help everybody? Who do we say ‘no’ to?

“It all comes down to money – how much can we spend on food weekly and remain sustainable.”

The Pantry currently spends more than £3,000 each week on supplies for the shop – but it needs help to maintain and grow that amount.

“We are anxious to drive our monthly donations up. Currently it’s at £2,500 per month – but our aim it to increase it to £5,000 to £6,000.

“This way, with the addition of the user contributions, we are sustainable and not reliant on the constant applications for grants daily.”

One demographic that has seen a marked increase at the Pantry is among pensioners, who are struggling to find the money to pay increasing fuel and food costs.

“Around a month ago, we started to see an increase of need coming from single

pensioners who are finding it difficult to meet the costs of their home on one pension,” Carole explained.

“In the last couple of weeks, we are now seeing a rise in the number of homeowners who are being notified of sizeable increases to their mortgage payments.”

Across the Vale and the county, the Pantry is a unique facility, providing a service not seen elsewhere.

Foodbanks are by referral, for example, while the Pantry offers membership to all through its website.

There is a similar store in Salisbury, which was recently forced to suspend membership amid rising numbers – and other similar ventures in Weymouth and Littlemoor.

“We really are quite unique,” Carole said. “Which is why people are coming from a wider area. There simply is nothing else for them.

“We work closely with the local foodbanks who are able to help us with their surplus foods from time to time – we are particularly grateful to the Gillingham and Sherborne Foodbanks.

“And we are so grateful to be supported by the Goldhill Organic Farm, who have helped us weekly with some fresh produce.

“We, in turn, have helped them with a number of our users all attending weeding and watering parties in the summer.

“These have been terrific fun and great for social interaction.”

“Currently, we are working with 302 families, comprising 494 adults and 359 children”

The new treasure seekers

Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club held its annual awards dinner at Hamworthy Sports and Social Club on Friday 28 November

Members, partners and local farmers who allow the club to detect on their land all attended the event, which celebrated the Club’s best finds.

Detectorist of the year was Tony Player, who also won an award for the best artefact found, with a silver Saxon cross.

Best coin of the year was awarded to John Hinchcliffe who found a hoard of 67 silver Durotriges silver staters.

The Club, which has been operating for over 30 years, has built up a very wellrespected reputation among both farmers and the County Finds Officer. Members detect on Dorset farmland every Saturday and meet to display their finds once a month. All finds are recorded and reported.

Find out more about the club at www. stourvalleysearchandrecoveryclub.co.uk

Clockwise from above: John Hinchcliffe shows off the hoard of Durotriges silver staters, which won him coin of the year; Chairman of the Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club John Earley hands the award for detectorist of the year to Tony Player;

Tony’s silver Saxon cross, which garnered find of the year

Current resident

Police visit potential protesters before West Dorset MP’s meeting

A Dorset MP who came under fire amid claims he sent police to the homes of clean water campaigners has hit back, denying the claims and revealing ‘very real risks’ to his safety

THE drama unfolded after Conservative MP Chris Loder, who represents West Dorset, organised a village meeting in Chideock last month (25 November), inviting villagers along to voice concerns and ask questions.

Among those applying to attend were Fran Swan, of Fishpond, and Beverley Glock, of Lyme Regis. The pair, both wild swimmers, had previously been in contact with the MP over the issue of sewage pollution through work with the River Lim Action Group and submitted questions on the topic ahead of the meeting.

Then, the night before the meeting, police visited both women’s homes, raising concerns they were being intimidated.

Ms Swan told the West Country Voices website: “This was alarming as the visit took place in the evening – we live in a remote location and we were concerned to see torchlight outside, and surprised to find a police officer on the doorstep.

“My application to attend the meeting was above board and obviously I had to put my address down.”

She added: “There was absolutely no reason for the police to visit – it appeared to me that this was an attempt to intimidate, even though the officer was very polite about it.”

She has since written to the MP asking for an explanation over the involvement of the police.

However, Mr Loder has now responded, telling your New Blackmore Vale he was not involved in the decision to send officers to the women’s homes, and that he regularly informed police of his whereabouts amid concerns over ‘threats and risks’ faced by MPs.

“Any one of the 40-plus people who attended the Chideock Village Meeting will attest that the evening was full and frank with many questions and discussions, particularly focussed around the A35 and the environment, along with issues specifically about Chideock,” he said.

“That is why I wrote to all Chideock villagers and asked if they would like to attend and attend they did – a considerable number.

“But one of the great sadnesses of being an MP is dealing with the threats and risks that we face. The murder of Sir David Amess a year ago at his constituency surgery put that into the limelight.

“The reality is that threats to my family and I are everyday realities. Being mobbed by dozens of people in Dorchester two years

ago when someone attempted to remove my own facemask. My mum and dad targeted online and as The Times and The Sunday Times reported last year, the very real risks to my safety.

“Those risks now mean that I have to let the police know where I am most of the time. It means that I need a panic alarm in my own home. And as a result, it also means that I have to let them know of anything out of the ordinary.

“In this case, it is unusual to receive the interest of two people who were not invited to attend a localised surgery.

“If the police had cause to visit anyone concerning this surgery meeting, I am not aware of the reason why and it is a matter for the local police to answer. But I can confirm I have not requested the police to visit anyone.”

Dorset Police, meanwhile, apologised for any upset caused by their visits, but said they wanted to confirm why guests – not from Chideock – wished to attend the meeting, and to find out if ‘any lawful protest could be facilitated’.

“As is routine, Dorset Police received a notification of an upcoming public community meeting on Friday 25 November in Chideock facilitated by a local MP,” a spokesperson said.

“This type of notification enables police to support MPs, ensuring that their public duties can be undertaken in a safe and secure environment.

“As the meeting was planned to address local issues in Chideock, the MP’s office advised officers about the planned attendance of two individuals who were not from Chideock.

“Officers from the neighbourhood policing team wished to understand the intentions of those people to ensure that public safety was preserved and any lawful protest could be facilitated.

“This approach was well-intentioned by local officers completely without any direction from the local MP.

“Dorset Police would like to apologise if the attendance of a police officer to the home address of individuals going to the meeting caused alarm.

“We will continue to reflect and review our approach to future meetings, but remain committed to ensuring the safety of the public and elected officials and also the facilitation of lawful protest of all attendees to these public events.”

Down on the farm

Watercress is one of today’s superfoods, packed full of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium…

by Katrina ffiske

Chalke Valley Watercress, in the middle of the village of Broadchalke, is one of England’s smallest, family-run watercress farms. Manager Keith Hitchings is the fifth generation of the family and his son Harry the sixth generation to run the farm.

They grow traditional dark-green watercress on a natural spring and supply fresh cress daily nationwide to wholesale markets, hotels, restaurants and local shops.

I went to meet Keith to discover how this superfood is grown. The setting is idyllic – a seemingly small area of watercress beds, surrounded by weeping willows, riverbanks and cottages.

“This whole area used to be a marsh,” Keith said. “In 1880 my great-great grandfather chose this site because of the fantastic natural spring water source.

“Rain falling on the hills higher up the valley filters down through the Chalke hills, picking up natural minerals on its way, which is essential for good quality watercress.”

The business flourished during the Victorian era, due to the extension of the railways, and watercress became popular because it was nourishing and cheap. It became known as ‘poor man’s bread’ and was eaten on its own or in sandwiches for those who could not afford meat.

“For many years the bays were separated by soil,” Keith added. “But by 1979, my father, Geoffrey, soon realised that insects and

small animals such as voles were getting into the watercress.

“He made many improvements, including completing the beds as we see them today, built to pass the NFU watercress code of practice. Harry and I continue yearly to make improvements.

“We grow our own variety of watercress taking our own seed annually. Chalke Valley Watercress also stands out from other cress because it is darker and has a larger leaf. It is popular with chefs because it has a good shelf life with a strong peppery taste.”

Standing in one bed is a small machine that cuts the top of the watercress. “We get multiple crops from each bed,” Keith said. “Before we had the machine the crops were all hand-cut – back breaking work, long hours in sometimes very harsh weather.”

Before leaving I met a team of six who were weighing, packing and boxing up the freshly picked watercress, ready for delivery to Covent Garden in London, where it would arrive at 10pm and be sold overnight before getting to hotels and restaurants by early morning. Harvesting begins anew in February – pop the date in your diary. During the season a fridge full of freshly picked watercress is always available.

Family Law Advice

Family Law Advice

Pictured in 1909 next to the watercress beds are, from left: Hubert Gurd, Albert Hitchings (second generation,) John Hitchings (first generation), Fred Penny and Fred Moody

Children raise money for others in need

SPOTTY jewellery, spotty clothes and spotty faces were the order of the day as pupils at St Mary the Virgin Primary School in Gillingham embraced the ‘Spotacular’ theme for Children in Need.

The event raised about £200 for the cause and children learned about why the money is needed and the work Children in Need does in a special assembly.

Fundraising fun

PUPILS at Charlton Horethorne Primary School got all dressed up for Children in Need in home-made ‘spotty’ outfits. They also went on a whole school welly walk joined by

parents, relatives and friends, and had fun playing on the Millennium Green.

The day ended with a Children in Need cake sale which raised more than £130.

Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling

Remember:

1) Up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin will be collected on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day.

2) No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Eve until Monday 9 January.

3) Household recycling centres are open from 9am - 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

4) Extra recycling – including glass and food – will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person.

5) Please help collection crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers.

See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/which-bin

blackmorevale.net

Save £50 this Christmas!

These tips can help you make savings on your Christmas food budget. It can save you time as well!

• Check your food cupboards before shopping

• Use the portion calculator at lovefoodhatewaste.com/ portion-planner

• Use up foods in your freezer beforehand to make room for Christmas leftovers

• Store food correctly – check pack instructions

• Keep an eye on “use by” dates

• Use up leftovers in delicious recipes

• Freeze leftovers that can’t be eaten

Find more top tips and recipes at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lovefoodhatewaste

Recycle more

This Christmas, don’t let all your waste go to landfill. If you live in Dorset*, you can recycle:

We’ll Usual collection day Revised collection day Friday 23 Dec No change Monday 26 Dec Tuesday 27 Dec Tuesday 27 Dec Wednesday 28 Dec Wednesday 28 Dec Thursday 29 Dec Thursday 29 Dec Friday 30 Dec Friday 30 Dec Saturday 31 Dec Monday 2 Jan No change

• All cooked and uncooked food waste

• Wrapping paper**, cardboard and Christmas cards (no glitter)

• Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

• Glass bottles and jars (Please keep glass separate)

If you live in Dorset*, check for changes to your collection

* Doesn’t include Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. Check your council website for details.

collect extra recycling in your own boxes. Thank you for recycling! Your recycling and waste collections over the festive period will be different from your usual day of the week. Refer to your calendar or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/check-your-bin-day to check your collection days.

Blue badge bonus

Dorset drivers with a blue badge can now apply for a special permit allowing them to park in council-run car parks for free

DRIVERS who meet certain criteria will be able to park in Dorset Council car parks for up to three hours, free of charge, if they are awarded a new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit (RMCPP).

The permit will need to be displayed alongside their Blue Badge and aims to gives holders more time to complete their shopping and tasks in Dorset towns.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “Some people, because of their mobility, need a little longer to carry out their tasks so our new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit will give them three hours free parking and more peace of mind when out and about.”

Blue Badge holders who don’t qualify for the RMCPP have also seen a change to their parking, with the introduction of a free one hour’s parking in Dorset Council car parks on top of that purchased.

They will need to purchase a valid parking ticket to qualify so, for example, if they buy 30 minutes’ parking, they can stay for an hour and a half.

Cllr Bryan added: “The free hour for Blue Badge holders on top of their purchased parking offers consistency and fairness across our car parks, and takes into account the extra time an individual may need when shopping or visiting our towns.”

Blue Badge holders can apply for the RMCPP if they receive one of the following:

• Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance

the ‘Moving around’ section in the ‘Mobility component’ of Personal Independence payment (PIP)

• Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment

• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Alternatively, they will need to provide evidence that the vehicle registered in the name of the person with a disability or their nominated driver’s name is tax exempt.

They can apply online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Anyone who needs assistance applying can call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

The RMCPP costs £15 and will expire at the same time as the permit holder’s Blue Badge.

Drivers who live outside the Dorset Council area who meet the criteria can also apply for the RMCPP for use in Dorset Council car parks.

Treecycle in January

Christmas trees collected after the festive season will raise money to provide care for people in Dorset with a life-limiting illness

WELDMAR Hospicecare’s Christmas Treecycle scheme will see real trees collected between Saturday and Monday 7-9 January in return for a suggested minimum donation of £10 a tree.

Collections will be made from the Blandford, Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Dorchester, Beaminster, Bridport, Weymouth and Portland areas.

Trinity Street Christmas Trees is supporting the initiative by making the collections on Weldmar’s behalf, alongside Weldmar volunteers, and helping to dispose of the trees in an eco-friendly manner.

Fiona Hansford, who co-ordinates the project for Weldmar, said: “It is great to be able to offer the Christmas Treecycle for the people of Dorset again, and every donation

for every tree collected means that we can continue to provide specialist care for adults in Dorset living with a life-limiting illness, and support for their loved ones.”

Tamzin Hyde, from Trinity Street Christmas Trees, said: “As a team we were able to collect over 900 trees during the last initiative, which raised more than £10,000 for the charity.”

Anyone who would like a tree collected can add their WhatThreeWords location when booking to make it easier for volunteers to find the address. To book a collection date and for more information visit the Weldmar Hospicecare website, www.weldmarhospicecare.org/trees.

Stimulation for body and mind

THE branch’s more than 50 groups will be showcasing the activities available to members, including everything from archaeology to weaving, at a group fair in the town next month.

U3a has 1,000-plus branches across the country and is aimed at people who are no longer in full-time jobs but who want to keep their minds and bodies active.

The fair is at Trinity Parish Hall, Culliford Road, Dorchester (DT1 1QG) on Monday 9 January from 1011.45am, and admission is £1, including tea and coffee which will be served all morning.

For more information, visit www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk, or phone 01305 851922.

Later in life and looking for something new in the New Year? Dorchester & District University of the Third Age could have the answer…

1855 brought bang up to date

The Blackmore Vale’s latest upmarket browsing destination began trading on 20 November, providing another good reason to shop in Sturminster Newton

The former NatWest Bank on Market Cross, now renamed 1855 in recognition of the date it was built, offers space to over 30 locally based artisans selling a cornucopia of unique wares including clothing, china, books, wines, liqueurs, ciders, books, furniture, pictures, blacksmithing products and more.

The official opening took place at the Town’s Christmas event on 25 November when Sonnaz, the renowned upholsterer from BBC One’s The Repair Shop, cut the ribbon. 1855 is open 10am–4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am–3pm on Sundays.

The Laycock Cider Barn & orchard are nestled in the heart of Dorset. The Barn opens for homemade, hearty filling meals, accompanied by our Gold & Silver Taste of the West award-winning juices, cider vinegar & hand-crafted ciders.

We don't use chemicals in our orchard or products. We leave it to be natural and delicious, just as nature intended. There’s no artificial colours, flavourings, or preservatives in our products & they are suitable for vegetarians & vegans, so everyone can enjoy the party! We are also available to book for functions.

Find us: Church Farm, Purse Caundle, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5DY

FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM: @laycockciderandjuice & order online at www.laycockcider.co.uk

Sherborne’s new eco shop

ECO-FRIENDLY products and their makers are being championed by a new shop in Sherborne.

Red Panda Eco Shop in South Street, which opened in late November, tries to source products as close to home as possible. Wendy Lane-Beale, who runs the shop, said: “Our shop is full of plastic-free and totally natural products.

“We stock natural rubber wellies, beeswax and vegan food wraps, natural children’s plates and cups, repurposed sari bags, hand-woven baskets and table mats, zero waste self-care products, local pottery, candles, innovative cleaning products, sofa throws, bamboo garden pots, local awardwinning apple juice and a fabulous range of Fair Trade and sustainable kitchen and homewares.”

Husband Kev provides organic salads. The shop also has a website at www.redpandatrading. com and can be found on Instagram at @redpandaecoshop.

School supports people living with dementia

Pupils at

St Mary’s the Virgin

Primary School, Gillingham, have received a Dementia Friendly Community award for their school

ANNE Kings from Dementia Friendly Gillingham visited the school to present a window sticker in recognition of the school’s efforts to engage with those in the community who live with memory loss and dementia.

Headmistress Sarah Willoughby says that making the pupils dementia aware from a very young age is vital, particularly as some may encounter the disease within their own families. School groups sing to people with dementia with almost 40 children performing at Fern Brook Lodge, Gillingham, this month.

Pictured (right) are some of the children who collected £10

Where have all the honey bees gone?

As we enter winter proper, it’s all about survival in the hives for our bee colonies

Robbie Baird, North Dorset Beekeepers Association

When I was last writing about bees and beekeeping, it was all about preparing for winter. That was back in October. Now it’s early December and we would have expected the bees to be spending much more of their time in the hives, sheltering from the cold outside… but not a bit of it!

Temperatures in November were so high – 4°C or more above the average for the time of year – that the bees were out foraging almost every day. You might have seen them on ivy in your garden. As one of the latest plants to flower just as autumn creeps towards winter, ivy can be the last chance saloon for honey bees to top up winter stores. In past years, it will often have been too cold by now for them to use this late source of food, but not this year! Watching the natural world certainly brings home the reality of our changing climate.

Honey bees don’t hibernate. Quite the reverse. They use their flight muscles to shiver and generate heat. When the temperature falls below 14°C, they start to cluster together in the hive to conserve warmth. The colder it gets, the tighter they cluster and, with their precious queen at the centre, will maintain a temperature of around 21°C, regardless of how cold it gets outside. All this heat doesn’t come for free, and the cost is measured in how much of their stored honey has to be eaten as they exercise those muscles to stay warm. It’s the bees’ equivalent of our gas or electricity bill as we heat our homes in winter. A honey bee exposed to temperatures below 7°C will become unable to move and will die.

Two things can get in the way of making those stores last.

If the queen is encouraged by the colony to continue laying eggs because winter isn’t happening, there will be extra mouths to feed as the larvae grow – it takes 21 days for a new worker bee to arrive from the day the egg is laid, through the larval and pupation stages until it finally emerges as a young bee. And, when the colony is raising new bees, the temperature must be kept higher at around 35°C. That’s a double hit on those winter stores and if it suddenly becomes colder or wetter, that hit on stored food can become critical to winter survival.

The second way stores can become depleted early is if the weather oscillates between cold and warm. Once the honey bees are in their cold weather cluster, that’s the best way they have of conserving warmth. The warmer it gets, the looser the cluster becomes, maybe even breaking up completely. All that heat is lost – like flinging open the windows in winter and watching the warmth of your home disappear.

Local food sources

However, as we beekeepers continue to worry about how our bees will manage the winter months, we can at least look at the honey on our shelves and wonder where all

the nectar came from to produce it. In summer, during its short, six-week life, a honey bee worker will bring back enough nectar to produce just one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey. That’s a lot of effort from a lot of bees to make a whole jar!

The National Honey Monitoring Scheme, run by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, offers to test samples of honey straight from the hive, analysing it for plant DNA. This gives an interesting perspective on where the bees have found their food within a three-mile radius of their hive, which is typically the maximum distance they’ll travel for a good source of nectar. Two local beekeepers have had this done recently and the results are shown here. They are both from North Dorset villages, mainly surrounded by pasture. The samples were taken in August and show where the bees have been feeding in summer. Had they been taken earlier in the year, they would probably have shown something different – blossom from apple and cherry trees and maybe horse chestnut. We might wonder about where the opium poppy is growing near Child Okeford – I’m sure it’s being grown somewhere under licence! But the single biggest conclusion has to be just how vital our hedgerows are to wildlife. They’re such an important resource and need to be protected. It might also make you think differently about the humble bramble.

To learn more about beekeeping and the North Dorset Beekeepers Association, look for NDBKA on Facebook or visit www.northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk The Association is raising funds to build a new honey bee centre near Blandford and welcomes donations via its JustGiving page tinyurl. com/2p8kxhwb.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

‘Control centres’ to tackle NHS winter pressures

Special ‘control centres’ have gone live in the south west to manage the NHS as winter pressures grow – including Dorset

THE centres aim to help getting patients into beds more quickly and ease winter pressures using data to identify where people would be best treated.

They are able to divert ambulances to another nearby hospital with more capacity or identify hospitals that need extra support.

The healthcare control centres are among measures announced as part of the NHS winter planning in October alongside falls response teams, additional bed capacity and new hubs dedicated to serious respiratory infections.

Across the south west, each of the seven integrated care systems has a dedicated 24/7 operation where teams, including senior clinicians, can track data in real time to help them make quick decisions in the face of emerging challenges.

It is hoped working this way will mean sites are able to respond to live issues and plan for pressures over weekends, bank holidays and other wider public events or

dates that can affect services.

Martin Wilkinson, director of performance and improvement for the NHS in the south west of England, said: “These data-driven centres are now helping us monitor pressures and manage resource across the south west of England, with NHS staff working around the clock, from Dorset to Cornwall, to make the best possible decisions for both staff and patients.

“With the NHS working hard to cope with the Covid and flu cases this winter, on top of the expected winter pressures, it has never been more important for the NHS to introduce these important planning measures ahead of what is likely to be one of our most challenging winters yet.”

Recent statistics show more than 19 out of 20 adult general and acute beds in the south west were occupied in the week to November 20, with more than 2,000 beds a day taken up by patients medically fit for discharge.

‘Temporary’ classrooms in use for 30 years

THE MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder, has urged the Minister for School Standards, Nick Gibb, to make funding available to replace ‘temporary’ classrooms at Mr Loder’s old school in Sherborne.

The classrooms at The Gryphon School were erected during the 1990s and have deteriorated to such an extent that a request for severe needs funding has been made.

Mr Loder was told the Government is expected to announce 300 successful school rebuilding bids by the end of December.

Space for learning

Shaftesbury School’s ‘Classroom of the Future’

The classroom, which has no desks and white boards covering the walls, allows students to explore topics with technology to support them. That means, for example, a History lesson in which youngsters use virtual reality to explore ancient civilisations may be followed by a Biology lesson in which students experiment with hydroponics and investigate the food of the future.

Now HundrED.org, a global organisation focused on innovation in education, has rated the classroom a ‘learning space of the future’.

HundrED.org’s Global Collection 2023 showcases the leading innovations and innovators globally. Shaftesbury School was shortlisted from a field of 3,488 submissions and judged by a panel of 188 education experts from around the world, before going on to win the UK spot.

Alex More, a teacher at Shaftesbury School who led the creation of the Future Classroom, received the prize in Helsinki. She said: “I am immensely proud that our project has been recognised as among the best in the world. It is a huge honour and testament to the amazing work Shaftesbury School is doing in this space, providing forward thinking education for students, inspiring them and

preparing them for the future.”

Headteacher Donna London-Hill added: “We are incredibly proud that our Future Classroom has been recognised on the global stage. We believe in inspiring our students, preparing them for the workplace of the future, and exploring innovative ways of teaching. The Future Classroom enables us to do all of this, and both students and teachers love using this space for learning.”

Celebrating science

SOUTH Somerset’s first science and technology festival is coming to Castle Cary and Bruton next spring.

Visitors will be able to take part in free shows, talks, workshops, an interactive Health Hub and a hands-on Science Fair across 12 venues in the two towns.

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Making a Lasting Power of Attorney can be a big leap of faith for you, if you have any questions we are ready to help. Please call us on 07860 772274 or email christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk

Somerscience, on Monday 1 May and featuring 55 organisations and more than 75 activities, will be packed with fun and interesting things to do for the whole family.

Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with robots, discover how the sun works, find out about the future of transport, interact with the oceans and understand how sustainability is shaping business and research.

They will also be able to marvel at the Science Circus, Braintastic and I’m A Scientist, Get Me Out of Here! shows – and discuss a future in science with universities, employers and research and development organisations.

Colleen Bower, festival director of The Somerscience Trust, said: “South Somerset in particular is poorly served for young people being able to access opportunities to engage with STEM. We wanted to bring this exciting world to them and show that science is done by people like them – and underpins all the things that feature in their daily lives.

“Primarily we want to inspire and engage young people and their families but with the ultimate goal of showing how taking an interest in STEM can lead to amazing futures.”

The festival is supported by the Royal Commission for the 1851 Exhibition, Royal Society of Chemistry and Somerset Community Foundation, and the 55 contributors.

Somerscience will be an annual event – for more information, or to get involved as a volunteer, contact Colleen Bower at tcolleenbower@gmail.com or team@ somerscience.co.uk

has been hailed as one of the top 100 educational innovations in the world

London Road Clinic

56 London Road Clinic has had a facelift! We now sport a brand new logo and freshly painted exterior woodwork. We offer the best in health and beauty care, and we are ready for the festive season. Established in 2005, this integrated clinic offers various therapies, in five well-equipped and beautifully-furnished rooms, where you can relax and know that you are in safe hands. Our highly trained therapists offer the very best in their field: physiotherapy and acupuncture; structural and cranial osteopathy; integrative counselling; trauma and bereavement counselling; advanced clinical massage; luxurious hot stones treatment; Bowen technique; scar work; sports and remedial massage; soft tissue therapy; Shiatsu for chronic pain relief and long term health; microblading by MJC; professional foot health care; and solution-focused hypnotherapy. Professional beautician Serina Galliers will be joining the team in the New Year. The clinic is conveniently located on the A30 in the pretty village of Milborne Port, near Sherborne and has disabled access and free parking nearby. Please do take a look at our website to find out more: http://www.56londonroad.co.uk or call (01963) 251860.

We wish all our clients - past, present and future - a happy, healthy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.

A journey through the woods

ScreenPLAY’s wellbeing journey Rites of Way with Mr Hardy is now available through the Arts in Hospital website so patients can listen to stories and poems from the woods and imagine they are there.

Dramatherapist Sharon Hayden (pictured), co-creator of Rites of Way, explained the thinking behind the project.

“Through listening to the stories, poems and songs you can imagine you’re in the woods, surrounded by trees or standing by the pond, maybe visiting Hardy’s birthplace and that sense of being there can be a still moment in your day. For those in hospital, we hope the app can bring a sense of the woods and the relaxing feeling of being there.”

Arts in Hospital manager Suzy Rushbrook said they were delighted to be able to make Rites of Way available. “People are often surprised to learn that we manage the biggest collection of contemporary prints, paintings and sculpture in Dorset, but when you’re a patient sometimes you just want to lie back and listen.”

The app is optimised for mobile phones so people can listen on their headphones and choose stories and poems through the seasons linked to four locations in the wood – Hardy’s cottage, rushy pond, the wood and the coppice.

The website dchartsinhospital.org.uk includes links to a series of podcasts expanding on the themes in the app. All the work was

recorded in and around Hardy’s Cottage and includes specially commissioned music by alt-folk band Good Habits, comprising Bonnie Schwarz on cello and Pete Shaw on accordion. Poems are read by actors Rod Drew, Perwina Whitmore and Bethany Baskett and the stories of the trees told by environmental arts therapist Ian Siddons Heginworth.

The project was developed by ScreenPLAY artists Sharon Hayden and Alastair Nisbet in partnership with the Thomas Hardy Society and Dorset Council, with funding from the Heritage Lottery, Dorset Council

Hospital patients in Dorchester can visit the woods around Thomas Hardy’s birthplace without leaving their beds, thanks to a partnership between arts organisation ScreenPLAY and Arts in Hospital

Our loose Canon

On recognising that stress and anxiety can come from within

by Canon Eric Woods

We are about half-way through Advent, which began this year on 27 November. As Rowan Williams said when Archbishop of Canterbury, “The whole point of Advent, that lost cause apart from chocolate calendars, is to give us a little bit of space, so that Christmas comes surprisingly.”

Yes, it is rather a “lost cause”, as the commercial Christmas begins in November, if not before, and is all over by the fag-end of Christmas Day. Even the Church of England has given in to those secular forces – how many churches have their Christmas carol services after Christmas, rather than before? Virtually none. And this year the dear old CofE is officially advising us not to hold our carol services on Sunday 18 December, as they will clash with the last day of the football World Cup. It has even issued a script for a Nativity play which has the three Wise Men bringing a football shirt, a scarf and a vuvuzela as gifts for the Christ child. I despair sometimes, I really do.

But for some Christians at least, this is a penitential season, encouraging us to be

honest with ourselves about ourselves. It offers us the diagnosis that all the stress and tension, anxiety and depression, which so many people suffer is not caused primarily by external factors, but come from within. The reason, says the Bible, is because of sin – these days an unmentionable three-letter word. But “sin” in the New Testament simply means a falling short: the Greek “hamartia” which St Paul uses 60 times, is the same word as for a spear thrown or arrow fired falling short of their target. In other words, we all fall short of what God means us to be. We fail to live up to our potential as the sons and daughters of God.

Of course, hellfire preachers like to use the word “sin” as a rod to beat us with. But it is not about denunciation and condemnation. It is about recognising that when we go against the grain of what God made us for and meant us to be, then we can know neither wholeness nor peace of mind. Sin is a disease from which we all suffer, in that it produces a dis-ease, a lack of ease, within ourselves about ourselves.

And nothing can remedy it – not spending or partying, not drink or drugs –except realising our need to be made whole. Advent reminds us that we will soon be celebrating the simple but glorious and healing fact that God loves us just as we are now, and comes into our world – bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh – to reveal that love. But there is more, much more: he loves us so much that he doesn’t want us to remain the same; he comes to liberate us from our failures and incompleteness, and to make us whole. Advent is the time to ponder on these things, so that Christmas really is a festival of the soul.

Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash

Join our Secret Santa Appeal to help youngsters in hospital enjoy Christmas

Not sure what to get Nigel in accounts for secret Santa? Well, your New Blackmore Vale is here to help you avoid the embarrassment - while also making it a year to remember...

YOUR New Blackmore Vale has had a rousing response to its Secret Santa Appeal - and you can still get involved.

We have joined forces with the charity arm of Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for the scheme, which will provide gifts for young people who need medical care at this time of year.

The idea is simple - instead of having an office Secret Santa, instead you spend that money on a goft for a young person.

You can then drop off your gift at one of our volunteer collection points before December 18.

The gifts will then be donated to the charity appeal of the County Hospital, to be distributed to youngsters undergoing treatment this Christmas and beyond.

“We’ve been delighted with the response to our appeal so far,” said New Blackmore Vale publisher, David Armishaw.

“Lots of young people look set to get a little something to help them enjoy this special time of year.

“A big thank you to everyone who has got involved so far - and there’s still plenty of time to drop off your donations.”

Drop-off points confirmed so far are:

n The Rising Sun Coffee Tavern Salisbury Road Donhead St Mary

SP7 9LT

n Southern Cooperative Funeralcare 2 High Street Gillingham SP8 4QT

Please check opening times of collection points online. Thank you.

n To volunteer as a collection point for the appeal, email us at newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net

Donations will go to the hospital charity

Will normal service be resumed?

A business which saw a van stolen from a yard tried to report the incident to police – but found the station closed due to staff shortages

ON the morning of 14 November, workers at Armishaws Removals & Storage, on Wincanton Business Park, found a van had been stolen from the yard.

CCTV footage showed the vehicle being taken between 10.30pm and 11pm the previous night.

“They cut a hole through a neighbouring business’ fence and used a cutter to break the chains on our gates,” a spokesperson said.

Staff reported the incident online, after waiting 20 minutes on hold via telephone, before attempting to speak to officers in-person at Wincanton Police Station.

At around noon, the staff member found the Market Place station was closed –despite signs saying it was open between 9am and 6pm. They returned at around 3pm, to find the station still closed.

Later that day, at around 4pm, the worker received a call giving an incident number, before another call at 8.20pm in which they said a police officer checked details.

Two further calls came on 16 and 17

November, they said, in which officers asked the same questions and requested the company’s CCTV.

However, the firm said the delays and no visit from officers meant potential evidence was lost. “I left the plastic casing from the steering column and dashboard in situ, in case the police wanted to check for prints etc,” they said. “The rain eventually came and removed any evidence which may have been present.”

In response, Avon and Somerset Police said the probe into the theft was continuing and apologised for the station being closed, saying it was due to ‘staff shortages’.

“The vehicle, a white Peugeot Boxer, was stolen from a commercial yard in Alfred’s Way at about 10.30pm and 11pm on Sunday 13 November,” a spokesperson said.

“The van has now been located. Enquiries are being carried out to try to identify who is responsible for the theft.

“The victim has told us they have CCTV footage that may possibly be able to help our

enquiries and we have approached them on a number of occasions via email and phone.

“The most recently contact was on Friday 25 November, where we explained to them about the easiest way to send this over to us.

“Once we have received the footage, we will review it to see whether we can identify any offender involved.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and give reference number 5222274321.

“We are sorry to hear the victim tried to report the crime in person and found Wincanton Police Station’s enquiries desk was not open,” the spokesperson added.

“Opening hours in recent weeks have had to be reduced due to staff shortages. A recruitment process has been successfully carried out and its opening hours will return to normal as soon as possible.

“If you are a victim of crime, please call 999 in an emergency. Non-urgent crimes can be reported on our website or via 101.”

Last-minute Christmas gifts – sorted!

Anyone looking for the perfect gift for the animal lover in their life can now help them adopt a cute creature on their doorstep

THIS Christmas, the Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering red squirrel, seahorse, and barn owl adoptions.

The organisation says adopting an animal is the perfect choice for an environmentally friendly Christmas.

Exclusive adoptions include a digital adoption certificate and a selection of fascinating facts about the chosen animal. And 100% of the adoption fee goes into vital work protecting species and their habitats in Dorset.

For example, there are only around 200 red squirrels living on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.

Funds from these adoptions will contribute towards maintaining their habitat on the island, while proceeds from barn

owl adoptions will contribute to conservation work on nature reserves including Lorton Meadows, where a popular barn owl webcam has kept track of barn owls nesting, breeding, and fledging for several years.

Meanwhile, proceeds from seahorse adoptions will support the incredible work of the Dorset Marine Conservation Fund to help safeguard our beautiful coastlines and the marine wildlife that lives there.

Imogen Davenport, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s conservation director, said: “I can’t think of a better gift than protecting Dorset’s wildlife this Christmas. Proceeds from email adoption sales go directly into the Trust’s hard work across the county, maintaining and protecting

habitats for these iconic species in Dorset.

“This work is especially important as the UK has become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. To tackle the ecological and climate crises we face, we must come together, and

adoptions

provide a great way to do this by sharing a love of wildlife with family and friends.”

Find out more about how adoptions help wildlife, and choose your gift, at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ adoptions.

Photo: Russell Savory

Ladies keep learning

THE talented professional beauty therapist and businesswoman Karen Lockyer joined Fovant Independent Ladies Group (Filgroup) for the November meeting and wowed members with her knowledge and experience of all things make-up

Karen said that after moving to London at 17 she met a make-up artist who offered to help get her on her way. She was thrown in at the deep end, doing many different celebrity shoots, the first of which was Boy George!

Karen gained experience doing theatrical, photographic and fashion, before travelling in her late 20s. This enabled her to work with different people and skin types.

When she returned to England, she took up teaching before moving back to Wiltshire and setting up her own successful business running make-up and massage workshops for the pro-age woman.

Karen, a friendly and natural speaker, demonstrated her art on one of the members, showing everyone how it should be done. It was a fascinating and fun-filled evening.

For more information on Filgroup and upcoming events email filgroup15@gmail.com

Educators in women’s sport

Early pioneers in encouraging girls to take part in sport are campaigning for recognition of their efforts – over 50 years on

AMONG them are Jane Tearle (nee Meager) 74, of Cerne Abbas, who attended Chelsea College at Eastbourne.

In the late 20th century, when women’s sport was much less fashionable than now, women trained to be PE teachers at a small number of specialist Colleges of Physical Education, including Chelsea College.

In those days, before teaching became an all-graduate profession, a three-year course typically led to a Certificate of Education.

In recent times, ex-students with these teachers’ certificates have increasingly been awarded honorary degrees recognising that a Certificate of Education is now worthy of degree status.

The universities of London, Loughborough, Bedford, Sheffield, Worcester and several more have awarded honorary degrees to former students.

The decision to upgrade the

Certificate of Education remains in the hands of the newer universities into which the colleges were absorbed.

Chelsea College became part of the former Brighton Polytechnic, now the University of Brighton, but the university has so far resisted calls to award these degrees.

Former Chelsea student Jane Tearle said: “Chelsea at Eastbourne was one of a small handful of specialist colleges that were at the very top of the tree in terms of the teaching of girls’ PE in secondary schools.

“Women’s sport had none of the status it has today, so Chelsea ‘graduates’ can truly be said to have been pioneers in encouraging girls to get involved.”

Anyone who would like to support former Chelsea College students’ campaign for an honorary degree can contact chelseadegree@outlook.com

Sherborne Abbey recreated in Lego

Students at The Gryphon School have been busy for the last 5 years building Sherborne Abbey in Lego. The team included a core group of students Clara, Bea, Ellie and Jospeh with many other helping out occasionally. Clara recently pointed out she started the project ‘in Year 6 and was now in Year 11!’ The model features stained glass windows and internal lighting and contains thousands of Lego bricks.

The project was the second the club has built, the first being a 8ft high mosaic of the school’s Gryphon logo which now hangs in reception. The Abbey project was largely funded by a grant from Sherborne County Fayre.

Sexey’s aces SIAMS

A Bruton school has been praised for its pastoral care and quality of teaching after a recent inspection

SEXEY’S SCHOOL, part of the Quantock Education Trust, underwent a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), the process for Diocesan Church Schools.

It focuses on the impact that the Christian ethos of the church school has on the young people who attend it, staff who work there and on the wider community.

The inspector highlighted many strengths of the school, founded in 1891, including the focus on community and wellbeing.

It said: “Leaders prioritise the wellbeing of the whole community. This is due to their commitment to the ‘fullness of life’ as expressed in the Christian vision.

“Pupils, staff and parents attest to wellbeing as a demonstrable feature of the school. The pastoral support in the school is skilled, swift to respond and is centred on the welfare of the whole person.”

It added: “Sexey’s School’s vision is inspiring a cohesive community in which pupils and adults are at ease yet also challenged to be the best they can be.”

The report recognised how the state boarding element of the school added a special dimension to a student’s education.

“A notable feature of the school is that there is a significant number of boarders. Many boarders are from countries around the world. This means that diversity is experienced in a significant way,” it said.

“Many of the boarders have Christian beliefs and share these and their practices readily in lessons. Thus, many pupils have a real insight into Christianity as a global religion.”

Headteacher, Helen Cullen, said she was pleased with the inspection outcome.

“Hearing the inspector’s feedback of his visit made me feel so proud of the whole Sexey’s staff and community,” she said.

“He celebrated a huge number of strengths in his feedback including the school community living the core values, our response to the pandemic, extracurricular opportunities and the overall quality of teaching and learning.

“I am extremely grateful to all the staff involved in this inspection, which was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the things that make Sexey’s such a special place.”

Chrysta Garnett, CEO of the Quantock Education Trust, added: “The focus on the school community, the instilling of values for life and the importance of each person’s wellbeing in this report is a very accurate representation of life at Sexey’s.

FRIDAY 3 December saw the switch-on of Mere’s Christmas Illuminations. Father Christmas was in attendance, and the queue for free presents was very, very long. The weather was as crisp as it should be for the time of year, with snow falling on the town clock island!

“Helen and her team should be proud of this inspection outcome as it recognises the hard work of our Sexey’s colleagues and the high-quality education they deliver on a daily basis.” The full report is available on the school website at www.sexeys. somerset.sch.uk.

Students from The Gryphon School proudly showed their model to Rt Rev Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, when he visited the school this month (centre). Also pictured (left) Revd Jim Eadie (School Chaplain) and Revd Martin Lee (right)

Headteacher Helen Cullen, centre, with deputy head Ross Dalzell and Sue Nurse, head of the character, beliefs and values faculty

The end of an era

by George Jeans DAVIE’S

, Mere’s only butcher, traded for the last time on Saturday 3 December 2022

Pete Davie is the third generation of his family who traded as a butcher, but has decided to call it a day and will be sadly missed by all his loyal customers. The business has used the same egg supplier for around 80 years. Decades ago, there was much excitement in Mere when the shop first stocked Birds Eye fish fingers, but life has changed.

Life-saving kit

A POTENTIALLY lifesaving new defibrillator has been unveiled in the Reception area at Gillingham School.

The device was bought with money given for good causes supported by the Rotary Club at the thanksgiving service for Robin Hussey, a long serving member and past president of the Gillingham club. Robin, who died from a heart attack while on holiday in 2019, was also a former town mayor and for many years a much respected governor and chairman of governors of Gillingham School.

Among those present at the brief ceremony were Robin’s widow Esther and members of his family, including his daughter Rachel Cullingford, the current Mayor of Gillingham, president of Gillingham Rotary Celia Kilcourse and a number of Rotary friends of Robin and Esther.

Avlaki Olive Oils

Demystifying the flow of power

When the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow – how do renewables and grid balancing work together?

by Keith Wheaton-Green

THE oft repeated phrase “when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow” is misleading. That virtually never happens, and even then only briefly. Solar photovoltaic (PV) power doesn’t need full sun to generate (just daylight) and wind operates down to low wind speeds. However, the intermittency of renewables has to be managed. The quantity of installed renewables has to account for the fact that they rarely operate flat out and electricity generation is constantly variable, reflecting the weather. Renewables have the advantage that they are decentralised and widely spread geographically so that generation is always occurring somewhere. And in the case of solar power, generation is close to consumption, especially when installed on-roof. The really good thing about renewables is that – once installed – the electricity is virtually free. Wind turbine maintenance is minimal and solar panels are almost fit and forget.

Grid management is not a new concept. When electricity was mainly supplied by large centralised coal or gas fired and nuclear power stations, electricity use was still very variable, especially between day and night. Although gas fired power stations and wind turbines can be switched off instantly, nuclear power plants cannot. This is one reason why street lighting and inefficient night storage heaters were encouraged to mop up the unstoppable generation. There has always been a market for small scale, quick start up generation to cope with sudden surges in demand, such as early evening domestic use or massively popular televisual events. Responding to requests from national Grid, emergency diesel generators at hospitals, council offices and certain industrial plant have been able to make good money firing up at quick notice to take advantage of the very high time related tariffs. Pumped hydro has provided for longer term storage of energy. When there is a surplus of electricity, water is pumped uphill to a reservoir then allowed to fall back downhill through turbines to generate electricity when needed.

Storing the excess

With gas and diesel now so expensive, the proportion of cheaper, renewable generation in the mix is increasing rapidly (though not quick enough!) Wealthier households are scrambling to install PV and offshore wind is about to treble in capacity. Although solar PV generation matches high day time consumption and maximum wind speeds match high winter consumption, the intermittency of renewables needs more grid balancing services than the old centralised power stations. National Grid state 50 GW plus of UK storage will be required to meet net zero carbon.

Lithium ion batteries were developed for use with mobile phones, tablets and laptops. They are lightweight so have also been adopted for electric vehicles. Because these batteries are “off the shelf” they are also being deployed for domestic electricity storage to make the most of solar PV. Most new solar farms include large lithium ion battery storage to enable sales of electricity at the highest possible rate. Stand-alone grid balancing batteries have also been installed, A 20 MW 40 MWh battery has just been installed at Hawkers Hill Park, Motcombe, Dorset and 6.1 GW is currently installed or planed in the UK.

However, lightweight expensive batteries are not the best static storage for grid balancing. Recently, more sensible options have

been developed and deployed. The first 5 MWh Vanadium flow battery, which uses water based electrolytes stored in tanks has just been deployed at the Energy Superhub, Oxford. Vanadium is cheap and readily available. An iron air flow battery that charges and discharges by rusting and derusting is 10 times cheaper than lithium iron and more energy dense. A 15 MW 1500 MWh battery is about to be installed in the US.

The technology is out there

Highview Power (www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDvlh_aG7iA) has just commissioned its first 250 MW liquid air energy storage plant in the UK near Manchester. The first of 19 planned UK installations. It compresses air when there is surplus electricity available on the grid, stores it in steel tanks, then releases it back to atmospheric pressure through standard electricity generating turbines. All the components are off the shelf, the plant is scalable and can be built anywhere. Until recently, wind farms have needed to be turned off when they were generating too much power for the grid to cope with. Liquid Air plant prevents the need to do this.

The technology to balance intermittent renewables to provide uninterrupted electricity to consumers is being deployed as renewables are rolled out in the UK because there are financial incentives. Any suggestions that new nuclear or gas plant is required for that purpose is untrue.

Book now for Christmas at Stourhead, a winter wonderland with new installations for 2022!

The National Trust’s Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of the glittering trail between 25 November 2022 and 1 January 2023.

This family-friendly magical festive trail in Stourhead’s unique gardens 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 were thrilled with the fantastic response from visitors who enjoyed the trail last Christmas and our planning and preparation for 2022 is already well underway. Look out for some new surprises this year.”

Be transported into a winter wonderland in this unique landscape. Discover the iconic Christmas Cathedral created with more than a thousand pea lights woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the ‘sea of light’, neon stars wrapping trees and stunning Super Nova. Pause to reflect at the mesmerising, flickering flames in the fire garden, enjoy the larger-than-life light installations and don’t forget to wave at Father Christmas along the way.

Independent street food vendors bring a

delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with friends and family. Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan *marshmallow stall gives visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition. Christmas at Stourhead provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for all ages and is accessible for all to enjoy.

Christmas at Stourhead

The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens from 25 November 2022 to 1 January 2023. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm, closes at 10pm. Closed 28/29 Nov, 05/06/24//25 Dec. Advanced tickets from: Adult £21.50, Child £15.00 (Age 3-16), Family £71.00 (2 adults + 2 children).

Parking £8 per car, free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com

Economic opportunity on your doorstep

New guides to attract investment in Dorset have been published by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership

THE documents, aimed at businesses and investors across the UK and abroad, showcase the potential for millions of pounds’ worth of opportunities to invest in the county. Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has published the five investment prospectuses, which are available to download free.

They highlight more than 50 case studies of transformational business success from Dorset, including Lush and Sunseeker, who compete on the global stage. Each guide covers a specific sector key to the Dorset economy: advanced engineering and manufacturing; agritech; financial services; marine; and digital and creative.

They have been produced by the LEP’s Invest in Dorset team, a group of economic development professionals who help clients

identify opportunities for growth and expansion in the county. The team offers a support package that includes location and labour market advice, assistance on securing funding, introductions to training and recruitment partners, mentoring, networking and help with relocating staff.

Vinita Nawathe, Dorset LEP executive director, said: “Investors and entrepreneurs need to understand what return on investment they can expect in our region.

“We have a great story to tell across a range of industries, with many businesses at the cutting edge of high-growth sectors. Our guides explain why leading companies and organisations have based themselves here and the benefits that others can expect to enjoy if they follow in their footsteps.

“Free to download, the guides complement the work of Invest in Dorset in providing a clear road map for investors and entrepreneurs.

“Attracting more investment for Dorset and BCP and creating fresh opportunities

means we will continue to breathe life into our communities.

“We want growth to benefit everyone and we invite the world to come and join us and continue to make that happen here in our beautiful coastal region.”

Invest in Dorset hopes to tempt investors through the region’s focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and the apprenticeship and career opportunities supported by the commercialisation of academic research. The guides highlight that nearly half of the 350,000-strong workforce across Dorset and BCP are in managerial or professional roles. Each year, there are more than 4,200 graduates leaving Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, with 22,000 degree students living in the county altogether.

All the guides are downloadable from www.dorsetlep.co.uk. For more information on Invest in Dorset, visit www.dorsetlep. co.uk/invest-in-dorset

Get your head around grants changes

Free workshops are being held to help farmers and landowners plan for changes to grant

payments

BETWEEN 2021 and 2027, the government will reduce and then stop Direct Payments, instead paying farmers to improve the environment, improve animal health and welfare, and reduce carbon

emissions.

The first event to help people through the change is set to be held at Bishops Caundle Village Hall on December 14.

The information workshops are being provided as part of the Future Farming Resilience programme, which has expanded this year with an additional £2.6million of funding support from Defra.

Titled Navigating the Agricultural

Festive library events

COME along to Shaftesbury Library on Saturday 10 December between 11am and 12noon to make Christmas angels. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer – Christmas colouring will be available for younger children. Call 01747 852256 to find out more.

On Tuesday 20 December from 2-4pm, Sturminster Newton Library will host a special Code Club session called ‘Magnificent, Merry Micro:bits’ for children aged 8-13 years alongside a parent/ guardian. On Thursday 22 December from 2.30-4.30pm, ‘Christmas Crafts and Creations’ is suitable for families and children aged 3 and up, as is ‘Twixmas Crafts and Creations’ on Thursday 29 December from 2.30-4.30pm.

Booking is advised for all events at Sturminster Newton Library – visit Eventbrite online or call 01258 472669

Sherborne Library will be feeling festive, with ‘Wreaths, Robins and Reindeer’ on Saturday 10 December from 2-3pm, for families and children aged 3 and up. On Saturday 17 December from 2-3pm, Sherborne Library will host a festive quiz, with

Transition, the sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the coming changes and the options available as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments are gradually reduced, before stopping altogether in 2027.

Further workshops will follow in the new year covering the whole of Dorset. Those who attend the workshops and want to explore the impact of the changes on their business in greater depth also have the opportunity to take up the offer of one-to-one business support with experienced advisors.

The support offered through the project is free to any farmer or landowner receiving Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments. Farmers will be helped to take advantage of business opportunities, improve the environment, and reduce carbon emissions, the government says.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property, said: “Ceasing of Direct Payments is the biggest change in farm support for generations and all farmers need to think how they will adapt in the near future.

“This workshop will cover the timeline for how the Basic Payment Scheme will be reduced over the next few years, but also provide important information on a number of different schemes that will be available to those affected, as well as options to improve productivity and increase profits.

“I strongly encourage all Dorset farmers and land managers currently in receipt of BPS payments to consider attending one these free workshops and keep an eye out as new sessions are added to the calendar.”

puzzles and colouring, for families and children aged 5 and up.

There’s a special Code Club session called ‘Magnificent, Merry Micro:bits’ at the library on Tuesday 20 December from 10am12pm, for children aged 8-13 years alongside a parent/guardian.

One last Christmas boost takes place on Thursday 22 December from 10-11am, when Sherborne Library will host ‘Snowflakes, Stars and Stories’, for families and children aged 3 and up.

Booking is advised for all events at Sherborne Library– visit Eventbrite online or call the library on 01935 812683

On Friday 16 December from 5.15pm-6.15pm, Gillingham Library will host Christmas Cheer with Gillingham Arts Workshop ‘Carols, Readings, and a Mummers Play’.

Then on Saturday 17 December from 10.30-11am there’s a SENsational story and play for 0-5s and their parents/carers, and on Thursdays 22 and 29 December from 11-12 Gillingham Library will be hosting Lego fun at Christmas for the family.

Get a last-minute fix of festive cheer on Friday 23 December from 10.30-11.30am with a children’s Christmas craft session to decorate a Christmas tree. Suitable for children aged 5-11.

Booking is advised for all events at Gillingham Library – visit Eventbrite online or call 01747 822180

How the UK’s first female doctor worked disguised as a man…

By Laura Manning ART historian

Felicity Herring told the remarkable story of Margaret Anne Bulkley, the UK’s first female doctor, at the November meeting of the Blackmore Vale group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.

Margaret was born into an impoverished family in Cork in 1789 and became the highestranking medical officer in the British Army – but her adult life was one of subterfuge.

None of her many good works could have been achieved without disguising herself as a man and assuming the identity of her uncle in London, the artist James Barry, who died in 1806.

Barry’s estate passed to Margaret’s family and financial affairs were managed by his trustees, as Margaret’s father was dead and the women in his family, according to the norms of the time, were held not capable of doing so.

However, the trustees, including General Francisco de Miranda, Dr Edward Fryer and the Earl of Buchan, recognised and encouraged Margaret in her efforts to support the family.

A madcap scheme was conceived in which Margaret would go to Edinburgh University disguised as a man to read Medicine and, upon graduating, would resume life as a woman and emigrate to Venezuela to help in the General’s proposed rebellion against the Spanish.

But by the time the ‘new’ James Barry had completed the course, the General was

languishing in a Spanish jail and other prominent initiators of the scheme were dead.

After a successful time in Edinburgh, where she was hailed a ‘boy genius’, Margaret decided to continue her life as James Barry and enlisted in the Army in 1813. It was impossible for her to use her newly acquired skills while living as a woman in the UK.

Postings in England and abroad followed, including spells in South Africa, Mauritius, Jamaica and Canada, and Barry rose steadily through the ranks.

The general treatment of patients, especially in terms of sanitation and cleanliness in hospitals, saw a marked improvement wherever Barry was posted.

By all accounts, Barry was not particularly liked by the other Army personnel but his slight stature and high voice were accepted, along with other ‘eccentricities’, as he was both vegetarian and teetotal.

He also had a reputation for being gruff and argumentative with other officers – probably techniques to avoid too much personal contact with men.

While in Cape Town, Barry performed the first ever successful Caesarean section on a pregnant woman – both mother and baby survived. Barry also survived a duel –

and, thankfully, so did his opponent.

In later life, he was presented to Queen Victoria as a prominent surgeon – an incredible journey from Barry’s early life as a probable teenage rape victim in Cork.

Despite strict instructions that when he died he should be immediately wrapped in his bed sheets and buried, the char woman took it upon herself to wash the body and prepare it in the traditional way.

The woman, when she was not paid for her work, told Barry’s physician and other top Army personnel that Barry was undoubtedly a woman and

asked for hush money.

The British Army hierarchy was shocked and horrified in case the matter should become general knowledge – and put all documents relating to Barry’s career under lock and key for 100 years. The full story therefore only emerged in 1965.

This was a fascinating story – and it was vividly brought to life by many contemporary paintings and pictures showing an insight into Margaret’s colourful life.

n The Blackmore Vale Family History Group is now taking a winter break – and hoping that more fascinating family stories will emerge from private research. Contact blackmorevalegroup@gmail. com to receive details of the spring 2023 programme.

James Barry in the 1820s (above) and Army surgeon (left)

Church

• Anglican High Mass at Wimborne St Giles: First Sunday of each month at 10am. BH21 5LZ.

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sunday services at 10.45am followed by refreshments. Thursdays: coffee and chat with refreshments from 10am-noon. This is a ‘warm space’ for those wanting to reduce their energy bills for a morning. Fridays: Lunch club for over-55s from noon. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505 543 to book a meal – price £5. The church is anxious to offer help to those in need – call steward John Cornish on 07799 516 735.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton: First and third Sunday,

11am Holy Communion; 6pm BCP Evensong. Second and fourth Sunday, 9.30am Morning Prayer; 6pm BCP Evensong. Fifth Sunday, 11am Benefice Holy Communion. Wednesdays, 10am BCP Holy Communion.

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

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

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

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

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

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: The church will provide a warm and welcoming space with hot drinks, cakes, soup and rolls plus activities such as jigsaws and knitting on Thursdays up to 14 December, 10am-3pm.

• Holnest Church: The church (DT9 5PU) welcomes Stanchester Quire on 9 December at 7pm for a Christmas concert by candlelight. Free admission, donations welcome. Limited seating available – book on 01963 210632.

favourite carols). Sunday 18 December – 9.30am Carol service – Charlton Marshall; 11am Communion – Langton Long; 6pm Carol service –Tarrant Keyneston; 6.30pm Carol service – Spetisbury. Tuesday 20 December – 6pm Carol service – Blandford St Mary.•

• St Mary’s Church, Charminster (DT2 9RD): Christmas tree festival 9-11 December. Opening times: Friday 9 December 3-6pm, Saturday 10 December 11am4pm, Sunday December 11 2-5pm. 5pm Sunday carols around the trees with mulled wine and mince pies. Light refreshments plus Christmas gifts and Fairtrade stalls. Admission £3 (children free).

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church (BA22 7QB). Sunday December 11, 3pm –United Carol Service; Sunday December 18, 10am – ‘Pop-up Nativity’ family service, 3pm –Service with Holy Communion; Wednesday December 21, 7pm – ‘Carols on the Green’.

• St Mary Magdalene, Castleton: Sunday 11 December, BCP Holy Communion, 11.15am; Sunday 18 December, mattins, 11.15am; Sunday 25 December, lessons and carols with BCP HC, 11am.

• St Martin of Tours, Lillington: Sunday 11 December, BCP Holy Communion, 10am; Sunday 18 December, carol service, 6pm.

• St James the Great, Longburton: Sunday 11 December, family communion, 10am; Sunday 18 December, carol service with Nativity, 4pm.

• St Paul’s Church, Sherborne: Sunday 11 December, Holy Communion, 10.30am; Sunday 18 December, all age Nativity, 10.30am.

ST MICHAEL’S, MERE. Sundays 8am BCP Communion. First Sunday each month 10.30am Informal Service. Other Sundays 10.30am Parish Communion.

CHURCH ORGANIST St Martin’s Church, Lillington, near Sherborne, seeks a new organist to play our recently restored organ for regular vibrant Sunday services. We have a wonderful vicar and very friendly congregation!

Please phone Mark Church Warden 07817 845775

• Longburton Village Cafe: Held in the village church of St James. Tea, coffee – free refills – and great cakes for just £1.50 on Tuesday 13 December, 10.30am-noon.

• Lower Stour Benefice: . Sunday 11 December – 9.30am Communion – Blandford St Mary; 11am Christingle –Tarrant Rushton; 3pm Carol service – Langton Long. Thursday 15 December – 7pm Music at St Mary’s Christmas concert – Charlton Marshall. Saturday 17 December –2.30pm Informal carols singalong, followed by tea –Spetisbury Church (an opportunity to request your

• St Mary’s Church, Sturminster Marshall: The church holds its 12th Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday and Sunday 10-11 December from 10am-4pm. St Mary’s annual toy service is on Sunday at 9.15am with the toys being donated to the Salvation Army. Refreshments and children’s activities feature with carol singing on Sunday afternoon. Entry is free.

• St Catherine’s, Sedgehill: Carol service with festive refreshments, Friday 16 December, 6pm.

• St Mary’s, Donhead St Mary: Saturday 17 December, 6pm, village carols with mulled wine.

• St Andrew’s, Donhead St Andrew, and St Mary’s, East Knoyle: Sunday 18 December, 6pm carol services.

• Holy Trinity Church, Stourpaine: Christmas market on Saturday 10 December from 3.30-7pm. Mulled wine, waffles, Christmas fare and arts and craft stalls. Free admission..

• Blandford St Mary Church: The 12 Days of Christmas – A display for each of the days by local groups/organisations. Open Tuesday to Thursday 20-22 December, 10.30am3.30pm. Free entry, refreshments served. Traditional carols by candlelight with a choir, Tuesday 20 December, 6pms. Family Christmas celebration with children’s nativity and children’s choir from Blandford St Mary Primary School, Wednesday 21 December, 5.30pm followed by refreshments. Coffee and cakes, a morning get together on Thursday 22 December, 10-11.30am.

• St Mary’s Stalbridge: 11 December – Holy Communion 9.30am; 18 December –Morning worship 9.30am and Carol service 6pm; 22 December – Holy Communion 10am.

• Sherborne Abbey: Christingle Service, Sunday 11 December, 4pm, in aid of the Children’s Society.

• Sherborne Abbey: Christmas concert – carols, music and song, Monday 12 December, 7.30pm. Director of Music James Henderson with the Abbey Choir, Sherborne Town Band, the Sherborne Singers and music groups from The Gryphon School.

DENBY CLASSIC WHITE. All unused, excellent condition. Large round serving bowl. £10 Large oval serving/ casserole dish £10 & 2 small serving/casserole dishes, with ear handles £10 pair. 07968 702904

CHILDS TABLETOP

FOOTBALL/hockey/table tennis/billiards. Unused £50. 07895 476702. Call Evenings.

BREVILLE MICROWAVE

800W Dial controls £25 Morphy Richards Slow Cooker 3.5 Litres £15 4 wheelbarrows of top-quality top soil £10. 01747 824240

STURDY SOLID PINE ROUND TABLE. 3 ft 6 diameter. Good condition £40. 01963 824811

FITNESS MACHINE D P BODYTONE 300 can use standing or sitting £30-00 or near offer 07739 813300

BRAND NEW MATERIAL REMANTS £10-00 per large bundle 07739 813300

PANASONIC CAMCORDER with carry case and original box with instructions. Excellent condition perfect christmas present. only £50 tel 01747 825104

GENTS BEIGE VINTAGE BREECHES 40ins waist vgc £55 also pytchly mens jacket 42ins as new £35. 01834 80848

VIENNESE PENDULUM CASED WALL CLOCK (old) on working order,£49 OVNO, call 07545 065503

VINTAGE PINE KITCHEN TABLE. 4ft x 3ft. £50 Tel 01458 831267

FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITAR with bag & music stand As new condition £50 01747 811551

CENTIQUE OAK BUREAU. Sound condition. Ideal for upcycling, painting, distressing, restoring. 20.00 ono. 01747 823080

BLANCHARD

TERRACOTTA TILES 107 11 x 7 21 half tiles 12 tile and a half £35 07444 381160

Items for Sale

WOOD SHREDDER, good condition, double blades, 4 stroke engine. £180. 01963 23417

SOLID OAK COFFEE TABLE

Height 16”, Length 51”, Width 28”. £70 ono 01963 251077

CANON EOS 1000F with lens bundle. As new £275 ono. 01747 822836

E-BIKE LADIES 16” frame, many accessories VGC call 01725 517830. £300

WIRELESS BLUETOOTH SOUNDSYSTEM with 9 boxsets & 46 DVD’s £50 01747 853913

BRAND NEW BREVILLE DRY HEALTH FRYER £50 01747 826209

EXERCISE BIKE £45.00 Like new, hardly used Instruction book included Phone 01258 452718

ENFIELD BAGATELLE SPEARS GAMES, without ball bearings. £10. Please call 07936107031

VENITIAN BLINDS, WOODEN SLATS 1 @

520mm 1 @ 525mm 1 @ 530mm 1 @ 540mm 1 @ 580mm 1.5 metre drop Phone 07731580011 - £20

BLACK AND DECKER ELECTRIC STRIMMER model is Reflex 25cm GL560. Tel 01258 863404

FLYMO LEAF BLOWER £15, Qualcast lawn scarifier £20, McCulloch Shredder 1400w £15, Florabest hedge cutter 60cm £15, Tel.01747 811611

TOP OPENING FREEZER, fridge size. Ideal garage extra. £15 07484 807774

BROTHER AX-110 ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITER with instructions, little used £50 ono. 01935 812456

SHELF BRACKETS WHITE WATSON SPUR 130mm x 15; 180mm x 41; 230mm x 7; 280mm x 3; £15, mobile 07774-628-641

ALMOST NEW MODEL RAILWAY oval layout with sidings 009 gauge track only 4’ x 2.5’ MRS baseboard, ballasted, wired for DC. £50 07880 815236

PANASONIC SD206 BREADMAKER. In good condition and hardly used. £20. Buyer collect. Tel: 07712 238371

AXLE STANDS - rated 3 tonne, little used. Height 12” to 18”. £20.00 01722 780963

MEGA DUPLO/LEGO BRICKS - £15. Other toys available: train set, dolls etc. All excellent condition. 01747 854983

VINTAGE FARMHOUSE OAK TABLE 60”x32”x30” Can be seen Puddletown area £60 Ono Also pine table £55 Text 07714 574103

STIHL 12” CHAINSAW £60. Ryobi hedgetrimmer £75. Petrol driven. Require servicing 01258 820618

MAXI COSI CAR SEAT. Isofix fittings.With brochures. Smoke and accident free. Grandparents selling.Bargain £30.00.01747 840641

116 CASSETTE TAPES OF VARIOUS ARTISTS. £15 ono. Buyer collects. 01963 814450

GIRLS BICYCLE 5-7 YEARS. Perfect condition. Grandparents selling. £20 ono. 01202 989475

MOTHER & CHILD FLOOR LAMP. Antique gold. As new £20 01202 892179

SALT BLOCKS (HARVEYS)

Up to 24 bags of 2 available at £3 each (cash).Recent purchase now unwanted. Tel. 01747 811611

ESSE DRAGON WOODBURNER

Good condition 01935 389064 £275

PRACTIKA SPOTTING

SCOPE+ABLE300DX tripod cost £300 used once £125. Challenger 26” gents folding trekbike cost £200 unused £85. 01963 370821

DOUBLE DRAWER WALLMOUNTED BASIN Gloss grey. VGC. £250 ono 01935 872480

SOFA BED Hardly used mid blue faux suede. Modern style from Peter Jones.£125 Call 07850 626582

WANTED

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation. Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

FREE AD up to £50 1 ad per contact number please limit to 20 words or less classified@ blackmorevale.net

Events

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

9-4.30/5PM

SHAFTESBURY TOWN HALL

Lots of various stallholders selling wonderful gifts for Christmas. Free entry

Supporting Dorset Somerset Air Ambulance & Weldmar Hospice

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull

Royal British Legion on Monday December 12th. Eyes down 7pm

COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel. Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 www.country-link.org.uk

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Fontmell Magna Village Hall

Saturday 10th December

10am to 2.30pm

Local artisan and craft stalls Free Entry

MILL STREET SOCIAL CLUB

Christmas Bingo and Raffle at the Mill Street Social Club Wincanton, Saturday 17th December

Great Prizes, all donated by local businesses and surrounding areas. Proceeds to go to Wincanton Community Hospital

Doors open at 6:30pm, eyes down at 7:30pm

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

Elvis Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 16 December / 7.00 pm / £5. Information: 6dhandleyhall@ gmail.com

SHAFTESBURY LIBRARY.

Christmas Angels on Saturday 10th December 11.00 – 12.00 noon and Paper Plate Snowmen on Saturday 17th December 11.00 to 12:00 noon!

CHRISTMAS BINGO Child Okeford Village Hall

Friday 16th December

Doors open 6:30pm Eyes down 7:30pm

ROCK & ROLL IS BACK

Listen, have a dance, tea, cake & raffle - £3

Friday 16th December 2-4pm Vicarage School Room, Gillingham

CHRISTMAS BIZARRE Sat 10 Dec 10:30am – non, Frog Hole Farm, Gore Common SP7 0PZ. Gifts, cakes, Christmas treats, raffles, refreshments. Proceeds to: The Orchards with Margaret Marsh Churches.

JUST GEORGES CARNIVAL CLUB Christmas Bingo. Stour Connect, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1JF. 10th December

SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS, St Mary’s Church, Lytchett Matravers, BH16 6BS, December 9th, 10th, 17th 11-3pm

DORSET CHAMBER CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT at Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne BH21 3AA

Monday, 19th December 7:00 pm Celebrating 10 years since formation of the choir. See www.dorsetchamberchoir. com for details.

Includes Christmas Cantata: Geoffrey Bush and carols for choir and audience. Tickets on the door or from choir members £12, £5 students/ children. Free parking.

STOUR VALLEY DOG RESCUE

Christmas Prize Bingo Night 9th December-Blandford Corn Exchange 16th December-Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall Eyes down 7:30pm

CUPPA AND COMPANY will be taking place every Monday and Thursday between 10:30-11:30am in Shaftesbury Library. If you would like to come along for a chat and a brew, just pop in. We would love to see you. There is no charge for this event.

THE LIVE WELL DORSET TEAM will be coming to Shaftesbury Library on Thursday 1st December between 9.30am – 1.30pm. They will be offering FREE Health MOTs and there is no need to book. Sessions will take about 20 minutes.

Nurses should be given fair pay rise

THE phrase ‘winter of discontent’ is oft overused in our politics. Previous years have seen it rolled out for flight cancellations to winter getaways and the roads not being gritted. This winter, the phrase couldn’t be more apt.

The strikes on the railways have been well covered.

Readers may not be aware that on 14 December PCS members at both the DVLA and the Rural Payments Agency will be out for a week.

The latter will be of particular concern to farmers across Dorset, with the spectre of delays to the Basic Payment Scheme – the state support to farmers.

Some strikes have been averted. GMB members at ‘G4S Cash’, who physically move money to and from banks and supermarkets, were planning to walk out this month.

Their threat of industrial

action secured an increase from the original G4S offer of 4 per cent to land an 8.5 per cent settlement for 2023, with certainty of an inflationary increase for 2024. The rate of inflation this year still stands at near to 10 per cent, so this

remains a below inflationary increase and only starts to claw back the reductions in wages during Covid-19.

Why is this relevant? Reporting of the strikes going on this winter would lead you to believe ‘union barons’ are out of control, hell bent on some ideological battle to ruin Christmas.

This isn’t a balanced view. Public sector employers like Network Rail have offered 8 per cent over two years to their employees.

This is far below what fully private sector employers like G4S are offering. Trade unions are just trying to secure for their members a wage settlement that goes merely some of the way to addressing the cost of living crisis.

These transport strikes could have been avoided if train operators and Network Rail were allowed by the Tories to

settle industrial disputes earlier in the year. Instead we have a decaying government that is eager for ‘wedge issues’ or dividing lines to retain the right wing media’s support and put pressure on the Labour Party. It’s desperate tactics from a party that has run out of ideas and steam. And it’s blue collar workers that are paying the price.

Now we face the impending tragedy of strikes in the NHS, including the first ever by nurses. The NHS is already at the point of breaking, and the Government chooses to risk pushing it over the edge by not settling wage disputes. This after all the nurses went through during Covid-19.

We shouldn’t accept Sunak’s argument that the country can’t afford to give its nurses a fair pay rise. Rather, the country can’t afford further years of Tory government.

Strikes and Doughnut Economics

AS I understand things in the lead up to Christmas, we shall be enduring strike action from the Royal Mail and the rail unions. To this we can add strikes by hospital and ambulance staff.

None of these essential services is under the direct control of the Government, so it could be unfair to blame them directly.

They are accountable, though, for many of the factors that underlie these damaging industrial disputes. The list includes the unsettling recent chaos, the spiking of interest rates due to political ineptitude, the Brexit-induced rise in the cost of food, the Brexit-induced sense of general business uncertainty, the weakness of trade deals to-date, the utter failure to bear down on energy supply profiteering, the cost of the immigration mess.

I could go on but I get fed up with lists, especially at this time

of year. Lists always cause me to have to do things I didn’t decide on and getting into hot water for not doing them right – the difficult gap between the responsible doer and the accountable policy-owner, the list-maker.

This Government is just the

same, dishing out its demands: “Local government, NHS, rail companies please go and execute these policies that reflect our political judgements and priorities, not your operational needs, and, no, there is no more money. Impossible? Tough bananas!”

In any negotiation, it is inexcusable to set yourself unachievable goals. It is inexcusable to set unachievable goals for those working for or responsible to you. It is also inexcusable to damage the public good at a time of significant threat and concern.

I was excited, therefore, to hear that the Lib Dem run Somerset Council is looking to the principles of Doughnut Economics to help find solutions in a number of areas. Doughnut Economics seeks a fair social foundation for the economy while not breaking our planet’s ecological and environmental constraints.

Thus, all sides in these current disputes should take a broader view and be accountable for actions that damage the social fabric or which are unsustainable.

Thus, if a nurse, for example, sees his or her rewards as part financial and part vocational, the NHS should be looking to provide the best balance between those two that it can over the medium term.

What cannot happen is that both ends get squeezed at the same time. In the end, there is always a settlement. Get to it and be constructive and sustainable!

At the macro level, national and international, if we fail to understand the necessary balance, the vital need for both social and environmental sustainability, then the ultras, the demagogues, the warmongers, the plutocrats, the oligarchs, the amoral, couldn’tcare-less financiers get to win.

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Politics

Bidding to improve dental services

I KNOW some people in West Dorset have experienced difficulties in accessing an NHS dentist. I have been working hard in Westminster to ease this situation. I have successfully lobbied previously for a reform of the Dental Contract, which will streamline the service and free up additional capacity for patients. I met last Wednesday with the Health Secretary, where I urged for further reforms to ensure patients in West Dorset are secured the service they need.

During Education Questions on Monday last week, I asked the Minister to help The Gryphon School in Sherborne access the funding it needs to replace its dilapidated ‘temporary’ classroom units and I will continue working to get the resources needed to this important local school. I’m hopeful we will have this decision by the end of the month – so only a few weeks away.

Last week I went to visit Trent Primary and Cheselbourne

First schools, which was really enjoyable. The cake baking at Cheselbourne looks amazing and I’m looking forward to supporting the school still further next year.

Following on from my update two weeks ago about supermarket fuel prices, many more people have been in touch to share their experiences, so thank you. I put forward a

number of challenges to Morrisons executives at a meeting two weeks ago on Tuesday about its highly unfair pricing policies which are charging West Dorset residents a premium in order to undercut rival suppliers. This included considerable differences between Morrisons in Bridport, Weymouth, Yeovil and Wincanton stores – sometimes up to 20p a litre. And price differences too between Tescos in Dorchester, Yeovil, Blandford and Poole.

Last Wednesday I also called on the Government to ensure the Grocery Code Adjudicator – the regulator for supermarkets, to be given the teeth it needs to curb the predatory behaviour of supermarket chains that have whittled down the resilience of the farming industry to the point where now it is the consumers paying the price – and the best current example is eggs.

Supermarkets are attributing bird flu as the principal cause of egg shortages but there is much more going on as I outlined in a speech in Westminster two weeks ago. Egg production has fallen by 13 per cent in the UK since last year. Investors are no longer confident in the market because supermarkets have paid them a peppercorn sum while production costs have soared.

They aren’t investing in equipment and are buying fewer chicks to replenish their laying hens. We’ve even had some supermarkets which claim to buy only British produce, importing barn-reared eggs from Italy! At a time when we need to bolster our own food security, this situation cannot continue and I am working to expose this behaviour which I warned about in October last year.

Supermarket supply chains need rebalancing in favour of fairness for the producer.

Energy and food: Lessons to learn

THERE is no doubt in my mind that for most of us this winter and Christmas period will be difficult and challenging. After a prolonged period of low interest rates and inflation, any upward increases would come as a shock.

As we prepared for a postCovid period of restored growth along came the horror of Russian aggression and the devastating impact that has had on fuel and food prices.

The lessons learned from this illegal activity must be that we maximise our levels of energy self-sufficiency – and I am clear in my view that this can only come from renewable sources –as well as boost our food production security.

Covid and Ukraine has underscored some inherent weaknesses in many advanced economies highlighting overreliance on unfettered global supply chains. They work fine when the weather is set fair, but disruption follows hot foot when

a squall develops. Important lessons that we must not fail to remember and rectify whenever ‘normal’ returns.

As regular readers will know, I am, by nature, an optimist. Without being Col Blimpish I do believe that there is something deep within our British DNA that forces us to weather storms and rise to the challenges. Our strong networks of community groups, charities and personal acts of goodwill illustrate this. Against the backdrop of

troubling financial times, some £35m was still raised this year by BBC Children In Need.

As a country we seek to do all we can to ease the hardships of others as we are seeing in Ukraine and elsewhere. Perhaps uniquely for a small island we are incredibly outward looking, global and internationalist in obligation. Perhaps this comes from our relations forged through Empire and evolved into Commonwealth, our permanent seat on the UN Security Council or our membership of NATO? Where other countries incline to the introvert, we shoulder our responsibilities and continue to believe, rightly, that Britain has a role to play in the world.

So, as we all manage our personal difficulties this year, and I do not seek to diminish them for a moment, we can all give thanks that we are so much better than so many of our brothers and sisters across the world.

The NHS is not without

problems, but it continues to be there for us and free at the point of use. Free speech, liberty, a free press and independent judiciary help safeguard our liberties. Our children access their education. The Welfare State continues to provide a vital safety net. Local councils maintain services and help so many local people. Our police and armed services strive to provide the protection and security we need.

Let us contrast that with so many other countries in the world. Let us ponder war-torn Ukraine, drought-blighted Somalia, liberty-suppressing China and so much more.

Countries without health care or the sophisticated network of social supports we can call upon, where police and military are agents of the despot rather than servants of the people. Where a fair trial is a fairy tale. If we reflect on these, our own problems are contextualised and, perhaps, alleviated.

Conservative MP for West Dorset

Chris Loder

Conservative MP for North Dorset

Simon Hoare

Let’s put a stop to rat-run lorries

HEAVY traffic through villages laid down in the age of the horse and cart is a thorny issue throughout my patch.

For example, a trio of Wiltshire villages –Chapmanslade, Corsley and Maiden Bradley, together with the Deverill Valley – are co-operating against rat-running lorries ignoring the strategic freight route.

Residents have been very patient but enough is enough. The ancient buildings along village roads and the fabric of the streets have had enough, too.

What should happen now is a weight limit on traffic through blighted villages directing lorries to roads built for them. A useful spin-off would be a reduction in the council’s road repair bill caused by destructive heavy traffic, fewer potholes and a saving to Wiltshire’s hard-pressed council tax payers.

Meanwhile, back in the Palace of Varieties, MPs across the House are announcing that they will not stand again. And it’s not just veteran retirees but some of the newbies. What’s going on?

To be honest, being an MP

has never been for the fainthearted – and, contrary to popular belief, it won’t make you rich! In recent times I think people have been reacting to increasing challenges to personal well-being and family life, the heavy and mounting demands of the job, and the inherent insecurity.

On a personal level, I have always considered it an honour and privilege to serve and for me the rewards certainly exceed the cost. I plan to continue for as long as voters want me to.

Inflation, which is bedevilling western economies, has been seriously eroding spending power. So it’s hardly surprising people want more pay. Nurses want 17 per cent.

The difficulty is that sort of figure for a huge workforce like the NHS would have to come from somewhere else or from more taxes, it would bump up inflation significantly and would

invite further demands throughout the workforce. We’d then be locked in to an inflationary spiral making everyone poorer.

Striking hurts. Trade unions hope the hurt experienced by the public will persuade politicians to concede. I so appreciate the pressures on daily living that apply across Europe and beyond but would plead with people not to strike and to consider carefully the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies.

The Budget, which was aimed squarely at helping those most affected by the pandemic’s long shadow, Putin’s war and the energy crisis, has given the earliest of glimpses of better times ahead, like snowdrops heralding the spring. For them to be realised we will need patience and restraint, along with a much more benign international backdrop.

COP summit mostly a tale of failure

WHAT a fabulous success the COP27 in Egypt was, like a whole load of Christmases rolled into one. Unfortunately, the beneficiary was the fossil fuel industry, which yet again made sure there was no clear commitment to phase out fossil fuels.

Environmental campaigners tried to be optimistic before the event but the signs of impending failure were there right from the start. Egypt is looking to sell more of its own natural gas, taking advantage of the unexpected energy market chaos caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

No surprise that the authoritarian Egyptian government made sure that civil protest was successfully sidelined or suppressed, while no fewer than 636 lobbyists from the fossil fuel industry were allowed to swarm all over the summit and successfully fight off all efforts to agree a

fossil fuel phase-out.

Environmental campaigners were left with a few crumbs of comfort, such as the inclusion of ‘nature-based solutions’ which had been removed at the last moment at the UK-led COP26 in Glasgow a year ago.

Oh yes, and the promise of a funding mechanism for ‘loss

and damage’ whereby vulnerable countries will be helped to cope with the worst climate impacts. Aid for those countries hardest hit by the changing climate has been promised before, by the wealthier nations responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions to date. Only a fraction of the money has ever actually materialised.

COP is supposed to be a forum for governments to negotiate between themselves about how to address the issue of global warming, but the biggest seat at the table is effectively occupied by those which have a vested financial interest in preventing the changes needed for us to have a worthwhile future.

This year we even saw BP’s chief executive attend the COP as an official delegate of Mauritania. Kevin Anderson, chairman of energy and climate change at Manchester

University, pretty much nails it when he calls the COP circus ‘an increasingly corrupt and immoral process’.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that we cannot rely on enough governments and corporations taking the actions needed to secure us a decent future. I take heart from the groundswell of public street protests now erupting around the world, for a variety of causes, as people increasingly realise that polite requests for wrongs to be righted are all too easily ignored.

I was also much heartened by watching a recent episode of comedian Frankie Boyle’s TV show, in which discussion centred on non-violent civil disobedience protesters like Just Stop Oil. The sincerity of their actions was applauded. They are after all simply trying to get our government to get serious about the environment and not COP out.

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison

Housebuilders ‘greedy and uncaring’

DO you print letters from smug, self-opinionated prigs? Here is one.

Energy crisis – not for us. Our solar thermal installation heats all the hot water we need for at least four months of the year – free of charge.

Our PV panels provide 1,100 units of electricity – now worth £374 in savings.

If Mr Putin now invaded Poland and world gas prices quadrupled we would still have our water heated and 1,100 units of electricity free of charge. Yes, we did have to pay for this green renewable technology – as we all have to pay for things – like heating oil, clothes, electricity bills, holidays, furniture etc.

Do you remember ‘Vote Blue, Go Green’ and after 12 years to find alternative sources of energy we mostly have not, or this government has not.

British Gas is running a massive advertising campaign to persuade as many people as possible to commit to expensive and polluting gas and the vast majority of housebuilders will not put renewable technology into new homes.

Above all else you must maximise profits and once your snout is jammed into the trough you can’t see over the brim or see anything coming.

Mostly due to the energy crisis we now have a recession, increased taxation, a fall in living standards, more cuts to public services and rising mortgage rates.

The greedy and uncaring housebuilders face the prospect of rapidly falling sales and losses.

In the meantime, the taxpayer is footing the bill for government failures – Vote Blue, Go Green – and the greed of the energy companies and the housebuilders.

Nuclear power? Built by the Chinese, six to ten years to do and after 40 years no-one knows what to do with them. You are having a laugh.

Tory government – this is how to be popular and reelectable.

Richard Foley Tarrant Hinton

I HAVE read with interest your letters and articles about Robert Baden-Powell, who died in 1941.

In my eyes, he was a great man. I remember, as a child, visiting his grave at Nyeri, Kenya. The grave then was very well kept. Not far from his grave were the graves of British soldiers who had been killed by the Mau Mau.

I imagine they will still be well tended by the War Graves Commission but I wonder if it’s the same for B-P’s grave? I certainly hope so.

Jill Trueman Cucklington

I READ the very sad letter from someone who felt they are no longer a person – just a number (New Blackmore Vale, November 11).

I find it difficult to hear that an individual with several medical problems, who feels the need to try to make an appointment with a doctor, thinks their only option is to sit at home and possibly end up at Accident & Emergency, maybe not to recover – and feel they are now only a number that will barely be missed.

Why do they feel this way?

Because, along with so many others, they are not IT-savvy and choose not to have a mobile phone.

What an awful way for them to feel! It’s time we made our poorly and elderly feel needed and respected.

We should all be trying to make their lives easier –technology is all very well for those able to absorb but to some people it is just yet another hurdle. Your needs do matter. Wishing you good health and happiness.

Jackie Martin Via email

AFTER reading Jeremy Bloomfield’s letter (NBVM, 25 November) I had to re-read my earlier letter to work out why he felt I had given him a lecture – I failed: I thought I was simply stating the obvious.

And without wishing to engage in ‘a race to the bottom’, I can assure him that having been born in a farm cottage in 1943, my early childhood experience, including rationing and the scarcity of bananas, was similar to his.

Of course, those years didn’t feel like hardship as we knew nothing else.

However, this is irrelevant to the issue of poverty in today’s world as we did not suffer from drought, flood or other effects of

climate change.

In regard to my comment about countries barely able to feed themselves, Mr Bloomfield’s reply is that ‘many of these countries do not support their own populations and yet finance space research and nuclear weapons’.

In fact, only ten countries have nuclear weapons –although no one is quite sure about North Korea – and most of these are ‘developed’ countries.

So that still leaves dozens if not hundreds of others such as Yemen and drought-stricken regions of Africa that are genuinely in need.

I referred to competition for resources and didn’t actually

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall – justsocaricatures.co.uk

mention overseas aid, which Mr Bloomfield says ‘is often totally misdirected’.

But if that is the case does that mean we should stop giving aid altogether? Or perhaps we should be more discerning and ‘savvy’ about how it is channelled and administered.

Turning to this country and Mike Keatinge’s comment in the same NBVM issue, I wondered if he was serious in saying ‘wealth does indeed trickle down...we have people sufficiently well-off to give to food banks’.

Does he really think people are happy to rely on food banks as did Lazarus ‘on the crumbs off the rich man’s table’ (Bible, Luke 16:21).

Yes, some of us are living comfortable lives – I have no complaints in that regard – but what is the evidence that all the wealthy are philanthropists?

Mr Keatinge says that ‘an organism which ceases to grow will generally decline and die’ – but is that a justification for continuing the present trend indefinitely? Are there no limits?

Sometimes it’s necessary to prune a plant to keep it healthy – and to leave room for others.

Revd Colin Marsh Gillingham

I WOULD like to apologise to Jeremy Bloomfield if I wrongly accused him of being a Conservative Party member.

However, it did seem that his comments about Simon Hoare indicated that a party Mr Bloomfield supported had been betrayed.

Further, he suggested that Lord Frost, ennobled by Boris Johnson and carrying the Conservative whip in the House of Lords, should be North Dorset’s MP.

Curious for someone who is not, at least, a Conservative Party supporter but then that is par for the course in the surrealist politics and economics of the Brexit brigade.

I am also old enough to remember the privations of the

1950s, the bomb sites, the ration cards, the general drabness of post-war Britain, a reaction to which prompted our attempts to join the Common Market.

It was a Conservative Prime Minister, Edward Heath, who finally secured our entry. Another Conservative Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, even managed to improve our deal so that we had better membership terms than other countries.

Unfortunately, the dire predictions before Brexit of ‘Project Doom’ appear to be coming true. No ‘oven-ready deal’, a rotten deal for our farmers with Australia for the prospect of 5p off Nottage Hill, a trade agreement with Japan which has actually seen our trade decrease, an almost total loss of control over our borders, no trade deal even in prospect with the United States, a massive increase in red tape for exporters to our nearest large market, historically high inflation about a quarter of which is directly attributable to the consequences of Brexit, chaos over trade with Northern Ireland, Scotland wishing to withdraw from the Union, and not even our fishermen are better off.

Worse still, at a time when Europe needs more than ever to stand united against a general threat to all our freedoms, we are not at the top table.

Deals risk being done into which we will have had no input. Thank you to the clear eyed, level-headed, perpetrators of Brexit.

Back in the halcyon days of the last century, as a commercial bee-keeper, I was able to cross the Channel with a car full of jars of honey and sell them in France.

Later, I took a van load of cheese, yes British cheese, to France and flogged that. I couldn’t do it now. It is almost impossible for a small trader to surmount the hurdles that have been resurrected by Brexit.

As for ‘woke’, I notice Mr Bloomfield has avoided a definition – perhaps ‘wokeness’

amounts to no more than trying to live by, and expect, standards of common decency?

Jit Davies Twyford

I MUST take issue with several assertions made by the MP for South West Wiltshire, Andrew Murrison (New Blackmore Vale, November 25). It is instructive to recall that China produces 28 per cent, and rising, of world carbon compared to the UK’s 1 per cent.

Secondly, we should take note of China’s latest 30-year contract with Qatar for 4 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas.

Electricity comprises 35 per cent of our energy consumption. Over the last 12 months average production by source was: gas 38 per cent, renewables – wind and solar – 31 per cent, nuclear 16 per cent.

The percentage for renewables varies widely depending on the absence or strength of wind and sun. The contribution of gas to the balance of energy production is even higher, whereas the contribution of renewables is negligible.

The UK will continue to depend to a large extent on gas, both for electricity, including standby capacity for renewables, and for energy.

I cannot agree with Mr Murrison that Jeremy Hunt’s Budget was encouraging. Firstly, the North Sea is a mature province, where the risks for future exploration and development are higher and the returns are likely to be lower.

What possible justification can there be to impose a windfall tax retrospectively, which is likely to destroy confidence and drive away investment.

Secondly, what possible justification is there for closing our fracking industry, which has the potential to create a major new source of domestic gas?

Thirdly, what justification is there for proceeding with Sizewell C, when EDF

continues to struggle with its three nuclear power stations using this obsolescent technology, when all three are substantially over budget and years behind scheduled completion dates.

Why was there no mention in the Budget of Rolls Royce modular nuclear power stations, which should be a priority.

Britain has the expertise and resources to achieve selfsufficiency in electricity and its wider energy requirements, if only the politicians would face up to reality and put aside their unrealistic target of achieving ‘net zero’.

Patrick de Pelet Via email

SIMON Hoare MP believes Rishi Sunak to be ‘sincere and honest’ and Mr Sunak himself promised us ‘honest and transparent’ government.

Yet, speaking to political journalists, Sunak says we now have 50,000 new nurses, omitting the fact that that number does not cover those who have left the NHS just in this last year, nor does he mention the 130,000 – and growing – NHS vacancies as dispirited and overwhelmed doctors and nurses leave.

Sunak stated that there are now 15,000 extra –inexperienced and poorly vetted – police officers, omitting the fact that George Osborne’s austerity ensured the loss of 21,000 experienced officers under the Cameron government with the resulting surge in reported crime rates.

Sunak and Hunt blame the Ukraine war and world prices for the UK financial black hole yet independent financial research stated that Truss and Kwarteng’s mini-budget was responsible for £30bn of this sum.

Honesty within a Conservative government went out of the window with the advent of Johnson and still shows no sign of making a return.

Roland Britain Gillingham

Artists are out to make their mark

ART in Poundbury, following a successful first exhibition this summer, has returned to Poundbury's Jubilee Hall with a new exhibition,.

Making Our Mark, which runs until Sunday (11 December), features the work of 145 amateur and professional artists of all ages, and includes painting, photography, glass etching, silverwork, wood, textiles and wool sculptures.

The exhibition includes a free programme of ‘meet the artist’ sessions and visitors can make an origami heart to hang on a hand-made Christmas tree.

Conceptual artist Linda Ashe created a large community installation for the exhibition. She worked with Damers First School, The Prince of Wales School and Melrose Court retirement community to make

a large number of paper and raffia baubles for the display.

Art in Poundbury is fundraising for the local Food Share, which is supporting local families. A prize draw will be held for three works of art, and a silent auction to have a portrait or a pet portrait created by a local artist, will raise money for this good cause.

Exhibition lead Judy Tate said: “Putting on a professionally curated exhibition of this size is a big challenge, even second time around. And it wouldn’t be possible without a fantastic band of local volunteers and businesses, so a big thank you to you all for your energy and enthusiasm.”

Making Our Mark is running from 10am-4pm daily. Admission is free.

Cinderella on screen

THE Australian Ballet’s production of Cinderella is being screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre tomorrow (Saturday, December 10).

The show has been hailed as

‘effervescent and fun as festive champagne’ by The Daily Telegraph and ‘exquisite from start to finish’ by Crikey. Tickets for the screening at 7pm are £10 adult, £7.50 children.

Dorset flavour to festive concert

THE Ridgeway Singers & Band, led by local musicians Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, will be staging a West Gallery Christmas concert in Dorchester.

The concert will be a blend of Dorset-linked carols, folk songs, traditional music and entertaining tales.

These include a joyful version of Hark the Herald Angels Sing from Durweston and Rejoice Ye Tenants of the Earth, one of the favourite carols of the Melstock Quire in Thomas Hardy’s much-loved Christmas classic Under the Greenwood Tree

Wintery songs include A Song for Loders by the Cotswold poet Leonard Clark,

with a melody by Tim Laycock. This lovely piece evokes a snowy December in rural West Dorset: ‘From Yondover to Askerswell, the lanterns burn for wand’ring sheep’.

Music played by the band includes The January Waltz written by Dorset composer Nick Dunckley, and Thomas Hardy’s favourite hornpipe Enrico

The Ridgeway Singers and Band are at the Dorford Centre – opposite Top O’ Town car park – DT1 1RR on Wednesday 21 December at 7.30pm. Tickets priced adults £10, under-18s £5, are available via ridgeway singersandband.org/ or phone 01305 852826. Seasonal refreshments will be available.

Joyous evening in store

CASTLE Cary Choir is promising a joyous evening of Christmas music and amusing readings on Friday 23 December at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church in North Street, Castle Cary. Tickets are priced £10 on the door and include refreshments.

Christmas favourites and more besides

THE wonderfully atmospheric St Mary’s Church, Bruton, is the venue for Bruton Choral Society’s Christmas concert later this month.

The first half will focus on music inspired by the seasonal themes of winter and yuletide, and the choir will be welcoming Faelan Sydenham – now studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London – to play an arrangement of Vivaldi’s Winter on recorder accompanied by local quartet Stringendo.

Choir soprano Angela Ashworth and baritone Geoff Allan will also be providing festive songs.

The programme includes

music by Vivaldi, Corelli, Purcell, Elgar, Parry, Ola Gjeilo and Philip Stopford, in addition to many Christmas favourites.

Tickets for the concert on Monday 19 December at 7.30pm are £10 (children free) and include a glass of wine.

They are available from Bruton Convenience Store, by phoning 01749 813161 or online at www.brutonchoral society.org.uk

THE Athenaeum Singers, conducted by Thomas Mottershead, will be staging a carol evening at Christ Church, Warminster, on Tuesday 13 December at 7.30pm.

Panto is sell-out

WIDOW Twankee was played by Jon Noble (pictured) when Mere Amateur Dramatic Society staged four sell-out performances of A Ladd in Mere at the Lecture Hall, Mere.

The Ridgeway Singers & Band are set to perform in Dorchester

Old photo sparked new business idea

by Andrew Diprose dorsetbiznews.co.uk

It was an old photograph on the wall at their local pub that gave Karen Brazier and Amber Harrison the idea for their business.

It showed a street scene from times gone by with the shopkeeper proudly standing outside his store in an apron.

For the two friends, both in high-powered – and stressful –jobs, the picture, hanging in the ‘snug’ in Shaftesbury’s Grade II listed Ship Inn was a pointer to a new future. The dream of walking from their homes, up the hill to a shop they owned.

Initially Karen and Amber didn’t know what they would sell, only that they wanted to wear an apron like the shopkeeper in the picture.

The lightbulb moment came when they discovered a shared love of reading the same type of books. They also found out that the prints on the walls and cushions in their homes were often like the artwork on the book covers.

Amber, 52, said: “We’d never worked in retail – or had a bookshop. But the idea appealed to us both.”

In October 2020. Folde – an old English word for land or earth – was launched as an online shop. Less than a year later, Folde Dorset, perched on top of Shaftesbury’s famous Gold Hill, and only a short walk from where the co-founders live, opened its doors.

Today, their shop sells nature books, art from local printmakers and painters, local crafts and items to encourage people to explore the county, such as field kettles for making a mid-walk brew.

Already regarded as one of the town’s retail ‘gems’, Folde has built a loyal following.

For Karen and Amber, the stress and burn-out of their previous professional lives have melted away.

Before starting the business, they worked in high-pressure roles that involved daily commutes.

Karen worked as marketing

Both have been able to transfer the skills learnt in their previous roles to make Folde the success it is today.

The pair decorated everything themselves, bringing in furniture from their homes and from people in the community to give the shop a homely and welcoming feel.

Amber said: “It feels like we have pieces of our family and the locals cheering us on.”

The books, art and crafts in the shop are organised according to three themes: Land, Sea and Self. Karen, 50, said: “Dorset is a county with a beautiful coast and beautiful country, which is what led to land and sea. Self is around the great solace you can find in nature. It’s an alternative narrative to the one often presented by the outdoor leisure market of white men in GoreTex, striding purposefully or scrambling up mountains.”

Folde aims to open the possibility of spending time outdoors to people that might not identify with these images, both through the goods sold and

Karen’s guided walks.

She said: “After recurring struggles with stress-related burn-out, I discovered there was sanctuary to be found in getting outside. Walking on the Dorset coast, in particular, gave me the tools to recalibrate. The corresponding connection with nature, which I had never actively sought before, helped me to make sense of my place in the world.”

Thanks to social media, and specifically Instagram, customers have visited the shop from far and wide, including Illinois in the United States and Switzerland.

Unsurprisingly for a shop centred on connecting with nature, sustainability matters a lot. Folde has a green energy provider, its packaging is recycled or recyclable and is also exchanged with other local businesses to increase its lifespan.

As for their decision to set up in business together, Karen said: “We’ve never had so many laughs and are hugely proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Amber added: “We’re probably working more hours but it’s never felt like work We’re doing something we both love.”

LABOUR OF LOVE Book shop owners Karen Brazier and Amber Harrison on Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill

The picture that inspired Karen Brazier and Amber Harrison

Karen and Amber’s dream, sparked by the old photo in the Ship Inn, had become reality.

and communications director for a school and Amber worked as head of sustainability for a global IT and aviation business, often travelling overseas.

PUPILS from across North Dorset took part in a tag rugby tournament hosted at Sherborne Primary School.

Teams of Year 5 and 6 pupils from St Andrew’s Primary in Yetminster, Buckland Newton Primary School, Thornford Primary, All Saints Primary in Bishop’s Caundle and Sherborne Abbey Primary joined the hosts in a fun tournament, which emphasised the importance of fair play. The tournament was played in two groups but

it eventually came down to a final between All Saints and Sherborne Abbey. After an actionpacked match, All Saints were crowned winners, with Sherborne Abbey finishing second, followed by Sherborne Primary in third and Thornford in fourth place.

Evie C from Sherborne Primary was named player of the tournament for her excellent handling skills and superb team play.

But the largest trophy of the day was the

Fairplay Award, presented to St Andrew’s Primary School for their attitude to each other, the officials and their perfect approach to the tournament – despite not progressing to the final stages of the event. Sherborne headteacher Ian Bartle said: “I am incredibly grateful to Nigel Roberts – head of All Saints,

Fairplay the watchword at tag rugby tournament Celebrity artist’s visit

THE Gryphon School in Sherborne has been delighted to host a visit from celebrity painter Adebanji Alade.

Adebanji (right) is a television presenter on BBC’s The One Show, vice-president of The Royal Institute of Oil Painters and a motivational speaker, among other accomplishments.

Some 27 students spent a day

experiencing a professional portfolio viewing, inspiring painting demonstration/workshop and one-toone guidance on creating a portrait of their own in oil paint and mixed media. They gained valuable insights and skills in traditional and contemporary portraiture techniques in oil and mixed-media, while producing successful and advanced portraits.

Bishop’s Caundle – for refereeing throughout the event, the eight Gryphon students who were so kind in organising the timings, scoring systems and supporting the referees.

“I also want to thank the excellent Sherborne Rugby Club for sponsoring all the trophies distributed during the tournament.

“Finally, I have to thank ALL of the children and teams for producing such a hard fought, close and highly competitive tournament – completely played with the right attitudes of fairness and sportsmanship. A huge congratulations to Bishop’s Caundle for winning this exciting competition.”

Head delighted at watchdog’s report

STAFF and pupils at Durweston Primary School are celebrating after schools watchdog Ofsted rated the school ‘Good’ following an inspection.

Headteacher Nicola Brooke said: “We have always believed that Durweston is a great place to learn and a great place to work, and are delighted that Ofsted has recognised that our school is a very special place.

“I am enormously grateful to

my fabulous staff, amazing children and hugely supportive parents. What a super way to start the year!”

In its report Ofsted said: n Everyone is proud to be part of Durweston school n Relationships between all members of the school community are warm and nurturing n Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum. The

sequence of content, including in the early years, means that pupils build on the knowledge they have and know more over time

n There is a vast range of enrichment opportunities for pupils of all ages – leaders are rightly proud of the rich experiences that pupils have n Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They see the school as an asset to the

community

The inspectors, who visited the 133-pupil school on 21 and 22 September, praised the children’s good behaviour and the warm relationships between pupils and staff and between pupils. Inspectors also praised the ambitious curriculum and the high expectations the school has for all its children, including those with special educational needs.

Bishop’s Caundle were the winning team in the event at Sherborne Primary School

Gold medal paralympian in visit to village school

GOLD medal-winning Paralympian Katrina Hart inspired pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School, Fontmell Magna when she led a circuit fitness session.

The pupils were excited to meet Katrina, a multi-medal winning 100m and 200m sprinter, who was born with cerebral palsy and has won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European IPC games.

Katrina was at the school to promote the importance of exercise and fitness. During the

afternoon, all the pupils and a few keen members of staff took part in the circuit in the school’s sports hall.

The children also got to hear about how Katrina’s disability affected her during childhood and how her PE teacher at school inspired her to never give up and to become a

world-class athlete.

Katrina said: “I was inspired by my PE teacher and that is how I got into sport at school. I was taught how important it is to maintain your fitness and have a healthy lifestyle. I hope the children will be encouraged to try different sports, as one size doesn’t fit all and there are so many to choose from.”

The event raised a whopping £1,800, part of which will help Katrina take part in international events around the world. More than half will help improve school playtime facilities.

Away day joy for North Dorset

By Andrew Wallace Clune

NORTH Dorset 1st XV were again away in the first of their return fixtures as the league reaches the halfway point.

Dorchester were first to score but Henry Baron continued his try-scoring spree to hit straight back before Owen Mawbey scored, to point North in front with Sam Jones scoring the conversion.

Jones kept the scoreboard

League gets new sponsors

DORSET Cricket League have signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Wessex Internet after not having a sponsor last season.

The league has 40 clubs and 76 teams, and the deal includes sponsorship of the T20 cup competitions, the League Representative XI and the women’s leagues.

Some of the money will be used to help reduce costs to clubs and some has been earmarked to help encourage and train new umpires.

Wessex Internet chief executive Hector Gibson said: “We’re excited to enter this three-year agreement to sponsor the Dorset Cricket League.”

TABLE TENNIS RUGBY

ticking over with a penalty before skipper Charlie Jobbling crashed over for an unconverted try early in the second half.

Jones extended the lead with another penalty before Henry Dimmack finished the try of the season to date from a great team effort down the right flank which Jones converted.

Robbie Sampson was the Gritchie Brewing Company man of the match for a strong game at scrum half skilfully direct traffic all day.

The Second XV hosted Warminster at Slaughtergate and lack of points in the first half were their downfall.

Tries came via Mike Green, Charles Coleman and Brad Bignell, a welcome return from injury. Full back Tom Judd picked up seven points through penalties and conversions. Scrum half Mike Green picked up the Gritchie Brewing man of the match while Rylie Lewis and Charles Coleman were awarded the William Dujour Shield for their respective teams.

BLACKMORE Vale Table Tennis League

Stalbridge

Dorset Cricket League chairman Peter Constable with Sally Sommers, Wessex Internet’s head of marketing.

PHOTO: Ed Baker, Deep South Media

Katrina Hart led a circuit fitness session at St Andrew’s Primary School, Fontmell Magna

Pearson wins coaching accolade

NORTH Dorset athletes featured strongly in Wimborne Athletic Club’s success in the South West and Wessex Young Athletes leagues this year and this was recognised at the club’s presentation evening.

Ever popular Dave Pearson (Milborne St Andrew) won coach of the year and the Senior Men’s Cup.

Emily Shaw (Winterborne Houghton) won the trophy for

best performance of the year on gaining her junior international vest over 3,000 metres.

Emily was unable to collect her trophy as she is mentoring young athletes in Nepal on her gap year.

The winner of the boys under 11 trophy was Louis Manning (Winterborne Whitechurch) and

Sam John (Blandford) won the best newcomer trophy.

Long and triple jumps are almost a club speciality under the watchful eye of top coach Lorraine Winton (Blandford) and her athletes include long jump trophy winner Lucas Jolliffe (Shaftesbury). Lorraine has Will Langridge ranked number three in the UK as an under 15 triple jumper in her squad.

Rockies progress in League Cup

By Avril Lancaster Shaftesbury 4 Laverstock & Ford 0

THE ‘Rockies’ reached the Wessex League Cup quarterfinal once more after both managers made changes.

Luke Delaney put Shaftesbury ahead from 18 yards, before Addwell Chipangura scored twice with great finishes and Bailey Rowe completed the scoring for the holders. Shaftesbury 3 Cowes Sports 3

Shaftesbury have been in leagueand cup action

PHOTO: Avril Lancaster

Luke Delaney thumped a shot past visiting keeper Ed Hatt to put Shaftesbury ahead in the 26th minute before Cowes hit back when Jake Watson slid

they could put pressure on James Mayo’s goal.

The ‘Rockies’ are rebuilding under Luke Middlewick, and Liam Farrugia and later Jack Smith made league debuts.

Ash Pope put Shaftesbury ahead from the spot after referee Rob Harrison adjudged a handball, much to the consternation of the Islanders, but Cowes came back when Jez Conway levelled the scores.

The experienced Sam Lanahan looked to have won it for Shaftesbury, finishing from an angle following a good

Zack Fricker (Mere) shared the Male sprints trophy and was part of the club and league record- breaking relay team. He has had an exceptional year.

The club trains in the Blandford area for sprints and middle distance, and at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne.

For further information on Blandford sessions contact Paul Hine at hinepad@me.com

WINCANTON Golf Club results.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – 6 November: 1 Kees Schouten 40, 2 Philip Dewar 38, 3 Jon Reed 37.

4BBB – 12 November: Winners – Chris Chapman/ Kevin Francis 45.

Seniors Greensomes - 18 November: Winners – Geoff Lye/Steven Ireland 32.

Monthly Stableford – 19 November: 1 Rab Clyde 41, 2 John Atkins 40, 3 David Whitehand 38 ocb, 4 Chris Chapman 38.

Seniors Monthly Medal –22 November: 1 Colin Jacobs nett 71 ocb, 2 Richard Strong nett 71, 3 Trevor Mills nett 72 ocb,4 Steven Ireland nett 72.

Seniors Bowmaker – 29 November: Winners – Kevin George/Malcolm Faulkner/ John Wolstenholme 69.

Monthly Medal – 3 December: 1 Chris Chapman nett 71, 2 Pete Anyan nett 73, 3 Rab Clyde nett 74 ocb, 4 Joe Atkins nett 74, 5 Mike Taylor nett 74.

Fall into the habit of (4,2)

Without being asked (2,4)

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

Eastern lake is frightening (5)

Show observation (4)

Old woman and married chap restricted type of creature (6)

Turn out former lecturer holding exercise (5)

Grapple with aspect of football (6)

Across

I doze before end of shift? It’s not fitting (5)

Model’s in a shabby state rarely (6)

Eye, say, non-news component in paper (7)

Eastern lake is frightening (5)

Down 1 Posh woman with turn in charge of a starry group? (8) 2 Good man disclosed alcoholic beverage

Show observation (4)

Sees heritage in part in Surrey town (5)

Old woman and married chap restricted type of creature (6)

Turn out former lecturer holding exercise (5)

4 Difficulty say over a line that’s not permitted (7)

Grapple with aspect of football (6)

5 By the sound of it, detected rise (4)

Fearsome creature in crate, we hear (4)

6 Work finely in IT in inexhaustible fashion

Secure almost with hesitant expression reserve doctor (5)

Fearsome creature in crate, we hear (4)

Secure almost with hesitant expression reserve doctor (5)

Pasta making fine American sick on island (7)

A colour about college immediately (2,4)

Digested report of posh school (5)

Across

I doze before end of shift? It’s not fitting (5)

Model’s in a shabby state rarely (6)

Eye, say, non-news component in paper (7)

Eastern lake is frightening (5)

Show observation (4)

Old woman and married chap restricted type of creature (6)

Turn out former lecturer holding exercise (5)

Grapple with aspect of football (6)

Fearsome creature in crate, we hear (4)

Secure almost with hesitant expression reserve doctor (5)

Pasta making fine American sick on island (7)

A colour about college immediately (2,4)

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

8 Republican fellow amid vote produces contemplative thought (10)

Pasta making fine American sick on island (7)

A colour about college immediately (2,4)

Digested report of posh school (5)

12 Dismiss a cross close to house (3) 13 Sound of feline in shed (3)

14 Ethics in Malta or Italy of a dubious nature 15 Key part of cooker and tin, say (7) 18 One awkwardly holding newspaper on a regular basis (5) 19 Flower in past eradicated (5) 21 Pleasing stimulus when touring Thailand

2,000-plus lots in Christmas sale

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley expects to offer more than 2,000 lots of fine antiques and interesting items in its three-day Christmas Antiques & Collectibles sale being held from 28-30 December.

Lots for sale will include jewellery and watches, objects of vertu, English and European ceramics, glass, silver and silver-plated items, antique and modern furniture, rugs, paintings and taxidermy.

A large quantity of militaria will be for sale including dress swords and sword sticks, Persian and Islamic swords, 19th century flintlock rifles and an RAF Regiment bandsman’s drum.

The sale also features a 1912 Siemans War Games boxed set – the Army Manoeuvres of 1912 was the last military exercise of its kind conducted by the British

Army before the outbreak of the First World War – an 1879 pattern Royal Artillery Officer’s helmet belonging to Captain Harold George Howson MC CBE, and an impressive scratch-built clockwork model of HMS Nelson built by Vickers Armstrong in the early 20th century, fully operational and now housed in a museum-type display case.

Viewing for the sale is from Tuesday to Thursday 20-22 December from 9am-5pm and a colour catalogue will be available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

Clarke’s is taking entries for future sales and enquiries for consignment should be made to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

Ariel 99 and not out

A 1923 ARIEL 9 Chummy motor car, one of just a couple in existence, has been consigned to the Charterhouse auction of vintage and classic cars on 9 March.

“She still looks great at nearly 100 years old,” said Richard Bromell. “The current owner, who bought her in 1968, has recently given up driving due to poor health. Although he is sad to let her go before her 100th birthday he is happy for the new owner to take her on adventures again.”

Over the past 99 years this rare Ariel 9 has had just four owners. The vehicle was purchased new by a Mr Atkins – a retired bank manager – but on its first or an early outing his wife had a heart attack and died in the car. He did not wish to use it after this and the car was laid up for a period of time.

Moving forward to 1968 and the current owner bought her for £500 from the A W F Smith

Motoring Museum

conducted by Sotheby's.

The 1-litre twin cylinder engine vehicle is today estimated to sell for £7,0009,000 in the Charterhouse auction being held at the Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford.

Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset, are available for help and valuations on 01935 812277 or via cars@ charterhouse-auction.com

auction

The auction catalogue, along with other history, comes with the car.

The 1923 Ariel 9 Chummy is estimated to sell for £7,000-9,000

Vintage wines in Interiors auction

DUKE’S Auctioneers, Dorchester, is holding its last auction of 2022 on 15 December at 10.30am.

Interiors auctions have become a regular staple in its diary and showcase an array of charming items, each sale delivering great results for single lots and large collections alike.

Notably a ‘Rosso Antico’ torso of a Roman emperor made £28,600 and a Meissen coffee service £16,250.

More recently, the Richard Pratley collection of English Furniture, Naïve and Folk Art achieved a very respectable sold rate of 97 per cent for more than 400 lots.

The next auction has an impressive collection of vintage wines and spirits including four bottles of Cadenhead's cask strength single malt scotch

whisky estimated at £3,000£4,000; 1995 Taylor’s vintage port (£100-£150) and an array of vintage Champagnes and wines.

Auction viewing begins on 10 December or a fully illustrated catalogue can be found online at www.dukesauctions.com

Bidding is available online, by phone, by commission and in the room. For more information phone 01305 265080 or email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com

We have moved to new premises –ready to welcome new and old customers. I have a large private collection of French and English antique furniture, antique architectural items, interesting antiquities and objects d’art for home et gardens. I return to Dorset monthly with fresh items from my collection.

Open 7 days, but please check as I may be away on delivering. I look forward to your visit!

Lowry print sells for £3,200

GREAT prices were achieved at Acreman St Antiques Auction’s November sale.

Prices included £3,200 for an L S Lowry signed print; £2,000 for an antique carved jade brooch; £1,500 for an early cased set of campaign knife and fork; £1,500 for an interesting Maltese soldier’s 1862 diary; and £700 for an antique pine refectory/Monastic table .

Acreman’s next sale is between Christmas and New Year on Friday 30 December

and lots are now being accepted for that sale and specialist auctions in the New Year, including Jewellery, Silver & Watches, Coins & Banknotes, Ephemera, Stamps & Postcards, Oriental, Textiles, Fashion & Apparel.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 50874, or by email at auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Acreman can take in everything from single items to complete collections and can arrange full house clearances at competitive rates. It is also happy to make house visits if required.

Free valuations are offered on items being considered for auction every Wednesday, 10am-4pm, at Acreman Auction, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3PH.

Christmas

How to bring light into the garden

By Sally Gregson

AT this dark time of the year, it is a natural human instinct to value light and the faint winter sunshine.

It’s the Festival of Light on 13 December. Traditionally in Scandinavian countries the oldest girl in a family puts on a white dress with a red waistband, and is crowned with a circlet of candles on her head. She carries a tray of ‘lussekatter’ or saffron buns around the house and sings carols. It’s a tradition that is still practised today.

Here in the UK we love to light candles and hang lights around the house as well as on the Christmas tree.

In the garden increasingly it is becoming popular to string lights around the trees and along the edge of a terrace.

Solar lights are perhaps the most trouble-free and economical, but if you can provide a secure outside power source there are many more forms of lighting to choose

from. There are companies that make beautiful strings of solar lights for the trees and baubles to hang on stakes through the borders. They look very good edging a path to the front door.

Lighting up an eye-catching tree at a focal point in the garden makes quite an impact when seen from the house. It is important to position these long strings so that they follow the shape of the tree.

Colourful history of oranges and lemons

By Sally Gregson

THE arrival in northern Europe of citrus fruits is a history of shanties and legends – of sea-faring travellers and Roman legions. It is now thought that oranges and lemons are natives of the Himalayan foothills. About eight million years ago they diversified and spread into other parts of the Far East before establishing themselves in southern China, Japan and Australia.

It is documented that lemons, with their bitter taste, were first used medicinally at the time of King Nebuchadnezzar where they were said to grow in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Their sharp tangy flavour was found to leaven the heavy spices of Arabic food, and to this day pickled limes and lemons are a feature of tagines and Middle Eastern stews.

The medicinal use of citrus fruits was soon discovered by early travellers to the Americas and the West Indies. It is recorded that Christopher Columbus’s ships were provisioned with limes. By the 19th century the ships transporting prisoners to Australia carried limes to prevent outbreaks of scurvy. ‘Limeys’ became a slang term for such passengers.

Oranges were also grown

Hanging them haphazardly looks just that once the sun has gone down. So, try positioning the strings just as it gets dark in the evening, and adjust the odd, wayward light after dark when you can see the shape more clearly.

And don’t be too mean with the lights. In this case more is certainly better.

An element of mystery can soon be contrived by lighting up

PHOTO: Jason Goh/Pixabay

a dark corner of the shrubbery that is just visible from the house with shimmering solar lights.

In seaside towns in winter there are whole ‘fairy villages’ along the roadside and in parks, that are designed to entice visitors into the park after dark. Children love the mystery of little secret glens and clearings. It fires their imaginations and brings magic to the season.

supply the long sea voyages between Europe and the Far East.

However, in the cool, dark climes of northern Europe oranges and lemons struggled to grow well – they could never be grown commercially. But the wealthier gardeners of the 17th and 18th centuries would construct ‘orangeries’ with glass walls to grow their oranges and lemons. They were heated on frosty nights with integral coal-fired boilers that warmed up entire walls. Glass eventually replaced tiled roofs and the advent of heated greenhouses arrived – most famously at Chatsworth in 1697.

commercially for the East Indiamen – ships that plied their trade to the Far East from Europe. They brought orange trees to South Africa from China and planted them on the slopes of Table Mountain to

So, when next you drop a slice of lemon in your gin-andtonic, think of the centuries of enterprise and ingenuity involved. And raise a toast to those Roman and Arab merchants, and those brave explorers and sailors of times long past.

Wealthier gardeners in the 17th and 18th centuries would construct ‘orangeries’ with glass walls to grow citrus fruits

PHOTO: marioosh/Pixabay

It is becoming increasingly popular to string lights around trees and along the edge of a terrace

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Time to invest in a new generation

By Barbara Cossins

WE’RE sixth generation farmers at the family farm in Tarrant Rawston and are lucky to have the next generations coming along, we hope, to keep the farm safe for the future.

You can never be sure that younger people will want to farm but agriculture has fantastic career potential. It’s not just about driving a tractor, tending the animals or growing crops – it’s science, biology, physics, technology and much more.

As I have said many times, farming, hospitality and the medical care industry need to work together. We need to look after ourselves and others, as well as thinking about diversification, innovation and our carbon footprint, for the growth of agriculture and food production.

As a young teenager, I was a member of Blandford Young

Farmers’ Club. The movement was, and still is, the most wonderful organisation in bringing together like-minded people who love the outdoors life. Young farmers have fabulous social events, fun and learn along the way. It’s a joy to see the organisation is still thriving and it’s also a great dating agency – trust me, I should know!

I’m thrilled that I have just had two new young people join my team, one a butcher apprentice and another an apprentice chef. With staffing issues everywhere in the world – yes, not just here in England, it’s happening everywhere – it was a joy that younger people want to learn these trades, especially as both industries have seen difficult times in recent years.

In all food-focused industries, it’s hard dirty work, long hours in all weathers, on

your feet all day with a smile on your face when dealing with the public. Please remember that when you eat in a restaurant or pop into a bar for a drink with friends.

All industries are struggling to make investments at the moment, as everything is so uncertain. With rising costs, we all need to stay positive and be confident we have a great future in food production here in the UK and investment in the next generation is a key part of that.

We all need food on the table to feed our families and that will never change.

The game season is well on the way this autumn. I love to see game on the menu at my restaurant. It tastes great, is wholly seasonal and super healthy, so let’s enjoy eating it with all the autumn and winter

vegetables available. It’s another meat that’s fantastic to cook in the slow cooker, which I talked about recently in the New Blackmore Vale .

Back on the farm, we are getting ready for winter, bringing in the young animals from the fields to protect them from the bad weather and feed them the grass we cut back in May and June. It’s good to see our winter crops are growing well because of the fine weather we had during early autumn.

Until next time folks, eat seasonally and locally when you can – and support our British farmers and food producers.

n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local; www.thelangtonarms.co.uk; www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; www.lovelocaltrustlocal awards.co.uk

In the picture (from left) apprentice butcher Leighton Foot, head butcher Martin Foot and apprentice chef Jayden Lloyd

Tasty twist on a festive favourite

By Rebecca Vincent

THIS recipe is a little festive offering that can be made in advance ready for the big day or any festive gatherings. It is a slight twist on the traditional cranberry sauce and can be seasoned with festive spices, or chilli for a more savoury feel.

Quince is similar to an apple or pear but denser and with a ‘citrusy’ note. It contains good levels of vitamin C, copper and fibre, with some magnesium, potassium, iron, thiamine and vitamin B6. It also contains polyphenols, including quercetin and kaempferol, which contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Cranberries contain good levels of vitamins C, A, K, E and some B vitamins, as well as manganese and copper, and a small amount of potassium, calcium and iron.

They contain a mix of soluble and insoluble fibre including pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose. Like quince, they also contain quercetin as well as other antioxidants including myricetin, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins.

Quince and cranberry sauce (Makes one jar)

2 quinces 300g cranberries (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp honey water

Optional extras: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, or dried chilli flakes

Peel the quince and cut into quarters. Remove the core and cut into small cubes – this will help them to cook quickly.

Add to a saucepan with enough water to mostly cover the fruit. Simmer for 15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Add the cranberries, put the

lid on the pan, leaving a small gap for hot air to escape, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until all the cranberries have burst open.

Take off the heat and stir in the honey.

Once cooled, transfer to a clean jar and store in the fridge.

Lovely on the side of a festive roast or as part of a cheese board. n I AM now offering gift

certificates for my one-to-one personalised nutrition services. If you know someone who has been looking to use my services these can make a lovely gift to help them on their health journey. For more information, please contact me on the below details.

n Rebecca Vincent BSc (Hons); BANT-registered nutritionist; phone: 07515 019430; www. rebeccavincentnutrition.co.uk

Quince and cranberry sauce is lovely on the side of a festive roast

Brucellosis and imported dogs

By Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

BRUCELLA is a family of bacteria which infect the reproductive system of mammals. Different species infect different animals although many can cross species and cause infection in humans. Brucellosis in cattle (Brucella abortus) has been eradicated from the UK following careful monitoring and culling, but Brucella canis is being brought into the UK by imported dogs.

Brucella abortus is a notifiable disease in cattle and confirmed cases must be culled. James Herriot – real name Alf Wight – became infected from cattle and had recurring episodes of illness during his life. Brucella canis is not notifiable but DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) recommend euthanasia in confirmed infection in dogs.

Brucella canis is present in many European countries and, in a 2020 survey, Greece had the highest number of infections in Europe. Many eastern European countries were not included in the survey and so their infection rates remain unknown but levels are likely to be higher in countries where dogs roam and mate freely.

Brucellosis in dogs is primarily a reproductive disease and infection is typically spread

through mating but people can become infected from contact with aborted fetuses and associated materials. Risk of transfer of infection to other dogs and humans is low, but not impossible, in neutered dogs.

The bacteria can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion –from eating under-cooked infected meat – or through open wounds. This risk is higher for veterinary staff when neutering infected dogs due to close contact with infected reproductive tissue. Initial symptoms are fever, muscle pain and fatigue, and chronic infection can cause recurrent or long-term symptoms. Infection can cause abortion and longterm infertility in men and women. Immuno-compromised people, including the very young and elderly, are at

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increased risk.

In 2022 a woman in the UK developed brucellosis and became seriously ill after becoming infected from a pregnant dog she was fostering which aborted. The dog had been imported from Belarus. A number of other dogs within the same house also became infected and were euthanased.

A serology – looking for antibodies – blood test can confirm contact with the infection. Most dogs once infected are assumed infected for life. Even a course of a triple combination of antibiotics has been shown to be ineffective at permanently clearing infection in dogs.

Responsible importers will blood test before import and you should ensure that you only take on an imported dog which

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FOR SALE MINIATURE

WIREHAIRED DACHSHUNDS. Red & red brindle. Looking for their forever home. Vet checked, microchipped, wormed regularly. 01458 272175. Leave message, prompt reply.

has been blood tested negative. It is important to get lab results provided which confirm a negative result for Brucella canis. If you own an imported dog which does not have a negative result please inform your vet so that they can give you advice and take appropriate action to protect the health of veterinary staff.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is campaigning to make it a legal requirement that all dogs are tested negative before allowing import into the UK to maintain this country’s brucella-free status. With appropriate action we can prevent the importation of this disease in dogs by blood testing. Testing already imported dogs will ensure that your family and your other dogs remain safe from infection.

GUINEA PIGS & KITTENS for sale 01963 458199

SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPS, ready now. Westbury area 07932 061202

BEAUTIFUL FOX RED LABRADOR PUPPIES. Fully KC registered. Ready soon. Call 077155 00776 for more details

MUCKY PUPS DOG GROOMER

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

Brucella abortus is a notifiable disease in cattle and confirmed cases must be culled

PHOTO: Peggy und Marco LachmannAnke/Pixabay

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

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

n Theo, two. Very sweet and loving once he gets to know you

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

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

n Sausage, five months. Very sweetnatured little cat who loves being stroked

BEHAVIOUR TIPS Tip #29 Puppy series – Chewing

By Helen Taylor

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

n Shadow, one. Looking for a home in the country where she has outside space with sheds or barns

For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/blandford

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n White with black markings, male, missing since 11 November from Blandford.

FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

n Ginger and white, male –Shaftesbury.

n White and black – King Stag. n White with black markings – Leigh Common, Wimborne.

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

CHEWING of inanimate objects is a common problem, although a normal behaviour, in puppies and dogs under a year. Young puppies will explore the world with their mouths, just like babies.

Some older puppies at four to eight months may also want to chew in response to teething pain, and once teething is finished some will also need to chew as the adult teeth settle in.

If puppies learn a habit of chewing inappropriate things during any of these phases, this habit can persist long-term.

The solution is extremely straightforward –although not always easy. Provide your puppy with a wide variety of things to chew, and actively encourage chewing on these. Remove from the environment anything inappropriate he may want to chew so he never has a chance to practice chewing them.

If you notice him chewing on furniture or something that you have missed, call him away and take him off to do something else fun while you remove or otherwise block access to the item for at least two weeks – by which time he will have probably forgotten about it – and had another two weeks practise at chewing appropriate things.

n Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM; Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB); ABTC register of Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Animal Training Instructors; full member APBC and APDT (881); phone: 07951 985193; help@helentaylordorset.co.uk; www.helentaylordorset.co.uk

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster) Sponsored

Meditations in nature: Sounds of

AUTUMN has drawn to a close, and yet as I write this some of the trees are still wearing their leaves. On the one hand I have been grateful of the unexpected warmth, but on the other it was quite bewildering feeling hot and bothered while working in my November garden. It felt in Shakespeare’s words like ‘the time was out of joint’.

Today, however, winter has arrived. It is chilly and bright, and I am wrapped up in my cosy winter garb. I am strolling beside the River Stour, not only to see the extensive flooding caused by nearly a week of intermittent rain but also to retreat into the healing sounds of nature away from the tyranny of clocks, rush and everyday clamour. Here I can

‘reset’ my mind by listening to the gentle tones of trickling floodwaters and birdsong.

Although songbirds are mostly associated with springtime, winter birds can also provide an abundant overture. I have only been walking for a few minutes and already my ears become attuned to the lonely, melancholy song of a robin defending his territory. His voice sounds like the water beneath him. There are gurgles, trickles and ripples, and an occasional long still note, like a shimmering pool – a repertoire that perfectly reflects his flooded home. I can see him perched on the alder, his red breast shaking as he sings.

My feet follow the muddy path out into the open fields where a mixed flock of redwing and

PHOTO: Paul Edney/Pixabay

fieldfare are chortling from the skies overhead as they make their way along the hedgerow to decorate the treetops. Above their chatter, I can hear a green woodpecker’s harsh repetitive ‘laugh’ – a call that bestowed their country name of ‘yaffle’. Such an exotic looking bird, I just catch his undulating flight until he lands to feed upon the ground in search of eggs, larvae and invertebrates.

Further downstream, I listen to the energetic and punchy stop-start trill of a Cetti’s warbler chiming out over the still water, once only a summer migrant, now a common sound of English wetlands and waterways throughout the year. His tiny brown form lifts from his

branch and flies out of sight. Such a pugnacious voice for a delicate bird.

As I walk on, I recall times with my Grandmother, an old country woman to whom I owe my ability to recognise bird calls. When I was a child, we would go out on our push bikes along the country lanes with our binoculars slung commando-style over our shoulders. We would stop in various habitats where she would encourage me to be still and quiet, so that we could listen to the sounds around us. In those days, many species were far more numerous. Although I was impatient to get back on my bike, I am grateful to her now.

Recognising the calls of the wild is like hearing the voices of loved ones – old friends that have come to say hello.

Opposite the reed beds, I stop in my tracks to heed the star of the day. For there, in among the stems, a strange noise can be heard. I know it immediately as the distinctive cry of a water rail. Smaller and slimmer than a

FOOT CARE AT HOME

moorhen, this shy, secretive and skulky bird is only rarely seen. Its upper parts are chestnut brown and black while the under parts are a mix of grey with black and white barring on the flanks. It has a grey face and red bill and sounds like a squeaking piglet. I wait a while,

but alas, he is tucked well out of sight.

Eventually I call it a day and make for home, uplifted by the presence of these songsters. It has been a lovely walk.

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

SEASONS GREETINGS

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES

Five useful habits to reduce anxiety

By Alice Johnsen

IN my previous article I wrote about the emotional recovery from the lockdown years, and to follow this up with ideas to help, here is a list of my most used and effective habits.

n Get outside. If it is possible to spend time outside, do so. I know this is not always an option but if you can, move about outside. Run, walk, garden, meet a friend, ride a bike – whatever you are doing outside, you will return home feeling re-charged.

n Practise gratitude. I suggest to clients that at the end of the day – while cleaning your teeth

is a good time! – they try to think of at least three things they are glad about that happened that day. Things that went well or brought you happiness or satisfaction. Not only does this practise draw your attention to the good things but it also encourages you to reflect on the day before moving on.

n Compartmentalising and making time for what you enjoy. It’s too easy to allow our lives to be swamped with ‘must dos’. Sometimes they just have to wait. A life without the things you enjoy can feel flat and the ripple effect of that is

significant. By putting everything you need to do into separate compartments – I draw a grid on paper and give each task a box – you can factor in time to meet that friend or get on your bike – whatever you want to make time for. It’s about being proactive and prioritising. We all have to do it for ourselves.

n Screen time. There are lots of positives about laptops, mobiles etc but, as with all things in life, there are two sides. Coming off screens an hour before you go to sleep and keeping away from them for the first 30 minutes of your day will have an almost

immediate effect on your mental and emotional health. So much more to say on that but moving on...

n Talking about it. I’m offering 50 per cent reduction on a one-to-one coaching session to help you address the causes of your anxiety. This offer runs until mid-December and to qualify you must sign up to my fortnightly newsletter – it’s free, short and supportive. Visit www. alicejohnsen.co.uk to sign up and there will be a link to set up your session in my newsletter.

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

Taking control can be empowering

MY daughter was talking to a doctor friend of hers, who, she said, was thinking of stopping being a doctor because he was so frustrated that people do not take responsibility for their own health.

He said that lots of people expect doctors to be able to fix them without doing anything at all to keep themselves healthy. He also said that it seems the same people are always at the doctor and the people who don’t usually go, are often too late to help if something is seriously wrong.

We are extraordinarily lucky to have the National Health Service in our country with free healthcare and I don’t feel it is something we should take for granted. As we all know, it is under huge strain and to help to take some of the pressure off, each and every one of us should be taking responsibility, as far as we are capable of

doing, for our own health and wellbeing.

To me, this means eating well, exercising and learning to listen to your body. If we are honest with ourselves, we often know what makes us feel unwell and we also know what to do about it, but we are lazy or stuck in a habit, or, as with certain foods and drinks, we feel we cannot do without them or life would be so boring without them.

This combined with money being tight, families with both parents having to work to make ends meet and the constant barrage of frightening and depressing news is creating a perfect storm of inertia, depression and the sense that we are out of control.

We are not, however out of control of ourselves and taking ourselves in hand can be extremely empowering. Feeling well and

energised is fantastic and once you are on a good cycle of health, life becomes so much better and easier. You feel and look better and positivity starts to become part of life.

Speaking from a naturopathic point of view, the body wants to be well, but you have to look after all of you, your body and your spirit. Low mood or blocked energy has the most enormous impact on the body and will make it sick. Likewise, an unhealthy body will depress the spirit which then becomes weak and dependent.

I feel so strongly that doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists, homeopaths and herbalists should all work together. There is an extremely important place for us all and utilising all methods of healthcare might just take some of the pressure off the NHS. n Fiona Chapman is a Naturopathic Herbalist (Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

front screen, award winning engine, only 16,500 miles..................................................£14250

2018 (18) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Estate 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front screen, hill start assist, parking sensors, Bluetooth, active city stop, award winning engine, 39,500 miles......................................£12250

2012 (12) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, appearance pack, partial leather, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, split opening tailgate, large boot, high seating, cambelt replaced, only 68,200 miles.....................................................................................£7850

2019 (19) Mazda 3 2.0 Sport Black 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, heated seats, heated steering wheel, sat nav, parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, Bluetooth, sign recognition, upto 55mpg, only 15,800 miles............£14500

2007 (07)

FULL service history, 72 BHP, 15in alloys, 7in multifunction touchscreen, Bluetooth, DAB Radio, calvi blue & green fizz ambience, automatic headlights, reverse camera……......................................…£9,495

2009 (09) HONDA FRV EXI CDTI (Diesel) 6 speed manual 5dr, covered 90,000m miles with full service history, finished in blue/grey metallic with biscuit leather interior, very well appointed vehicle giving both performance and economy ……....................... £3,495

2018 (67) AUDI A6 S LINE 2.0 TDI QUATTRO TIPTRONIC, 1 fastidious owner from new, finished in blue grey metallic with contrasting black leather interior, every conceivable extra, having covered 49,000 miles with full Audi service history, stunning vehicle throughout, cost new £48,000, fantastic value ................... £18,995

2015 (65) MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS SALON C200 BLUE TEC AMG LINE, 1.6 automatic diesel, 41,000 miles, silver blue metallic, black leather, all usual refinements sat nav etc, fantastic performance and economy, a real eyeful, only £30

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

DEATHS

GEORGE KENNETH AUSTIN DAY 12/05/1937-24/11/2022

Late of Gillingham and Witham Friary Funeral Service to take place at Mendip Crematorium on Wed 4th January 2023 at 2.30 pm Family flowers only. Donations for Cancer Research UK, Children in Need, British Heart Foundation & Versus Arthritis. Send cheques made payable to charity to Cooperative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham, SP8 4QT.

MEETING

LIVELY 70 YEAR OLD GENTLEMEN looking for a female companion for days out in Sherborne area, potentially more. Also help around large property due to downsizing, Gardening, House work, House maintenance. Offering room to live in, and car provided. Contact 07970 437434

THANK YOU

ANDREW FIANDER

Sue and family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their cards of condolence, kind support and sympathy. Also, for their generous donations to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, which came to £134.06 Please accept this as our personal message of thanks

PUBLIC NOTICES

Goods Vehicle Operators Licence

Templar Transport LTD, Riversmeet, High street, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4AA is applying to change an existing licence as follows: to keep an extra 5 goods vehicles and 10 trailers at the operating centre at THE MARSH, LANDSHIRE LANE, HENSTRIDGE, TEMPLECOMBE, BA8 0TN.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasonswithin 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office

Goods Vehicle Operators Licence

Autoworx Recovery Ltd of Valley Road, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8JN is applying for a license to use, Milborne Business Centre, Blandford Hill, Milborne St Andrew, Blandford Forum, DT11 0HZ as an operating centre for 3x Goods vehicles and 3x Trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the traffic commissioners office.

PETER R MILLIKEN-SMITH

died peacefully at home with his beloved wife by his side on 10 November 2022.

Treasured father of Victoria and Craig (& Sandra). Grandfather of Maxwell, Alexa, Sierra and Tyra.

Funeral at Salisbury Crematorium on Thursday 8 December 2022/at 11am. Family flowers only please.

HAZEL CYNTHIA CORDING née Sims

on 17th November 2022 peacefully in Castle Hill House aged 98 years, of Shaftesbury. Much loved sister, auntie, nan and great nan. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Tuesday 13th December at 11.00am. No flowers please but donations, if desired, for RNLI, Poole may be made online at www. mhfd.co.uk or send cheques made payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

GRANT Ron (Ronald Albert) (of Wincanton)

Passed away peacefully on 24th November 2022 aged 87 years, at Yeovil District Hospital. Funeral service on Monday 12th December 2022, 12.15 at Haycombe Crematorium, Bath. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ron for the Stroke Association may be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310. Please make cheques payable to the Stroke Association.

CORAL RUTH RYALLS

on 24th November 2022, peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital with her family by her side, aged 75 years of Shaftesbury. “Heart and soul of the family.” Funeral service takes place at Bell Street United Church on Thursday 15th December at 11.00am. followed by a private cremation. No flowers please but donations if desired for The Dogs Trust or The Stars Appeal SDH can be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques made payable to either charity c/o Merefield and Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

Best wishes for Xmas & the New Year to all our family & friends

From MIKE & SHIRLEY HENSTRIDGE

JOAN HUSSEY would like to wish her family and friends a Happy Christmas and a healthy new year

PAT AND JOHN BILLEN wish friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

ELSIE NANCY HANNAH JAMES

DEATHS

On 28th November 2022, Elsie passed away peacefully at home in Motcombe, aged 93 years. Wife to the late Alex, a much loved Mum to Elizabeth, Nan to Becky, Alex and James and Great Nan to Alfie and Florence. She will be sadly missed by all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at St Mary’s Church, Motcombe on Monday 12th December at 1pm (followed by interment). Family flowers only please, but donations are welcome for The Max Appeal or Motcombe Parent Teacher Association, which may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or by cheque made payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

HOWARD EDWARD HUNT

passed away in Canada on 14th July 2022, aged 90 years. Memorial Service to be held at St Mary’s Church, East Knoyle on Thursday 15th December at 12 noon. Donations in memory of Howard may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Scott Lodge, Scott Road, Plymouth, PL2 3DU or Alzheimers.org.uk

PAT JEANES

on the 20th November, formally of Salisbury crescent Blandford. He leaves behind Jean his wife of 55 years, son Richard and daughter Tracey, and seven grandchildren. Pat died at his home in Eastbourne of pancreatic cancer surrounded by his loving family.

DAVID ALAN ROSE

Dave passed away on 12th November, at Salisbury District Hospital, aged 74 years.

A much-loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and Brother who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 19th December at 10.40am.

Family flowers only, please. Donations in Dave’s memory are for The Stars Appeal and may be sent to Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL.

JACK MELLOR

On 23rd November 2022 died at home aged 81 years of Shaftesbury. A much loved husband to Margaret and a loving dad and pappa. Funeral service takes place at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 19th December at 11 am. No flowers please but donations if desired to The Mission of Seafarers may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

DAVID SMITH

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of David William Smith on the 24th November 2022 aged 83 after a battle with cancer he just could not win. He was best known locally for his battle against the Silton Wind Turbines (which he helped to win!) and his involvement with the Pimpernel Beagles.

His partner of 53 years, Cindy Brierley, children; Jenny, Jakki, Tony, grandchildren; Ben, Beth, Calvin, Tamsin and Jodie and great grandchildren; Ellie, Annaliese and Reece, will all miss him terribly.

His funeral will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Wednesday 14th December at 11am and all who would like to say goodbye are welcome. We would like to ask that instead of flowers, donations to the Injured Jockeys Fund would be welcomed and may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532. Please feel free to wear a splash of colour.

WILLIAM MICHAEL DAVIS-SELLICK “Mike”

On 30th November 2022 peacefully at home aged 87 years of Sutton Waldron. Much loved husband to Petronella, loving Dad to Fulvia, Tim and Paul, also a loving grandad and great grandad. Funeral Mass takes place at St Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, Shaftesbury on Tuesday 20th December at 11am. No flowers please but donations if desired to Marie Curie may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or send cheques payable to the charity c/o Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

RAY DARKE (of Templecombe)

Peacefully on the 25th November 2022 aged 94 years. A much loved Husband of Barbara. Dearly loved Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday, 19th December at 12 noon. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Dementia UK. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

Late of Gillingham and Witham Friary Funeral Service to take place at Mendip Crematorium on Wed 4th January 2023 at 2.30 pm Family flowers only. Donations for Cancer Research UK, Children in Need, British Heart Foundation & Versus Arthritis. Send cheques made payable to charity to Cooperative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham, SP8 4QT

HENRY LANE

Peacefully on the 29th November 2022 at Dorset County Hospital. Henry aged 90 years of Lydlinch. Much loved and missed by his family & friends. Funeral service at St Thomas à Becket Church, Lydlinch on Thursday, 15th December at 12.30pm. Family flowers only, donations if desired for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Trust. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

FELICITY BELFIELD MBE

On the 17th November 2022 at home in Shaftesbury aged 95 years. Dearly loved and missed by all her friends. Funeral service has taken place. Enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Tel: 01963 362570

RICHARD BOND

Suddenly on the 27th November 2022 at home in Bourton aged 69 years. A Much loved Dad and Grandad. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 16th December at 10.40am. Please feel free to wear casual clothing. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Harwood House, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ. Tel 01747 833757

Recruitment

Complete care solutions

Assistant Bookkeeper

Part-time - 25 hours per week - £15 per hour

Bramley Care are currently seeking an Assistant Bookkeeper to join our team.

Flexibility around hours of work can be offered to suit the successful candidate.

Raising and sending customer invoices

Communicating with our customers and accountant

Maintaining an accurate record of financial transactions

Updating and maintaining the general ledger in Sage Bank account reconciliation to assert the accuracy of transactions

Qualifications and experience

2 years basic accounting experience with an understanding of accounting best practices

Knowledge of Sage-50 computer-based accounting systems and procedures

Advanced use of MS Office, especially Excel and Word Skills

Excellent communication, organisational and numerical skills

Excellent customer service skills

Self-motivated and pro-active, approachable, dependable, tenacious and confidential

Produce work with a high level of accuracy

If this is a role that sounds of interest to you then please get in touch. Further information and an application form can be found on our website.

bramleycare.co.uk 01747 855844

SOMERSET - LIVE IN HANDS ON HEAD HOUSEKEEPER/COOK WANTED

- Excellent cooking skills – British food as well as international

- Online and local food shopping

- Be able to cook for large groups on special occasions

- Cleaning to a high level throughout

- Wine cellar management

- Polishing and caring for silver, china, antiques

- Managing heat system

- Liaising with contactors and tradesman

- Media management

- Maintaining household equipment

- Organising all laundry throughout house

Email studio@phoebephilo.com for more information.

SKILLED TRACTOR DRIVER

Broadchalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Competitive Salary / No Accommodation

We are seeking a flexible, enthusiastic person to be a key worker in our well diversified, well equipped Arable & Livestock business. Duties will include: All aspects of Combinable Crop Growing. Routine feeding, bedding & mucking out of beef enterprise. Helping with estate work, sheep enterprise & diversifications

Ideally you will have: Experience in farm work.

Flexible / adaptable approach. PA1 & PA2 Sprayer license. Telehandler certificate. Please apply by email to: stoke.farms@farmline.com Applications close on: 23rd December 2022

The Blackmore Vale Ltd continues to enjoy great success and we are looking for an experienced Account Manager

You will be managing a regular client base as well as generating new business selling into various magazines. Previous sales experience is required and you should be hungry for success.

The role is a hybrid of working from home/office and out and about within the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas. You must own your own vehicle – a mileage allowance is paid.

Previous sales experience

Hungry for success

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Salary is dependent on experience.

If you’ve got what it takes to be part of this fantastic team, please send your application to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th December.

Receptionist

A bright, motivated and dynamic candidate is required to work on reception in one of the UK’s leading auction houses.

Reporting to the Senior Auctions Manager the role will offer the candidate an exciting career path and the potential to join a fast-growing organisation.

Desirable Experience and Skills

•Strong communication skills

•Ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure

•Impeccable telephone manner

•A friendly and sociable character

•The ability to prioritise

•The ability to be proactive and work on own initiative

•Computer literacy and familiarity with Office suite programs

•Experience of working in small teams

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

•Meeting and greeting clients

•Answering, screening, and forwarding telephone calls

•Responding to emails

•Taking payments

•Assisting with client collections

•Data entry

•Filing

•Diary management

•Postal management

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

If you are interested in joining our dynamic team please send a 1 page CV and 1 page covering letter to Tallulah Barnett: tallulah.barnett@dukes-auctions.com

Closing date for applications is 10pm, Sunday 18th December

www.dukes-auctions.com

• Duke’s, Dorchester, DT1 1GA

• Tel: +44 (0)1305 265080

OFFICE HELP NEEDED

Part-time general office and shop help required, able to use Ebay, including selling on Ebay too. Please call 07856 707050 for more information

SCHOOL RUN DRIVERS REQUIRD

FOR OAKWOOD TAXIS. Must be over 25. Could suit semi-retired person. All expenses paid for. Average 4 hours per day, school time only. For more details ring Andy on 01258 455555 between 10am and 2pm or email: oakwoodtaxis@aol.com

P/T ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT required to join small busy team for varied office tasks supporting property managers and family business situated close to Gillingham, flexible working hours. Please apply with covering letter and CV to: forwarddevelopmentsltd@

SENIOR COOK / MANAGER REQUIRED. Shaftesbury town centre. We are looking for someone to start immediately. Experience desirable, who is happy and willing to jump in and have a go at whatever needs to be done. We operate a family run business, running 7 days a week so some weekends will be essential. The shifts are between 8am-3pm with no split shifts. Job will include cooking, serving, tills, ordering and general running of the business with the help of our staff. The position is full time permanent. Salary £10-£12 ph. Email rservices600@gmail.com or ring 01598 740600

Recruitment

CLEANER WANTED for a family home 4-5 hours p/w Stour Row call 07962 160523

GARDENER / FORESTER

Light pruning work in young plantations £12.50 ph no ladder work, Ashmore Charlie 07584 017602

DRAMA AND ENGLISH TEACHER S REQUIRED

The Artori Academy are looking for Drama, LAMDA & confidence building/public speaking teachers lesson outlines provided. Working days: Wednesday Friday and some weekends.

Dorchester and Blandford based. Driver essential. DBS checks will be mandatory on successful applicants. info@theartoriacademy.com with your CV to apply

Experienced/qualified Bench Joiner required for our high qualit y bespoke joinery workshop. Interesting & varied work. Must be able to work on own initiative. Immediate start. Competitive salary. For further details and an application form please contact: 01963 23219 or david@fcuffandsons.co.u k

The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society is hiring for a Show Secretary & Events’ Organiser.

The role is to Manage all aspects of The Society especially the smooth organisation and running of its Events, The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show and Spring Countryside Show. This is alongside the management of the Event Venue, Turnpike Showground in Motcombe. The individual must be:

For the full job description and to apply e-mail chairman@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk or ring 01747 823955.

Applications close 16th December 2022 with the aim to interview immediately in the New Year.

What is a ‘Restructuring Plan’ and when can it be used?

The Restructuring Plan was introduced in 2020 to assist struggling businesses. Usage was slow initially but the recent decisions in the Houst and Amicus Finance cases have seen Plans becoming more prevalent amongst Insolvency Practitioners as a restructuring tool.

Phil Smith, a partner at law firm Boyes Turner, explains what a Restructuring Plan is and looks at the Houst and Amicus Finance cases.

The Restructuring Plan

It is a formal, court-approved arrangement between a company and its creditors and/or its shareholders that is either:

• a compromise in the amounts owed to a companies’ creditors, or

• a rescheduling of dates for the repayment of debts, or

• a ‘debt for equity’ swap whereby sums owed to creditors of the company are converted into shares in that company. Creditors must be willing to vote for its approval with the threshold set at 75% of value.

Who can use a Plan?

The procedure can be used by any company which is liable to be wound up providing:

• it has encountered, or is likely to encounter, financial difficulties that are affecting, or may affect, its ability to continue trading;

• the purpose of the Plan must be to eliminate, reduce, prevent, or mitigate the effects of any of the company’s financial difficulties.

What are the pros & cons?

The Plan has a number of advantages over these restructuring tools:

• Unlike a ‘pre-pack’ Administration, a Plan ensures the survival of the company as a going concern.

• Unlike a Company Voluntary Arrangement, preferential debts, including debts owed to HMRC, can be compromised, and the rights of secured creditors can also be affected.

• The possibility of deploying a new feature called the ‘Cross-Class Cram Down’ – whereby the Plan can bind one or more dissenting classes of creditors or shareholders.

The main disadvantage of a Plan so far is that it is a lot more expensive than other restructuring tools, as it requires a high amount of due diligence work and two court hearings, restricting them initially to large, multi-national companies. Houst and Amicus were both SMEs.

Houst

Houst’s business was severely affected by the pandemic. The Plan involved a minimum of £500k being advanced by certain members (in exchange for the issue of new shares), a reduction in the sum outstanding to the bank from £3m to £750k to be repaid over 3 years, and monthly contributions to other creditors, including HMRC.

Although HMRC voted against the Plan, the cram-down was exercised because all creditors (including HMRC) would be worse off in an administration. The result was that Houst returned to solvency.

Amicus Finance

Amicus was placed into administration in 2018. However, the joint administrators considered that their process was no longer viable and therefore promoted a Plan, which involved three key elements: the injection of shareholder funds of £3m; the making of lump sum payments to creditors; and a waterfall of payments to certain creditors from the proceeds of Amicus’ remaining loan book.

The Plan was sanctioned by the court, enabling Amicus to be rescued as a going concern.

Elaine Wilkins at Antony Batty and Company comments:

“Although currently the costs involved in preparing and delivering a Plan are out of reach for all but the largest of SMEs, it is likely that these will fall as more Restructuring Plans are approved. We look forward to being able to add these to the tools we have available to rescue businesses, especially in these very uncertain economic times.”

Our Bournemouth office can be contacted on: elaine@antonybatty.com

REGISTERED NURSE PART TIME

A qualified part time RGN is sought, term time only, to help look after our boarders (ages 7 13) and staff Required for January 2023

2 ½ days 25 hrs a week 0730 to 1730 Some Saturday mornings

Previous relevant experience would be an advantage and good organisational skills, kindness, enthusiasm and a cheerful disposition are essential. Experience in welfare and mental health of children highly desirable

Applicants are urged to apply soon as the post will close once a suitable candidate is found. Application form and job description can be found on our website www.hanfordschool co.uk

To apply or find out more about the role please email office@hanfordschool co.uk

HGV LIVESTOCK LORRY DRIVER wanted Andrew Frizzle Livestock Haulage Enquiries phone Andrew 07977 136863

ROOFING LABOURER REQUIRED based in Stalbridge area . Please contact Roy on 01963 362325

HOUSE KEEPER wanted near Cranborne Dorset, general domestic duties, dog sitting. No cooking. 3 bedroom cottage rent free. Beautiful but remote surroundings. Start January. salary negotiable. Apply to Its@Its-uk.com

Recruitment

SITUATIONS WANTED

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PART-TIME LABOURER REQUIRED for builder’s cleans. £15 p/h. CSCS card preferable. Gillingham 20 mile radius. 07821 639091

Papertrees

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Paper Delivery Persons Required (2 or 4 persons)

I need either 2 persons working 7 days a week or 2 persons working Monday to Friday and 2 working weekends only. To deliver Papers in Wincanton and surrounding villages. Car essential and Business delivery insurance required. Good rates of pay. Phone up to apply.

Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8HN

Time for a cold winter walk and the new season seed catalogues...

By A J Selby ‘

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.’

Aristotle

AS the old year comes to a close, it’s a time for reflection, a time for looking back and forward, and a time to enjoy the festive season. Christmas decorations are still popular but despite being available in the shops, what can be better than foraging the great outdoors for holly, ivy and a yule log.

As a lad I recall collecting beech and hazel sticks and taking them home for my mother to spray silver and gold, which she then decorated with small baubles and displayed in a vase. We also made a holly wreath, and had a ‘log’ which was the bark of an old birch cut in half, sprayed with fake snow and decorated with small deer, snowmen and robins.

The yule log dates back to antiquity and is common across northern Europe in various guises. One tradition is that in houses with huge fireplaces, a tree trunk would be set in the hearth and the woodchips and ash from the previous year used to light it. Once lit it would burn night and day for the 12 days of Christmas, diminishing in size with the passing of every hour, keeping the family and their visitors warm during the darkest season. It was sometimes anointed with wine, salt or herbs which gave off varying aromas. Different types of trees were used, according to custom, in different countries – oak in England, cherry in Germany, birch in Scandinavia.

Holly was used in preChristian times to ward off evil spirits and now represents the crown of thorns from the crucifixion.

Mistletoe also pre-dates Christ and the tradition of kissing is English – the original custom being that before each

kiss a berry was removed from the sprig, and once all the berries had gone the kissing stopped! I will have to look out for a branch with lots of berries on!

With plenty of food in most houses at this time of year, long country walks are de rigueur to burn off the calories that can accrue from minced pies, fruit cake and chocolate! The smells of mulled wine, hot apple juice with cinnamon and warm ginger cake can only belong to December. They never seem to carry over beyond the first week of January.

This can be a dead month outdoors, with very little for the countryman to enjoy other than the stillness and sometimes exhilarating cold of a winter walk. You may hear a robin render his ditty in much weaker tones than he will in spring, and the missel thrush, or throstle, can be seen and heard on the highest branch. For the most part, all nature is resting before awakening again in the early spring.

For me it’s also a time to tidy

up the garden, and visualise the cropping plans for the coming year. A dry spell for a week or so in December allows for some spreading of manure and compost on the vegetable beds, clearing away old plants, washing down the greenhouse glass and burning or composting waste. I love a garden bonfire – it’s probably the primeval urge for a winter blaze that gives both heat and light, something our ancestors valued in the long and cold northern winter.

And once the muscles have been stretched with the shovel and wheelbarrow, what better way to end the afternoon than a sit down in the chair with a hot drink, a slice of warm Dorset apple cake and the new season seed catalogues. Is there anything more enticing to the keen gardener in mid-winter than the seed merchants’ offerings in their glossy pages? The pictures and descriptions hint of summer, whether it be a new stringless runner bean, clusters of sweet-tasting cherry tomatoes, tall and robust

African marigolds with fluffy heads in orange and yellow, or a blend of the most delicately fragrant sweet peas.

Pencil and paper in hand, the favoured varieties are listed and the plots sketched out. A row of peas by the path I think, and a new variety of beetroot to try. Oh, and maybe a small area for cut flowers to bring into the house next summer. The planning is endless but I know the list needs paring down lest I buy enough to share with the entire village! There are so many varieties to try, new types to grow and old favourites to fit in. Whatever I decide to buy, just plotting for the summer garden gives fresh hope for the coming New Year. The anticipation of the soon-toarrive spring as the daylight increases, albeit imperceptibly after Christmas, can only gladden the heart.

It leaves me to wish you all the compliments of the season and to encourage you to get out and about and enjoy our gorgeous countryside during the festive break.

December can be a dead month outdoors but you may hear a robin render his ditty

PHOTO: Ina Hoekstra/Pixabay

Canada geese make their home every year on island in the pond

By Tria Stebbing

THE pond at the field is now well overdue a clean. The once clean clear water is now a clogged pool of mud. The bulrushes have completely chocked the middle, while the invasive Parrot’s feather has covered the shallow end in a carpet of feathery green. The previous owners of the field probably bought and planted both in good faith –unfortunately with the conditions good, the plants have completely taken over.

Parrot’s feather first appeared in the UK in the 1960s – its leaves give the plant its name with feather-type leaves which die back in winter. The biggest problem is that it grows like a green carpet on the surface of the water, shading the water from sunlight and causing native plants to die due to the lack of light.

For us one of the biggest downsides are the mosquitoes that use the green carpet as their breeding ground – sitting at the field with the family in the summer is not a good time to feel the impact of their rich breeding ground.

Periodically we try to get on top of the problem by raking the weed out of the pond. Much care has to be taken not to drop any as this will shoot and grow new shoots wherever it falls. We pile it up on the edge of the pond so that any crawling insects can get back to the water before we take it away – the smell is horrendous and stays with you for days. When the pile of weed dries out, we burn it.

The bulrushes or Great Reedmace are a different problem as they grow so tall, up to five feet high. Lowering yourself into the pond is a strange sensation as the bulrushes are taller than I am and make you feel so small. In an ideal world you pull these

bad boys out by the root or dig the rhizomes up – I have heard that goats like to graze them, which might be an option yet. Some need to be left as habitat for water voles and the Ruddy darter dragonfly which can live in the sediment around its roots.

The pond has a small island in the middle, which in the summer as the water level dropped so low, I was able to wade across to. We have moorhens in residence in the reeds around the island, and for the last few years two Canada geese make their home on the island, using the safe idyl to lay their eggs. Over the years the

geese have built their yearly nest on top of the last one, leading to a very tall pile of debris which needed careful rearranging while they were gone. The geese pair with a mate at three years old and usually stay with that mate for life. While they are useful because they eat the pond weed, they do make a mess of the banks, climbing in and out frequently with their young.

It is a small part of our land, but an important one, and when I am waist deep in my waders pulling out bulrushes, I tell myself it will all be worth it in the spring.

Gulls in numbers out in the fields

By Ruth Kimber

ONLY a few weeks to Christmas, our seasonal turkey work is under way. We have been pleased with our New Blackmore Vale advert result for helpers.

A lot of chat has been going round about the availability of fresh farmgate free range turkeys – let me reassure you, turkeys are still available around the country. Indeed, we still have availability, our bronze and white in assorted sizes, crowns and turkey roasting rolls.

Our farm shop, Kitchen and Trading Barn, has been busy with people enjoying the cosy kitchen with its wood-burner and lovely food. The shop has an assortment of goods including unusual gifts to accompany our local foods. The Trading Barn has lots of unique gift ideas.

The farm cycle continues to roll. We have all the dairy cows in day and night as the land has

Gulls used to be seen when it was rough at sea but they have prospered using refuse tips and bins as an additional food source

become too wet – the damage their feet could do to the soil and themselves is the trigger they now need to be housed. We still have a few store cattle out. We have never been able to continue to grass the milking herd this late in the season – the grass kept growing, making up for the dry arid summer months.

I am sitting at my desk with a view over our fields and to the woods topped by King Alfred’s Tower. The trees are a beautiful burnt orange with still some green, the fields still a healthy green – some of the hedges have been trimmed, others left

to accommodate our wild birds.

There are lots of berries and nuts in the hedge rows – we have a routine to trim only once in three years. This keeps the hedges thick and cattle-proof, giving shade and shelter and the wildlife food.

We have noticed vast numbers of gulls in the fields – they have always been part of country life, but only as visitors. Typically when the plough goes in, a flock of gulls appear, as if from nowhere! We used to see them when it was rough at sea. They have prospered and multiplied using our refuse tips and bins as an additional food source – they will eat anything, including other birds and their eggs, and use city buildings as nesting sites. Maybe that’s why we see so many more now. We do feel nervous with so many on the pastures feeding among our animals.

We had two more school visits since I last wrote –primary school age. The

youngsters were really interested in the farm and then had a ride on the trailer to the farm shop, where they were shown sausage making by Jack and how a lamb and pig were jointed by Jason. As luck would have it, we had the Somerset Wildlife stand at the shop and Will, the wildlife rep, added to the school visit with an interesting chat about wildlife and the farming partnership.

Counting down the days to Christmas, and now finishing my copy with thick fog outside my window!

n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn; Linley Farm Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD Phone: 01963 33177; www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk, info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; opening times Tuesday – Friday 8.30am-5pm Saturday 9.304pm; until Christmas, The Farm shop and Trading Barn – not the Kitchen – will open Sundays 10am -4pm.

Ex-jockey trains to be equine dentist

FORMER jump jockey Ryan Withey, 26, from Wincanton has won a prestigious £2,000 prize in recognition of his second career as an equine dentist after a serious fall ended his racing career.

He has overcome serious injury and with the support of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Jockeys Education & Training Scheme (JETS) has forged his new career.

Ryan, who is based with

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He said: “I am so grateful to JETS for all the support they have given me with funding towards the courses I’ve had to do. It’s been hard work but I’m really loving the connection I still have with

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horses and have found my experience as a jockey has helped me to deal with tricky horses.”

Henry Billson, co-director at Equine Dental Services South West, said: “Ryan has shown a huge amount of enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

“He’s taken on board the advice of not just our equine dentists but others around the country to help him gain a better understanding and improve his skills.

“He’s made huge progress and we’re delighted his work is being acknowledged with this award.”

Former amateur jockey Ryan Withey, who won the £2,000 Injured Jockeys Fund progress award in the 2022 Richard Davis Awards, with Siobhan Watson from the IJF and members of the Davis family at Cheltenham Racecourse

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT

Forthcoming

DEC Thurs 15th

Forthcoming

SEDGEMOOR

Forthcoming Fodder Sale

DEC Thurs 15th

Sat 19th

SEDGEMOOR

Sedgemoor

HEIFERS

Comp: 47 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 12 Incalf Heifers & 3 Maiden Heifers

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7888

n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127

n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

n CLOSED HERD for 13 years

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for Saturday 3rd December 2022

For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon)

The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.

NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Dispersal Sale of milking and incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).

Others £96. Overall Ave £67.10. BREEDING EWES (204) to £143 (2x). FRIDAY 30TH BREEDING EWE SALE (459) to £122. GOATS (11) to £187. Overall ave £92.64. RAMS (12) to £225 (2x). Others £136. FRIDAY 30TH STOCK RAM SALE (72) to £610 for a powerful shearling. Others £470.

The West Country’s Gateway to National

Abattoirs

Returns for Monday 2nd November 2020

COWS (81) Continental av 181.1ppk to 228.5ppk and £1,904.18. Native Beef av 150.7ppk to 182.5ppk and £1,560.38. Dairy av 141.0ppk to 176.5ppk and £1,526.80. FINISHED SHEEP Lambs (947) ave 257.58ppk to 373.0ppk and £190.00. Others 362ppk, 312ppk & 309ppk. Others £170.00, £147.00 & £145.00 (2x). CARCASES (29) to £220. Ave £144.57. PIGS (14) to £218 (Pair). Others £208 (Pair).

Forthcoming

PRIME CATTLE (93) Steers UTM av 187.4ppk to 213.5ppk & £1,327.28. Others 209.5ppk, 209.0ppk, 208.0ppk & 206.5ppk. Others £1,293.63, £1,287.00, £1,283.12, £1,280.30 & £1,261.77. Heifers UTM av 180.7ppk to 214.5ppk (2x) and £1,310.50. Others 204.5ppk, 204.0ppk, 199.0ppk (2x) & 197.0ppk. Others £1,233.42, £1,205.05, £1,201.20, £1,168.50 & £1,138.32. BARREN COWS (56) Continental av 118.5ppk to 119.5ppk and £808.40. Others 117.5ppk. Native Beef av 103.6ppk to 126.5ppk and £906.75. Others 124.5ppk & 118.5ppk. Others £882.97 & £861.77. Dairy av 97.8ppk to 113.5ppk and £966.89. Others 112.5ppk & 109.5ppk. Others £945.73 & £914.63. FINISHED SHEEP (654) Lamb ave 202.94ppk to 231.0ppk and £115.00. Others 230.0ppk, 220.0ppk & 219.0ppk. Others £113.00, £108.00 (5x) & £106.50.

Saturday 10th December

Monthly Catalogued Sale of 40

Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Sale commences at approx. 12.30pm in Ring 1

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143

DAIRY CATTLE (74) Heifers to £2520. Others £2420. Cows to £2250. Others £1920. (920) STORE CATTLE & STIRKSFORWARD STORES (646) Steers to £1620 (BRBX). Others £1585 (LIMX) £1580 (BRBX) & £1545 (2x BRBX). Heifers to £1485 (BRBX). Others £1455 (LIMX) £1430 (CHX) & £1395 (CHX). GRAZING COWS (13) to £1310 (BRBX). SUCKLERS (8) to £1380. STIRKS (274) Steers to £980 (LIMX). Others £800 (AA) £795 (AA) & £785 (AA). Heifers to £840 (LIMX). Others £775 (LIMX) £670 (LIMX) & £660 (BRBX). CALVES (524) - Beef Bulls to £460 (2x BRB). Others £440 (BRBX) £425 (2x BRBX) & £365 (2x AA). Heifers to £278 (BRB). Others £255 (BRBX) £245 (AA) & £235 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £185. (4977) SHEEPSTORE LAMBS (3857) to £123. Others £118 & £111.50. Overall Ave £74.60. CULL EWES & RAMS (1037) Ewes to £230. Others £195 & £175. Rams to £185. Overall Ave £74.03. BREEDING EWES (19) to £118. Overall Ave £70. GOATS (62) to £164. Overall Ave £101.65. COUPLES (1E+1L) to £108 (£54/life). (204) PIGS – WEANERS (85) to £40. FORWARD STORES (88) to £162. BREEDING PIGS (4) to £80. CULL SOWS & BOARS (25+2) to £172 (2x).

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for Saturday 31st October 2020

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 5th December 2022

PRIME CATTLE (109) Steers UTM av 224.6ppk to 314.5ppk & £2,100.86. Others 275.5ppk, 274.5ppk & 269.5ppk. Others £1,834.83, £1,801.28 & £1,781.51. Heifers UTM av 240.34ppk to 610.5ppk and £4,200.24. Others 315.0ppk, 277.5ppk & 274.5ppk. Others £2,101.05, £1,677.60 & £1,630.48. BARREN

DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX) & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX) £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.

For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report. NOVEMBER: Sat 7th Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2: Saturday 7th November Monthly Catalogued Sale of 125 Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Approx 12.30pm Ring 1 Entries to date include:n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy). n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim n 42 Continental Cows & Calves – 6 Ped Lim cows & calves n 14 Native Cows & Calves n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped He

Saturday

For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278 Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED*** Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED*** Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB

NOVEMBER: Sat 21st

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Monday 9th November 2020.

How to protect your herd from TB

By Alice EJ Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS Friars Moor Livestock Health

IN the last edition I discussed what bovine TB is and raised issues regarding the impact it has on cattle, farmers and the farming business. The Government releases quarterly statistics on TB and the latest report shows that the total animals slaughtered due to TB in England, from July 2021 to June 2022, had decreased by 20 per cent from the previous year. However, 24,398 animals were still slaughtered in that time. Pleasingly, a decrease in new herd incidents and the number of herds under restrictions is reported, however, we would still very much like to see further reductions.

As I mentioned last time, it is important that we view TB as we would any other infectious disease on farm or in any given

population for that matter. For example, with the UK Covid outbreak, cases were lowered when those infected were isolated but the disease incidence only dramatically reduced once the vulnerable population was protected – in that case with a vaccine.

If we just continually TB test alone, removing reactor animals, but do nothing to protect the remaining animals, similarly there remains a high risk of TB. A lot is being done behind the scenes to look at ways the cattle population and wildlife population can best be protected and tested. This includes extensive research into vaccine options and new tests. However, in the meantime, the most important thing we can do is to work with our farmers to ensure their biosecurity is the best it can be to protect stock from incoming disease.

Funding is currently available for vets to carry out TB advisory visits (TBAS) visits on farm, where a detailed action plan is drawn up to help prevent the introduction or spread of TB within a herd. There is also the option of becoming TB CHECS accredited if several high standards of protection are met, with the possibility of reducing the frequency of testing on farm if you meet all the specifications. These are both things I would be more than happy to discuss further.

In the meantime, it is important to consider four main risk areas and what can be done to prevent disease occurring for each of these.

Firstly, consider biosecurity outside. The biggest risk to cattle will be from infected wildlife such as badgers. This may occur by direct contact, or more commonly indirect contact

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where badgers contaminate water and feed sources or mineral lick buckets. You should avoid feeding cattle on the ground and certainly try to ensure no excess feed is left out overnight. Feed troughs and lick buckets should be raised at least 90cm off the ground, with sheer sides to prevent badgers climbing into them. Water troughs should be cleaned regularly and ideally run off mains supplies.

Secondly, consider biosecurity inside. It is important to keep TB out of the farm and the buildings themselves. Again, the main risk here is from incoming infected badgers. Either permanent or electric fencing can be used to protect access to yards, housing and feed stores. You should also consider that badgers can squeeze through gaps as small as two inches, which equates to

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The three Rs of tackling farm crime this winter – part 2

the widest part of their skeleton, their skull. They will also easily climb gates and doors – to avoid access this way ensure they are higher than 1.5 metres, have a sheer, smooth, solid surface and there are no areas that can be used as potential foot-holes.

Thirdly, consider TB that exists in the environment. The bacteria M.bovis will survive on the ground in soil for up to three months, in slurry up to six months, in feed such as silage up to 28 days, hay and maize up to 40 days and water sources for up to 60 days, where the conditions are all favourable.

Fourth, consider cattle movements. TB like any other disease is commonly introduced into the herd by infected animals. It is important to source stock from low-risk herds only.

For more support on this subject please do not hesitate to get in contact.

THE Farm Watch scheme, designed to reduce rural crime and deter criminals, is urging farmers to review their security measures this winter.

They urge members to remember the ‘three Rs’: REPORT incidents; RECORD serial numbers; and REVIEW security Insurer NFU Mutual has issued a winter farm security guide:

n Lock outbuildings at night and carry out regular security checks during colder months n Close and lock yard gates at night to deter drive-through thieves

n Ensure security lighting, intruder alarms and cameras are working correctly n Don’t leave vehicles and

implements where they can be easily seen from nearby roads by criminals searching for theft opportunities

n Never leave keys in machines when not in use

n Remove GPS systems where possible and lock them in a secure place overnight

n Store diesel and heating oil in tanks away from the public gaze and consider a fuel tank alarm

n Keep portable tools such as chain saws, jet washers and welders in a secure locked ‘cage’

n Join a local farm watch group or WhatsApp network to keep updated about local rural crime trends and suspicious sightings n Mark tools, equipment and implements to deter thieves and aid recovery by police

n Use tracking devices, immobilisers and marking on tractors and quadbikes to deter thieves

n Use mechanical devices to anchor down quads

n Ensure livestock markings are clear and regularly check stock numbers

n ‘Know what you own’ –record all makes, models, serial numbers and photograph kit to help police investigate and aid an insurance claim

n Ask neighbours to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report them to police.

To read more and view videos about rural crime prevention, visit fwi.co.uk/.../ long-winter-nights-bring-rural; nfumutual.co.uk/farming/ rural-crime/

Slurry Infrastructure Grant

Slurry Infrastructure Grant

Slurry Infrastructure Grant

Dairy, Beef and Pig farmers can now apply for grants to increase their slurry storage facilities. Grants of up to £250,000 are available to replace, built or expand existing stores to provide 6 months storage.

Dairy, Beef and Pig farmers can now apply for grants to increase their slurry storage facilities. Grants of up to £250,000 are available to replace, built or expand existing stores to provide 6 months storage.

Dairy, Beef and Pig farmers can now apply for grants to increase their slurry storage facilities. Grants of up to £250,000 are available to replace, built or expand existing stores to provide 6 months storage.

Dairy, Beef and Pig farmers can now grants to increase their slurry storage Grants of up to £250,000 are available built or expand existing stores to provide months storage.

Our Rural Agents can help you through every step of the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant including the eligibility checker, applying for planning permission, sourcing finance if required and submitting full applications on your behalf.

‘Largest-ever’ outbreak of bird flu hits turkey farmers

SUPPLIES of free-range birds

– including Christmas turkeys – have been hit 'very, very hard' by the bird flu epidemic that has hit the UK, MPs have been told.

Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee up to half of free-range poultry grown for Christmas in the UK has died or been culled.

Of the total 8.5 million to 9 million turkeys produced – not just those for Christmas – about 1.6 million had already died or been culled, he added.

Mr Griffiths was one of the

industry experts interviewed by the committee, as it seeks to report on why this year's outbreak has been 'so serious and prolonged'.

Paul Kelly, of Kelly Turkeys, based in Essex, said there would be a shortage of free-range birds on shelves this Christmas.

Since October 2021, England has seen more than 250 confirmed cases of bird flu, and Mr Kelly said his business had lost about £1.2 million after three outbreaks.

“For farmers it has been devastating,” he said.

He added: “The challenge for lot of smaller seasonal producers

Jack Denning-James

01380 710535 Wiltshire & Hampshire

Our Rural Agents can help you through every step of the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant including the eligibility checker, applying for planning permission, sourcing finance if required and submitting full applications on your behalf.

Our Rural Agents can help you through every step of the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant including the eligibility checker, applying for planning permission, sourcing finance if required and submitting full applications on your behalf.

Our Rural Agents can help you through of the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant the eligibility checker, applying for permission, sourcing finance if required submitting full applications on your

Jack Denning-James

Jack Denning-James

Lucy Carnell 01935 423526 Somerset & Dorset George Whittaker 01305 236237 Dorset & Devon

01380 710535 Wiltshire & Hampshire

Jack Denning-James

01380 710535 Wiltshire & Hampshire

01380 710535 Wiltshire & Hampshire

Lucy Carnell

Lucy Carnell 01935 423526 Somerset & Dorset

Lucy Carnell 01935 423526 Somerset & Dorset

01935 423526 Somerset & Dorset

George Whittaker 01305 236237 Dorset & Devon

George Whittaker 01305 236237 Dorset & Devon

George Whittaker 01305 236237 Dorset & Devon

that produce Christmas poultry, they have their flock on their farm and when it is infected, those turkeys will die within four days.”

Mr Kelly also called for the government to overhaul the compensation scheme for farmers hit by an outbreak.

Currently, they are compensated for the number of fit and healthy birds after an outbreak. However, the committee was told entire flocks can have died before officials arrive to carry out a cull –meaning they receive no compensation.

Since November 7, flocks in England have legally had to be

kept indoors in a bid to prevent the spread of bird flu in what the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said was the 'largest ever outbreak of avian influenza'.

Announcing the measures, UK chief veterinary officer

Christine Middlemiss said: “We are now facing this year, the largest ever outbreak of bird flu and are seeing rapid escalation in the number of cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across England.

“The risk of kept birds being exposed to disease has reached a point where it is now necessary for all birds to be housed until further notice.

“Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways, from wild birds remain the best form of defence. Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands ... you must keep (them) indoors.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

Symonds

Sampson

Symonds &Sampson

DORSET

PHOTO: Pixabay

Affpuddle

Auction 15 December 2022

Clapton

Sherborne

East

Castle

Buckhorn

British Association of Removers Eco Friendly

Help to Buy deadline extended in bid to ensure first-time buyers complete

A DEADLINE for the government’s Help to Buy scheme has been pushed back in a bid to stop purchases falling through.

Hundreds of first-time buyers faced losing their intended homes after construction delays meant homes would not be completed by a December 31 deadline.

However, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has now confirmed the deadline has been extended until January 31 for work to be finished.

The Help to Buy scheme meant first-time buyers could purchase a home with a 5 percent deposit, backed by a 20 percent government-backed loan.

While registrations for new applicants closed on October 31, the rules stated construction of the homes must be finished by the end of the year.

But amid labour and supply chain issues, the deadline has been extended.

A Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said

enabling the purchases was a ‘priority’.

“Supporting aspiring homeowners is a Government priority. We have extended the Help to Buy deadline to make sure people do not lose out because of delays to completing their homes,” they said.

“House builders must ensure they finish building work on all properties by January 31. The legal completion deadline remains March 31.”

Despite the extension, the deadline for new applications will not be extended.

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