The New Blackmore Vale Magazine - Issue 104

What’s inside this issue…

Paul Jones - Editor in Chief

We love hearing your

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Kye Harman

Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

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Go wild at family fair

POND dipping, upcycling clothes and wildlife auditing are just some of the activities on offer at Wincanton’s Wild & Green Community Fair at The Balsam Centre tomorrow (Saturday, September 14).

This free, family-friendly event follows on from the success of the centre’s Climate Fair in 2023, and will provide a lively morning of workshops, hands-on activities, advice and discussion.

The event aims to provide inspiration for anyone who wants to find out how they can play their part, through collective community action, in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.

storytelling, singing circles, and making wish sticks and fairy wands with the women from Lynne Franks’ SEED Hub; pond dipping with the volunteers from CATCH (Community Action to Transform Cale Habitat); and wildlife auditing of The Balsam Centre site.

The fair will also have a strong focus on repair and reuse, with Defashion Dorset offering advice on upcycling clothes and visible mending; One Planet Wincanton hosting a plant swap and mini version of its regular Repair Café; and workshops on crafting with ordinary items of household rubbish.

Visitors will be able to learn from organisations such as Somerset Wildlife Trust, which will be seeking feedback on its draft Beaver Management Strategy, and from the Growing Space, which will show how a garden can be turned into a domestic nature reserve.

Somerset Council’s Fixy van will be holding a tech amnesty for items such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops, which will be refurbished and distributed to people, schools and groups who need them, helping to address digital poverty.

Among the more family-friendly activities on offer are bushcraft sessions with Bunker Bushcraft, which will give a hands-on insight into living with nature’s resources without disturbing them;

Advice will also be on offer on how to live more sustainably, from the food we eat to the transport we take.

The Balsam Centre’s Izzie Koch, project manager for the event, said: “We’re really excited about our Wild & Green Community

Fair, which feels like a natural evolution of last year’s successful Climate Fair.

“People in Wincanton have told us they want to share ideas on how we can all do our bit to support biodiversity and minimise our impact on the planet, and this event will allow them to do just that.”

For more information on The Balsam Centre’s Wild & Green Community Fair, which runs from 10am to 2pm, go to www. balsamcentre.org.uk/wild-and-green

The Balsam Centre’s Wild & Green Community Fair will offer activities for all the family.

Fraud’s no fiction

THE winning entries in a short story competition run by Dorset Police are now available as podcasts, thanks to a Gillingham man.

Ray Lee, who your New Blackmore Vale featured earlier this year after he wrote a children’s book, entered the competition, designed to alert people to fraud.

The competition, judged by Dorsetbased author Rachel McLean, had 14 winners in five age categories and Ray came third in the over-65 category. The awards were presented by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.

Ray has recorded all 14 winning stories and published them as podcasts on Spotify. Damian Cranny, Dorset Police fraud

prevention officer, who organised whole competition, created individual artwork for each story.

Damian said: “I was immensely proud to witness people of all ages making a creative and impactful contribution to defeating fraud.

“Criminals may have access to artificial intelligence (AI), but they don’t have the talents and ingenuity of the people of Dorset who are stopping fraud in its tracks by spreading important advice through cautionary tales.

“These individuals are true trendsetters, helping to make Dorset a safer place for all, and I hope this is the start of many innovative ways that we can work with our communities to reduce fraud and its devastating effects.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “It has been truly great to see so many entries to this competition from Dorset residents of all ages and my congratulations go to the winners.

“Competitions like this are a powerful tool in encouraging more conversations about fraudulent behaviour and have the power to prevent more people from becoming the victim of these abhorrent scammers.”

Visit https://mysaferdorset.com/ fraud-protect-competion to find all the winning stories and a link to the podcasts on Spotify.

A walk around… Bishop’s Caundle

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

STARTING at the historic church, head southwest a short distance along the road. On your left is a path that takes you south across a field to meet Giles’s Lane. This takes you southeast to meet Ryall’s Lane, where you turn left and head east to meet a hollow way, Blind Lane.

The entrance to Blind Lane was very overgrown on my visit but it has been reported to Dorset Council. Doubtless it will have cleared by the time you read this!

Make your way down this interesting lane until it meets the main road, the A3030. Turn left and, almost immediately, join a path that takes you westward across a field to join a road at the hamlet of Caundle Wake.

Turn right and head north for a short distance. You’ll meet a path that takes you west through a small orchard then bears right, northwest, to a road – turn right then left to join a path that takes

Who do you think you are?

DORSET Family History Society is holding an open weekend for the second time this year at its base in Poole.

Experienced volunteers will be helping visitors with their family history research.

Everyone is welcome, whether they are experienced family history researchers, those just thinking of starting their family tree or those who have started but need some helpful advice to continue their research.

The centre has access to all the major family history websites, parish register transcriptions for Dorset and miscellaneous information from other counties, Monumental Inscriptions, an extensive library and a sales area.

Volunteers will be available to give one-to-one help and guidance, not only to those with Dorset ancestors, but from wherever their ancestors came from, including worldwide.

The Family History Society is at the Treetops Research Centre, Suite 5 Stanley House, Fleets Lane, (BH15 3AJ).

The open weekend is on Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6, from 10am-3pm both days.

Society members and non-members are welcome – booking is not necessary, and parking is available on site for the weekend.

you north to meet the A3030 at Manor Farm.

Turn left and walk along the pavement almost as far as the church. You’ll join a footpath that heads northwest across a couple of fields to meet Holt Lane, which takes you north along the parish boundary.

Just after passing Bishop’s Caundle wood, on your right, join an unsigned path through a gap in the hedge. Cross the boundary bank and ditch, walk across two fields to join a path along a track to Holtwood where you turn right and follow a path southwest across a couple of fields.

Then turn left, southeast, alongside another wood, The Gorse, after which there’s a footbridge to cross and then head south back to the bend in the A3030 not far from where you started.

You’ll have walked over 5 miles and enjoyed some lovely views over the Vale.

John Walton

Fun day out for furry friends

A DOG-THEMED festival promises to entertain owners and their canine companions in an inspirational setting.

Dorchester’s botanic garden and art venue, Sculpture by the Lakes, is hosting a dog-themed festival on Saturday, September 28, complete with interactive training games, expert advice, fun classes, and stalls selling a range of ‘paw-rafernalia’.

Paws Around The Park will celebrate your four-legged friends with a brimming schedule of activities for dogs and owners alike, including light-hearted contests judged by author and broadcaster, Tiggy Walker.

Monique Gudgeon, garden director of Sculpture by the Lakes, said: “We’re continually looking for new ways to enrich our guest experience, including our furry companions. Dogs have always played an important part in our livesthey’re excellent company and a consistent source of entertainment.

“Sculpture by the Lakes lends itself as a haven of discovery for dogs and owners, with 26 acres of beautiful gardens to explore, full of scents and stimulation. Paws Around

The Park adds something special to this experience with lots of fun activities to get tails wagging. The event is the perfect way to celebrate the boundless joy dogs bring into our lives every day.”

The event, sponsored by Watercombe Dogs, is inspired by Nepal’s heartwarming Kukur Tihar festival which celebrates the special bond between humans and dogs. In a nod to the tradition, every dog entering the event will be greeted with a free flower garland and tika.

Those with a passion for pedigree pooches can meet like-minded dog enthusiasts in ‘meet the breed’, in which pedigree owners can share their experiences.

Running from 10am to 5pm, Paws Around The Park promises a full day of excitement across the entire park, with a diverse range of catering options available including outdoor fire-cooked dishes at the Riverside Kitchen.

Choose from a day ticket (£15) or an afternoon ticket (£12) for access to the sculpture park and Paws Around the Park. For more information www. sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/event/ paws-around-the-park

Idea for “shops within a shop” at old high street bank

BUSINESSES around Blandford are looking to collaborate with one another to rent out the disused NatWest building to create a hub for small businesses in the town centre.

The idea is that businesses band together to cover the rent of the building and give residents a one-stop shop to support businesses and increase footfall in the town.

The hub could also provide a space for a community arts gallery or a workshop space.

The person behind the plan, Sarah Damon of The Old Grainstore Emporium, said the hub would look to curb the spate of recent business closures in the town.

Ms Damon said she initially looked at renting the NatWest building herself but the high cost proved a barrier, so she put the word out to see if any other businesses around the town wanted to split the rent and share a premises on the High Street.

“The response was amazing,” she said.

“I met up with ‘neighbours’ of mine at The Grainhouse site who run a vegan

takeaway business (Pico Pando) who were looking to open in a café in Blandford and that for me was the writing in the sky as I feel that the type of place I envisaged can offer somewhere to meet, drink coffee and have a bite to eat – a social hub.”

Ms Damon said the group of businesses will set up a charity to provide access to funding to complete the necessary improvements and repairs to the building.

She added: “We also hope that once this project has been achieved the charity will be able to assist other businesses get funding needed to improve the town i.e. bring in more business and increase economic growth to save our high street!

“So although it may seem that encouraging businesses to make more profit goes against the grain of a non profit charity

it actually makes great sense as it will benefit the whole population – increase retail opportunities, improve the appearance of the town by making money available to struggling businesses and increase employment.”

The group is seeking trustees for the charity as well as guarantors to secure the lease of the building as well as benefactors so the can start improvements to the building while they apply for funding.

If you think you can help, email sarahrdamon@outlook.com

Supporters celebrate

Stalbridge Cancer and Recovery Support (SCARS) is celebrating its 10th anniversary this October.

The group has been a support network for many cancer sufferers, their families and friends since 2014.

On Saturday, October 19, the group will be celebrating in Stalbridge Village Hall from 11am to 4pm. The local community are all welcome.

Find out more about SCARS at www. stalbridgecancerandrecoverysupport.co.uk.

Smash and dash

POLICE are hunting vandals who threw a brick through the window of a property in Dorchester.

The incident, in Mellstock Avenue, happened some time between 3.30pm on Thursday, August 22, and noon the following day.

Dorset Police said glass was smashed and damage was caused to the window frame, as well as surrounding bricks.

PC Christopher Windows added: “I am keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard any

suspicious activity in the area around the relevant timeframe.

“Also, I would ask residents in the vicinity to please check their doorbell cameras or home CCTV systems for any footage that may assist my enquiries.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset. police.uk, or on 101, quoting incident number 55240130136. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online via crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.

Council faces difficult decisions to reduce £10.1m overspend

DORSET Council will face a challenging budget as it is on track to overspend by £10.1m this financial year.

The council said it is under extreme financial pressure due to increased demand for placement in adult and children’s social care, rising costs to deliver services and reduced funding.

The £10.1m overspend equates to 2.7% of the council’s total budget of £376.7 million.

Dorset Council provides a mix of around 450 statutory and discretionary services to 389,000 residents and businesses.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said the bulk of the predicted overspend had been anticipated, with £8.6m to be saved from the council’s transformation programme – the details of which will come in autumn.

Cllr Simon Clifford, cabinet

Get quizzing

FRIENDS of Victoria Hospital, Wimborne, are inviting quiz groups (of up to six people) and individuals to a fundraising Big Quiz to support the work of the hospital.

The quiz is on Monday, September 30, at the Allendale Centre in Hanham Road – 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

To reserve a place contact trustee, Jeff Hart, at jeffhart414@gmail.com or phone 0102 884201.

member for finance and capital strategy, said Dorset Council faces a “challenging budget situation” which could involve making some tough decisions in a bid to balance finances.

“The 2024-25 budget was set by the previous Conservative administration, and as the new administration we have inherited it, including the £8.6 million black hole,” he said.

“It is essential for us to understand the developing financial performance and projected position this year and we are acting quickly to make sure that resources are used efficiently to deliver the council’s services in a sustainable way.

“This may involve some difficult decisions.

“As councillors our focus now is to address and reduce the

forecast budget gap for year-end. We have asked senior officers to work to reduce the forecast overspend over the coming weeks.”

A report on the council’s finances for the first four months of the year will be considered at the cabinet meeting on September 10.

The new Labour government has not yet set out the likely funding arrangements for stretched local authorities – this will come with the government’s October budget and the funding settlement in December

More information on how the council’s budget is set and spent is available on the Dorset Council website at dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/our-budget-explained.

Dorset Museum – naked attraction

AN unusual – and possibly rather chilly – trip to Dorset Museum is taking place on September 17 that will see visitors taking in the raft of exhibits and information while completely naked.

The event, on September 17, will see people able to shed their clothes to take in everything from the history of

Dorset’s geology to the poetry of Thomas Hardy, in the buff.

A spokesperson for British Naturism (BN) said: “This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the museum naked.

“The museum is situated right in the centre of Dorchester where there are many wonderful eateries to tempt you and keep

On your bike!

HUNDREDS of bikers are set to raise thousands of pounds for the life-saving DocBike charity in its annual ride-out next weekend.

The event is partnering with the Dorset Bike Festival, being held in Bere Regis, for the first time this year.

More than 600 motorcyclists supported last year’s ride-out, raising in excess of £10,000 for the motorcycle injury prevention charity.

This time around bikers have five ride-out routes to choose from, starting at locations in Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Hampshire.

The new end point is the Dorset Bike Festival, being held at Wooders Campsite in Bere Regis from Friday-Sunday, September 20-22.

The festival will feature live music, stalls from motorcycle dealerships, bike displays, a bar and food stalls, festival entertainers and DocBike’s

you sustained after your visit.”

The museum said the event – the first time it has taken place – was private and would take place in the evening, outside public opening hours when the venue would usually be closed.

Claire Dixon, executive director, said: “It is part of our ethos that we open our doors to as many people as possible, and private events like this allow us to create safe spaces for everyone to enjoy the Museum and Art Gallery.

“We are always keen to

balance this commitment with ensuring we are respectful of all of our audiences. We hope this is the beginning of many new and different events and activities in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery that connect new and diverse audiences with our heritage and stories.”

Tickets are available for £16 to BN members, or £20 for non-members and includes a glass of wine or other drink on arrival, as well as vital changing facilities including a locker, and entry to the galleries.

Stay safe online

CYBERSECURITY and Artificial Intelligence are the subject of a talk in the Bow Room at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, next month.

Adrian Young will look at both subjects from the point of view of the average citizen.

The talk is on Wednesday, October 9, at 7.30pm, and entry is £4. Hot and cold drinks will be available at the bar.

grand raffle, with prizes given by businesses in Dorset. Camping and glamping pitches can also be booked in advance of the event.

DocBike receives no direct funding from the Government and relies on the generosity of members of the public to continue its work.

The charity puts trauma doctors and critical care paramedics on two wheels, to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the UK’s roads due to motorcycle collisions.

Dr Ian Mew, co-founder and trustee of DocBike, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Dorset Bike Festival for this year’s charity ride out.

“This is our annual fundraising event for DocBike, and we are excited to give bikers more choice than ever before, with five routes to choose from and the amazing end point at the festival, where everyone can come together.

“DocBike is dedicated to being there for anyone who needs emergency critical care, but we are just as passionate about helping bikers to avoid being involved in a crash by giving them tips and tricks to avoid being knocked off of their bikes.

“The support of the local motorcycling community means so much to us.”

Online registration for the ride-out on Saturday, September

21, costs £15 and includes festival entry.

Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for £5 each and tickets for the festival –excluding ride-out and free raffle entry – are also available to purchase via the charity’s website.

For more information about the DocBike Ride Out, The Dorset Bike Festival or to register online, visit www. docbike.org/dorset-ride-out

Plan for builder’s yard part of larger scheme

TWO new homes could be built on the site of a former builder’s yard in Sturminster Newton –part of a larger scheme.

Planning firm Boon Brown has applied to Dorset Council on behalf of RB Snook Ltd for permission to develop the homes on land at Clarke’s Yard,

Walk and talk tells village history

THE site of The Greate Poole that lay in the middle of Enmore 400 years ago was discovered following research into the life of Sally King.

Now David Godden will give an illustrated talk, followed by a walk around the village, highlighting traces of its history.

Proceeds from the £5 admission charge will go to St John’s Church. St John’s Church Hall, Enmore Green, on Wednesday, September 25, at 6pm.

Reading together

SHAFTESBURY Library

Reading Together group brings books to life.

If you’d like to hear short stories and poems, then discuss them in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the next fortnightly meeting of Reading Together is on Thursday, September 19, from 1.45pm-3.15pm.

Contact Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

in Bath Road.

As part of the plans, a disused warehouse and a former sales suite would be demolished.

“Although currently the site is mostly vacant, there is another proposed development for 28 dwellings within the wider Clarke’s Yard site,” the

plan said.

“A vacant area of the 28-dwelling proposal leaves space for this current proposal.”

Pictures: Boon Brown/Dorset Council

Material from the demolitions would be “repurposed and used where possible in the construction of the proposed development”, it said. For more details, and to comment on the plans, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for reference P/ FUL/2024/04689.

From stunt riders to alpacas –Dorset County Show had it all!

THOUSANDS of showgoers braved the rainy weather as they flocked to the Dorset County Show near Dorchester to enjoy a packed programme of action.

The agricultural event welcomed thrilling displays on the weekend of September 7 to 8, including Atkinson Action Horses, IMPS motorbikes, scurry racing and competitions in livestock including over 150 alpacas.

Show organiser, James Cox, said: “Crowds gasped and the word on everyone’s lips was ‘HOW?’ as Ben Atkinson stood on seven horses without any tack cantering across the main ring.

“They bowed, reared, sat and rolled with such elegance everyone was a little taken back by the spectacular performance.

“The IMPS zoomed across the ring and everyone cheered for these talented children. Looking very smart in their red coats showing how they can ride a motorbike backwards or standing up. Some of the children were just five years old and they wowed the crowd.

“New to the show this year, the alpacas were hugely popular. Over 150 gorgeous fluffy alpacas descended on the show for the new alpaca showing classes.

“The show team designed a ‘real hands-on’ show with lots of activities and free experiences for children. These were all designed to allow children to learn about farming and the rural way of life whilst they had fun exploring the showground.”

Last weekend marked the 184th year of the show which is organised by the Dorchester Agricultural Society and takes over a year to plan.

Over 300 volunteers help put the show together – one of the largest agricultural shows in the South West.

Mr Cox added: “It was a joy to see the showground busy despite the weather on Saturday but much to everyone’s delight the sun came out on Sunday.

“I want to thank the public who got in the show spirit even when we had wet weather.

“The biggest thanks goes to the phenomenal volunteers who ensured the show continued despite the Great British weather’s best efforts.

“People were really patient leaving and arriving at the show it really bought out that community cheer.

“We’re already excited for the 2025 show, with plans underway!”

The show always takes place on the first weekend of September every year, next year will take place on September 6 to 7.

Like ducks to water

RESIDENTS from Catherine House Care Home in Frome have enjoyed a scenic boat trip on the Bradford-on-Avon canal.

They saw ducks and a heron, and enjoyed lunch at Vixy’s Café, owned by the grand-daughter of one of the day trippers.

Her son treated everyone from the home to freshly made rolls, cake and ice cream.

Inspiration for greener garments

FABULOUS fashion doesn’t need to cost the Earth, say sustainable fashion week organisers.

Thanks to a collaboration between Defashion Dorset, Bridport Fashion Revolution and Sustainable Dorset, this year’s Sustainable Fashion Week promises to keep you busy.

Organisers say the week of events will celebrate local clothing culture, and raise awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion.

The theme for 2024 is The Power of Repair – highlighting the importance of mending, fixing, and upcycling to reduce waste and extend the life of our clothes.

Organisers hope to spread the word about the practice of repair as a powerful tool for

sustainability, promoting a shift away from fast fashion and towards a more resourceful approach to what we wear.

During the week, events are planned in Marnhull, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Stalbridge, Stour Provost, Sturminster Newton and Wimborne.

Join in a repair workshop; learn and practice crafts like jewellery-making, printing, or spinning; swap unwanted but good-condition clothing; and see thought-provoking films.

Many of the workshops are free, and all events are suitable for anyone who wears clothes!

Sustainable Fashion Week runs from September 23-29. See the local programme at www. hawkersfarm.org/defashiondorset.

Bryanston Prep Thrives with New Nature-Based Curriculum

Three years after merging with Knighton House, Bryanston Prep is thriving with a growing number of families joining the school this term. Recently named Country Prep of the Year 2024 by The Week’s Independent Schools Guide, the school, set in the 430 acre Bryanston Estate, offers an outstanding educational experience. At Bryanston Prep, play and learning from nature are important. The school cultivates a playful curiosity in children through outdoor play, encouraging confidence, an adventurous spirit and a love for learning. Starting this term, a new curriculum will emphasise play and outdoor learning, utilising the school’s 30 acres of natural surroundings. Nursery children will begin their days immersed in nature in Forest School, enhancing their development through play-based routines. Pre-prep children will have weekly lessons with the head equestrian riding coach, learning to care for the school’s 13 ponies.

The school benefits greatly from access to Bryanston senior school’s state-ofthe-art facilities, enriching its teaching and offering exceptional educational experiences. Children enjoy award-winning creative and performing arts and a broad range of sport taught by specialist staff.

Bryanston Prep offers full boarding as well as a modern flexi-boarding offering for children to help meet the needs of busy working families. On ‘Wacky Wednesdays’ boarders invite day children in for sleepovers and weekends are full of outside adventures, themed parties, BBQs and sleepouts in the summer.

Bryanston Prep places great importance on cherishing childhood, recognising that the first five years are crucial for learning. The school ensures a strong academic, social and emotional foundation, preparing children for future success and happiness.

School safety a priority in plans

PARKING on the school run could be made easier at a village primary school – if plans for a new car park are approved.

A Jestyn Coke Chartered Surveyors, on behalf of Hazelbury Bryan Primary School, have applied to Dorset Council for permission to create space for vehicles near the current buildings.

Picture: A Jestyn Coke/Dorset Council

A 30-space car park – and occasional coach parking area –would be developed on green space off Droop, in Hazelbury Bryan.

Currently, cars line the small rural roads around the site, the application said, creating “issues around the lack of parking provision at the school, which provide a strong justification for taking action”.

“The car parking area has been located as close as possible to the school buildings to minimise the land-take necessary,” it went on.

“At the same time, the parking and paved areas will improve access to the playing fields for users, and dedicated disabled parking spaces will be marked up on an existing parking area to the front of the school, where the distance to classrooms is shortest.

“The new parking area will itself provide a flexible space for cycle training when the site is secured.”

The scheme would see some hedgerows and land designated as playing fields lost, the plan added.

“However, the planting of trees, species-rich hedgerow, and additional measures will result in an overall net gain in biodiversity,” it said.

For more details and to comment, search for application reference P/FUL/2024/03602 on www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

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Real green homes near you

HOUSEHOLDERS looking to make their homes more energy efficient can find out more this weekend during the Dorset Greener Homes event.

Nearly 40 homeowners across the county will be opening their doors to visitors to show how they have made their properties “greener”.

Many feature solar panels, battery storage, air and ground source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation.

Others show low-cost solutions, using natural materials which can be recycled at the end of the life of the building, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Visitors can get the lowdown on installation processes, costs and the payback times on their investment.

They can also find the answers to questions such as: How noisy is a heat pump? How can I improve the insulation of my listed building? Are solar panels really worth it? How do I find a reputable installer?

Dorset Greener Homes is running for a fourth year this weekend, September 13-14, and next weekend, September 21-22.

Most homes are open for one or two of these days and may require prior booking – details and opening times can be found at www. dorsetgreenerhomes.org

of

Dorset Greener Homes is one of Dorset Climate Action Network’s (DorsetCANs) main projects.

To find out more about DorsetCAN visit www. dorsetcan.org

Superb kitchens desig Visit our showrooms to vi Shaftesbury: Longmead In Shaftesb Warminster: 01985 219 200 5 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA

Herd news

MEMBERS of Cerne Sheep Group admired Kate and Mike Harris’s Hilfield herd of Hereford cattle on a sunny August farm walk at Long Bredy. Sid and Anne Hollier have invited the group for a farm walk at Brookway Farm, Long Ash, Wardon Hill, Dorchester (DT2 9PW) on Monday, September 16, at 6.30pm. CSG signs will be displayed.

The last outdoor meeting of the season is a visit to Mark Farwell’s Motor Museum, Down End Farm, Bushes Road, Stourpaine, Blandford (DT11 8SY) on Monday, October 14, at 7pm.

Cerne Sheep Group is an affiliate of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust www.rbst.org.uk

The website also features mini-films of some of the homes. Many homes are also open outside

the event dates all year round by appointment.

Leweston - Preparing your child for the journey ahead

At Leweston, we believe in fostering a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom. Our educational approach empowers students to develop critical thinking skills and a growth mindset that they can use not only in their academic studies but also in their future endeavours. Whether your child is interested in day, flexi, weekly, or boarding options, Leweston provides a supportive and enriching environment for boys and girls to thrive. Join us at our upcoming visit weeks for a personalised, guided tour of the school and an opportunity to meet staff, students, the Headmaster and our Admissions Team.

Leweston Prep Visit Week | 23 – 27 September 2024

We believe that the best way to experience Leweston Prep is to have an individual tour, tailor-made to your requirements.

Our Visit Weeks are available to book now. These offer a personalised guided tour of the Prep during which you can find out more about our academic, creative and sporting opportunities, view our extensive facilities and talk to our Admissions team about entrance, transport, wrap-around care and more. Your visit will also include

a meeting with the Head of Prep, Mr Richard Thompson.

Contact our Admissions Team, or visit our website to book your place – admissions@ leweston.dorset.sch.uk 01963 211015 www.leweston.co.uk

Preparing your child for the journey ahead

Advertising Feature

CHAPTERS: A LIFESTYLE OF LUXURY AND EASE

Just a short stroll from the city centre, the contemporary Chapters retirement village in Salisbury perfectly complements its historic backdrop.

Splendour, convenience, and community converge at Chapters to create the ideal retirement lifestyle. These beautiful one and two-bedroom apartments have been carefully designed to suit - whether you prefer the contemporary vibe of Nightingale Square with its spacious and bright interiors, or the historic grandeur of Grade II-listed 19th-century Finch House with its high ceilings and period features. All are within a short stroll from the city centre.

This vibrant, over-55 community offers an array of facilities, including an exclusive lounge, library and TV room, cinema and activity room, bistro, and guest suite. There is also an on-site Community Manager for help and support.

Every detail, from spacious interiors to private balconies and terraces, has been meticulously curated to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Plus, with energy-efficient features and hassle-free maintenance, you can relax and embrace your newfound freedom without worry.

“We have a super community at Chapters.”

A HOME WHERE YOU CAN THRIVE

Chapters isn’t just about luxurious living spaces; it’s about fostering a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

Join your neighbours in the homeowners’ lounge or courtyard gardens for social gatherings and activities or enjoy the peace and serenity of your own space.

Whether you’re seeking a lively social scene or a quiet retreat, Chapters offers the perfect balance of sociability and privacy.

At Platinum Skies, we’re committed to providing exceptional retirement living. Come and experience this for yourself at our Chapters Discovery Day on October 3rd.

“In this community, it’s very easy to make friends.”

ELIZABETH – CHAPTERS

CHAPTERS, SALISBURY JOIN US ON OCTOBER 3RD

Let us introduce you to a world of possibilities at Chapters, Salisbury. Where luxury, convenience, and community converge to create your ideal retirement lifestyle.

Join us at our Discovery Day

On October 3rd, 11:30 a.m.

At Nightingale Square, Fountain Way, Salisbury SP2 7FU

ELEGANT, STYLISH, SAFE AND SECURE

Chapters offers extra-spacious, luxurious and light-filled 1 and 2-bedroom apartments situated in contemporary Nightingale Square or the period features and historic grandeur of Finch House.

A VIBRANT OVER 55’S COMMUNITY:

Exclusive bistro and bar. Lounge and activity suite. Onsite Community Manager. Landscaped gardens and allocated parking. From just £157,500*

QuoteFREE

Blinds, Shutters, Awnings, and so much more.

Call us on 07879 992000

www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk

Covering Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire

*Advertising Feature *Advertising feature

With all the uncertainty of the British summertime why not enhance your outdoor space with an Awning or Veranda with heating and lighting to stop the weather spoiling your plans.

Our range of Awnings are available manual or motorised operation up to 14meters long and Verandas custom built to any size, also suitable for use as a Carport.

As we head towards Autumn and we can hopefully enjoy an Indian summer our thoughts may turn towards getting our summer cars, caravans and motorhomes away for the winter months. Our range of carports can be free standing or lean to off the side of your home, and with optional sides are perfect for keeping your pride and joy dry and protected whilst not in use. You can also create covered walkways along the side of your home, keeping you dry when walking to and from garden buildings or your car. If you would like to extend your outdoor space to use all year round our range of glass or polycarbonate roof Verandas with optional sides, heating and lighting make a perfect addition to your home.

We offer a complete professional service from our home visit to installation for Blinds, Plantation Shutters, Awnings, Verandas and so much more……..

For when the heatwave arrives, we can offer a large range of Blinds and Shutters to suit your shading requirements, whether you would like blackout for a better sleep or screen blinds to reduce the solar gain into your rooms. Our expert advice and extensive experience will ensure you get the right product, and provide the shading solution you need.

Visit our web site for more details by scanning the QR code or www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk

For site survey and no obligation quotation contact us on enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000.

To see our full range of products visit the website www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk and used our contact form or call us on 07879 992000 to discuss your requirements and book a no obligation home visit.

Fern Brook Lodge residents listen to racing driver’s talk

Fern Brook Lodge residents host a picnic for children’s charity

Residents at Fern Brook Lodge care home in Gillingham hosted a picnic in aid of their chosen charity, Teddy 20, based in Blandford.

Residents at Fern Brook Lodge care home in Gillingham were thrilled to meet racing driver, Mike Wilds, who gave a talk about his career.

The care home residents hosted a teddy bears picnic with live music and afternoon tea in aid of the good cause, which raises money for children living with cancer and their families.

This was a return trip for Mike who visited the care home earlier this year to meet resident, Joy, in response to the home’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative. This enables Fern Brook Lodge residents to pursue a hobby or interest that they may not otherwise be able to enjoy without the support of the care home team. For Joy, her wish was to meet a racing driver and Mike was happy to help.

Following his first visit, Joy invited Mike to return to the home to talk about some of the highlights of his career with the other residents.

To boost the funds raised, the care home team have also completed 90-miles on an indoor static bike in return for donations to their chosen charity of the year. This is one of an onoging programme of events that the residents and staff at Fern Brook Lodge have organised to support the local community.

Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. A dedicated activities team organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.

Fern Brook Lodge, which is part of the not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. A dedicated activities team organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.

Our loose Canon

It’s not just how you tell them… The message is the heart of a sermon by

Canon Eric Woods

THE Times has been having a lively correspondence on its Letters page about the attraction of short church services – and short sermons. One letter quotes the 19th century Baptist minister Charles Spurgeon, advising his students that “if you have not struck oil after ten minutes, stop boring”.

On the whole, I agree. In “retirement”, my personal discipline when officiating at a service is to preach with a minimum of notes – and certainly for no more than ten minutes. People’s attention spans are not what they were. But is short always best?

Everything depends upon how the service is conducted, or the sermon preached. I am a great supporter of the Book of Common Prayer, with Archbishop Thomas Cranmer’s incomparable Tudor prose. But I have attended BCP services at which the Celebrant has fired-off the text like a demented machine-gun. All good actors know the difference between what director Peter Brook called “Deadly Theatre” (text delivered without sense or feeling) and “Holy Theatre” (text filled with feeling, light and shade).

Preaching is the same. I have sat through short sermons of such deadly dullness that I have nearly given up the will to live. But I have also experienced long sermons which have kept me on the edge of my pew! I think back to my time as Vicar of Wroughton in

Wiltshire (1983-1993). There was a Roman Catholic convent in the parish with a small group of delightful nuns of the Missionary Order of the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit, founded in the Netherlands. One became a particular friend. Sister Mechtraud had been an academic in both Europe and the Philippines, specialising in the sociology of religion, whilst at the same time serving as a Parish Sister caring for all. In old age she was sent to the Wroughton convent (now sadly demolished) to continue to minister to Catholic parishioners – and to crochet the inevitable blanket squares for foreign missions! In other words, her brain was no longer required.

I couldn’t understand how a woman of such calibre could no longer be used to teach. So I invited her to preach at my church. The first time, her sermon lasted for more than 40 minutes but – and this is the point – it felt to us like five minutes. She could have gone way past lunchtime without a single complaint. You see, she was preaching from the heart about helping the Good News of Jesus Christ to bump into the lives of ordinary people with whom she had worked. She spoke of their hopes and dreams, their fears and anxieties, their needs and their potential. To quote Peter Brook again – though he was writing about the theatre – she made the “invisible” become “visible”.

Throughout my ministry, I have tried in both preaching and teaching to make the Invisible become Visible. That, rather than the length or shortness of the sermon, is what really matters. One of my best teachers was an elderly Roman Catholic nun. May Sister Mechtraud rest in peace and rise in glory.

team will be showcasing the Kia Sportage Hybrid & fully electric Kia Niro EV at the Restaurant, plus there will be Exclusive Offers for all!

Photo

New advance stage dementia wing at Bramley House

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

The environment at Garden View

We deliver tailored, high-quality care to each resident, ensuring their unique needs are met with compassion and expertise.

We carefully assess and select residents to ensure a harmonious living environment where individuals can enjoy a relaxed and secure life. Our goal is to foster a community where everyone can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

The design of Garden View is meticulously planned to exude calm and tranquillity. Every aspect of the space, from the soothing colour schemes to the dementia-friendly layout, is crafted to create a serene and safe environment. Our secure access points and thoughtfully designed common areas ensure that residents can move safely, freely and confidently.

Why choose Garden View

Exclusive and intimate wing

Ensuring personalised and attentive care.

Bespoke care plans

Tailored to the unique needs of each resident, focusing on advanced stage dementia.

A dedicated highly trained team

Our care team are highly skilled in dementia care and have great knowledge about the different types of dementia and the effects they have on people’s health.

Calm and controlled environment

A carefully curated space that promotes peace and relaxation with sun-downing lighting to aid anxiety and confusion.

Harmonious living

Residents are selected to create a compatible and supportive community.

Safe and secure

Equipped to meet the needs of those with later stage age related conditions, with secure access points, a level area and dementiafriendly design.

Engaging activities and therapies

A variety of stimulating activities and therapies to enhance cognitive function and social interaction.

Arrange a viewing

We invite you to experience the exceptional care and tranquil environment of Garden View at Bramley House first hand. To book a viewing, you can contact our team to schedule a convenient appointment. However, we also understand that sometimes you might prefer a more spontaneous visit. That’s why we welcome you to drop by at any time for a show around, no appointment necessary. Our friendly staff will be delighted to give you a tour of our exclusive, intimate wing, answer any questions you may have, and show you why Garden View is the ideal choice for your loved one’s care.

Comfortable living spaces

Spacious ensuite rooms with personalised decor and communal areas designed to foster a sense of community.

Family involvement and support

Encouraging regular family visits and participation in care planning, with open communication and support from our team.

Comprehensive end-of-life care

Providing exceptional support during the final stages of life, with respect for the wishes and dignity of each resident.

Home-cooked meals

Carefully planned and nutritious home-cooked food to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of each resident.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will also be hosting ‘Candles on the Lake’ in Poole Park on 19th October and ‘Candles at the Bandstand’ in Swanage on 26th October.

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

Tales from television promise to be thrilling listen at green festival

PRESIDENT of Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dr George McGavin (pictured below), will be headlining this year’s Planet Wimborne Green Festival at ‘It’s a Wild Life – Tales from Television’ on Sunday, October 13, at Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne.

George is an explorer, author, lecturer

and TV presenter, and one of the UK’s leading authorities on the natural world. He is passionate about all creatures great and (especially) small, and has travelled the world in pursuit of various insects.

He’s the author of numerous books, with a particular focus on the insect world, and has several insect species named after him.

After teaching biological and human sciences at Oxford University for 25 years, George has used his expertise on television to present documentaries including Oak Tree: Nature’s Greatest Survivor, the BBC’s Lost Land series and Ocean Autopsy: The Secret Story of Our Seas. He is a regular contributor to The One Show

Doors open at QE School at 4pm, with George’s talk at 5pm, when he’ll share how he discovered the world of wildlife.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £2 for under-18s (under-13s must be accompanied by an adult), and are available online at www.tickettailor.com or cash only at Wimborne’s Fair Ground shop.

FULL FIBRE BROADBAND HAS LANDED

Bringing faster speeds to rural villages and towns.

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

Planet Wimborne’s Green Festival (October 12-19) has a whole host of green-themed activities and events planned for all ages.

Pick up a programme from the East Dorset Information Centre and Fair Ground shop to find out more, and check the Planet Wimborne website (www.planetwimborne. org) or Facebook page for details.

It’s Dahl day!

Celebrate Roald Dahl Day this Saturday, September 14 (11am-12), at Shaftesbury Library.

Make a revolting beard just like Mr Twit’s, enjoy a story and other activities. Suitable for children age 4-11 years. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Call Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email shaftesburylibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Choose your perfect broadband package at gigaclear.com or call 0370 224 8918

Gigaclear

Memories recorded on village video from 1980s now available online

More than 40 years ago a video was made about the north Dorset village of Bourton and the people who lived there. The old master tapes were unused for many years but now they have been digitised and can be viewed again. Trevor Bailey tells the story of their creation…

FORTY years ago Sue and John Holman and myself decided to make a video about Bourton and its people. We had previously been central to efforts to influence authority over the village’s traffic problems, including a protest march down the main road which attracted national media, and to the successful campaign to get the local pub re-opened after its closure by an unsympathetic brewery.

Now we wanted to make a record of the community as it was in 1983 and, in the process, help residents old and new to understand a little more about each other’s viewpoints. Rural life had changed massively since the 1960s and would continue to do so. There was much that needed to be expressed.

It was certainly an amateur effort using borrowed equipment which, although itself semi-professional, was primitive by modern standards. Editing had to be quite crude. It took a vast amount of work, but the video was eventually completed and made available to the community on VHS copies.

Part of the aim was to involve the BBC, which made and broadcast a 26-minute documentary about the creation of the Bourton Village Video. Subsequently a small booklet was published partly to encourage other villages to use the media in a similar way. The upshot was that Bourton had an unusual moment in the public consciousness.

The old master tapes of the Bourton Video have lain unused for many years. Quite often people who remember the project have asked if the video could be restored and made available again. Now, at last, that has happened. The original tapes have been digitised by Windrose Rural Media Trust and, although they have developed a few faults over four decades of storage, they have survived remarkably well.

So, what was it all about? We are talking about a video that ended up in three parts totalling about 2 hours 20 minutes. So, a brief summary is hardly possible. But a few examples may help.

It was a time when all of the A303 traffic came through the centre of the village. The milk factory was in full swing, employing about 70 people. The first new estates, Mill Rise and New Close, had fairly recently been built. The contentious sale of council houses was advanced. The village had two garages and two pubs. June and Trevor Griffin had revived the fortunes of the old shop.

Many, many people feature. Some have died or moved away. Others who were children at the time are now in their middle years.

Memories stretch back to both world wars. Ken Harcourt remembers disembarking in Bombay docks when in the army, by far the furthest he ever went from the village, and immediately seeing a crane made by Hindleys of Bourton.

“Pop” Suter tells the world about the introduction of navy blue PE knickers at the school.

The whole community’s dear friend, the late Fran Summerfield, is glimpsed in a most uncharacteristic curly hairdo which she got rid of the next week!

Local forester Roger Moores appears at the age of about 12, wise beyond his years. His grandfather, Jack, happily bursts into song when remembering an evening at the pub in his youth.

Gerald Moores and Danny Lawes, for whom Bourton is their lifelong home, give terse opinions with a strong grain of truth.

Farmer Geoff Miller is filmed in the harvest field telling how he thought of leaving for another life at the age of 18 but “that soon passed”.

The roles of the church and the doctor’s surgery are covered, and the then quite new village hall appears, as do many corners of the village as they were in 1983.

And then there are the advertisements for Bourton businesses!

Many newer residents were interviewed. Tom Mitchell, then parish council clerk, talks about how Bourton can get its needs recognised in the wider world. People who live on the new estates give their perspective. Passers-by, stopping for petrol, are asked to guess about the nature of the village and what goes on there.

A teenage Ruth Whitehand and a group of her contemporaries sit on the grass and contemplate the lives before them. The school features strongly, as do the children of the time.

In the middle of shooting one of the village’s great disasters happens – the school burns down. That provokes many reflections.

But at the end of the video the hall is full of Bourton people. The village dances.

Now all three parts of the Bourton Village Video are freely available to view through the Windrose Rural Media Trust website at https://windroseruralmedia. org/2024/08/24/bourton-1983-video

Many thanks are due to James Harrison of Windrose Rural Media Trust and James Harrison Productions who has undertaken all of the technical work necessary.

Tractor lovers on the run raise £2,000 for intensive care

AUGUST bank holiday saw the True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston host a family fun weekend in aid of Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The Harris and Whitfield families of Blandford organised the weekend to give something

back to a charity close to their hearts.

Helen Harris’s son Oliver was in and out of PICU in the early years of his life because he was born with an undiagnosed heart condition.

“PICU saved his life on more than one occasion,” said Helen.

“Friends of PICU supported Oliver and us as a family over the years. They do such amazing work supporting the ward as well, from funding new equipment to funding nursing staff.”

Wet weather on the Saturday morning couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who came to the True Lovers Know to see steam engines, classic cars and motorbikes. Visitors enjoyed a tin can alley, splat the rat,

hoopla and tractor trailer rides.

The bank holiday Monday saw a charity tractor run around the Tarrant, Allen and Stour valleys with support from the East Dorset Tractor Pack.

The weekend’s festivities raised £2,265 for PICU. The families would like to pass on their grateful thanks to all those who sponsored, supported, attended, who had a great time and made the event such a big success.

Green gossip

People who want to ‘do their bit’ for the planet might be interested in an informal drop-in hosted by The Black Cactus café (4 Greyhound Yard, DT11 7EB) and Planet Shaftesbury on Thursday, September 19, from 7-9pm.

Unwind with like-minded people, share stimulating conversation and swap environmental ideas.

The tractor convoy near the Tarrant Valley

Gardeners defy the weather to put on a show

ENTRANTS to East Knoyle Flower & Vegetable Show produced the usual outstanding exhibits despite a very difficult growing year.

A spokesperson for the show described it as “a lovely all-inclusive village event”.

They added that it was particularly notable for the participation of so many local children.

Blooming Bruton

ENTRIES were of a high standard in Bruton & District Horticultural Society 99th annual show despite a wetter than usual spring and uncertain summer.

The event was held at King’s School, Bruton, by permission of the headmaster.

A steady stream of visitors in the afternoon enjoyed a colourful mix of flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables, handicrafts and photographs following judging in the morning,

The society’s president, Alison Bleasdale, presented plenty of prizes in a wide variety of classes.

2025 is the society’s centenary year when the 100th annual show will be held on Saturday, August 16.

Kick up your heels

FOLKY fun for all ages is on offer when Tatterdemalion present the first Big Dorset Michaelmas Family Ceilidh in the Corn Exchange, Dorchester, at the end of the month.

The Michaelmas ceilidh, on Friday, September 27, will get under way with an hour-long session for young families, called the Kiddies’ Ceilidh, with dances especially chosen for children.

and costs £3 per child. Accompanying adults are free of charge, and one adult per child or two children is recommended.

www.beaminstersheds.co.uk 01308 861144

info@beaminstersheds.co.uk 32, North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DY

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

Sheds, Dustbin Stores And Log Storage

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

Experienced caller Teresa Williams will teach all the steps in the main ceilidh in the evening – to which children are also welcome – so no experience is necessary and nor is a partner.

The Kiddies’ Ceilidh is at 5.30pm with doors from 5.15pm

The main Michaelmas Ceilidh starts at 7.30pm and goes on until 10pm, with doors at 7pm. Tickets are £13 for adults, and £7 for under-18s and low-wage concessions.

Tickets are on sale from Dorchester Arts, either online or by phoning 01305 266926.

Garages & Carports

Summerhouses & Home Offices

Playhouse

Beach Huts

Field Shelters & Stables

Poultry Housing, Dog Houses, Kennels & Runs

Garden Gates Fencing

Bespoke Buildings

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order

Gillingham Showroom 01747 833 789

Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG

Opening Hours Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturdays by appointment only. Closed Sunday.

www.solsticekitchens.co.uk

FREE local delivery & erection of garden buildings

Bike

Noonans Mayfair are across the South West!

Noonans Mayfair will be holding their next Valuation Day in Shaftesbury on Thursday 26th September at the Grosvenor Arms Hotel.

Jewellery specialist Laura Smith, commented: “My colleagues and I are always delighted to visit Shaftesbury - we hold regular VALUATION DAYS here, offering the chance to get an up-to date advice and valuation of your JEWELLERY, WATCHES, COINS, MEDALS, SILVER AND OBJECTS OF VERTU and DETECTORIST

FINDS

”.

29th November 2022, lot 107: The Lady Brook Medieval diamond ring

Noonans’ team of experienced specialists will be on hand to offer FREE, confidential, no obligation advice on current auction values. Do come along if you’d like a valuation, drop off a consignment for sale at our London Mayfair auction house or simply have a coffee and chat about selling or buying at Noonans Mayfair.

Recent highlights at sourced in Shaftesbury and sold at Noonans include a white gold Grande Calatrava ‘Sector dial’ automatic wristwatch by Patek Philippe, circa 2006, which sold for £11,000 and a beautiful Medieval gold diamond set love ring, with an inscription in Medieval French reading: ‘‘As I hold your faith, hold mine”, which sold for £38,000.

Join the Noonans’ team at The Grosvenor Arms Hotel on Thursday 26th September from 10am-2pm. To make an appointment, please ring 0207 016 1700 or email jewellery@noonans.co.uk

28th November 2023, lot 407: A white gold automatic Patek Philippe wristwatch with date, Ref. 5296G-001, Grande Calatrava ‘Sector dial’, circa 2006.

The show must go on

by Monique Goodliffe IWERNE Minster’s

78th Summer Show was a great success.

Despite clashing with another local event which meant that numbers attending were slightly down, everyone who did come enjoyed themselves.

The addition of a bouncy castle this year for the first time meant that younger villagers were kept busy and happy.

The standard of entries was at least as high as usual despite some challenging growing conditions this year.

Two large marquees were filled with a cornucopia of flowers, vegetables, chilli plants and fruit, as well as jams and various baked goodies.

The art, photography and handicraft displays, especially for the under-16s, also demonstrated the creativity that flourishes in Iwerne Minster.

Other stalls, including the super Grand Raffle and the ever popular steam car ride, added to the buzz of the event.

The Sara Jones Band provided the musical entertainment and the WI a splendid selection of cakes and tea.

The show could not happen without the help of people willing to give their time, not only to organise the event and to run the stalls, but also to set up mini marquees, gazebos and tables, and to take them all in again afterwards.

It is to the great credit of the village that it went off so well.

Marion Harrison celebrates victory in the flower arranging class

Mervyn Marsh presents David Le Prevost with the Bowhay Tankard for men’s cookery

The great potato weigh-in: Dianne Benfield was the winner

12 weeks helped me change my habits

and now I’m at target!

Lorraine says, I knew that slimming world world as I had done it previously so I contacted Livewell Dorset and they said I was reliable for a free 12 weeks.

Walking back in felt scary but once I had done it, each week became easier as image therapy helped to make some changes which would suit my lifestyle.

I didn’t need to feel hungry and I could cook the same meal for the whole family which was perfect (no need to give up my favourites like spaghetti carbonara as it fitted in the plan!)

As time passed my weight went down and my confidence began to increase, in group each week I was able to talk openly about how I felt and any difficulties i faced with knowing I would have help and support from my consultant Gail and the other members in group.

My mobility has improved as a result of losing weight and I know enjoy wearing sporty leggings and I also joined a gym to work through some body magic awards too.

I then became a consultant in October 2023 in Gillingham and recently in Shaftesbury so I can now share the excitement of losing weight and support others along their journeys too.

I’ve also reached my personal target weight and have lost a total of 3 stone 13lb an and I know that with slimming worlds maintainance plan I can be slim for life!

I completely know how daunting it can be to walk through the doors of a Slimmimg world group for the first time but I also know how supportive the consultant and your fellow members are so be brave and become the person you want to be …. If you can dream it you can do it.

Blandford

Methodist Church

Tuesday 6.00pm

Debbie 07415565185

Blandford

Methodist Church

Wednesday 5.30pm, 7pm

Debbie 07415565185

Blandford

Methodist Church

Thursday 5.30pm - 7pm

Tracey 07776309982

Blandford British Legion

Wednesday 8.30am, 10am, 11.30am

Tracey 07776309982

Shaftesbury

Royal Chase Hotel

Thursday 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am

Lorraine 07771013728

Shaftesbury

Royal Chase Hotel

Thursday 6pm, 7.30pm Gail 07748643783

Gillingham

Social Club

Hardings Lane

Tuesday 5.30pm, 7pm

Tracey 07776309982

Gillingham

Youth and Community Centre

Tuesday 9.30am, 11am

Lorraine 07771013728

Sturminster Newton

The Exchange

Monday 5.30pm, 7.30pm Gail 07748643783

Sherborne

Raleigh Hall

Digby Road

Tuesday 5.30pm

Sally 07973665167

Sherborne

Raleigh Hall

Digby Road

Wednesday 9am

Sally 07973665167

Wincanton

Memorial Hall

Wednesday 5.45pm, 7.30pm Gail 07748643783

Puddletown

Village Hall

Thursday 7pm

Julie 07871821928

Lord-Lieutenant’s legacy

THE Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell CVO, has retired after 10 years in the role. He was appointed as the Queen’s representative in the county in 2014 and welcomed her on two visits to Dorset.

Most members of the Royal Family have visited Dorset in that time and he welcomed them on 43 occasions.

The Lord-Lieutenant has supported numerous charitable organisations as patron, and presented many with The Queen’s (and latterly The King’s) Award for Voluntary Service, as well as several businesses with The Queen’s/ King’s Award for Enterprise.

He has also presented the MBE and BEM to Dorset residents.

He has supported members of the Armed Forces, attending Freedom Marches, Beating Retreat Ceremonies, Remembrance Services, and the

Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association through which he appoints outstanding young cadets to be his LordLieutenant’s Cadet for a year’s term.

He launched the LordLieutenant’s Fund for the Young and Talented through Dorset Community Foundation, which supports young people with a talent in sport to have the opportunity to excel in their field, some to Olympic standard. Prior to his political career,

Sue steps up to Rotary challenge once again

IT is a case of second time around for the incoming president of Wimborne Rotary, Sue Young. Sue, previously president for 2016/17, has once again taken on the role, and at a special handover luncheon, outgoing president, Graham West, passed his badge of office to her.

Sue said: “What I hope most for Wimborne Rotary in this coming year, is that everyone enjoys their time in the club, and that everyone gets as much out of their membership as possible and values the tremendous fellowship that Rotary offers.

“My thanks go to Graham for all that he has done for the club during his year in office and with Wimborne Rotary celebrating 75 years of being a part of Rotary International next year, I know it will be an interesting and eventful year for me.”

Angus Campbell served for many years in the Army Air Corps before he became the Leader for North Dorset District Council, and later Leader of Dorset County Council.

He was chair of the Dorset Olympic Board and of the Strategic Leaders Board for the Southwest. He has also been a governor of several schools in the county.

Councillor Stella Jones, chair of Dorset Council, said: “Angus epitomises what it is to dedicate one’s life to the service to others and the benefits this brings to our communities and county.

“His departure leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion and unwavering dedication to community service.

“We thank him for his outstanding service to his beloved county of Dorset, and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Crafty creators

WIMBORNE Craft Fair returns to the Allendale Community Centre at the end of the month.

The event, organised by Wimborne Rotary, promises a varied display of locally made arts and crafts, all for sale.

Visitors do not have to pay to get in but will be invited to give to Rotary charities when they leave.

Craft fair organiser, Rotarian Chris Mogg, said: “Local crafters are enthusiastic to display their skills, and we are confident the public will find a visit to the fair interesting and enjoyable.”

The event is on Saturday, September 28, from 11am to 4pm.

From left: Wimborne Rotary president elect, Brian Dryden, president Sue Young, and outgoing president, Graham West

Native wildflowers will improve natural flood plains for future

A TEAM of conservation officers and volunteers in Dorset has been given the go ahead to plant native wildflowers and meadow grasses, which will enhance floodplain fields for biodiversity.

The project will take place at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, which is owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust, a charity promoting nature-friendly farming to help reverse the biodiversity decline and combat climate change.

The team will be reseeding a total area of one hectare with brush-harvested seed from floodplain meadows managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The plan is to increase coverage over the rest of the floodplain fields at Bere Marsh in future years.

CRT Head of Conservation and Land Management Helena Darragh explained why the project is so important.

“Species-rich floodplain meadow habitat in Britain has dramatically declined due to agricultural intensification, urban and industrial development of these flat, low-lying, and fertile areas, as well as alterations to their hydrology through changes to river systems.

“Due to their proximity to watercourses, species-rich floodplain meadows were once the most productive fields on farms, receiving their nutrients each year through highly fertile silt deposited on the land during flood events.

“This special value has decreased with fertiliser now used more widely across farm holdings and high yielding grasses selected to grow hay or silage adding to the overall loss of this biodiverse habitat.”

Floodplain meadows are characterised by diverse herb-rich swards and feature the iconic great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) plant with its crinkle-cut leaves, producing beautiful burgundy seed heads in summer. Other wildflowers include common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis).

“These magnificent lowland habitats contribute to nature-friendly farm practices through providing a valuable nutritious source of food for livestock,” adds Helena.

“A hay cut is taken in summer, followed by the grazing of regrowth in autumn, until it becomes too wet for livestock to be on the field.”

During winter and spring months, floodplain meadows are often inundated with floodwater, providing nesting and

feeding habitat for a huge array of birdlife. As the ground becomes drier, livestock can be let on to graze the early grass growth, before being shut out to allow wildflowers to come through and produce an herb-rich hay crop, and so the cycle comes full circle. Native wildflower seeds need contact with bare soil to germinate so machinery is used to scratch the top surface of vegetation away to create perfect conditions for sowing.

“So, while it may not look much at first, keep an eye out in the spring and summer next year for a boost in wildflower abundance on these fields, providing pollen and nectar for a range of pollinators,” adds Helena.

Across its properties in England, the CRT is committed to enhancing our farmed environment for biodiversity through conservation projects which restore natural habitat as part of our nature-friendly farm practices.

“Over the coming years at Bere Marsh Farm, we will be working to restore the botanical diversity of our floodplain meadows, adding locally sourced native wildflower seed to the existing grassland.

“With the UK now subject to more short, sharp downpours in winter months (and throughout the year) ensuring our floodplains function more effectively by storing water helps to alleviate flooding downstream and reduce soil erosion, providing benefits to local communities.”

“We’re really looking forward to seeing our meadows flourish, providing for more pollinators and having positive ramifications all the way up the food chain,” she adds.

“Not only is this great news for birds, mammals, pollinators and other invertebrates, but diverse swards in floodplains help to sequester carbon deep into the soil and improve soil moisture retention since having lots of different plants means a range of rooting depths and systems, all working to pull carbon and water down into the soil to support growth.

For more information about the project and the CRT, please see the website at www. thecrt.co.uk

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

One Life

Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 20 September | 6.30 for 7.00 pm

£6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

MILBORNE PORT

MACMILLAN COFFEE

MORNING. 20th September at 10.30am at the Town Hall, High Street, DT9 5AG.

RACE NIGHT.

28th September, 6.30 for 7pm. King Arthurs School Wincanton. 2ancer Charity Fund Raiser. Contact Mel. Tel: 07484-154800 for tickets. £12.00 including food plus 1 drink

THE SHAFTESBURY R.M.G. OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCES Association will be holding its annual Battle of Britain service and wreath laying ceremony on Sunday 15th September, 1100 hrs at the Shaftesbury Town Memorial on Park Walk.

ON MONDAY 14 OCTOBER

DAVID BAILEY, Wild Life Photographer, will be presenting ‘Good Hare Days’ to the members of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild. David is a Wildlife Photographer and after a short business meeting at 2.p.m.and a cup of tea or coffee, he will commence his presentation in the Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, DT1 3DF. Visitors would be made very welcome (£3). Enquiries 01305 832857.

THE VOLUNTEERS OF NORDIS Gillingham invite you for Coffee & Cake, Wednesday 25th September, 10-1pm to Celebrate their 30th Anniversary.

MIND BODY SPIRIT FAYRE. Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AA. September 21st 11am-5pm.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9th 2024

Michaelmas Artisan and Craft Fayre. Melbury Osmond Village Hall DT2 0LU 10 am – 4 pm Just off the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil

Join us for an indoor Christmas Fayre with 20 stalls for all your festive presents. Free parking and entry. Refreshments including mulled wine.

27 SEPTEMBER:

BLANDFORD & DISTRICT BRANCH of the University of the Third Age. Dawn Lawrence: Two steps behind {on the endangered wildlife of the world}. 2 pm at Durweston Village Hall. Please call 01258 628079 for further information.

SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER,

a Dorset Extravaganza in Holy Rood Church, Buckland Newton featuring The Dorset Wrecks, All funds raised go to Chancel Roof repairs, so please help us Raise The Roof! starts at 7.00pm. tickets £10 from 07971 277584, 01300 345434 or Old Chapel Stores in Buckland Newton.

FURNITURE, VARIOUS STORAGE UNITS, cupboards, chairs, desks, meeting table. Sturminster Newton. Prices negotiable, Delivery possible. 07973 521288

New Blackmore Vale Magazine

DEADLINES

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

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

SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

DAMERHAM SP6 3HU Pet/ Equestrian Table Top Sale. Seller’s 10.00 table £10 book info@damerham.org

ANTIQUES VALUATION & AFTERNOON TEA

Saturday 21st September 3-6pm

VILLAGE HALL IBBERTON, DT11 0EL

Entry £10 includes one valuation & tea Tel: Brenda 01258 472328

Supporting Belchalwell Church

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT

GARY RYAN, Professor of Guitar at RCM, supported by Sherborne Girls’ Madrigal Society and Chamber Musicians

Saturday September 28th at 6.30pm at St. Laurence Church, Holwell DT9 5LB Tickets: £15 & £12 from Bishops Caundle Shop or Keith Budgell 01963 23428 budgells@hotmail.co.uk

LYN’S BINGO at Marnhull

Royal British Legion on Monday 16th September Eyes down 7pm

HOUSE CONTENTS

SALE on Saturday 21st September 9am-5pm. 15 Linden Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8QZ Furniture, kitchen items and appliances, bedroom, study everything must go. Contact: Dave Dayes 07879 444 199

11 5 40 64 22 BINGO!

Stalbridge Hall Thursday 26th September Doors open 6.30pm Eyes down 7.30pm In aid of hall funds

90

Horrified at plans for solar farm

I AM horrified to have learnt about the proposed solar farm which will gobble up and despoil the beautiful countryside around my home villages of Thornford, Bradford Abbas and north to the A30 at Over Compton.

This is a vast area of countryside, which until recently had been a tenant farm looked after and farmed by a local family for decades but then sold on by Winchester College, in the most part to the Melbury Estate.

It is prime arable land and should not be taken out of food production. We need to maintain food security in the UK.

We also need to keep tenanted farms to give young people and families the possibility of entering the farming business. Otherwise, it becomes a closed shop.

There seems to have been little communication with local villages like Thornford.

I have just become aware of it, and we are apparently in the middle of a short public consultation.

We have two other solar farms in our little corner of Dorset – Clifton Maybank and Ryme Intrinseca. Both of which are not far apart as the crow flies.

Claire Thompson Via email

MP and budget

‘black hole’

THE “Politics” pages of the New Blackmore Vale always provide an excellent snapshot of regional political opinion, but I was a bit surprised by Simon Hoare’s piece on August 30.

His version of the current black hole budget issue differs from other reports where the IFS had agreed there was a problem, and that it was

effectively concealed by the last government, and in response, ex-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had already suggested he had planned to fix it by increasing productivity.

It is strange, of course, that Hunt had not already done this when he was employed to do so.

Hoare continues by implying the dire situation of overflowing prisons has magically evolved in just the last eight weeks.

He is now spreading fear about impending tax rises, yet fails to mention the most obnoxious tax raid during his government’s tenure – the freezing of the personal tax-free allowance.

If his lot had increased it in line with inflation, it would now be £20,000 per annum, not £12,500.

That alone means everyone earning £20,000 a year or more, is paying £1,500 a year more in tax than they really should.

He makes no mention of his government’s wilful destruction of the NHS Dental Service.

He speculates that recent pay awards are a threat but fails to recognise that doctors, nurses, teachers and so on deserve to be paid properly, and especially so after so many years of the meanest pay settlements.

In stark contrast, one should not forget his salary is a splendid £91,346. I expect a more honest and polished performance from a public servant on such a handsome salary.

Clive Pallot Via email

Press MPs to help protect the climate

LIVING on the border of Somerset and Dorset, we know that people have already suffered ghastly flash floods and wild fires with the increasingly extreme weather events that

accompany global heating; we know that warming oceans are having an adverse impact on fish populations and therefore on fisheries, and that sea level rise will upset coastal communities in so many ways.

The cost-of-living crisis, caused by high fossil fuel prices, makes life hard for many of us.

This summer has seen a sad lack of birds, bees and butterflies – this is also scary as our whole lives depend on nature.

We both have children and feel sick to the core that they currently face such an awful future.

Fifteen months ago, nearby villages suffered appalling flooding when an estimated 130mm of rain fell in a short time.

We know it is only a question of when and not if that our village and others suffer in the same way.

Human activity is causing irreversible climate change.

The average global temperature has increased by almost 1.5C above preindustrial levels and is rising.

The natural world has reached crisis point, with many plants and animals threatened with extinction.

The UK is already one of the

most nature-depleted countries in the world.

So, we are delighted that there is a ready-made Bill, the Climate and Nature Bill, which aims to align current UK environmental policy with the need to limit global warming and reverse nature loss by 2030.

A large group of us are campaigning for the Bill in Somerset and Dorset.

It has cross-party backing from MPs and Peers, and more than 350 local authorities, town and parish councils.

It has the support of more than 1,000 eminent scientists, businesses and many members of the public.

We need our MPs to push for the Bill right now. We can help secure our future by taking two minutes to email our MP and ensure by the number of us doing so that they give the Climate and Nature Bill the priority it urgently needs.

Visit www.action.zerohour. uk.

Richard and Sarah Warren Via email

The Bedlam of East and West

Oh East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet

Except upon the 303 if the roadworks are ever complete

And whilst they alter the carriageway and divert from the roundabout

The stranger will try another route and think they can catch them out.

He knows he wants to face the west - after all to Cornwall he goes

Ignoring the signs put there to test he doggedly thinks he knows.

The lane is too small but on he must crawl until he can find

Richard and Sarah Warren campaigning at the Oak Fair, Stoke Gaylard last month

someone’s gate

And there he must turn despite faces stern and shoot back before it’s too late.

Back to the chaos of cones and lights he finally finds the right way

Of course! To the East is where he must face and loop round and rejoin the fray.

But there is neither East nor West, Border nor breed nor birth

To justify the cost and stress though it cost us the end of the earth.

Frances Turner

With apologies to Rudyard Kipling

Thanks for great family day out

HOME-START Blackmore Vale would like to thank Wessex Internet for sponsoring its family day out for the second year running.

The company’s generosity enabled 13 parents and 27 children to spend a day on Knoll beach.

Families attended from across the Blackmore Vale –Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Blandford Forum.

We are always ready to welcome and train new volunteers both for home visiting and group work.

We are starting a training course on September 10. If you are interested, please get in touch with Chelsey Gowan on 07730 218 436 or at chelsey.gowen@ homestartblackmorevale.co.uk/ for more information, or visit

the website at https:// homestartblackmorevale.org.uk. Caroline Salt Trustee, Home-Start New Blackmore Vale

Treasure trove of poetry

I WANTED to share a story about a poetry library I came across in Hazeldon, near Salisbury.

Three of these were created – the others are in Tisbury and Semley, and the Semley one has been sold to the village shop –for £1!

Typically, the Hazeldon one is in a disused telephone box, but unlike most of these converted phone boxes, it is full of new exciting editions of contemporary poetry, beautifully curated and filed. I loved the book I borrowed from it and being introduced me to new poets, so I left a copy of a poem I wrote about my first visit there when I returned: Lines from a Telephone Box In the heart of Hazeldon Of chalkdown and ox-drove, Near the plaguestone of Semley, Ashcombe, Broadoak and Milkswell, Swallowcliffe and Summerleaze, Shines a poetry box.

Its red is new-minted, The hump of its handle smooth,

So, slip in your fingers and prise open the door.

Inside are strings of similes, tiers of metaphors, Spines stiff, filed nattily. No trace of curled pages, sniff of damp: Someone cares to range them so, dot their jackets, Claim a grant.

Shyly, I befriend a poet, stow her book safely, Pedal away.

At home, I savour her sad years, her grace and her zest; Thank that phoenix of a phone box.

There is a treasury aflame in

Hazeldon, By Tisbury and Pythouse, Birdbush and Beauchamp. Seek it, pull upon its door and

Linger a beat, to let its words fly free.

I was delighted to receive this response from the curator, Martin: “I went to the Hazeldon phone box today to stock it up and I found your amazing poem on the seat.

“Thank-you so much for letting me see that – it is a wonderful piece.

“And it means a great deal to me as it validates the whole enterprise: what you feel about the phone box is exactly what I was hoping people would feel.”

beautiful, lesser known Christmas carols.

Next year we will be tackling Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and some choruses from popular operas.

Any musical skills you possess will be very valuable but for those who love singing but don’t read music, we have online learning aids.

Most of what we sing is in four parts and we have vacancies for all parts, sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. There are no auditions.

We have two talented professional musicians to help us. We are led by Thomas Mottershead who has a Masters degree in choral conducting and is also an experienced singer and tenor soloist.

email

Sally Collings Via

Singers’ invite to join them

CONVIVIAL company, a common purpose, learning something new, working as a team, relaxation, a gentle warm up of body and voice, being immersed in beautiful music, mutual help and support, responding to a challenge, reviving old skills, entertaining, engaging, expert assistance, physical and mental wellbeing, joyful singing,

What better way to spend a Tuesday evening than in rehearsal with The Athenaeum Singers!

Our rehearsals were set to start again on Tuesday, September 10, in Christ Church, Weymouth Street, Warminster, and usually get under way at 7.30pm.

We are being introduced to the music we are learning for our concert in December which includes some lively choruses from Messiah and some

Dr Douglas Stevens, accompanist, composer and concert recitalist, enthrals us with his virtuosity and supports our efforts in rehearsing the music.

We would love to attract more singers to join the fun. Prospective singers can come to three rehearsals before any fees are due so there is a golden opportunity to get to know how we function before you have to commit yourself.

Our website, www. athenaeumsingers.com, is the best way to find out more about us.

The physical and mental benefits of activities like singing are widely regarded – why not spread your wings with us and give it a go?

Alison Arthur The Athenaeum Singers

Flower displays have been a treat

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to Wimborne in Bloom for organising the wonderful flower basket and tub displays around the whole of the town, to the suppliers of said flowers and to the people keeping them watered. They have been a real treat this year.

Carole Crease Wimborne

Paisley, Nyla, Esther and Orson, from Blandford Forum, enjoy their day at the beach

The Athenaeum Singers’ answer to The Three Tenors in rehearsal

Misadventures of a man with two bosses

SIDE-SPLITTING comedy is promised when One Man, Two Guvnors comes to venues in Dorset over the next few weeks.

The show, written by Richard Bean, originally premiered at the National Theatre in London in 2011 and is a modern adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic play The Servant of Two Masters

Set in Brighton in 1963, the story follows the misadventures of Francis Henshall, a hapless, easily confused but ever-hungry individual, who finds himself simultaneously employed by two eccentric bosses, each with their own agendas.

As Francis attempts to keep his double employment a secret, he becomes entangled in a web of madcap schemes, romantic entanglements and outrageous situations.

The show, featuring a talented ensemble cast, is presented by Revive Theatre and directed by Richard Batt. One Man, Two Guvnors is at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on Thursday and Friday, September 26 and 27, at 7.30pm, and Saturday,

September 28, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; the Electric Palace Theatre in Bridport on Friday, October 4, at 7.30pm and Saturday, October 5, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; and the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12, at 7.30pm.

A LEADING exponent of the classical guitar who has performed all over the world to international critical acclaim is coming to Holwell.

Gary Ryan is performing at St Laurence Church supported by Sherborne Girls’ Madrigal Society and Chamber Musicians.

Gary is head of strings and professor of guitar at the Royal College of Music.

He is also the first guitarist since John Williams to be awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Music, in recognition of his achievements in the international musical world.

He has also performed with Williams and John Etheridge in the guitar trio 6 Hands.

The concert, in aid of St Laurence Church funds, is on Saturday, September 28, at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available from Bishops Caundle Shop or Keith Budgell on 01963 23428 or email budgells@hotmail.co.uk

ANDY PARSONS

One Man, Two Guvnors is set in Brighton in 1963

Arts & Entertainment

Six Men tells story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs

THE New Hardy Players are set to reprise Six Men of Dorset – the Tolpuddle Play – in Dorchester.

They are staging three performances following six sell-out performances in June and an appearance at the Tolpuddle Festival.

The drama, by Miles Malleson and HA Brooks, about the struggles of six Dorset farm labourers to earn a living wage, became a national cause celebre in 1834 and still resonates today.

The Six Men became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, now credited with creating modern trade unionism.

The New Hardy Players

Boogie with the boys from Norway

HYPNOTIC rhythms and trippy grooves to move the soul are promised when the Flammer Dance Band, from Norway, come to Frome.

The seven-piece, dubbed one of Europe’s most exciting avant garde funk groups, performed on the main stage at Shambala last summer.

They have also had repeat

plays from Gilles Peterson and Craig Charles over the past few years.

The gig is at The Tree House on Sunday, September 22, with doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £15 plus standard service charge – for more information visit thetreehouse@cheeseandgrain. com

perform the first part of the story in the Corn Exchange – the venue for the original 1934 production – and then lead the audience up High West Street to the Historic Courtroom in the Shire Hall Museum where the infamous trial took place.

The production features traditional hymns and folksongs, live music and specially filmed sequences, and is The New Hardy Players’ most ambitious production to date.

Six Men of Dorset is a co-production with Dorchester Arts and the Shire Hall Museum and is being performed on Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, at 7.30pm, and on the Sunday at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the Dorchester Arts box office in the Corn Exchange on 01305 266926 and at www. dorchesterarts.org.uk.WW

THE 25th anniversary performance of Miss Saigon will be screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre later this month as part of Cinema Live.

The show was shot in front of a sell-out live audience at the Prince Edward Theatre.

In a special finale, the cast are joined on stage by original cast members Jonathan

Pryce, Lea Salonga and Simon Bowman.

Miss Saigon tells the tragic tale of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with American GI Chris – but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

Miss Saigon (15) is being screened on Monday, September 23 at 7pm.

Wheel set to wow

SPECTATORS

at Yeovil’s Super Saturday event next weekend are set to be wowed by a giant wheel measuring 12ft in height. Members of the Autin Dance Theatre Company and a large cast of local people will be carried high above the streets, accompanied by music, on The Giant Wheel.

Parade: The Giant Wheel will be performed on Saturday, September 21, at the Quedam Shopping Centre at noon and 3pm.

The play will be performed in the Corn Exchange and the Historic Courtoom in the Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester

The Flammer Dance Band are playing The Tree House, Frome

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

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

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

1 Notes in ground stress (7)

5 Hospital with single doctor restricted, a place of great industry (4)

9 Very substantial anger when leaving area in final (7)

10 Lecturer with improvised cure making money (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro

11 Strong point found in home rituals? (5)

Down

2 Frightful youth discarding top and slip (5)

3 Orchestration of secular pact that is extremely impressive (11)

4 Time in old underground area to find range notes (6)

6 Take in at home hint about duke (7)

7 Exercise in middle of week revealing fencing accessory (4)

12 Strength in Spanish city, city of biblical pedigree (6)

14 Await extra infused with muscle (6)

16 Claim made son beset by tears unusually (6)

18 Slender and graceful soprano and large tenor in turn endlessly (6)

19 Greek character entering final phase (5)

22 Less common period recalled in posh car (5)

23 Indifferent gear, maybe (7)

24 Premier circle in Irish county (4)

25 Official concerned with payment around Rome’s outskirts (7)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

8 Fruit supported by person of a wider frame

10 Ugliest earl at work, source of edicts? (11)

and

13 Where a practical geologist might be culpable? (2,5)

15 Lack of resources regarding time in Paraguay (7)

17 Complicated name that is for small-minded type (6)

20 Pressure with drive to produce expulsion undesirables? (5)

21 Doctor in the morning getting small drink

Frightful youth discarding top and slip (5)

Orchestration of secular pact that is extremely impressive (11)

4 Time in old underground area to find range of notes (6)

6 Take in at home hint about duke (7) 7 Exercise in middle of week revealing fencing accessory (4)

8 Fruit supported by person of a wider frame (7)

Ugliest earl at work, source of edicts? (11)

13 Where a practical geologist might be culpable? (2,5)

15 Lack of resources regarding time in Paraguay (7)

17 Complicated name that is for small-minded type (6)

20 Pressure with drive to produce expulsion of undesirables? (5)

21 Doctor in the morning getting small drink (4)

Church

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

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

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

• Chatty Café Scheme: Pear Tree Café, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Mondays 2-3.45pm. Look for the table with the yellow sign, stay for five minutes or longer if you enjoy chatting!

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

• Cheap Street Church Hall, Sherborne: Dorset Youth for Christ ‘Youth Hangout’, a space for young people aged six-11 in Sherborne to connect with others their age, play games and explore the Christian faith. Every second Sunday of the month, 6.30-7.30pm.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: The Mothers’ Union’s next meeting is on Friday, September 27, at 10am in the Griffiths Room. The speaker is John Stokoe on the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital. Everyone welcome.

• Dorset Historic Churches Trust Ride & Stride: Mike Keatinge aims to ride a 50-mile route visiting a possible 24 churches, and Eric Jager a 40-mile run route visiting about 19 churches in aid of the charity on Saturday, September 14. Donate via the yellow DHCT envelopes in Sherborne Abbey, with gift aid if possible.

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

Holy Communion.

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

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

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

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, September 15 – 9.30am Communion at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 9.30am Family Service + Harvest at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am Communion at St Mary Church, Tarrant Rushton. Sunday, September 22 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 11am BCP Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Crawford; 11am Harvest Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10am-11.30am first and third Monday each month; coffee and cake –Blandford St Mary 10am11.30am September 19; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm –Tuesday to Friday. Every Thursday, Morning Prayer by Zoom, 9am – contact Jane Griffin for more information.

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

• Longburton Village Café: Held in the village church of St James, the cafe provides tea, coffee – free refills – and great cakes for just £2. Tuesday, September 24, from 10.30amnoon.

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

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

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

Communion.

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

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

• Sherborne Abbey organ recitals: Mondays at 1.30 pm, free entry, retiring collection. Monday, September 16, Peter Bray, assistant organist, Sherborne Abbey.

• Sherborne Abbey Remembering the Fallen: Short service on the third Friday of the month at 11am in the Lady Chapel. Next service, Friday, September 20. Following prayers, a member of the Devonshire & Dorset Regimental Association reads the names from one page each of the two Dorset Regiment Books of Remembrance, the Sherborne Book of Remembrance and The Rifles Book of Remembrance. The service concludes with the Last Post, Two Minutes’ Silence, Reveille and Blessing.

• Sherborne Quakers: Meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room, Digby Memorial Church Hall. Everyone welcome. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599.

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

• St Gregory’s, Marnhull:

Sunday services 8am and 10am. Other services, visit www. stgregorysmarnhull.org.uk.

• St Catherine’s, Sedgehill: Choral Evensong for Harvest with the Benefice Choir, Sunday, September 15, 6pm; refreshments from 5.15pm.

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

• St Luke’s Church, West Orchard (Shaftesbury Benefice) SP7 0LJ: September 8, Holy Communion 11.15am. Prayer and fellowship in the village church – everyone welcome. Enquiries, phone 01747 812365.

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

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

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

• St 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.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church, BA22 7QB. Sunday services: September 15 and 22, 6pm – Evening worship. September 29, 6pm – United “Songs of Praise”.

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

Doing solar: How the numbers work

MY background, prior to entering politics, was in small-scale commercial rooftop solar rather than the 50MW utility-scale type project being proposed for near Bradford Abbas. However, many of the same fundamentals apply.

If we are to avoid the worst ravages of impending climate crisis, then we need to rapidly decarbonise energy generation. That means more renewable energy – in all its forms.

For the UK to meet its solar targets we will need to convert about 0.3% of the UK’s total land to solar. That is roughly half the amount currently being used as golf courses.

Those people who say we should be using rooftops and car parks do not understand the economics of solar. In simple numbers, rooftop solar costs twice as much as groundmount, and carport twice as much again. Until we fundamentally reform the UK energy market and force energy companies to

LibDem MP for West Dorset

Edward Morello

pay generators – whether companies or households – a meaningful sum for energy exported to the grid, then utility-scale groundmount solar will remain the primary model for investing in solar. Unlock the commercial viability of rooftop and solar carports and private money will prioritise those projects over groundmount.

Buyer’s remorse

WELCOME to the season of mellow fruitfulness everyone. This year, the anteroom to our colder months will have pensioners contemplating the unexpected loss of their winter fuel payments. That’s a particular issue in our area because of the number of older, difficult to heat properties, many of them off grid.

But Sir Kier has been laying out his political choices and priorities. He immediately cancelled the Rwanda plan. It was the only scheme that might just curb murderous, illegal, small boat migration. Instead, we’ve had Labour homilies about talking nicely to the French. A pragmatist would have let the scheme run given that the planes were already sitting on the tarmac – and bin it after a few months if the plan didn’t work. A diplomat would certainly not have gone out of

We also need to urgently invest in upgrading the national grid so that projects can be located anywhere, and demand can be met regardless of location. We cannot achieve our decarbonisation targets without also addressing the capacity problem.

Finally, we must ensure that the drive to generate clean energy does not come at the cost of food production. Meeting our national solar target would require roughly 0.5% of the land currently farmed. In the case of the Wyke Solar Farm the land is predominately grades 3B and 4, theoretically less productive land, but the potential 430-acre site also contains parcels of the highest – Grade 1. Taking any productive land away from food production is bad for UK food security.

The reality is that making a living from food production is increasingly difficult. Farmers who agree to lease their land to

renewable energy developers do so because the income represents a better future than traditional farming. That is an incredibly alarming state of affairs. We must address how our farmers are paid for the food they produce in order to secure their future and the future of the next generations of farmers. If we make farming viable then we will stop seeing land given over to solar.

The Wyke Solar farm is in its “pre-app” stage. That means no application has been made yet, however RWE has begun a consultation process with local residents ahead of making a planning submission. People can email RWE or attend the in-person consultation in Bradford Abbas Village Hall on Monday, September 16, at 4pm. I will also be meeting personally with the developers to express my concerns. The council will have its opportunity to scrutinise the plans once an application has been made.

already kicking in

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

his way to embarrass a country like Rwanda. Then we had the caving in to trade unions representing relatively well-paid rail workers and doctors and filching the money from pensioners’ winter fuel allowance. Although this doctor thanks Sir Kier very much, how can it possibly be right?

Of course, everyone else in the state sector, especially those represented by trade union backers of the Labour Party, can now expect an inflation-busting pay rise. Who’d have thought?

Being a fair man, I’m reserving judgement on Labour’s – rather pasty –assertion it’s going for economic growth until I see the details of next month’s budget. However, early signs aren’t great. You get growth when individuals see a prospect of a meaningful personal return from the risk they take to achieve it. If the Government’s growth deal involves business failure meaning personal financial hardship while success means no obvious personal benefit because you’re being fleeced by the Chancellor, it’s bound to fail. It’s not surprising wealth creators are looking elsewhere, a process accelerated

by the new Prime Minister talking down the country’s prospects in his zeal for suggesting, contrary to the evidence, that he’s inherited a dog’s breakfast.

Growth in this area will plainly be impacted by Sir Kier’s cancellation of improvements to the A303 at Stonehenge – incidentally, leaving the Sparkford upgrade nearing completion as a bit of a white elephant. Meanwhile, it looks like Defence, one of the biggest employers here, is being singled out for cuts.

Just two months in, we’re seeing the dire impact this administration is going to have across West Wiltshire and the Blackmore Vale. Buyers’ remorse is already kicking, but sadly it’s not Amazon Prime – you’ve got to wait another four or five years to bag this lot up and send them back.

Politics

Labour wrong on fuel allowance

I SPEAK from experience when I say that one of the hardest jobs in politics – when you are in government – is trying to look supportive when a policy is going down like a bucket of cold sick with the electorate. Do you cheer to give confidence to your leader or do you sit quietly trying to communicate the white heat of anger expressed in your inbox?

Such situations usually arise after the post-election honeymoon. Not so with Labour’s decision to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance from so many pensioners. Sir Keir “enjoyed” a shorter honeymoon than a drunken Las Vegas wedding couple. Many do not want to apply for Pensioner Credit but welcomed the allowance – alongside the Triple Lock – as providing peace of mind over the colder months. To hear a Minister say the decision to remove the universal payment was taken because the

Conservative MP for North Dorset

Simon Hoare

markets were about to collapse is as absurd as it is insulting. The so-called economic “black hole”, a fantasy of the Government’s own making. Conservatives are totally opposed to the removal of Winter Fuel Allowance. As the official opposition, we have tabled a motion in Parliament and have been pressing for a

debate and a vote on the issue. The Government has been forced to grant one and it will have taken place by the time you are reading this. I will have voted against the proposals. I do so because they are wrong and vindictive but, more importantly, they were not mentioned in Labour’s manifesto or campaign. Indeed, the complete opposite conclusion was drawn by so many – there were no plans or need to change. I fear Labour knew what they wanted to do. They wanted to pay off train drivers on the backs of pensioners but did not have the spine to tell the voters.

And what of the Lib Dems? Their only argument seems to be that there should be more home insulation to reduce energy consumption. I agree with them on the benefit of insulation, but the Winter Fuel Allowance surely cannot be removed for so many until that

insulation is put in place. Residents in older properties, listed etc, as so many in North Dorset are, will know all too well the very real difficulties in trying to retrofit modern insulation.

I also want to comment on the Government’s recent announcement that one-word school assessments will cease in Ofsted reports. I welcome this. A one-word summary of a complex organism such as a school was always a fairly blunt instrument. A more holistic approach is to be welcomed. However, we should have the caveat that this is no way dilutes the rigour of a school inspection. These inspections are difficult for schools, as a former governor I know, but they are so important for driving school performance, environment and attainment. Let us not throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater.

PM united the country - against him

WHEN Sir Keir Starmer vowed to unite the country in the closing remarks of his first speech as Prime Minister, he probably didn’t intend on doing it like this. The Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, the Green Party, the DUP, the UUP, the SNP, the Independent Alliance, Plaid Cymru, and trade unions rarely agree on anything, but they have all publicly criticised the government’s plans to slash winter fuel allowance payments, and rightfully so.

The Conservatives blew up the economy and I appreciate the scale of the challenge that the new government face. However, the price for fiscal prudence cannot, and should not, be allowing vulnerable people to suffer.

A new poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed the sheer scale of

Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton

suffering that would be unleashed if the winter fuel allowance payments are cut. Over half of respondents said that they would likely be heating their homes less this winter, and one in five said that they are planning to eat less this winter due to the cut.

The charity Age UK shares

our concern and believes that two million older people on low incomes will suffer hardship if the winter fuel allowance payments were to be cut. This includes those right on the threshold of Pension Credit, and those who live in energy inefficient homes.

The latter makes me particularly uncomfortable because it is rural areas, like Somerset, that have older homes that cost more to heat. Many of my constituents also pay more for their heating, as their homes rely on off-grid gas supplies. These added costs are often known as the ‘rural premium’. Somerset also has an older than average population, so slashing the Payment will hit my constituents hard. Of course, we’re not all pensioners, but it will be our local services that get squeezed if more people need supporting.

Being in power means making tough decisions, but this is the wrong one. If a part of society as vulnerable as pensioners are having to choose between eating and heating, as the Liberal Democrats’ poll shows, then this should be obvious. I will be voting against this cut, and I hope that the government chooses a better and fairer way to clean up the Conservative’s appalling financial mess.

As always, I want to hear about what matters to you. If you would like to share your views on a subject, have an issue I can help with, or need my assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me on sarah. dyke.mp@parliament.uk. I also run regular advice surgeries across the constituency. If you would like to join me at one, please email me to register your interest.

Liberal

Sarah Dyke

Council sells off controversial property

A CONTROVERSIAL business premises owned by Somerset Council has been sold.

The authority faced criticism over a property at Aztec West, Bristol, after it emerged it was leased by Israeli-linked arms firm, Elbit Systems UK.

The company has denied any direct links with Israel, saying it provides equipment to the British army.

However, Somerset Council has faced continued criticism over the arrangement, including demonstrators vandalising County Hall over the issue, pictured.

Now, the council has sold the building, though financial details of the deal remain confidential. It said the building

was one of many commercial assets it is disposing of as part of its property rationalisation programme, which aims to raise much-needed funds to plug a financial black hole.

The property – 600-650 Aztec West – was originally bought by Sedgemoor District Council, at a time when the government encouraged them to operate commercially as a measure to counter funding pressures.

Somerset Council had agreed to explore other legal options available to it as the landlord, and it was concluded selling the property was the only viable way forward.

Cllr Ros Wyke, lead member for economic development,

planning and assets, said: “We are committed to the sale of our commercial investment properties to achieve capital receipts which will help to bridge the budget gap for 2024/25 and 25/26.

“This approach is in response to the well documented financial emergency facing Somerset Council and the capitalisation direction approved by the former government which

encourages us to sell surplus property and assets, and use the receipts to fund essential services, like adults and children’s social care.

“We will continue to call on the new Government to take urgent action to fix the system of funding local government which is fundamentally broken.”

Other assets recently sold as part of the property rationalisation programme include Steelite in Stoke-onTrent, and 27-29 Sherwood Road in Bromsgrove.

The council has also passed a resolution to consider the future of assets such as the Market House, in Taunton, and the Cornhill in Bridgwater.

Electoral roll canvass gets underway

HOUSEHOLDS

are being sent a yearly canvass form to make sure they don't miss out on their vote.

Wiltshire Council has started the annual process of ensuring the county's electoral register is up to date.

The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has a legal requirement to conduct a yearly canvass to ensure the electoral register is accurate and complete.

The process runs from August to November, with the Electoral Register published with the changes from the Annual Canvass on December 1.

Each household will receive at least one form of canvass communication (email, letter, or form) asking for confirmation of who lives at the address, to check who is eligible to register to vote.

Not all households will receive an email, letter or form at the same time. The form or email will have clear instructions as to whether each household needs to reply.

Emails have been sent to those people the council has email addresses for, with forms posted to relevant people from September.

The quickest and easiest way for people to confirm details on the Electoral Register, once they have received the instructions, is by using the secure online system - at www. householdresponse.com/wiltshire and the security codes provided on the email or letter.

The council may email more than one

person in the same household, but only one person from each household needs to respond if necessary.

Households that require a person to be added or removed can update details either using the online system or by completing and returning the form.

If no changes are required responses can be made by text, phone, online or by returning the form.

Responses are required as soon as possible to avoid forms or reminders being sent to your property.

Lucy Townsend, Wiltshire Electoral Registration Officer, said: "The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for

every address is accurate and up to date.

"Following the recent general election we're confident our electoral register is in a good place, but we have a requirement to carry out this process and would encourage people to respond as soon as possible.

"People have a legal obligation to confirm their details and when they receive an email or form from us it's a simple process. Thanks to everyone for their support with this."

Emails will be sent from wiltshire. electoral.services@notifications.service. gov.uk.

For more details, including FAQs, log on to https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/electionsannual-canvass.

Classy collection of cars comes to Charterhouse

THE Gerry Wheeler collection of classic and vintage cars is being sold by Charterhouse on

Friday, September 20.

“Gerry was very well known as a collector,” said Richard

Bromell, from the auction house.

“All his cars are on the

button and ready to go, having been looked after by Pete, his trusty mechanic.”

Star of the collection is a 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost.

This has featured in Peaky Blinders, Downton Abbey and more recently in the opening scenes of The King’s Man film.

Viewing for the auction, at Shapwick, near Bridgwater (TA7 9NA), is on Thursday, September 19, with the auction starting at noon the next day.

Alternatively, prospective buyers can follow the auction and bid live online via charterhouse-auction.com.

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for advice and valuations on classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, phone 01935 812277 or via cars@ charterhouse-auction.com.

Viewing Thursday 19th & full details on our website

Specialist Valuation Days

Silver, Jewellery & Watches 16th

Pictures, Prints, Maps & Postcards 17th

Fishing & Sporting Items 18th

Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys 19th Chinese & Japanese Items 20th 01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

Classic Motorbike Auction 3rd October

Further Entries Invited

£12,000 estimate on Rolex watch

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley is holding its September sale this weekend.

The Classic Vehicles & Automobilia section is on Friday, followed by a sale of garden items, rugs and textiles, militaria items and paintings.

The auction resumes on Saturday at 10am with collectibles, ceramics and glass, Oriental items and modern and traditional furniture.

One of the lots expected to do well on Saturday is an 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual day-date gentleman’s wristwatch estimated at £10,000-£12,000.

The same vendor is selling a Breitling Navitimer bi-metal gentleman’s wristwatch, which could make £2,000-£3,000.

Something more delicate for the wrist is a modern design French 18ct gold bracelet with

bold exaggerated chain links, estimated at £1,500-£2,500 and another gold band hinged bracelet with intricate floral design which could sell for £300-£500.

Many fine pieces of Chinese porcelain and glass are on offer including an interesting Chinese hair crystal brush washer, Chinese 18th and 19th century porcelain, snuff bottles and ginger jars.

The furniture section includes a Charles II oak court cupboard, a very pretty 18th century burr walnut kneehole writing desk and a late 18th/early 19th century Dutch walnut inlaid bombé commode.

To contact Clarke’s, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Gillingham SP8 4QF.wvv

Print of ‘largest vessel in world’

DUKE’S auction house in Dorchester is an ever-shifting emporium, showcasing a myriad of auctions, each bearing faces of great distinction and the countenance of unusuality, beauty and the extraordinary.

To the delight of discerning collectors, and those with a love of mystery, history, artistry and craftmanship, Duke’s ever-popular Interiors sale returns on Thursday, September 26, with all of the style and curiosity expected of its ilk.

A highlight of the sale is a rare 1912 gilt-embossed chromolithograph of the ship

titled and inscribed The Quadruple Screw and Turbine Express Steamer IMPERATOR the largest Vessel in the World, set in black glass. It is estimated at £500£1,000.

Beyond September, Duke’s awaits a triumvirate of titanic auctions in October, with Sporting & Natural History on October 10, the Autumn Auction on October 23, and finally the flagship Art & Design post-1880 auction on October 24.

For more information on buying, selling, the Interiors sale on September 26, or any of the upcoming auctions, visit dukes-auctions.com

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August

Classic Vehicles & Automobilia Sale

Now accepting items for this and future sales

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600.

Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales

Friday 13th & Saturday 14th September A 1957 Morris Minor 1098cc two-door saloon Estimate £2,500 - £2,800 The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF

Auctioneers & Valuers Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale

e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale

Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com from Friday 6th September 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

Antiques & Collectibles

Advertiser’s announcement

Why watches can make a sound investment

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers,

21 South Street, Wareham

COLLECTIBLE watches have long been more than just timepieces - they are tangible expressions of history, craftsmanship and luxury.

One of the most captivating aspects of collecting watches is the diversity within the market.

Whether it’s a vintage Rolex Submariner, a limited edition Patek Philippe, or a mid-century Omega, each watch tells a unique story.

These pieces often appreciate in value over time, making them not only objects of desire but also sound investments.

The charm of vintage watches lies in their rarity and

the craftsmanship that went into their creation.

Collectors often look for specific characteristics, such as the patina on a dial or the original box and papers, which can significantly enhance a watch’s value.

However, collecting watches is not solely about monetary gain.

For many, it’s the hunt for a rare piece or the satisfaction of restoring a classic timepiece, and the connection to a bygone era are all part of the experience.

I’ve just had the pleasure of selling a Second World War Omega “Dirty Dozen” watch to one of our regular watch collectors.

1957 AC Ace-Bristol

Estimate: £220,000 - £250,000

Saturday 21 September at 2:00pm

At Castle Coombe Autumn Classic, Castle Coombe Circuit, Upper Castle, Chippenham, SN14 7EY

For more information contact Nick Wells, Head of Motoring, 07920 500091

It was made in 1944/45 by Omega for the military.

Omega was one of 12 watch designer brands that were commissioned to develop a hard-wearing practical watch for ensigns, hence the nickname “Dirty Dozen”, after the 1967 movie.

About 150,000 watches were made in total, of this around

25,000 were believed to be Omega.

Our client was delighted to add this amazing piece of history to his collection. In a world dominated by digital technology, collectible watches serve as a reminder of the enduring value of mechanical mastery and timeless elegance.

Classics on show at Coombe

A HIGH point in motoring fans calendars is the Combe Classic Autumn Classic at the Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham, which goes from strength to strength.

Boasting non-stop historic racing action out on the race track as well as a wide range of period automotive entertainment in the scenic paddock areas, the event has grown in popularity, recently claiming the prestigious Competitive Event title at the 2023 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards. Dore & Rees is proud to be the auction partner for the event, hosting the Collectors Road and Competition Cars auction at 2pm on September 21. The auction showcases a choice of low volume performance, competition and classically styled coach-built cars. Highlights include a beautiful AC Ace Bristol, pictured, never completely restored but refurbished and improved over time, an ex-Alain Prost Pre-Launch 1989 Ferrari 348 TB, an Alfa-Romeo 1900 Sprint by

Touring of Milan (in ownership since 1966), and everything from exotic barn finds to modern supercars. All Lots are on view at Castle Combe on September 20, 10am to 6pm and September 21, 10am to 2pm. We look forward to seeing you.

An exciting programme of auctions, including Asian Art, Silver, Jewellery and Watches, offer a variety of opportunities for sellers. The team at Dore & Rees can help you understand the value of items in your collection. Have you got jewellery, watches and silver items and would like to have a free appraisal? Come along a Valuation Day with specialists Susan Rumfitt, Duncan Campbell and Richard Price, well known faces on BBC Antiques Roadshow (September 23 and 24; October 2, 3, 21, 22). Contact Dore & Rees on 01373 462 257 or email enquiries@ doreandrees.com to arrange a free appointment. See doreandrees.com for details of upcoming auctions.

A Second World War Omega “Dirty Dozen” watch

Pixie sits atop sales table at £1,900

AT Acreman St Auctioneers & Valuers Sherborne we had a successful August 2 day sale, which included our last Garden & Architectural Auction of the season.

The highlight was a charming largescale bronze figure of a pixie sitting on a toad stall fishing with a hammer price of £1,900.

In the militaria section we saw some very good results including a Polish V class silver cross in the order of virtue medal Hammer £3,000, a WWI propellor ward room stick stand Hammer £400 and a German WWII military sidearm Hammer £400.

In the jewellery section a John Donald, family commissioned in 1968, 18ct brutalist ring set with a large amethyst, pictured Hammer £1,300 and sold on behalf of the New Yeovil Hospital Breast

Cancer Unit appeal, a Georgian enamel brooch set with topaz and diamonds Hammer £700.

We will be holding a programme of valuation days in September where you can bring in your items for our specialists to evaluate.

VALUATION DAYS (10am to 3pm):

Jewellery & Watches: Tuesdays & Saturdays Silver & Objet D’art:

Sunday 22cd September. Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall.1PM viewing, 3PM start. Entries Invited.Tel:07971 298562

Tuesdays & Saturdays

Toys & Collectables: Wednesdays & Saturdays

Oriental & Asian: Thursdays & Saturdays

Coins, Stamps, Books & Ephemera: Fridays & Saturdays

Militaria: Fridays & Saturdays

Textiles & Fashion: Mondays & Saturdays

Paintings & Contemporary Art: Mondays & Saturdays

Alternatively, please phone or email to make an appointment if you are unable to come in on the allocated days. Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers, 121, Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT93PH. We are also happy to make house visits if required.

We are now accepting consignments for our upcoming sales. We are happy to advise

you an anything that you may be considering for auction, you are welcome to email photographs to us - auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk or alternatively bring your items in for us to take a look at.

We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 4pm. Acreman Auctioneers & Valuers, 121, Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

We can take in from single items to complete collections. If you are downsizing or needing to deal with a whole house we are happy to help with advice or valuations and are able to arrange a full house clearance at competitive rates. If you have anything that you would like to consign please don’t hesitate to contact Gill Norman on 07908333577 0r 01935 508764 or by email auction@acremanstreetantiques. co.uk.

Business

Chamber boss faces up to his fears with charity jump

A DORSET business leader who is terrified of heights is leaping out of an aeroplane at 10,000 feet to fundraise for a hospice nurse.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, will be facing his fears with the skydive in aid of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

He will be among the daredevils joining in the jump for the charity at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury next Saturday (September 21).

Poole-based Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides care for patients and their loved ones facing life-limiting illnesses across east Dorset, Purbeck and into west Hampshire.

Ian, who is taking part in the skydive to mark the chamber’s 75th anniversary this year, said: “I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life.

“This includes going up ladders, being near high edges and balconies. I get weak-kneed and suffer real anxiety and panic in these situations.

“When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital local cause.

“Jumping out of a plane at

10,000 feet is the last thing I want to be doing, but I am really up for this challenge.

“Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides incredible support for people with lifelimiting illnesses and their loved ones.

“Its nurses do such an amazing job and work so incredibly hard. They need our help and I am proud to support them as much as I can, to allow them to continue delivering such extraordinary care.”

The hospice is appealing for more local people to join Ian and Jump for a Nurse by signing up and taking part in the skydive.

Each jumper will be taking the plunge to raise vital funds for a specific nurse. Ian’s is senior staff nurse Ellie Suthers.

She was among the team to welcome Ian and some of his fellow jumpers for a “meet your nurse” event at the hospice.

Ellie said: “It was a pleasure to meet Ian and talk about our very different careers.

“I am very grateful for his support for the charity and taking the time to come and see the team he is fundraising for.

“His support will enable us to continue providing extraordinary care for more patients across Dorset and Purbeck.”

Clare Gallie, chief executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “We’re super proud of all our amazing team of skydivers signed up so far and incredibly grateful to have Ian on board, too.

“His bravery is admirable and will have such a positive impact for our nurses and allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care.

“We would love more people to join in with this exciting challenge and sign up via our website.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is based at Longfleet Road in Poole and has closer to home hubs across east Dorset and Purbeck. It has day hospices to help people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, offering practical care and social support for patients and their families. It also provides bereavement support, family support, breathlessness services, lymphoedema clinics for cancer patients, creative arts and wellbeing, complementary therapies, occupational therapy and vital At Home services.

The charity needs to raise £3.9 million this year to fund its local services, which are free to patients and their families.

Visit https://lewis-manning. org.uk/skydive/ to sign up for the jump and https://www. justgiving.com/page/iangirling-skydive to sponsor Ian.

Airport passengers near 1 million

by editor@dorsetbiznews.

co.uk

REGIONAL & City Airports

Group (RCA), which operates Bournemouth Airport, has seen pre-tax profits soar to £14.24 million from £1.31m.

The operator has seen a 20% rise in revenue following a 15% increase in passenger numbers and growing cargo volumes.

Bournemouth Airport passenger numbers surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels, with full year passengers of 967,000, up 25% on the previous year.

Cargo operations saw very

strong growth, building on the foundations laid in previous years, with 16,000 tonnes of cargo handled in the year.

RCA owns and operates Bournemouth, Exeter and Norwich Airports and holds a management contract for Solent Airport.

It also owns XLR Executive Jet Centres at Birmingham, Bournemouth, Exeter and Liverpool and is part of Rigby Group plc, the 12th largest family business in the UK, with a consolidated turnover of £3.5 billion.

RCA said the airport is now an established gateway for airfreight into the UK, offering faster and lower cost transit from air to road and onwards into the logistics networks of the UK.

In April 2024, Jet2.com announced its intention to open its 12th UK base at Bournemouth Airport in 2025, cementing the airport’s role as the UK’s primary international airport south of the London system.

RCA chief executive, Andrew Bell, said: “These

results are a testament to the dedication of our team and the strategic investments we’ve made across our network.

“The significant growth in passenger numbers and cargo volumes underscores our commitment to providing world-class services and infrastructure.

“As we continue to expand our operations and embrace innovative solutions, we’re not only enhancing the travel experience but also reinforcing our position as a key player in the UK’s aviation sector.”

In the picture (from left) specialist palliative respiratory physiotherapist

Louise Hopley, staff nurse Angela Stewart, Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling, staff nurse Hannah Quick and senior staff nurse Ellie Suthers

Apples and pears, and choosing the right tree

by Sally Gregson

NOW, while the orchards are groaning with fruit, is the right time to choose which apples and pears you would like to grow in the garden, especially if you have the space for only one tree. So, take a look around at your neighbours’ fruit trees. Ask them if they can remember exactly when they flower. If they are not sure, it may be time to turn to a specialist nurseryman for help.

Many apples are not self-pollinating. They need a partner that flowers reliably at the same time to ensure the bees can do their work. On the whole, bees are reluctant to travel more than 30 metres to cross pollinate the fruit. So, if

your garden is quite isolated, and the nearest fruit tree is half a mile away, it will be important to buy the correct tree, or trees.

Apples are classified according to their flowering time, so a good nursery will help choose the correct partner trees.

Pears, on the other hand, are often considered to be “selfpollinating”, but growing one alongside a partner tree will greatly increase the quantity and quality of the harvest. And these days we do seem to be short of pollinators. So, it pays to encourage the bees to visit the fruit trees by sowing some especially attractive plants at the base that will flower at the

same time, such as the poached-egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii). This annual will sow itself back in the same plane if the faded plants are not removed until they have set their seed.

Pruning top-fruit trees is another art that is well worth learning. A well-managed tree should be open and bowl-

shaped in structure to allow plenty of air movement, with the fruit carried low enough for ease of picking. And for pruning them correctly have a look online for gardeners trained in the art of pruning. Your fruit trees will repay you by producing lots of healthy fruit in top condition all ready for the harvest.

Well-pruned apple trees at West Dean, Chichester, Sussex

Curtain

Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

ASPECTS OF

Driveway, Patios & Fencing etc. Contact Billy 07849-571742

CARPET AND FLOORING, South Street,Gillingham,Dorset SP84AP

Domestic and Commercial Carpets,Vinyl,Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate and Wood Flooring. Contact Chris Hussey 07885273470 husseyflooring@gmail.com

EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

WANTED: PERSON TO CUT LAWN, fortnightly. Tel: 07736-283197

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REMOVAL Garages, Sheds, Lean to’s, Roofing and Cladding Collection and Dismantling BY Registered Hazardous Waste Carrier Call 07973 444620 or 01722 414478

SALE on Saturday 21st September 9am-5pm. 15 Linden Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8QZ Furniture, kitchen items and appliances, bedroom, study everything must go. Contact: Dave Dayes 07879 444 199

Garden Design

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

Shed Clearances etc. Contact Billy 07849 571742

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AND

All other groundworks undertaken.

Ring Patrick. 01963371123 / 07751-278363. FOR MOWING,

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Call David: 07786-658708

Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502

The ZEST bee hive IS the BEST hive for Bee Health and Beekeeper Wealth. Learn how to build a DIY ZEST by going to www.thezesthive.com then book an appointment on 01258 473015. Bill Summers will show you the options on how to manage a ZEST hive at Hosey Bridge, Sturminster Newton. DT10 1HE The ZEST internal frames and queen excluders will be for sale.

info@kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk www.kingsmeresurfacing.co.uk

We

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~ Garden maintenance malcgin@hotmail.com 07399-521377

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FOR ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING, Driveway, Patios & Fencing etc. Contact Billy 07849-571742

DO YOU NEED HELP IN YOUR GARDEN? Lawn maintenance, seasonal clearance. Waste Removal. Fully insured. Call Jim: 07723-808766

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

L.DAVIS AND SONS

Fencing, and garden design

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We also deliver compost, pots, bark, logs and other gardening products. 01458-241230 or 07950-261510

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son) Spring Bulbs In Stock. Fruit Trees and Ornimental Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Large selection of; stoneware, terracotta and glazed pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

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

amralphlandscaping@gmail.com www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Tel: 01747 631471 Mobile: 07921 637227

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling. Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

Tree Surgery. Reductions. Felling. Hedge Trimming. Stump Grinding. Woodchip supplies.

Family run business since 1946

Family run business since 1946

Tel: 01963 250005

Tel: 01963 250005

Mobile: 07976 934 252

Mobile: 07976 934 252 www.bandgdown.co.uk

Get in the Garden

Home & Garden

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

SUMMER bedding displays can be kept on top form using a number of techniques. Firstly, regular dead-heading as flowers begin to go over will have a significant impact. Dead-heading is the removal of flowers as they fade but before they turn to seed. Once seed has set, an annual plant knows that its job is done with the next generation planned and so flowering slows up or stops. Deadheading convinces the plant that there is more work to be done and so it continues to flower.

Regular and even watering will also keep bedding plants flowering. Allowing a basket or tub to dry out, even for a short time, will inevitably lead to a temporary halt to the display. If this has happened, then soak the basket a few times before feeding with a general fertiliser such as Seaweed, Boost or Miracle Gro to rejuvenate the plants. If in good shape, though, a weekly feed with a high potash fertiliser, such as Big Tom or Tomorite, will help keep a summer bedding display in flower.

However, as day length reduces and night temperatures fall, so the potential of the plants to produce flower will decline. This may not occur until late September but, should your displays have become tired, then it may be time to start to include autumn and winter bedding varieties.

The leading lights in this group are, of course, the Winter Pansies and Violas. The Pansies come in a vast range of colours and many varieties now have huge flower heads. Violas, too, have a similar colour range with smaller, neater flowers. The latter also tend to cope with less favourable

conditions and will still produce colour even in the toughest part of the winter. Other autumn and winter bedding plants are old favourites that have had a resurgence of interest often in the form of new improved varieties. Included here are the Daisies known as Bellis with their giant Daisy flowers in the autumn and again in the early spring. The distinctive Forget-me-nots are a delight, with the traditional blueflowered forms my favourite, although the white and pink forms too are a delight. It’s time, too, to plant Sweet Williams, a form of Dianthus, for early spring flowers. These are also available as “bare-rooted” plants along with Wallflowers and Cheiranthus. Bare root plants are now a rarity, but we still stock them because it’s the best value and quality way of growing Wallflowers and the like. At this stage of the year, of course, they are just green leaves but tend to be planted now as they are biennial with flowers produced in the spring of their second year.

As a centrepiece to a tub, the autumn “Mums”, a group of naturally dwarf Chrysanthemums, produce a huge show of blooms from now until the first really nasty frost of the winter. They are, however, perennial and hardy and so will come back again in the spring where they are best used as a border plant. Around such can be planted several alpine plants, which will provide interest and excitement either with their foliage, for example, Ajuga and Sedum, or with their flowers, for example, Allysum saxatile or Aubretia. The great thing about this is that these plants can be reused elsewhere in the garden come the spring.

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

&

Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793

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ALL IRONWORK. Handrails.Gates. Railings. Repairs. Restoration. 01258 880301

NEIL PIERCY PLASTERING

All types of plastering, floor screeding & rendering. Wincanton & 20 mile radius. HELPFUL ADVICE & FREE QUOTATIONS

CALL NEIL: 07974 185923 or 07811 211586.

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD

All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

ASA ARCHITECTS. All drawings for planning and construction. 07770 421624. Free consultation Based in Shaftesbury. Works throughout Dorset. www.asa-architect.co.uk. andystrange@btinternet.com

01935 592461

07875 272401

Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software TuitionCall Gregg on 01963 370713 CLAIRE’S DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICES. +Full House Cleans. + Oven Cleans. + End of Tenancy Cleans. + Carpet & Upholstery Cleans. + Fully insured & DPS Checked. So Call Claire on 07342-090460

DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons). PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150 http://www.dcenet.co.uk

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help

• Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet

• Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

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TANNER G.O.T. DECORATING City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com

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FREE Estimates. No VAT Call Richard on Tel: 01258 880670

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Painting & Decorating, Carpentry, Interior/Exterior. For free quote call Tim 07793 837073

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‘Shrooms’: Treat for breakfast, lunch or supper

PARTICULARLY with a soggy start to September, mushrooms will be popping up everywhere.

Unless you’re a pro, do not pick your own for safety reasons – however, your local farm shop or supermarket should start to have wild and chestnut mushrooms on the shelves.

There is nothing more delicious than mushrooms on toast unless you are in “the slug” corner! (My son Toto).

Mushrooms absorb a lot of oil, and I like to do bit part, two-thirds butter, one-third olive oil, which also stops the butter from burning. (Plant based – just olive oil).

Start with 20g of butter in a good non-stick frying pan, slice

and tear the mushrooms, as the textures vary so much, which makes it such a wonderful woody sculpture!

Chuck the mushrooms in the pan and coat them all with a little stir of your wooden spoon.

Then leave them be. Walk away, grab some parsley and touch chop.

Keep ignoring your mushrooms! Choose your bread and slice a piece to your size and toast it. I love sourdough, personally, but whatever you prefer.

Now you’re allowed back to your mushrooms – they should have a nice caramelisation on one side.

You can start to give them all a good stir and a muddle – add

This month will see “mushrooms popping up everywhere,” says Annie

the rest of the butter (30g) and 20ml olive oil, throw in a chopped garlic clove, the chopped parsley of choice, season with a good pinch of Maldon salt and a good grind of black/cracked pepper.

Put your toast face down in the buttery juices around the pan, pushing the mushrooms

out of the way.

Toast on plate, tip the mushrooms onto the toast. Grab a knife and fork! Go. Breakfast, lunch or supper – it’s the most phenomenal versatile dish. n Annie des Forges, Director/ Chef, The Table Bruton. Annie Austin, Director/Host and Concierge Somerset Roadtrip.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB

SERVING FINE FOOD AND DRINKS

Peter and Karlene are delighted to invite you to the Plough Inn at Manston and look forward to seeing you soon.

We are delighted that our renovation and expansion project has been well received by customers as have our food and beverage offerings. After a very long search, we now have a fully staffed kitchen and offer our full lunch and dinner menu every day from Tuesday lunch until Sunday lunch. We are closed after lunch on Sunday and all day Monday. We offer a wide range of beers, cider, wines and spirits as well as a range of non-alcoholic options.

A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere

The bar and snug have been refreshed but retain all the old features that made this cosy area so attractive. And, by popular demand, we have a new wood burning stove to provide atmosphere and warmth whenever needed! We have a completely new kitchen, beer cellar and new male, female and disabled washrooms. The old conservatory is now an insulated garden room and we have a new dining area which can accommodate a further twenty guests.

Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks

By experimenting with our menu and listening to our customers we have developed a popular menu ranging from light snacks to exciting specials and everything in-between. Please look at our menu and see if you can spot your favourite country pub meal. For Sunday lunch, in addition to our full menu, we offer a traditional roast with all the trimmings. Our range of drinks has evolved in response to customer demand and caters for all tastes. But most importantly we have built a wonderful team to look after you all and ensure a great experience at the Plough.

We hope to see you soon, Cheers, Peter & Karlene

Celebrating 5 Years

My Wellbeing

My Wellbeing

The Malthouse Care Home

Bay Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4EW

Our friendly team truly care for your family like they would their ownproviding compassion, respect, and dignity.

With a deep commitment to meeting residents’ individual needs, whether it’s residential or respite care, The Malthouse is your perfect choice. healthcarehomes.co.uk

Call 01747 448580 for a friendly chat with an advisor.

in Bruton and Pen Selwood Craniosacral Therapy is a deeply

for the body, mind and soul. It is a heart-centred holistic approach to healing and suitable for all ages from newborn babies to the elderly. 07702 681264 www.belinda-roberts.co.uk

The Malthouse Care Home

Life at The Malthouse is made as fun, fulfilling, and comfortable as possible for residents. The home is built on reputation from inside and outside the local community—the immense commitment and strength of a long-standing team of dedicated staff hugely contribute to its success.

Specialising in residential support for older people, The Malthouse is a traditional building with a quirky and charming interior set in beautiful grounds with a courtyard and a private rear garden. Inside the home is a warm and homely atmosphere, and you’ll be greeted by a care team who pride themselves on friendliness and caring.

The Malthouse is one of the most highly regarded care homes in Dorset. It has been awarded a Gold Standards Framework (GSF) accreditation for its standards of care and is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC. Independent living is also available at the home in The Stables and The Lodges, which are within the same grounds as the home.

For a friendly chat with one of our advisors, call 01747 448580 or visit healthcarehomes.co.uk

Belinda Roberts RCST

Craniosacral Therapist

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle yet profound, hands-on holistic treatment that uses light touch to listen to the subtle movement, rhythms and tides of the body, helping to release deeply held patterns of trauma, tension, pain and restriction on the physical, emotional and mental levels. Craniosacral therapy works with underlying causes as well as specific symptoms, helping to restore and integrate healthy function. Conditions it can help relieve the symptoms of include:

-Birth trauma

-Pregnancy

-Anxiety

-Emotional trauma

-Grief

-Stress

-Chronic illness

-Autism

-TMJ

-Tinnitus

-Pre- and post-surgery

-Insomnia

-Physical trauma

-Digestive problems

-Recovery from accidents

-Hormonal imbalances

-ADHD

To find out how I can support you on your healing journey, visit www.belinda-roberts.co.uk or call 07702 681264.

My Wellbeing

RiversMeet Active

RiversMeet Active, in Gillingham, is offering a proactive approach to improving the community’s health through their GP referral program. For just £90, eligible participants can access a 12-week program that includes a bespoke exercise plan tailored to their individual health needs.

The program offers a variety of exclusive classes from Chair Fit to Health Circuits, making it suitable for a wide range of abilities, health concerns, and ages. RiversMeet’s dedicated program manager and trainer, Lynsey, works 1:1 to help members stay on track and motivated.

“ We’ve seen a huge improvement in our GP referral members’ health and wellbeing. It’s not always easy starting your fitness journey when you have certain health considerations which is why we’ve loved seeing our members’ confidence grow when they find the right exercises for them, and they start feeling the results. The program isn’t just about physical health, but also patients’ mental health, and exercise plays a huge part in improving that.”

All that’s needed to get started is a chat with your GP about exercise by prescription. Once you’ve received that, contact our team, or speak to someone in reception to get started!

VERVE Wellness Festival at Hatch House

VERVE is the ultimate postsummer reset, offering a varied programme of yoga, fitness classes, holistic health workshops, nature walks, expert talks, sound healing and lots more.

Soothe your nervous systems with gong baths, breathwork, yoga Nidra and cacao ceremonies or get moving with the likes of vinyasa flow, fascial fitness, 80s disco and African dance. Those in need of some time out can book a massage or sauna/cold water experience in the Woodland Spa, shop the Garden Market, listen to local musicians throughout the day and enjoy locally sourced food and drink such as middle-eastern inspired pitfire food, warming Indian curries, burgers and poke bowls. Then as night falls, dance under the stars with a cocktail in hand – it’s the perfect weekend for healthy hedonists!

Weekend £159 | Saturday £89 | Sunday £69

Ticket price includes all classes, talks, workshops and parking.

VERVE takes place at Hatch House, Tisbury, Wiltshire on 21 and 22

September 2024

www.feeltheverve.com

Advertising Feature

Advertising Feature

My Wellbeing

Discover Tranquility and Wellness at Holbrook

Manor Spa

*Advertising Feature

In association with

Nadder Centre, Tisbury

Kettlebells class develops strength, muscular endurance and tone targeting muscle groups. A great calorie burner.

Advertising Feature

Discover Tranquility and Wellness at Holbrook Manor Spa

Nestled in the serene Somerset countryside, our newly opened spa offers a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. Indulge in luxurious treatments, from soothing massages to revitalising facials, tailored to your wellness needs. Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym for invigorating workouts. Afterwards, unwind in our charming Garden Café, where you can savour delicious, healthy refreshments amidst beautiful surroundings. Our spa is designed to provide unparalleled comfort and serenity, making it the perfect retreat for mind and body. The breathtaking beauty of Holbrook Manor’s historic estate enhances your experience, offering a picturesque backdrop for your wellness journey. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a revitalising boost, Holbrook Manor Spa is your destination for ultimate pampering. Join us and

Nestled in the serene Somerset countryside, our newly opened spa offers a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. Indulge in luxurious treatments, from soothing massages to revitalising facials, tailored to your wellness needs. Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym for invigorating workouts. Afterwards, unwind in our charming Garden Café, where you can savour delicious, healthy refreshments amidst beautiful surroundings. Our spa is designed to provide unparalleled comfort and serenity, making it the perfect retreat for mind and body. The breathtaking beauty of Holbrook Manor’s historic estate enhances your experience, offering a picturesque backdrop for your wellness journey. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a revitalising boost, Holbrook Manor Spa is your destination for ultimate pampering. Join us and discover the art of true relaxation.

BODYATTACK building strength. This interval training class combines athletic aerobic movements with strength and stabilisation exercises.

BODYCOMBAT™ combines moves from Karate, Kick Boxing, Tai Chi and Tae Kwando. A non-contact athletic workout.

BODYBALANCE™ combines the principles of Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. The moves will improve your flexibility and mobility, posture and relaxation.

RPM™ (Les Mills) is the bike ride of your life. RPM is a great exercise experience with fantastic training effects.

Studio Cycle our motivational indoor cycling classes. All abilities welcome.

DanceFit features simple dance moves, DanceFit is a great way to shape up.

GrooveFit is a fun full body workout with a banging soundtrack. Classes are held in a darkened room with disco lights and glow sticks.

Legs, Bums and Tums easy-to-follow exercises to improve muscular endurance and tone the legs, abs and bottom.”

Clean, spacious workout areas

Regular classes

Indoor heated pool & spa bath

Steam room & sauna

Corporate memberships available

Pamper yourself with a spa day or beauty treatment at H l f

The Garden Café

Situated within The Club, an ideal place to relax with family and friends whilst enjoying a selection of drinks, barista coffees, home baked cakes

• Meetings & Events

My Wellbeing

Weaveland Road, Tisbury, SP3 6HJ

What's on at the Nadder Centre?...

4:30

6:15

7:05

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, where players use paddles to hit a plastic ball between them. A coach is on hand to guide you. Walking Football is the perfect fit for everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, get out of the house and stay active.

Table Tennis pay and play sessions are available on 2 tables.

Football 10 - 15 years Available to any 10- 15 years who would like to join in a friendly game of football

Junior Gym sessions are supervised by a fitness instructor for 11-15 year olds. An induction is required.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton -sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, where players use paddles to hit a plastic ball between them. A coach is on hand to guide you.

Children's Activities An hour of supervised games in the main hall followed by an hour of class room games / Study time Gymnastics for Juniors aged from 4 years. You will improve in Strength, Flexibility and follow British gymnastics criteria.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton -sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, where players use paddles to hit a plastic ball between them. A coach is on hand to guide you.

Walking Football is the perfect fit for everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, get out of the house and stay active.

Bouncy Castle Under 5 years is a supervised session with soft play equipment

Table Tennis pay and play sessions are available on 2 tables.

Virtual Group exercise Classes are Les Mills classes led by an instructor on the screen.

Walking Football is the perfect fit for everyone who wants to play football for longer, make new friends, get out of the house and stay active.

Football 10 - 15 years Available to any 10 - 15 years who would like to join in a friendly game of football

Outdoor Courts 2 outdoor Tennis courts are available Soft Play Room available Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm Weekends 8am - 1pm

Table Tennis pay and play sessions are available on 2 tables. Football 10 - 15 years Available to any 10 - 15 years who would like to join in a friendly game of football

Junior Gym sessions are supervised by a fitness instructor for 11-15 year olds. An induction is required.

Birthday Parties are available on the weekends. We offer Bouncy castle,

Junior Gym sessions are supervised by a fitness instructor for 11-15 year olds. An induction is required.

Children's Activities An hour of supervised games in the main hall followed by an hour of class room games / Study time

Gymnastics for Juniors aged from 4 years. You will improve in Strength, Flexibility and follow British gymnastics criteria.

Children's Activities An hour of supervised games in the main hall followed by an hour of class room games / Study time

Nadder Hall

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Walking Football Main Hall

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Body balance

Gymnastics for Juniors aged from 4 years. You will improve in Strength, Flexibility and follow British gymnastics criteria.

Nadder Hall

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Children's Activities Main Hall

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Les Mills Core Virtual Nadder Hall

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Children's Activities Barford

Bouncy Castle Under 5 years is a supervised session with soft play equipment

Virtual Group exercise Classes are Les Mills classes led by an instructor on the screen.

Bouncy Castle Under 5 years is a supervised session with soft play equipment

Outdoor Courts 2 outdoor Tennis courts are available

Virtual Group exercise Classes are Les Mills classes led by an instructor on the screen.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Junior Gym Session Fitness Suite

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Kettlebells

Soft Play Room available Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm Weekends 8am - 1pm

Outdoor Courts 2 outdoor Tennis courts are available

Cella Nadder Hall

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Table Tennis Main Hall

Soft Play Room available Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm Weekends 8am - 1pm

Birthday Parties are available on the weekends. We offer Bouncy castle, Roller Disco, Foam Darts Party, Sports Games party. A room is also available for party food afterwards.

7:15 PM - 8:15 PM Groove Fit

7:10 AM - 8:10 AM RPM 50 Mins

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Active + Women

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Studio Cycle

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Pickleball

Cella Nadder Hall

Birthday Parties are available on the weekends. We offer Bouncy castle, Roller Disco, Foam Darts Party, Sports Games party. A room is also available for party food afterwards.

Virtual Nadder Hall

Wendy Main Hall

Coffee Angels Nadder Cafe open 8:30am - 2pm Monday - Friday

The Nadder Centre also hosts Tisbury Library, Tisbury Pre - School and a Maternity unit.

Coffee Angels Nadder Cafe open 8:30am - 2pm Monday - Friday

Cella Nadder Hall

Gary Main Hall

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Football 10 -15 years Main Hall

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Body Attack

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Junior Gym Session

6:00

7:15

- 8:00 PM Les mills Dance

Virtual Nadder Hall

Fitness Suite

Cella Nadder Hall

Nadder Hall

The Nadder Centre also hosts Tisbury Library, Tisbury Pre - School and a Maternity unit.

Scan the QR code to book online or speak to the team at reception on 01722 434240

My Wellbeing

In association with

The North Dorset Clinic

When I talk to friends and family about our chosen path as aesthetics doctors they often ask me about Botox and fillers. These two treatments seem to be the sum knowledge of the majority of the general population which in no small part has been introduced to our every day lives through social media and the entertainments industry. The tabloids love a good celebrity treatment, irrespective of whether the treatment has achieved its desired goal. However aesthetics is a far more varied field than the above mentioned treatments.

I once spoke to a specialist who likened our skin to the canvas of a painting, saying that a good quality canvas is the key to a great painting. Botox and fillers certainly have their place in aesthetics by altering the shape or function of the underlying structures of the face in order to reduce wrinkles or enhance certain facial features. However, they don’t actually improve the quality of the skin. In recent years there has been a greater push towards skin rejuvenation, using treatments that promote hydration, and stimulate activity of the fibroblast cells that produce the collagen and elastin that stop our skin from sagging and losing its tone. Moreover, there is now a greater understanding that rather than treating aged skin, we should be concentrating on prejuvenation; the idea that if you boost the skin quality through increasing fibroblast activity at a younger age (20-40 year olds) then the skin will age visibly slower with less wrinkles and greater tone. Microneedling and polynucleotides are effective treatments in the process of fibroblast stimulation and laser treatments and chemical peels can also help reduce skin inflammation, pigmentation and scarring.

O ften, our clients don’t know which treatments are available to them and indeed which would suit their skin concerns. Therefore, it is so important in the first meeting we identify the client’s skin concerns and explore the treatment options. We have a new skin analysis machine (OBSERV 320) which takes detailed photographs of the face in different light to facilitate this process. Sometimes a good quality skin care routine is all that is required which usually involves a daily routine of cleansing, exfoliating, toning and rehydration. Other times there are multiple options, and by providing information about each product the client can then decide which treatments to proceed with.

Dr Chris Richards, The North Dorset Clinic

MEDICAL, LASER + COSMETIC TREATMENTS

(Formerly The Fontmell Clinic)

FULLY QUALIFIED MEDICAL AND AESTHETIC DOCTORS

Dr Geoff Lewis MBBS MRCGP

Dr Chris Richards MBBS BSc DRCOG MRCGP PG Cert

Do you have skin concerns or need advice on a skin condition? Is your skin going through a significant change? Are you struggling to find the right products to suit your skin type? At The North Dorset Clinic, our medically trained Doctors can analyse your skin type. Using the latest technology, we can identify causes for specific skin concerns and conditions and offer advice and treatments plans.

Dr Geoff Lewis has been in General Practice in Gillingham for 35 years and Dr Chris Richards in Surrey and Gillingham for 17 years. They offer a private, highly confidential, professional service.

We also offer the following: Autumn offer

for a half an hour skin consultation which can be redeemed against any treatment in the clinic over £200 before 31st October 2024 £50

Microneedling | Wrinkle Treatments | Dermal Fillers

Profhilo | Acne Treatments Zo Skin Products | Private GP Appointments | Medicals Vaccinations | Laser Hair Removal | Laser Vein Removal

Ear Wax Removal by Microsuction | Wart, Mole, Skin Tag & Age Spot Removal Joint Injections

Telephone 01747 812718

Email

info@thenorthdorsetclinic.co.uk www.thenorthdorsetclinic.co.uk

From my initial phone call to seeing Dr Lewis I was treated so well. Everything was explained to me and I felt in safe hands. I would highly recommend this clinic. It’s reassuring that fully qualified doctors are doing the treatments. The North Dorset Clinic, Peacemarsh Surgery, Marlott Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4FA

Polynucleotides – What are they?

Polynucleotides increase collagen and elastin production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and hydrating the skin, resulting in a more youthful, radiant and rejuvenated skin.

This exciting treatment is extremely effective around the eyes, neck, face, hands, knees and arms as well as acne and scars.

A Lip Flip creating a fuller top lip with a small amount of Botulinum Toxin rather than the

Dr Chris Richards

Dr Geoff Lewis

Health & Wellbeing

Meditations in nature: The wonder of sound

by Susanna Curtin

AS the day closes in over my garden, I listen to the sound of an early autumn evening. Below the high-pitched chirping of the crickets, I can hear the hollow call from a distant tawny owl, the soulful song of a robin and the territorial notes of a blackbird. These familiar sounds are peaceful and calming, and very welcome after the loud and constant mechanical drones of a day spent in London. The intensity of our emotional and physical response to different noises depends on how familiar our brains are with a sound, and in determining where that sound might be coming from. Our sense of hearing develops early and helps keep us safe by activating our fight or flight response. Even when we are fast asleep, listening neurons in our brains are constantly “on” and are scanning our surroundings for sounds of danger to wake us if there is anything unusual or untoward such as a fire alarm.

At a recent music festival, I

was fortunate enough to take part in a “sound bath”. While I have once experienced a yoga class accompanied by the vibrations of an enormous gong, this was an entirely new and profound experience that evoked many sensations. The frequency, intensity and amalgamation of different gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, bells, chimes, crystal bowls, human voices and wind instruments created a plethora of sounds and vibrations that conjured up images and colours. With my eyes shut, my brain tried to decode what the sounds were, where they were coming from and what they were suggesting. Some sounds induced feelings of hope and joy or of “flying through the universe”, others seemed to speak “of end-of-the-world darkness”. Altogether, it was like listening to a wellorchestrated piece of music. It was quite an emotional rollercoaster that has left me curious as to how sounds affect our minds and bodies.

In physics, sound is a

vibration that makes an acoustic wave through a medium such as air, water or solids. The source of the sound produces vibrations through the medium that in turn create a series of molecular collisions in a chain reaction. Different sources create different vibrations which vary in pitch and frequency. These vibrations enter our outer ear making our ear drum vibrate. Three tiny bones in our ear amplify these oscillations. These are then picked up by our auditory nerve and transmitted to our brains. Then, it is our minds that relate the sounds that we are hearing to previous experiences. This is why music is often so evocative as the musical soundtracks of our lives link to events and memories. But as much as I love music, I am not alone in finding the sounds of nature the most healing and restorative. Soundscapes are often the thing I remember most about places. For example, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks or gently washing over the pebbles, the wind rustling

through the forest trees, or the haunting calls of the Curlew over the marshlands. By now, there is much scientific evidence that affirms that exposure to nature’s sounds improve our health, make us feel more positive and lowers stress and feelings of anxiety. But why this happens is still undetermined. Some scientists concur that it is because of evolutionary psychology. Because we evolved in the natural world, those who were more attuned to its sounds were better able to survive. Others suggest that people find natural soundscapes more soothing because we are culturally taught that anything associated with nature is relaxing, and besides, some natural sounds can be terrifying. By now, the night sky has drawn in and all is quiet. Or is it? By placing digital microphones from the Arctic to the Amazon, ecologists are discovering the hidden sounds of nature that occur above or below our hearing range. It seems that the non-human beings with which we share this planet are in constant conversation. What an amazing discovery that is!

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

1 million steps: Kev’s hospital effort

33,333 STEPS – that’s what one man will be running and walking each day this month as he looks to walk a combined one million steps to raise money for Salisbury Hospital.

Kev Aston, from Shaftesbury, is looking to give back to the hospital that has looked after him and his family over the years by raising £500 for the hospital’s charity, the Stars Appeal.

Kev set himself the challenge of taking a million steps throughout the month of September and he has raised £120 so far.

To make things even harder, he will be completing some of his 33,000 daily steps in fancy

gets colder.

“Salisbury is my main hospital,” he said. “I was born there all the way back in 1982. They fixed my broken leg when I was three years old, took my tonsils out and put grommets in my ears.

“Both my children were born there, and my immediate and extended family have been looked after at the hospital for many surgeries and examinations. It feels important to give something back.”

To donate, visit Mr Kev’s JustGiving page, where you can also see updates on his progress.

For more information on the Stars Appeal, visit its website.

Kev Aston, from Shaftesbury, is aiming to raise £500 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s charity

Health & Wellbeing

Nettle tea can help with gout

by Fiona Chapman

SINCE drinking my Chamomile tea, I have noticed that my arthritic little finger is feeling a little better, which is quite a relief. I was telling this to my uncle, who then produced the most painful looking finger that was incredibly swollen and asked if there was anything that could help with gout.

Gout is a build-up of uric acid. It forms sharp crystals that settle in the joints and when the build up gets too bad, the white

blood cells rush to try and destroy them and you get a gout attack, which, I am told, is incredibly painful. A sheet on a big toe will really hurt.

Gout has quite a few causes and a big culprit is the purines found in animal products, as well as alcohol and sugary drinks. You often associate gout with large red-faced men who enjoy the riches of life. But you can also get gout as a side-effect from being on beta blockers or diuretics, from being

MASTER TEACHER For healing, physical and mental wellness. Call Anthony on 07860-903526

overweight and from certain foods like strawberries and tomatoes.

The kidneys play a big part in getting rid of the uric acid, so they should be supported, as well as the blood. The liver is also important as it will help break down the toxins that cause the problems.

the blood, it is full of minerals including magnesium, silica, phosphorus and iron; it is anti-inflammatory and will help the blood break down the uric acid before it settles in the joints and take it to the kidneys to be passed out in urine.

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Obviously, making sure you are eating healthily, not too much meat, and watching alcohol intake will help. Exercise is good to get the blood moving and several herbs you might have growing in your garden can be used to make fresh tea which can also be of benefit. These are Rosemary, Chamomile, Dandelion and a big one is Nettle.

Nettle, which I am always banging on about, is good for

Pick some fresh nettles – with gloves on – put in boiling water and steep for at least 10 minutes. You could also add Rosemary, which will support the kidneys and circulation – it has the added advantage of helping with memory and exhaustion – as well as Dandelion leaves, which aid the breakdown of uric acid and are diuretic – making you pee – the leaves are bitter, which benefits the liver.

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

Making Everyday Life Easier

CARE FOR OAPS INCLUDING NAIL CUTTING, shaving, massage, sleep over care. Joyce, 07591 760333

Do I need a Stairlift? – If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone. Buying a stairlift can be a liberating investment, restoring safety and freedom to people with mobility problems.

SMART PHYSIO

Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts offer a range of new or refurbished stairlifts for straight or curved stairs throughout Dorset, Wiltshire and South West. We aim to provide an ethical, reliable and prompt service to our customers and have worked hard to establish an affordable and dependable service to be proud of. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring us to their friends and relations Suttons Stairlifts is now a well-established company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed!

We also offer fast and efficient repairs as well as annual services to keep your stairlift running as smoothly as the day it was installed.

What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase leaving the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty you be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/Transfer. Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

IVECO DAILY, MWB VAN, High roof,2014 eg, 3500 KG gross weight. Diesel with side windows, long MOT, ideal camper conversion. £4,500.00 OVNO. Tel: 07960-848726

UNWANTED VEHICLES

bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

MITSUBISHI SHOGUN, automatic, 2002 estate. long wheelbase, 7 seater, petrol, long MOT, £2,500 01722-742072

BRIDGE MOTORS

Wincanton Ltd.

Silver Street | Wincanton | BA9 9AW | 01963 33313 www.bridgemotorswincanton.co.uk

2021 (21) Citroen C3 Shine Puretech 30,000 Miles, Met Grey/Black Roof, Alloys, Excellent Vale For Money ........................................................ £9995

2018 (18) Ford Focus Titanium Estate 1.5 TDCi, Champagne Silver, 2 Owners, Sat Nav 21,000 miles. FORD Service History ................... £12495

2018 (68) Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi Sri VX Line Nav, White, 2 owners, 62,000 miles £7495

2017 (17) Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 HSE Dynamic, 4WD, 6 Speed Manual, Panoramic Roof, 61,000 Miles, Silver ................................... £13695

2017 (17) Renault Capture Dynamique S Nav DCi, Silver with Black Roof, 51,000 miles ................................................................................ £7895

2016 (16) VW Polo R Line 1.0 Tsi, 5 Dr, Red, Zero Road Tax, 71,000 Miles, Flash Red with Factory Fitted Sunroof, 6 Speed, Alloys, Climate Control, Cruise Control, Front and Rear Parking Sensors £9495

2015 (15) VW Golf 2.0 TDi SE Cabriolet, Black, 91,000 Miles ......... £5995

2014 (64) Mini Cooper 1.5D, Chilli Pack, high mileage, new shape, service history, met red/white ........................................................................... £4995

2014 (64) Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec , 5 Door, Red, Alloys, Air Con......... £4995

2013 (63) Mini 1.6D Baker Street Ltd Edition, 2 owners, 17” Alloys, Grey, £900 Worth of options, Zero Road Tax, .............................................. £4295

WANTED - USED CARS

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR VEHICLE? GIVE US A CALL. WE BUY CARS. QUICK DECISION MADE. EXISTING FINANCE SETTLED.

Motoring

ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, f rom small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

MOTS , SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

Bodyshop

Diagnostics

Air conditioning Valets

Bodyshop also available.

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics Air conditioning Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions ed Forces a es

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798 Email info@sunriseservicecentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road

Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

2014 (14) Ford Fiesta 1.0T Zetec 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, Free road tax, upto 65mpg, hill start assist, heated front screen, cambelt wetbelt kit has been replaced, 83,800 miles .......................... £5450

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt kit has been replaced, 97,000 miles ...................................................................£23000 + VAT = £27600

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, heated front seats, hill start assist, cambelt kit has been replaced, 90,200 miles .................................................... £22500 + VAT = £27000

2020 (20) Hyundai i10 1.0 SE Connect 5dr. 67bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, reverse camera, auto lights, cruise control, hill start assist, upto 60mpg economy, 31,200 miles ................................................£10250

2014 (14) Kia Soul 1.6CRDi Connect Plus SUV 5dr. 126bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, reverse camera, sat nav, automatic lights, cruise control, hill start assist, decent height seating for easy access, good sized boot, upto 56mpg, exceptional condition & only 38,500 miles .............£7650

2017 (66) Nissan Note 1.2DIG-S Tekna MPV Estate 5dr. 98bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seats, big boot, partial leather, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise, 360 cameras, Free tax, 65mpg, 24,800 miles .£8450

2010 (10) Peugeot 207 1.6HDi Economique+ 5dr. 90bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, Free road tax, upto 74mpg, cambelt & water pump replaced, MOT August 25, selling on behalf of a customer, 85,000 miles ...............£2450

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, 63,600 miles ................................................£7650

2016 (66) Volvo V40 2.0TD D2 R-Design 5dr. 120bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, parking sensors, ½ leather, heated seats, cruise, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, FREE tax, upto 83mpg, 88,500 miles ............................................................................. £8250

2003 (52) Volvo V70 2.4TD SE Estate 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, manual gearbox, 19 service stamps, cambelt replaced 12k ago, MOT Feb 2025, heated leather seats, a few marks around the body, certainly not perfect but it’s a bargain clearance car to be sold as seen, 195,500 miles ............£1250

A big thank you ACE Taxies of Gillingham, helping me visit my very sick Husband every day. Thank You. Eileen & Reg Legg.

Brian Fudge

Bridget and family would like to thank everyone who sent lovely cards, beautiful flowers and messages of sympathy on the death of Brian. Also thank you to everyone who attended his service and donated. £300 was raised for Diabetes UK and Cancer Research.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

J Foster trading as James Foster Landscaping of 4 Ridgeway, Chilmark, Wiltshire SP35BX is applying for a licence to use Broadwater Farm, Woodland Road, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6JT as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 0 trailers. 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 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 Commissioner’s office.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

Frampton and Babel Ltd of The Cold Store, Back Lane, Kingston, DT10 2DT. Is applying for a licence to use The Cold Store, Back Lane, Kingston, DT10 2DT. As an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle. Owners or occupiers of the land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that the 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 Commissioner’s Office.

GILLINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL

COUNCILLOR VACANCY GILLINGHAM TOWN NORTH WARD

Join our friendly and forward-thinking Town Council if you would like to:

✓ Play a part in making decisions affecting your area

✓ Get more involved in your community

✓ Influence the way local services are provided

Further information about being a Councillor can be found at www.nalc.gov.uk/makeachange or by contacting the Town Clerk

Completed application forms must be received by 20 October 2024

Interviews will be held on the evening of Monday 28 October 2024

Application forms are available via website: www.gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk/recruitment/ or by contacting the Town Hall - 01747 823588 or gtc@gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk

JACQUELINE UPTON KING

On August 24th after a second stroke Jackie passed away in Dorchester Hospital. Jackie will be remembered for the energy and passion with which she approached her whole life. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many people who knew her.

A private family cremation will be followed by A celebration of her amazing life on September 24th All friends welcome details available from: Peter Jackson Funeral Directors Gillingham, Gillingham Office - 01747 833757.

CAROL ANN LIDBETTER

Passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 17th August 2024. Beloved wife to Peter and much loved mother to Amanda and Adrian, granny and great granny. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday the 17th September 2024 at 2.00pm at Yeovil Crematorium. Family flowers only please.

Donations can be left after the funeral service or direct to the charity. Cancer Research UK Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QL 01747 822494

Announcements

DEATHS

Biddiscombe

Sylvia Ruth

of Bruton, passed peacefully away on 24th August 2024 at home aged 90 years. A much loved Wife of the late Roy, and Mother of Trevor and Peter. Private Cremation. Thanksgiving Service at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bruton on Thursday 12th September at 12:00 Noon. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired may be made online at www.funeral-notices.co.uk or cheques made payable to Royal British Legion, may be forwarded to Trotman Funeral Directors, Ashdene, Frome Road, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4QQ

ELIZABETH MANLEY

“Betty”

Passed away on 28th August 2024 in Salisbury District Hospital aged 92 years. Of Shaftesbury.

A much loved Mother and Grandmother. Funeral service takes place at Bell St United Church, Shaftesbury on Friday 20th September at 11.00am. No flowers please but donations for the Blue Cross may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532.

French, Eric

Sadly passed on 12th August 2024 with his loving family by his side. He will be sorely missed forever and beyond. A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 18th September 2024 at 2pm. No black dress code, with blue preferred as a favourite colour. Family flowers only, please, but if you wish to make a donation in lieu, forward a cheque made payable to “St Margaret’s Hospice Care” to the Funeral Director c/o Stuart Foster Funeral Services Ltd, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, Somerset. BA20 1HZ.

Dave Stevens (Retired Farmer-Contractor)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Farrar Stevens on the 1st September, aged 88. Beloved husband, dad, grandad and great grandad. A celebration of his life is to be held on Saturday 21st September. At 2:30pm at Harbour View Crematorium. Family flowers only but donations kindly accepted in Dave’s memory for the British Heart Foundation. (Tapper Funeral Services)

DILLON

Michael Anthony – ‘Mike’

Suddenly, but peacefully at home in Gillingham on 21st August 2024, aged 79 years. Devoted and much loved Husband of Chris. Dearly loved Dad of Euan and Judith and loving Grandpa to Maiah. He will be forever missed. Funeral service at Salisbury Guildhall on Friday 27th September at 11.00am. No flowers please. Donations if desired for either Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance or Cancer Research UK can be made online at: peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk Or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent c/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services Harwood House, Gillingham, SP8 4QJ. Tel. 01747 833757

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• Unattended funerals starting from £995

• Tailored and unique Attended Funerals

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494 Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL Tel: 01747 822494

Newell, Sherborne DT9 4EZ Tel: 01935 813479

Food festival will be a tasty event

WIMBORNE is serving up a new food festival to celebrate the town’s great offering of food and drink eateries, retailers and artisan producers.

The Wimborne Food Festival is taking place on Saturday (September 14), with events tastings, demos and talks all taking place around the town from 11am until 4pm.

The main festival site is at Willow Walk near Waitrose where a host of foodie aficionados will be giving free talks and insights.

Festival goers will be able to meet the Great British Bake Off contestant, Maggie Richardson, discover the secrets of Indonesian cooking with Yayu Slocock, author, chef and owner of A Taste of Rasa Sayang, hear from Kingston Lacy head gardener Andrew Hunt and café manager Phil Anderson, and get top tips from

Michael Russell, head pastry chef of Le Petit Prince Patisserie.

You’ll be able to wash this down with a guided beer tasting by Laura Green, co-owner of independent craft beer bar The Butcher’s Dog, which also has a pop-up bar.

“Your senses will no doubt be drawn to East Street and the smell of a delicious barbecue, as independent butcher Paul Keating serves up the finest Dorset-reared meats,” said festival organisers.

Church Street and Wimborne Square will also be offering alfresco food and drink with tempting festival lunchtime offers from Ten Bottles Tapas and Wine Bar and Piazzo Lounge. Walford Mill is holding a Courtyard Market with free food-themed family crafts.

Organisers added: “The festival coincides with fairtrade fortnight so come and celebrate the town’s renewal as a

Gorgeous gardens

PICK up inspiration from the beautiful gardens around the Vale, open in October as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Edmondsham House

Edmondsham, Wimborne BH21 5RE

With six acres of mature gardens surrounding an historic house and a neighbouring 12th century church, there’s plenty to explore at Edmondsham.

This large Victorian walled garden is productive and has been managed organically since 1984, including ‘no dig’ vegetable beds.

Wide herbaceous borders are packed with autumn colour. The garden boasts mature trees, box balls and topiary cloud a traditional potting shed, cob wall, sunken greenhouse.

Open Wednesday October 2, 9, 16 and 23 (2pm-5pm). £4, children £1.

Frankham Farm

Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne DT9 6JT

This large and lovely farm garden has been created since 1960 by the late Jo Earle for year-round interest. Deep borders surround the lawns near the house, filled with a variety of roses, unusual shrubs and trees, clematis and other climbers. Spring bulbs through to autumn colour. A wonderful range of tree species, some quite rare and planted a long time ago –particularly oaks. There’s also a large, productive vegetable garden. Sorry, no dogs.

fairtrade community.

“Visit the Minster Green for free samples, discover the stories behind the produce and easy recipes between 10am –2pm with Wimborne and Colehill Fairtrade Community.”

There’s also the opportunity for attendees to get stuck in and bake a Dorset apple cake for the Dacombes of Wimborne Cake Competition.

Bakers of all ages are encouraged to create their most delicious and visually stunning Dorset apple cake and bring them to the marquee on Willow Walk at 2.30pm where BBC Repair Shop star Sonnaz Nooranvary will be the celebrity judge.

The Wimborne Food Festival is sponsored by Wimborne BID and Dacombes of Wimborne.

Pick up a programme at the Museum of East Dorset and other local businesses.

Frankham is a working farm (organic arable & livestock) which includes woodland walks underplanted with spring bulbs and camellias. It has a groundlevel tea room with Frankhamgrown lunches plus tea and cake.

Open Sunday, October 13 (12-5pm). £7, children free.

Canford School Arboretum

Canford Magna, Wimborne, BH21 3AD

The Arboretum at Canford School is home to several unusual and rare tree species and two national collections.

Master of Trees, Andrew Powell, shares his wealth of

knowledge of the school’s unique and varied collection of trees in a special tour for NGS.

The tour will encompass almost a millennium of planting, from the 12th-century sweet chestnut Castanea sativa just beyond the music building to the 21st-century Wollemi pine Wollemia nobilis

Andrew will walk you through the collection, explaining how these trees have been central characters in the lives of the land owners.

The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. A limited number of tickets are available.

Open Saturday, October 19 (10am-1pm). £25, pre-booking

CLASSIFIED ADS

4ft 6 DIVAN MATTRESS and bed. Cost £695. 3 years old. £150. 01258 452118

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

APPLE/FRUIT PRESS, good condition. 5 Litre capacity, cast alloy body with stainless steel strainers. £25 contact 01963 371179 (Templecombe)

TWO CATS TRAVEL CAGES £20 two/ or £12 each phone 01935-873441 (Thornford)

WHITE INTERNAL PANEL DOORS. 1.98 x 76. Modern style not glazed. 7 available. £50 the lot or £10 each Tel 01747 838449

YAMAHA KEYBOARD, PSR7000, home use only. 2 stands and manual. £50.00 Tel: 01749-830241

VINTAGE PINE DINING TABLE 105 cm diameter. Heavy pedestal tripod foot. Sherborne. Photos available £50 07774 680733

SONY COMPACT Hi-Fi Stereo System/Music Centre £40 01258 820869

GENTS MOUNTAIN BICYCLE. Excellent condition. £50.00 Tel: 01747 861421

BRAND NEW 6” RAISED TOILET seat for the elderly. Bought new but sadly not needed £15 Wincanton area 07809-765330

NEW UNUSED HARDWOOD 2 seater garden bench. £50. 07486-585174

FREE SNOOKER TABLE on stand 900x1808 incl. cues and balls. Some damage. 07486-585174

CARAVAN COVER for smallish caravan £30, motorbike cover £15 Henstridge 07990-239978 cash only

TWO CHILDRENS CAR SEATS for sale. Excellent condition hardly used suit children 7 months - 11 years. £20 each 01935-422587

VAX POWER MAX CARPET shampooer. g.w.o. Older style £15, DeLonghi Coffee maker as new £12, 01963 364097

SINGLE BED, MATTRESS, linen. 6ft x 6” X 3ft. Wooden frame. Suitable as childs first bed. £15.00 ONO. Buyer collects (Guys Marsh) Tel: 01747-853233

PET CARRIER. 60 Lx40 Wx40 H

cm. Fit 2 cats or small dog. Good condition. £10 ono. Yeovil. 07563 105 836.

ALUMINIUM EXTENSION LADDER £20. 01747 835112

1000 BEER MATS, brand-new. Dating from 1960 upwards. Buyer collects. Tel: 07961-698050 (Milborne Port)

KID’S ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD. 61 Key Bandstand battery keyboard. Fully functional, hardly used. £20 ONO. Fontmell Magna. 01747 811070

IKEA POANG CHAIR BROWN LEATHER VERY GOOD CON. £50 no offers 07899-691847

PAINTED WOOD CUPBOARD with pine top L106cm x W39cm x H84cm. Would appreciate a repaint! £50 Tel: 07903 907008

NEW G-TECH AIR RAM vaccum cleaner. Almost new, Cost £250. Going into care home. Must sell £50 ONO. Cash only. Tel: 07555-524290

MINKY WING 12m heated clothes airer. Purchased Argos, October 2023, code 707/6006, barely used, excellent condition. £50.00 Tel. no. 07851 408667.

2 DOUBLE BED SHEETS (cream) and pillow cases. New still packaged. £15. Tel: 07773-657363

LARGE SWISS CHEESE PLANT. Buyer collect. £35. Tel: 01258-817136 (Kings Stag)

FOLDING LADDER, can be used in various positions, ideal for decorating, lightweight absolute bargain £45 Tel 01747-822422

160 BRAND NEW 1 POUND screw lid Honey Jars plus 60 lids. £15.00 the lot. Salisbury. 07760-061511

GRANDPARENTS Selling travel cot and mattress (bought separately), As New, £50, 01935-421313

2 SEATER SETTEE & fireside chair. Cottage Style. Good Condition. £45.00 Tel: 07563-340823

LAURA ASHLEY LARGE CHAIR, pale green, as new. £50. Tel: 07753-442313

BOSS CASHMERE and wool gentleman’s overcoat, size 38-40, dark blue, hardly worn, cost £480. £45. 01935 815887. (Sherborne).

WHEELBARROW - has Plywood (3-ply) ‘platform’ not usual bowl. Ideal for moving plants. Bargain £7.50 Tel:STREET 01458 44 32 64

BOOKCASE/DISPLAY CABINET, in 6 parts, in good condition. £50 Buyer collects. Tel. 07513 438801

E-SCOOTER, red w/charger. VGC, rarely used. Max user weight 50kg, max speed 12km/h. £50, collection only in Yeovil. Contact 07792-181314

DISPLAY CABINET, 2 glass sliding doors and cupboard under, in 2 parts. £40 Buyer collects. Tel.07392 046655

BAMBOO SWIVEL/ROCKING armchair with deep buttoned floral upholstery. £30 Buyer collects. Tel. 01747 837 834.

TALL CABINET, good condition, Chestnut/Conker colour. Interior light. H: 6ft L 4ft. W: 10” £50 ONO. Tel: 07483-875814 (buyer collects-Shaftesbury)

INTERNATIONAL COSTUME DOLLS x 30. various interesting types/sizes including one topsy turvy, some closing eyes etc. would suit collector. Job lot £20.00 may split . Kington Magna 01747-838 82

GO CHEF. 8 in one cooker. Brand New, never used. £50. 07791 847767

REMMINGTON FOOT SPA. £10. 01749 830241.

BOSCH AXT 2200 Electric Garden shredder in VGC. With operating instructions. £40. 01458 442262.

RUSSELL HOBBS, 800 watt, 20 litre microwave. Unused. £25. 07907-044084.

Adverts classified@blackmorevale.net

1 ad per contact number. Please limit to: 15 words or less household items only

or large items. Anything considered. Call Dennis 01722 741031.

Shaftesbury lose out to Eveshamand exit FA Trophy in the first round

FOOTBALL

By Avril Lancaster SHAFTESBURY

were defeated by two goals from Levi Steele as Evesham United took all three points at Cockrams in the Pitching In Southern League Division 1 South.

Remus Nixon went close for Shaftesbury with a header from Toby Bailey’s delivery in a game of few chances until, just before the break, Logan Laird was left with no option other than to pass the ball back to ‘Rockies’ keeper Shane Murphy who got squeezed out by the incoming Reagan Messenger and Steele who promptly ran the ball into the open net.

Shaftesbury came out second half with

headed in by Steele to send the visitors back to Worcestershire with three points.

Meanwhile, a spirited display by 10-man Shaftesbury saw an early exit in the Isuzu FA Trophy, with Connor Barrett’s 9th minute penalty winning it for North Leigh at Cockrams.

The Central Division visitors’ keeper, Monty Marriott, denied Cameron Beard from the penalty spot to keep his side ahead.

Beard was sent off for a second yellow card in the second half yet the Rockies rallied with Marriott denying Brad Morris, Harry Bunce and Ronan Moore, who clipped the bar, to progress to the next round.

Petanque league ends with social day

THE Nadder and Stour Petanque League, kindly sponsored by Stone Daisy Brewery, ended their playing season with a sunny social finals day at Stalbridge Village hall on Sunday, September 8.

More than 50 people from the 16 member teams were treated to a delicious barbeque courtesy of Stalbridge Scout Group and enjoyed indoor boules and curling as well as croquet and ‘nearest the jack’ fun games out on the pistes.

The day’s matches kicked off with the league final between division winners The Fiddleford Inn and Tisbury Tossers and was won by Tisbury, but Fiddleford didn’t go home empty-handed as their branded team kit earned them a special ‘best dressed’ prize.

Then came the final of the doubles knockout competition, with Colin and Jan from Mere winning to scoop the Rory O’Brien cup and Martin and Jan of Shaftesbury Town Twinning Association taking the runners-up spot.

In the triples knockout final, Damon, Terry and Steve from Broadchalke Chargers took home

the Nick Browne cup, beating runners up Colin, Anne and Alan from Mere into second place.

The league final between division winners The Fiddleford Inn and Tisbury Tossers was won by Tisbury, but Fiddleford didn’t go home empty-handed as their branded team kit earned them a special ‘best dressed’ prize.

Last but not least, Broadchalke Challengers brought up the rear and accepted this year’s wooden spoon with good grace.

The day raised £125 for Stalbridge Village Hall, with Stone Daisy co-founder Alastair ‘Eddie’ Large presenting the awards and raising a pint of his finest to the victors.

The Nadder and Stour We are a friendly league, consisting of teams from local pubs and clubs across East Dorset and South Wiltshire.

The league runs from May to August and is always open to new teams joining the league, and new players joining existing teams. Either pop along to a participating pub/club or email nadderandstourpetanque@gmail. com.

Calum English Brown’s effort blocked by Evesham United’s well organised defence. Evesham went further ahead minutes later when Joshua Barlow’s corner was

International squash match-up wows the crowds at Dorchester exhibition

LAST month, Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club hosted an exhibition match for the first time in more than 20 years.

Two highly-ranked players from Birmingham University put on a demonstration to celebrate squash being accepted into the Olympics for the first time in Los Angeles in 2028.

Toby Ponting, from England, and Campbell Wells from Switzerland offered coaching to club members.

Dorchester team members

Callum Watts, Ros Godfree and Marcus White all played well but found it tough going to take more than a few points off the pros.

Then for the big event. The exhibition match was

played at the club’s glassbacked court and a crowd of 50 people was entertained by a breathtaking display.

After a tumultuous battle lasting almost an hour, Toby’s consistency edged out Campbell’s front-court skill, leaving England victorious.

Giles Watts, chair of squash and racketball section of DTSC, said: “It is not often in Dorchester that we are witness to live sport played at professional level.

“This evening, we were truly entertained by two exciting young talents who are continuing to improve and climb the rankings.”

The Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club hopes people have

been inspired by the exhibition match to come and play more racket sports. It boasts “excellent” facilities in Dorchester for tennis, squash and racketball, and new members are very welcome, Giles added.

For more information, email admin@dtsc.org.uk, or visit https://www.dtsc.org.uk.

Wincanton Golf Club results GOLF

Petanque Finals Day

Wincanton Golf Club Results

Club Championship, August 17/18

Club Championship Winner –Chris Chapman – best overall gross 164

1. Chris Chapman gross 164

2. Trevor Mills 176 3. Jim Phillips 184

Best Combined Nett Score –Jim Phillips – 138

1. Jim Phillips nett 138

2. John Burns nett 140

3. Tony Garrett nett 144 ocb

4. Chris Chapman nett 144

Jack Smale’s Memorial Trophy

– August 20

1. Simon Lenton 36

2. John Wolstenholme 32 ocb

3. Rick Graham 32

Jack Smale’s 7 for 1 GlassAugust 20

1. Reg Gazzard 17

2. EG Applegath 14 ocb

3. Derek King 14

Monthly Medal – August 24

1. Chris Chapman nett 75

2. Jim Phillips nett 76 ocb

3. Richard Czemerda 76

Seniors Monthly Medal –August 27

1. Chris Dibben nett 66

2. Richard Strong nett 67 ocb

3. Kees Schouten nett 67

Seniors Back Nine MedalAugust 27

1. Geoff Lye nett 34

2. Derek King nett 35 ocb

3. Harry Eden nett 35

Monthly Stableford –September 7

1. Chris Chapman 38 ocb

2. Jim Phillips 38

3. Jim Stephen 35

PETANQUE

THE season ending Finals Day for the Nadder & Stour Petanque League took place on Sunday, September 8, at Stalbridge Petanque and Croquet Club, Stalbridge Hall.

Organised by Nick Browne (Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe) and Will Moore (Shaftesburt TTA), the league play offs and knock finals were played out in good weather and a good spirit.

Results:

• League Play off: Tisbury Tossers (top of the Nadder division) beat Fiddleford Inn (top of Stour division) 2 games to 1.

• Runners up Nadder Division: Mere Mortals

• Runners up Stour Division: Royal Oak (Swallowcliffe) Corkers

• Winners Ko Doubles: Colin & Anne (Mere Mortals)

• Runners up: Martin & Jan (Shaftesbury TTA)

• Winners Ko Triples: Damon, Terry & Steve (Broad Chalke Chargers)

• Runners up: Colin, Anne & Alan (Mere Mortals)

The league and the finals day were generously sponsored by the Stone Daisy Brewery of Berwick St Leonard. New teams are always welcome, with the new season beginning in May 2025. For more information visit, https://www. nadderandstourpetanque.com/ or contact, nadderandstourpetanque@gmail.com.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

Luca, 16 weeks. Timid but building in confidence after a bad start to life. Looking for a home of his own as the only pet

Rebel, two year old. Looking for a home with his best friend Boomer

friendly boy, no other pets

n We also have kittens ready for homes now.

Boomer, 10 years. Affectionate boy looking for a home with his best friend Rebel

n Outside cats: We have a number of outside cats in different locations needing to be relocated. We are looking for people with stables, farms, smallholdings or gardens where a mouser is needed to help with rodent control. For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/blandford.

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat contact us via our website, phone or Facebook. Please provide a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call. It may be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

The benefits of owning a black cat

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

RESCUE centres have lots of cats of all ages and colours needing new homes. They often find it is harder to rehome black cats than many other colours. This is often down to our desire to own a more colourful pet or associations with negative folklore.

Black cats have been a part of folklore for hundreds of years in positive and negative ways. They used to be associated with witches, and women seen feeding black cats were persecuted, along with the cats themselves. This led to the hypothesis in the Middle Ages that, due to this drop in cat numbers, more rats survived which were infested with fleas which carried The Plague and increased the spread of disease.

In Egypt, black cats were considered sacred and were worshipped. “Bastet” is an ancient Egyptian goddess with

the head of a black cat and the body of a woman. She was believed to bring good fortune to those who housed cats.

The base colour for cats is tabby due to their ancestry in wild cats because it provided camouflage and an increased likelihood of survival. Colour gene mutations occurred, but were rare and often recessive, so weren’t commonly passed on to offspring.

In captivity, gene mutations for colour have no effect on survival and, as humans, we often encourage breeding of unusual colours, allowing these colours to become “fixed” and inheritable. Black cats will often have subtle stripes when kittens, due to the underlying tabby genetics. These become less visible with age but can sometimes be seen on sunny days.

There is also evidence that suggests a genetic mutation present in black cats may provide some protection from

Dorset Raw Pet Foods expands to new home in Gillingham

DORSET Raw Pet Foods in Gillingham is moving to a new location in the town.

The shop has moved from its premises on Shaftesbury Road to a bigger home at Unit 13 Old Market Square, with the grand opening

taking place next Saturday (September 14).

The first ten people to spend over £35 in the new shop will get a free gift bag for their four-legged friend.

Dorset Raw Pet Foods began from humble beginnings operating out of a shed with just two freezers.

It now has expanded due to its popularity which the owner Kaz Lowis said is a “big step” for the company.

Ms Lowis said she set up the business after discovering the benefits that raw, natural feeding had on her own dogs.

“I initially started my own dog on raw food nine years ago as he looked so poorly on dry food and couldn’t put any weight on,” she said.

She added: “Our aim is to share our holistic approach to pet nutrition and help guide you towards providing your furry companions with high quality, nutritious products that they will thrive off!

“All our products are DEFRA registered and sourced from naturally wholesome ingredients.”

Smudge, four years old, grey and white. Big

Black cats are as beautiful and attractive as all other colours the FIV virus based on research in humans involving the HIV virus.

Black cats are just as beautiful as other colours but also often shine more in sunlight due to the reflection of their dark coats. This also provides a stunning contrast against their eye colour, making

their eyes really stand out against the black background of their fur.

When choosing a new cat or kitten, remember that black cats are as beautiful and attractive as all other colours in their own way, and that an individual cat’s personality and health is more important than its coat colour.

6 ASSORTED RUNNING DUCKS. Free to a good home. (pond a must) Tel: 07514-464185

WORKING COCKER SPANIEL PUPPIES,3 dogs,kc registered,can be seen with mother,both parents fully health tested,fully vaccinated.£1250.07976-904175

SPRINGHILL

POULTRY BH21 4JE

Various hybrid & pure breed hens available POL , Fully Inoculated Rheas, ducks, turkeys also available Over 300 hens in stock 07970672003

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster) Sponsored by Longmead Veterinary Practice Ltd

CUDDLES FOR CATS reliable cat sitting in your home. Jacqui 07791-198679

KC REGISTERED PEDIGREE, WEST HIGHLAND TERRIERS (Westies) Licence Number: 10474 Both parents family pets, with 5 generation pedigree, both parents can be seen. Puppies will come with 5weeks Kennel Club Insurance, 2 boys and 1 girl, ready to leave 5th October. 07907-71666. (Sherborne)

MINATURE DASCHUND PUPPIES. Pra cord 1 Clear. Chocolate boys. Please ring for more details 07496-764226

C.B. Brett & Son Pet & Wildlife Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food Cat - Wet & Dry Food Bird/Hedgehog/WildlifeFood, Feeders & Accessories

Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB 01935 812107

Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border

Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

Friday 9am to 5pm

Recruitment

Complete care solutions

Bramley Care are recruiting

At Bramley Care, we believe in fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment where your growth and development are as important to us as the exceptional care we provide to our residents. Apply now and become part of a team that truly values your contribution.

Current vacancies:

Home Care Assistants

Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Blandford Forum, Tisbury areas

Full-time Night Care Assistant

Bramley House, Mere

Full-time Senior Care Assistant

The Old Rectory, Stalbridge

For more information call us today on 01747 855844 or visit our website for more information.

TIMBER

BUILDING ERECTOR.

Salary negotiable 01935 891195

LOOKING FOR A CLEANER to help in a family home near Sherborne, every week. Tel: 07834-845981

SELF EMPLOYED EXPERIENCED GROUNDWORKERS/PLANT OPERATORS

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team.

Applicants must be con dent in their ability to carry out all aspects of groundwork to a good standard with attention to detail. We o er a safe working environment with good rates of pay. Local work and an opportunity of long-term employment with a friendly family run business.

If you are that exible, skilled groundworker who can also operate plant to a good standard please call, Martin on 01258 455219 or email admin@farwellplanthire.co.uk

Niwaki is expanding and on the lookout for two experienced, switched-on individuals to join our growing team, based in Semley nr. Shaftesbury.

If you’re looking for a new challenge working with a great bunch of people in a local company with international reach, please get in touch.

You’ll find full job specs. and details of how to apply on our website: niwaki.com/careers

HANARD CONTRACT SERVICES LTD - Building Maintenance, require competent trade based person to join our team. Multiskilled or time served, good rates. Driving licence essential. Ring Richard on 07811112317, or info@hanardcontractservicesltd.co.uk

IN STORE HORTICULTURAL SPECIALIST WILTON DEPOT

We are looking for a great team player to join our Wilton Depot selling horticultural products and generally helping all departments as required. This would be a great job for a farm worker who wishes to move to a more “indoor” career! Or someone with a keen interest in horticultural and agricultural machinery who wants to develop their career. For full details and to apply please go to our website https://www.candotractors.com/career/

PART TIME BOOKKEEPER

Sherborne PCC is seeking a qualified, experienced part-time bookkeeper based at the Parish Office in Sherborne.

The Role

•

•

•

• Hours to be determined and can be flexible

• Some scope for homeworking

• Salary to be based on a full-time position of £26,000 p.a.

•

• Liaise with our retained Accountancy Firm

• Co-ordinate the annual audit

• Report creation

About You

• Fluency in Xero

• 2+ years bookkeeping experience

HEATING/PLUMBING ENGINEER REQUIRED

Experienced motivated engineer required to join our friendly team. Must be Gas Safe registered and preferably Oftec registered. On going training provided. Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work alone, or as a team.

Competitive salary. Van provided. 4 weeks holiday plus bank holidays.

To apply please send CV and covering letter to

Recruitment

Depot Supervisor

Events Crew Limited are an Events Management and Infrastructure provider who support World Class events across the UK and Ireland.

We have a brand-new, purpose built facility on Henstridge Airfield. We are seeking a Depot Supervisor to help manage the stores and yard area amongst other work.

If you have, a can-do attitude and a willingness to get involved with all manner of jobs pleae get in touch for more information.

Full Job Description and more information available at info@eventscrew.com

Fencing - Barriers - Transport Power - Lighting - Ground Protection

EXPERIENCED CLEANER/IRONER needed 4-5 hours weekly in Somerton 01458 272684

EXPERIENCED SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST

Required for busy accountancy practice in Sherborne. Salary based on experience. Please send email with CV to iandodds@lanhamandfrancis.co.uk

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED to manage our 5 bedroom house in Stour Provost. Young family. Cleaning, tidying, laundry, ironing, changing beds. 6-8 hours per week. Seeking a proactive, independent housekeeper. Please contact Charlotte on 07850-204800.

Wildflowers plan to improve flood plains

A TEAM of conservation officers and volunteers in Dorset has been given the go ahead to plant native wildflowers and meadow grasses, which will enhance floodplain fields for biodiversity.

The project will take place at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, which is owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust, a charity promoting naturefriendly farming to help reverse the biodiversity decline and combat climate change.

The team will be reseeding a total area of one hectare with brush-harvested seed from floodplain meadows managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The plan is to increase coverage over the rest of the floodplain fields at Bere Marsh in future years.

CRT Head of Conservation and Land Management Helena Darragh explained why the project is so important.

“Species-rich floodplain meadow habitat in Britain has

dramatically declined due to agricultural intensification, urban and industrial development of these flat, low-lying, and fertile areas, as well as alterations to their hydrology through changes to river systems.

“Due to their proximity to watercourses, species-rich floodplain meadows were once the most productive fields on farms, receiving their nutrients each year through highly fertile silt deposited on the land during flood events.

“This special value has decreased with fertiliser now used more widely across farm holdings and high yielding grasses selected to grow hay or silage adding to the overall loss of this biodiverse habitat.”

Floodplain meadows are characterised by diverse herb-rich swards and feature the iconic great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) plant with its crinkle-cut leaves, producing beautiful burgundy

Recruitment

Complex Care Assistant - Poole

Hourly Pay: £15.10

Location: Poole Dorset

Shift: Monday - Sunday, 22:00 - 9.002

Shifts in the week and 1 shift over the weekend

At Sonderwell our mission is to make ‘every day better’ for children and adults living with complex needs, we provide the highest quality support in our clients’ homes with the most talented Complex Care Assistants. We are excited to be growing our team with experienced complex carers in the Poole area. You will be valued, we will provide the training and development you need to support your client, helping you get the most out of this rewarding and fulfilling role. What’s hugely important is your ability to build a connection with friendly communication skills.

Before you start, you’ll have the chance to meet your client and their family, you’ll have day-to-day support with a Care Co-ordinator or Nurse Manager always on hand to answer your questions. You’ll also be able to access our ‘Carer App’ which is a fantastic source of insight and information. We’ll give you all you need to get the most out of this rewarding and fulfilling role.

To express your interest in this role, please send your CV to recruitment@sonderwell.co.uk and we will be in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

seed heads in summer.

Other wildflowers include common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis).

“These magnificent lowland habitats contribute to naturefriendly farm practices through providing a valuable nutritious source of food for livestock,” adds Helena.

“A hay cut is taken in summer, followed by the grazing of regrowth in autumn, until it becomes too wet for livestock to be on the field.”

During winter and spring months, floodplain meadows are often inundated with floodwater, providing nesting and feeding habitat for a huge array of birdlife. As the ground becomes drier, livestock can be let on to graze the early grass growth, before being shut out to allow wildflowers to come through and produce an herb-rich hay crop, and so the cycle comes full circle.

Native wildflower seeds need contact with bare soil to germinate so machinery is used to scratch the top surface of vegetation away to create perfect conditions for sowing.

“So, while it may not look much at first, keep an eye out in the spring and summer next year for a boost in wildflower abundance on these fields, providing pollen and nectar for a range of pollinators,” adds Helena.

Across its properties in England, the CRT is committed

to enhancing our farmed environment for biodiversity through conservation projects which restore natural habitat as part of our nature-friendly farm practices.

“Over the coming years at Bere Marsh Farm, we will be working to restore the botanical diversity of our floodplain meadows, adding locally sourced native wildflower seed to the existing grassland.

“Not only is this great news for birds, mammals, pollinators and other invertebrates, but diverse swards in floodplains help to sequester carbon deep into the soil and improve soil moisture retention since having lots of different plants means a range of rooting depths and systems, all working to pull carbon and water down into the soil to support growth.

“With the UK now subject to more short, sharp downpours in winter months (and throughout the year) ensuring our floodplains function more effectively by storing water helps to alleviate flooding downstream and reduce soil erosion, providing benefits to local communities.”

“We’re really looking forward to seeing our meadows flourish, providing for more pollinators and having positive ramifications all the way up the food chain,” she adds.

For more information about the project and the CRT, please see the website at www.thecrt. co.uk

Field & Stream

New blood in the flock – and goodbye to an old friend

by Tria Stebbing

IN between attending country shows, we have been busy with the flock watching for flies and checking feet.

We took a trip up country to collect some new sheep for the flock, a mix of Zwartbles and Dutch Spotted. The Dutch Spotted show that they lived in Holland as early as 1800 but are the one of the newest breeds to be introduced to the UK.

In Holland they were kept in the west, commonly covered in lakes and bogs, and used to maintain the grass, exactly what we need them for. Having been gifted another plot of land to graze, we opted for the easier to manage variety that we have had the most success with.

This week has been spent building trust with the new ewes – they are skittish and wary of

us currently, not even holding out a ginger biscuit can coax them over.

We needed new blood in the flock, as if we stick with the same ewes all the time, the danger is that we will eventually start to lose sight of who is related to who.

Autumn has arrived early at the field. Leaves are falling and changing colour, berries are fruiting and the swifts that entertain us with their flying antics have mostly gone.

We have been moving the small bale hay around to our other grazing places so that it is accessible for winter and have been delighted to see that our two resident deer remain in situ next to the pond field.

Time has been against us this year with the maintenance of the area and so we have left it to

rewild itself – in other words it is hideously overgrown. The benefit of which has been the increased wildlife living undisturbed, hidden away from predators and the building works in the plot next door.

The grass at the field has benefited from being baled and the area in front of the field shelter has finally dried after last winter’s unforgiving wet weather. The ground has never taken so long to dry – the lack of sustained hot temperatures this summer has not helped at all. We have seen that maize is being harvested locally, which again is telling us that the

seasons are a bit out of sync.

We have been sad to say goodbye to a very dear follower of Field & Stream, keeping a close eye on our field from her bungalow since way back. During lockdown when we were at least able to take the occasional walk, she would stop to chat and reassure us that if we could not get over to the village, she would be watching out. She has loved having the sheep in the village, and sadly has now had to return “up north” to be with her family. Mrs Fox – you will be so missed, by both us and the woolly flock. Thank you.

Re-cycling scheme for tired bikes

UNWANTED

bikes collected from Somerset homes could soon be back in use thanks to a new scheme.

An agreement between Somerset Council, waste contractor SUEZ and cycling charity On Your Bike will see cycles collected via the council’s bulky collection service donated to the charity – which will then recycle them.

The council said bikes are often collected from households, and although previously recycled as scrap metal, they will now go to new homes thanks to the partnership.

On Your Bike is a bicycle recycling charity, based in Bridgwater and Taunton, which aims to train and support those in the community who have

suffered social exclusion, have physical disabilities or mental health issues, including exservice personnel, refugees, ex-offenders, homeless and long-term unemployed.

Bikes that are donated to On Your Bike are refurbished and sold for affordable prices in shops in Bridgwater and Taunton.

As well as providing affordable bikes, qualified mechanics offer servicing and repairs on all types of bike. All funds generated go back into community projects.

During the first month of the new partnership, On Your Bike has received more than 25 bikes.

Councillor Dixie Darch, executive lead member for

climate and environment at the council, said: “We are always open to new ideas that mean we are part of a more sustainable community. This new partnership is a great opportunity to support the people of Somerset.”

Lily Morton, senior community liaison manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery, said: “We are really pleased to be able to start this partnership with On Your Bike and help them by donating bikes that would otherwise be recycled have a chance for a second life.

“On Your Bike are an important part of the community and we are happy we can support them.

“This partnership is a great example of how we can help

provide both environmental and social benefits to the local community and seize the reuse opportunity.”

And Tracey Mock, general manager at On Your Bike, added: “We are really excited to be working in partnership with SUEZ. We live in such a “throw away” society at present and more needs to be done to reuse and recycle.

“Many bikes that come to us have many more years of riding in them. We also make bikes affordable for those whose only feasible choice of transport is a bike.

“Cycling is good for the mind and body and should be accessible to everyone as well as better for the planet and its future.”

Tria Stebbing has introduced new sheep to the flock – a mix of Zwartbles and Dutch Spotted

Digital dermatitis and ‘non-healing claw horn lesions’

by Paul Doran MRCVS, CHCSB member and AHDB Mobility Mentor

Friars Moor Livestock Health

MANY dairy farms struggle at one time or another to control digital dermatitis (DD). Cost estimates of DD are generally much lower per case compared to other forms of lameness. For example, Wilshire & Bel (2009) estimated the cost of an individual case of DD to be around £75 and that of a sole ulcer to be in the region of £520.The same review estimated that in the average case of lameness, 82% of the costs were due to reduced fertility and yield with vet costs only contributing 1%.

However, in the case of DD, such conservative cost estimates do not account for a potentially more significant herd level impact because of the association between DD and so-called non-healing claw horn lesions. The most widely

recognised of these lesions is toe necrosis but other ‘nonhealing’ claw horn lesions such as necrotic axial fissures or non-healing white line lesions (aka ‘wall ulcers’) are also associated with Digital Dermatitis.

What is less often appreciated is that curative surgical treatment of these lesions is possible by a vet under local anaesthetic. In most

Toe necrosis lesion following surgical debridement, prior to bandaging

cases, if the farm is prepared to provide some aftercare (repeated antibiotic spray) and the lesion is relatively recent, the cow is likely to have a good prognosis. If appropriately and promptly treated, there is a much greater chance of permanently curing a case of toe necrosis than a sole ulcer.

There are several advantages to treating these lesions:

a) Improved mobility in affected cows tends to result in improved milk yield and fertility and significantly reduce the risk of early culling.

b) Necrotic claw horn lesions are a reservoir of digital dermatitis so the presence of cows with these lesions in the herd increases the infection pressure and is therefore a barrier to good DD control.

Necrotic white line lesion – wall ulcer – following surgical debridement

therefore is the ethical thing to do.

On a farm with good foot trimming facilities, it is possible for a vet to treat these lesions on their own, however in many situations, it is often easiest for a vet and foot trimmer to work together to treat these cows.

Treatment requires surgical removal of a l necrotic tissue and any under run horn under local anaesthetic. Pain relief is given and the treated hoof is bandaged for 12-24 hours to prevent bleeding. With good aftercare and a little follow up, the success rate can be excellent.

Country Outfitters

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs. Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

Est 1886

3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW

jay@conyers.biz

www.conyers.biz

Tel: 01258 452307

Mob: 07973 642278

c) Treatment has a significant welfare benefit to the cow and

Of course, the long-term goal should always be to improve Digital Dermatitis control so that fewer of these lesions are seen in the future but treating these animals can also play a part in achieving that.

Paul Doran

ALL TYPES OF FENCING AND TOPPING

Tel: 01747-855198

FOR SALE

A SELECTION OF S/H RSJS

2x 23ft x 300 x 300

2x 21ft x 300 x 300

2x 23ft x 300 x 150

Plus a selection of Oak Beams, out of an old barn

Open to offers

Contact Roger on 07885-826396 or 01202-826502

HEDGE CUTTING. Tel: 01747-855198

RICH COOMBES

FOOT TRIMMING and freeze branding services. 07718-135398

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Tel: 01258 472288 / Mob: 07977 936109

New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks

TYRES AROUND LTD

FOR ADVICE ON ALL CLASSES OF STOCK PLEASE CALL

BRADLEY TOWELL 07496 263916 TOM ROGERS 07384 462288

TREVOR ROWLAND 07968 480401 LESTER WILLIAMS 07778 646031

ROSS WHITCOMBE 07815 985737 CLIVE PEACH 07970 620859

ANDREW FRIZZLE 07977 136863

Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Somerset, BA11 2QB 01373 830033 info@fromelivestock.com www.fromelivestock.com

WANTED: Small piece of land. (Dorset area) Tel: 07810-472347

CONCRETE GROOVING SERVICE. Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040

CONTRACT SHEPHERDING. All aspects of sheep work undertaken. Tel 07968049218

CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE, old, unwanted caravans, cars, trailers, vans etc. Garden machinery, tractors, scrap metal. Yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, dismantling and gas cutting service. Please call 01935 873169 or 07368-380477

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

DIY LIVERY in 5 acre field near Sturminster Newton. 3 Paddocks, 4 Stables. Water, Well fenced. Easy access. Available end of September contact cowgate@btinternet.com

Pneumatic fittings

Air brake fittings

Hose clamps

Hydraulic Hoses Mob: 07966 244536

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry

Quick release couplings

Pressure wash hoses + lances

This summer, Simon Reeves and his team at Pangea Insurance attended the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show for two days filled with chatter, some sunshine (mainly drizzle), and a few surprises that we put together on our trade stand.

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked

Variation of oils

Mobile service available

Even though we were first-timers at this event, we were certainly noticed by plenty of friendly faces – both new and familiar. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and see us, whether it was to talk business or just a catch up.

Amongst the ‘serious’ insurance talk, we had drinks on offer, including a delicious locally made gin, lots of snacks and some fun competitions (to our lucky winners – enjoy that Jack Daniels and pub vouchers!)

Overall, it was a successful couple of days, allowing us to really get chatting with people to understand their needs. Afterall, that is what we’re all about!

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF

Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

Farming

£6,000 helping hand for students

FIFTEEN youngsters from across rural Dorset have been awarded grants to help them pursue their ambitions to work in agriculture, animal welfare and conservation.

The Student Support Fund is managed by Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, organisers of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show.

The fund is set up to support students entering into agricultural, horticultural, countryside and land-based industries.

It offers help with costs towards college or university course fees, books and equipment and to help meet transport costs of getting to a place of study from a rural location.

The Support Fund, in its fourth year, is supporting a record number of student with awards this year totalling about

£6,000.

Georgia Angel, 21, from Margaret Marsh, a hamlet in north Dorset, is one of the students to be awarded a grant to support her further education.

Georgia has a degree in Biological Science and will now go onto study at Bristol Veterinary School.

Oliver Swanton, 12, from Shaftesbury, who is keen to work in agriculture, will use his grant to help with a bus journey to the Dorset Studio School, a mainstream school in Dorchester for students who wish to pursue careers in the land and environment sectors.

Gracie-Mae Barkess, 16, from Gillingham, suffers from a mobility condition and the grant will help her with the cost of a laptop and the long bus journey to Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester, which specialises in land-based studies.

Nathan Keeble, 16,who is

studying for a Level 3 in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology at the same college, said: “The bus journey from my home in Motcombe to Kingston Maurward takes an hour and is over £800 for the year, so this grant will really help. I want to be a game warden.”

His colleague, Toby Portnell, 16, from Mere, will be using his grant for transport and equipment for his course in Level 3 in Livestock and

The Student Support Fund is managed by Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, which organises the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

Agriculture. He said: “I’m keen to own my own farm. I already work in a dairy farm part time and have a 40-strong herd of my own sheep.”

Matthew Price, chair of the Student Support Fund, said: “The Student Support Fund can make all the difference for a rural youngster in continuing their education and helping to create our county’s farmers and countryside custodians of the future.”

Sheep Scab, by Synergy Farm Health’s Vet Tech Manager Dave Frecknall

Sheep scab is an intensly itchy form of allergic dermatitis, caused by the sheep reacting to faeces of sheep scab mites (Psoroptes ovis). The mites are just about visible to the naked eye and only remain viable off animal for 15-17 days. The lifecycle takes 14 days and the population of mites can double every six days. Scab is a major source of economic loss in affected flocks and a serious threat to sheep welfare. Infestations can be very debilitating with significant loss of condition, secondary skin infections through self trauma/rubbing and eventually death. Treatment - Dipping vs Injection

Confirmation of resistance in sheep scab mites to the injectable macrocyclic lactone (ML) scab treatments, coupled with increasing concern that the use of these products is accelerating resistance to the MLs in gut-worm populations, means more and more sheep farmers have been turning back to organophosphate (OP) dipping for the treatment of sheep scab.

In order to help minimise risks to users and the environment, OP must now only be used by the plunge dipping method and is not licenced for use in any other way Plunge dipping can be exceptionally effective in controlling sheep scab and many other ectoparasites, including blowfly, ticks, and lice. It kills all life stages of mites quickly and protects against re-infection.

The number of farmers with their own dipping facilities has continued to fall, due to tighter regulation of the purchase, use and disposal of OP dipwash. This means they have increasingly been turning to professional mobile dipping contractors. How can Synergy Farm Health help?

With the first signs of scab (itching, scratching, restlessness, loss of wool, etc) seek confirmation, advice and best course of treatment from your vet. For dipping, just phone our office for a quote and availability for our dipping technician to plunge dip your sheep safely and then take away all dip for legal waste disposal. Prior to your visit our dipper David Beggs will phone you to run through the dipping process and provide you with any other information that you may require.

What is the answer to securing a sustainable farm income?

While farming can be fulfilling, it also needs to be a business making money. But many of the challenges farmers face in generating income are outside their control according to Professor Matt Lobley in a recent episode of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus podcast.

The weather, fluctuating markets and prices, and the power of supermarkets all make it hard to predict farm income year on year

Co-Director of Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter, Professor Lobley discussed opportunities to improve farm profitability with podcast host Peter Green as he believes ensuring farmers can generate a stable income is essential to the industry’s future: “Sustainable agriculture has to be environmentally sustainable, but it’s also got to be economically and socially sustainable.”

Leading agricultural marketing agency Hillsgreen echoes this in its latest Marketing to Farmers report, in which it surveyed more than 1,000 farmers, noting profitability, cashflow and farm input costs were the top three factors impacting farmers and their businesses.

With farming in a period of change, a mindset shift is needed to ensure farms can generate good incomes says Professor Lobley. He believes central to achieving this is bringing consumers closer to their food, with farmers and the public coming together to understand their different perspectives.

“It’s not an urban/rural thing because there are lots of people living in rural areas who don’t understand farming. And to be frank, there’s lots of farmers who don’t understand people that don’t farm.”

Professor Lobley also thinks we need to start again from basic principles: “We need to treat farmers ethically as human beings and work out how to give them a fair return.”

Listen to the full episode of Cornish Mutual’s Farming Focus Podcast at https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/news-advice/farming-focus-podcast/also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

‘Beat

the Budget!’

Symonds & Sampson’s Property Auction Department has added an extra sale date to the diary to allow for a pre-budget property auction.

The sale will take place on Friday 25 October in Sherborne, Dorset.

Auction Partner Meredith Wallis says “We have had numerous enquiries from owners of residential, agricultural, and commercial property, keen to dispose of their assets ahead of possible changes to Capital Gains Tax allowances. We don’t know what the Chancellor will announce on 30 October, but scheduling this additional auction allows our clients flexibility to act and secure the all-important exchange of contracts before any changes come into effect.

The deadline for entries is Monday 23 September, so if you would like to discuss entering your residential, contact the Auction Department

Mark Lewis 01258 473766

Meredith Holmes 01202 843190 Graham Barton 01297 33122

Advertising Feature

DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON

ON-FARM AUCTIONS

2 DISPERSALS, 1 DAY – Tuesday 24th September at 10.30am, Moor Court Farm, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2NH

On behalf of Chilton Down Farm Partnership & Moor Court Farm Partnership (Change of Farm Policy)

Genuine Dispersal of 2 Combines, 8 Tractors, 2 Telehandlers, Land Rover, ATV, Sprayers, Arable Machinery, Sheep Equipment, Workshop Items, etc.

Chilbolton Down Farm Partnership

John Deere X9 1100 Combine with 40’ Header (21), John Deere 6250R (19), 6R215 (23), 6215R (16), 6210R (12), 6930 Premium (08) & 2130 (77) Tractors, JCB 531-70 AgriSuper (12), John Deere 3420 (05) Telehandlers, Land Rover 90 Pick-Up (96), John Deere R962i 30m

Trailed Sprayer (19), Amazone ZA-TS Fertiliser Spreader (20), Vaderstad RDA 600S Drill, Simba SL500 & SL400 Cultivators, Dalbo 6m Cultitrail, Cousins Contour HZ 15.4m Cambridge Rollers (19), McConnel 7-Leg Shakerator, Kverneland RB100 7f Semi Mounted & LD85/240 5f Rev. Ploughs, McConnel PA6565T Hedgetrimmer (16), Bomford Atlas Copco XAS37 Compressor, Bomford 2700 Flail Topper, McConnel Rhino 6’ Topper, Marshall Bale Trailer, Warwick 14t & 12t, Marston 14t & 12t & Griffiths 10t Grain Trailers, Machine Spares, Workshop Items, Weights, Wheels, etc

Moor Court Farm Partnership

John Deere T670i Hillmaster Combine with 30’ Header (21), Shelbourne Reynolds RSD28 Stripper Header (22), John Deere 6R215 Ultimate (23) & 6195R (18) Tractors, Can-Am 570 Outlander (23), Berthoud Vantage 55-60 30m Trailed Sprayer, Kverneland TL Geospread iDC Fertiliser Spreader (22), Horsch Cruiser 6 XL, Vaderstad Carrier 650 , Dalbo Cultilift 600 & Reco Wil-Rich 9FCW 6m Cultivators, He-Va Stealth 6-Leg Low Disturbance Subsoiler, Kverneland LD85/300 6f Rev Plough, Dowdeswell Plough Press, 3 Claydon 2 x 9m (23 & 22) 1 x 7.5m (22) Straw Harrows, He-Va 15.3m King Roller, Watson HFWB 630 Ballast Rollers, Accord 6m Drill, Spearhead Stubble Master 750 Batwing Topper, Warwick 14t Grain Trailer, Western 1,000ltr Fuel Bowser (20), Pratley Mobile Sheep Handling System, Rappa Trailer, Reels, Stakes, Workshop Items, Weights, Wheels, etc.

Saturday 28th September at 10.30am

Beaulieu Wood Farm, Buckland Newton, Dorchester, DT2 7DG Sale of 3 Tractors, Grassland & Livestock Equipment, Workshop Items, etc Including: Massey Ferguson 5455 with MF 955 Loader (10), Massey Ferguson 390T with Quicke Q950 Loader (94), New Holland T4.75F (15), Shelbourne 18m3 Diet Feeder (18), McHale F5500 Round Baler (15), McHale 991BC Wrapper (13), Kuhn FC280F Front Mounted Mower Conditioner, KV Taarup 4032 Trailed Rear Mower Conditioner, Kubota RA1043 Single Rotor Rake (19), Lely Lotus Stabilo 6 Rotor Tedder, PrimeX 20’ Lagoon Stirrer, HiSpec 1600gln Vacuum Tanker, Marshall MS105 Rotor Spreader, Teagle Centreliner SX3 Fertiliser Spreader, West 12t Silage Trailer, 2 x 22’ Bale Trailers, Bomford Falcon 5.5m Hedge Cutter, Maschio 3m Power Harrow, Watson 8’ & 10’ Rollers, Ransomes 3-Leg Subsoiler, 16’ Hydraulic Folding Chain Harrows, Kidd 814 Round Bale Straw Chopper, John Shepherd 15’ & 18’ Feed Trailers, Wopa Foot Trimming Crush, IAE Crusader Cattle Crush, IAE Cattle Hurdles, Calf Pens, Wydale Calf Feeders, Gates, Troughs, etc

On behalf of MB & LC Haskell (Retiring)

Melplash Guide

£125,000

An excellent parcel of arable land extending to about 11.59 acres (4.69 ha) with a pole barn, in a convenient location close to Bridport. Freehold.

Axminster | 01297 33122

Chedington Guide £195,000

A detached 3 bedroom Woolaway bungalow for improvement with farreaching views over surrounding farmland. CTB B, Freehold.

Beaminster | 01308 863100

Woolland Guide £145,000 12.80 acres (5.18 ha) of pasture land with a 4-box stable block, tack room and stream frontage in a quiet rural location. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

Lyme Regis Guide

£200,000-£250,000 per plot

Two building plots both with full planning permission for substantial 5 bedroom dwellings. Freehold.

Bridport | 01308 422092

Melplash Guide £175,000 12.94 acres of level to sloping pasture land situated on the edge of the village with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Freehold.

Dorchester | 01305 236237

Henstridge Guide £495,000

A mixed residential and commercial property comprising a large chalet bungalow and an excellent range of outbuildings. CTB E, Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

St. Ives, Ringwood Guide

£125,000

A potential building plot (STPP) measuring 0.26 acres in a secluded location at the end of a no-through road in Ashley Heath. CTB A (caravan), Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 882103

Wimborne Guide £225,000

A single building plot on a sought after road measuring 0.22 acres with full planning permission for a substantial detached contemporary dwelling. Freehold.

Wimborne | 01202 843190

CGI image

DORSET

Guide £595,000

A fine Grade II listed former village Post House with attractive gardens, a substantial barn/workshop and lovely views to the village church and surrounding countryside. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Shroton

Guide £435,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Guide £525,000

A character south-facing stone house in an excellent central village location with a large oak-framed double garage, workshop and southfacing gardens. CTB E. Freehold.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

An attractive, double-fronted 3-bedroom period property tucked away on an idyllic country lane with character features throughout and views over the neighbouring countryside. CTB C. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold.

Sherborne | 01935 814488

Mappowder

Marnhull

North Cheriton

OIEO £400,000

Leigh OIEO £500,000

DORSET

Stalbridge OIEO £6,000,000

51.25 acres of residential development and BNG allocated land with outline planning permission for up to 160 dwellings, in an accessible location on the eastern outskirts of the town.

Edward Dyke or Will Cairns | 01258 472244

South Perrott

Extremely attractive, productive grassland with woodland and conservation interest, situated on the Dorset-Somerset border.

Lot A 92.02 acres, Guide £895,000. Lot B 33.07 acres, Guide £330,000.

George Whittaker | 01305 236237

Wincombe, Shaftesbury Guide £500,000

22.39 acres of level pasture land located in a strategic position on the edge of Shaftesbury, adjoining a mix of residential, commercial and agricultural land uses. Road access, impressive views, mains water and overage.

Andrew Tuffin | 01258 472244

Batcombe, Dorset Guide £1,100,000 (Lot 1)

A residential livestock farm with a classic 6-bedroom Georgian farmhouse for modernisation, stone barns converted into 4 business units and surrounding pasture land. Whole or 3 lots. CTB G. In all, 127.68 acres.

Andrew Tuffin | 01258 472244

North Perrott

Two parcels of level to gently sloping grass land close to the village, both with mains water independent access.

Lot A 48.16 acres, Guide £460,000. Lot B 3.86 acres, Guide £65,000. George Whittaker | 01305 236237

Coming Soon:

Madjeston, Gillingham – Farmhouse & stone barn in 67.29 acres available in 5 lots

Winterborne Houghton – 43.01 acres arable land, Guide £400,000

Okeford Hill – 33.19 acres pasture land with stunning views, Guide £350,000

Limington, Yeovil – 24.94 acres arable land, Guide £250,000

Compton Abbas – 23.41 acres arable and woodland, Guide £250,000

Bowbridge, Henstridge – 21.45 acres arable land in 2 lots, Guide £268,000

Hartgrove, Shaftesbury – 19.15 acres pasture land, Guide £200,000

Quarr, Gillingham – 4.95 acres pasture land, Guide £95,000

Brewham, Bruton – 2.03 acres & sheds, Guide £75,000

Andrew Tuffin / Will Cairns | 01258 472244

Fifehead Magdalen

Thinking of moving?

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

PROPERTY & LAND

AUCTION

THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT 2PM AT THE SHRUBBERY HOTEL, STATION ROAD, ILMINSTER, TA19 9AR Scan code for further details

LAND AT STEMBRIDGE, MARTOCK

An attractive parcel of level permanent pasture land extending in total to approximately 3.22 acres (1.30 ha).

Auction Guide:£32,000 Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

32 MILFORD ROAD, YEOVIL

A three bedroom semi-detached property with well-proportioned accommodation.

Auction Guide: £140,000

Yeovil Office: 01935 415300 residential.yeovil@gth.net

13 LYNHURST AVENUE, BARNSTAPLE, DEVON

Stunning, recently renovated 4 bedroom semi-detached home located in a desirable location.

Auction Guide: £275,000 Barnstaple Office: 01271 233777 residential.barnstaple@gth.nett

FLATS AT VILLAGE ROAD, HATCH BEAUCHAMP

A Grade II Listed converted church and old school house offering an exciting investment opportunity.

Auction Guide: £200,000 Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

BLACKWALLS LANE, CHAWLEIGH, DEVON

An attractive parcel of land on the edge of the village with alternative use potential, subject to planning.

Auction Guide: £20,000 South Molton Office: 01769 574500 residential.southmolton@gth.net

LAND AT BULL LOAD DROVE, STATHE

An opportunity to purchase a parcel of good level moorland, off Bull Load Drove.

Auction Guide: £10,000 Barnstaple Office: 01458 250000 farms.langport@gth.net

LAND AT PITT DROVE, KINGSBURY EPISCOPI

An attractive parcel of level permanent pasture land extending in total to approximately 1.32 acres (0.53 ha).

Auction Guide: £10,000 Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

LAND AT MARK, HIGHBRIDGE

2.84 acres of Agricultural Pasture Land at Back Lane, Mark, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4QL (nearest postcode).

Auction Guide: £50,000 Burnham on Sea Office: 01278 765588 robert.stone@gth.net

LAND AT WICK LANE, HIGHBRIDGE

41.06 acres of Agricultural Land at Wick Lane, Brent Knoll, nr Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4BU (nearest postcode).

Auction Guide: £275,000 Burnham on Sea Office: 01278 765588 robert.stone@gth.net

LAND AT SPARKFORD, YEOVIL

A single parcel of level permanent pasture land extending in total to approximately 0.93 acres (0.38 ha) or thereabouts.

Auction Guide: £15,000 Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

88 LYDE ROAD, YEOVIL well-proportioned detached 3 bedroom property which is in need of modernisation throughout.

Auction Guide: £150,000 Yeovil Office: 01935 415300 residential.yeovil@gth.net

Retail investment property let to Battens Solicitors at an initial rent of £6,500 per annum.

Auction Guide: £59,950 Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

THE OLD CYCLE SHOP, SHERBORNE

KNAPP MEADOW, CORSCOMBE

An exciting opportunity to acquire a spacious three bedroom farmhouse, subject to an AOC situated in a stunning, peaceful location. Adjoining the farmhouse is an area of permanent pasture land and series of lakes, in total extending to approximately 8.63 acres (3.49 ha) or thereabouts.

Auction Guide: £425,000

Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

COLD HARBOUR FARM, GLASTONBURY

A site with planning permission for the erection of a four bedroom detached dwelling, together with pasture land, located on the outskirts of Glastonbury. In total, the property extends to approximately 4.96 acres.

Auction Guide: £350,000

Wells Office: 01749 605605 residential.wells@gth.net

1 ROSE COTTAGE AND ELMSIDE, KINGS NYMPTON, DEVON

An attractive package of a four bedroom cottage and a piece of land in the heart of this desirable North Devon village.

Auction Guide: £250,000

South Molton Office: 01769 574500 residential.southmolton@gth.net

Jubilee

Morrish_Jubilee

Homes plan for old builder’s yard

TWO new homes could be built on the site of a former builder’s yard in Sturminster Newton –part of a larger scheme.

Planning firm Boon Brown has applied to Dorset Council on behalf of RB Snook Ltd for permission to develop the homes on land at Clarke’s Yard, in Bath Road.

for 28 dwellings within the wider Clarke’s Yard site that will utilise the same access road connection to Bath Road as this current proposal,” the plan said.

“A vacant area of the 28-dwelling proposal leaves space for this current proposal.”

Formerly a railway cutting, the site measures around 0.08 hectares.

As part of the plans, a disused warehouse and a former sales suite would be demolished.

“Although currently the site is mostly vacant, there is another proposed development

Material from the demolitions would be

“repurposed and used where possible in the construction of the proposed development,” it said.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for reference P/FUL/2024/ 04689.

Puzzle solutions

Edition 104

Crossword

BLANDFORD FORUM ALMSHOUSE CHARITY

2 x ONE BEDROOMED GROUND FLOOR FLATS available at our Barnes Homes site

Trustees are looking to appoint a single person or couple (aged 50+) who is/are of good character and have strong links with Blandford or immediate area. Applicants must be of limited income, be non-smokers and able to live independently. No pets are allowed. There is no parking on site.

Initial enquiries may be made by calling the Clerk to the Trustees on 01258 451810.

Trustees look forward to receiving your written expression of interest giving details of your current residency, personal circumstances, and reasons for applying.

PHOTO: Boon Brown/Dorset Council

UNLOCKING HOLIDAY HOME POTENTIAL

My name is Lee and as a resident of this beautiful county, I take great pride in helping holiday homeowners in Dorset and Somerset transform their properties into profitable holiday lets.

Whether you’re struggling with an existing property or considering your first holiday let, I offer personalised advice and strategies to boost your income.

I represent two of the UK’s biggest holiday letting agencies: Cottages.com and Hoeseasons.

Extensive marketing campaigns bring a high volume of holidaymakers to our websites, ensuring yearround bookings for your property. Last year, our site achieved over one-and-a-half million bookings. Here are a few of my top tips to ensure your property stands out in a competitive market:

1. Invest in Comfort: Never compromise on beds, linens, and towels. A good night’s sleep is crucial and can make or break a holiday.

2. Partner with Professionals: Working with an agent can streamline bookings, ensuring guests are well taken care of and providing you with a hassle-free experience.

3. Prioritise Cleanliness: Guests should be greeted by the fresh scent of a clean home.

4. Adequate Seating for ALL: Ensure there are enough seats in all shared and outdoor areas for all guests.

5. Think like a guest: Anticipate needs like umbrellas, picnic baskets, torches for those late-night dog walks. Small details show you care and enhance the guest experience.

As a local expert, I have lots more tips on how to help attract guests. I’m here to help you every step of the way. Please contact me directly if you would like to book in a visit or would like to discuss further.