The Blackmore Vale Magazine 17/02/23

Some of Dorset’s Ukrainian refugees visited Lulworth Castle last summer

Traditions ancient and modern

Revamped Wassail celebrations in a tiny Vale village have been caught on camera for a special project

THE midwinter celebration, aimed at encouraging a bumper apple harvest, took place in the village of Chettle at the end of January.

The unique ceremony, dubbed a ‘wassail for the 21st century’, was created by members of the 100-strong village community alongside artists and performers as part of a project funded by the Dorset Performing Arts Fund at the Dorset Community Foundation.

“This unique celebration was created by the people who live in the village, building on old traditions and adding new to celebrate the nature and landscape of the beautiful valley,” a spokesperson said.

During the ceremony, a centuries-old tradition, a ‘Head Apple’ leads a procession to an orchard to honour this most special fruit and to wake up the spring.

The Wassail – meaning ‘good health’ – is an old (probably medieval) tradition in the South West, asking apple trees to bear a

Here we come, a-wassailing!

VILLAGERS gathered at Quiet Corner Farm in Henstridge on Saturday, January 21, for the annual Wassail ceremony in the old orchard.

Aiming to encourage a bumper apple crop, the group carried illuminating lanterns and were warmed by several bonfires, through the generosity of Stalbridge Timber.

“Following the ancient custom around 40 revellers, banging pots and pans to ward off evil spirits and to wake the trees up from their winter slumber, joined The Wassail King for the

good harvest, offering the orchards toast and song and chasing out evil spirits.

The new village ceremony featured four new songs alongside traditional pieces, as well as beautiful costumes, headdresses and props inspired by the nature around them –

ceremony around one of the orchard’s oldest trees to bring a good harvest this year,” said an organiser.

The Anglo-Saxon word, Wassail, means ‘be in good health’.

The traditional ritual involves making offerings to the apple tree in the form of toast placed in the branches, cider poured round the base of the tree and singing a carol to it.

After the ceremony in Henstridge, everyone enjoyed hot mulled apple juice, more song and a good bite to eat in the barn, organisers said.

antlers for the deer, barn owls and evergreens.

Guest artists were invited to Chettle to help inspire the old-but-new ritual.

Mercury-nominated folk singer and activist Sam Lee, human ecologist and artist Zoe Laureen Palmer, genre-bending classical violinist Simmy Singh and choir leader Sandie Campbell all worked alongside Dorset-based artists Lorna Rees and Adam Coshan to help create the performance.

The event was also documented in a film by artist, director and filmmaker Sophie Austin, with photographer Jayne Jackson capturing images.

The project was produced by Chettle resident Becky Burchell.

Lead artist Lorna said: “As artists, we’re deeply interested in how we collectively reconnect ourselves to the land and the food it produces, through celebrations, rituals, gatherings and culture.

“We wanted to help make an apple wassailing event to celebrate the trees in these orchards. We also wanted to have a party – to wake up the spring in the bleak of midwinter.

“Chettle is a really special place. There has been settlement in the valley for

6,000 years, the village dates to Norman times and it’s steeped in Wessex folklore.

“There’s also something of the disco about the town – many of the inhabitants have worked on large-scale music festivals and raves, or else they are artists, growers and incredible craftspeople.”

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Klinik software demo at village Warm Hub

Special care for dementia sufferers

HAZELBURY Bryan residents were enthused by a dementia awareness session given by Hilary Drake and Anne Kings from Dementia Friendly Gillingham at the end of January.

Anne said: “Hilary and I were made so welcome, and it was such a joy to give this talk to people who wanted to know as much as possible about how they can support those who are living with dementia, and their carers. Dementia Friendly Gillingham is a charity and we are all volunteers, and our role is to help support those living with dementia in Gillingham and the surrounding area. Dementia has no boundaries and neither do we.

THE Blackmore Vale Partnership Wellbeing Team is coming to the Fontmell Magna Warm Hub on Wednesday February 22 from 1.30pm-3.30pm. They will be demonstrating their new online triage system, Klinik. It can be difficult when things move online, so please feel free to bring your tablet, smartphone or laptop and the team will guide you through how the new system works.

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“We would also like to say thank you for the sum of £114.45 which was raised from the donations given for afternoon tea.”

Anne and Hilary were joined by a cuddly marmalade kitten, a companion ‘pet’ who entertained the group during the afternoon session, and has now been adopted by the village. It will be used to help give a smile and some comfort when needed.

Any questions?

Tickets for an event offering advice for greenfingered gardening enthusiasts are on sale now

GARDENERS will be able to gain expert advice at a Gardeners Questions event at St George’s Church Hall, Fordington, later this month.

The event, in aid of the Children’s Society, features guest speakers Simon Goldsack from Holme Gardens, Wareham; Nigel Hewish, from Kingston Maurward; and Bob Hollister, from Country Garden Plant Sales.

Questions will be taken from the audience at the start of the evening and the panel will do their best to answer all of them.

The charity’s Dorchester branch is again staging the event, after two years absence because of the Covid-19 pandemic, on Thursday February 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets priced £8 are available from Nicoll World Travel, 23 High Street, Dorchester, or places can be reserved with Jane Culliford on 01305 264360 and Dorothy Maggs on 01305 262436.

Reservations are advised, although a limited number of tickets will be available on the door. Coffee and home-made cake will be served during the evening.

Business awards celebrate local talent and success

Shaftesbury’s entrepreneurs gather to champion their achievements

By Dorset Biz News

‘A GREAT success’. That was the verdict on the first Shaftesbury Business Awards after 15 of the town’s finest businesses, and individuals, were singled out for recognition.

The Grosvenor Arms hosted the event, with more than 60 business leaders celebrating the range and quality of businesses in the town.

Cllr Piers Brown, Mayor of Shaftesbury, and sponsors presented the awards, spread over 15 categories.

Nigel Reeve, of organiser Marketing West, said: “We knew there was great interest in the awards from local businesses when we received over 150 entries and nominations.

“Supporting local businesses has never been more important. They drive the local economy, they innovate and they create jobs.

“We hope, in a small way, these awards help build their profile and make people realise what a great choice of businesses they have on their doorstep.

“I’d also like to thank the sponsors, many of which are Shaftesbury businesses, for making these awards possible.”

The awards concluded with the announcement that Gillingham is next in line to have its own business awards, with winners will be announced at a ceremony in early summer.

The second year of the Shaftesbury Business Awards was also confirmed, with the final scheduled for January 2024.

The Shaftesbury Business Award winners, pictured with Shaftesbury’s Mayor Piers Brown

Pennies from heaven

Wanted: Umbrellas for hymn singers… and £340,000 for a new church roof

WORSHIPPERS in Shillingstone could soon be looking for umbrellas and buckets – the roof of their parish church of the Holy Rood is in a worrying condition. Already a 20ft hole, created where the tiles have slipped, has had to be covered with tarpaulin to protect the church’s north aisle.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has called in architects and other experts to assess the damage and risks. Their verdict is the need for a complete re-roofing of this grade-I listed building, which dates back to the 12th century. The estimated bill the village faces for this huge task is in the region of £340,000.

Major fundraising efforts are under way to enable the first phase – costing some £140,000 – to go ahead as a matter of urgency. Phase two, the main part of the roof, will require the additional £200,000.

An appeal has been launched, grants are being sought, and fundraising events are being planned. Appeal leaflets have gone to every household in Shillingstone. Fundraisers have also tried to track down people who might have had connections with the parish in the past – including those who attended the former girls’ school, Croft House, and the village school; those with links to families and businesses in the area; and villagers who have since moved away.

PCC treasurer Anne Powell said: “It’s a daunting prospect, but I am optimistic that

the money can be raised, and the weather held at bay for another 100 years or more.”

PCC member Ray Suter said in a message to Shillingstone villagers, appealing for their help, in cash or kind: “Our Parish Church has stood here since the early 12th century to serve the community of Shillingstone as a vital meeting place for worship, weddings, baptisms, funerals and national celebrations.

“During war and peace it has served as a place for private prayer and thanksgiving, and of course celebrating Christmas and Easter. The bells have rung out across the village to celebrate notable events down the ages. Many of our ancestors are buried around our church and their graves are a precious reminder of how much they contributed to the village we now call home. It must be unthinkable that we could lose this precious and historic building which has been lovingly preserved by so many in past years.”

Before any work can begin on the church roof, the small matter of bats has to be resolved. Experts called in to investigate this matter have said there are, quite rarely, at least four different varieties of these protected mammals that have called Shillingstone church their home for many years.

Watch this space for more details of fundraising events coming this year. To

A walk around…

Winterborne Whitechurch

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

START at the church, which is worth a visit (not only because you can pick up a copy of this Magazine in the porch) and then walk a short distance east to the pub, the Milton Arms. It’s on the junction with the main road, the A354. Follow it eastwards crossing two branches of the Winterborne then going uphill towards Blandford until the houses run out. Then take a footpath on your left, heading north in a straight line along fairly level ground for nearly a mile. You’ll see pleasant views of the Winterborne valley and Lower Whatcombe to your left and woodland past the fields to your right.

When the path dips down to the road, join it and follow it round the bend to Higher Whatcombe. Then join a bridleway that leads you west for a mile through wood and parkland, passing an imposing mansion, Holway House. At the end of the woodland the bridleway turns left, south, and takes you steeply uphill along the

parish boundary.

donate or volunteer please contact Anne Powell on 01258 861397 or email powellanne@btinternet.com.

When you reach the top there is a junction of ways. Turn left and follow the footpath south eastward alongside a wood. There are good views over distant countryside to the south. After nearly half a mile the path joins a farm track taking you downhill to the east to meet the road to La Lee Farm. Turn right and follow the road downhill southward back to the village.

When you get to the School and the Village Hall you might like to divert briefly to the Field’s Close housing estate to look at the tree that has recently been planted to commemorate Her Majesty, the late Queen.

Then return to the road past the playing field an back to the church and your car.

Solar farm allowed on appeal

Reconsideration of application overturns council’s objections

AN 81-acre solar farm will be built near Gillingham after a previous refusal of the scheme was overturned.

A planning inspector has allowed plans for Fern Brook Solar Farm, on land east of Gillingham, by Low Carbon Limited.

The scheme was initially rejected by Dorset Council in January last year on the grounds it would harm heritage assets, as well as damaging the character of the area.

However, Low Carbon Limited appealed the decision, with inspector Phillip Ware appointed to adjudicate.

At appeal hearings held in September and October last year, the council again emphasised the impact on heritage assets, including Gillingham Forest Deer Park, the remains of East Haimes House and Donedge Lodge Farm.

But Mr Ware said he concluded the solar farm would ‘cause limited harm to the setting of a number of heritage assets’.

He added that the Deer Park already features a ‘considerable amount of modern

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development’, including Kingsmead Business Park, shops and Gillingham FC.

The council’s previous approval of the Gillingham Southern Extension plan, allowing up to 634 homes to be built on land 70m from the solar farm site at its closest point, was also considered by the inspector.

“It was confirmed at the inquiry that the status of Deer Park was not referenced in the report leading to the grant of permission for the GSE development, which intrudes into the central area of the former park,” Mr Ware said.

“For the council to now express concern on heritage grounds about the current proposal appears inconsistent.

“It was accepted at the inquiry that these modern developments are part of the current understanding of Deer Park.

“My overall conclusion is that the asset is of reduced importance given the current intrusions into its original area.”

Approving the scheme with conditions, Mr Ware added: “I have found that the proposal would lead to less-than-substantial harm to the significance of designated assets and limited harm to non-designated assets...”

He said the benefits of renewable energy

outweighed any impact on landscape and heritage of the site.

“I conclude that the public benefits of the proposal outweigh some non-compliance with policy on the basis of harm to landscape and heritage assets, and would be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the clear benefits of the scheme,” he said.

Benefits of the scheme include planned planting in the north-east corner of the site, he said, as well as a donation towards off-site planting as part of the Gillingham Forest Project.

A ‘measurable gain in biodiversity’ would also be a benefit, he said.

To read the full appeal decision, log on to https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3300299.

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Channel swim relay fuelled by cake

A group of enthusiastic open water swimmers from North Dorset are planning the challenge of a lifetime – swimming the English Channel

‘WHAT is said at Swim for Cake Club stays at Swim for Cake Club.’

But now the open water swimming group – made up of women from North Dorset – is shouting from the rooftops as it prepares for a sea-sized challenge.

Led by open water swimming instructor Aquatic Harriet, swim school owner Natalie, forensic psychologist Billy and school pastoral care worker Ruth will take on the 22-mile cross-Channel swim in July.

The quartet are raising money for three charities – Young Minds, Birth Trauma UK and the 100 and First Foundation.

“There is something very special about swimming in the open water,” Harriet said. “It has certainly grown in popularity in the last few years, with good reason. There are also some incredible swimming challenges and it has been a dream of mine to one day swim solo across the English Channel.

“Despite its popularity, it is still considered to be the ‘Everest of swimming’ and one of the toughest swims to attempt.”

Swim for Cake was founded when Covid lockdowns began in 2020.

“I turned more to the open water as an escape and found it to be great therapy,” Harriet went on.

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confidence in the sea, we formed a support group who would get together weekly to swim, put the world to rights and eat cake.

“Swim for Cake was born.”

A place for anyone wanting to try open water swimming, the group soon hatched an ambitious plan.

“Sitting on the beach sometime in summer 2021 after a swim, while eating cake of course, I joked with Natalie, who I have known for years, about doing an English Channel relay swim,” Harriet said.

“The seed was sown though and the joke became an aspiration in January 2022 when we recruited two more swimmers; Billy, a Swim for Cake regular, and Ruth, a friend of Natalie’s from her cycling club, made the team up to four.

“We had booked our boat and pilot within 12 days and started planning.”

The team have all had medicals and been training to work on technique, pace and stamina.

“The faster we swim, the less chance there is of being pushed off course by the tides, which change direction approximately every six hours,” she said.

Harriet will lead them off, with others supporting alongside in a boat. “Wearing no more than a swimsuit, hat, goggles, ear plugs and a light during the dark, we will each swim for an hour at a time,” she explained.

“While one is swimming, the other three will be on the boat cheering on, perhaps napping a bit, updating social media and most definitely eating cake, lots of cake.

“The actual swimming might be the easiest part though. There may be long periods of swimming in the dark, big waves and windy conditions to contend with, and not to mention fighting seasickness on the boat.

“We will be relying on our boat pilot to keep us clear of the big ships, we may have to dodge jellyfish, and who knows what else, but there definitely won’t be any sharks, we hope!

“It will all be under scrutiny from an observer to ensure we are following the channel swimming rules, of which there are many.

“This is such a big challenge, so as well as swimming for cake, we will be swimming for charity. We are supporting three amazing Charities; Young Minds, Birth Trauma UK and the 100 and First Foundation.”

Supporters will be able to live track the team’s effort on the day and follow along on social media.

People can donate to the Swim for Cake challenge fund online at www.givewheel.com/fundraising/418/swim-for-cake-channel-relaychallenge

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The Swim for Cake team are hoping to complete their Channel relay this July

Inspirational, inspiring and astonishing women

Multi-million-selling author Kate Mosse OBE is visiting the Octagon in Yeovil as part of her first ever theatre tour, Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World, inspired by her book of the same name. JAMES RAMPTON spoke to her about it

Q: What inspired you to turn your best-selling book Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World into your first ever live show?

A: I’m in my 60s now, and I like to have new challenges. You’ve got to be brave, haven’t you? I love being a writer, but you can’t just think, “I’ll keep doing the thing that I’ve always done.” You’ve got to push yourself and keep trying.

Q: What are you hoping to achieve with the show?

A: A really great night out in the theatre. It’s for everybody. It’s for girls and boys, men and women, dads and their daughters, mums and their sons, friends and neighbours.

There will be music, props, a proper set, pictures – and me!

During the course of the show, as well as plenty fun facts and ‘did-you-knows’, I’ll tell the life stories of some of the most interesting, most inspiring, most astonishing women from the book – from Joan of Arc and Mary Seacole to Florence Nightingale and Agatha Christie, from the Mongolian princess Khutlan to Rosa Parks, from the notorious 18th century pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Reid to Beatrix Potter and the legendary English footballer, Lily Parr.

Q: What will the main themes of the show be?

A: The show is a love letter to history – it’s why this is a show for anybody who loves history or is interested in family history – but it also asks the question: what is history? Who makes it? Who gets to decide what matters? Why do some people end up in the history books and others don’t?

Another theme is asking what, if anything, links all of these women? Are there special characteristics that come up time and again, regardless of place or time or the work a woman is doing?

Finally, it’s a celebration. I want people to feel inspired, empowered and delighted to have spent the evening in the company of so many trailblazers from the past.

Q: Can you give us a hint of what sort of props you’ll be using?

A: One of the women in the show is the great British footballer, Preston’s finest, Lily Parr. She is a legend who scored more than 1,000 goals in her time. Her story is really illustrative of how once famous women are deliberately left out of history.

Lily Parr played for Dick Kerr’s Ladies team, and they played in the Boxing Day match in 1920, watched by 48,000 people. It was the biggest ever crowd for a women’s match – until the Lionesses

winning the European Cup Final in 2022, of course!

When the men came back from the war, the FA banned women from playing on their pitches. It was a decision to actively kill the women’s game. That ban wasn’t lifted till the 1970s.

So for the Lily Parr section of the show, we will obviously have some incredible footage of her, and the prop will be an original 1920s football, which were much heavier than they are today.

Q: Why have so many women disappeared from history?

A: There are four different reasons – first, deliberate erasure of women from history. We’re seeing that in Afghanistan and Iran at the moment, for example; second, because most history was written by men, within religious institutions and universities and places that were closed to women, they just did not believe that women did anything of value at all; third, achievements by women – painters, inventors, scientists, writers – have often been misattributed to the men who worked alongside them, or came after them. Finally, the question of legacy – if women didn’t have someone fighting to keep their reputation centre stage, then their works disappeared. But, together, we can change this.

Q: Tell us about investigating your great-grandmother and fellow novelist Lily Watson.

A: At the heart of my book is my detective story about my own lost woman from history. Lily, who was a privileged middle class Victorian wife and mother, as well as a writer and educational reformer, is a good example of how easily women, even if they’re famous and known in their day, can vanish.

I had always known that my great grandmother ‘wrote’, but there was never a suggestion that it was a profession, or she was well known, or it mattered in any way. It was always delivered

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rather like saying: “Yes, she does flowers in church on a Sunday.”

So, I was fascinated. I had always thought I was treading new ground in a family of teachers and lawyers and vicars. But it turns out that I was walking in my great grandmother’s footsteps. It was also interesting to realise that she was really very popular and well known, yet now all of her books are now out of print. She doesn’t appear anywhere in any biography of Victorian literature or women’s writing. She’s just vanished.

And so I’m asking myself the question: How is that? Part of the show will be answering that question.

Kate Mosse is at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil on Saturday March 4 at 7.30pm. For tickets phone the theatre on 01935 42284 or visit www.octagon-theatre.co.uk

New play area for town’s youngsters

MAYOR of Gillingham Cllr Sharon Cullingford officially opened a new play area at Wathen Court, Gillingham, recently…

Cllr Cullingford was joined by representatives from Gillingham Town Council, Aster Group and Countryside Partnerships Southern, who worked with Wicksteed Play Company to deliver the amenity.

The play area, next to the public open space at Barnaby Meadows, boasts multi-play opportunities, modern swings and a climbing frame, and was installed by Aster Group as part of a new housing development.

Wathen Court is named after the late Dave and Brenda Wathen, both Freemen of Gillingham. Dave Wathen became Akala of the local Cub Pack in the 1970s and with the help of his wife Brenda

Staff support local food bank

LAW firm Mogers Drewett has given £1,000 to each of three food banks close to its offices in Sherborne, Wells and Bath.

Staff raised the money by selling raffle tickets in December last year.

Managing partner Sean McDonough said: “Mogers Drewett wants to focus this year’s charitable activity on the food banks as we can see how deeply the cost-of-living crisis is affecting our communities and we really want to help.”

“Thanks to the generosity of local businesses who donated some amazing prizes and our team who sold hundreds of raffle tickets, we are delighted to have been able to help local food banks who are seeing an unprecedented rise in demand for their services.”

John Crossman, from Sherborne Foodbank, said: “We are extremely grateful for the immense generosity of so many local people and of partners such as Mogers Drewett.

“Sadly, demand is the highest we have known it in our area and is growing by the week.

“Your support provides a lifeline to people in desperate need and enables us, on your behalf, to express the concern of our community to help our neighbours though these difficult times. Thank you.”

Mr McDonough added: “We see this as the start of a longer-term relationship through 2023 which will include the firm encouraging staff to volunteer at food banks and working with the food bank team to identify additional support needed in 2023.”

Family Law Advice

Family Law Advice

We realise talking about divorce or separation is very personal and so we are offering appointments at our offices. For new clients seeking initial advice a FREE appointment can be booked on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm.

We realise talking about divorce or separation is very personal and so we are offering virtual appointments by Zoom. As an alternative, we offer a one off FREE telephone appointment for initial advice on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm

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To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377 Offices in Shaftesbury – Sturminster Newton – Gillingham

Marathon swimmer seeks sponsorship

An adventurous Gillingham School sixth-former is planning to swim 10km to raise £2,000 for a volunteering trip building classrooms in Tanzania

YEAR 12 student Cai will be taking part in a volunteering trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, this July. Organised by the charity African Adventures, the trip requires volunteers to work with a team of experts to teach lessons and build educational facilities for primary school children in deprived communities.

Cai and around 40 other students from Gillingham School, along with other volunteers, will spend 10 days working to improve children’s educational experiences and prospects.

“In these communities, many families get by on just 75p a day, and the schools in the area are understaffed,” Cai

explained. “In some cases one teacher is responsible for 100 students, so it’s difficult for individual students to get the one-onone help they need with their learning.

“Our aim is to help provide this extra level of support to these schools and to aid in any construction projects to improve their facilities; to give children in this area the education they deserve.”

Cai needs to raise £2,000 to fund his trip. To do this he is taking on a 10km swimming challenge – known as a swimming marathon – at Riversmeet on March 24.

To sponsor Cai, visit his GoFundMe page (gofund. me/1b134ac5) or find him on Instagram @cai_ zanzibar2023

Can you lend an ear?

AGE UK is seeking new volunteers for its befriending service to help tackle loneliness among older people. The charity says many elderly people can go on days without conversation, which can damage their wellbeing.

More than 110 active befrienders in Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne volunteer about 600 hours a month to support the most isolated individuals.

A spokesperson for Age UK said: “Can you support an older person with a cuppa and a chat, a stroll around the local park or a regular phone call?

“If you have spare time during your week, why not join our team and help us tackle loneliness and isolation.”

To register with the befriending service call 01305 269444 or email enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk.

For support in Sturminster Newton and surrounding villages, call Age Concern North Dorset on 01258 475582.

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Army Freedom parade in Wincanton

Ceremonial parade through Wincanton promises to be a spectacle

THE Army Air Corps will exercise their Freedom of Wincanton with a celebratory march through the town this month.

Members of the 1st Regiment Army Air Corps will process through town streets on February 23.

The event is a ceremonial march to show the regiment’s appreciation for the town – and also gives residents the opportunity to give their thanks to the troops.

A number of routes through the town will be closed on the day, including Church Street and the High Street.

A full list of closures and times is:

• Church Street – closed to vehicles from 9.45am to 10.15am

• Carrington Way and High Street – closed to vehicles from 7am to 1pm

• Church Street and High Street – suspension of waiting between 7am and 1pm

Full timings for the procession have not yet been confirmed.

The Army Air Corps is the combat aviation arm of the British Army, recognisable by their distinctive blue berets.

They operate attack helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and have in recent times seen combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Among those to have served with the regiment is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who was an Apache helicopter pilot with the Army Air Corps during part of his military career.

The Fieri Consort arrive at Sherborne

Sherborne Girls is a wonderful place to make and experience music; from choral to orchestral music, popular music, jazz, rock and musical production, the opportunities are exciting, broad and of the highest quality. Alumni include many world class musicians, one of whom, Lucy Cox, is returning to the school with the highly acclaimed vocal ensemble the Fieri Consort on 24th February.

“Founded in 2012, Fieri Consort is one of the UK’s most exciting vocal groups, offering a unique blend of technical precision and theatrical innovation. Performing without a conductor, Fieri presents innovative and engaging programmes, and specialises in the rich and varied tradition of 16th and 17th century Italian repertoire.

Performing a cappella and often accompanied by early instruments, Fieri’s interpretations are informed by the collective experience and knowledge of the group.” - www.fiericonsort.co.uk

This chamber vocal ensemble has won numerous awards and performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the country presenting a programme of the highest quality vocal music.

We still have some tickets remaining for this concert in our magnificent Gransden Hall, a 250-seat concert hall in the heart of Sherborne Girls music.

Tickets are available from ticket source or by emailing events@sherborne.com

THE FIERI CONSORT

Friday 24 February 2023

7 30pm | Gransden Hall, Merritt Centre

The Fieri Consort - Dawn Chorus

Sopranos: Lucy Cox and Hannah Ely | Mezzo-soprano: Nancy Cole

Tenors: Tom Kelly and Chris Fitzgerald-Lombard | Bass: Ben Rowarth

Based on Gibbons The Silver Swan this programme celebrates bird song from English and Italian composers from W illiam Byrd to Luca Marenzio

Our loose Canon

Our columnist has no taste for the Church’s fudging over same-sex marriage

by Canon Eric Woods

ST VALENTINE’S Day has come and gone. I wonder if those of you who are married, or in “a relationship”, did anything about it? Sandra and I have been married nearly 48 years, but we still try to do something special, though it’s usually lunch out rather than dinner these days. I don’t much like driving in the dark, especially after a glass of wine.

Valentine’s Day has made me think about the whole tortured subject of same-sex marriage, and the hash that the dear old CofE has made of it. The latest attempt to please everybody (and thus please nobody) appears to be that clergy may bless same-sex couples but not officiate at their marriage, or anything looking like marriage. (I know it’s more nuanced than that, but that is how it appears to most people). And meanwhile the number of actual weddings, civil or religious, declines every year.

Now I realise that many “straight” couples simply don’t want to marry each other. That can be for all sorts of reasons. For some, it’s “once bitten, twice shy”. For others there is a naïve belief that the fact they are living together and have children together and a mortgage or tenancy together means they have a “Common Law

Marriage”. Sorry, folks – that just ain’t true, and if one of you suddenly dies, perhaps in a tragic accident, you will discover that the law does not recognise your partnership at all. And some think that a marriage service means huge bills, months of debt, and they simply can’t afford it.

I would need more than my 500 words to address all of that. Let me just say that weddings don’t have to be massively expensive. Everything depends on what you want to book by way of “extras”. Yes, the “full works” – lavish dresses and suits, carriages, choirs, bells, flowers and huge receptions – don’t come cheap. But you don’t have to have them.

Others still believe that, if a partner has been divorced, then a church wedding is out of the question. That isn’t true either. The Church has at last realised that Christianity is about forgiveness, resurrection and New Life. And unless the current relationship was entirely responsible for the collapse of a previous marriage, most clergy will now give couples a fair hearing, and do their best to help.

But what about those in same-sex relationships? They can now enter into civil partnerships and have civil marriages. But if they have Christian beliefs, and want a real Christian marriage, then most of the mainstream Churches will send them empty away. To use Biblical languages, they will be offered stones instead of bread, a snake instead of fish (see Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 7, verses 9 and 10). And the older I get, the unhappier I have become about it. In my bit of Christendom, it’s known as an “Anglican fudge”. But I don’t have a sweet tooth.

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre,

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Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

Telephone 01747 826888

Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, www.valecraft.co.uk

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, Gillingham SP8 5JG

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Telephone 01747 826888

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, www.valecraft.co.uk

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Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone 01747 826888

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Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre, www.valecraft.co.uk

www.valecraft.co.uk

Tel: 01747 826888

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Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Almshouse residents ‘worried stiff’

RESIDENTS at Sherborne Almshouse were told ‘in no uncertain terms’ the home for the elderly was closing, despite trustees claiming a consultation over the future of the site was underway, it has been claimed.

Your New Blackmore Vale magazine previously reported how trustees of St Johns’ said they were ‘consulting’ with staff and residents over the future of the Half Moon Street almshouse, as the ‘current operating model is not sustainable’.

However, despite the claims of a consultation over how the site operates in the future, residents say they have been told it is to close – with a date of June 30 set to be when the doors are shut, ending 600 years of providing accommodation for those in need.

Trustees say no final decision has been made over the future of the almshouse, but confirmed ‘formal consultation’ with staff has begun, with a final decision due at the ‘end of February/early March’.

A letter to residents, dated January 9 and seen by your New Blackmore Vale, outlines the process in place, including a potential closure date of June 30.

“We are ... considering closing the residential home in its current form with effect from June 30 2023,” it read.

It added: “In the event that the house does close, then we will

work with you and your families to help you to find a new home and assist you with arrangements to move.”

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said those living at the venue were told of the plan after being gathered in the living room in January for a surprise meeting with two trustees.

“We were told, in no uncertain terms, that the almshouse was closing and we all had to find somewhere else to live,” they said.

As consultation over future of landmark housing continues, residents say they have been left ‘distraught’ over where they are going to live in the future...

Photo: Google

St Johns’ Almshouse, Sherborne, has been a home to those in need since its completion in 1448

“We were absolutely gobsmacked. There was no forewarning of any kind. It came completely out of the blue.”

Now residents, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s, were facing an uncertain future, they said.

“I’m worried stiff about where I’m going to live,” said one.

They said the cost of living at the almshouse, around £2,000 per month, was dwarfed by rates at other venues in Sherborne.

“Other places cost £4,000, £5,000 or £6,000 per month,” one resident said. “That is just not achievable. It’s a different world.”

Council support for living costs was uncertain, they added, leaving residents in ‘total limbo’.

“I’m distraught,” a resident said. “The whole thing is a complete mess.”

The trustees of St Johns’ previously told your New Blackmore Vale the situation was undecided, as they consult with ‘staff, residents and other stakeholders about the way the Almshouse will operate in the future’ amid ‘significant challenges’ brought on by the Covid pandemic.

A statement went on: “It is in this context that the trustees have been reviewing the financial position of the Almshouse and have reluctantly concluded that the current operating model is not sustainable.”

They said there was a ‘risk’ of redundancies as they considered ‘alternative ways of operating’.

The letter to residents added: “While the Brethren have not made a final decision on the future of the house, its financial position is such that it would not be fair or responsible if we did not make you aware that we are considering changes which could result in you having to leave the house and thus find a new home later this year.”

How can GoodOaks Homecare help you stay living independently at home?

Homecare comes in many forms and areas of expertise. Having a paid care professional move into your home can make a huge difference to your life, giving you the ability to stay living independently at home.

Live-in care professionals can assist with all aspects of running a home. They can help with personal care, companionship, housework, cooking and even trips out into the community.

We have built strong relationships with

Live-in Care you can rely on

our clients and the positive feedback we receive is wonderful. Knowing that a loved one is safe and cared for in their home is hugely comforting for family members and clients.

“Both my parents have lived safely, happily and well cared for in their own home.

This could not have been achieved without the exceptional care they have been given by GoodOaks.

“Words cannot adequately convey how grateful I am for the dedication and professionalism of the carers, not to mention those most critical qualities that cannot really be taught and must rely on good personnel selection: kindness and unlimited patience”.

Our live-in care professionals can help with:

• Meal Preparation

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• Help around the home

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To find out more call or visit: enquiries@goodoakshomecare.co.uk 01202 125882 goodoakshomecare.co.uk/ bournemouth

Coat of many messages

Yeovil College students collaborate with SEED artist-in-residence to create an artwork with unique meaning for Wincanton Town Festival…

TEN students from Yeovil College studying creative disciplines are launching a collaborative art piece at The SEED Hub during Wincanton Town Festival, which starts tomorrow (Saturday February 18).

The young creatives have been mentored by SEED founder and

PR guru Lynne Franks, supported by SomersetWorks.

“The group came up with the idea of a coat which could be covered in messages on the things they were passionate about”, said Lynne.

“Our SEED artist-in-residence Tamsyn Gregory worked with them on how to turn their passions into individual artworks brought together on an oversized man’s coat bought from the local charity shop.

“It has been wonderful to see how their confidence has grown.”

“Words and messages are hidden all over the coat reflecting the group’s concerns for the natural world and love of animals.”

Tamsyn said: “They were all so individually talented in different ways and it has been a joy to see how they have turned their ideas into unique works of art that have come together as one collaborative piece.”

One of the group, Amber Linder-White,

who is hoping to go on to study film-making, has made a short film of the creative process. It will be shown at the launch of the festival on Saturday evening, alongside the art piece, which will continue to be shown in the SEED Store window for the following week.

The piece will then be shown by the students in their finals show at the end of the college year.

Volunteers needed for Great Big Green Week

From coffee mornings to tree planting, there are plenty of opportunities for enthusiastic helpers during Shaftesbury’s Great Big Green Week later this year – can you help?

VOLUNTEERS are needed to run community activities to help raise awareness of and combat climate change.

Great Big Green Week (June 10-18), is a nationwide celebration of community action to tackle the climate crisis. Planet Shaftesbury has a range of events planned, including herb talks, tree painting (painting on paper, not on the trees!), garment upcycling, planting wildflowers, coffee mornings and farm visits. The tree planters who planted Harfish Wood in Tisbury need people to help them ‘walk’ down the grass. Breaking the stems by trampling it underfoot suppresses its growth, which improves the competitive advantage of the saplings.

The organisers of Shaftesbury’s Great Big Green Week would really like you to consider running an activity. It doesn’t have to be complicated – a coffee morning with friends can make a difference. There’s an enthusiastic support network to support you take what might be your first steps in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crises.

Planet Shaftesbury stalwart Chris Harwood explains: “What we want is for a quarter of the population to be hosting activities for the other three-quarters to attend! You can help bring people together, strengthen the resolve in each of us, and signal to the politicians that we want them to stop the burning of fossil fuels.

“If you aren’t able to host or organise something, remember: just by turning up at an activity in Great Big Green Week and enjoying yourself, you will be fighting climate change and the biodiversity crisis.”

To find out what activities are on offer, visit www. greatbiggreenweekshaftesbury.org. If you want to add your activity to the growing list, email chris@ greatbiggreenweekshaftesbury.org.

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

Live the life you choose at home

When you’re seeking support to remain independent in your own home, the most important thing is that you receive the support you need to live the life you choose.

Whether you need help with domestic tasks or meal preparation, support with medication or personal care, or simply a helping hand to get out and about in the community, receiving the right care and support can be life-changing. When your needs are taken care of, you are free to pursue your hobbies and interests, and live life to the full. In short, you are free to concentrate on the most important thing of all - being ‘you’.

As a major care provider in Southern England and one of the largest notfor-profit care companies in the UK, Somerset Care’s My Willows community care teams in Wincanton and surrounding areas can help you to remain safe, happy and healthy in

your own home. We can support you as much or as little as you would like, as all care is tailored to you and your individual needs.

What matters to you, matters to us. So, wherever you are on your care journey, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Our friendly customer enquiries team are on hand to answer any questions you might have, and help you to find the care that is right for you.

Call 01823 448150 to discover how we can help you to live the life you choose, in your own home.

Homes for happy hens

Can you give ex-commercial hens a new lease of life? If so, Sturminster Newton local HAIDY MANSFIELD wants to hear from you

THE non-profit Fresh Start for Hens will be holding a rehoming event for excommercial hens on February 25 in Sturminster Newton, and we’re looking for people with a passion for hens to offer these girls a chance at a new life.

Commercially, all laying hens are slaughtered at the age of 72 weeks, when their egg production drops slightly. Fresh Start for Hens works closely with British farmers and purchases hens from the caged, barn and free-range systems just before their slaughter date. A laying hen can naturally live for many years. My oldest lady, Blossom, rescued in 2018, is now coming up to six years old and is still happy and healthy. Most of my girls are over four years old and some still lay daily.

In practical terms, you’ll need to provide a run that’s secure enough to keep out predators and shelter your hens from the

elements. It should have dry areas, perches and a dust bath. Your hens will need somewhere cosy to sleep and lay eggs. For four hens, Fresh Start for Hens recommends a space 3m x 2m and high enough for you to stand up in. Enrichment is easy to provide: an old tyre filled with dry soil and ash makes a perfect a dust bath, pallets create different levels and branches work as perches.

Hens can, sometimes, require vet’HEN’ary care and Fresh Start for Hens asks all rehomers to commit to providing this when required. We are blessed in Sturminster to have great vets who understand hens.

Rehoming hens may seem a daunting prospect, but it really isn’t. The basic requirement is a caring and compassionate attitude. If you have that then you will happily put in place what is needed for them to live long and healthy life.

If you’d like to offer a home to one or more of the 3,400 hens that will be ready

for rehoming from Sturminster Newton on February 25, you’ll need to first register your interest online at www. freshstartforhens.co.uk. You’ll need to complete a short online form, submit a photograph of your coop and free-range area for vetting and agree to a donation of £2.75 per hen.

I’m always happy to offer advice and support to hen keepers, so do check out my website www.belleandfleur.org or find me on Facebook.

Artistic license

Permission has been sought to continue using a former farm building as an art studio

A FAMOUS artistic family could build on its work in Somerset after applying to continue using a building at a picturesque home as an art studio.

Cosima and Saskia Spender – daughters of sculptor Matthew Spender and Maro Gorky, daughter of artist Arshile, and granddaughters of poet Sir Stephen and pianist Natasha Spender –have applied to continue using the studio, in a former farm building on land adjacent to Border Lodge, North Brewham.

Cosima is a renowned international film director, while Saskia is a successful ceramic artist.

The building, in a field off Hammer Street, was used as a studio by the previous owner of Border Lodge, Elizabeth Fortescue Hitchins, a painter and prominent member of Bruton Arts Society.

The application to South Somerset District Council (SSDC) by agents Benjamin Beauchamp Architects, outlines how the structure was used as an agricultural building until the mid-90s, when Mrs Fortescue Hitchins took it on as her studio.

“Elizabeth Fortescue Hitchins passed away in late 2021 and the studio was sold to the current owners ... who wish to continue the established use as an artist studio,” it read.

A letter from Mrs Fortescue Hitchins’ son, George, is also included in the application.

“My parents bought the field adjacent Border Lodge from Reg White in the mid 1980s,” Mr Hitchins wrote. “Reg kept a few sheep

which were his passion and my parents were happy for him to continue this use of the field, rent-free, until his death.

“Occasionally, he would sleep in an old caravan next to the barn.”

He added: “After Reg’s death, she began to paint in the building, using it exclusively as a studio for painting and occasionally holding exhibitions there of her own work, as well as that of friends from the Bruton Arts Society, of which she was a member.”

Council planners will now consider the application, reference 23/00184/COL, which is open for comments through www.southsomerset.gov.uk

Look to the stars

Help rewild the night and join other citizen scientists in a star count across Dorset

STARGAZERS are being urged to help record how clear the skies of Dorset are.

Between February 17 and 24, the Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is running its annual citizen science project, Star Count.

People living in the county are being asked to help record how clear views of the night sky are.

“It’s a family-friendly activity that’s quick and easy to do and can help more of us experience and benefit from dark skies,” said a CPRE spokesperson.

“You don’t need a telescope or binoculars, we want to hear what you can spot with the naked eye.

“Dark night skies are a special quality of the Dorset AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and contribute to the areas sense of tranquillity and remoteness.

“The Cranborne Chase AONB – overlapping the boundaries of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset – was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in October 2019.

“A combination of clear night skies and low levels of light pollution make Dorset one of the best places in the country for stargazing.”

They said a clear view of a star-filled night sky has ‘hugely beneficial’ effects on our mental health and, like access to other forms of nature, helps reduce stress and increase a sense of peace

Research has even shown that regularly spending time looking at the stars can lower blood pressure and reduce depression, the spokesperson added.

“Yet, the night sky, which is a hugely significant part of our natural environment, has no legal protection,” they said.

By counting the number of stars they see in the Orion constellation, citizen scientists will help CPRE create an interactive map of the nation’s view of the night sky.

“By showing on a map where light pollution is most serious, we can work with local councils and others to decide what to do about it,” the spokesperson said. “Together, we can work towards rewilding our skies for the benefit of people and wildlife.”

For more information and to sign up for star count 2023, visit www.cpre.org.uk/starcount

Year round family space

Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash

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Events

SCOUT JUMBLE SALE

2pm East Coker Village Hall

25th February

BINGO!

11

Stalbridge Hall

Thursday

23rd February

5 40 64 22

Doors open 6.30pm

Eyes down 7.30pm

SIXPENNY HANDLEY W.I.

JUMBLE SALE SATURDAY

25th FEBRUARY

SIXPENNY HANDLEY

VILLAGE HALL

Doors open 2.30pm

Lots of stalls teas raffle Entrance 30p

LARGE GARAGE SALE

25 February 10-12 AM

15 MILL RISE BOURTON

SP8 5DH

Furniture, Household Goods, Designer Clothes

12/14 Many Items Free

CELEBRATE WORLD

BOOK DAY with local children’s author, Angela McAllister! Free children’s story time and craft activity 11am -12pm

THE BIG BREAKFAST incorporating fun marmalade tasting competition

Saturday 18th February 8:30-11am

Hooper Hall, Lydlinch

Adults-£7.50

Children- £3.75

Just Dance Studios

Dance Classes for children from pre -school upwards

www.just-dance -studios.co.uk

THE NUTCRACKER AT THE NEWT

Just Dance were very busy during the lead up to Christmas, getting ready to perform the Ballet of The Nutcracker at The Newt in Somerset. Children from the age of 5-18 took part in six performances over three days.

Performances were held in the Threshing Barn.

The children delighted the guests and visitors to The Newt, with their portrayal of the classic tale. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children at Just Dance and there was huge excitement amongst the children who took part.

Just Dance holds classes in ballet, acro, contemporary, Streetdance, Irish dance, tap and more recently have added Commercial Jazz classes. Classes are held at various times through the week and also on Saturday mornings. Just Dance has a safe, caring and nurturing environment where children can gain confidence, learn something new and make new friends through dance.

Please contact Emma for more information

(07901 553602) www.just-dance-studios.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS

COFFEE MORNING

MANSTON VILLAGE HALL

Saturday February 25th 10:30-12pm

Locally Pottery for Sale

JUMBLE SALE IN VERWOOD MEMORIAL HALL

March 4th at 9.30am

90 blackmorevale.net

Entrance 20 pence

In Aid of Woodlands

Methodist Church

More details phone 01202 822066

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

The Railway Children Return Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 17 February / 7.00 pm / £5

Bar / Snacks / Ice creams

Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

Your guide to the exciting EVENTS IN SWANAGE IN 2023!

MARCH

Swanage Blues Festival, 2nd - 5th March

Swanage Railway - Spring Steam Gala, 24th - 26th March

APRIL

Carnival Classic Motor Show, Sunday 23rd April

MAY

Swanage Railway - Diesel Gala, 12th - 14th May

Pirate Festival, 27th - 28th May

Purbeck Art Weeks, 27th May - 11th June

JUNE

Fairy Festival, 1st - 3rd June

Sea Rowing Regatta, Saturday 10th June

Fish Festival, 17th - 19th June

Swanage Railway - ‘Roads to Rail’, 23rd - 25th June

JULY

Coastal Rowing Regatta, Saturday 1st July

Swanage Jazz Festival, 7th - 9th July

SISATA Outdoor Theatre - The Tempest, 22nd - 24th July

SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK! 29th July - 5th August

AUGUST

Rotary Summer Craft Fair & Fete, Thursday 10th August

Swanage Lifeboat Week, 11th - 20th August

SEPTEMBER

Music by the Sea, Saturday 2nd September

Swanage Folk Festival, 8th – 10th September

Swanage Railway - Classic Steam & Vehicles, 8th - 10th September

Planet Purbeck Festival, 15th – 24th September

Swanage Supervets Rowing Regatta, Saturday 30th September

OCTOBER

Swanage Blues & Roots Festival, 5th – 8th October

Candles on the Beach - Lewis Manning, Saturday 21st October

Purbeck Film Festival, 13th - 29th October

CHRISTMAS IN SWANAGE

Artisans on the Beach, 25th November - 1st January

Swanage Christmas Lights Switch on, Saturday 25th November

Swanage Railway - Christmas Events, 2nd - 24th December

Swanage Rotary Christmas Market, Saturday 2nd December

The Boxing Day Dip! Tuesday 26th December

For more information contact the Swanage Information Centre on 01929 766018 or welcome@swanage.gov.uk. For more events throughout the year see our website ‘Visit Dorset’ and search for Swanage Events.

Swanage Market, every Friday throughout the year. Includes the monthly ‘Artisans at the Market’ event on the April to October

safe for reference!

Eyes to the skies for stargazing night

VILLAGE children and adults had the chance to try out large professional telescopes and take part in fun space-related activities when St Andrew’s Primary School in Yetminster held a stargazing evening.

Lots of people turned out for the event, organised by the PTFA and Lower Covey Nursery, despite the slightly cloudy conditions.

Villagers saw the moon in incredible resolution, and children learnt about different constellations and how to use star maps, while enjoying hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows in the firepit.

The event raised nearly £600 for the school which will be put towards future educational activities.

Teacher Graham Simpson said: “The stargazing was a lovely event that was enjoyed not only by the pupils and parents of St Andrew’s Primary School, but the whole community.

“The school field was beautifully illuminated, and it was a magical evening – even if the stars were playing hide and seek!

“Our thanks go to our hard-working PTFA and the staff at Lower Covey Nursery.”

RotaKids earn their community spurs

SHAFTESBURY Abbey Primary School’s RotaKids began their programme of activities for the year with a visit to Westminster Memorial Hospital in the town and their first litter pick.

Tim Cook and Peter Sale from Shaftesbury Rotary Club joined the RotaKids and school staff on a visit to the hospital to deliver

care packs they had prepared.

Staff at the hospital welcomed the RotaKids and thanked them for the packs containing toiletries and other essentials that had been collected from pupils at the school. The packs will be given to patients at the hospital.

The youngsters then took part in the first of several planned litter picks in the town, joined by members of the Hilltop Litter Pickers.

Saturday 4th March 9.30am - 1.00pm

Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 7 to 13

To book call Karen on 01258 860219 or email her at admissions@hanfordschool.co.uk hanfordschool.co.uk

The RotaKids Club is made up of representatives from several year groups in the school.

Shaftesbury Rotary Club is supporting the club financially and by attending meetings and giving advice to the young people involved.

RotaKids is a fun and exciting way for youngsters aged seven-12 to make friends and get involved with important activities in the community.

Clubs are based in schools, youth groups and community centres, and with the help and support of teachers, youth leaders and the local Rotary Club, young people can gain experience in helping others and learning new things.

To find out more or get involved with Rotary, contact hello@ shaftesburyrotaryclub.org

Inflation is on way back to basecamp

LIKE many, I've become transfixed by Everest-like graphs showing financial data and forecasts. The most reassuring is inflation which suggests we’re on the way back to basecamp in part because of fiscal tightening in the autumn statement. It's unlikely that the budget next month will reverse the strategy or that unrealistic public sector pay claims will be met for the same reason – we must drive inflation down.

Beware selective financial data and dodgy predictions. I've seen some crackers over the past few months, some generated to validate particular world views, others to sustain media stories.

Turns out the disaster predicted by gloomsters and doomsters for the UK economy has so far not come to pass and that last year the UK recorded the fastest growth in the G7.

Now, to be fair, if you select different timeframes any advantage is far less clear but that rather underscores the importance of handling data with care.

I'm pleased to say that my responsibilities as Minister for Defence Personnel, Veterans and Families includes the Gurkhas. It was a privilege to take part in the remarkable Attestation ceremony of the most recent batch of recruits in Pokhara, Nepal, earlier this month and to visit Royal Gurkha Rifles in Brunei. I also saw the great work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust in communities in Nepal including in providing earthquake-proof housing for veterans, healthcare and clean water. For over 200 years Gurkhas have served the Crown. Their courage and steadfastness have earned the public's respect and affection. We continue to owe them a great deal.

Sadly, messages I get through social media have deteriorated overall over the years, part of a pattern of abuse contributing to

some of my colleagues deciding to call it a day. Hate mail has caused some MPs to stop using social media entirely. Rather than delete my Twitter account entirely, which has 17,700 followers, my policy is to report threats, block the significantly abusive and mute SM notifications that are downright rude or just nasty. I do so reluctantly as non-abusive two-way conversation is part of what SM should be. So, trolls please save your time – your missives live on for anyone to find, anywhere, anytime. Except this target won’t be seeing them. Indeed, my general advice to anyone is think carefully before pressing ‘send’. The web is a mine of open-source material for anyone who may in the future want to form a picture of the sender. Content usually says more about the author than the intended target.

Now is not time to give up on Ukraine

AS I write, we are approaching the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. An invasion which was, and remains, unwarranted, illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked. Back in February 2022 we all hoped that Russia’s troop mobilisation was purely for show. A bit of regional muscle flexing which, in the face of united Western condemnation, would return to barracks. Alas, it was not to be the case. Last week the incredible President Zelensky addressed a packed meeting of Parliament before travelling on to Paris and Brussels. His message was as clear, and impressive then as it was at the start – Ukraine needs help, Ukraine will not give up and Russia cannot be allowed to win. It is worth reflecting that Zelensky was a famous comedian before he turned to politics. He looks and sounds like a statesman. How ironic is it that too many of the West’s leaders start off as politicians

Simon Hoare

and finish up as comedians.

It was the West’s turning of the blind eye when Crimea was illegally annexed and when the Russian/Syrian Axis deployed chemical weapons against the Syrian people that sent a very clear message to Moscow – the West is tired. The West will not

defend itself. The West only pays lip service to the values of freedom, liberty and selfdetermination. That entirely justifiable assessment of the position of the Western alliance acted as the green light for all that has unfurled since February of last year.

However, the West awoke from its post Second World War slumbers and realised, just in the nick of time, that if we did not act then Russia would have carte blanche to act with almost unfettered impunity. If all history repeats itself the painful lesson of Hitler in 1938 should have been called to mind much sooner and action taken. We knew, very close to home, the lengths that Russia would go to get its way – we remember the Salisbury poisoning and the devastating effect it had on the family of a constituent of mine.

While the horror in Ukraine unfolds daily, I am conscious that many commentators and others are experiencing fatigue.

Perhaps it was the rapid execution of the liberation of Kuwait, the relative speed of the Falklands recapture that led us all to believe that a war could be prosecuted and concluded within an acceptable news cycle. The allies in the First World War stated it would be ‘over by Christmas’ leading one wag to state at the end of 1918 that they were right, they just had not stipulated which year!

So, now is not the time for news fatigue to set in. It is certainly not the time give up on Ukraine or her people. We must run the race to the finish and see this through. This is a battle of values as significant and dangerous in scale as the titanic struggles against Fascism and Communism – always, in my book, two sides of the same coin. Ukrainian soil is the thin red line upon which those values must be defended. We cannot and will not let that inspiring country down. Slava Ukraini!

Conservative MP for North Dorset

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison

Brexit has battered trade with Europe

WHATEVER is happening to the Conservative Party? Open wounds are opening into festering sores and more big fish Tories are leaving the sinking ship.

First came the ghostly, haunted, attempted return of former PM Liz Truss with her wonder strokes of Conservative economic orthodoxy. Even our own Tory MP Simon Hoare wants her as much as a bad penny.

Then came the news that Boris Johnson sycophant and love-struck ex-minister Nadine Dorries was to join the former disgraced health minister Matt Hancock in the political D-list celebrity wilderness. Some might say good riddance to them both!

Subsequently, there was the spectacle of Guy Hands, Tory donor and chief investment officer of private equity firm Terra Firma, calling Brexit a ‘complete disaster’ that has

harmed large parts of the economy. Hands said: “The reality is it’s been a lose-lose situation for both us and Europe. The reality of Brexit was it was just a bunch of

complete and utter lies.”

No-one who works in a business denies that Brexit has been the biggest hamper to British trade with Europe, decimating its profitability through a plethora of admin, red tape and paperwork hassle.

Witness the trade in which I was formerly involved – wine. On a recent Question Time programme, a lifelong Tory supporter and voter from the wine trade expressed his horror at the current situation to none other than James Rees-Mogg MP, who rattled out the old line about new trade deals being completed with Australia and New Zealand.

Now I would not disagree that these deals might aid some sectors, and I must confess to complete enjoyment of most Australian wines, but they only comprise a small percentage of wines in the UK market!

Rishi Sunak, our supposedly inflation-obsessed PM, must be

wondering how the strikes in certain sectors and certain regions of the UK seem to be on the way to being settled –witness the NHS staff being offered increased pay in Wales and Scotland, and the Fire Brigades Union being offered an increase, too.

We can only hope the PM takes a subtle hint from these developments and sits down to at least talk to the other striking workers, otherwise the next annual pay round will be imminent, and things could then get very messy.

As I was putting this piece together the news of Burt Bacharach’s death was announced.

I reflected on the fact that this musical maestro bestrode the whole of the popular musical world for the past two generations and his music will have been part of many of our lives. An event that transcends party politics.

Zelensky, leadership and bullying

THERE is a fine line between leading a person or a nation to work to the very best of their abilities, to the very edge of their courage and fortitude – and bullying people in pursuit of the same aim. When you encounter good leadership, you know it instinctively. Zelensky has it in spades, doesn’t he? Working for a bully, though, is a different kettle of fish – no inspiration, less motivation towards long-term goals and even less enthusiasm for today’s tasks. The hero sets the example, the bully you avoid, recoil from. The one gives hope even in the most desperate of situations. The threats and aggression of the other often mask something less impressive while those on the receiving end are waiting, even hoping for failure.

Leadership is not the same as telling people what to do. I had a boss once who used to quip

that he did not suffer from stress but was proud to be a carrier of it. Every wrong decision, every misjudgement was masked by casting around for someone to shout at or blame. He used the

power of position to cover personal inadequacy and professional incompetence. There was only ever one outcome – a spiral of discovery, of cover up and deflection, of wasteful diversion until the inevitable and damaging mutiny. The cardinal sin of top people is not discarding some of the habits and techniques that may have got them there. How grotesque, then, is the thought we may have one such, right at the heart of government. What a waste of time and energy waiting for the outcome.

While most English shires are going to the polls in May, Dorset remains above the fray for another year. What an ideal time to get involved in the political process! There is every reason to make your voice heard, every reason to join a like-minded team to make your voice grow stronger, every reason with a generosity of

spirit to seek to understand other points of view. Politics works best when it rises, as a pyramid does, from the broadest possible base. With elections in BCP, levelling up investment in Weymouth, green investment around Dorchester, there is an itch that the Blackmore Vale and our wider part of Dorset, is being forgotten.

We need a volume of voices to make sure the best choices are being made about quarries, about houses being built without the infrastructure of schools, medical, sports and entertainment facilities, to say nothing of green spaces, about magic levelling-up projects that should have been happening anyway. It is the base of the pyramid whose voice must be heard loudest. If the politicians get away with promising the earth but delivering lemons, then we have no-one to blame but ourselves. Join in!

Mike Chapman on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Consumers can drive ‘green’ change

THE other day I decided it was time to tidy my overburdened desk. A task long overdue, as anyone who has ever seen my desk will agree. I made a start with high intentions but, of course, there’s a reason why everything on my desk has been held onto and I was soon distracted.

I came across a copy of Ethical Consumer magazine, and the picture on the front caught my attention. It showed a Lego family, standing on top of our planet that was shaped like a piggy bank and stained with oil. The speech bubble from the child said: “Mum and Dad, are your savings messing up my future?” Alongside was the headline: “Can your pension and investments help to fight climate change?” Another headline ran: “Shell in the ethical spotlight”. All very topical you might think, but this magazine was

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

dated spring 2014. Obviously not enough has changed in the last nine years.

The article on ethical banks scored Barclays the worst of all. Checking its present position I discovered it is still bumping

Loder welcomes demolition of ‘eyesore’ building

AN ‘eyesore’ building at a Dorset train station has been demolished.

As previously reported by your New Blackmore Vale, West Dorset MP Chris Loder said progress on redevelopment work at Dorchester South station was imminent – starting with knocking down the former Red Star parcel building.

Now, the structure has been demolished, a move welcomed by the MP.

“Little over a week ago I challenged South Western Railway and Network Rail to finally take down the eyesore that for too long has been blighting the area and attracting anti-social behaviour, and have been making these clear arguments for many months,”

Mr Loder said. He said he hoped work to improve the station, including boosting the accessibility of the platforms to elderly and disabled rail users, could now progress.

Mr Loder added: “I am working hard to ensure the station, and the rail line more widely, attracts the strategic ambition and the resources it needs.

“This is why I am backing the funding bid for a lift at the station, and why I have for so long called for the demolition of the derelict parcel building which has been dragging the appearance of the station down for years.

“This weekend marks a sure sign that this message is being heard loud and clear by the

along the bottom, with an ethical score of two out of a maximum of 20 points. Last year I finally closed my long-held Barclays account, better late than never, and chose Triodos instead. Other ethical banks are available!

My personal pension is now with a fund ranked second best for ethics but still only scores ten out of 20 points. Clearly the pension industry has a long way to go!

A hard-working group called Dorset Action has been lobbying Dorset Council and its pension fund manager Brunel to divest the many millions it has invested in fossil fuels. This is vital because an October 2021 report found the UK pensions industry enables more CO2 emissions worldwide than all the UK’s carbon emissions put together.

Yes, pension funds must seek the best possible returns for

their members, but as renewable sources of energy now make more economic sense than fossil fuels it is obvious where the long-term smart money should go. And, of course, profit is not the only criteria.

To quote Sir David Attenborough: “It is crazy that our banks and our pensions are investing in fossil fuels, when these are the very things that are jeopardising the future we are saving for”.

If you are a member of Dorset Council’s pension scheme go to www.dtaction. co.uk to see how you can help persuade the council to change its investments.

Change has to come, and come soon. We consumers have the power to drive that change! From changing your light bulbs to your bank account, and whatever else you can change, you can be part of creating an exciting future we can all value.

railways, and a hopeful indication on future progress.”

The issue was discussed during a recent meeting

between the MP and South Western Railway (SWR) regional development manager Andrew Ardley.

PHOTO: Google

The Red Star Parcel building at Dorchester South station has been pulled down

‘Slaughter’ of hedgerows and loss of wildlife

LIKE A Hammond from East Knoyle – New Blackmore Vale, February 3 – I have been concerned for a long time about the slaughter of our hedgerows. We are always seeing articles about the loss of our wildlife and yet very little seems to be done to prevent it.

I agree, why do farmers need to cut hedges down to a metre or so high between fields in the countryside?

It seems unnecessary and must be very costly. Do they receive a subsidy for doing it?

A lot of insects and butterflies have been lost since I was a child in the 1950s – there were grasshoppers everywhere but not now, and glow worms shining their lights in the hedgerows at night.

Bird numbers have fallen because they have nowhere to nest. Many insects have been lost thanks to the use of pesticides which must get into the soil, and therefore into the food we eat. It doesn’t take a genius to work it out, and I’m certainly not one of those.

H. Rawles Blandford St Mary

I WOULD like to thank Blandford Leisure Centre staff and members of the public, and especially Craig, for all their help and kindness after I tripped in the school car park and injured my face.

Annette Samways

Via email

I WANT to follow up on my previous letter and Bob Lovell’s comments, New Blackmore Vale, February 3.

The road infrastructure in north Dorset is woefully neglected. Scant effort has been put into repair.

Post the last wet-cold period the existing potholes on Cox Hill

and Kings Mill Lane worsened through the freeze-thaw cycle.

Some sort of repair was instigated which to an unqualified eye appears to be black gravel with no adhesive capability now spread over the road resulting in the original problem probably getting worse.

The flood puddle at the end of Mowes Lane is still there as of February 5 – perhaps the council is hoping it will evaporate away – good luck with that in single figure temperatures.

Road signs variously depicting Flood, Skid and New Street closure litter the roads –and in one case up a hedge.

The road closure sign in New Street, Marnhull, would still be there if some civic-minded Marnhull resident had not extracted it from the roadway and tidied it into the verge.

The closure is dated November 13 (2022!).

All these irritations are admittedly small, but they smack of a careless and wasteful attitude by the council to road maintenance and care.

Charles Kemp Sturminster Newton

RECENTLY our youngest daughter and her 11-month-old son Ronnie were staying with us.

On the morning of Monday, January 30, Elizabeth was downstairs preparing Ronnie’s breakfast, when she raced back up to our bedroom with him in her arms.

While waiting in his chair, Ronnie suddenly seemed unconscious, his head back, his eyes rolling upwards.

While my wife and Elizabeth tended to him, I dialled 999. The phone was answered immediately and the female voice at the other end asked some relevant questions, ordered an ambulance and then calmly

gave instructions for dealing with Ronnie.

Within six or seven minutes two medics arrived in an ambulance at the same time as an emergency responder, I think from the local fire service.

Ronnie was checked over and seemed to have recovered from the incident – a kind of seizure.

But as a precaution he was taken to Salisbury District Hospital where further checks were carried out – he was released later that day.

This was a traumatic incident for all of us and our thanks go to the emergency and hospital staff for all their efforts.

I mention the actual date as those who dealt with Ronnie will know they in particular are being thanked.

Colin Marsh Gillingham

CHRIS Loder MP wishes to tell us – New Blackmore Vale, February 3 – of his efforts regarding tidying up Dorchester South station and of improved

disabled facilities there.

A shame he does not concentrate on the ever worsening, abject performance of the privatised rail companies and of National Rail.

Intending travellers will know that, irrespective of strikes and the Hook landslip, it is now not possible to use South West Trains, or Arriva or Trans Pennine etc, unless your arrival time is of no matter.

Constant signalling and track failures, broken down or cancelled trains etc etc frequently mean hours of there being no train services at all.

Most privatised industries, for example, rail, water, energy supply and distribution, are now foreign owned with taxpayers’ money disappearing into the pockets of overseas investors while we suffer the consequences.

Mr Loder and his fellow Dorset Tory MPs are seemingly quite happy about this.

Roland Britain Gillingham

Cartoon by Lyndon Wall – justsocaricatures.co.uk

Patient approach best with hedges

by Sally Gregson

DURING the winter months the structure of a garden becomes more apparent – the lines of fencing and hedging, punctuated by the verticality of trees, form shapes and outlines.

In a new garden it’s quite important to put in the structural plants – trees, hedges – first of all, at the same time as working out the outline of new beds and borders. Trees and hedges take time to grow.

It can be tempting to plant fast-growing hedging conifers such as Leyland cypresses. But while they get to the desired height very quickly, they don’t stop. They carry on growing at the same rate.

Cutting a hedge two or three times a year gets more laborious the older the gardener gets.

Yew is the very antithesis of such conifers. It is slowgrowing and makes dense walls of dark green that are impervious to wind. Provided the ground drains and the plants are kept watered and fed

throughout their early springs, they will make a two-metre ‘wall’ well within ten years. And will only need to be cut once a year. Plant them in improved soil two to three metres apart.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) both hold their leaves throughout the winter if they are cut as hedges. They should be planted about one metre apart, and it pays to keep them watered, especially in a dry summer. Trim them both twice a year.

Country hedges are easier to maintain. Choose species that are suited to your soil – willows and dogwoods are better in damp, heavy soils; and spindles and field maples are more suitable for well-drained soil. Their berries will feed the wild birds and small mammals can shelter between their thick stems.

When planting any type of hedging it pays to incorporate plenty of garden compost or

well-rotted manure in the planting ditch. It holds the moisture, while draining away any excess – it improves the soil

texture.

your new hedge will get away and look meaningful by the end of summer.

The sweet smell of shrubs in winter

by Sally Gregson

ONE of the joys of the winter garden is the flowering of some of the best scented shrubs. They all have to pump out every whisper of perfume to attract any passing pollinator, be they unseasonal moths, wasps or, more probably, bees. Their flowers are often yellow – a colour attractive to insects, and they have guidelines to highlight the way in.

One of the most well-known is the Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis) which fills the garden with its delicious perfume. Witch hazels have been bred and selected over the years, and now we can buy beautiful spidery-flowered shrubs in all shades of yellow, orange and even soft red. Hamamelis can

be a little difficult to grow in very chalky soils, especially in deep shade, but otherwise they will make strong shrubs in neutral to acid soils and pump out the perfume from late December to March.

Another favourite shrub grown for its winter perfume is

the Christmas Box (Sarcococca confusa). In the trade the subtly different species really have got confused, and it’s as well to check on the true identity before buying. Sarcococca humilis is a mildly running shrub, which is useful in the right place, but could outgrow a specific spot.

All the Christmas boxes bear lots of small, white flowers from December to March, each with a knockout perfume. Plant one by your front door and give your winter visitors a treat. If they have not met it before, they will be amazed at the volume of scent exuded by such small, white flowers.

But perhaps the favourite scent of all is that of the Daphne. It is a shrub that can be a bit ‘miffy’ to grow. Some

species sit and sulk for a while before they fade away. Daphne tangutica is a more reliable and easy form, however. And it has good, evergreen foliage that makes a well-shaped, one-metre tump of dark, shining leaves and typical pink and white perfumed flowers. Cut a small twig, if you dare, and put it in a little jug on the kitchen table. It will pump out its citrus perfume for days.

Daphnes are the most desirable of winter shrubs but they can be quite expensive, which reflects not only their appeal, but their difficulty to propagate. How typical it is that such a good plant does not root easily or well from cuttings. It only makes its desirability the greater.

So that by the spring

Yew hedging in Sally Gregson’s last garden

Daphne Jacqueline Postill

Sounds and stories of old Dorset

THE Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, will celebrate the rich dialect of Dorset through music, song and poetry in Tea with William Barnes in Cerne Abbas.

Barnes, the greatest of the dialect poets, relished the country dances, folk songs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.

He was also, as Thomas Hardy wrote, “probably the most interesting link between present and past forms of rural life that England possessed”.

Born in Bagber in the Blackmore Vale in 1801, Barnes attended school in Sturminster Newton.

In later life he was an innovative schoolmaster, with a knowledge of more than 70 languages, the author of 30-plus books in prose, an artist,

engraver, musician, folklorist, inventor and parish priest.

Many of Barnes’ contemporaries regarded him as old fashioned, with his love of old ways, old words and old customs, but he captured the sound of Dorset speech in an artistic and imaginative way.

The Ridgeway Singers and Band will be joined by guests from The William Barnes

Society to celebrate the sounds and stories of old Dorset, performing traditional songs collected across the county, playing dance tunes from the repertoire of Blackmore Vale fiddler Benjamin Rose and reciting some of the poems that keep alive the rich dialect of Dorset.

Now a popular annual fixture in the calendar of Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach,

this year’s Barnes celebration is at Cerne Abbas village hall on Sunday, February 19, at 3pm.

Tickets include a Dorset Cream tea and are available from Artsreach – phone 01305 269512 – or online at www. artsreach.co.uk

Local film company Pageant Productions is live streaming the event online – further information is available at www. artsreach.co.uk

The Ridgeway Singers and Band will be performing Tea with William Barnes

Love, friendship and the trials of being a performer

PERFORMING duo Belle Street are embarking on a mini-tour of their show Hugh: The Musical (Still a Work in Progress), which went down well at Shaftesbury Fringe last year.

Belle Street – Susan Grant and Joni de Winter – will be staging the show in Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Bruton after members of the public voted an early version of Hugh best show at the fringe.

The fun and original ‘fringestyle’ musical within a musical

takes a light-hearted look at love, friendship and the trials and tribulations of being a performer.

The show is at The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury, on Saturday, February 25, at 8pm; The King’s Arms in Dorchester on Thursday, March 23; and At The Chapel in Bruton on Saturday, March 25. Other dates are to be announced soon.

Tickets are available at Belle Street’s website, www.bellestreet.com/hugh-the-musical

Shakespeare screening at arts centre

SHAKESPEARE’S Othello, recorded at the National Theatre, is set to be screened at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

The extraordinary new production of the enduring tragedy is directed by Clint Dyer with a cast that includes Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwean (The Alienist) and Paul Hilton (The Inheritance).

She’s a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator, elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. He’s a refugee of slavery – having risen to the top of a white world, he finds love across racial lines has a cost.

Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together. But as unseen forces conspire against them, they find their future is not theirs to decide.

Othello is screened on Saturday, February 25, at 7pm and tickets are adults £10, children £7.50.

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Belle Street are performing in Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Bruton

THE Mill Singers are staging a concert in aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance at the Udder Farm Shop, East Stour.

The group, who perform in aid of charities, have a wideranging repertoire, including show songs, Simon & Garfunkel, fun songs and shanties.

They rehearse in the Community Hall in Child

Okeford on Thursday evenings and welcome new members, no audition required – phone Tudor on 01258 861225.

The concert is on Saturday, March 4, at 7.30pm and will include a one-course supper. Tickets are £18 with all profits to the air ambulance.

To book tickets either phone 01747 838899 or email restaurant@theudderfarmshop. co.uk.

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Charity offers help on road to self-employment

by Andrew Diprose www.dorsetbiznews.co.uk

A DORSET charity is set to roll out the UK’s first accredited Self-Employment Support Programme to help support people with special educational needs (SEN).

The initiative, from Bournemouth-based SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship), will be available nationwide.

The new, flexible programme – branded as You’ve Got This! – supports individuals through the development of skills needed to explore selfemployment as a viable career option.

It has been built on extensive research and co-creation with

people recognised as having SEN, including those with neuro-diverse challenges.

SAMEE chief executive Samantha Everard said: “The inclusive SAMEE Steps into Self-Employment programme has been created to cater for the needs of learners with SEN.

“As there is no maths and English element associated with the qualification, it’s accessible to all.

“This qualification offers a range of support and resources which can be specifically tailored to the individual requirements of each learner, providing solutions which are responsive and in keeping with the already established SAMEE ethos.”

The SAMEE charity has taught self-employment skills to enable disabled adults, particularly those with learning disabilities, to escape poverty and gain independence through successful self-employment start-up since 2016.

The SAMEE Steps into Self-Employment has been accredited by the respected awarding body NCFE, an educational charity dating back over 160 years. NCFE chief executive David Gallagher said:

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to help build a qualification with such an important purpose and that has the potential to enable hundreds, if not thousands, of people to start meaningful work.”

The official launch of the Steps into Self-Employment Level 1 qualification will take place in March with a weeklong programme of activities with virtual trainers across the UK and local campaigns across Dorset.

With more choice and flexibility surrounding retirement and with people, on average, living longer than before, it’s important to make sure your pension plans are on track.

Utilising our experience, we can help you manage your income and savings, whilst guiding you through the complications of tax, so you can enjoy the lifestyle you desire.

SAMEE’s You’ve Got This! programme supports individuals through the development of skills needed to explore self-employment as a viable career option

• Lower Stour church services: Sunday 19 February: 9.30am Communion –Spetisbury; 9.30am Family Service – Charlton Marshall; 11am Morning Worship –Langton Long; 11am Communion – Tarrant

Keyneston. Wednesday 22

February: 10.30am Ash

Wednesday Communion –Blandford St Mary. Sunday 26

February: 9.30am Communion

– Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning Worship – Spetisbury; 11am Communion – Langton Long; 11am Communion (BCP)

– Tarrant Rushton. Coffee and cake – Spetisbury 10-11.30am

February 20; Coffee stop –Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm – Tuesday to Friday.

• Digby Memorial Hall: Shrove lunch on Sunday 19

February, 12.30pm for 1pm. Tickets £10 (adults)/£5 (children).

• Digby Memorial church hall: The next meeting of the Mothers’ Union is on Friday 24 February from 10am-noon in the Griffiths Room. The Reverend Lesley McCreadie will give a talk with slides on Oberammergau.

• Friends of Holnest Church: Annual meeting on Wednesday 8 March at 7.30pm at Glanvilles Wootton village hall (DT9 5QF).

• Longburton Village Cafe: The cafe in the village church of St James provides tea, coffee – free refills – and great cakes for just £2. It is open on Tuesday 28 February 10.30amnoon.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meet at All Saints Church BA22 7QB, Sundays 19 and 26 February – services at 4pm; Sunday 5 March 4pm –‘Tea @Four’.” A warm welcome to all. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff.mead@ yahoo.com

• Sherborne Abbey: Visiting bellringers from Bristol led by Gareth Lawson are going to attempt a full peal on the afternoon of Saturday 18 February. Gareth will be 46 that day and the tenor bell weighs

46cwt!

• Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury: Everyone is welcome to join in the World Day of Prayer, led by members of different churches, on Friday 3 March at 11am. Christians throughout the world will pray using the same service, which for 2023 has been prepared by the women of Taiwan. Everyone is welcome to join in this simple act of worship. The service is in the Shearer Room – use the entrance in Bell Street. For more information, visit www. wwdp.org.uk, which also gives details of other venues.

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

• Blandford Methodist Church: Sundays 10.45am –services followed by refreshments. Thursdays 10am-noon – ‘Warm Space’ for coffee and chat. Fridays noon – lunch club for the over-55s at £5 a meal. Phone Joyce Wild on 07817 505 543 to book We are anxious to offer help to all those in need. Phone John Cornish, steward at Blandford Methodist Church, phone 07799 516 735.

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

• Churches in The Donheads, Charlton, East Knoyle, Semley and Sedgehill: A team of friendly people are available to offer home visits. Contact Revd. Kate at rector@ benofbart.org.uk, 01747 830174.

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

• Gillingham Methodist Church: Sunday recitals 3pm (about one hour). Admission free, retiring collection. Superb two manual William Sweetland organ. Video screen. For details and updates visit the website at www.musicatgmc.org.uk or phone 07817 379006.

• Hinton Martell: Second

Sunday of the month, 10.30am Holy Communion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• St Bartholomew’s Benefice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST GREGORY’S CHURCH

MARNHULL, Every Sunday 8am and 10am

SNOWDROP WEEKEND ST GEORGES CHURCH

DAMERHAM SP6 3HN

11th-12 February 12 noon

-4pm Come & see the Snowdrops in our Norman Church yard. Home made refreshments plus other stalls. Toilet facilities. A warm welcome to everyone.

To place your classified adverts

CLASSIFIEDS

The New Blackmore Vale Magazine call

Man-of-the match Perry at the double

by Andrew Wallace Clune

Royal Wootton Basset 2nd XV

24 NDRFC 1st XV 36

NORTH Dorset 1st XV

travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett to take on their 2nd XV who provided strong opposition in the first half of the season.

The Slaughtergate side has had its ranks bolstered in recent weeks by the return of Tom Stewart and Mindaugas Kazlaukas, who were on loan to Taunton Titans for a few years.

It took only nine minutes for full back Stewart to make an impact, after strong work from the forwards had RWB on the back foot. The backs threw the ball wide and Stewart scored in the corner for an unconverted try.

Not to be outdone, Sean

THE Dorset Doddlers running club have invested in a new piece of kit – and one they hope will never be used.

They have taken delivery of a new defibrillator and 12 members have completed basic training on how to use the device, along with CPR training.

The club have bought the same model as used by Parkrun across the country. The defibrillator is light weight and self-contained in its own carry bag, making it very portable, ideal for a running club.

As the trainees found out, it is very easy to use and guides users each step of the way in an emergency.

One member of the Doddlers

by Avril Lancaster

SHAFTESBURY FC 1888

faced two tough trips to undefeated leaders AFC Portchester and second-placed AFC Stoneham in the Wessex League.

Two goals from former AFC Bournemouth and Portsmouth

Perry replicated the run down the same flank two minutes later and scored, but this time Stewart added the extras to see North 12 points in front after as many minutes.

However, any thoughts this was going to be an easy fixture went out of the door immediately as RWB posted two tries of their own within five minutes and the scores were soon level at 12-12.

North Dorset slowly gained ascendency through the forward pack, allowing Will Willoughby to crash through the RWB defence for a converted try.

In what was proving a free-flowing and entertaining match, RWB again matched the

score moments later.

Brad Bignell broke the deadlock from number 8, picking up from the back of a scrum to barge over. The try was not converted but it gave North the half-time lead, 24-19, over the home side.

That was short lived as RWB scored within the first two minutes of the second half to see the scores once again level.

However, North began to control the game through the forward pack with Willoughby, Charlie Jobling and Jack Spencer making big runs.

Sam Stinton, Mindas, Eric Muntzero and Brandon Ward were dominant in defence. The halves, Robbie Sampson and Luke Spicer, controlled the pace of the game, while Henry

Dimmack and Sam Trevis nullified the threat through the backs.

With 15 minutes to go, Perry made a fantastic run down the left-hand flank to give him his second try and North a five point lead.

Tom Stewart put the game to bed showing a great turn of pace to score under the posts and convert his own try to give North an unassailable 12-point lead and a bonus point win.

The Gritchie Brewing Company man of the match was difficult to pick with Tom Stewart, Will Willoughby and Sean Perry all in contention but it was Perry who took the honours. Rylie Lewis won the Jean Thomas Dujour Memorial Claret Jug.

committee who attended the training said: “We are finally back to normality in the club after Covid-19. Each year we organise local races such as the Sturminster Half, North Dorset Village Marathon, Wessex Ridgeway and the Stickler.

“With any profits we always make generous donations to local causes. This year we asked our members who helped organise the races for suggestions and the club defib was mentioned.

“We all thought what a fantastic idea, and although we hope it is never used, the cost of the defib compared to potentially saving a life is

Dorset Doddlers show off their new defibrillator

The Doddlers hold sessions weekly on Mondays for their C25K in Sturminster, Tuesdays in Shaftesbury, Thursdays in Sturminster, along with

organising and supporting many local races and social runs.

The device will be kept with the club and will be taken to all Doddler and Doddler supported events.

striker Brett Pitman, including a 20th minute penalty, and one from Marley Ridge saw Portchester win 3-0 at the On Site Group Stadium.

Shaftesbury also lost when they visited the Stoneham

Complex to play AFC Stoneham on the 4G surface.

They went 2-0 down after Duarte Martins scored in the 11th minute and Liam Callaghan added the second in the 29th minute.

Tyler Forbes reduced arrears in the 43rd minute after good

link-up play by Ash Pope and Dominic Pansear-Dower.

Stoneham had an 85th minute penalty from Scott Hills saved by Harrison Bruton. But Hills made it 3-1 –although his shot appeared to hit the post and come out, a goal was awarded.

RUGBY

blackmorevale.net

Flyers’ county champs success

by Jon Creffield

AN unprecedented 16 swimmers from Blandford Flyers Swimming Club achieved times this year to compete in the Dorset County ASA Championships and produced outstanding performances swimming against the best in the county.

The championships are one of the major events in the club calendar and the months of hard work in training in preparation paid off.

The swimmers entered a total of 99 events, reached 26 finals and racked up 72 personal best times, giving many additional qualifications to other county and regional competitions.

Special recognition goes to Leo Downton, who was

competing at Counties for the first time this year, for winning silver medals in 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly as well as a bronze medal for 200m freestyle.

Harry Silvey won three gold medals in the 50m, 100m, 200m breaststroke and was presented with the Les Jessop Shield for

100m breaststroke. Anyone interested in getting their children involved in the club should visit the website at www.blandfordflyers. co.uk

The friendly club welcomes all standards of youth swimmer from Learn-to-Swim Level 7 upwards.

Small fish make winning weight

by Bill Hanson

FLOODS and ice meant a long wait for Sturminster & Hinton Angling Association to resume their winter points series.

Eight anglers fished the Steart stretch on a fine day after a ground frost with an easterly wind.

Water conditions were clear and most pegs produced a decent amount of fish.

Dean Walters won it with 12lb 5oz of small fish, roach and rudd, the latter making up about a third of his total weight.

Dean caught on maggot and pinkie over groundbait followed up by loose feeding.

Second was Ian Williams who went the traditional way and fished bread over liquidised on the rod and line for a weight of 10lb 6oz.

Bill Hanson was third with 10lb 3oz fishing maggot and pinkie on the pole over groundbait.

He found four small skimmers soon after the all-in

but they soon went and his net of mainly roach came by loose feeding on the rod and line.

Only two anglers caught less than 4lb and Dennis Cory had two roach in his net of 8lb, one of which broke the pound and one very close.

It was good to see some stamp fish on that section.

Extra match days have been added to the fixture list to finish the winter points series, so members should check the website for details.

Bites at premium in pairs match

GILLINGHAM AA’s Pairs

Match was held on the River Stour from Highbridge to Catholics (nine pairs).

The annual match was staged on a clearing river and fishing was patchy in the bright sunshine and easterly wind, with bites at a premium, especially at the bottom of West Stour.

Winner was Richard Fripp who drew peg 45, Big Hole at Catholics. He had one chub on

the feeder and another six on the pole at seven metres, baitdroppering maggots to weigh an impressive 16-09.

Runner-up was Dave Anders who drew peg 59 and caught three chub on bread and two on sweetcorn to weigh 9-15.

Other places went to: 3 Richard Cake, 9-01; 4 Clive Pettifer, 8-13; 5 James Kiernan, 7-02; 6 Rob Manns, 4-00.

This meant that Richard Fripp and Ken Murchie won the

pairs with four points weighing 19-01 beating James Kiernan and Richard Cake into second also with four points but with 16-03 of weight total.

Third went to Kev Harvey and Clive Pettifer with 9 points.

The next match is on October 19, the Dave Hillier Memorial Upper Stour Open. The draw is at 8.30am at Coking Farm, fish 10am-3pm. Entry is £20 all in – book with Dave Sealey on 01747 823159.

WINCANTON Golf Club results:

Seniors Monthly Medal – 24

January: 1 Kees Schouten nett 70; 2 Simon Lenton nett 72; 3 Chris Mieville nett 74.

Seniors Nine-Hole Medal – 24 January: 1 Rodney Cox nett 34; 2 Malcolm Faulkner nett 36; 3 Kevin Dinneen nett 38.

Seniors Nine-Hole Stableford – 27 January: 1 Simon Lenton 18; 2 Philip Dewar 16; 3 Cliff Hibberd 15.

Monthly Stableford – 28

January: 1 Aidan Dodd 39; 2 Jim Phillips 38; 3 Mike Taylor.

Seniors Monthly Florida

Scramble – 31 January: Winners – Kevin Francis/Phil Francis/ Ray Phillips 37.

Monthly Stableford – 4

February: 1 Steven Ireland 39; 2 Brian White 37; 3 Jim Phillips 36.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – 7 February: 1 Brian White 38; 2 John Wolstenholme 35; 3 Kees Schouten 33 ocb; 4 Steven Ireland 33.

Winter Fourplay Best Ball Round 2 – 11 February: Winners – Adam Smith / Steven Ireland.

Vale Table Tennis League.

In the picture (back, from left): Stephen Quine, Ella Hoey, Kim Livingston, Neve Hoey; front: Mollie Gregory, Harry Silvey, Kit Freeman, Leo Downton

Arrow words

Crossword

Wordsearch

1 2 1 7 5 7 6 8 9 8 4 2 3 4 7 9 6

Brain chain

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

Cryptic crossword

Across

8 Weather conditions in Lima etc proving volatile (7)

9 First person given backing of number in charge of Greek order (5)

Across

8 Weather conditions in Lima etc proving volatile (7)

Down

1 Salesperson’s first to manage range (5)

9 First person given backing of number in charge of Greek order (5)

2 Cover with decoration and paper wife detained by a prig possibly (4-4)

10 Untidy place found by volunteers once for bread (5)

10 Untidy place found by volunteers once for bread (5)

11 Vatican City is kept in terribly poor condition (7)

3 A fellow wearing Indian dress in exotic trek

4 Head away from inferior mound (4)

11 Vatican City is kept in terribly poor condition (7)

5 Note instant appeal in sensitive plant (6)

12 Distinct utterance confused nautical tiro (12)

6 One against workman titivating houses (4)

16 Party with militia interfered with fairness (12)

7 A titled figure, it’s said, in story (7)

12 Distinct utterance confused nautical tiro (12)

20 Son gets to fall and slip (7)

16 Party with militia interfered with fairness (12)

20 Son gets to fall and slip (7)

23 Beam in gaggle amusedly (5)

24 Cease holiday entitlement (5)

Across

8 Weather conditions in Lima etc proving volatile (7)

25 One with expertise in canines? (7)

9 First person given backing of number in charge of Greek order (5)

10 Untidy place found by volunteers once for bread (5)

11 Vatican City is kept in terribly poor condition (7)

12 Distinct utterance confused nautical tiro (12)

16 Party with militia interfered with fairness (12)

20 Son gets to fall and slip (7)

23 Beam in gaggle amusedly (5)

24 Cease holiday entitlement (5)

25 One with expertise in canines? (7)

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

13 Academic institution as one (not half!) (3)

23 Beam in gaggle amusedly (5)

24 Cease holiday entitlement (5)

14 Article in Iran I suspect is vaguely prevalent (2,3,3)

25 One with expertise in canines? (7)

15 Leading liberal over year principally (7)

17 Spell of card-playing with tough substance

Down

1 Salesperson’s first to manage range (5)

18 Special person’s motto (6)

2 Cover with decoration and paper wife detained by a prig possibly (4-4)

19 Worker in metals put mass amid this rubbish (5)

3 A fellow wearing Indian dress in exotic trek (6)

21 Run away from country river (4)

4 Head away from inferior mound (4)

22 Fool losing head in whirlpool (4)

5 Note instant appeal in sensitive plant (6)

6 One against workman titivating houses (4)

7 A titled figure, it’s said, in story (7)

13 Academic institution as one (not half!) (3)

14 Article in Iran I suspect is vaguely prevalent (2,3,3)

15 Leading liberal over year principally (7)

17 Spell of card-playing with tough substance (6)

18 Special person’s motto (6)

19 Worker in metals put mass amid this rubbish (5)

21 Run away from country river (4)

22 Fool losing head in whirlpool (4)

For the

solutions, turn to page 95

Life in miniature with diecast cars

THREE large private collections of diecast Dinky, Corgi and larger scale cars and commercial vehicles from the 1950s to the present day have already been entered into Clarke’s Automobilia and Classic Vehicle sale being held on Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11.

They include iconic vehicles such as an Aston Martin DB5, an E-type Jaguar and commercial vehicles and lorries such as the iconic liveried Eddie Stobart.

Most of the collections are in collectors’ condition with original boxes and packaging, and would be ideal to increase or to start a collection.

The usual selection of car mascots, badge bar badges, literature, oil and petrol cans and other items of interest will

Barn-stored Lotus is a fabulous find

A FARM fresh barn-stored Lotus Esprit is one of the latest cars to be entered in the Charterhouse specialist auction of vintage and classic cars on Thursday, March 9.

be on offer to automobilia collectors.

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

Antiques & Collectables Sale

Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse, said: “Arguably the most famous Lotus Esprit was the one used by Roger Moore as James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me, which morphed into a submarine, and this was the car which inspired the owner to buy his white Lotus Esprit 3.

“Today, it looks slightly sad covered in a film of dust and dirt in the barn but that is only superficial and I am sure the lucky new owner will have this Lotus back on the road in no time.”

The Lotus Esprit 3 rolled off the production line in 1982 and

is one of just 1,053 Esprit’s 3s produced. It is estimated to sell for £14,000-£18,000 at the auction at Haynes International Motor Museum.

Charterhouse is also holding an auction of classic and vintage motorcycles at Haynes on Thursday, March 30.

The team at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, can offer help and provide valuations on 01935 812277 or via cars@ charterhouse-auction.com

Free Specialist Valuation

Richard Bromell with the barn-stored Lotus Eclipse 3

Clarke’s sold a horizontal Flying B Bentley mascot by A E Lejuene for £300

Joseph Farquharson RA (Scottish 1846-1935)

- The Flower Borders of the Artist's Garden - oil on canvas. Sold for £6000

It’s last call for spring auctions

DUKE’S is inviting final entries for its spring auctions, which include Silver, Jewellery, Watches and Coins, the Spring Auction – its biannual sale featuring fine art and antiques and, of course, the ever popular Art & Design post 1880-auction.

Consignment closes at the end of February and start of March so do not miss out on the chance to enter items into these exquisite sales.

Recent results include an oil by Zoffany, Edward Townsend Singing The Beggar, which sold for an impressive £429,000 in the Autumn Auction and a fine porcelain bowl by Dame Lucie Rie for £46,800 in the last Art & Design post-1880 auction.

Both items exceeded expectations on the day, confirming the international

Organise a free confidential valuation with one of Duke’s specialists. You never know what the bowl on the side table might be worth – this one achieved a sold price of £46,800 in the autumn at Duke’s Auctioneers

platform and exposure an auction house creates often achieves the best results for its clients.

Valuations for auction are free of charge and an appointment with one of Duke’s specialists can be arranged at the prospective vendor’s convenience, online or at home. Find more information at www.dukes-auctions.com or phone Duke’s on 01305 265080.

Rolex watch may make £12,000

THIS month has been busy at Acreman St. Auctioneers & Valuers, Sherborne – with Christmas behind them people are now thinking about spring cleaning and moving.

Acreman has had some interesting items assigned which it has been ‘lotting-up’ for the Thursday, February 23, General Antiques, Paintings, Furniture & Collectables auction, and the Friday, February 24, Jewellery, Silver & Watches Auction.

A 1766 George III silver set of three tea caddies, profusely decorated and topped with a flower-shaped knop on the top of the lids, and in their original black shagreen box with original key, are estimated at £2,000-£3,000.

From the same house, a charming antique Meissen cat’s head snuff box is estimated at

£100-£200 and an antique Florentine hand-carved gilt wood-framed mirror at £100£200.

A contemporary bronze sculpture of a face mounted on a wooden block by Jon Ellis (1939-2017) is estimated to make £200-300.

In the Watches sale Acreman has a Rolex GMT-Master II Oyster perpetual date, stainless steel gent’s wristwatch with a Coke bezel which could make £10,000-12,000.

In the jewellery sale a boxed set of micro mosaic decorated gold studs depicting beetles is estimated at £250-£350.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign should contact Gill Norman on 07908 333577 or 01935 50874 or by email auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Home & Garden

MAN WITH MICRO-DIGGER & 1.5ton digger, stump grinder, Garden clearance, patios, fencing, decking, landscaping, driveways 30+ years’ experience

Contact Ken 07882 441873 / 01963 32034

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

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

GARDEN RESCUE

TEL: 01747 821 726

SELF DRIVE DIGGER and Dumper Hire 01258 861647

CURTAINS AND BLINDS MADE TO MEASURE

Curtain alterations

Tel. Sue Marsh 01747 853680

£395

Est 20 Years 01258 881112 07900 431701

4’ GLASSED TOPPED METAL GARDEN TABLE. Buyer collects Mere. 07513161040

TREES R US Get your garden ready for spring. Trees, hedges, patios, turf & fencing call Peter 07976 667130

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

GUTTERS CLEARED

Windows,

Fascias,

Estimates 07788-376752

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

Gillingham:

OUR LOCAL SHOWROOMS: Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SPB 4QL | 01747 835394

Wincanton Business Park, Somerset BA9 9RR | 01963 33574

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Carpets

Vinyls

Rugs

Wood

Karndean

Underlay

Curtains

Fabrics

Blinds

Re-Upholstery

Wincanton: Monday - Friday: 8.30am

SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK! UNIT 2, STATION ROAD, GILLINGHAM SP8 4QQ LES

Landscaping,

Driveways, Walling, Ponds, Turfing

All Hedge/tree work/rubbish clearance Gravel Driveways/Pressure Washing Patio and Fencing Work Fully Insuranced/Free Quotes

458849/07788 907343

/ check a trade

Free Quotation

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

Tel: 01747 850544

Free Quotation

www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

Mobile: 07921 637227

amralphlandscaping@gmail.com

www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding. Ash dieback specialist. Fully insured and NPTC qualified. Call Will today on 01747 854517 or 07872 970741

Tel: 01747 850544 Mobile: 07921 637227

JAMES AYRES DORSET TREE CARE Specialist Tree

All kinds of trees expertly felled, topped and pruned. Hedge cutting. All rubbish cleared. Licensed waster carrier. Fully insured. Tel: 01747 850129

Mob: 07951 284639

Bespoke upholstery & reupholstery service.

High quality, traditionally made furniture. Residential and contract upholstery in the Dorset area since the 1980s.

01258 455397

office@minsterfurniture.co.uk

WWW.MINSTERFURNITURE.CO.UK

LOGS

BLACKMORE VALE LOG SPLITTING AND CHIPPING

469411

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

£160 double load £90 half load 01258 880892

07980 036250

GOOD QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD FOR SALE Barn-stored Any size of load If you want anymore help contact Andy 07773 254174

SEASONED

404593 01258 818081

Small and Large Loads Tel: 07973 871708

Evenings: 01935 825506

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.

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

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 850474

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

Crown Garden Care

Lawn Service, Fencing, Hedges, Tree Work etc.

All Garden Maintenance Services

Domestic & Commercial. Fully Insured & Reliable. Tel: 01747 821726 07904 355 921

WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

LANGTON NURSERIES

(C W Abbott & Son) Seed potatoes, Onion Sets and Shallots, Wild Bird food, Perennials & Shrubs. Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Large selection of pots. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

For all your fencing and decking

needs

Closeboard, panels & sheds supplied and fitted. Gates made to measure.

Sherborne Fencing Ltd

Tel: 01935 814272

Mobile: 07814246332

HEDGING PLANTS

FELLTEC TREE SERVICES

Based in North Dorset providing a professional service for your trees and hedges.

Services include: Tree Felling, Crown lifting, Crown Reductions,Pollarding, Pruning, Full Dismantles and Hedge Cutting. Please contact us to book a free no obligation Quote. jackspencer@felltectreeservices.com - 07758262673 jakemoore@felltectreeservices.com - 07592375431

KEVIN MITCHELL PROPERTY SERVICES

Property maintenance, refurbishments, brickwork, stonework, carpentry, ceramic tiling, painting, decorating, bathrooms, City & Guilds qualified, free estimates, no VAT, Gillingham 01747 824664 or 07957882003

kevin.mitchell63@yahoo.co.uk

Building Construction Specialists

Home extensions | Barn Conversions

Cottage Renovations | New Build Homes

Project Management

Established over 40 years

Phone: 07979 210 074 / 01747 855 280

E: andy@sandsltd.biz

w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

MAN/VAN. Gillingham. Brian-07410-580499 I can’t do tip trips!

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

All aspects of building and plumbing catered for. Tel: 07970 437786

e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

R&W FENCING SERVICES

All types of fencing, Agriculture and Domestic 01258 880892 / 07980 036250

Architectural Services

Planning & Building Applications for New Build, Extensions and Conversions 01747 822162

Our advice is always free enquiries@bell-architectural.co.uk

MAINTENANCE GROUP

Serving all your interior & exterior maintenance needs

•Hard Landscaping

•Painting & Decorating

•Plumbing

•Electrical

CARER

EXPERIENCED SELF EMPLOYED CARER available Monday - Friday. Insured, DBS, references. Blandford Forum and surrounding areas. Call: 07342752273

Email: personalcare121@hotmail.com

CHIMNEYS

K.SANSOM CHIMNEY

SWEEP: Brush & vacuum APICS registered 01963 370038

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING

HETAS registered woodburner and flue installer. Birdguards and cowls 07932 655267

Smokin Nicely Chimney Sweeps

NACS certificates issued Chimneys and Flues Extremely clean service Fully insured (£5m)

Tel: 01258 455251

smokin.nicely@hotmail.co.uk smokinnicely.co.uk

Call 01963 400186 to advertise in Local Services

SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD accredited installers from the competent persons scheme for wood burners, multi fuel stoves, chimney liners and twin walled flues. Sweeping chimneys, birdguards & cowls. Fireplace alterations to your needs, chimney works including pointing. 01749 677440 - 07921 074602

solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

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Place your classified advert today

CLASSIFIED

01963 400186

COMPUTERS & TECH

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

Joseph Crocker Computers

Custom built gaming & office PCs

Desktop & laptop repair

Help with mobile devices

General computer and IT advice NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL 01963 23669 07484 690824

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

Purchase advice, Virus Removal, New PC Setup/ Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software TuitionCall Gregg on 01963 370713

GARETH TANNER

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

FRESHLOOK

DECORATORS, all aspects of painting & decorating undertaken. Many years experience. For a free quote call Richard on 07970 059301

blackmorevale.net

TAXIS

JASMINE CARS TAXI SERVICE

07495 922821

Comfortable, spacious and clean estate cars. For hospitals, airports, seaports and local work. Distance no object, day trips and special occasions. Lady driver available. For safe Covid-aware transport.

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work

LEARN MATHEMATICS Personal tuition with very experienced Mathematics teacher. 01747 870361

TUTORING AVAILABLE

Primary, 11+, 13+ and GCSE English

Primary, Secondary & GCSE History Entrance exams NVR & VR A* and A results – online or in-person (evenings & weekends) 07468 252785

Maiden Newton Clearance Ltd

We clear houses, garages, gardens across Dorset. Our experienced team will bag, box and clear everything. We will purchase some items or advise on those that should go to auction. Free quote on viewing. Where our waste goes – we try to recycle as much as we can however some of the items cleared are not reusable. Our waste is split into categories of household waste, wood, rubble, metals, and hazardous waste such as old refrigeration units, paint and mattresses. Our waste goes

Why apprenticeships are important

by Barbara Cossins

WE welcomed a new member to our team at Rawston Farm Butchery back in September, the young apprentice Leighton Foot.

Young butcher’s apprentices don’t come along very often, and what a joy it is to have found a course for him.

There weren’t any courses on offer in Dorset, so Leighton is following an online apprenticeship, training on the job, guided by our butchers, and being assessed by his tutor via Teams meetings.

In the middle of January, we met his course tutor for the first time, who came down from Cambridge to see Leighton in person. It was lovely to meet her face-to-face rather through a screen.

I can’t stress enough how important apprenticeships are for the future of young people. How are they going to learn much-needed skills for the food

and farming community, if the courses aren’t there for them to take?

We need more young students coming into the food and farming workforce, so youngsters should think about it as a career option – everyone needs to eat and it’s a fabulous industry to be involved in.

SMALL YEOVIL BASED HOSPITALITY BUSINESS for sale with no competition. Can be run from home or would be a good add-on for pub, restaurant, social club or village hall etc. For more information email: info@yeovilth.co.uk. 15k

The spirit of Dorset...

It’s a joy seeing Leighton have lots of hands-on experience at Rawston Butchery. He can already make sausages tied by hand. We don’t have a machine and it’s difficult to do – and it’s an art form making them all the same size.

Leighton gets great experience at a small business like ours as we do things the old-fashioned way and should be proud of his sausage-making achievements.

For example, we often butcher customers’ own lambs and pigs for their home freezers, services which are now hard to find.

I know it’s hard for colleges to make apprenticeships pay but where are young people going to go if they can’t learn important skills in higher education in Dorset?

University is not the right option for everyone, and neither is going straight into an office or a factory. Keeping hands-on,

practical skills alive is crucial to the UK food economy.

We are still using lots of seasonal game in our cooking and catering, with nothing going to waste. This is a priority at the butchery and at The Langton Arms.

Every week delicious game is being turned into sausages, burgers and game pie mix for the pub menu, and tasty dishes for eating at home sold at our farm shop.

Lots of vegetables are at their seasonal best in February – I love roasted root veg best of all.

February is still such a cold month – so get those slow cookers out and enjoy slowcooked stews and casseroles after a long day at work or college.

n Barbara Cossins is founder of Love Local Trust Local; www.thelangtonarms.co.uk; www.rawstonfarmbutchery. co.uk; www.lovelocaltrustlocal awards.co.uk

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

Half a lamb £70.

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

Award-winning, hand-crafted Dorset Gin.

Order online for free shipping or visit Ash Farm.

Stourpaine DT11

Open Friday and Saturday 9am – 12 noon. Call us on 01258 795022

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

Half a pig approx £120.

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 8.30am-4pm. Outside shop with self service for essentials open daily 8am-8pm

01258 450050

Apprentice Leigthon Foot has

Magic Bags promise cut price food

ALDI shoppers will soon be able to pick up bargain bags at stores in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.

The budget supermarket has announced it is rolling out the Magic Bags scheme across the UK.

Magic Bags are available to shoppers for £3.30 but contain at least £10 worth of food which is approaching sell-by or use-by dates.

A partnership with the world’s largest surplus food platform, Too Good To Go, has enabled the move, the chain said, and comes after a trial scheme last year.

To get a Magic Bag, shoppers can download the free Too Good To Go app and search for their nearby Aldi store, before reserving a bag to collect from the store at an allotted time.

The nationwide roll-out is expected to save a further 4,000

tonnes of food from going to waste annually, the supermarket said, and will form a key part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to cut food waste.

In addition, all of Aldi’s UK stores will continue to donate surplus food to local causes.

Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, said: “Rolling out our partnership with Too Good To Go is another way of allowing us to cut down on food waste, while also offering customers in Somerset the opportunity to pick up our food at even lower prices.

“With the rising cost of living impacting so many, Too Good To Go offers a simple and accessible way for consumers to save money and reduce waste.”

Sophie Trueman, managing director UK and Ireland at Too Good To Go, added: “We’re thrilled to be officially launching our partnership with

BOX OF GOODIES

Aldi’s Magic Bags scheme offers £10 of food getting near its sell-by or use-by date for £3.30 – download the app to reserve a bag

Aldi nationally.

“Having already had fantastic feedback during a successful trial period, I know our Too Good To Go

community in Somerset is going to jump at the chance to save Aldi Magic Bags and prevent even more good food from going to waste.”

Here at Naish Farm, home of Honeybuns Bakery, bulbs are peeking through the leaf mulch, so Spring must surely be just around the corner now.

We are also awakening from our winter hibernation when we close the pop up shop in January and February. We use this time to reflect on the past year, devise new recipes and plan everything from the 2023 Christmas gift range to what toppings we can use for a new vegan and gluten free Red Berry Brownie. We endeavour to think forwards and positively and to learn from past mistakes. New products are an important factor in this positive business mindset. As a team, we love being creative and our customers love seeing and tasting something new. From start to finish, a new gluten free cake can take up to a year to develop. It is quite common for us to devise something that works in the test kitchen only to discover that when scaled up, it doesn’t behave as it

should. Room temperature variations can throw a recipe of course, as can humidity levels. Many of these less than A1 cakes cannot be sold to retailers. We give a lot of slightly wonky or underwieght cakes away to charitable local events including the Stur Half marathon and Big Yellow Bus Garden Project at Shillingstone.

You can come to one of our pop up shop days on the first Saturday of each month. We are open on Saturday 4th March 09.30 - 12.00.

Quakes (quirky cakes) are very reasonably priced, still taste delicious and you can freeze them. Come early for the best choice and don’t forget to bring donkey carrots.

We, including the donkeys, look forward to welcoming you.

Bully (noun): Someone who hurts or frightens someone else

by Alice Johnsen

RECENTLY, someone contacted me asking me to shine a light on bullying in adults – an issue too often kept in the shadows.

I spoke to people about bullying at home and in the workplace and was shocked by how prolific it is, and how its effects have stayed with those individuals for life.

One person told me they only got out of their situation because their partner was a lawyer and could write to their employer addressing the issue of withheld commission, among

other things. Her advice if you are tackling a bully at work is to be armed with as much information as possible. And keep records of every confrontation or episode of bullying.

There are different types of bullying. Physical, psychological – for example, excessive financial control –cyberbullying and verbal. It all comes back to someone trying to frighten or hurt.

Why do bullies bully?

Sometimes because of low self-esteem, a difficult home life, an insecurity about

friendships or relationships. Bullies could be reacting to a stressful incident in the only way they know how. Maybe they were bullied as a child and this negative behavioural cycle has taken over as a way to live and as a defence mechanism.

To know why is helpful – but it does not justify bullying behaviour.

As I write, evidence is being submitted to an inquiry into the alleged bullying behaviour of our Deputy Prime Minster, Dominic Raab. Senior civil servants and permanent secretaries are among those

accusing him of bullying behaviour. So, when does firm leadership under high pressure stop being just that and become bullying? In high pressure situations is being a bit short on the gentler management style okay?

Wherever bullying is happening, it comes down to a conscious decision to be unkind or cruel. Such destruction, misery and pain is long term. It is something we should all be more aware of in our own behaviour and be more ready to step in to support or stop in others when we can. There are many relevant websites. Here are two I found most helpful: www.antibullyingpro. com and www.nationalbullying helpline.co.uk

If you would like to discuss this in confidence please contact me on the number below. n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne. Phone: 07961 080513; visit www. alicejohnsen.co.uk

Bullying can take different forms but it all comes back to someone trying to frighten or hurt.

PHOTO: Tumisu/Pixabay

Health & Wellbeing

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Meditations in nature: Ode to an aerial spectacle

by Susie Curtin

FEBRUARY. By now, it is obvious how the days are lengthening. The light is growing in intensity as the sun’s arc gets higher. Banks of snowdrops are ready to burst into cheery clusters and the tree buds are swelling. I have noticed that the birds have already begun to seek out their nest sites, and every morning it fills me with joy to watch my garden wrens begin to build their intricate nurseries.

In the northern hemisphere February is the last month of winter to endure before the promise of spring. In old English it was known as ‘Solmonath’, meaning ‘mud month’ – rather an apt name for the landscape I am exploring today high on the ridge between Sherborne and Dorchester.

This is one of my favourite haunts. Behind me, the skies speak of the nearby ocean and

Reiki Wellness

in front of me, the hills and valleys of Dorset roll away in waves of green. Small herds of roe deer are basking in the warming rays of sunlight and picturesque clouds have bubbled up over the ridgeline. There is hardly any wind, and I can feel the warmth of the sun on my shoulders. It is a perfect day to be here.

I think about the week gone by and the goals ahead as my feet slide sideways on the muddy path. Then, just as I begin to descend into the valley, I am greeted by an enormous deceit of lapwing, the largest flock I have ever seen in Dorset. They take me completely by surprise as they wheel and swirl their aerobatic flight right above my head. These are the birds of my childhood and one of my much-loved waders. In fact, it was the first bird I ever drew and the first wader I could put a name to. They were so prolific

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on the farmlands I grew up on.

It’s Latin name is Vanellus Vanellus, meaning ‘little fan’ and is so named because of the bird’s soft rounded, long flappy wings. In winter they form large dense flocks that flicker black and white as they tumble and turn in murmurations that ebb and flow like spilled mercury. I stop in my tracks to enjoy this spectacle, marvelling at their silhouettes against the blue sky.

In the breeding season, they disperse into groups to raise their young in small round scrapes lined with plant material. Nests are positioned on open ground so that the adults can easily spot predators. I remember as children we would seek out these scrapes and marvel at the cute, scruffy, long-legged chicks whose

mottled brown plumage made them quite difficult to find. When we did stumble across a nest, the adult birds would make their piercing ‘peewit’ call as they dived angrily towards us, fending us off.

When on the ground, you can see that the adult bird’s plumage is not black at all but a dark, iridescent green tinged with purple. They also have an elaborate crest on their heads. Sadly, it is many years since I saw a chick as lapwings are in serious decline and are on the

Phoenix Hair

red list of threatened species. Indeed, I feel quite privileged to have seen them today.

As I watch them retreat over the ridge and down onto the grasslands below, I recall why a flock of lapwing are called a ‘deceit’. It is because they are known to feign injury when threatened or when their nest sites are approached. In his

poem The Parliament of Fowles, Chaucer warned of ‘the false lapwynge, full of trecherye’. On the contrary, how clever they are to protect their young.

n Dr Susie Curtin is a nature writer and qualitative researcher; wildlife travel blog at rewildingjourneys.com/; email curtin.susanna@gmail. com

facebook.com/phoenixhairandbarbering/ 01935 812884

phoenixhair19@yahoo.com

Unit 2 Greenhill Sherborne Dorset DT9 4EW

Lapwings are in serious decline and are on the red list of threatened species

Motoring

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

CAR

SERVICE COMING UP?

All Makes Servicing Free vehicle health checks

MOT Tests £39 Air-Con Servicing

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Brakes and Clutches

Batteries Suspension

Cambelts and Water Pumps

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Generic Diagnostics (most makes)

Cann Common, Shaftesbury SP7 0EB

To book your service please call 01747 855247 or email sales@melburymotorcompany.co.uk

SUNRISE

MOT CENTRE

MOTS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from 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 open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

Diagnostics

Air conditioning

Valets

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Bodyshop open for all repairs and restorations, from small scratches to complete resprays, insurance work welcome.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Courtesy Cars

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Air conditioning

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Diagnostics

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Valets

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Air conditioning Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road

Blandford DT11 8ST

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road

Blandford DT11 8ST

Tel: 01258 459798

Tel: 01258 459798

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Next Auction: March 9th

Also available: 1951 Bentley Mk VI; 2003 Bentley Arnage R; 1971 Rover P6 3500; 1948 Austin 16 De Luxe; Hillman Minx Mk VIII; 1954 Bond Mini Car Mk D Family Model; 1960 AJS Model 350cc; Ex police Triumph TR6 Trophy; Plus motorcycles inc. Triumph & Norton...

2015 (65) LANDROVER DESCOVERY SPORT 6 speed Manual, 1 owner with full main dealer history, only 48,000 miles. Finished in Silver with full Black Leather trim, beautiful inside and out..................£16,995

2018 (68) RANGE ROVER EVOQUE TD4 2l Diesel, 5dr, automatic, 178 BHP, 29,000 miles, 4x4, Bluetooth, InControl touch navigation, 18in alloys, front & back parking assist, Land Rover 8 speaker sound system, heated window washer jets, full service history..£24,995

Arriving soon: 2010 (59) SUBURU FORRESTER BOXER Diesel, manual 6 speed. With full service history 127,000. Finished in metallic Black with many extras.......................................................…..........£3,495

Arriving soon: 2009 (58) HONDA JAZZ VTEC

EXUCETIVE (SEMI AUTO) 1.4 Petrol, finished in Black, many extras including factory sunroof, electric folding mirrors etc. Full service history 76,000 miles....…£5,495

PX to clear: 2004 (04) HYUNDAI SANTA FE 100,000 miles with service history, Diesel automatic Useful vehicle...........................................................£995

PX to clear: 2002 (02) FORD FOCUS 1.4 5 DOOR

HATCHBACK PETROL Silver, 1 private owner from new, well-maintained vehicle 92,000 miles..............£795

Arriving shortly – 2003 (03) Suzuki Jimny JLX Finished in metallic Blue, one local private owner from new, good service history and good example of this sort after vehicle POA.

2015 (65) MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS SALON C200 BLUE TEC AMG LINE, 1.6 automatic diesel, 41,000 miles, silver blue metallic,black leather,all usual refinements sat nav etc, fantastic performance and economy, a real eyeful, only £30 road tax.........£16,495

2004 (04) MERCEDES 220CDI CLASSIC SE AUTO, finished in gold metallic, just reached 100,000 miles with full service history, only 2 owners, all usual Mercedes enhancements………...…..............….£2,195

2012 (12) VAUXHALL INSIGNIA SRI NAV VX/LINE

CDTi, 6-speed manual, finished in grey metallic, 2 owners, 95,000 miles, with full Vauxhall service history, fantastic spec…….....................................…...…£3,995

2015 (65) MERCEDES BENZ E350 AMG LINE BLUE TEC DIESEL AUTO CONVERTIBLE, black with black hood, black leather, only 59,000 miles with service history, every conceivable extra, what an eyeful...£15,995

2013 (62) BMW 118D, convertible Exclusive Edition Finished in White, with Black fully electric soft top 6 speed manual (Euro 5) 1 former owner, service history 103,000 miles great performance and economy. Excellent value at..............£5,995

2017 (17) TOYOTA AVENSIS ESTATE business edition D4 (diesel 6 speed manual) finished in white, 1 former keeper, full dealer history, 86,000 miles, big specification, sat nav, reverse camera etc, fully loaded, only £20 tax and ULEZ compliant, great performance and economy, great value at.... £8,995

RARE OPPORTUNITY 2002 MGTF (SPORT) Registration M3GTF only 70,000 miles, drives lovely, MOT 10/08/23 (no advisories) will be sold as spares or repairs only.............POA

1997 BMW 520iSE 4-door 2.5 petrol automatic, black with black leather, massive service record, 140,000 miles, MOT 03/07/23, will be sold as spares or repairs only.............£1,595

1968 Bristol 410 saloon

1939 Buick Series 40 Special Saloon

1968 Jaguar E-type Series ll 4.2 2+2

1959 Jaguar Mk IX Saloon

VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT

2016 (16) BMW X3 2.0TD X Line Automatic 4x4 SUV 5dr. 190bhp, diesel, 8 speed automatic gearbox, 4 wheel drive, heated leather, Sat Nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill start & descent control, electric tailgate, parking sensors, head up display, high seating position, decent boot, upto 54mpg, 63,700 miles .........................................................................................£17650

2018 (18) Dacia Sandero 1.0SCe Ambiance 5dr. 75bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, exceptional value budget car with air con, USB, Bluetooth, DAB audio, upto 53mpg economy, 26,900 miles ..............................................£7350

2020 (69) Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost ST Line 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, multi award winning engine with outstanding performance & economy, Sat Nav, parking sensors, sign recognition, hill start assist, lane keeping aid, Bluetooth, auto lights, heated front screen, 16,500 miles ...£13650

2018 (18) Ford C-Max 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Navigation MPV 5dr. 125bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, high seating position, large boot with a low loading edge, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill start assist, parking sensors, sign recognition, multi award winning engine, 21,500 miles .........................................................................................£13250

2017 (67) Ford Edge 2.0TDCi AWD Sport Automatic 4x4 SUV 5dr. 210bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, all wheel drive, 4x4, Large luxury SUV, high seating, Sat Nav, heated seats, electric tailgate, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, lane aid, pre-collision assist, sign recognition, cruise control, heated front screen, Bluetooth, park sensors, reverse camera, great towing vehicle, detachable towbar, 31,100 miles ..................................Available soon

2013 (62) Hyundai i10 1.2 Active Automatic 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, air con, alloys, USB, great value small automatic car, 102,500 miles ...........................................................................Available soon

2015 (65) Kia Optima 3, 1.7CRDi Saloon 4dr. 139bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, Sat Nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, ½ leather, heated seats, heated steering wheel, lane keeping aid, sign recognition, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, hill start assist, £20 road tax, 67mpg, 72,800 miles .......................................................................................................£9250

2013 (13) Mini Hatch 1.6 Cooper Sport Chili 3dr. 122bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, partial leather, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, Bluetooth, usb, air con, alloys, hill start assist, 81,600 miles .....................................£6250

2008 (58) Volkswagen Transporter 1.9TDi T28 SWB Van 4dr. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 3 front seats, rock `n’ roll bed / rear seat, power convertor, fridge, TV, lined & carpeted, glazed tailgate & side door, big alloys, side bars, park sensors, great day van as it is or modify to personal taste, 153,900 miles ...........................................................................Available soon

COMMERCIALS

2008 (58) Volkswagen Transporter 1.9TDi T28 SWB Van 4dr. 102bhp, diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, 3 front seats, rock `n’ roll bed / rear seat, power convertor, fridge, TV, lined & carpeted, glazed tailgate & side door, big alloys, side bars, park sensors, great day van as it is or modify to personal taste, 153,900 miles ...........................................................................Available soon

PAY GOOD PRICES & CONSIDER MOST VEHICLES. 01747

PUBLIC NOTICES THANK YOU

THANK YOU ALL

A big thank you to all who assisted when I fainted and collapsed in Coppern Way, Stalbridge, recently. The ambulance was called and I finished up in hospital for 5 days. Many thanks again, Brian Rout.

The family of MARGARET BLIGDON would like to thank everyone who attended her funeral service, sent cards, messages and gave donations in her memory to Wiltshire Air Ambulance totaling £1,500.75

KEITH BASTABLE

Keith’s family would like to thank everyone for their cards and kind messages of sympathy, and to all those who attended his funeral service. Special thanks to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Musgrove Park Hospital and Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Generous donations for the Air Ambulance in Keith’s memory amount to £582.60. Please accept this as our personal acknowledgement.

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that Sherborne Town Council has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Pageant Gardens, Station Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NQ for regulated entertainment between the hours of 09:00 and 23:00

Monday to Sunday and the provision of alcohol between the hours of 10:00 and 23:00 Monday to Sunday.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by e-mailing: licensingteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice.

The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours or on https://www. dorsetforyou.com/406629.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.

10 February 2023

AUDREY TRIM AND FAMILY would like to thank all who attended Ron Trim’s funeral on the 9th January. Also for all of the kind messages and cards. Many thanks for all the donations to Dementia UK.

PUBLIC NOTICES

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS LICENCE

Advanced Tree Specialists Ltd of 12B Pound Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8RZ is applying for a license to use, Unit 8, River Court, North Dorset Business Park, Sturminster Newtown, DT10 2GA as an operating centre for 2x Goods vehicles and 2x Trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the traffic commissioners office.

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that Ibberton, Belchalwell & Woolland Village Hall has applied to Dorset Council for a variation of a premises license in respect of Ibberton, Belchalwell & Woolland Village Hall, Ibberton, Blandford, Dorset DT11 0EJ for regulated entertainment to occur outside and the provision of alcohol generally between the hours of 11am to 11pm.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by e-mailing: licensing@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice. The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited.

DATE: 13th February 2023

IN MEMORIAM

RITA AUSTIN (NÉE POORE, FORMERLY HOLLAND)

28.11.35-15.02.22

Thinking of our dear Mum, Nan and Great Nanny on the first anniversary of her passing. With love from all the family.

“See you anon.”

DEATHS

FRAN ARNOLD

Passed peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital on 18th January 2023 aged 70. Much loved Wife to Chris and a wonderful Mum and Granny to Richard, Alex and Monty. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday, 23rd February at 2pm. Family flowers only please, Donations if desired for Yeovil Hospital Charity (ICU).

C/O Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons, High Street, Henstridge, BA8 0RB. Tel: 01963 362570

SYBIL BUTLER

Peacefully passed away at home on the 2nd February 2023. Sybil was much loved and will be sadly missed by all. Private Funeral taking place. Any Donations, if desired, to Cancer Research UK can be dealt with by Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL. Tel: 01747 822494

KEET Jilly

Died 3rd December 2022, aged 77. Loving mother of Philomena, grandmother of Benji, James and Margaret.

Memorial service 2nd March in Salisbury jillymemorial@gmail.com

JEAN ANN CUTLER

On 7th February 2023 peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital aged 80 years of Motcombe. Wife of the late Paul, a loving mother, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, nan and friend to many. Private cremation. A Service of Thanksgiving takes place at St Mary’s Church, Motcombe on Wednesday 1st March at 1.30pm. Donations if desired for Children with Cancer UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 0BU. Tel: 01747 853532

DEATHS

MALCOLM HOLLOWAY

Died 13th February 2023

Much loved stepfather of Rosemary and Stephen. Loving grandfather to Katie, Johnny, Lucy and David.

STARR Dennis Cecil (Den)

Peacefully on 3rd February, aged 97 years. A dearly loved dad, grandad, great grandad and friend to many.

Funeral service will take place at St Mary Magdalene, Batcombe Church, on Monday 27th February, at 2:30pm. Enquiries c/o Brister & Son Funeral Directors. Tel: 01935 812647

ALAN DAVID BAYLIS

Much loved husband of Liz. died peacefully at home in Bourton aged 91.

Private Funeral was held at St George’s Church, Bourton. Donations, if desired, for British Heart Foundation and Silton Surgery Fund may be sent to Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL.

BERYL ANN HOBDAY

Died peacefully at Salisbury District Hospital on 24th January aged 89 years. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 2nd March at 10:40am. Family flowers only by request. Donations in memory of Beryl are going to The British Heart Foundation. You may leave a donation after the service, or send it to Bracher Brothers, Newbury Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QL

DAVIES Carole Elizabeth

Peacefully on Thursday 26th January 2023 aged 76 years. Loving Wife, Mother, Nan and Great Nan. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral Service to be held at Poole Crematorium on Friday 17th February 2023 at 2:30pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Dementia UK may be sent to Lesley Shand Blandford, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum, DT11 7DR. Tel: 01258 453425 www.funeraldirector.co.uk/carole-davies

DEATHS

ROBERT “Bob” WALTER BREACH

On 28th January 2023 peacefully at home in East Melbury, aged 95 years. Much loved husband of the late Susan Ruth, and father to John, Mike and Will. Private cremation followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at St Thomas’s Church, Melbury Abbas on Wednesday 8th March at 1:30pm. Donations if desired to Dementia UK may be made online at www.mhfd.co.uk or sent to Merefield & Henstridge F/D, Ridgemount, Pitts Lane, West Melbury, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0BU. Tel 01747 853532

CECIL GEORGE TRENT

Cecil Trent of Shillingstone, sadly passed away on 25th January 2023 at Dorset County Hospital, aged 84 years. Loving Husband of Hazel, a beloved father and friend to many. Funeral Service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 8th March at 2pm. Family Flowers only please, but donations if desired for the Royal British Legion c/o Grassby and Close Funeral Service, 4 Innes Court, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BB, Telephone 01258 471024 or made online by visiting www.grassbyclose-funeral.co.uk

GILLINGHAM Edwin George (Ted)

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on 7th February 2023, aged 90 years. Funeral Service at Yeovil Crematorium at 11:20am on Thursday 2nd March. Donations for Cancer Research.

MACCONNELL RUSSELL

Aged 77 years of South Cadbury.

On 9th February 2023, peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital. A much loved husband, dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad and friend. Funeral Service at Mendip Crematorium on Monday 27th February at 3:30pm. Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Russell are being invited for St Margaret’s Hospice or Yeovil Hospital Charity, Ward 9. C/O Harold F. Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone (01963) 440367

WILLIAM VIRGIN

Bill aged 77 years of Henstridge. Passed away peacefully at home on his beloved farm on the 29th January 2023. Sadly missed by all his family & friends. Private funeral service, enquiries to Peter Jackson Funeral Services. Tel: 01963 362570

THOMAS SHARP

Passed away on 3rd February 2023 aged 77yrs after a battle with cancer. Our consolation is that he is now at peace.

Born in Armadale, Scotland. Ex Royal Corps of Signals which service brought him to Blandford Forum where he lived for many years. Loved and missed by his wife Carole and daughter in Blandford and son, daughter in law and grandchildren in Canada. Our deepest thanks to the staff at Weldmar Hospice in Dorchester, our GP, the District Nurses and paramedics who played their part in his final journey. Private cremation. Donations if wished to the ‘Weldmar Hospicecare’, Trimar House, Cromwell Road, Weymouth, DT4 OJH

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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Premises Technician (Estates)

The Dorset Centre of Excellence is looking to recruit a Premises Technician in the Estates department to undertake grounds maintenance under the supervision of the Facilities, Health and Safety Manager and Managing Director. You will work as part of a small, highly efficient team carrying out a range of duties to contribute to the security, safety, and maintenance of the premises.

Located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury, approximately 2.3 miles from the town centre.

£24,496 to £27,344 37 hours|07.00-15.00 and 10.00-18.00|Monday to Friday

Call 01747 449856 to request a full job description and application form, or apply online: https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/premises -technicianestates-shaftesbury-1771612

This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Business Administration Apprentice

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well known business whilst studying for a recognised Level 3 quali cation. The role is based at our Shaftesbury o ce, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Main Duties:

Provide administration support to the team as required. Assist in covering other duties as & when required in other areas of the business. Answer the department telephones & take messages when necessary for other members of sta .

Essential Competencies:

Excellent written and verbal communication. Grades 4/C in English & Maths at GCSE. Con dent with Microsoft Word & Excel. Good attention to detail. Customer focused. Able to work well in a team.

Remuneration & Bene ts:

£5.65 per hour.

24 days holiday + bank holidays.

Auto-enrolment Pension.

BUPA Healthcare.

Accident & Sickness Insurance.

Life Assurance.

Full College funded course with recognised quali cation upon completion.

Recruitment

Book

MERE SURGERY RECEPTIONIST 15 hours per week over 3 days

We are looking to recruit an enthusias�c and mo�vated individual to join our team of recep�onists at Mere Surgery. Candidate must be flexible to work a combina�on of shi�s including 0830 – 1700 hours and to work extra hours to cover absences. Ideally, the candidate will have previous general prac�ce experience although training will be provided. The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal, customer care and organisa�onal skills.

To see the job descrip�on and person specifica�on please visit www.meresurgery.co.uk

To apply please send a CV and covering le�er to: Michele Mason, Prac�ce Manager, Mere Surgery, Dark Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DT or alterna�vely email: michelemason@nhs.net

JOIN OUR TEAM

Lighting Design Engineer

Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm

The Lighting Design department of Dextra Group prepares lighting designs for all of the Group sales teams and additionally provides telephone support on all aspects of Dextra’s product range. We now require additional employees to join the team in our new, purpose built design centre.

Admin Assistant

Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm

We require an enthusiastic and motivated individual to provide support to the PA team. A very varied role where confidentiality is key.

ISO / Training Co-ordinator

Part time role, hours to be negotiated

BEEF AND GRASSLAND FARM looking for a motivated person with the skill sets to manage / look after our beef herd. The applicants must be fully capable in calving, animal husbandry, tractor work and grassland machinery. You must also be able to make running repairs to fencing, simple maintenance / look after machinery. You must be able to work alone, manage your time effectively, keep a clean and tidy farm yard. In return we are looking to pay a good rate, accommodation may be available for the right person. Call 07714 289418. We are also looking for part time persons to assist.

SKILLED GROUNDWORKER/PLANT OPERATOR

We are looking for an experienced Groundworker who can also operate a 360° Excavator for local interesting contracts, working as part of a team. 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

GREAT RATES OF PAY

AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

For more information please email us on humanresources@dextragroup.co.uk

A blended role co-ordinating compliance and conformance with responsibility for standards, audits and legislation along with company training and apprenticeship management.

Please note these roles are office based.

ARMISHAWS REMOVALS AND STORAGE TRANSPORT MANAGER

We require a highly motivated professional person to assist with all aspects of the day to day running of the transport division in this multi depot group. The successful applicant will have a commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of our services, sustaining staffing levels, maintenance of all transport related records.

A Transport Managers CPC certificate would be an advantage for this position but not a necessity as full training to achieve a CPC would be given to the right applicant.

This is a challenging position that offers a rewarding package commissariat with this senior position based at our head office in Wincanton

Applicants are invited to initially email their CV along with a covering letter to: pat@armishaws.com

BRAMALL GARDENS

requires a new team member to join our established Landscape Company, initially with our grass cutting team.

Hard work and reliability are essential requirements, along with a clean driving licence and own transport

To apply to join our hard working team in North Dorset, please ring 01258 820394

Roof Tilers, Slaters and Improvers required

Long run of work

Good rates for right people

Works in Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire

Please call 07851934741

Avenue Auctions

Receptionist

A bright, motivated and dynamic candidate is required to work on reception in one of the UK’s leading auction houses.

Based at Duke’s exciting Avenue Saleroom in Dorchester, the role will offer the candidate an exciting career path and the potential to join a fast-growing organisation.

Desirable Experience and Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure

Impeccable telephone manner

A friendly and sociable character

The ability to prioritise

The ability to be proactive and work on own initiative

Excellent computer literacy and familiarity with Office suite programs

Experience of working in small teams

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Meeting and greeting clients

Answering, screening, and forwarding telephone calls

Responding to emails

Taking payments

Assisting with client collections

Data entry

Filing

Diary management

Postal management

General administrative duties

Auction specific administration (full training provided)

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

If you are interested in joining our dynamic team please send a 1 page CV and 1 page covering letter to Michael Roberts: michael.roberts@dukes-auctions.com

Part-time Administrator Role available at Kingston Equine Vets

Veterinary Administrator/Receptionist - an exciting opportunity to join expanding team at Kingston Equine Vets, Buckhorn Weston, Gillingham, Dorset.

Daily tasks include: general reception duties including answering the telephone, booking of appointments, organising of the diary, greeting clients and dealing with client requests. Some holiday cover for the reception team when required.

Attention to detail, good customer service and confident telephone skills are required. Prior experience with horses or equine business preferred. 25-30 hours each week working weekday afternoons, ideally 12pm/1pm – 6pm but some flexibility for the right candidate

Five weeks holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata) plus birthday leave

Company discounts and access to great saving offerings. To apply: Please send covering letter and CV to Annette Purdue - Practice Manager

Email: annette.purdue@kingstonvets.co.uk

Closing date: 28th February 2023

Recruitment

Sarum West Primary Care Network are looking to recruit an experienced Elderly Care Facilitator to work across their region. The region covers seven practices but would be working predominantly in the East of the PCN which would include Wilton and West Lavington. Working with local practices and the PCN to carry out detailed clinical assessments on nominated patients within professional boundaries.

Professional clinical qualification essential. e.g. Nursing/paramedic.

Educated to degree standard or equivalent, or evidence of ongoing professional development required. Experience of working in a primary care setting or in a direct clinical role with elderly patients is also highly desirable.

30 hours pw preferable but flexible working is available. Ability to work alone or as part of a team essential. Reports to the PCN manager and clinical lead.

Responses to Ian.hall20@nhs.net

Closing date of 17th February but may close sooner if the right candidate is identified.

WEEKEND PA/CARER

part-time help required, hours to be discussed. 07790 524241

STOCKMAN/GENERAL FARM WORKER with a passion for livestock, required on a progressive mixed dairy farm at Ludwell. Come and work as part of a team with a good variety of jobs and involvement in most aspects of the business.

Phone evenings Peckons Hill Farm 01747 828832

CLEANER NEEDED NEAR NORTH CADBURY

6 hours a week

References required 01963 441031

CRACKMORE GARAGE

Small friendly company looking for full time NVQ Level 3 Vehicle Technician / MOT Tester to join our friendly team. £24,000 - £40,000, please send CV to crackmoregarage@gmail.com or contact 01963 251221

SENIOR PRACTITIONER AND EARLY YEARS

ASSISTANT required at Dinton Pre-School. Minimum level 3 in childcare with experience. Contact Alison enquiries@dinton-pre-school. co.uk 01722 716011

HELP REQUIRED IN SMALL TOWN GARDEN. With experience of rose and shrub pruning. Tel: 01935 389799

SITUATIONS WANTED

DEMENTIA QUALIFIED CARER offers day care respite within 15 mile radius of Gillingham. Providing one to one person centred companionship in her own home, including days out, stimulating activities, lunch and refreshments. Fully insured and references available. For further details please call: 07547 694938

WANTED: EXPERIENCED CLEANER for lovely, old house in Mere. 1-2 mornings. References required. 07798 524530

EXPERIENCED SELF EMPLOYED CARER available

Monday - Friday. Insured, DBS, references. Blandford Forum and surrounding areas. Call: 07342752273

Email: Personalcare121@ hotmail.com

LAWNFLITE ROTARY MOWER, needs some work £35. 01258 860325

DAIWOO AMERICAN FRIDGE/FREEZER

£50 - 01725 516254

CLOSE COUPLED TOILET used clean and no stains, white £45 ring 01935 813967

SOLID OAK, CREAMERY DOUBLE BED without mattress. £40, 01935 850966

LEGO CREATOR 4107

Build your dreams. approx. 1000 pieces in original box. £25 - 01985 844606

CHEST FREEZER BUSH

99LTR 3yr very clean & good condition Mob 07717 777511. £50

KING SIZE RELYON BED for sale. £20 Contact 07807 009768

TUMBLE DRYER. Good working order £30 ono 2 child car seats, used for grandchildren £10 each. Call: 07843 725938

22 AIR RIFLE WITH SCOPE & case, bargain

£49.50 Call 07545 065503

PANASONIC BREAD MAKER - SD ZB2502

VGC Looks new £45

Shaftesbury. 01747 853578

BABY BATH SAFETY SEAT (360deg swivel) for sale. Almost new. £8. Contact Jo: 07990 843245

GROW’N UP PINK TODDLER SLIDE

£5. Newne’s pictorial knowledge,set of 10 encyclopaedia’s £20. 07951 132253 Sparkford

CELESTRON ASTRO

MASTER 76 telescopeperfect condition - cost over £100 - with 10mm lens £40 Tel 01747 822422

CITY HOPPER KETTLER ALU BIKE, good condition. £50. (01258) 454689

HIGH RISE L/R FARM CLARKE’S 48” jack. Little used. GWO. £40. Photo available. Stalbridge 07833 931596

8 TABLE CLOTHS & napkins. Large & medium. £50. 01258 473474

YAMAHA UPRIGHT PIANO. Free to good home. To be collected. Will need tuning. Tel 01747 824487/07967 815373

EDWARDIAN ROCKY CHAIR, Tapestry seat. Marnhull £20.00 ono 0772 1678 777

MCLAREN MODEL CAR

1/20 scale Ford MP 4/8. Brand new boxed. £40 - 07772 097285

2KW CONVECTOR HEATER, 3 heat settings, thermostat, freestanding. White, model CCH4. Good condition. H 38.5 x W 53 x D 11cm. £8. Phone 07968 702904

PIQUOT WARE

8 pieces + tray Phone 01935 817284 - £45

PANASONIC 48INCH

PLASMA FLAT SCREEN T/V

Good Condition £50

Phone 07541 731512 Buyer collects

GLASS FRONTED DISPLAY CABINET, inlaid hardwood. 36 inches w x 46 inches h. £50. Blandford.Tel: 07444 381160

DESKTOP MAC KEYBOARD AND MOUSE, July 2011, surplus to requirements. 21.5” Memory 4GB. Buyer to collect £50. Winterborne Kingston 01929 472871

AUDI A3 ROOF RACK, new never used, in box, collect Yeovil, £45. Tel 07914 006120

27 ASSORTED PIANOLA PAPER MUSIC ROLLS mainly classical all boxed good condition for age £15 lot 01747 835680

2 x 1000 LITRE WATER TANKS. £20 each. Buyer collects. 07743 731685

VERY LARGE RUG 8ft4 x 11ft10, red/blue/cream, excellent condition, had provenance (lost). Offers over £50 07946 021242

AEG INTEGRAL DOUBLE OVEN £50 01747 840289 after 4pm

LEC LARDER FRIDGE

Very good condition

£40 - 07860 969868

BARBOUR MEN’S BLACK LEATHER JACKET XL

Cost over £5-700 new (can’t remember) Excellent condition, soft leather. Perfect lining. Rarely worn £50 - 01935 83146

MEN’S M&S

THERMOWARMTH Real Suede Moccasin Slippers. Navy Blue. Size 8. Brand New. Was £27.50 - ACCEPT £17 - 01935 851076

Items for sale

RACKING FOR LWB

TRANSIT

2 pieces X GPO £200 - 07768 830506

LADIES CARRERA

CROSSFIRE 1 BIKE

Excellent condition £150 ono 01258 451113

CREAM FAUX LEATHER

3-SEATER SOFA - £60 and matching armchair-£30 As well as 2-seater sofa-£40 07427 691721

FRIDGE 60%/FREEZER 40% (64”/162cm) LIEBHEER VGC very clean LED Display 6yrs £170 ONO. MOB 07718 777511

TRIDENT 1 LASER METAL DETECTOR

Excellent working order

Instruction manual & earphones

£400 new-selling for £75 01258 446329

WANTED

SUBBUTEO Wanted esp 1970s teams. 07774 78879 mrchrisallen@aol.com. 01344 453370

WANTED: Collector seeks amateur radio equipment of any description, everything considered. Please email initially - everyone will be answered. Thanks. suffolk.exile@mail.uk

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

MOSES BASKET & STAND as new used for grandchild visiting £10 01935 421313

TV STAND with 2 lower shelves 100cm L, 46cm W, 51cm H, £45 07731 394042

STAMPS & COINS wanted by collector/ investor. I am very keen to purchase large or small collections at this time.Tel Rod 01308 863790 or 07802 261339

FREE AD up to £50

1 ad per contact number please limit to 20 words or less

classified@ blackmorevale.net

Is it a good idea to

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

THERE are lots of very good reasons to neuter your bitch. There may also be reasons not to do so. This is the first of two articles which will explain why and when to do this.

Female dogs typically have their first season between seven and nine months of age. Smaller breeds generally come into season earlier than large breeds. The first season may be ‘silent’ when few external signs are seen. Most bitches will then continue to cycle every six months and will show typical signs of being ‘in season’ at these times.

The first signs of a bitch coming into season include vulval swelling, changes in behaviour and bleeding – which may last up to four weeks. The bitch will be at her most fertile at seven to ten days after the season begins and she will ovulate

around this time. She can still potentially get pregnant before or after this date and any accidental mating at any time during her season could lead to a pregnancy developing.

The benefits of spaying are numerous. Having an in-season bitch in your house can be messy. The attention of male dogs may be unwanted and cause problems. If the bitch gets out or gets loose, she may be mated and develop an unwanted pregnancy. Bitches can become aggressive during their season even if they are good tempered at other times.

Mammary tumours are hormonally derived. Bitches spayed before their first season are very unlikely to develop mammary tumours, the risk gradually increases until two years of age and spaying after this age has no reducing effect on mammary tumour development. Spaying after two years of age will not reduce the potential for

mammary tumours although it may slow their growth as these tumours tend to grow faster when a bitch is in season.

A life-threatening condition in – usually – older unspayed bitches is a pyometra. This is a uterine –womb – infection which usually develops about one month after a season. Symptoms include reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and may include abdominal distension and/or an unusual vaginal discharge. Closed pyometras – which do not discharge – can develop rapidly and bitches can become very unwell very quickly.

Recommended treatment at this stage is emergency spaying but risks are higher due to the compromised health of the bitch at this time due to the severe infection.

A common and normal physiological process of a bitch’s cycle is a pseudopregnancy where the bitch produces milk

about six weeks after her season. This is a ‘throwback’ to wolves where only the alpha bitch produces puppies but the remaining females in the pack help feed them.

Bitches having a false pregnancy can become aggressive, may stop eating, can whine more than normal and may collect toys as if they are puppies. Left untreated pseudo – or false – pregnancy will self-resolve but some bitches continue in this state and need medication to resolve it. Spaying a bitch during a false pregnancy can lead to long term behavioural effects and should be avoided.

Spaying a bitch takes away her ability to breed permanently. However, there is no benefit to the bitch to have a litter and there are risks associated with pregnancy and whelping. Rescue centres are also full of unwanted dogs, so please think carefully of the consequences of breeding.

Cat microchipping is in the pipeline

LEGISLATION that would make it law to have a pet cat microchipped is set to be introduced ‘in the coming weeks’, according to a government minister.

Transport minister Richard Holden (Con, North West Durham) told a Parliamentary debate the proposals would be brought before MPs after a consultation process was held into the move last year.

He told the debate: “In the last few years, we have pushed microchipping. It is the best way of reuniting owners with pets that have been tragically killed, stolen or had a variety of

other issues.

“Since the introduction of compulsory microchipping for dogs in 2016, over 90% of the dog population has been microchipped. That has been particularly successful in increasing reunification rates for stray dogs.”

He added that the consultation over compulsory microchipping had received 99% favourable responses.

“We are committed to introducing it, and we will lay the legislation for England before Parliament in the coming weeks,” he said.

Mr Holden said the move

Introducing Phils Happy Dogs

Hi, my name is Phil. Along with Amy and my two dogs, Buddy and Wendy, we are Phils Happy Dogs. I have always been interested in how dogs think and behave, ever since I was a child, in fact. I love everything about nature and wildlife. It never ceases to amaze me.

I arrive at every customer’s house with an open mind because all dogs are unique and all situations are unique. Only once I have assessed their dog will I formulate our plan going forward. I can control any dog, yet I do not pride myself on that fact. I take pride in the fact that my customers can control their dogs, because with what I teach my customers, that will be the case.

I wholeheartedly believe that all dogs can change for the better once you have the right knowledge, determination and confidence. These are the attributes that I give to my customers. We are so passionate about dogs that we have rehabilitated rescue dogs from an animal rescue and both of our dogs are from an animal sanctuary, that is why we offer a 30% discount for rescue dogs. Our aftercare is second to none

would help reunite cats injured or killed on UK roads with their owners.

However, he stopped short of backing calls for a law to be introduced making it an offence for drivers not to report collisions involving animals such as cats.

“In 2021, there were 348 reported road collisions in which both an animal and a person were involved directly,” he told the debate.

“That is just an animal and a person. If we were talking about hundreds of thousands of cases, there would be a huge extra impact and administrative

burden, especially given the free-roaming nature of cats.

“It is for that reason that the Government do not plan at present to make it a legal requirement for drivers to stop and report collisions with cats.”

Tonia Antoniazzi (Lab, Gower), the shadow minister for Northern Ireland, said: “I am 51 years of age, and we have always had a pet in the family – I know how much it hurts to lose a pet.

“I thank the minister for what he said about the legislation on compulsory microchipping that will be introduced in the coming weeks.”

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

Kevin, one. Ginger/white. A very confident happy boy with lots of energy. Needs experienced cat person.

Trigger, two. Black. Very timid chunky chap. Needs quiet, patient home to build his confidence.

Sammy, 15, black and white and Maddy, 15, tortie. Primarily looking for an indoor only home. A little shy but will soon come round.

Pixie, two. Black and white. Very sweet girl with bundles of energy but does need to learn some manners.

Daisy, six. Black. Very loving affectionate girl would suit most homes.

Tip #33: Puppies – home alone

By Helen Taylor

AS a social animal, being entirely alone is not a natural state for any dog. Research shows that, for most dogs, being alone it is stressful even in the absence of any outward signs.

For most dogs it is an essential skill when living with humans, but it is a skill best learned gradually.

Outdoors cats looking for homes – farms, stables etc

For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website, www.cats.org.uk/blandford

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook.

Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n Tabby and white, missing since about January 11 from Burgess Close

area of Marnhull.

FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner. n Ginger tabby, found in Merley, chipped but not registered.

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

Shutting your new puppy in a room on his own for the first time in his life – at a time when he has lost everything familiar to him is not only barbaric but can cause long-term separation problems or more generalised anxiety issues in a sensitive individual.

Therefore, aim to teach your pup to be alone gradually over a period of weeks.

At night this means sleeping next to him the first couple of nights then gradually increasing the distance until you reach the point where he is in another room – if this is your aim.

During the day, gradually start to build positive associations with being alone or separated from you – for example, by giving a Kong or chew – starting with a few seconds and only building the time when they are okay with the time you are currently leaving them.

n Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM; certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB); ABTC register of Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Animal Training Instructors; full member APBC & APDT (881); phone: 07951 985193; help@helentaylordorset.co.uk; www. helentaylordorset.co.uk

FOR SALE CANARIES 01963 548563

COCKERPOO FEMALE 3 YEARS OLD fully house trained very good temperament please call for more information 07503 905659

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

MINI SMOOTH DACHSHUND Boy 8 months old. £600 07707 646359

TEDDY BEAR POOCHONS, red,cream,apricot Each £1350 both parents can be seen 07522 463444

MINIATURE SPANIELS “Jack Spaniels” Wormed and microchipped ready for their forever homes. 07806 733422 / 01963 370322

MUCKY PUPS DOG GROOMER Friars Moor

Sturminster Newton Contact Gloria 07784 332682

muckypupsfrance@yahoo.com

15 years experience in dog grooming

‘Lugging bales of hay up a steep hill wasn’t on my ‘to do’ list’

by Tria Stebbing

THE frozen weather seems to have been here an age and so do all the extra demands on us that the bad weather brings. The water has remained frozen solid, and when the snow fell on the already frozen ground the grazing froze too.

Last year’s lambs, now teenagers, became very excited by the snow and skipped and frolicked as though it was the most exciting thing they had ever seen. The older ewes put their heads down resigned to the cold and hunkered in under the hedges.

The change in weather meant we had to up our game with feeding, as with the limited grazing now covered, the flock had nothing much to keep them going at all. Luckily, we had stored last year’s bales in the dry and they still smelt as sweet as the day they had been baled.

During the winter months the sheep graze on top of a very steep hill in a neighbouring village. Over Christmas, me and him outdoors both succumbed to the nasty virus sweeping the region and as yet have not shaken off the lingering cough and breathlessness.

Lugging tight bales of hay up a steep Dorset hillside was never on my ‘to do’ list for January but it quickly became a daily event. The plus side of having to stop for air every so often was the amazing view of the snow-laden fields below us and a reminder of why Dorset has a reputation for being so beautiful. The sheep loved the hay and would trek over to receive it gladly, before settling down on what was left as a makeshift bed.

The thaw took over a week and every day the trek to the top of the hill became a bit more treacherous as the compacted

snow got frozen into packed track ways.

The watery winter sun has now replaced the snow, and the hopefully pregnant ewes are sitting, chewing the cud and watching and waiting. If Humphrey has been successful, we will know shortly as we hope to have Alex the scanner back out mid-February to give us, it is hoped, the happy news.

Some smallholders and farmers have been lambing already – we made the decision, based on last year’s success, that we would lamb late again

this year and are due at the end of April.

This spring we are not expecting many lambs as our ewe lambs were not old enough to put to the ram, so we are lambing on a smaller scale to build up for next year’s epic lambing if they all go to visit Humphrey.

The seasons are changing once again and the snowdrops are poking through the frozen soil, and I for one cannot wait for those lighter evenings and some warmth on my face when climbing up that darn hill.

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

The sheep loved muching on the hay and would use what was left as a makeshift bed

Field & Stream

People’s Picture of women in woods

MODERN-DAY ‘Lumberjills’ are being sought to celebrate women in forestry.

The Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research are calling for the public to submit photos of women working in the sector to create a People’s Picture.

The images, dubbed a first of its kind celebration of women in forestry, will go on display at the Women in Forestry, The Lumberjills Story exhibition at Grizedale Forest this May.

The People’s Picture aims to illustrate the connection today’s women have with forests and woodlands by inviting them to submit photos showing themselves at work.

Women who don’t work in forestry are also being asked to submit photos of themselves in a favourite forest spot or woodland space.

The exhibition will also

Equestrian

celebrate the contribution of the Second World War Lumberjills – a group of women who played a vital role in maintaining the supply of timber during the conflict.

People who have pictures of working Lumberjills from the war are also invited to submit their pictures for display in the exhibition.

A spokesperson for the scheme said: “Women have long played a role in modern forestry but are underrepresented.

“As tree planting across the country increases, so does the demand for a larger skilled domestic forestry sector to deliver Government tree planting and net zero ambitions.

“A wide range of careers in forestry are available for women from all backgrounds, from being a forester, ecologist or tree surgeon, to working in

conservation to scientific research. There are also lots of exciting wider roles linked to our nation’s forests, from business planning and management to leisure and tourism.”

Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said: “I know women will play an important role in forestry as we increase tree planting to help nature’s recovery, grow the UK’s timber provision, combat the effects of climate change and reach net zero by 2050.

“We must create a diverse and inclusive sector, and open up even more careers for women – from foresters to ecologists, woodland officers and business planners. I’m encouraging women from all backgrounds to join this growing sector.”

Forestry Commission director of forest services Anna

Brown added: “Women are a key part of the forestry workforce and I have been lucky enough to have had a varied and exciting career in the industry.

“I encourage anyone interested in a career in forestry to take advantage of the options available today and help expand, protect, improve and connect our forests, woods and trees.

“From the Development Woodland Officer Programme to the Forestry Training Fund, the Forestry Commission hosts accessible and valuable resources to help people build and diversify their skills in forestry, offering training in essential skills.”

To take part in the People’s Picture, submit a photograph by Friday, March 31, via www.the peoplespicture.com/forestryengland

Insurer looks to tackle farm safety

FARMING insurance expert

Cornish Mutual has launched a new service to help farmers manage health and safety risks on farm.

A farm is a hazardous place to work and having health and safety policies is central to reducing risks and avoiding accidents as well as demonstrating compliance.

But having policies in place and actioning them is often left in the ‘too hard’ basket, said the company’s loss prevention leader Dominic Jones.

“Farmers face so many demands running a modern farm – we are determined to make life easier and safer for them using our expertise and experience in this challenging sector,” he said.

The new service offers farmers tailored, practical support on an on-going basis.

SMALL BALE HAY £3

Puddletown Area

01305 848696 / 07767 658620

It includes in-depth assessments carried out by a dedicated health and safety specialist, action plans, policies, procedures and documentation to fulfil legal requirements and enable comprehensive record keeping.

Cornish arable and beef farmer Rosie Collins, who was among the first to take up the new offer, said: “We do health and safety for several assurance schemes, but with those you’re on your own – this new service gives you a helping hand with repeated visits, so it’s not just a one off. As farmers tend to stay as they are, it’s good to have someone pointing out the changes you can make and help you improve over time.

“As well as the initial assessment and recommendations, Cornish Mutual has helped write all our

SHEEP KEEP URGENTLY WANTED FOR A SMALL FLOCK of ewes and lambs, 20 miles radius of Wincanton 07564 277083

BEEF AND GRASSLAND FARM looking for a motivated person with the skill sets to manage / look after our beef herd. The applicants must be fully capable in calving, animal husbandry, tractor work and grassland machinery. You must also be able to make running repairs to fencing, simple maintenance / look after machinery. You must be able to work alone, manage your time effectively, keep a clean and tidy farm yard. In return we are looking to pay a good rate, accommodation may be available for the right person. Call 07714 289418. We are also looking for part time persons to assist.

policies and given us a framework to follow with a list of priorities, so we can see clearly what we are hoping to achieve.

“External input has also given us a fresh perspective.”

Dominic Jones added: “We’re delighted with our

members’ response to the new service. It shows we’re fulfilling an important area of need.”

To find out more, contact Cornish Mutual on 01872 277151 or your local field insurance adviser or email lossprevention@cornishmutual. co.uk

Cornish Mutual’s loss prevention leader Dominic Jones and health and safety adviser Amy Jasper

How to set up a dog field successfully

Establishing multiple income streams is becoming more common on British farms and with a rise in dog ownership across the UK, this now includes providing safe spaces to exercise pets, known as dog fields. But it is not as simple as putting up a fence and leaving customers to it, said Hannah James of British Dog Fields when speaking to the Cornish Mutual Future Farming Programme.

It is not unrealistic to earn £35,000 per year on a 2-acre plot, but there are plenty of factors which influence the success of a dog field venture, explained Hannah.

Secure fencing everywhere, as well as a fenced area for parking and other security, is a must. “You will also need planning permission and it may be worthwhile to involve a specialist planning consultant.”

Other considerations include waste disposal for dog mess, an ongoing maintenance plan and an online

booking system. Hannah also pointed out that comprehensive public liability insurance is essential.

“A dog field doesn’t just run itself. You need to be available to deal with problems and to keep an eye on things. But get it right and customers will travel to use a well-run dog field they and their pet enjoy.”

In its exploration of farm diversification, Cornish Mutual also spoke to NatWest’s Jo Wingfield for advice on funding projects successfully and Mark Scott from Clear Sky Luxury Canvas Lodges, who shared his tips on glamping sites.

All these articles can be read in full at:

Hannah James

Health planning in goats and what we cover

By Alice Miller Friars Moor Livestock Health

Vet and associate director

FURTHER to my last column, as promised, I am going to explore the theme of health planning across different species. This is something that we encourage all livestock keepers to do every year. Some commercial units will be under assurance schemes where this a necessity. However, for anyone keeping animals, whether you have a large farm or a few pets, it is still worth having these regular discussions with your vets.

Having grown up with pet goats, I thought what better place to start than with these characterful creatures.

When it comes to medicating goats very few products have a licence. Simply put, there isn’t the published data available to authorise their use. However, this isn’t to say that certain drugs can’t be used safely. The main thing to remember in this

case is owners will have to authorise their use and vets will prescribe under the cascade system, which means among other things that a seven-day milk or a 28-day meat withhold should be applied to conventional dairy or meat animals respectively.

One of the most commonly prescribed drugs would be anthelmintics – wormers. Goats do not develop a reliable, natural immunity to gut worms with age, unlike cattle and sheep, so it is particularly important to bear this in mind and monitor them constantly throughout their lives. Especially where they are grazing the same high risk pastures regularly. We strongly advise against routine treatments without more information. Treatments at the wrong time will have no beneficial effect and could even be detrimental to important bug species when excreted into the

Continued on next page

Ins and out of health care for goats

environment. Treatments at the wrong dose will be ineffective and could accelerate resistance. They tend to be given at a specifically higher dose rate than for sheep, which must be discussed with your vet or SQP before administration.

We offer an in-house lab service to test fresh faecal samples either collected from suspect clinical cases or for monitoring purposes at regular intervals to target treatments. Goats like other ruminants would typically show signs of diarrhoea, weight loss, general ill-thrift and pale membranes with gut worm infections.

Other parasite control includes treatments for mites, lice and flies. Some goats seem

underlying disease or deficiency such as zinc, that could be reducing their ability to fight infections or infestations.

A great use of preventative medication is through vaccination. Again goats seem more susceptible to pathogens such as clostridial diseases and pneumonia. Most goat owners would routinely cover their animals for these spectrum of common life-threatening diseases. Unfortunately, the availability of some of these products has been poor recently. But we always endeavour to source suitable alternatives and provide the advice for its application, timing and repeat vaccination frequency tailored to your needs.

Routine procedures such as pregnancy scanning are recommended for breeding

herds to help plan your management around kidding. Other procedures such as regular foot trimming are not always necessary if goats can wear their feet down naturally or in cases of clinical lameness trimming can delay healing where infection is present.

It isn’t uncommon to see pet goats live well into their teens and lameness may need to be managed differently if associated with chronic changes or geriatric arthritis. Goats should also have their teeth checked regularly as tooth loss, abnormal growth and abscesses are common, and could cause serious problems and chronic weight loss if left untreated.

Finally, it is important to realise that while many goats are kept as pets they are still farm animals and therefore must be managed in accordance with current legislation and in

HEDGE CUTTING, HEDGE LAYING, haulage & fencingplease call Andrew 01747 855198

ROUND BALE HAY, 22’ season, £25 6 string hay bales, 21’ season, £20 - 01963 210487

conditions that adhere to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Five Freedoms. They must be registered to a holding and be identified by suitable ear tags. The keeper must keep up to date records of movements on and off the holding and any treatments, in their movement and medicine books respectively. To ensure the best animal welfare, goats like other farmed species must be kept in suitable environments and fed a suitable diet. They are browsers and herd animals so should be free to exhibit these natural behaviours with suitable company. And finally everything we all work together towards is ensuring they remain free from pain, injury, suffering and disease. If you would like to book in a goat health plan review then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes Alice.

SMALL BALE HAY for sale Yeovil area 07813 710546

HEDGE LAYING AND PLANTING, tree planting, fencing, work sought by experienced crew, 20 years Contact 07929 995747

DAVIS FENCING LTD

Agricultural/Equestrian fencing Countryside management 07707 069096 davisfencingltd@gmail.com

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

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT

Forthcoming Dairy Sales

GTH Farm Sales

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email:

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24)

Tuesday 10th November at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves

NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Further details at www.gth.net

The November Collective Dairy Sale of 305 DAIRY CATTLE

Forthcoming Fodder Sale

n 87 Freshly Calved Cows & Heifers from Beneknowle, Bettiscombe (x14) Birchwood (x18 Dispersal) Clevian, Dinnaton, Dorset (x11) Hinton, Huntlodge, Lilylane, Peacehay & Rothereld Farms LLP (x12, Crossbreds)

n 16 Incalf Cows from Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds)

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The February Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Wednesday 8th February

n 37 Incalf Heifers from Dayhouse, PT & JC Hinds (Pedigree), Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds) & J & J Waldron

MARCH ONLINE COLLECTIVE FODDER

n 3 Holstein Bulls from Beneknowle & Woodstone

AUCTION at gth.auctionmarts.com

n 8 Bulling Heifers from Greathill & Mr D Thorner

n 40 Yearling Heifers from Sutton Hall Farms

The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw Located on West County Farms. Entries to be in by Monday 6th March.

n 52 Heifers Calves from Hinton, Pensdown, Thakeham & Mr D Thorner

Forthcoming Dairy Sale

To Include The Dispersal Sale of 62 HOLSTEIN AND FRIESIAN DAIRY COWS AND HEIFERS

Comp: 47 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 12 Incalf Heifers & 3 Maiden Heifers

n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127

n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

n CLOSED HERD for 13 years

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Dispersal Sale of 400 Holsteins being the “Astrop” Herd for Bill Barnett & Partners (Farmers) (Removed from Astrop Farm, Carterton, Oxfordshire). In conjunction with Gwilym Richards & Co Ltd.

For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon)

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Lady Day Collective Dairy Sale of Freshly Calved Cows, Heifers, Youngstock & Bulls. To include The Dispersal Sale of 120 Classified Pedigree Holstein Friesian Cows and Down Calving Heifers being the “Highmark” Herd for CJ & AJ Herrod (Laurel Farm, Mark, Highbridge). **Further Entries Invited**

The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5341

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Dispersal Sale of milking and incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale).

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24)

Saturday 11th February 2023

Telephone: 01278 410278

TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation

Returns for

Saturday 31st October 2020

DAIRY CATTLE (58) Heifers to £2380. Others £2350 (2x). Cows to £2280. Others £1600. (1145) STORE CATTLE & STIRKSFORWARD STORES (770) Steers to £1875 (LIMX). Others £1825 (LIMX) £1790 (SIMX) & £1780 (CHX). Heifers to £1605 (CHX). Others £1565 (BRBX) £1555 (BRBX) & £1535 (BRBX). GRAZING COWS (28) to £1630 (BRBX). STIRKS (375) Steers to £1190 (SIMX). Others £1140 (CHX) £1075 (CHX) & £1070 (2x CHX). Heifers to £930 (2x) (BRBX & CHX). Others £915 (LIMX) £895 (CHX) & £890 (BRBX). CALVES (148) - Beef Bulls to £395 (BRBX). Others £350 (BRBX) £345 (AA) & £300 (2x) (BRBX & CHX). Heifers to £340 (BRBX). Others £240 (CHX) £235 (BRBX) & £225 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £145. (2898) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (1705) to £119. Others £117 & £113.

DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX & BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX) & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX) £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.

Others £96. Overall Ave £67.10. BREEDING EWES (204) to £143 (2x). FRIDAY 30TH BREEDING EWE SALE (459) to £122. GOATS (11) to £187. Overall ave £92.64. RAMS (12) to £225 (2x). Others £136. FRIDAY 30TH STOCK RAM SALE (72) to £610 for a powerful shearling. Others £470.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 2nd November 2020

Overall Ave £78.34. CULL EWES & RAMS (1041) Ewes to £190. Others £158 & £148. Rams to £146. Overall Ave £75.01. GOATS (45) to £178. Overall Ave £132.53. COUPLES (22E+31L) Doubles to £195 (£65/life). Singles to £172 (£86/life). Overall Ave £62.54/life. BREEDING EWES (44) to £94. Overall Ave £80.91. ORPHAN LAMBS (10) to £43 (2x). Overall Ave £32.40. (115) PIGS – STORE/FINISHED PIGS (45) to £145. Ave £91.07. CULL BOARS (4) to £140. Ave £99.25. CULL SOWS (27) to £175. Ave £109.52. BREEDING PIGS (4) to £50. WEANERS (27) to £50. Ave £25.78. SOW & PIGLETS (1+7) to £132.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for

Monday 13th February 2023

PRIME CATTLE (93) Steers UTM av 187.4ppk to 213.5ppk & £1,327.28. Others 209.5ppk, 209.0ppk, 208.0ppk & 206.5ppk. Others £1,293.63, £1,287.00, £1,283.12, £1,280.30 & £1,261.77. Heifers UTM av 180.7ppk to 214.5ppk (2x) and £1,310.50. Others 204.5ppk, 204.0ppk, 199.0ppk (2x) & 197.0ppk. Others £1,233.42, £1,205.05, £1,201.20, £1,168.50 & £1,138.32. BARREN COWS (56) Continental av 118.5ppk to 119.5ppk and £808.40. Others 117.5ppk. Native Beef av 103.6ppk to 126.5ppk and £906.75. Others 124.5ppk & 118.5ppk. Others £882.97 & £861.77. Dairy av 97.8ppk to 113.5ppk and £966.89. Others 112.5ppk & 109.5ppk. Others £945.73 & £914.63. FINISHED SHEEP (654) Lamb ave 202.94ppk to 231.0ppk and £115.00. Others 230.0ppk, 220.0ppk & 219.0ppk. Others £113.00, £108.00 (5x) & £106.50.

Forthcoming Special Sales

For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report.

NOVEMBER: Sat 7th

Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am

Ring 2: Saturday 7th November

Monthly Catalogued Sale of 125

PRIME CATTLE (104) Steers UTM av 253.3ppk to 270.5ppk & £1,899.45. Others 269.5ppk, 267.5ppk & 265.5ppk. Others £1,858.78, £1,819.13 & £1,756.90. Heifers UTM av 253.9ppk to 276.5ppk and £1,882.33. Others 275.5ppk, 274.5ppk & 272.5ppk (4x). Others £1,752.30, £1,729.35, & £1,711.27. BARREN COWS (19) Continental av 164.0ppk to 214.5ppk and £1,677.39. Native Beef av 172.5ppk to 207.5ppk and £1,475.33. Dairy av 173.2ppk to 194.5ppk and £1,417.91. FINISHED SHEEP Hoggs (780) ave 230.82ppk to 253.0ppk and £136.00. Others 250.0ppk, 248.0ppk & 246.0ppk. Others £135.00, £134.00 & £133.00.

Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls

Approx 12.30pm Ring 1

Entries to date include:-

Forthcoming Special Sales

n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy).

For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre

n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim

n 42 Continental Cows & Calves – 6 Ped Lim cows & calves

n 14 Native Cows & Calves

n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped He

Fodder The next live auction at the Market will be on Saturday 18 th February (fodder on the lorry/ trailer to be delivered from the market).

For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278

Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB

Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am

Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED***

Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Sale commences 4.30pm

Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2

Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED***

Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am

Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm

Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB

Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2

Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls 12.30pm Ring 1

Special Sale of Busk Calves 11am Ring 3

Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.Stock to be booked in with the market office by 18th November. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or Sale commences 4.30pm

Fri 27th Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm

Sat 28th Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2

Forthcoming Fodder Sale

NOVEMBER: Sat 21st

General Sale held at J24. Sale starts at 10am. Viewing is the morning of the sale from 8:30am Easter Show & Sale of Suck Lambs 9.30am. Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be booked in with the market office by 22nd March. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or CSC.TBlicensing@apha. gov.uk Sale commences 4:30pm.

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder

Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Monday 9th November 2020.

Marnhull

A semi-detached 4 bedroom period house presented in excellent decorative order with large garage / workshop located in a sought after village with amenities. EPC E; CTB E. Freehold

Sturminster 01258 473766

Guide £575,000

Sherborne

OIEO £315,000

A Grade II Listed 2 bedroom townhouse with views, communal gardens and garage. EPC C; CTB C. Share of F/H; Lease 982 years remaining. S/Charge - £1,158.96 per annum

Sherborne 01935 814488

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge!

We’re inviting entries for our first auction of the year, to be held on 2 March in Wimborne. Entries so far include a number of properties for renovation, agricultural and building land, and even a barge!

find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you, please contact:

Wanstrow

Symonds Sampson SOLD SOLD 2 3

Mark Lewis | 01258 473766 Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190 Graham Barton | 01297 33122 Affpuddle 21% above guide

We’re inviting Wimborne. Entries

To find out how this fast and efficient method of sale and purchase can work for you, please contact:

A development plot of 0.77 acre with OPP for four houses. Outside of phosphate catchment area. Further 25.81 acres (10.44 hectares) adjoining land available by separate negotiation. Freehold Yeovil 01935 423526

Symonds &Sampson SOLD SOLD SOLD

Affpuddle Sold 21% above guide

Meredith Holmes | 01202 843190

Guide £500,000

West Stafford Guide £500,000

Graham Barton | 01297 33122

An attractive end of terrace 3 bedroom modern cottage in the heart of this popular village with parking, a garage and no onward chain EPC D; CTB E. Freehold Dorchester 01305 261008

100% success rate at our December Auction LONDON WEST COUNTRY

100% success rate at our December Auction

West Morden Sold 45% above guide

COMMERCIAL blackmorevale.net

West Morden Sold 45% above guide

Winterbourne Houghton Sold 233% above guide

Winterbourne Houghton Sold 233% above guide

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN CONNECT YOUR PROPERTY WITH LONDON BUYERS, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

Symonds &Sampson SOLD SEE MORE SCAN HERE SYMONDSANDSAMPSON.CO.UK

RESIDENTIAL

RURAL

To find out how Affpuddle Sold 21% above

An update on Rural Grants from Symonds & Sampson

As BPS is phased out and replaced with Environmental Land Management (ELMS) and Countryside Stewardship, Symonds & Sampson’s Rural Grants experts are closely monitoring announcements and opportunities for farmers, landowners, and rural businesses

to secure funding.

Recent announcements include Sustainable Farming Incentives and Farming Equipment & Technology Grants, two grant themes ultimately helping rural businesses to increase productivity whilst remaining environmentally aware.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), part of the Farming Investment Fund, offers grants for Productivity and Slurry (opening later this month) and Animal Health and Welfare (opening in March).

Farmers, foresters, and growers in England, including contractors, can apply for grants between £1000 and £25,000 per ‘theme’ available. The level of funding is calculated at a specified amount towards the cost of a particular item, some of which are specified, all of which must be brand new.

The first round of the FETF was significantly oversubscribed, and DEFRA guidance encourages both those who were successful and those unsuccessful in the first round to apply again.

Graduate Surveyor Phoebe Dean encourages those eligible to apply “The grants available could help towards the cost of items that you may already have been considering purchasing, and thus making the cost of improving your productivity and management more affordable”.

In January, further information was

released on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The aim is the enhancement of rural environments alongside food production. New payment rates have been set to be fair and more attractive to farmers whilst also being good value for money as a public good. The recent increase in the CSS payment rates enforces this proposal and makes these schemes more achievable for farmers.

“ELMS is ultimately a facilitating tool for positive environmental change on farms in England” explains Rural Surveyor Rosie Dutson “Once implemented the longer-term impacts on the soil and environment will be likely to prove themselves financially with improved crop growth and resilience as well as reduced dependence on artificial inputs, hopefully also reducing these costs, and their costs to the environment substantially”.

Symonds & Sampson can provide further specific advice and guidance in relation to ELMS and the schemes offered within it and assist with undertaking applications. Please contact Phoebe Dean in our Sherborne office on 01935 814488, Rosie Dutson in our Sturminster Newton office on 01258 472244, or a member of our Rural Grants Team in your Symonds & Sampson office to assess your suitability for, and for any assistance with your application.

Phoebe Dean, BSc (Hons), Graduate Rural Surveyor, Sherborne 01935 814488

Rosie Dutson BSc (Hons) MRICS, Rural Surveyor, Sturminster Newton 01258 472244

“ELMS is ultimately a facilitating tool for positive environmental change on farms in England”

£875,000

£425,000

Gillingham

An impressive former farmhouse set within a small gated development within the heart of Gillingham, conveniently located within a short walk of the High Street, Waitrose supermarket and mainline train station. Four bedrooms, huge kitchen/diner, utility, light & airy living room, master bedroom with en-suite, attractive garden and double garage. EPC Rating C. Freehold.

Thinking of moving in 2023?

£275,000

An exceptionally well presented 3 bedroom house with spacious living accommodation arranged over three floors. Living room, stylish kitchen, stunning master bedroom with ensuite, garage & attractive garden. EPC Rating C. Freehold.

BRUTON

NEW INSTRUCTION

£625,000

NEW INSTRUCTION

We are enjoying a busy start to the year having registered many buyers looking to purchase aproperty in the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation.

£225,000

Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

and en-suite. Spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON £226,500

An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached house with stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside beyond. Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON £145,000

£475,000

Wincanton

An exceptional 4 bedroom detached house situated in an elevated position with far reaching views. This wonderful home

An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on a mature development. Spacious sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom, easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first time buy. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON 01963 34000

Shaftesbury 01747 851151

WINCANTON £179,950

A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular residential development. The property is presented in excellent order and enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting room, fitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). EPC Rating: D.

HAMLET LETTINGS 01963 34006

An impressive 3 bedroom detached house with exceptional far reaching views. The property has been tastefully improved in recent years including converting the fourth bedroom into a stunning en-suite and dressing room. Huge reception hall, sitting room with wood burning Stove, dining/ family room, stunning Neptune kitchen, utility room, double garage & gardens. EPC Rating D. Freehold.

Wincanton

enjoys one of the largest plots on the development. Double width driveway, double garage, stylish kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 2 reception rooms, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, bathroom and delightful rear garden. EPC Rating B. Freehold.

Spacious 3 bedroom semi-detached house requiring refurbishment throughout. 3 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, bathroom, garage and gardens. Situated just a short walk from local amenities. EPC: G. Tax Band: B. Freehold.

Wincanton

Buckhorn Weston

Brain chain (hard)

Handmade natural skincare and jewellery inspired by nature. Shop local and support small businesses this year. Find