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What’s inside this issue…

Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@blackmorevale.net or calling 01963 400186

Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

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Illegal pet traders sentenced after breeding animals in squalor Page 6

Star of Bethlehem artwork on display in St Michael’s church, Mere, over Christmas and New Year Page 14

DJ Derek enjoying retirement from the decks in Frome Page 4

Street in Dorchester reopens after fire devastates cafe

FIREFIGHTERS worked through the night to extinguish a blaze that ripped through a building in Dorchester.

Trinity Street and South Street was closed as crews from across Dorset tackled

“The buildings affected by fire are still at risk of collapse so the area in front has been fenced off and this closure will be in place for the foreseeable future.

“A fire investigation is now underway,

Frome DJ’s tireless contribution to music and television culture

DJ by name DJ by career – Derek James, who now lives at the Catherine House care home in Frome, has links to some of the biggest names in music – and top chefs.

His mobile disco, The Derek James Show, made him a fixture in nightlife across the south west, paving the way for collaborations with BBC Radio 1 and landing his name on the very first Glastonbury Festival poster in 1970.

He worked alongside Radio 1 icons like Alan Freeman and booked rock legends such as David Bowie, Suzi Quatro and Thin Lizzy – and worked with celebrity chefs Mary Berry and James Martin.

Derek Wilbourne, known to many as Derek James, however, had unremarkable beginnings.

He was born in 1946 in Frome, and although he loved music from a young age, after leaving Oakfield Secondary Modern School, he took a job as a printer, earning about £16 a week.

But when he was 22, Derek decided to leave his secure job to start The Derek James Show, a mobile disco that took him all over the south west, covering about 800 miles a week.

His one-man show became a local sensation, regularly playing at ‘The Grand’ – now Frome Memorial Theatre.

The Derek James Show led him to work with the BBC Radio 1 Club in 1969, establishing him as a key figure in Frome’s nightlife scene.

Derek soon began hosting music events at Frome’s Hexagon Suite and later opened Oscars Nightclub on the Longleat Estate, drawing music fans from across the region. He would appear on BBC Radio 1 with disc jockeys and radio personalities such as Alan

Freeman MBE, best known for presenting Pick of the Pops from 1961 to 2000.

In the early 1970s, Derek became a key figure in live music promotion, booking big names like Suzi Quatro, David Bowie and Thin Lizzy for audiences across the UK.

And in 1970 his name appeared on the very first Glastonbury Festival poster, connecting him to one of the world’s most iconic music events.

The poster, featuring Derek alongside acts like The Kinks, symbolised his pioneering role in the early UK music scene.

Derek’s talents extended beyond music. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he served as business manager for broadcaster Noel Edmonds, which led him to establish The Corporate Group, a company that connected media professionals to aid creative collaborations across the industry.

He launched Satellite Television Services in the mid-1980s, providing satellite TV equipment to homes in the UK.

At the launch event at Longleat House, Derek was joined by BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates to demonstrate the service, lauded as ‘entertainment of the future’ and transformed TV viewing across the country.

Derek’s innovative

spirit continued into the 1990s, when he provided Outside Broadcast Units for HTV and the BBC.

He organised high-profile events, such as the British Garden Roadshow, gatherings at Longleat House, and even met astronaut Buzz Aldrin and flew on Concorde.

Until two years ago, Derek co-ran Chefs on Stage, a company that provided live cookery theatres at leading food events nationwide.

Working with celebrated chefs like Mary Berry, James Martin, John Torode and Paul Hollywood, Derek and his team delivered memorable culinary experiences across the UK.

Derek’s lifelong commitment to his community earned him an award from the High Sheriff of Somerset for his dedicated service.

Since his diagnosis with vascular dementia two years ago, Derek has found a new home at Catherine House Care Home.

New Year inspiration

FANCY doing something new in the New Year? Then educational charity the East Dorset Heritage Trust, based in Wimborne, has lots of events and courses on offer.

A programme of talks includes The Duffers Guide to History, WWII Bournemouth, Rolls-Royce and the Silver Lady, and The Historic Front Garden.

Visits to Parade House in Trowbridge and the Lush Green Hub, and a guided walk around Bournemouth are on offer, too.

Those who love being out in the fresh air can enjoy guided walks through the countryside of West and East Dorset.

starting in January.

Lino print workshops, willow weaving and calligraphy are available, too.

There’s also modern languages, such as Italian, French and Spanish, creative writing, poetry and literature appreciation courses.

One-to-one IT sessions can help the computer curious with niggling issues.

Arts and crafts are on offer with crochet and macrame jewellery, and pottery throwing courses and a painting course

For more information, call in to East Dorset Heritage Trust at Allendale House in Wimborne, visit www.edht.org.uk, email info@edht.org.uk or phone 01202 888992.

Dorchester pet breeders sentenced for selling animals illegally

A FATHER and daughter in Dorchester made more than £34,000 after breeding and selling puppies and kittens illegally.

25-year-old Ebony Membury and her 58-year-old father Michael Membury were sentenced in court last week following an investigation that revealed some of the puppies were in distress and kept in very cramped conditions.

Another dog was found to have been injured by an anti-bark vibrating collar.

Unlicensed activities started in 2019, with puppies purchased from breeders in different parts of the UK and being sold on for profit.

The defendants bred dogs at their family home from 2021 and sourced kittens from a relative’s farm, which were then advertised for sale online.

Ms Melbury tried to obtain a licence in July 2020, but failed to provide the correct paperwork or pay the fee.

Complaints were reported to the council in July 2023 after a couple had seen adverts for a puppy online and visited the premises.

They saw puppies in cramped conditions, with howling and barking dogs in a cupboard under the stairs, seemingly in distress. Three cats were also present, with two in a cage.

The upset couple left without buying and contacted Dorset Council to report what they saw.

In August 2023, officers from Dorset Council and Dorset Police executed a search warrant at the Membury home, along with a veterinary surgeon and an RSPCA inspector.

Officers discovered:

• Two puppy litters of cockapoos and dachshunds

• 10 other dogs of a variety of breeds, housed in a very small, confined space in a cupboard under the stairs

• A dog wearing an anti-bark vibrating collar which had caused injury to its neck

• The garden littered with dog excrement, and a rabbit hutch in extremely poor condition, housing animals

• Large quantities of cash, suspected to be profit from the illegal activity.

“An improvement notice was served immediately, requiring steps to be taken to ensure the animals’ welfare needs would be met. Fortunately, all the steps were taken and therefore no welfare offences were brought to the court,” a spokesperson added.

“It appeared the puppies were being sold for up to £2,000 each. Analyses of each of the defendant’s bank accounts demonstrated that substantial funds were generated by the unlawful business.

“This resulted, for example, in Ms and Mr Membury receiving payments of £68,333 and £45,575 respectively, relating to the selling of pets.”

During interview, Mr Membury denied he had anything to do with the breeding or selling of puppies and kittens, or was involved with his daughter in an unlicensed business despite the amount of money his bank account had received.

In a separate interview, Ms Membury admitted to sourcing puppies from breeders and selling them for a profit, and then breeding and selling puppies and kittens herself.

She denied her father was involved, despite failing to give any satisfactory explanation for the volume of money transferred between the pair.

Dorset Council took the case to Weymouth Magistrates Court in October 2024, with both defendants pleading guilty to offences under section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

At the sentencing on December 5, the court disqualified them from dealing in cats and dogs for five years, ordered them to pay the combined court costs of £8,898, and a victim surcharge of £114 each.

Mr Membury was also given a community order, electronic monitoring and a curfew.

He was also charged £120 for money laundering offences, with a forfeiture of £2,330 plus interest.

Ms Membury was given a 21-month community order with 150 hours community service.

Councillor Gill Taylor, cabinet member for health and housing, said: “The scale and organisation of the business demonstrated it was deliberate, pre-planned, and motivated by financial gain.

“Most concerningly, the activities carried on without sufficient consideration of the animals’ welfare regarding the poor conditions they were kept in.”

Picture: Dorset Council

Garden centre’s Christmas displays dazzle judges in national contest

A GARDEN centre’s magical winter wonderland displays have once again been voted as the best in the country.

Castle Gardens, in Sherborne, took first place in the Garden Centre Association (GCA) annual national Christmas Competition in the Garden Centre category, scoring higher than any other garden centre in the entire country.

This marks the 12th time the garden centre has won the award.

The Gardens Group, which runs Castle Gardens, also runs Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester. Brimsmore Gardens secured second place in the Local Garden Centre Category, with Poundbury Gardens coming in third.

General ambience, creativity, range, flow and tidiness were among the areas highlighted by judges throughout the process, which took place in November.

Curated by The Gardens Group director, Louise Burks, the magical winter wonderlands continue to feature more eco-friendly initiatives and products.

Throughout the planet friendly displays, repurposed and recycled materials have been used to build walkways, while glass baubles, twinkly LED lights, recycled candles and plastic-free toys were used to create scenes from the Nutcracker, Star Wars and Fairytales.

Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group, said: “This is another fantastic achievement

for the whole team, who have pulled together to create something truly magical, all the while striving to be bigger, better and more eco-friendly than the year before.

“To win the top prize again is so rewarding for us all, but to take second and third place in the local garden centre categories shows the hard work, dedication, consistency and vision at each of our garden centres.

“We’re always doing our utmost to enhance the experience, while helping our customers to reduce the

environmental impact of their celebrations, so to have this recognised by our industry means a great deal to us.”

The Gardens Group’s Christmas displays are open to the public seven days a week until Christmas Eve, at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester.

Coming in from the cold

SOMERSET Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter appeal to raise vital funds for low income pensioners struggling with the cost of staying warm, safe and well through the coldest months.

The team at the charity knows, from 15 years’ experience of running the appeal, that many of the poorest pensioners will avoid putting their heating on this winter, or they’ll cut back on food to save money.

Since the appeal first launched in 2010, over £1.5 million has been donated to Surviving Winter in Somerset, making the world of difference to thousands of people living in our communities.

Last year alone, grants totalling just over £157,000 were awarded, benefiting 759 local people.

Kelly Hall, Philanthropy Director at Somerset Community Foundation said: “We estimate that at least 10,000 pensioners in our county are currently living in fuel poverty. And with many older people seeing the removal of their Winter Fuel Payment this winter, many pensioners on low

Repair Café

IF something’s broken, the menders at Netherbury Repair Café may be able to fix it.

The Repair Café is at Netherbury Village Hall on Sunday, January 26, from 10am to noon.

For more information, email Lisa Willis at lisagracewillis@gmail.com

incomes will struggle more than ever. On top of that, we know the cost of heating a home is set to rise again.”

She continues: “However, we’ve already been contacted by a number of people wishing to continue their support, because they recognise how important this appeal is to Somerset. Surviving Winter truly is an appeal built by local people who’ve chosen to help others in financial hardship at their most vulnerable time of year. Many people have told us how much it means to them to be able to support those living in their community – people who may even be a neighbour.”

Around 800 older people in Somerset get help from the Surviving Winter appeal every year, with a cash grant of up to £500 to support their energy bills. A Surviving Winter grant can also provide help for people to buy essential items to stay warm, and access specialist support and social activities in their communities.

Frank (not his real name), who received a Surviving Winter grant last year, said: “Last winter I experienced extreme financial hardship. I had run out of oil in our tank and was unable to heat our water and central heating.”

This year, in light of the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, Somerset Community Foundation is asking donors to consider setting up a monthly donation to help them continue this vitally important work, which will make a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of vulnerable local people.

For Frank, his grant last year was a

A walk around… Buckhorn Weston

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

THESE walks don’t always go to plan! The first time I visited Buckhorn Weston, four years ago, it bucketed with rain, so I stuck to the tarmac and kept it short. This time, there was no rain, although there had been some in the last few days. As usual I started at the church, which was open and interesting.

Then I joined a path opposite the west end of the church which crossed a field down to the road. I turned right, west, and, having passed some houses, joined a path on the right heading gently uphill. It was then that I discovered how wet and soggy the clay soil is and that my walking boots aren’t as waterproof as they should be.

I had intended to join the next path on the right but unfortunately I had forgotten to bring secateurs and so was unable to fight my way through the brambles etc. Instead, I carried on squelching

lifeline: “I went to the Citizens Advice for help, and they gave me a Surviving Winter grant which meant I could buy heating oil and get through the winter. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in these difficult times. We will be forever grateful for your help.”

Help Somerset Community Foundation to help more older people stay warm, safe and well this winter. No one should have to choose between heating and eating.

If you would like to donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call: 01749 344949 (select option 1. Donation lines are open Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm).

A donation form is also available to download from the Somerset Community Foundation website, where information on which partner organisations deliver Surviving Winter grants can also be found.

northward into the next field and joined the next path on the right heading more steeply uphill where it wasn’t quite as soggy, although it was on level parts. There were some lovely views over the Vale from the top.

At the top of the hill is a steep bank with woodland growing on it. There’s a stile leading the footpath into it but, rather than risk climbing over the barbed wire fence across the top, I chickened out and turned left, north, to the end of the woodland strip where there is a well worn path leading up to gates and stiles. I could see that the clay soil looked slippery and went very carefully but nevertheless slipped over and got very muddy!

Having got into the next field I turned right and went south along the top of the wood going down eventually to reach the road, which took me back to where I’d started. I think the name of the parish ought to be changed to Buckhorn Messton!

Cheese festival is ready to share cash with community

STURMINSTER Newton

Cheese Festival has helped generate almost £400,000 for charity since 2012.

This includes £260,000 given as donations to local community groups and charities.

The Committee is delighted to announce that following a successful show in 2024, it is able to offer some limited grant funding once again this year.

Applications are welcomed from community groups and charities who are based within a five mile radius of Sturminster Newton.

If your organisation has a large client base supporting people within the five mile radius of Sturminster Newton, but has a postal address outside this area, you can apply but please state this criterion on your application form.

The Grant Application form can be downloaded from the cheese festival website www. cheesefestival.co.uk/news Applications close on 31 December 2024; successful applicants will be confirmed in early 2025.

Christmas fair is a resounding success

Pictures and text by George Jeans

MERE School Christmas Fair raised over £800.

Sophie Miller (pictured left) – who was excellent as Alice in the Mere amateur dramatic production of Alice in Blunderland – was raising funds for a trip to Africa to help build schools and teach.

WI ladies enjoy Christmas festivities

by Sheila Chapman

THE 2024 Christmas Season was bump-started for the ladies of Blandford Evening WI (BEWI) this December by a visit to the annual Frost Fair at the hippy heaven of Glastonbury with a quick stop off at Clarke's Village, Street, on the way home.

Two days later, the majority of members attended their Christmas lunch, held at Ashley Wood Golf Club.

Smiling Sandie Disney helped the council staff with the refreshments at the civic carol service and then turned up again with other members of BEWI to help marshal in the rain at the Yuletide Festival.

The lovely Jana Bundy, magician extraordinaire, provided the entertainment at the BEWI Christmas party in the Pavilion of the sparkling Woodhouse Gardens, where the food was prepared by the ever-busy president, Vicky Watkinson, and her committee.

There is always too much to eat, so most ladies went home with a festive food parcel for husbands, partners or themselves.

Guest of honour this year was Dorset Federation Chairman Yvonne Marsh, who seemed to enjoy the noise and the chaos that is the hallmark of BEWI!

A surprise visit (after he had got lost in the Gardens) from Father Christmas bearing gifts rounded off an excellent evening.

This year has been a progressively active one for BEWI, with the membership numbers growing to such an extent that they will be meeting in the larger premises of the Parish Centre as from January 2025. The ladies are sorry to leave the delightful location of Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, but they no longer fit!!

Black tie dinner brings in essential funds for the Vale Pantry coffers

STURMINSTER Newton’s social supermarket, The Vale Pantry, applied to be part of the national Big Give fundraising campaign in July.

The charity set an ambitious target of £12,500 – if this amount was hit between December 3 and December 10, the donation would be doubled by match funding.

As word spread to the Pantry’s volunteers, Ken Hall stepped up and went into event organisation mode! With the help of Robert Grier and Tracy Foster, the Private Fundraising Dinner was created.

Ken approached The White Horse at Hinton St Mary to host the event, and the stage was set.

The Dinner was a sell-out with fine food, great company

and a fabulous atmosphere, entertainment from The Belle Street Singers, and Wayne Savage Caricature adding his artistic flair.

Support for the raffle and auction came from The Kitchen Table Dorset, Virginia Hayward and Plumber Manor, with

additional prizes of a holiday home for a week and a signed rugby top, among others.

Steve at Oxford’s Bakery supplied the bread rolls for the evening.

The Dinner raised a staggering £3,860, which was doubled through the Big Give to

£7,720.

“We were overwhelmed by the support,” said Kim Voizey, Vale Pantry coordinator. “From the single donations to the community group fundraisers, families donating instead of presents. The Kitchen Table’s Sarah Rudder raised money in her fabulous shop. Local resident Pam knitted up some super teddies to sell to raise funds.”

In total, £26,005 was raised, which will help The Vale Pantry continue to support families and individuals across North Dorset. With Christmas coming, and the charity’s imminent move to larger premises, it couldn’t have come at a better time. “We are truly humbled by amazing community support,” said Kim.

Whistling up the new year at Shillingstone Station

THERE have been lots of sightings of Santa at the Shillingstone Station recently, but when Christmas passes, and Santa has put his feet up, it’s time to look forward.

The coming year will be an exciting one for the North Dorset Railway, the heritage railway charity based at Shillingstone Station.

The new visitors’ car park will soon be completed, and rail track is being laid to the north, at Lamb House Bridge, which will eventually connect back to the station, and make it possible to offer railway rides for the first time in almost 60 years.

But at noon on New Year’s Day, a blast on train whistles at the station will mark the start of an important year in railway history. Two hundred years ago, in 1825, George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 hauled passenger wagons the 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton, in what is now County Durham.

It was a major event, even at the time, and though the actual number of passengers is disputed – anywhere between 450 and 600 – the significance is not. It was the very first journey by a railway engine taking

passengers from somewhere to somewhere else, and it’s no exaggeration to say it changed the course of human history.

For a start, the spread of railways meant that all parts of Britain had to synchronise clocks, for the first time ever, to make train timetables work. Until then, clock time was based on local sunrise and sunset, which varied by half an hour or more from east to west.

Currently, nearly two million passengers travel by rail every day in the UK, over nearly 10,000 miles of track, and 970 million worldwide.

Eventually the inauguration of the ‘Stockton and Darlington’ would lead, in August 1863, to the opening of Shillingstone Station. So if you’re out for a bracing New Year’s Day walk on the trailway, do look in.

Even if you miss the mid-day whistle, the Station and café will be open, with soup, pasties, hot drinks and delicious home-made cakes on offer, not to mention a cosy log fire, between 10am and 4pm.

Entry to the station, the museum and exhibits is free (though donations are always welcome).

The station will also be open to visitors on Saturday December 28 and Sunday December 29, and the bi-centenary of railways will be commemorated at Shillingstone during the course of 2025.

Museum is changing fashions over winter break

THE end of the season at Blandford Fashion Museum was marked with an open day attended by the town’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Hugo Mieville.

He helped curator Katie Godman Sinclair, volunteers and visitors celebrate events throughout 2024.

The open day was a success with historical reenactor, Juliet Braidwood, celebrating all things Georgian, and local craftspeople displaying their skills.

The museum is now closed to allow the Costume and Display team to dismantle some of the displays, clean and pack the costumes away and prepare the exhibition rooms ready for new exhibitions next year.

The museum will re-open on Monday, February 17, but to keep up to date with museum news, follow its social media pages.

Three cheers for three years of Repair Café magic!

BLANDFORD Repair Café is celebrating three productive years serving the town.

It opened under the leadership of Carole de Saram at the Old Grainstore Emporium with the kind permission of Sarah Damon.

Now lodged in Blandford’s scout hut, the Cafe continues to repair, adjust and make reusable items for customers which would previously have be confined to the dustbin.

The ever-expanding group of volunteer repairers continue to solve problems and use their skills to the best advantage for all the community.

Besides those repairs, the Cafe has assumed a reputation as a very enjoyable place to socialise while you wait, with refreshments served by catering volunteers while the monthly raffle run by Paula adds fun to the proceedings.

Posters displayed around Blandford advertise the dates and opening times for forthcoming cafes. Pop in and see what goes on, whether you’re a prospective customer or wannabe fixer. It’s always the same time and place – 1.30pm to 4pm in the scout hut (DT11 7BS).

News

Star of Bethlehem

THE Star of Bethlehem light installation is being shown at St Michael’s Church in Mere over the Christmas period.

The piece, by artist Bruce Munro, has only been exhibited once before, in 2014, in Salisbury Cathedral.

A spokesperson for the church said: “Bruce’s star of Bethlehem is a literal and visual abstraction of the text from the New Testament, Matthew 2:1-12, telling the story of the Wise Men following a star to find baby Jesus, the Messiah, translated into Morse code and communicated through a series of dots and dashes, or short and longer pulses of light.

“This animation of radiating lines of light is projected onto the nave floor, in front of the rood screen of St Michael’s, and grows to its fullest extent in 2 minutes 20 seconds.

“The light flows over the floor bathing all around it in light [and] the biblical text scrolls along each point of the star.”

Bruce, who lives in Kilmington, is best known for immersive large-scale light-based installations inspired by his interest in shared human experience.

The Star of Bethlehem is at St Michael’s Church until Sunday, January 5, and entry is free of charge.

The church is open every day from 9am until nightfall, with Sunday viewing extended until 8pm.

For more information, contact elaine@ thetowerstories.co.uk or visit www. thetowerstories.co.uk

Great grounds at rec

YEOVIL Recreation Centre has been shortlisted for two national awards. It is in the running in the Community Grounds Person/Team of the Year and Best Managed Artificial Surface of the Year categories of Grounds Management Association (GMA) Industry Awards.

The finalists were selected by a panel of 10 leading industry experts, who reviewed nominations across 17 categories.

The winners will be revealed during a ceremony at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool FC, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Aircraft crash and lucky escapes

by David Whitmarsh

IN June 1956, a Vickers Armstrong SuperMarine Swift from the former RAF Chilbolton airfield in Hampshire, flown by test pilot George Horne, was returning to base when the engine developed a serious fault approaching Sturminster Marshall.

Witnesses said the engine suddenly cut out and two loud bangs were heard.

The pilot decided to eject, and the plane flew on over the village and continued another few miles towards Barford Farm, Cowgrove.

Pilot George Horne had ejected at 3,500 feet and came down near the then Black Horse Inn, now the Golden Fox.

The story goes that he landed in a tree in the pub garden and the then landlord, John Sibley, on hearing all the noise, went into the garden, saw George hanging in the tree and asked him if he could do with a drink.

“Where am I, then?” said George.

“Back garden of my pub, the Black Horse, Sturminster Marshall,” said John.

“Couldn’t think of a better place to come down,” said George. “I'll have a double

brandy please.”

After his drink and a wash and brush up in the pub, George felt a little better and began to think about his plane.

Meanwhile, back at Barford Farm, tractor driver Jim Mouland had just driven across a field when the plane appeared flying low off the ground.

The aircraft just missed high voltage electricity lines before coming down and exploding in a ball of fire in the field Jim had just driven across. Wreckage was spread over a quarter mile radius.

Across the way, near the farm, dairyman Bert Endicott heard a bang on the dairy roof and a piece of debris from the plane came

Professional, reliable and caring

through and clipped the top of his head – luckily it was just a graze.

In the nearby cottage where Bert lived with his wife Brenda, a large piece of earth smashed through the roof and bedroom ceiling and damaged a vase on a shelf.

Other workers had lucky escapes, but no-one suffered serious injuries, as the wreckage fell on other farm buildings.

The fire brigade and ambulance service arrived swiftly but were not needed as no-one was badly hurt and the flames from the burning plane had died out.

Bert’s daughter, Pat, had come home from school and wondered what all the excitement was – and was enthralled when her Mother told her what had happened.

I would like to thank Pat, who still lives in the village, and supplied her memories of the event and let me have a copy of the original newspaper report.

I cannot fully verify the Black Horse story, but Pat remembers her Mother talking about it, as she knew Mrs Sibley.

If there is anyone out there who knows more, I would love to find out.

Big-hearted bikers deliver Christmas cheer to children

JOIN DocBike’s Santa Toy Run to support children at Dorset County Hospital this Christmas.

DocBike has launched a new ride out to bring festive cheer to children and young people at Dorset County Hospital.

DocBike’s Santa Toy Run will take place this Sunday (December 22) and calls upon big-hearted bikers to donate an unwrapped gift, which can be given to young patients staying in Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital, to open on Christmas Day.

Kingfisher Ward is Dorset County Hospital's ward for children and young people aged 0 to 17 years and provides a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for young patients being cared for at the hospital. Staff at Kingfisher Ward adopt a

philosophy of family-centred care, with each child/young person being cared for as an individual as well as being part of a family.

For many, Christmas represents a special time of year to come together with family and friends.

Sadly, due to illness or injury, there will be children and young people who will be unable to spend Christmas at home with their family. DocBike’s Santa Toy Run aims to bring joy to young patients during this difficult time, with a special gift powered by the generosity of the public.

To get into the festive spirit, bikers are encouraged to don their best Christmas fancy dress outfits, for the special 35-mile ride out which starts at

The Churchill Arms in Alderholt.

Refreshments will be on sale at the starting point from 10am, with all participants needing to sign in by 11.15am.

The Santa Toy Run will set off from The Churchill Arms at 11.30am and bikers will be warmly welcomed at Dorset County Hospital, where they will hand over their donated gifts to staff from Kingfisher Ward.

The DocBike Charity receives no direct funding from the Government and relies on the generosity of the public to continue its life-saving work, which puts highly trained trauma doctors or critical care paramedics on two wheels, to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the UK’s roads due to motorcycle collisions.

Registration for DocBike’s Santa Toy Run is free, however any donations made while registering to help towards the charity’s operational costs would be very much appreciated.

Speaking of the organisation of the event, Tanya Wynyard, DocBike Volunteer and Landlady at The Churchill Arms said:

“The DocBike Charity and the team at The Churchill Arms are really excited to be able to

give something back by organising a fun event for our biker community, which will also benefit the children and young people in Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital over Christmas. We hope that people will give generously and come out in support for our very first Santa Toy Run, which is supporting children and young people in our local community.”

Commenting on the difference this will make to young patients, Emma Davies, Kingfisher Ward Sister at Dorset County Hospital said:

“We are extremely grateful to DocBike for their generous donations. This kindness and support make such a difference to the experience of children receiving care in hospital. We truly appreciate their contributions and look forward to seeing the joy and excitement this brings to our young patients.”

Online registration for DocBike’s Santa Toy Run is now open. To support children and young people this Christmas, register online today by visiting www.bit.ly/docbiketoyrun.

More information about DocBike can be found by visiting the charity’s website: www.docbike.org.

Family treasures

STURMINSTER Newton

Heritage Trust, which looks after the town’s mill and museum, recently took part in an exciting project with Sturminster Newton High School.

Students learnt from looking at old records that many people emigrated from Sturminster Newton between the 1600s and 1800s to work in the cod fishing industry in Newfoundland in Canada.

Now the trust is looking to expand the project by making a call to individuals who migrated to Sturminster Newton from their homeland for any reason – perhaps war, politics or personal choice.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to ask if there is one item or keepsake you were determined not to leave behind and why.

“It might be an item of clothing, a photograph, an

ornament, a family recipe, a book or a child’s toy?

“Our hope is that you would be willing to share this part of your story, along with a photograph of the keepsake and a short explanation, so we can create a display which we know would prompt people to consider what they would do in the same position.”

It is hoped to have an informal gathering in the New Year with tea and cake to explain more.

Anyone who would like to share their story can contact Zilla on 07767 821021 or zillabears@hotmail.co.uk

Our loose Canon

A reminder that real peace is something that has to be in your heart, home and community

by Canon Eric Woods

IN his 1939 Christmas radio broadcast to the Nation and the Empire (as it then was) King George VI conquered his stutter and his fear of the microphone to tell all his subjects that “Among all free peoples the love of peace is profound, for this alone gives security to the home. But true peace is in the hearts of men, and it is the tragedy of this time that there are powerful countries whose whole direction and policy are based on aggression and the suppression of all that we hold dear for mankind.”

He spoke in the early weeks of the Second World War. He and his Queen, remembered by us all as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, went on to win the hearts and minds of all their subjects by their refusal to move from Buckingham Palace, even at the height of the Blitz. When urged by the Foreign Office to leave England, The Queen replied: “The children will not leave unless I do. I shall not leave unless their father does, and The King will not leave the country in any circumstances, whatever.” And when Buckingham Palace was indeed bombed, she said, simply, “I am glad we have been bombed. Now we can look the East End in the eye.”

Christmas reminds us that peace is not something to be achieved a long way away, on the other side of the globe, by force of arms. Popes and prelates at this season address the world with their appeals for an end to war, a beginning of peace. But I am simply an old, retired parish priest. My words do not resonate across the world. But they are for you. And I know that peace, real peace, is something that has to begin in your heart and mine; your home and mine; your community and mine. And it won’t happen if we stop at Christmas. The stable is not the end of the story. We who still gather together to celebrate the birth of the Baby have to be prepared to face him as the grown-up man who is Emmanuel, “God with us”.

Emmanuel: “God with us.” The message of Christmas is of God with us throughout the whole of life. The peace and goodwill of God were not confined to Bethlehem, nor to an event which took place two thousand years ago. In Jesus, God meets with us, engages with us and – if we will let him – changes us. The meeting is lifelong and life deep. It is the meeting which you must have the courage to allow to continue into the New Year, and for the rest of your life on earth.

King George VI’s final words in his 1939 Christmas broadcast cannot be bettered. I leave them with you now:

As 2024 ends, we are not, as a nation, officially at war. But we live at a time when the dark clouds of war still gather and swirl around us. Think Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and the ambitions of both Russia and China. Meanwhile we await the return of a President of the United States of America who is nothing if not belligerent in his attitude to the rest of the world. We can be forgiven for wondering what exactly 2025 may have in store for us.

“A new year is at hand. We cannot tell what it will bring. If it brings peace, how thankful we shall be. If it brings us continued struggle, we shall remain undaunted. In the meantime I feel that we may all find a message of encouragement in the lines which, in my closing words, I should like to say to you:

“‘And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be better to you than light and safer than a known way.’”

“May that Almighty Hand guide and uphold us all. Amen.”

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Lions select Diabetes UK for marathon funds

BLACKMORE Vale Lions Club (BVLC) has chosen Diabetes UK headline charity of the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon 2025.

Without the support to manage the condition, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. In the Blackmore Vale and across the South West, Diabetes UK works with local people, organisations and healthcare professionals to raise awareness of the condition, improve care in the area and provide support and information to local people living with, at risk of, and affected by, diabetes.

The BV half marathon takes place on Sunday, February 2, at Bishops Caundle Recreation Ground (Race HQ in the village hall, Holt Lane, Bishop’s Caundle). Start time is 11am.

Tim Otter, race director, said, “Blackmore Vale Lions Club has decided to support Diabetes UK this year because of its fight against the biggest growing health crisis, outstanding educational work and working tirelessly to develop new treatments – and one day, find a cure.”

Secure your entry to the Blackmore Vale half marathon online at https://englandathletics.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/28524, or by downloading the postal entry at https://bvlhm.yolasite.com

Find out more about the support available for those living with diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk, or call 01823 448260.

Mere in lights

Words and picture by George Jeans

MERE’S Christmas illuminations were switched on by Evie Thomas, Harriet Hearn and Ebony Tealey.

Father Christmas in attendance, and the queue to speak to him was very long!

New exterior lights add a splash of colourful light to the Lime Trees outside the church (pictured).

While you’re in Mere, don’t miss Denes Avenue – in my opinion the greatest free Christmas light show in the area. West Knoyle might give them a run for their money, but Denes Avenue can’t be beaten!

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Wincanton lines up for busiest event of the year - the Boxing Day races

AS we all start to prepare our plans for the Christmas period, one thing that may loom large is the potential of festive sporting event.

Boxing Day races are common at a number of courses across the country, offering a chance for folks to don their Christmas gladrags for a day of dining and top-class racing.

Among them is Wincanton, where a full card is planned for the racecourse’s most popular event of the year - with traffic warnings in place in the town ahead of the upcoming race day.

“There’s no better place to be

than Wincanton Racecourse on Boxing Day,” a spokesperson said. “It’s without a doubt the most popular fixture at Wincanton Racecourse.”

Stamp of approval

THE MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance, thanked posties for their hard work in the run up to Christmas on a visit to Yeovil delivery office.

He heard about the work and challenges Royal Mail staff face over the festive period making sure cards, letters and parcels reach their destinations.

Mr Dance said: “It was a pleasure to meet the hardworking team at the Yeovil delivery office today and see firsthand the effort that goes into keeping our mail moving during the busiest time of the year.

“The dedication of Royal Mail staff – working in all weathers – is truly commendable.”

He added: “I know many customers were disappointed with service disruptions last year, but I’m pleased to hear that the team is now back to full strength and doing an excellent job.

“Their hard work is making a real difference to people and businesses across Yeovil and South Somerset this Christmas.”

Among the benefits of a Boxing Day trip to Wincanton – alongside the racing of course – is the fact race fans under the age of 18 get in for free.

Doors open early on the day, at 10am, as people are urged to arrive early to spread traffic throughout the build-up.

“Please allow plenty of time to arrive to avoid delays,” the spokesperson went on. “We have mince pies on arrival for gates opening – be quick, they won’t be around for long.”

Dogs and picnics are also allowed, but only in the Course Enclosure, while alcohol is not permitted on course.

“Food and Drink outlets and internal bars selling alcohol are available at all race meetings,” the racecourse spokesperson added.

One extra thing to note is that there are no cash points on site – so if you intend to pay, or place your bets, using real money, take it out in advance.

To avoid all the hassle of buying food and drink during your day, hospitality packages are also available for the Boxing Day meeting.

For more details and to book tickets, visit thejockeyclub.co. uk/wincanton/events-tickets/ boxing-day.

Police seize drugs

A SHERBORNE property was raided by police who seized suspected cannabis and cocaine.

An address in Amors Drove saw a police presence on November 29 after officers received intelligence linked to reported dealing and supply of drugs from the property.

No arrests were made.

One man attended a voluntary police interview while another is assisting officers with their investigation.

Neighbourhood sergeant Mike Brown, of Sherborne Police, said: “There is no place in Dorset for suspected drugs and we are absolutely committed to disrupting the activity of those who are

believed to be dealing drugs in our communities.

“We know the impact drug-related activity has on an area and we will continue to execute warrants to identify those believed to be involved.

“While working together with our partners, we are determined to make our county a hostile place for suspected criminals, while protecting our communities and safeguarding those individuals who need our help the most.

“If you have any information regarding suspected drugrelated activity, contact us at www.dorset.police.uk

“If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.”

Are you listening now?

THE stories of young people who have turned their difficult lives around with the help of farming-based social enterprise Future Roots are told in a new book.

In Are You Listening Now? eight youngsters talk about in their own words the challenges they have faced and the power of being listened to.

Future Roots, at Rylands Farm, near Sherborne, sees young people work with animals and nature.

It hopes the book will become a training tool for individuals who work with children and school teaching assistants.

Angus Campbell, Dorset’s retiring Lord Lieutenant, in a foreword writes: “It is all too easy to write off those that appear to be causing trouble, to exclude them from the normal run of education and development as ‘disruptive’.

“They can be extremely disruptive, but this book illustrates that, in so many cases, these lives can be turned around.

“Through understanding and a caring environment, they can become useful and fulfilled citizens.

“It does require us to ‘listen’ to the real

message behind their behaviour.

“Such young people can appear frightening and out of control.

“If not ‘rescued,’ they are vulnerable to the malign influences of criminal adults and can easily be used as participants in crime through such influences.”

At the book launch, Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, said: “I hope this book will help others realise how vital groups like Future Roots are when it comes to

helping young people facing obstacles in life to find purpose and peace.”

Are You Listening Now?, funded by the community Lottery Fund, is priced £6.99 and is available at www.futureroots.net

Future Roots also hopes it will be stocked by local shops and social care/ education and training outlets.

The organisation is now working on a second book, Now That I Have Been Heard and is seeking sponsorship to enable publication.

Three ambassadors for Future Roots whose stories appear in the book (from left) Ollie, Jack and Jordan

Community cares: put decisions about public services in the hands of locals says charity

REPRESENTATIVES from Wincanton Cares recently met Sarah Dyke MP.

The charity supports older people in the BA9 postcode area; Wincanton and the associated 15 parishes.

Discussions focussed on the need to reduce demand on already over-stretched health and social care budgets – issues that Sarah is passionate about.

“She listened intently to what we had to say and offered some ideas that will help us to develop our work further,” said a representative.

Wincanton Cares believes that local people can identify timely and cost-effective interventions because they

know their area well. It wants to help people to remain physically, psychologically and emotionally well, so that there is less call for public services.

The rural population in which the charity operates includes people disadvantaged by digital poverty, a lack of public transport and limited local services. There are also inequalities in access to health and social care provision.

There is a need to improve access to care, support and information so that those in need do not have to feel that they are alone, and so that they can remain in their own homes for as long as they may wish.

Residents in the BA9

Sarah Dyke MP pictured with representatives from Wincanton Cares

postcode area can contact Wincanton Cares via the nine hubs that pop up around town each month. Find out more at

www.wincantoncares.org, email info@wincantoncares.org or call 07756759741.

Bake Off star visits Fern

Brook Lodge for festive fun

Residents at Fern Brook Lodge enjoyed Christmas carols and mince pies as part of their festive celebrations.

Carole Edwards, who appeared on Season 13 on Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off in 2022, visited the care home on Fern Brook Lane to test mince pies baked by the residents and staff.

While Carole took part in the taste test, alongside Claire Davies, Deputy Manager at Fern Brook Lodge, the Gillingham Singers performed a range of Christmas carols including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Silent Night to help residents to get into the festive spirit.

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

Big birthdays celebrated with love

TWO Blandford care home residents recently celebrated triple digits…

At Castleman House Care home in Blandford, December 6 marked Barbara’s 102nd birthday, and Roy’s 100th.

Barbara’s family held a party in the morning, and then she had a visit from the Mayor of Blandford who chatted to Barbara about her amazing age and gave her a card and beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Barbara was very touched by this, and couldn’t believe the mayor had come to see her.

Barbara has four children and lived in Swanage running a boat company with her husband, before retiring to Blandford Forum. She came to Castleman House a year ago.

Roy celebrated his 100th birthday at Castleman House with a big party!

His son Martin sang and played the guitar, with carer Joshua on keyboards.

Roy was joined by the residents of Castleman House, his daughter-in-law, grandsons and partners. He met his great-granddaughter for the first time, which he had been really

looking forward to.

The Mayor of Blandford visited Roy with flowers and a card, and the two chatted.

Roy also received a card from HRH King Charles congratulating him on his centenary.

Roy said it was such a special day and gave a speech thanking everyone.

“I was born in Chatham and spent much of my childhood in Scotland,” Roy said.

“In 1940 I started a five-year apprenticeship at Chatham dockyard and was a Chatham Matey, which is what we all called each other there.

“In 1941 I came top in the dockyard exam.

“In 1945 I became a ship fitter; in 1946 I went to Gibraltar as a ship fitter.

“I met my wife June Elizabeth and married her in 1952.

“I retired in December 1983 with the closure of Chatham dockyard.

“My wife’s parents both lived with dementia and this is where my interest in this started and wanting to help others with dementia and support for carers

and joined the local Medway pensioners’ forum. I became a spokesperson, being asked to speak around the country and asked to speak on BBC1 and Radio 4.

I came to Castleman House in Summer 2022 for respite and decided to make Castleman my home.”

Roy spends time creating art. His walls are covered in his paintings, each with a story to tell.

Brian’s taking his foot off the gas…

BRIAN Chant has been in the motor trade since 1959, first as an apprentice panel beater in Sherborne, and then later in business at his premises in Station Road, Stalbridge.

But after 55 years at Stalbridge (which he opened in June, 1969) Brian has finally decided to take things a little easier.

Dorset Vintage and Classic Auctions will continue in association with Duke’s of Dorchester, and will offer the same dedicated, specialist service that its clients have come to expect.

DVCA has recently sold a 1954 Fiat 1100 Millicento with a fascinating history; its owner Julia Moore purchased the petit motor car in 1990s Mumbai before driving all the way home to England in an epic journey through Goa, Iran and mainland Europe. The Fiat’s new custodian will display it at his museum in Trump Towers, New York – a fitting home for such an adventurous and famous motor car.

historic vehicle in 2025, please do contact Brian by telephone on 01963 363353 or by email

Golfers tee-off for lifeboat charity

Child Okeford Stores welcomes MP and Father Christmas to award winning village shop

The village of Child Okeford welcomed Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset on Friday 13th to unveil two commemorative plaques outside the village shop in recognition of the shop’s achievement in the Village shop awards run by the Countryside Alliance held earlier this year.

The Daily Telegraph sponsors the annual award for the shop that ‘Goes The Extra Mile’ to serve its local community.

THE senior members of the Ashley Wood Golf Club raised and donated more than £1,000 to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Kathie Underwood, Chair, and Martin Kerlogue, treasurer of the Blandford and District RNLI Fundraising Group were presented with a cheque for

£1,250 by Steve Cheshire of the Ashley Wood Golf Club Seniors.

This forms a significant contribution to the funds of the local fundraising group, in what has been the 200th year of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Handmade gifts

THE Quarter Quilters from Sturminster Newton have had a busy autumn.

In October, the group held an exhibition of its quilts and other handiwork. Members took part in St Mary’s Christmas tree festival, and are providing 50 ‘pockets’ containing chocolates to be distributed with the Stour Connect Christmas lunches (pictured).

Child Okeford Village shop had beaten off stiff competition from 6 counties in the South West to be voted the best village shop in the South West of England. It had then progressed to the Finals held at the House of Lords in June to decide the best village shop in the United Kingdom. The shop was awarded second place ‘Highly Commended’.

Proprietor Andrew StevensonHamilton addressed an assembly of thirty supporters outside the shop where he expressed his gratitude for the help from his daughter Mimi, the dedication of the staff and the loyalty of his customers.

MP Simon Hoare, praised the achievement of the team at the shop and paid tribute to the great support shown by the village of Child Okeford in continuing to shop there. He spoke about the vital part that a village shop and Post office play in the community life of a village. He finished with an appeal to all villages which still have their village shop ‘To use it or lose it’.

Santa Claus came to Child Okeford over the weekend. The event was in aid of Children in Need. It is the first time there has been a Santas Grotto at the village shop and the children loved it. Santa, also brought his pony, Blossom, and children were able to feed the pony carrots while they waited to see Santa.

Simon Hoare and Andrew

Zoe and Felix meet Santa

Arlo feeds Santa’s pony

(L to R): Martin Kerlogue (Blandford and District RNLI treasurer), Steve Cheshire of Ashley Wood Golf Club and Kathie Underwood (chair of Blandford and District RNLI)

Reflecting on an eventful lifetime

THE life story of one resident of a Frome care home includes ties to Burmese royalty and a career behind the lens on iconic film sets.

Collin Moore was born on August 17, 1937, in Insein, Rangoon – now Yangon, Myanmar – a city rich in history and culture.

Life was anything but ordinary for Collin, especially when his early years unfolded amid the turmoil of the Second World War.

When Japanese forces invaded Burma, Collin and his mother, Mabel, had to navigate some difficult, even terrifying times as they sought refuge.

They spent time in a concentration camp and overcame countless challenges along the way.

Collin’s mother was connected to

Burmese royalty, her lineage tied to Princess Mama Gayle of the Shan States, and it was said that as a little girl she sat on Winston Churchill’s knee.

His father, Lt Col Lewis Albert Hodgkinson Lack, was well respected,

though he sadly passed away when Collin was just a baby.

Collin also has proud Irish and Scottish roots.

In the UK his life took a creative turn when his love for photography – which came about after using a Kodak box camera during his National Service in Germany –grew into a successful career as a cameraman.

In London, he worked with Rank Tempo Transprints and freelanced on major film sets, capturing iconic moments in classics like Where Eagles Dare and James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun

He also crossed paths with legends like Elizabeth Taylor along the way.

Despite health challenges, Collin has never let anything hold him back.

His interests still keep him active and engaged – he’s as passionate as ever about horse racing, classic films and the art of photography.

He now lives at Catherine House Care Home in Frome and can nurture his passions with regular movie nights and displays of his work as a cameraman.

Looking after the lime trees for future visitors

by Barbara Elsmore

HERE is Kevin, the local blacksmith seen regularly in Sherborne Market, giving the finishing touches to one of the set of railings he has made to protect the newly replanted lime trees along the front of Sherborne Abbey. The old trees, recently removed, were planted in 1729. Will these new trees similarly be growing here for another 300 years?

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Dazzling display in support of the Fire Fighters Charity

MARLOTT Road, Gillingham (SP8 4FA), is alight with Christmas cheer, with donations encouraged in support of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Lighting up time is 4pm every day during the Christmas holidays, and 100% of all donations benefit the charity.

Donations can be made in person or via the QR code on site and around town with the reference ‘SP8 Charity Light Display’.

Popular pub to close in January

A FAMILY-RUN 16th-century pub in Milborne Port will call last orders in January.

The owners of the Tippling Philosopher said they took the “agonising decision” to close for many reasons – not least the increase to their electricity bill which has shot up from £700 a month to nearly £2,000.

They said they couldn’t pass on the cost to their customers through increased drinks prices in “good conscience” and so have announced plans to close.

“It’s with deep sadness and it has been an agonising decision, that we haven’t taken lightly or quickly,” a spokesperson said.

“From early January we will be calling last orders for the last time.

“Many factors have aided us in this decision, not least of all

the never-ending government pressure on our industry to become tax collectors and utilities companies that penalise you for trying.

They added: “Increasing [the] cost of a pint to something we no longer feel we can pass on, with good conscience!

“It’s time to draw a line and retire gracefully (ish).

“To our staff, now and past, for your loyalty and devotion.

“To all the small brewers out there whose beers have been our pride to front, thank you.

“To the market traders who have been with us this past year, thank you. To skittles, darts, and pool teams past and present, thank you. Thank you all.

“We hope you will all join us for a fond and final farewell this New Year’s Eve.”

Saddle club seeks your support

THE RAC Saddle Club at Bovington is seeking support as it prepares to expand its pony club to meet increasing demand following the closure of riding centres across the country.

Yard manager, Steph Buchanan, said: “We currently have over 60 children enrolled, but our waiting list continues to grow.

“While riding can sometimes seem elitist, our centre is dedicated to ensuring that members without their own ponies can ‘borrow’ one, work towards tests and badges, and even compete in a large arena with jumps sponsored by local businesses.”

To accommodate this demand, the centre is looking to acquire more ponies, bolstered by the recent donation of four rescue ponies.

Steph said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Teddy, Mac, Chip and Pipet, from Horse Welfare.

“Each of them has a fantastic temperament, which is great news for the children on our waiting list.”

Pipet is currently undergoing retraining and will join the programme next year. Steph said the club’s unique selling point was its commitment to guiding younger members on their equestrian journey through the Pony Club pathway of continual development.

She added: “Bovington has some

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excellent coaches but it’s more than just a riding school – we’re focused on nurturing the next generation of riders and industry professionals.

“Just last month, five-star rider Jo Rimmer visited and praised our children for their excellent riding skills.”

In the wake of the pandemic, many riding centres have faced challenges due to rising insurance costs, increased minimum wage and the expenses of feed and bedding.

Steph said: “Having extra ponies is vital to maintain a manageable workload, ensuring that they remain fresh and enjoy varied, happy lives.

“Our ponies live in small herds, get a day off each week and enjoy an annual holiday.

“We are incredibly grateful to World Horse Welfare for their support in providing these ponies.

“We hope to secure more ponies soon, allowing us to expand our programme and offer more children the chance to connect with these wonderful animals.”

The club is also seeking local businesses interested in sponsoring jumps or even a pony.

or call 0370 224 8918

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Fab festive fundraising

END of life charity Marie Curie is urging people in Dorset to help spread care, comfort and joy this Christmas by signing up for festive fundraising.

That may be taking the plunge with a jolly dip in the sea, making gingerbread for a festive bake sale, bringing some sparkle to the working day with a ‘deck your desk’ competition, offering your gift-wrapping services to those who find it a chore or something else.

Festive fundraisers will receive everything they need when signing up to help make their fundraiser a merry success – from posters and social media graphics to invitations and ‘fundraising in-memory’ cards.

Marie Curie depends on fundraising and public donations so that its nurses and healthcare professionals can

provide expert hospice care, whatever the illness, in the comfort of people’s homes.

The charity helps individuals with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s – and other forms of dementia – heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s and advanced cancer.

Kara Frampton, Marie Curie community fundraiser for Dorset, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for many people, and for families experiencing dying, death or bereavement, it can often feel overwhelming.

“Marie Curie believes everyone should have expert care and support at the end of life, free from unnecessary pain, and have the dignity and respect they deserve, whatever their illness.

“By holding a festive fundraiser for Marie Curie, you can help bring care, comfort and joy to even more people living with a terminal illness, at home, in our hospices or over the phone.

“Our team of fundraisers and I have a nice list of ideas to make sure ‘yule’ be inspired to get fundraising – and we’ll help you every step of the way.

“So, if you’re keen to do something meaningful in the lead up to Christmas – whatever

Are you a landlord?

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the idea, we’d love to hear from you.”

To find out more about how to give care, comfort and joy this Christmas, visit mariecurie. org.uk/get-involved/fundraise or contact local community fundraiser, Kara Frampton, on 07712 691510 or kara. frampton@mariecurie.org.uk

For more ways to support Marie Curie’s Christmas Appeal, visit mariecurie.org.uk/ Christmas

A close shave for men’s health!

STAFF at the Grove Medical Practice in Sherborne have raised an impressive amount for Movember this year.

£3,700 was raised in total over the month as eight members of staff grew out their

moustaches throughout November.

Money was raised for the Movember charity, which raises awareness of men’s mental health issues as well as prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

“Supporting men’s health is a serious issue, one which is often ignored, sidelined or forgotten,” said Dr Charlie Middle, senior partner at the Grove.

“Big boys don’t cry. They hide their illnesses –cancers and depression, often with fatal consequences.”

Movember hit a little closer to home for Dr Lucius Covell as two of his family members were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He said: “Movember is more than a gimmick – it supports men’s health charities and health research and allows all of us to think about the fragility of our family members, especially the men in the family, and to support their wellbeing.

“Raising awareness is crucial as is encouraging men to talk about their mental health. Testicular and prostate cancer risks are so important.

“Death by suicide is a leading cause of death in men aged 18-54, often in violent and shocking ways.

“This is why we at the Grove Medical Centre in Sherborne adopt Movember every year to raise funds to support the charity.”

New vicar gets a warm welcome

Words and pictures by

George Jeans

MERE’S new vicar, the Reverend Michael Molano, was recently appointed priest in charge, or ‘vicar’, of Mere and West Knoyle.

Michael is married to Caroline; they have three children together – Lucia, Isaac and Daniel.

For the last three years, he

has ministered on the south coast of Cornwall, where he work with 12 churches, most recently in Par, Treverbyn and in Charlestown.

Caroline and Michael were raised in rural North Wiltshire and have spent much time on Salisbury Plain and in Bovington, Dorset (before being called into ministry within the Church of England), while serving in the Household Cavalry Regiment.

Before this, Michael served the late Queen Elizabeth II on mounted ceremonial duties with the Life Guards.

Kathy Herbert and the handbell ringers played before the service. Music during the service was provided by organist Nick Hedley, Shreen Harmony and the church choir.

The collation, licensing and installation was by the Right Reverend Stephen Lake Bishop of Salisbury, the Venerable Alan

Contemporary or traditional kitchens manufactured to order

Jeans MBE Archdeacon of Sarum and Wilts and the Reverend Lorraine Dobbins acting Rural Dean.

Crucifer was Ross Thompson, acolytes Pam Redfern and Jan Davis. The welcome was by

George Jeans, Catriona Williams and Eileen. The intercessions were by Pat Isom, Meg Oliver and David Leakey. The church was beautifully decorated by Elisabeth Barrett and the church team.

The Right Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury (left), and Reverend Michael Molano

Letters

Locals plan to buy their village pub

MEMBERS of the Bird in Hand Society were very interested in the New Blackmore Vale’s article concerning the proposed sale of the Bird in Hand pub at Henstridge.

The pub has been on the market for at least two years during which time no acceptable offer has been received by the owners.

This situation prompted a group of pub customers to consider buying the pub as a community asset.

In May this year a public meeting was held to gauge interest in the village of setting up a Community Benefit Society to buy and run the pub for the local community in south Somerset.

This meeting attracted more than 100 villagers who were overwhelmingly in favour of the project.

‘The Bird’ is a popular venue, hosting skittles and darts teams, providing hot lunches throughout the week, and a warm welcome for family parties and other celebrations.

The Bird in Hand Society was set up, and it has applied successfully to Somerset Council for the pub to be registered as an Asset of Community Value.

The society is currently waiting to hear the result of its application to the Financial Conduct Authority.

If successful, the society can then proceed with its plans to raise the funds to buy the pub and continue, with the people of Henstridge, to enjoy the amenities of this popular village pub.

Throughout the project the Society has been grateful to the Plunkett Foundation for its help and advice, particularly as the foundation has considerable experience in helping communities buy and run local assets.

Further information can be obtained by emailing contact@ birdinhandsociety.org.uk

Jacky Manning

Communications lead The Bird in Hand Society

Cheese festival grants on offer

STURMINSTER Newton Cheese Festival has helped generate almost £400,000 for charity since 2012.

This includes £260,000 given as donations to local community groups and charities.

The committee is delighted to announce that following a successful show in 2024 we can offer some limited grant funding once again this year.

Applications are welcomed from community groups and charities based within a five-mile radius of Sturminster Newton.

If your organisation has a large client base supporting people within that radius, but has a postal address outside that area, you can apply but please state this criterion on your application form.

The grant application form can be downloaded from our website, www.cheesefestival.co. uk/news. Applications close on December 31 and successful applicants will be confirmed in early 2025.

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival Via email

Homes scheme wrong-headed

NO-ONE could accuse Bourton of not playing its part in meeting the national housing need.

The village has already grown by 15% in recent years.

The 50-house proposal at Chaffeymoor Farm would add a further more than 10% to the village’s built environment.

The houses are to go on agricultural land.

Productive land should only be used if there is an ‘overriding

need’.

There is no identified need and certainly no overriding need.

The commitment to new housing in the immediate area runs to thousands of houses in Shaftesbury, Mere, Wincanton, Gillingham, Stalbridge and Sturminster Newton.

Thousands of houses. This is just a piece of opportunism.

The development would have a huge carbon footprint – 50 households with no serious alternative but to drive to work, school, shop, play or go to the doctor.

In terms of benefits, the proposed contributions do not mitigate the additional pressure the development would place on primary education and healthcare, and fail to address community transport and employment needs.

As for the supposed jewels in the crown, a play area and public open space right alongside the A303 – I can just hear future generations saying: “Hey kids, let’s go out, breathe in the fumes and listen to all the lovely traffic”. It is nonsense.

In sum, this development is not necessary.

It is environmentally damaging and it delivers little tangible community benefit.

This is not nimbyism.

This is a rural community squaring up to profiteering at its expense.

This is not how to solve a housing crisis.

MB Chapman Bourton, Dorset

New bus stop for medical centre

SOME while ago the Sherborne Transport Action Group (STAG) noted that the Grove Medical Centre was poorly served by the two bus routes, 58 and CR4.

It was half way between the stops at Greenhill and Coldharbour roundabout, too far from either to be of practical

use.

We pressed for an additional bus stop at Wootton Grove, and are pleased to record that this has now been provided.

We hope it will be appreciated both by clients of the medical centre and by residents in the area.

Mike Keatinge Sherborne Transport Action Group

Farmers weren’t ‘manipulated’

I GUESS that if you write a regular column for any political party, you feel obliged to toe the party line.

Even so, I think Greg Williams’ piece – New Blackmore Vale, December 6, Labour Champions British Farming – was factually wrong in alleging that those with family farms had been ‘manipulated’ by Jeremy Clarkson and James Dyson into opposing the Budget change to Agricultural Property Relief (APR).

It was the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) which publicised the extent to which family farms would be affected by the APR change and checked with former Treasury and Office for Budget Responsibility officials that the Treasury had been working off the wrong figures.

I hold no brief whatsoever for Clarkson or Dyson, but I am sure the NFU is correct in stating that 75% of commercial family farms – such as characterise our local countryside – will be adversely affected by the £1 million threshold.

Those who ask why farming should get special tax treatment need to remember that this is the sole industry which produces most of the food on which we all depend, and at the same time manages our landscapes.

Greg Williams needs to realise that the Government

figures are wrong, but also – as a consequence of economies of scale – any further erosion of family farming by the APR change will just result in more land being managed by the Clarksons and Dysons of this world.

I suspect that – like me –most of your readers would much prefer family farms to remain in the hands of those who live on their land, work on that land and have a deep understanding of it.

Shaun Leavey Sherborne

Many pluses to immigration

THOMAS Gargrave – New Blackmore Vale, December 6 – gives a very distorted view of immigration that aims to stir mistrust and hostility on real concerns about government failure across a raft of public services.

Mr Gargrave and his party seek to exploit these wider and genuine concerns to foster hostility towards people who look identifiably different.

This is a deplorable tactic adopted by far-right politicians across the world.

Immigration is not responsible for these failures.

In fact, the current level of immigration in the UK brings several economic, social and cultural benefits:

Economic growth:

Immigrants contribute significantly to the UK economy by filling labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture and hospitality. They help maintain productivity levels and stimulate innovation by bringing in diverse skills and expertise.

Support for public services: Immigrants also play an important role in supporting public services, including the National Health Service (NHS), where many healthcare professionals come from overseas.

Beacon post had rotted

I WAS disappointed to see that the beacon on the top of ‘The Terraces’ in Sherborne has collapsed.

Must be the storm, I thought, but no!

On closer inspection I found that the wood was very rotten. It seemed that the beacon post was made from untreated softwood just stuck in the ground.

Of course it would rot through in a very short time.

No doubt the storm accelerated its demise, but I am certain it would not have lasted

This is crucial in light of an ageing population and increasing demand for healthcare services.

Demographic balance: With an ageing population and low birth rates, immigration helps balance the demographic structure by bringing in younger workers who contribute to the workforce, pay taxes and support the welfare system.

This can alleviate the financial pressures on pensions and other social services.

Cultural diversity: Immigration enriches the cultural fabric of the UK. It enhances social diversity, bringing different perspectives, languages, traditions and cuisines.

This cultural blend promotes a more inclusive society and fosters creativity and global connections.

Entrepreneurship and

much longer anyway, possibly severely injuring someone when it did collapse.

I ask Sherborne council why was this design ever accepted.

It is a total waste of our local Council Tax money!

The beacon post should have been constructed from, at the very least, properly treated wood and preferably also protected further from damp and insect infestation to ensure a professional installation.

I hope the replacement will be properly designed and constructed to ensure a long life and good value for money.

David Addey Sherborne

Innovation: Immigrants often play a vital role in entrepreneurship, starting businesses that create jobs and generate wealth.

Many notable British entrepreneurs and tech innovators have immigrant backgrounds, which contributes to the dynamism and competitiveness of the UK economy.

Labour market flexibility: Immigration helps address skill gaps and labour shortages, particularly in sectors where native-born workers are in short supply.

This flexibility allows the economy to adapt to changing demands and boosts productivity.

International relations: A diverse and welcoming immigration policy can strengthen the UK’s international relations.

Immigrants often maintain ties with their countries of origin, promoting trade, investment and diplomatic relationships.

In contrast to the distortions set out by Thomas Gargrave, a balanced level of immigration provides the UK with a skilled workforce, cultural enrichment and economic dynamism, helping to address both current and future challenges.

Name and address supplied Via email

Modern farming is highly efficient

IT is a pity Jane Rose has such little understanding of modern UK farming – New Blackmore Vale, Letters, December 6.

UK farming is highly efficient in what it does –producing food for us all.

This is certainly not fruit and vegetables grown by smallholders as Ms Rose suggests but efficiently growing staples such as wheat and other cereals, potatoes, sugar, vegetable oils and proteins. Much of this efficiency comes from larger farms, larger equipment and fewer labour costs.

Pertinent to Dorset, the average dairy farm income fell in the last year by 68% to about £70,000.

A tenant dairy farmer earning an average farm income would have very little money left after extracting living expenses to buy farm land at an average price of about £10,000.

Imposing inheritance tax on the capital value of a farm without considering how to sustain an efficient agricultural industry is not the way for the UK to guarantee food security into the future.

Taxing the capital asset simply sucks money out of the system which might otherwise be used for reinvestment and modernisation.

Think again please Ms Rose. Stephen Hillier Beer Hackett

Arts & Entertainment

Panto and pints at Lecture Hall

MERE Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS) gave enjoyable performances of Alice in Blunderland at Mere Lecture Hall over three days.

MADS first performed the show, written by Eric Kincaid and Chris Wood, 17 years ago

and this time it was staged in Eric’s memory.

The Lecture Hall served alcohol for the first time in 100 years after a change of policy by the trustees.

TEXT AND PHOTOS: George Jeans, Mere

GUITARIST and songwriter Dean Carter will be launching his new single at the Digby Memorial Hall in Sherborne on Sunday (December 22) at 2pm. Standstill-Sol Invictus is the leading track from his Wheel of The Year album.

Dean will be playing songs from the album and from his previous releases Songs Without Words/Towards Tomorrow, Songs Without Words Vol 2, and Out of the Loop, plus a few surprises. A donation of £8 is suggested.

Arts & Entertainment

TV favourite gets personal

ONE of the UK’s favourite comedians is coming to Poole Lighthouse in the New Year when Ed Byrne performs his show Tragedy Plus Time.

His most personal show to date, which mines the most tragic event in his life for laughs, gets its title from a quote attributed to the author Mark Twain that ‘humour is defined as tragedy plus time’.

Ed’s television career is now in its third decade, having regularly appeared on the likes of QI, Mock The Week, Alan Davies’s As Yet Untitled, The

Pilgrimage, Dara and Ed’s Road to Mandalay, Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure, The Graham Norton Show and Have I Got News For You.

He has also hosted Live At The Apollo and Comic Relief Bake Off.

He was recently seen as a contestant on BBC One’s Celebrity Best Home Cook – where he made it to show five out of eight – and he has also won celebrity versions of both The Chase and Pointless!

Ed is known for his passion for the outdoors – hill walking

and mountaineering are major hobbies – and can be seen turning his presenting skills to factual broadcasting in BBC Two’s Volcano Live, World’s Most Dangerous Roads – where he spent two weeks driving through Siberia – and Into the Wild with Gordon Buchanan.

He is at Poole Lighthouse on Thursday, January 16.

Traditional panto at the village hall

TRADITIONAL pantomime is in store when Charlton Horethorne Amateur Pantomime Society (CHAPS) presents Mother Goose next month.

Peter Long and Keith Rawnsley have written the show, directed by Brian Matthews.

Ross Lund will lead a live band providing musical accompaniment.

Mother Goose is poor and dreams of wealth, a good fairy puts a spell on her pet goose, Priscilla, and she starts to lay golden eggs.

Suddenly there is more money than she knows what to do with.

She becomes complacent and the goose is the subject of attempted thefts before being

given sanctuary in the kingdom of Gooseland.

Can Mother Goose come to her senses and deal with her good fortune with grace?

Mother Goose will be staged at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall from Thursday to Saturday, January 16-18, at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2pm.

Tickets go on sale online on

Boxing Day priced £8 adult, £4 children or £20 for a family ticket admitting two plus two – subject to a small handling charge – at www.ticketsource. co.uk/chaps-panto

Tickets will also be available at the village shop from Thursday, January 2.

A licensed bar and refreshments will be on offer at each performance.

TIME is running out to see three life-size sculptures of sperm whales at Messums West in Tisbury before they are moved to Winchester Cathedral.

The whales were created by Tessa Campbell Fraser – wife of comedian Rory Bremner – and hang from oak beams head up, as if sleeping, in a 13th century tithe barn at the arts centre.

The sculptures were made from recycled ghost netting, silk chiffon, latex and synthetic paper.

They are surrounded by banners printed with paintings interpreting the coda-click of the whales’ communication, captured as sound waves.

The installation also features a soundtrack of whales communicating.

Tessa said: “In sculpting the whales as I have – transparently, using ghost netting – I want to convey the need for mankind to realise that these great beasts will not be around in our world if we don’t act now to prevent

catastrophic global warming.

“Rising sea temperatures will disrupt the entire ecological balance, causing these sea creatures to become mere

ghosts to us, transparent in the extreme.”

Whales – A Deeper Dialogue, is at Messums West until January 13, 2025.

Ed Byrne is appearing at Lighthouse Poole next month

PHOTO: Roslyn Gaunt

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Across

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

Killer Sudoku Pro

8 Feat shown in old narrative about Italy (7)

9 First sign of ice and lot of darkness in Arctic residence (5)

10 A French hairstyle is not subject to restriction (5)

11 By the sound of it, feeble climax in period for relaxation? (7)

12 French award given to US actress and to date concerned with now (4,3,2,3)

KILLER Sudoku Pro

16 Page commuter turns to get technological diversion? (8,4)

Down

1 Meeting place even altered around university (5)

2 Detailed description of requirements by president largely showing vivid range? (8)

3 German entering Belgium and Malta last

4 Lodge in Sweden with cut off community

5 Most astute fellow is established? Not altogether (6)

6 Sticky stuff starts to get left under everywhere (4)

7 Worthwhile extra farewell (7)

20 Small pastry later cooked in middle of butter (7)

23 One who has gown, ermine in part (5)

24 Theme is mostly leading film (5)

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

25 Opposed to a profit by revered figure (7)

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

13 Copy primate (3)

14 Powerful man I don’t upset (8)

15 Excellent art gallery producing clear film

17 Free article in Le Monde by rugby player

18 See graduate engaged by good league on worldwide basis (6)

19 Fine US novelist making something trivial

place even altered around university (5)

Detailed description of requirements by US

21 Prepared meat dish with time gone ready eat (4)

22 Group of workers gets to abound, we hear

largely showing vivid range? (8)

German entering Belgium and Malta last (6)

Lodge in Sweden with cut off community (4) 5 Most astute fellow is established? Not altogether (6) 6 Sticky stuff starts to get left under everywhere (4) 7 Worthwhile extra farewell (7)

Copy primate (3)

(8)

Excellent art gallery producing clear film (7)

Free article in Le Monde by rugby player (6)

See graduate engaged by good league on a worldwide basis (6)

Fine US novelist making something trivial (5)

Prepared meat dish with time gone ready to eat (4) 22 Group of workers gets to abound, we hear (4)

Church

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

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

• Blandford Forum United Reformed Church: Sunday, December 22, 3pm Advent Worship; Tuesday, December 24, 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service. All services led by Rev Andy Hall.

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

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

• Cheap Street Church, Sherborne: Prayer time –9.45am Thursday; Thought for the Day – 10.30am Thursday; Sunday service at 10.30am; Monday Music – second Monday of the month at 6.15pm with a bring and share supper; Taizé Service the second Sunday each month at 6.30pm. Further details from 07522 509868.

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

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Sherborne Quakers meet Sundays 10.30am in the Griffiths Room. Everyone welcome. For more information, phone Nick on 07870 192599. The Children’s Choir rehearses on Mondays at 4pm – contact charlie.gurnham@ sherborneabbey.com, assistant director of music, to join, or just turn up. Sherborne Churches

Together Christmas Day lunch from 12.30pm-3pm for anyone on their own or without family at Christmas. No charge. To join in and/or volunteer fill in the form(s) at the Parish Office. Volunteers required for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Our Lady’s RC Church, Marnhull: Mass Sunday, 9am and 6pm. Tuesday, December 24, Christmas vigil, carols 7.30pm, Holy Mass 8pm. Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day, 9am service, no evening mass.

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

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

• Shaftesbury Benefice: St Peter’s, Shaftesbury – Sunday, December 22, 6pm Carol Service; Tuesday, December 24, 4pm Crib Service and 11.15pm Midnight Mass; Wednesday, December 25, 9.30am Christmas Day service. St Mary’s Motcombe – Tuesday, December 24, 2pm Crib Service; Wednesday, December 25, 9.30am Christmas Day service. St John’s Enmore Green – Friday, December 20, 6pm Carols on the Green; Sunday,

December 22 3pm Carol service. St James’, Shaftesbury – Wednesday, December 25, 9.30am Christmas Day service.

St Thomas’, Melbury Abbas – Wednesday, December 25, 11.15am Christmas Day service.

St Mary’s Compton Abbas – Wednesday, December 25, 11.15am Christmas Day service.

St Margaret’s, Margaret Marsh – Wednesday, December 25, 11.15am BCP Christmas Communion.

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

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

• St Benedict’s RC Church, Gillingham: Sunday, 11am. Tuesday, December 24, Christmas vigil, carols 5.30pm, Holy Mass 6pm. Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day, 11am service, no evening mass.

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

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

• St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary:

First, second and third Sundays, 9.30am Morning Prayer. Fourth Sunday, 9.30am Holy Communion.

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

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

• Two Rivers Benefice: Sunday, December 22 – 9.30am Communion at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Reflective Christmas service at All Saints, Langton Long; 11am BCP Communion at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary; 4pm Carols by Candlelight at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight at All Saints, Tarrant Keynston. Tuesday, December 24 – 5pm Carols by Candlelight at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton; 11.30pm Midnight Communion by Candlelight at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall. Wednesday, December 25 – 10am Christmas Day Communion at St John The Baptist, Spetisbury; 10am Christmas Day Family Celebration at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Marshall; 11am Christmas Day Communion at All Saints, Langton Long. Sunday, December 29 – 10.45am Together Communion at St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Rushton.Coffee and cake –Spetisbury 10am-11.30am first and third Monday each month; coffee and cake – Blandford St Mary 10am-11.30am December 19; coffee stop – Charlton Marshall Parish Centre 10.30am-12.30pm – Tuesday to Friday.

• West Camel Independent Methodists: Meeting at All Saints Church BA22 7QB. Sunday, December 22, 3pm –United Carol Service. Sunday, December 29, 3pm – United Service; Sunday, January 5, 3pm – United Tea @ Three. A very warm welcome to everyone. Phone 01935 850838 or email Geoff.mead@yahoo. com.

Labour looks long term on economy

CHRISTMAS is a time for joy and family, but also a time for reflection. So I thought I would spend this column reflecting on what the Labour Government has achieved in its first six months in power, and in the next issue, I’ll look forward to 2025.

This Government has a clear plan for change and it’s getting on with it. Labour’s ambition is nothing less than to change the country, so that people feel Britain works for them again. We will achieve this through investment and reform to deliver growth, creating more jobs, putting more money in people’s pockets, literally rebuilding Britain through ambitious housebuilding plans and getting the NHS back on its feet.

We inherited unprecedented challenges, with crumbling public services and crippled public finances. The tough decisions made in the Budget have stabilised the economy and

Greg Williams, on behalf of

prevented a return to austerity while protecting working people’s payslips.

There’s no denying the GDP growth figures – or lack of growth figures – in the past couple of months have been a disappointment. The tax rises necessary to restore public services may have impacted economic sentiment. But Labour’s plan for the economy is a long term one of structural

improvement, not sugar rushes of tax cuts and housing bubbles.

The funds raised have enabled the Government to begin its first steps for change. We found £22 billion extra for the NHS to improve care and deliver 40,000 extra appointments a week. We set up Great British Energy to provide clean, secure, homegrown power. We have established a National Wealth Fund to fuel growth and are reforming planning laws to make the dream of home ownership a reality by building 1.5 million homes

Our missions span a decade of national renewal. Our plan sets milestones for change that working people can feel by the end of this parliament. Yes, we have updated the plan and brought more definition to those milestones, informed by the first six months in government. I offer a wry smile to opposition commentators calling it a

relaunch. This is an agile, learning government. Slavish adherence to dogma and policies cooked up in opposition or closed door policy forums is not what we need. But more on our milestones in the next issue.

I do hope all readers have a good Christmas. I include all the MPs in that, who seldom get any respite from parliament and casework.

As for me, I increasingly find the pressure to have a perfect Christmas exhausting. Magic, photographable moments for the kids. A meal with five different types of veg served warm, not cold. Piles of the latest plastic tatt played with then quickly forgotten.

I would just say, have the Christmas or holidays you want, not the one you think other people expect of you. And let us keep in our hearts and our deeds those who are alone or less fortunate.

Reflections on six months as MP

WITH Christmas almost upon us, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on my first six months as the MP for Glastonbury and Somerton. It is an honour to represent you in Parliament, and I’m immensely proud of the achievements of my team, and their dedication in serving our community –we have helped to resolve thousands of constituent cases and continue to support many more.

Fighting to protect our NHS remains one of my top priorities. I’ve been advocating for stronger support for the care sector, pushing for action on the critical shortage of NHS dentists, and I’ve been demanding the Government exempt NHS providers from damaging National Insurance hikes which threaten their survival.

I’m deeply concerned about cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, which could leave our most vulnerable pensioners struggling

this winter. Stopping these payments is just plain wrong – and I will continue to fight this decision and protect those most at risk.

In 2022, the then Conservative led county council admitted that after 13 years in administration, bus services in Somerset were some of the worst in the UK. I have long championed public transport and have successfully campaigned to integrate bus routes to the train timetable as well as pushing the Government on the promised new railway station for

Somerton and Langport. Better local integrated public transport delivers growth and opportunity, and I will keep fighting to ensure Somerset is not left behind.

As a sixth-generation farmer’s daughter, I’m alive to the huge challenges our farmers face. We must not forget that the last Conservative Government oversaw the botched transition to the Environmental Land Management scheme, disastrous trade deals, and the unforgivable £358 million underspend of the farming budget, demonstrating the Conservatives have no credibility when it comes to protecting farmers and the countryside. This Government’s Family Farm Tax risks being the death knell for farmers and the businesses that rely on them. So, where the previous Government didn’t care, this one simply doesn’t understand farming. In contrast, I will fight tooth and nail to protect family farms from these egregious changes.

I’ve also been proud to lead on environmental issues in Parliament. Recently, I brought the Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill before the House, and I’m thrilled it’s passed to the next stage because the destruction of these precious, beautiful and important peatland habitats must stop.

As we look ahead to 2025, I remain committed to tackling the issues that matter most to you, and I will continue to work tirelessly to give people who live and work in Glastonbury and Somerton the representation they deserve.

I wish everyone a peaceful and joyous Christmas and New Year.

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

LibDem MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Sarah Dyke

Dorset Labour

Politics

Reform surges above Labour

NATIONAL – as of this week, Reform UK has now overtaken the sitting Labour Government in a national poll of voting intentions. The speed and scale of the political change we are witnessing is truly unprecedented.

It comes after a relentless wave of defections from the Conservatives to Reform UK. Former minister and MP, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, left to become our Mayoral candidate for Lincolnshire; Tim Montgomerie, the highly influential founder of ‘conservativehome’, leaves for Reform citing the appalling failures and broken promises on immigration. As I write, Suella Braverman’s husband, Rael Braverman, has just announced he has quit the Tories for Reform, only furthering speculation that Mrs Braverman, the former home secretary, will follow in the New Year. Nick Candy, the businessman and husband to pop star Holly Valance, joins as the party

Sport

Reform UK Dorset county organiser Thomas Gargrave

treasurer, also giving up his Conservative membership.

It is just the start, and we will continue to work tirelessly to give the British people a party that offers honesty, hope, optimism and an end to the chronic failures of the Tory and Labour parties.

Local – the initial consultation phase of the huge Wyke solar farm outside of Sherborne has come to an end and we now await the formal planning application. The

Blandford blow opponents away

by Paul Cross Blandford & Stur Men’s

Hockey 7

Winchester 5s 0

ANOTHER week, another storm. This time around Blandford faced Winchester 5s alongside the 60mph winds. And Blandford attacked the match like a hurricane. Winchester attempted to batten down the hatches, but to no avail.

Blandford pressure led to a short corner on seven minutes. Up stepped Matty Lewis, who hit a vicious strike which swerved past the keeper’s flailing hands for a one-nil wind.

Two minutes later and

HOCKEY

another short corner. This time, Matty Lewis drilled it bottom right, smashing a McAdooesque hole in the net. As the team went back to reset, the opposition played on. To Blandford’s horror, the strike was so fast the umpires didn’t register it going into the goal! Undeterred by the error, and conditions which led to cancellations across the league, Blandford carried on.

In the 23rd minute, the ball broke to Ed Boulton on the right of the D, who was able to take a touch and smash his shot inside the left post. This time, the umpires saw the goal, giving

400-acre site, in rural, unspoilt countryside, will form a 40-year blight on our West Dorset landscape, remove a very significant area of agricultural land, and only materially benefit the landowner and RWE Solar. It comes as West Dorset faces a slew of solar farm developments, some, as in the case of Enviromena’s at Cruxton Farm, are proposed within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is on top of the massive 4,000-home housing development at north Dorchester. We have to start being honest about the impacts on our countryside of having mass, open-door immigration policies, as the Lib Dems/ Labour/Conservatives wish, as well as myopically pursuing net-zero. Blanketing our countryside in solar panels from China, the production and disposal of which has a massive environmental impact, is not going to save the planet, despite what the Lib Dems may try to

tell you.

The current Lib Dem MP for West Dorset said the following during the election: “West Dorset deserves representatives that will protect our countryside.” We agree entirely, but where is his opposition to these solar farms and the relentless assault on our countryside by developers?

Reform UK is very clear –net-neutral migration, which will remove our need to concrete over our countryside for housing, and no more solar farms blighting rural Dorset.

My sincerest thanks to all those critical service providers who will be working over Christmas, it is a massive sacrifice that you make for the benefit of us all. Thank you also to the team at the New Blackmore Vale for facilitating these columns. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. chair.southdorset@ reformuk.com

Blandford the two-goal advantage they richly deserved.

Tom Tridgell, acting as a box-to-box midfielder, pushed forward and was able to finish another fine move to make it 3-0 at the break.

The second half started much like the first, though the weather held back Blandford as much of the opposition. It was then that Blandford unleashed Barney Jacques-Grey. On 53 minutes, Barney got free on the left-hand side. He took one touch and then wound up a strike that nearly took the roof off the net. Shell-shocked by this, Winchester folded. A speculative ball down the pitch a minute later was left by the keeper, only for Andy Smith to burst through. A miraculous diving sweep not only kept the ball in play, but slid across the face of the goal and into the far post in spectacular fashion to

put Blandford 5-0 up.

A second windmill strike by Jacque-Grey shattered any remaining resistance. Blandford had enough time for one final assault. Harry Munton used both his feet to good effect, bursting down the middle, before feeding Matty Lewis on the right-hand side, who pinged a ball into the penalty spot. Theo Browning timed his run perfectly to meet it, deflecting the ball through the keeper’s legs to seal a 7-0 win for Blandford.

Man of the match went to Harry Munton for excellent movement and composure. He also picked up another award for playing part of the game with only one trainer.

With one game to go until the Christmas break, this win puts Blandford back in contention for promotion to the South Central League.

Cabinet lacks knowledge of business

WE approach the end of the year with Sir Keir Starmer’s Government seemingly declaring war on rural England and those who live there. Elderly people have had, without either warning or justification, their Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA) taken away. As many have written to me –they do not want to go onto Pensioner Credit or are just above the criteria to do so, but the WFA made THE difference to their budget. Ministers appeared disinterested when informed that heating older homes in the countryside costs more than in the towns. From my postbag I know just how many frightened people this Government has created.

Budget announcements regarding National Insurance Contribution increases are hitting small- and mediumsized businesses hardest – they have less headroom to absorb additional costs – and plans for expansion and new jobs are

Conservative MP for North Dorset

being canned. Moreover, the hugely negative effect these increases will have on the vital hospice and charitable sectors is acute. And while we know, but Ministers appear ignorant of, is that a strong private sector delivers the readies to pay for a robust public sector. You cannot hope to have the latter without the former. The Government’s tactic to close its mythical Black Hole is to make it bigger – akin to a firefighter trying to douse the flames by using

petrol.

Our hard-working, environmental-stewarding, food-producing farmers now face massive tax bills through the Family Farm Tax when precisely the opposite was promised. Hard-working parents, who have opted to use public schools, now face a VAT burden. Our Labour Government is the first government anywhere to put a tax on learning. How proud they must be. Announcements to the planning process have seen an increase in the number of homes rural areas have to provide – cities have seen a decrease; the Duty to CoOperate restored –neighbouring BCP is trying to foist some of its housing requirement onto Dorset; and the obligation to ‘Build Beautiful’ deleted. Labour came into office without any business experience – no member of the Cabinet has owned, set up or run a business, or even worked

in the private sector. As an hitherto mostly urban party its experience of the countryside and agriculture was scant. What I find strange, perverse one might say, is that rather than bringing in experienced experts who could help evolve policy and fill in the knowledge/ experience gaps – as no politician should or could be expected to know everything –the Government has just acted – unaware of consequences and lacking the inquisitiveness to check and test. This approach does not bode well for the future.

Anyway, enough of politics for the moment. May I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

If I can be of any assistance to you, please get in touch –simon.hoare.mp@parliament.uk – emails will be monitored across the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Time to remember our farmers

I LOVE Christmas. It is my favourite time of year. Our house is a smorgasbord of ‘Christmasness’, decorations everywhere, Christmas songs on stereo, bowls of nuts and chocolates. I think I drive my wife crazy, but I just can’t get enough of it.

The culmination of all this Christmas, for me, is not the presents but the family meal on Christmas Day. As a resident of Bridport, we are blessed with a number of fantastic local butchers and food producers. Wherever possible, we buy local.

Last week an estimated 600 tractors descended on Parliament to continue farmers’ protests over the Government’s plans to levy Inheritance Tax on agricultural businesses.

I took the opportunity to spend some time among the famers, many of whom had

Lib Dem MP for West Dorset

Edward Morello

come up with family and friends. They shared their stories with me, and I shared some of the stories farmers in West Dorset have been sharing with me.

The brother and sister who are the seventh generation to run the family dairy farm, who are facing the possibility of a

£400,000 bill when their 85-year-old mother passes. They will be forced to sell some of their land, or their cows, or their milking equipment to pay. Any of which will make the business unviable.

The gentleman who, following his parents’ divorce, took on enormous personal debt to keep the family farm. He has endured decades of financial hardship, personal loss and health challenges, and now faces the prospect of not being able to pass on the farm he has worked so hard for to his son.

Farming is hard. It is not just a business – it is a lifetime commitment. Unlike other industries, farmers cannot simply start over if forced to sell. Once a family farm is lost, it is lost forever. And what is left will be swallowed by investors who will still see land as a way to minimise their tax liabilities.

Under the previous Government, farmers were forced to accept spiralling costs, trade deals that allowed cheap lower standard food into the UK and dramatic cuts to agricultural support.

Last year 30% of farms made no profit at all. How can we expect farmers to absorb yet another financial blow?

West Dorset has more than 92,000 hectares of farmland. Farmers are the reason it looks as it does. They are the reason it is such a wonderful place to live. And the reason tourists flock here in droves.

So, this Christmas, I would ask you to remember the hard-working farmers that produce the food on our tables, and where you can, buy local.

I wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Simon Hoare

All set for last sale of the year – and working on more to come

ACREMAN St Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne is holding its December auction as a one-day sale on Monday, December 30, at 10am.

The auction house will be closed before the sale from Saturday, December 21, to Sunday, December 29.

Viewing is online only through Easyliveauction.com or Saleroom.com, or on the morning of the auction from 9am.

Acreman is accepting entries for its upcoming sales in the New Year and is happy to make house visits if prospective sellers have anything they

would like to consign.

It can advise vendors about anything they may be considering for auction –photographs can be emailed, or items can be taken along to its premises at 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

Acreman is open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm and can take in everything from single items to complete collections. For anyone downsizing or who needs to deal with a whole house, it can help with advice or valuations and can arrange a full house clearance at competitive rates.

Anyone who has anything they would like to consign can contact Gill Norman on 01935

Acreman is holding its General Antiques, Collectables, Jewellery & Watches sale between Christmas and the New Year

508764 or 07908 333577, or by email at auction@ acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

Winter Auction painting could sell for £10,000

DORSET’S hearths burn in unison to the pale grace of December, igniting a desire for art and furniture of exceptional quality to adorn the walls and halls of busy homes this winter.

Meanwhile, Duke’s Auctioneers readies in quiet anticipation of its next major

2,500 lots in four-day sale

CLARKE’S Auctions, after launching its catalogue, has extended its sale between Christmas and New Year to four days.

It will be offering more than 2,500 lots on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, December 27, 28, 30 and 31.

Among the lots is a stunning collection of beautifully intricate and delicate 24 carat gold-plated copper wire tree sculptures made by Trowbridge artist, Patrick Drinkwater.

Patrick crafted 42 of these trees over a 20-year period and exhibited them in London in 2016 with prices ranging from £500-£20,000.

Clarke’s is auctioning six of his sculptures, each estimated at £100-£200.

A colour catalogue is available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com. A variety of antique and collectable items including jewellery and silver, ceramics and glass, period and modern design furniture, rugs,

sale – the Winter Auction. Featuring a curated collection of antique paintings, sculptures, books, furniture, carpets and more to warm the heart of your home this New Year.

A highlight of the sale is an oil on panel after Peter Paul

A pair of Wedgwood Sheringham blue glass candlesticks designed by Ronald Stennett Wilson estimated at £100-£200

artwork, Oriental items, paintings and taxidermy will be for sale.

Clarke’s is inviting prospective buyers to see the lots on viewing days and enjoy a mince pie, and is open for viewing and live bidding on the sale days.

It is taking entries for future sales and enquiries for consignment into its 2025 sales, for probate or insurance valuations, part and full house clearances or home visits should be made to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 or 01747 855109 at its salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

Rubens (1577-1640) and Jan II Brueghel (1601-78) titled Christ in the Home of Martha and Mary featuring Christ, crowned in holy diadem, praising Mary’s desire and choice to listen, instead of completing her tasks,

prioritising the spirituality over work.

The piece is extraordinary to behold, with a deceptive vibrance and detail, unmarked by the centuries. It is estimated at £5,000-£10,000.

The Winter Auction includes the esteemed contents of Wabey House, Upwey, with the entire catalogue ready to view online from January 16.

Viewing commences on Monday, January 27, followed by the auction on Thursday, January 30.

For more information, visit www.dukes-auctions.com

Clarke’s Auctions

Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques & Collectibles Sale

Christmas Sale

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August

Friday 27th, Saturday 28th, Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st December

Viewing Thursday 19th, Friday 20th, Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th

Colour catalogue available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales

An early 19th century French Palais Royale agate hardstone & gilt ormolu casket on four agate ball feet.

Estimate £300 - £500

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF

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

01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

Christ in the Home of Martha and Mary, after Jan Brueghel and Peter Paul Rubens

HOLTS is proving that the value of sporting and antique guns remains high worldwide, despite fears of a drop in the UK market. This was demonstrated again recently by two locally consigned guns. A pair of James Purdey 50-bore percussion rifled target pistols, which sold for £12,000, and a WW Greener 20 bore shotgun built in 1904. The latter, in its

These James Purdey 50-bore percussion rifled target pistols made £12,000

attractive and still very ‘usable’ shotgun, and sold for a staggering £5,000 against an estimate of £700-£900.

Selling guns on the international market certainly achieves the highest possible values, even for the more average guns.

HOLTS is now accepting consignments for its next auctions with valuation days throughout the region.

The next local ones are next

month at the GWCT Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, on January 7 and at the NFU Sturminster Newton on January 14.

For a full list of south west venues, see the Holts website, www.holtsauctioneers.com

To book an appointment or discuss a valuation or home visit, contact David Thurgood on 01297 306123 or by email at westcountry@holtsauctioneers. com

A heartfelt thank you

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We would like to start by saying a heartfelt thank you for your support during 2024. Results from this year shows strong growth in specialist auctions such as Fine Asian Art and Collectors Cars. Our team continue to deliver knowledge and expertise to our clients in an accessible way. We are developing a strong reputation for handling single owner collections by telling the story of the collections and presenting them to a global audience through our highly regarded website and social media channels. Auctions such as The George Withers Collection exemplify this approach. George was an avid collector, whose home was literally packed to the rafters with antiques and collectables that he gathered over his lifetime. Over 8,000 bidders from around the world took part in the blockbuster series of auctions throughout the year that attracted press headlines.

Of the many highlights this year we would like to name a few – the top price was achieved in the Fine Asian Art auction on 20 May where a large and rare underglaze blue and copper and red ‘star god and deer’ lantern vase from the Yongzheng/Qianglong period from the Geoge Withers Collection sold for £227,500. From the same auction, a fine gilt bronze figure of Manjushri with Yongle six character mark and probably of the period sold for £221,000. In September, we joined passionate collectors at the Castle Combe Circuit for our inaugural Collector’s Car auction trackside. A 1957 AC Ace Bristol lead the pack reaching a selling price of £246,400. We can help you realise the value of items in your collection. Please be in touch to arrange a no obligation valuation at your home or at Dore & Rees auction salerooms.

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year with private collections of high calibre items consigned for Interiors auctions on 12 February and 12 March. Fine Asian Art auctions in March, May and November will feature exemplary collections of fine Chinese porcelain, Japanese cloisonne and works of art. Our Motoring team continue to grow their partnership auctions, the first of the year is at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show on 23 February. We look forward to seeing you in the auction salerooms.

Large private collection of interesting French & English Antiques ONLY CLOSED

CHRISTMAS DAY

I have a large private collection of French and English antique furniture, antique architectural items, interesting antiquities and objects d’art for home et gardens. I return to Dorset monthly with fresh items from my collection.

Open 7 days, but please check as I may be away delivering. Look forward to your visit!

Come and see the collection at: The Antiques Barn, Unit 7 and 8, Woodrow Dairy, The Common,

NEXT AUCTION 12th February

Home & Garden

It’s winter –and shrub is ready to party!

by Sally Gregson

JUST when the garden is beginning to go to sleep for the winter, or at least so it seems, there is a startlingly beautiful shrub showing off, in full berry – Callicarpa bodlinierei ‘Profusion’ that is shrieking its very purple message.

The berries have been working up to this crescendo all summer and autumn. And now that the leaves are off and the winter weather is here, it’s ready to party. The violet colour is so strong that if the berries were any bigger it would be ‘over the top’.

Callicarpa associates well with other sun-lovers such as evergreen, variegated Pittosporum tenuifolium. The bright, white variegated leaves set off the zinging colour well

and both shrubs thrive in a well-drained soil in sun – or try growing it next to Pseudowintera colorata. Its evergreen, khaki leaves make an unusual contrast to the purple berries.

Callicarpa is relatively easy to propagate. Take softwood cuttings in June or July when the current year’s side shoots are about 10-15cm long. Remove the lower leaves; tip out the cutting to avoid any soft growth that would fade quickly; and dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder. Insert the cuttings around the edge of a short pot filled with a 50:50 mixture of sharp grit and potting compost; label them with the name, number of cuttings taken; and date; and water the pot from above to

settle the soil around them. Put the pots into plastic bags. Blow your CO2 into the bags to keep the sides away from the leaves; and put them somewhere slightly shaded where you can keep an eye on them.

Once they have rooted really well, pot them up individually into 9cm pots of compost with a

little grit and slow-release fertiliser added. They should fill the pots by the end of the summer when they can be transferred to a cold frame or greenhouse for the following winter. In spring, move them into bigger pots and they should be ready to plant out or give to your friends by late summer.

Now can be the kindest time to cut

by Sally Gregson

CERTAIN shrubs and trees seem to ask every gardener to use their secateurs and trim off the dead ends all summer. And it is really wiser to resist acting until the whole plant is dormant. And that dormant time is right now!

Acers tend to die back from the tips of their stems for the slightest reason. Perhaps they have got thirsty or caught a drying wind earlier on, and the plant’s recourse is to reduce its top growth.

So, with a sharp pair of secateurs, cut back the dead tips down to the live wood. It should not bleed or die back any further if the plant has gone into winter dormancy. And while the secateurs are out, check also that the eventual shape is well balanced, with an airy centre,

by cutting out any crossing or in-growing stems. Then give it a mulch of leaf-mould and it will bounce back with renewed vigour in spring.

Birches also can bleed if they are cut back at the wrong time of year. Some of the most beautifully coloured bark is found on named varieties such as Betula albosinensis ‘Pink Champagne’, whose bark takes on the eponymous hue.

If these birches are bought as whips, or very small grafted trees, from a specialist grower, by year three or four in the garden, the lowest side-shoots will need to be trimmed off, close to the young ‘trunk’. Early winter is an excellent time to cut them back, before they grow away and turn your beautiful young tree into a bushy shrub. Even multi-stemmed birches

need their individual uprights ‘tidied up’. They will then push up and mature the following spring.

And while you are trampling the ground around the base of the little birch it would be

useful to squeeze in some scillas and snowdrops up close to the young trunk. They will make more of themselves and the whole display will reward all efforts, each and every spring.

Betula albosinensis ‘Pink Champagne’ has beautifully coloured bark

The berries of Callicarpa bodlinierei are a strong violet colour

Home & Garden

FOR SALE XMAS TREES SIZES None Drop’s. Traditional, Holly, Holly Wreath’s, Mistletoe. Next to Railway Bridge Motcombe. Open 7 day’s a week. From 27th November. Tel 01747-850129.

COLLINS & TODD PRESSURE WASHING, call or message: 07309-657147

KIRBY SENTRIA G10E VACUUM with all accessories. Mint condition vg working order but no longer needed £250 07974 821941 JACKS AFFORDABLE TREE CARE 07387-687037

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 850474

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

RIDE ON MOWER. John Deere. 279 with 48 mulching deck. 17 horse power engine. £1300. 07879-060338. FOR ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING, Driveway, Patios & Fencing etc. Contact Billy 07849-571742

TREES R US Get your garden ready for Autumn. Trees, Hedges, Patios, Turf & Fencing call Peter 07976-667130 WALK BEHIND BRUSHCUTTER AND OPERATOR HIRE, 07432 773151 paul25.06@outlook.com

07450-435993 or 07846-345294

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before

818081

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

TREEWISE

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

Sherborne Fencing Ltd

Tel: 01935 814272

NPTC qualified & fully insured No job too small, Friendly, personal advice and free quotations. Make a wise choice and call David Merefield today on 01747 850906 / 07966 522361 For all your fencing and decking needs

Mobile: 07814246332 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

Kingsmere Surfacing are your Local

Kingsmere Surfacing are a

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Blackmore Vale Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

We

We

Kingsmere Surfacing are a specialist driveway company working within Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset. We can transform the look of your home, by laying a new surface to your driveway, giving a beautiful, eye catching and individual look.

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic contemporary driveways.

We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

Services offered include:

Services offered include:

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We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways and specialise in fully SUDS permeable drainage surfaces.

Services offered include:

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

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We offer a most attractive and versatile choice of surfaces for both classic and contemporary driveways.

• Decorative Resin Bound & Bonded Aggregate

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• Natural Stone Patios & Paths

• Natural Stone Patios & Paths

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• Tarmacadam 25

• Block Paving • Natural Stone Patios & Paths • Tarmacadam

Home & Garden

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.

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

01963 371123 / 07751 278363

FOREVER-GREEN LANDSCAPES. All aspects of garden maintenance & landscaping 01747 825134 / 07885-586716

Home & Garden

GREENHOUSES

Supplied/Erected Alloy TenColours Spares-Repairs-Glass Chris Abrams 01258-452632

WOODLAND CLEARING AND COPPICING, pruning, hedge cutting, Chain-sawing and general garden/estate maintenance. Call David: 07786-658708

PETER PORT UPHOLSTERY A Local Family Run

Business based in Shaftesbury, Offering a wide range of services including foam cut to size and Re-stuffing of feather cushions. 01747-228384 Peterportupholstery@googlemail.com.

GARDENING SERVICES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Lawn mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, Shed Clearances etc. Contact Billy 07849 571742

JAMES AYRES DORSET TREE CARE

Specialist Tree Workers

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

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son) Seed

Potatoes, Bare Root Hedging, IOW Garlic and Onion Sets. Fruit Trees and Ornamental Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Large selection of; stoneware, terracotta and glazed pots, Wild Bird food 20kg £14.50, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Open daily 10am– 3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

Family run Door and Window installations and repairs company with 20 years’ experience We’ll help you fall in love with your home again at an affordable price Call for a free quote on 01747 859 209 / 07429 680 959 or view our gallery at www.lovedoorsandwindows.co.uk

Concreting

All types of plastering, floor screeding & rendering. Wincanton & 20 mile radius. HELPFUL ADVICE & FREE QUOTATIONS CALL NEIL: 07974 185923 or 07811 211586. G.S GENERAL BUILDER. Extensions, renovations, alterations, plastering, brickwork, block-work, stonework and patios, fencing. NO VAT. Call Garry: 07933-921382

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS LTD : 07970 437786 e: swbuildandrenovation@ gmail.com NEIL PIERCY PLASTERING

Call David: 07786-658708

L R MASONRY GENERAL BUILDER, Stone work, Brick work 07971-982565 llewie30roberts@gmail.com • Plant Hire • Groundwork’s

Local Services

CHIMNEYS

CHIMNEY SWEEP Brush & vacuum. APICS registered 01963 370038

STEVE ADAMS CHIMNEY SWEEPING

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

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

B.SNOOK CHIMNEYS.

Problem chimneys, bush vacuum sweep, new bird cowls replaced on pots including New pots. Any distance. Donhead. 01747828904. (5million pounds insurance certificate cover)

MARTIN SIMMONDS CHIMNEY SWEEP Friendly, Reliable, Professional 07368-250305 or 01747 590799

Accredited installers of Wood burning & Multi fuel stoves, Chimney liners, twin wall flues, fireplace conversions, replacement hearths, chimney restoration & rebuilding, dealing with water ingress, cowlings, bird guards. Fully Insured, long term established. 01749 677440 – 07921074602- solidfuel3@aol.com www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk

insuring a quality finish and not waiting for other tradesmen. Established reputable company with excellent reviews and vetted by checkatrade. Relining existing woodburners, all building work undertaken from plastering/rendering/demolition and fireplace alterations even exterior painting or chimney/roof leak fixing.

•

•

•

•

•

CARPENTRY Doors, repairs, general maintenance etc Call Nick on 07887 358570

Setup/Installation, Internet Connection, Upgrades, Computer/Software TuitionCall Gregg on 01963 370713

Joseph Crocker Computers

Custom

lesbenham@yahoo.co.uk /checkatrade M & M PAINTING & DECORATING. 30 years experience. Fully insured, clean & tidy. References available. FREE no obligation quote. Tel: 07534-952486 / 01305-849380

or

01258 458849/ 07788

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Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or builderhaving the right insurance in place is essential. However, the right type of cover is not a “one size fits all” solution. There are a host of protection options available, such as public liability, employer’s liability, tools and equipment, plant & machinery, legal expenses, buildings & contents…the list goes on!

That is where we come in.

Our specialist team are experienced in delivering personal and tailored services to all clients, no matter how large or small their operations are. We simply need a brief discussion to understand your business needs and what you expect from us, and then we can take the rest from there.

Meditations in nature: A return to the wilderness

by Susanna Curtin

CHRISTMAS preparations are all but complete, but I still struggle to find the magic I once felt for this mid-winter festival. With so much to do and buy, the true meaning of Christmas seems lost in the marketing and over-consumption of products and food. I particularly dislike the waste that an average Christmas generates.

So perhaps it is no wonder that I feel glad to be out walking on the coast today, far away from the shops and supermarkets that have marked the last few days. I have just yearned to pause for a while and get lost in the real and familiar wild places that bring me so much joy.

Today, this Jurassic coastline is the epitome of wildness even though civilisation is only beyond the cliffs that loom precariously above me. I nearly have the beach all to myself. Here, as my thoughts run as freely as the waves, I think about what wilderness means and why it is so important to me. In Robert MacFarlane’s book on his journeys to ‘The Wild Places’, he concludes that wilderness is “far more than the lands that grip our imagination” or those “marked as special on any map”. Instead, they are places that are engrained in our hearts by personal experience of them. Nature’s contribution to our wellbeing is often made up of private, unspoken encounters. For me, it is sitting under my favourite beech tree, the secret place I know along the riverbank where the kingfishers perch, the rockpools of my childhood holidays, or the places on Dartmoor that I visit in times of trouble. My feelings of wilderness are also marked by unforgettable moments in time, such as a magnificent sunset over the ocean, the cries of the curlew in the marshlands or the early morning dew

catching the light of the rising sun in my garden. These are the places and moments my thoughts return to when I’m stuck in traffic, or sat in a tedious meeting, or at night when I am unable to sleep. For me, there are many such places and moments that heal and strengthen my spirit, and I hope there are for you, too.

Although the temperature is very mild for this time of year, blue-black storm clouds are gracing the horizon and a deafening, boisterous sea whose waves curl and crash on to the stony shore bringing with them a whole crop of mermaid’s purses – dark brown leathery pouches with horns each end that are designed to grip onto the seaweed. These are the egg sacks of sharks, skates and rays, and holding them up to the light, I can see that they still have their embryos inside. As I walk along the storm lines, there are more and more to behold. Despite my urge to try and save them, my attempts to return them to the sea are futile, as each wave brings them back in. That is, until I gather them in a bag and flush them out in a fast-flowing stream whose current can outwit the surf.

As I watch them enter the

sea, I wish them well. These egg sacks possibly belonged to thornback rays and/or blond rays. They can be difficult to identify, but according to the Shark Trust we have 18 different species that are the most likely to occur offshore. Inside the sacks there are enough nutrients to feed the young embryos, until they are ready to burst out of their temporary shelters and swim off.

The torrential rain has not only engorged the stream, but also the mudstones and clays of the cliffs that have fallen onto the shore bringing down the vegetation that once adorned the clifftops but now add to the windswept atmosphere of the shore. These cliffs are constantly eroding revealing the ammonites and belemnites that

lay hidden within them. Scouring the tidelines for fossils here can be really fruitful, but today I just want to conjure the wonder and enchantment of this place and the life that clings to its fringes, so that I can return home revitalised and reenthused, and ready for the Christmas celebrations and the special times spent with my loved ones. But in between indulging in the food and drink, we will all be donning our walking boots and making for those special wild places to lay down some new memories. Meanwhile, I wish you all a Happy Christmas and I hope you get to do the same. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin.susanna@gmail.com).

The egg sacks on the beach

The Jurassic coastline is the epitome of wildness on a winter’s day

Health & Wellbeing

Top tips for a calm Christmas

by Emma Holmes

THE temperature is dropping and the coats are coming out. The shops have been fully stocking their Christmas goods for quite a while now.

Christmas is around the corner. Some people love Christmas and thrive in the bustle and hustle of parties, visitors and celebrations. Others can find it a challenge, maybe even overwhelming. Christmas can also be a very difficult time for people who are reminded of a loss or who are feeling alone. Whatever your feelings around Christmas, maybe you could do with some moments of calm over this time.

Here are a few Christmas calm tips.

1 Take five for yourself

SET aside five minutes each day for mindfulness. You could try a quick breathing exercise – breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four, and

breathe out for four and repeat. This mini-pause is surprisingly refreshing and helps to centre your thoughts. You can do it in the car, in a quiet corner or even in the middle of gift wrapping!

2 Get outside

A WALK in the cold may not be tempting but a short stroll can help you to connect with yourself and decompress. As you walk, you could pay attention to your body, notice how you move, is there any tension in your muscles? Listen to sounds around you and notice changes in the environment. If a walk isn’t for you, how about a sea dip, a cycle or even a skate?

3 Say ‘no’

SOMETIMES there can be a lot of pressure to say ‘yes’ to friends and family requests. It can take a toll on you and leave you feeling drained and even resentful. Check in with yourself, how much have you been doing and how

Feeling sad or lost? Then try Bach Flowers

by Fiona Chapman

THIS time of year can be extremely hard for many people, particularly those who have lost someone they love, even worse if it was close to Christmas. The nights draw in, there is less sun around, the daylight hours are short, and the holiday season is a time for family and loved ones, all of which make it difficult to be positive and strong.

They say time heals. It will never actually heal the wound that losing someone makes or stop the ag-onising, gut wrenching pain that can take you by surprise, but time does

manageable is it? Can you say ‘no’ to some things? By doing this you can lighten your load and free up some time for yourself.

4 Add in relaxation to a routine

TRY a new morning or evening routine. Add in some calm either at the start or the end of your day. You could light a candle and spend five minutes in peace, or write in a journal, add in some gentle body stretches or massage your feet and hands with your favourite scented lotion.

teach you how to deal with it and how to distract yourself.

Everyone processes grief differently, some people want to talk, some are silent – in the UK we are sadly rather restricted in being British and keeping a lid on our emotions, to the ‘stiff upper lip’. I think sometimes if we could wail and beat our breasts it might do us all a lot more good.

I use Bach Flowers for grief, which includes Star of Bethlehem – aptly named for this time of year. Edward Bach said: “For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great un-

happiness. The shock of serious news, the loss of someone dear, the fright of an accident…For those who refuse to be consoled, this remedy brings comfort”.

If anyone who has taken rescue remedy, this is one of the main ingredients and it is used for those who are numb or mentally paralysed.

Another lovely remedy is Sweet Chestnut, for inconsolable desolation when “anguish is so great as to seem unbearable.”

Mustard – flower – is for

Will you give any of these a go? Whatever you decide to do, I hope you find some calm over this time.

n Emma Holmes is a counsellor at Calm Seas Therapy and is based in Poole. She works online and in person –elholmes.counselling@gmail. com, phone 07442 662287. She is also co-founder of Dorset Employee Wellness Support (DEWS) which supports businesses by providing counselling and wellness services – for more information email DorsetEWS@proton.me.

those for whom gloom descends and there is no joy to life anymore and they cannot hide this feeling.

These remedies can all be bought at a good health food shop and two drops can be put under the tongue three or four times a day or in water and then drunk throughout the day.

It is amazing how they can work – you just find yourself feeling a bit better, more positive or calmer. Take them long term and they can gently bring out old trauma which is sometimes lodged in your body as a physical illness or pain. We do all need to remember that what affects our minds, also affects our body.

So, for anyone feeling sad or lost, you have my deepest sympathy and give the Bach Flowers a go.

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com).

Fiona Chapman uses Bach Flowers to help cope with grief

Pop the headphones on and ‘take five’ for yourself

Sport Extra

Pitman’s goals not enough

Pitching In Southern League South

Bideford AFC 3

Shaftesbury 2 by Avril Lancaster

TWO goals from Brett Pitman very nearly enabled Shaftesbury to salvage something from this game after Bideford took an early lead when Alex Byrne headed in William Tucker’s cross into the box.

Bideford keeper Michael Searle denied Toby Bailey with a brilliant save in the first half.

Jordan Ewing made it 2-0 after Bideford hit the bar and recycled the play, with Scott Robinson making it 3-0 after the break.

Pitman now has five in total and nearly levelled the game with Nathan Rogers, Bailey and Remus Nixon all pressing the home defence late on.

FOOTBALL

The Rockies very nearly returned from Devon with a result after being out of the match.

GOLF

Seniors Monthly Stableford – November 19: 1

Mike Case nett 72; 2 Simon Lenton nett 74; 3 Steven Ireland nett 75.

Seniors Monthly Stableford – November 26: 1

Richard Strong 36; 2 Colin Jacobs 34; 3 Phil Francis 32 ocb; 4 Rick Graham 32.

Seniors Turkey Trot – November 29: 1 Colin Jacobs 18; 2 Brian White 17; 3 Phil Francis 16 ocb; 4 Kevin Francis 16.

Shaftesbury 0

Yate Town 4

LEADERS Yate Town got back on track with a convincing win in north Dorset.

James Byrne turned in Louis Tomlinson’s cross in the first minute with the ‘Rockies’ not even touching the ball.

Byrne turned in the second and then swept in his third of the night.

Yate Town substitute William Christopher scored the final goal four minutes from time to give the visitors a deserved victory as the Bluebells look to return to Pitching In Premier (South).

For the Rockies, the performance of substitute Malachi Dotse, on loan from Eastleigh, was probably the only highlight in a game that saw six bookings.

December 3: 1 Phil

Seniors Back 9 Stableford – December 3: 1 John Wolstenholme 15; 2 Jon Reed 13; 3 David Hallett 12.

Seniors Winter Scramble – December 10:

Winners: Mike Case/Steven Ireland/Colin Jacobs – 21 points

Monthly Stableford – December 14: 1 Nigel Orr 33; 2 Jim Phillips 32; 3 Tristan Sams 31 ocb; 4 Rick Graham 31.

SHARK PRO STEAM MOP. Model S390/UKJR. Complete with all tools. £45 Tel: 07712-839886

40 INCH COLOUR TELEVISION in good condition £50 ono Tel no Yeovil 01935 706998

MASSIVE COLLECTION unused Eternal Beau crockery needs a good home £50 the lot. Wincanton 07796-987281

2 SINDY DOLLS, Plus many lovely outfits. Ball gowns, dresses, skirts, jackets, shoes, boots and accessories. Good condition. £15 01258 820864

2 CARVER DINING CHAIRS with mottled beige/cream cushioned seats. VGC. £20.00. Sherborne. Tel: 01935-389206

REEBOK ZR8 CROSS TRAINER, excellent condition, little used, £50. 01747 812188

PREMIER EQUINE 450g turnout rug with removable neck cover. 6ft.6” Clean. Vgc. £40 Tel. 07543-679877 Blandford area

SILVINE CHILDREN’S DRAWING PADS A4 size 20 sheets Pack of 12 £5. Tel 07841-656008

DONNAY INTERNATIONAL ALUMINIUM GOLF TROLLEY VG condition £45 ono. 11 Piece Golf Set Plus bag £50 0NO. Tel 01458 840556

FIVE INSULATION SHEETS, 8ft X 4ft X half inch. £45.00 Tel: 01747-840835

TOWNSEND 10 GEAR GENTS

BIKE with exercise stand v.g.c. £25 Tel 01747 826945

REAL NICE CHRISTMAS TREE, £36, Gillingham, 01747-824240

8 HIGH BACK DINING ROOM CHAIRS £20 each. Tel: 07588-053555.

JUDGE SANDWICH/GRILL/ WAFFLE Maker - Used Twice Only - £15. 01258-821394

SKI BOOTS, Gents size 7, SALAMON good condition £40, Tel. 07534-524337

BELDRAY ELECTRIC CLOTHES DRYER WITH COVER, (purchased separately). Used twice. Immaculate condition. Pet & smoke free home. £50. 07874 266213 Blandford

8 CASES OF PUB GLASSES different sizes. £12 buyer collects, 07743-731685

GRANDPARENTS SELLING TWO CHILDREN’S CAR SEATS. Hardly used and in good condition for £20 each. Ring Yeovil 01935 422587

MENS TWEED, CHECKED JACKET, Bladen, and Magee, 42 inch chest, hardly if ever worn £50 tel no 07818-345464

MOSES BASKET - Tommy Tippee. Grey. In as new condition. Location: STREET 01458 44 32 64 (Answerphone for message) £45

SMALL HYDRAULIC TREADMILL. GOOD AS NEW. WITH MANUAL.£40.00. 0198334688

RISE & RECLINE CHAIR (green fabric) used but in good working order Buyer collects £20 Shaftesbury 01747-850546

2 BIKES FOR SALE, 1 ladies 1 gents. Excellent value £20 for both Dinton Area (Nr Tisbury) 07836 329441

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

WALNUT TABLE SEATS 6-8. £450. Tel: 07588-053555.

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

SHOP RIDER 8mph, new batteries, reconditioned motor. 01305-459379. £375 ONO.

GROSVENOR MOBILITY RISE & Recline Chair for disabled. Less than half price £1300. Only used 8 months. 01963 34432

WINCANTON Golf Club results

Seniors Monthly Stableford –

Francis 34; 2 Simon Lenton 33; 3 Chris Mieville 32.

FREE DELIVERY

Use code*: FREEDEL

New 5 mile radius from the shop, convering: Blandford, Child Okeford, Charlton Marshall, The Tarrants and more.

Delivery Hours:

Monday - Saturday from 4.30pm

Order online at: www.longjohnsfishandchips.co.uk

54 East Street, Blandford, DT11 7DR

*Single use only. Valid until 31st March 2025.

Simple but stylish starter

SCALLOPS wrapped in pancetta, with a pea, mint and creme fraiche puree, is a delicious, even decadent starter or canapé – using the puree as a dip.

It’s easy and can be ready in 10 minutes.

You will need:

12 large scallops

12 rashers of pancetta – or thin streaky rindless bacon

150g petit pois – or peas

150 ml creme fraiche

Leafy sprig of mint

Maldon salt

Cracked black pepper

Pea shoots for garnish

As a starter – two each if large – for six people

You can do the following two steps in advance until you’re ready to eat them.

1 Cook the peas with a sprig of mint in salted water and then drain them.

Remove the sprig and add a couple of uncooked mint leaves and a large dollop of creme fraiche.

With a hand blender or food processor puree the ingredients. Set aside or put covered in the fridge until needed.

2 Take a rasher of pancetta and roll it tightly around the scallop, repeat until they are all rolled. Sometimes I put a sage leaf between the scallop and pancetta for a lovely flavour.

Put in the fridge until needed or continue.

3 Take a large non-stick frying pan and bring it up to temperature so that the pancetta sizzles when the scallops are put onto the base. Cook the first side for a minute or until golden – don’t touch them or prod them, just let them go golden,

then gently turn them over and cook the other side.

Reheat the puree, or, using warm puree, spoon two spoonsful onto each warmed plate. Place the scallops on the puree and season with a pinch of black cracked pepper, as this

lifts them, and garnish with pea shoots.

n Annie des Forges, Director/ Chef, The Table Bruton; www. thetablebruton.com; 07834

487381. Annie Austin, Director/ Host & Concierge, Somerset Roadtrip.

Durweston DT11 0QW

Now taking Christmas meat orders!

Free range turkeys, beef, pork, lamb, game, hams and more.

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

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

Chicken feeds etc available.

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm.

450050

Time to get together

Here’s details of our opening hours through the Christmas holidays - pop along and visit us for a beautiful country Christmas with the warmest hospitality!

Monday 23rd December - Closed

Christmas Eve - Open lunch & dinner

Christmas Day - Open lunch

Boxing Day - Closed

Friday 27th December - Open lunch & dinner

Saturday 28th December - Open lunch & dinner

Sunday 29th December - Open lunch

Monday 30th December - Open dinner only

New Year’s Eve - Open lunch only

New Year’s Day - Closed

Thursday 2nd January - Closed

Friday 3rd January - Open lunch & dinner

It’s

‘Ready, Set, Go’ as The Clockspire ushers in a New Year of flavour

Somerset, December 242 AA Rosette restaurant

The Clockspire will launch its highly anticipated set menu on Wednesday 8th January, thoughtfully priced for the beginning of the new year.

Guests can choose 2 fresh, seasonal courses for £25 or 3 courses for £30. Among the choices created by Head Chef Luke Bryant – a tempting cod croquette with thai green sauce to start, comforting slow-cooked beef cheek with glazed parsnip and Roscoff onion for main, and an indulgent handmade sourdough treacle tart with blood orange crisp for dessert. The Clockspire’s set menu will be served Wednesday to Friday at lunch, and Wednesday and Thursday at dinner throughout January.

January will also see the return of The Clockspire’s popular music evenings. On Friday, 17th January, resident DJ Sono brings chilled Ibiza classics to the mezzanine cocktail bar, and Simply Jazz will round off the month with some smooth jazz sounds in the restaurant on Thursday, 30th January.

Book online at www.theclockspire.com.

We love Sundays

Don’t forget - a superb Sunday roast is always on the menu at The Clockspire.

Ready, ‘Set’, Go!

And, when it’s all over, join us in January as we usher in a new year of flavour. Our brand new set menu launches on Wednesday 8th January to start the new year in style.

2 courses £25.00 3 courses £30.00

Motoring

ON ALL VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES INCLUDING HORSEBOXES AND MOTORHOMES

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

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

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

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Diagnostics

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

FREELANDER 2, Commercial, 08reg, £1,200. Tel: 07879-060338

VW PASSAT ESTATE, 2007, 145k, 1.9 diesel. FSH, MOT till 3/25. Clean car. £1150. 07754-050161

DACIA DUSTER 14 plate, 1.5 Td ,4wd , tow bar, 10002 miles, FSH , £3250. 07941-928598.

TRANSIT T350, 2011, Semi-high, 90k, MOT 7/3/25, needs some attention, £2,750 ono. Tel: 07974-050510

Bodyshop also available.

Air conditioning Valets

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

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Diagnostics Air conditioning Valets

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

tesy

Concessions ed Forces a es

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

15B Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road

Blandford DT11 8ST Tel: 01258 459798

Email info@sunriseservicecentre.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

Email sunriseservicecentre@hotmail.com www.sunriseserviceandmotcentre.com

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

BRIDGE MOTORS

Wincanton Ltd. Silver Street | Wincanton | 01963 33313 www.bridgemotorswincanton.co.uk

CAR OF THE WEEK

2017 (17) Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 HSE , Silver, Manual, 62,000 miles, Pan roof, Full Leather, Sat Nav.................................................. £13495

2020 (69) Seat Leon 1.5 TSi EVO FR Automatic, White, 44,000 Miles, Sat Nav, Cruise Control, Parking Sensors ................................................. £12995

2018 (68) Skoda Citigo GreenTech, 1.0 Mpi SE, 5Dr,Blue, 1 Owner, ......... £6595

2017 (66) VW Beetle 1.2 TSi Bluemotion Design, £4600 worth of option when new, Metallic grey with full Vienna leather, Panoramic Sunroof, 2 owners.................................................................................................... £8995

2017 (66) Toyota Auris 1.8 VHT-h Business Edition, Touring Sports CVT Hybrid Auto, 76,000 miles, Rear Camera, Cruise Control, Sat Nav.......................................................................................... £9995

2016 (65) Audi A1 TFSI SE 1.0 Sportback, 5Dr, Red, 45,000 miles, Zero Road Tax ............................................................................................ £9395

2016 (16) Audi A1 TFSI 1.4 S Line Sportback, 5Dr Grey, 58,000 miles, £35 Road Tax, Sat Nav, Half Leather ....................................................... £10195

2015 (15) VW Golf 2.0 TDi SE Cabriolet, Black, Air Con and alloys .......... £5295

2015 (15) Mercedes Benz C Class, 2.1 C220 Cdi Bluetech Sport G Tronic, Grey, 55,000 miles, Full Leather, Sat Nav................................... £10995

2015 (64) Seat Ibiza 1.4 TSI Cupra Sport Coupe DSG, Red, Gearbox oil service, 61,000 miles ...................................................................... £7295

2014 (64) Hyundai IX20 Active, White, Alloys, Air Con, Service History.................................................................................................... £4495

2013 (63) Audi Q3 SE TDi Quattro Auto, Silver, 48,000 miles, Full leather, Sunroof, Sat Nav, 2 owners ................................................................. £10495

2013 (63) VW Beetle 2.0 TDi Design, Alloys, 98,000 Miles ................ £5295

2015 (64) VW Golf 1.4TSi SE SV, 1 owner, 64,000 miles ....... Arriving soon

2012 (62) Mini Cooper, £6700 worth of options including John Cooper Works Sport Pack, Green with white roof and bonnet stripes, Chilli Pack, Full leather heated seats, Xenon Headlights, Media Pack £4995

2014 (14) Ford Fiesta Style Econetic 1.6 TDCI, Black, Above average miles, Cambelt done .......................................................................................... £3295 2011(11) Ford Focus Titanium 1.6 TDCi, New shape, High Mileage, Clean car with service history To clear .............................................. £2195

hard shoulder

A SURVEY of the public by Regtransfers has revealed that one in five British drivers risk a fine and points on their licence for stopping on the hard shoulder to rest while driving.

What is more, a further one in 10 respondents said they would stop on the hard shoulder if their child needed the toilet.

According to the Highway Code, it is illegal to stop on the hard shoulder unless it is an emergency, or if the driver is told to do so by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign or red flashing lights.

medical emergency, mechanical breakdown or if items transported on their car or in a trailer have come loose.

In contrast, it should not be used for bathroom breaks, to take a nap when the driver is tired or to stop and make or receive a phone call.

Stopping on the hard shoulder for reasons such as these could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on the driver’s licence.

The hard shoulder can be used if drivers have a puncture,

In the event of feeling tired while driving, the best thing to do is to find a safe place away from the motorway to stop and rest.

2021 (71) Dacia Sandero Stepway 1.0TCe Comfort 5dr. New shape model, 90bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, sign recognition, hill hold, 50mpg economy, 25,300 miles...................................................................................................£10950

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles..........£7450

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles.........…£21500 + VAT = £25800

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles ...........................£19500 + VAT = £23400

2014 (64) Kia Venga 3, 1.6 Automatic (Sat Nav) 5dr. 123bhp, petrol, 4 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, parking sensors, reverse camera, electric sunroof, partial leather, heated seats, cruise control, sign recognition, hill hold, high seating, decent boot, 38,800 miles............................................................................................£7850

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles..............................................£8450

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ..........................................................................................................£4250

diesel, 5 speed manual gearbox, high seating, Free road tax, upto 78mpg, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill hold, cambelt kit replaced, 48,500 miles ...............................................................................................................£7650

2019 (68) Skoda Fabia 1.0TSi SE Automatic 5dr. 109bhp, petrol, 7 speed automatic gearbox, only 12,500 miles, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, 1 owner & only 12,500 miles ............................................................................£11750

2017 (17) Vauxhall Astra

2016 (66) Renault Captur 1.5DCi Dynamique S Nav SUV 5dr. 90bhp,

Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust is pleased to have supported many local cancer patients and cancer organisations, in 2024, thanks to the incredible support and generosity of its supporters and donors who help to organise events and raise funds throughout the year.

£5,000 - Fortuneswell Unit

“As a volunteer-run organisation, we ensure that donations like this go directly to supporting patient care.” Said Marjorie Brewer, Joint Honorary Secretary at Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

£5,000 - Weldmar Hospice

Donated to help fund the use of a revolutionary new IT system that will allow Weldmar’s doctors to prescribe medicines at the Inpatient Unit or remotely.

£8,750 - Mosaic

“This funding will help us to continue our essential support in Dorset for children, young people and their families.” Wayne Butcher, Head of Funding at Mosaic.

£5,000 - Dorset County Hospital

Simon Pearson, Head of Charity said, “Our heartfelt thanks to all at Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust for their extraordinary support towards our cancer services. This wonderful donation takes the total they have donated in support of Dorset County Hospital to over £200,000!”

“2024 has been an incredible year of community support that has allowed us to make significant donations to local cancer patients and vital local cancer services. Thanks to our amazing supporters, we’ve been able to fund everything from specialist medical equipment to complementary therapies, family support services, and innovative healthcare technology.

Every fundraiser, from our local sports clubs to individual supporters taking on personal challenges, has helped make a real difference to cancer patients across Dorset.” Annette Drake, Trust co-founder.

HUGE THANKS to everyone who has raised funds for us in 2024, including:NFU Mutual North Dorset, Puddletown RFC, Dorchester Town FC Lottery Stags, Tash & Becky, Rally Girls Peaky Challenge, and so many more.

ESTABLISHED

Near Shaftesbury to rent/joint venture.

PUBLIC NOTICE

KILMINGTON PARISH

COUNCIL is tendering for a contractor to cut their Playing Field grass from 01.04.2025 for three years. Please contact parishclerk@ kilmingtonwiltshire.org for full details

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

THELMA GREEN

wishes all her family, friends and neighbours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Joan Hussey would like to wish family and friends a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. With Love.

IN MEMORIAM

LANGDON VERONICA HELEN

Died 23 December 2014. It’s been ten long years, since you so suddenly left me Veronica, but I still remember that day as if it were yesterday. My loss is Heaven’s gain, I miss you still, Your Loving Husband, Richard xxx

Remembering my wife. Christine Hutchings

Born 1 January 1952 – Died 10 January 2024 40 years happily married. Miss her very much. Always in my thoughts. Love Tony and Family xx

Suzanne Norton

27th December 2019 – aged 61 years

Chiropractor & Equestrian sweet remembrance both sad and true

Just my love and sweet devotion of the hubby who always thinks of you

Forever in my thoughts my darling Mack

THANK YOU

Margaret Kellow

The family of Margaret would like to thank everyone for your messages of condolence and for attending her funeral service.

CAVE

Trevor

Jean, Mark and Karen would like to thank everyone who attended Trevor’s funeral and for cards and letters of condolence and support. We also thank all those who donated to Cancer Research UK. c/o Mr. Harold F. Miles, funeral director, South Cadbury BA22 7ES.

MR. HAROLD FRANK MILES.

Pam, Colin, Jane, Andrew and Nicholas wish to thank everyone for their support and kindness at this sad time. Our grateful thanks also for all your kind donations in memory of Harold which were invited for St. Thomas a Becket Church, South Cadbury which amounted to £1350-00p Thank you.

DEATHS

TUKE, Dr. John

died peacefully in Trinity Manor Care Home on 10th December 2024 aged 85, after a long struggle with dementia. He will be greatly missed by his wife and large family. Funeral private but a service celebrating his life will be held at 1pm on Wednesday 15th January at St. Andrew’s Church, Leigh. Grateful thanks to all his carers. All enquiries to Brister & Son, Funeral Directors. 01935 812647

On 1st December 2024, peacefully after a long illness in Dorset County Hospital aged 75 years. Of Iwerne Minster. A much loved husband to Wendy. He will be greatly missed by all family and friends. Funeral service takes place at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 23rd December at 11.20am. Flowers welcome or donations for Friends of Dorset County Hospital 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.

Wendy and family wish to pass on their grateful thanks to all of the staff who cared for David at Dorset County Hospital over recent times.

DAVID GEORGE DOBIE

Announcements

DEATHS

Sheila Mossé

Formerly of Stalbridge and Sturminster Newton, passed away peacefully on Saturday 7 December aged 100, in the loving care of Nazareth Lodge Care Home. Beloved wife of the late Peter Mossé, adored mother to Jennifer and Carol, grandmother to Lucy, Nicholas and Camilla and 7 great grandchildren. Private cremation with a celebration of Sheila’s life to be held in 2025.

WHITE

Kenneth William (Ken)

Aged 85 years of Wincanton. Formerly of Charlton Horethorne & Castle Cary. On 5th December 2024, peacefully at West Mendip Hospital, Glastonbury. A much loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Funeral Service at St Andrew’s Church, Ansford. On Monday 30th December at 12 noon. Followed by interment in the churchyard. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ken are being invited for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. C/o Harold F Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Tel 01963-440367

HUTCHINGS

Leslie John

Passed away peacefully on 4th December 2024, aged 91 years. Much loved Husband of the late Dorothy Mary Hutchings, Loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Funeral service will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Monday 23rd December at 2pm. Family flowers only, donations in memory of Les for R.N.L.I may be sent c/o AJ Wakely & Sons, 33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4BT. Tel: 01935-479913

(please make cheques payable to the charity)

Marion Betty Eves (of Wincanton)

Passed away on 4th December 2024, aged 96. Wife of the late Charles Issac Eves (‘Ike’). She will be dearly missed by her daughter Pat, son-in-law Ray, granddaughter Emma & grandson Peter (in Australia). Funeral service on Monday 23rd December 2024, 12 noon at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Wincanton. Donations in memory of Marion for The Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital may be sent c/o A. J. Wakely & Sons, The Old Police Station, Carrington Way, Wincanton, BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310. Please make cheques payable to the charity.

JEAN WHITELOCK

Passed Away Peacefully on Saturday 30th November 2024, aged 97 years. Much loved Wife to the late Bill, Mum to Martin and Paul and loving Grandmother. Jeans funeral service will be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 2nd January 2025 at 10:40 AM. Family flowers only donations if desired to ‘Friends of Wincanton Hospital’. All donations and enquiries to A J Wakely & Sons Funeral Directors, The Old Police Station, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JS. Tel: 01963 31310.

WILSON

Geoffrey William - ‘Geoff’

Suddenly on 15th November 2024 at his home in France, aged 78 years, of Templecombe.

Beloved Partner, much loved Brother, Uncle and Great-Uncle. A dear friend, known and loved by so many. Funeral service will take place at The Pageant Barn, East Street, Templecombe, BA8 0JX. What3Words: behalf.mailer.secures on Friday, 10th January 2025 at 11.00am, followed by private interment. No flowers please.

Donations if desired, in memory of Geoff for Commonwealth War Graves Foundation can be made online at peterjacksonfuneralservices.co.uk or cheques made payable to the charity may be sent: C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, BA8 0PP. Tel: 01963 362570

SAM BRINE

Passed away peacefully on 4th December, aged 90. Much loved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Funeral Service at St Mary’s Church, East Knoyle, 9th January at 10am.

No flowers please. Donations to Parkinsons UK, or The Injured Jockey Funds. C/o LC Hill & Sons, Mere

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael ‘Mike’ Loader of Bishops Caundle, who passed peacefully at home on the 12th December. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend to many. Funeral to be arrange, please contact the family for details.

Doris Chard

Died peacefully on Monday 2nd December, aged 88 years. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends Her funeral will be held on Thursday 9th January 2025 at Salisbury Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, the family have requested Donations for Todber Church in Doris’s memory. and at Doris’s request no black to be worn. Enquiries to: Bracher Brothers Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham, SP8 4QL, Tel: 01747 898267

DESMOND RAISON

Peacefully on 28th November 2024. Desie aged 73 years of Henstridge. Much loved Husband, Dad, Brother and Uncle. Funeral Service at St Nicholas Church Henstridge on Tuesday 7th January 2025 at 1pm. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for St. Margarets Hospice. C/o Peter Jackson Funeral Services, The Old Reading Room, Shaftesbury Road, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0PP

Roma Whitney (nee Hodgson)

Peacefully passed away on 6th December 2024, aged 92. Beloved wife of the late John Whitney, cherished mother of Alexander and Fiona, and a much-loved grandmother and great-grandmother. Her funeral service will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Thursday, 9th January 2025 at 1:00 pm. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Donations, if desired, may be made to The English National Ballet in her memory. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered

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01935 813479 •

01747 822494

J Wakely& Sons Independent Family Funeral

J Wakely Independent Family Funeral Directors

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Choice of Hearses available including

24 Hour Service –Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817

plans available Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310 – 24 Hour Service –

Sherborne Tel: 01935 Wincanton Tel: 01963 – 24 Hour Service

or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance. Pre-payment plans available Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

plans available Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Pre-payment plans

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance. Pre-payment plans available

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated

Please contact Richard Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

Sherborne Tel: 01935 816817 Wincanton Tel: 01963 31310

Port Regis is a delightful preparatory school, for day and boarding children aged 2-13, in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

We are seeking to recruit to the following roles:

CLERK TO GOVERNORS FINANCE GOVERNOR

HEAD

OF GYMNASTICS

KITCHEN PORTER

SWIMMING

TEACHER

Applications are invited from candidates who are forward-thinking and big-hearted, who model great drive and enthusiasm. The successful candidates can expect competitive rates of pay and benefits; and to join an exceptional working environment and staff team.

The role of Finance Governor is an unpaid position on the non-executive Board of Governors. The successful candidate would be joining an already strong team of Governors within the School’s Finance Committee and be required to attend two Governor meetings per term (Finance and the full Governing Body).

For full details of the roles and application procedure, please visit our website - portregis.com/vacancies

Early applications encouraged

Port Regis (Charity No: 306218) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment vetting checks.

Luxury residential care

Maintenance Technician

20hrs per week, £15 per hour

We are seeking a part time Maintenance Technician to join our team at The Old Rectory. The hours are flexible, but you would be expected to be available on site for 4hrs per day Monday to Friday.

You must be self motivated, be able to work on initiative and as part of a team.

Duties would include internal and external painting and decorating, grounds and facilities maintenance and on call duties.

Please call us on 01747 855844 or email sarah@bramleycare.com to request an application form.

info@bramleycare.com | bramleycare.co.uk Shaftesbury 01747 855844 Sherborne 01935 677655

Bramley House, Mere | Millbrook House, Child Okeford The Old Rectory, Stalbridge Bramley Home Care, Shaftesbury and Sherborne

Luxury residential care

Registered Care Manager

We are looking for an experienced Registered Care Manager to lead our team at Millbrook House in Child Okeford in the provision of the highest quality care to our clients. This truly exceptional home offers excellent quality residential and dementia care in a tastefully converted Georgian residence set in two acres of stunning gardens. Accommodation can be provided for those seeking relocation opportunities.

The main duties of the Care Manager will be:

• Day to day management of the home

• Communication with internal and external customers

• Staff and rota management

• Record keeping and monitoring

• Training needs and analysis management

• Payroll preparation

• Out of hours support

The successful applicant will have:

• NVQ5 Leadership and Management in Social Care

• Experience in a similar position

• Resilience and the ability to handle challenging situations.

• Excellent knowledge of the needs of older people in care

• A proven ability to lead and motivate members of a team

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal

• Excellent IT skills

• Thorough knowledge of the current CQC’s requirements

• Financial acumen and budget management experience.

• A commitment to providing highquality care.

Deputy Managers will be considered for this role

If this is a role that sounds of interest to you and you have the experience and skills required, along with wanting to join a family owned company and be part of a team that continuously strives to make a difference to our residents lives, then please get in touch.

Stalbridge Bramley Home Care, Shaftesbury and Sherborne

Recruitment

Pubs body hits at NICs change

PUBS in the south west employ tens of thousands of young people, but the recent Budget means many may have to make difficult decisions to save jobs, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warns.

Across the UK, pubs employ more young people than ever before, with more than half (51%) of the overall pub sector’s workforce aged 16 to 24, figures from 2024 Oxford Economics research reveal.

The data, commissioned by the BBPA, shows that pubs across the UK employ 350,000 under 25-year-olds, up from

281,770 in 2019 – a dramatic increase of nearly a quarter (24%). This equates to one in 10 of all under 25s in work.

Prior to the Budget, nationwide, the National Insurance Contributions for 350,000 under 25-year-olds was about £82 million.

With the new NICs announced in the Budget, it will now cost £153m to maintain the same number of under 25-yearold workers.

The sector, which is millions of people’s first step on the career ladder, provides significant employment opportunities for young people

WAREHOUSE FULFILLMENT at NIWAKI HQ in SEMLEY – full-time active position, opportunities to develop, £2124K plus benefits. We are looking for a team player, with good attention to detail, positive, helpful, tidy and a good communicator. To apply, email careers@niwaki.com and tell us more about your prior experience.

PART TIME ACCOUNTANT REQUIRED FOR MB CROCKER LTD

Negotiable/flexible hours for end of month protocols Office Based in Marnhull. Xero software experience preferable. Please email cv to mail@mbcrocker.co.uk.uk Or call Paul for an informal chat on 07967-388895

SEN Learning Support Assistant –Shaftesbury

(35 hrs per week, term time only, actual salary £22,169 to £24,005 per annum)

We would like to hear from you if you have a passion for supporting pupils with SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) difficulties and those with a range of neurodiverse conditions including autism. Ideally you will have experience of working as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant with children who have additional complex needs. We will consider Teaching Assistants from mainstream schools looking to further their career within Special Education and those with a passion for helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning.

Our staff benefits include Enhanced Pension Scheme (10% employer’s contribution), use of gym and pool (set times), Death in Service and Healthcare Plan. Call 01747 449 858 to request a full job description and application form or visit our website to apply online: https://coombehouseschool.org.uk/about/ recruitment/

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 7th January 2025. (We may commence interviews prior to the closing date, so please don’t delay in making an application.)

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.

and those seeking flexible work, the BBPA said.

However, given the Budget’s rise in National Insurance Contributions and increased wage costs, pubs may have to make tough decisions so they can afford to keep staff.

This could mean halting recruitment or pushing up prices.

The BBPA is calling on Government to reconsider the timing of the new employment costs so businesses can better plan and carry on employing staff they need, rather than staff they can afford.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “We know Government acknowledged our industry, but they must be clear-eyed about the shattering effect new regulations will have on us.

FULL TIME GARDENER

required for an established business. To apply please send your cv to info@ floramourgardeners.com

CLEANER REQUIRED, Blandford Town Centre, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, after 8pm. Key position. £13p/h. 2-hours each visit. Tel: 07415-178688

“Many will have worked behind a bar and know that it’s more than just a job.

“Our industry provides rewarding careers, helps younger people build skills, grow in confidence and fund university education or driving lessons.

“Without this vital work many would struggle with rents, bills and basic living.

“If we’re to keep people in work and put money in their pockets, business needs to be viable.

“We urge the Government to reconsider the timings of the new employment costs and swiftly deliver meaningful business rate reforms.

“Only then can we continue to be the backbone of the UK job market and a cornerstone of the community.”

KITCHEN STAFF REQUIRED SOCIABLE HOURS ONLY

The Elms, Sherborne are seeking a reliable committed person with kitchen experience to assist our head chef.

For more info office@ theelmssherborne.com or 07908 504180

EGG PACKERS WANTED. 7:30am until 2pm daily. Call Paul on 07967388895. Landshire Lane, Hendstridge.

PART TIME ESTATE WORKER REQUIRED. House available.

Ideal for semi-retired couple / individual. Beaminster, Dorset. Call Charlie on 07966-642626 for further details

JOB TITLE: ESTATE AND COMMUNITY OFFICER (PT)

Location: Bere Marsh Farm

Hours: 24 hours per week

Salary: £18 - 21k pro rata, depending on experience

Closing Date: 08/01/2025

Please see our website for more details and how to apply: http://www.thecrt.co.uk

Puppies are not just for Christmas!

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

WE accidentally acquired a new puppy a few weeks ago. We weren’t really in the market for a puppy, but Arnie is particularly cute and I’m always a sucker for a sad story. He was dumped in a box in the woods and a new home was needed. He was very small and pot-bellied with diarrhoea and probably very recently weaned. We started him off on a good wormer and an easily digested diet six times a day and his tummy started to improve. Despite his diarrhoea, his appetite was voracious and food times were the highlight of his day. Days revolved around his needs and I spent a lot of time standing out in the cold and the rain waiting for him to perform.

I’ve never had a puppy before. We’ve had seven dogs over the years and they’ve always been someone else’s cast offs. Our current other two dogs are a stray from Poole who is around 13 years old and a JRTx who was brought in to be euthanised for behavioural problems at two years old. The

KITTENS FREE to a good home. Tel: 01747-828736

COATED, short legged jack russells. 2 Tri colour, 2 tan & white. Tel: 07854-832604

BEDDING IN

Lynn Broom has given Arnie a home after he was abandoned in woods

old dog prefers not to be in the company of the puppy but we can manage that. The young one went through stages of terror, then aggression, to playing with the new puppy quite happily. She still has some resource guarding issues around him, but they are improving daily.

He was easily distracted for his microchip and first vaccine and barely noticed either. His next vaccine is due in one week and, after that, we can start taking him for proper walks. In the meantime, we have been safely positively socialising him

to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

by entertaining customers at a dog-friendly cafe and taking him on walks – carried – to see and hear traffic and other sights. Training has started in the garden. He will now sit and come when called, and he will walk confidently on the lead. Both my other dogs have anxiety issues, so I am making the most of any positive socialisation opportunities, including contact with friendly vaccinated dogs in a controlled environment to ensure his brain develops properly and he is prepared for all the experiences he will encounter in the future.

Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB 01935 812107

His window of being open to new experiences closes soon and his brain is then permanently hard-wired, so the more he can learn now, the better prepared he will be for the future. It is also important that the experiences are positive, otherwise he may have long-standing negative associations with certain situations, people or dogs.

Having acquired all my previous dogs with ‘issues’, I am really aware how important this stage is, and I feel a big responsibility to help make him the well-rounded dog I know he can be. I am also aware that there are some things I can’t control, and I have to accept this.

House training is progressing well but is exhausting. Jumping up to put him outside every time he looks like he might perform and standing out in the rain and frosts isn’t always fun, but it will all be worth it in the long run.

Seeing his progression, growth and development is fascinating on a daily basis and we look forward to many more years together.

Dog owners warned over festive chocs

NEW statistics released by The Kennel Club show that the number of dogs being treated for eating toxic chocolate soars in December and January, compared to the rest of the year.

The sweet treat can be deadly for dogs and the club is urging pet owners to be vigilant over the festive period and subsequent months with leftovers in the home.

The data, collected by Kennel Club Pet Insurance, provided by Agria, revealed that nearly a third (31%) of all claims for chocolate poisoning last year were made during the Christmas period (December 2023-January 2024).

Robin Hargreaves, senior veterinary advisor for Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Chocolate can be very dangerous to your dog, the risk will vary according to the amount and type of chocolate consumed and the weight of your dog.

“Symptoms can vary, but include sickness, upset or painful stomach, as well as excessive drinking, dribbling and fast breathing, even

seizures, and can appear any time between four to 24 hours later. Owners who think their pets have ingested any chocolate should contact their vet for advice immediately. Don’t forget your dog can sniff out wrapped chocolate under the tree very easily!”

Christmas also means other hazards to dogs including mince pies, stollen, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake – which all contain raisins.

Owners should also be wary of feeding dogs turkey, goose and chicken, as bones can easily splinter, particularly when cooked, causing an obstruction and possibly even piercing the pet’s stomach.

Other festive fare to avoid includes macadamia nuts, blue cheese and alcohol.

Christmas trees covered in tinsel, ornaments and lights can pose a choking and/or puncture hazard, as well as the risk of electrocution.

And festive plants like poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and ivy can cause stomach upset if eaten by a curious dog.

MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes

n For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/middorset

LOST CAT S: If your cat has gone missing, Cats Protection offers practical steps to help bring them home safely. Start by searching your local area thoroughly, checking sheds, garages, and outbuildings where they might be hiding. Create posters and share them in your neighbourhood and online communities. Inform local vets and animal rescues in case someone has found your cat. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, as this can be a vital tool for identification. For a detailed guide and additional advice visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.

FOUND CATS: If you have found a stray cat, Cats Protection has helpful guidance to ensure the cat gets the care it needs. First, check if the cat is in distress or injured and contact a vet if necessary. Look for an ID tag or take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip. If the owner cannot be identified, share details about the cat locally via posters, social media or community groups. Cats Protection advises against assuming all stray cats are lost, as some may simply be exploring. For full guidance, visit the Cats Protection website or call us on 01258 858644.

For more details, please call our helpline 01258 858644 or visit our website: cats.org.uk/blandford (Formerly Blandford & Sturminster)

Dusty, 11 years, delightful boy looking for a retirement home

Marie & Sparkerly, three-yearold sisters. Sweet loving girls looking for a new home together

Mel and Sue, six years, looking for a home together, sweet sensitive pair who are friendly, enjoy a fuss and company

by Helen Rogers, VetMB MA MRCVS DBR

Friars Moor Livestock Health NOVEMBER culminated in World Antibiotic Awareness Week, a global campaign celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and encourage best practice among the public.

Since 2016, we have been working alongside our farmers to ensure that medicines are being prescribed and used responsibly. The change across all parts of the practice, both within the team and on farm have been immense and it’s definitely worth giving yourself a pat on the back! These reductions would not have been possible without the engagement and good client relations that we have on farm. I was wryly smiling to myself while writing this article that some of our team will never have even seen a pack of Cobactan tubes or know what a box of Marbocyl looks like!

Changes in behaviour have been backed up with data analysis and investment on farm, team training, re-training and a real motivation to make a difference and reduce the risk of antibiotics used on farm

World Anitibiotic Awareness Week

resulting in resistance in bacteria which can cause disease in humans. There has been an increased use of pain relief and fluid therapy, alongside earlier detection of disease and improvements in resilience and immune status through, for example, increased volumes of milk fed to calves and better colostrum management. Investments in technology which monitor cattle health traits such as rumination and activity will continue to help us reduce our use of antibiotics.

The current RUMA target set in 2020 was to reduce the mg/ PCU levels across the national herd by 15%, from 21mg/PCU

to 17.9mg/PCU. This reduction was targeted to occur over four years. As you can see – above – data from our cattle dairy farms shows that we are well below target – and were even in 2020! – and we should all be really proud of this.

Data collation for sheep flocks and beef herds remains more challenging and we will continue to work with the industry to make this a smoother and less clunky process.

Further changes to prescribing rules, and milk/meat withdrawals are in the process of being announced by the VMD, so watch this space as we wait for clarification on

these changes.

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs. Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

Est 1886

3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW

jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz

Tel: 01258 452307

Mob: 07973 642278

Wishing you all a trouble free and Merry Christmas and a peaceful, dry and cold New Year! We hope you all manage to enjoy some well-earned time with friends and family and look forward to working with you in 2025.

Helen Rogers of Friars Moor Livestock Health

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Christmas Day just another day for smallholders

by Tria Stebbing

CHRISTMAS with animals means the same routine as any other day. Proper farmers will be up early doing the rounds as they normally would.

Smallholders like us have the luxury of fitting the stock around any plans, as long as they get done. On Christmas Day the animals get a few more treats, the sheep are partial to brussels sprouts and view them as treats, the Highland cows are still enjoying the occasional apple as their small luxury.

Animals played a big part in the story of the Nativity. You have the donkey, the sheep, the ox and camels, and Shepherds were nearby watching their flocks.

Moving any of our stock is a

bit of a nightmare, so those serene scenes where the animals are stood behind the manger looking on are something to behold. The reality is that there is always the one that does not want to conform, so stands at the back, before leading the others in the opposite direction.

We have been playing ‘paddock chess’ ourselves. Humphrey has returned to the top of the hill with the other ram, and we have moved all of the ewes back in together, apart from the Dutch Spotted who are still in yet another paddock keeping the grass down. ‘Paddock chess’ requires a lot of planning, a halter, a bucket to rattle and lots of stamina and patience. In an ideal world the flock walk beautifully behind

The Zwartbles ewes line up to wish New Blackmore Vale readers a merry Christmas! you as you shake the bucket, looking serene and calm. The reality, especially when moving the rams, is that I walk ahead rattling the bucket, they start to follow before deciding to go feral and run towards anything other than the gate we are headed for. Every year we vow to halter train the new lambs to walk nicely, but the reality is that there is no time to had.

It is hoped we are looking at a flock of pregnant ewes. Sheep are pregnant for between 142 and 152 days, 147 being the average. So pregnant for about five months, which only shows in the last few weeks. During early pregnancy, cortisol, the

stress hormone, can be damaging for the growing lamb, so even a dog chasing them at this stage can be catastrophic.

Ours are early into their pregnancy, so can manage with just the grazing currently. The lambs do the bulk of their growing at the end of pregnancy – clever sheep, the grass is full of nutrients in spring to boost the lambs before birth. We give ours a lick bucket designed to give them the supplements they need – they love it, it smells and looks like a bucket full of sugar molasses.

The flock are quiet, apart from the occasional limp due to the impacted mud in the hoof, the sweet itch that plagued a few of them is declining as the midges die, so all is good. If the weather stays dry, some of the Christmas holiday will be spent repairing fences and replacing rotting posts – never a dull moment.

We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas, if you can, buy local produce and keep on supporting British farming.

RELIEF MILKER, available afternoons. Tel: 07425-811817

HEDGE TRIMMING AND HEDGE LAYING. Tel: 01747-855198

SHEEP KEEP WANTED. for a small flock of ewes. 15 mile radius of Wincanton. Tel: 07495-423751

CONCRETE GROOVING SERVICE. Cowco Southern. Call Ted: 07970-965040

HEDGE LAYING, Hedge and woodland planting, coppicing. Experienced crew available call 07929-995747

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE

Tel: 01258 472288 / Mob: 07977 936109 New and second hand containers - blue/green - all with box locks

MOBILE CRIMPING AND ROLLING. All cereals, pulses and maize, up to 20 tonnes per hour. Call Andy 07979-758907.

Sedgehill Shaftesbury Quality hay from well managed low input

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

01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

HAY. All June made.

In 2024 we sold over 4,000 acres across 7 counties, with a total value of over £60m. We currently have over 2,000 farm and land buyers registered.

Our team are the best in their field at selling Farms, Estates, Land and Rural Property.

For a free market appraisal for sale purposes in 2025, please contact one of our specialist farm agents.

PPROPERTY AUCTIONS FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024 & FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024

AT THE DIGBY CHURCH MEMORIAL HALL, SHERBORNE AT 2:00PM AND VIA LIVESTREAM

Symonds & Sampson’s Agricultural Auctions department has had an outstanding 2024,

holding over 30 onsite sales across six

Fontmell Magna

Amongst the highlights was a combined dispersal sale near Sparsholt in Hampshire, where machinery and equipment from two farms were sold in one day. Over 800 people attended the sale in person, alongside over 500 online bidders. Trade was strong for a high-quality entry, including the first John Deere X9 combine to be sold by auction in Europe since the model was released in 2021, selling for £233,000.

Guide £800,000

Guide

Shroton

An historic Grade II listed detached house, thought to date from the 1500s with later additions up to the 18th century, set in wonderful gardens in the heart of the village. Freehold.

Shroton Guide £435,000

This delightful 2-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage has been fully updated but retains great charm. It is situated in the heart of this most desirable village. CTB D. Freehold.

£435,000 village. CTB D. Freehold.

Batcombe, Dorchester

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Guides £40,000 to £115,000

20.70 acres (12.01 ha) tucked away in a quiet rural position in 3 lots.

Lot A – 15.02 ac arable capable pasture land with a gentle south facing slope£115,000

Lot B - 3.57 ac pasture and woodland including an old brick pumphouse - £40,000

Lot C – 11.11 ac pasture and strip of woodland with stream frontage - £90,000

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

The most unusual sale was a collection of Romany caravans, pony traps, carriages, and an array of collectables that drew a crowd to Springdale Farm in Devon, while the surprise result of the year was a remarkable £11,0000 achieved for a 1991 Land Rover Defender, sold at an evening sale near Gillingham in the summer.

Chilcompton Guide £195,000

Swainsford, Mere

Online auctions take place throughout the year and are the ideal place to sell anything from an individual lot to a partial or even full dispersal without leaving the premises.

Hurcott Guide £200,000

Nr Sturminster Newton Guide Price £1,100,000

A partially built 5 bedroom detached house, with double garage and gardens. PP was granted under application reference 2022/1683/FUL. Freehold.

This year, we have sold an unprecedented acreage of standing straw, around 12,000, and the largest in the UK by some margin. Our on-farm fodder sales continue to be supported and prove to be the most effective way to sell surplus fodder. Dispersal sales of dairy cattle and livestock throughout the year have seen a steady supply of stock being sold either from the farm, through Frome Market, or directly from the premises.

Belchalwell Guide £250,000

A period detached cottage in need of general improvement throughout, set in spacious gardens of 0.21 acres (0.08 hectares). Freehold.

The perfect blend of an cottage with substantial recent extensions. Located in a rural position only approximately 1 mile to Mere. Paddock and 2 hunter stables. Freehold. Guide £710,000

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold,

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Tucked away down a no through lane is this extended and very well presented 4 bedroom country home with stable yard & paddocks, in total 4.11 acres. CTB E.Freehold, Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Iliminster | 01460 200790

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Tarrant Gunville Guide £225,000-£250,000

Hartgrove, Shaftesbury

Guide £195,000

Leigh OIEO £500,000

A detached 2 bedroom cottage for complete renovation, situated in this highly sought after village within Cranborne Chase. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

A detached bungalow on a 0.30 acre plot for modernisation/replacement (STPP) with a positive pre application response for a 4 bedroom house. Freehold.

19.15 acres (7.75 hectares) of undulating, productive pasture land with far reaching views over the Blackmore Vale. Suitable for agricultural, recreational and equestrian uses. Freehold.

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland. No onward chain. CTB F. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

A tastefully improved 4-bedroom village house with light and spacious accommodation, set in attractive gardens and backing onto farmland.

Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Sturminster Newton | 01258 472244

We are recognised as one of the leading agricultural auctioneers in the south of England with an expanding team of experts across the region, we welcome the opportunity to discuss selling on your behalf. Please contact Greg Ridout 01935 382909 or James Morrish 01884 218911

Middlemarsh

£750,000

Symonds & Sampson’s Agricultural Auctions Team LtoR: Harriet Andrews, George Russo, Greg Ridout (Partner), Will Machin, James Morrish, Paul Heard (Partner)

Crowds at Moor Court Farm, Hampshire

Gillingham

£185,000 Templecombe

Thinking of moving?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all the team at Hambledon Estate Agents

Having enjoyed a busy summer we still have many buyers registered with us wishing to purchase within the local towns and villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

With sincere thanks for your past, present and future business. It has been a pleasure working with so many of you over the years and we look forward to helping you with your next move.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Hambledon Estate Agents.

£275,000 Wincanton

3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SHERBORNE with garage for rent. Near centre. £1,100 pcm. Available from Jan 2025. Tel: 07906-810191

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION on quiet farm near Yeovil 01935 891817

Rural View named as one of the very best Estate Agents in the UK

Boutique agent, Rural View has been identified as one of the top 500 estate agents in the UK and now features in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2025 –the most comprehensive review of UK agencies.

The Best Estate Agent Guide was created to help sellers and landlords find the top agents in their area. Each year, the Guide is compiled following a rigorous assessment which analyses more than 11,300 agents against criteria which matter most to homeowners, including property marketing, customer service and results.

This year, Rural View was among the top winners, taking home a Gold Award.

Director, Charlie Graham said, “We are delighted to have been included in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2025. This industry-wide assessment only rewards the agents which meet the highest standards and we are thrilled to have been recognised within the Guide as one of the very best in the UK.

We work hard to achieve top results for our clients in a bespoke manner and it is testament to that effort that the majority of our business comes via personal recommendation.

If you’re thinking about your next move, then get in touch and we will be delighted to provide you with our expert advice.”

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