The New Blackmore Vale (23/06/2023)

• Page 15: Stour Row gardeners raise over £2,000 for the Vale Pantry with open gardens

• Page 4: Fans line up for their copies of the new book featuring the Shillingstone Station cat

• Page 18: Dorset’s car boot raises over £24,000 for causes around the county

MP breaks silence over expenses row

MP SIMON Hoare has responded to reports he claimed charges for drving offences on his expenses.

The Conservative member for North Dorset was among MPs named in a report by The Independent newspaper which said he had claimed ‘penalties’ incurred while driving, on their Parliamentary expenses.

Mr Hoare has now clarified the situation, saying he claimed for congestion and Ultra Low Emission Zone charges (ULEZ) for two journeys in London in 2019, after receiving advice from expenses watchdog, IPSA, the claims were allowed.

In a full statement provided to your New Blackmore Vale, Mr Hoare said:

“Clearly my constituents know me well and know how seriously I take these issues. Always have. Always will.

“Claiming taxpayer-provided funds needs full transparency

and adherence to both the spirit and the letter of the rules. I always provide both.

“Second it is not an ‘expenses scandal’, it was bad advice provided by IPSA, which we took. They gave the wrong advice and made the wrong decisions in repaying me £340. This has been recognised by IPSA in an email to me from the chief executive and in their subsequent public statements.

“The money has been repaid by me. I had already paid it to TFL. IPSA paid me back. I have repaid IPSA. I was only able to repay it after the story broke because I knew nothing about it. IPSA neglected to alert me about the story to allow for a pre-publication repayment. Another error for which IPSA have apologised to me via

email.

“The four penalty charges (they are explicitly not fines) equates to one week: two for a Monday travelling to Westminster (Congestion Charge and ULEZ) and two for the Thursday, for the return journey. This took place in November 2019. For four years prior and three years to date subsequently, I have had no problem paying the Congestion Charge and where applicable ULEZ. This was a technical registration glitch with the TFL website when I drove a new car to Westminster. The new car had been registered by TfL. The AutoPay function hadn’t. It was either human or IT error. We will never know for certain.

He added: “These were not fines. They are different under law, as a KC has advised me.

“I have previously incurred a speeding fine and undertaken a speed awareness course. Both incurred while undertaking Parliamentary duties. I would no more have thought of claiming from IPSA for these than chopping off my left hand (I am left handed).

“I appreciate that £340 is a considerable sum. But I would ask people to ask this question: does anyone honestly believe that I would risk my name, professional reputation and personal integrity for £340? I wouldn’t. I didn’t. I never would.”

He added: “There is, I would contend, no need for anger here. An honest mistake by IPSA and me? Yes. The public purse out of pocket? No. An attempt to defraud or cheat? No. The enactment of a sense of entitlement or ‘the rules don’t apply to me’?. Not in my nature or DNA.”

The cat’s whiskers

Railway buffs young and old will love reading all about the escapades of an adventurous station cat…

A BEAUTIFULLY illustrated new children’s book set in the heyday of the Victorian railways tells the true story of an adventurous cat.

When author Christine Scott first learned of the story, she was really excited to share it with a wider audience. The book celebrates the rich and diverse railway history associated with Templecombe Station in a unique, true story previously known only to a handful of people.

In the early days of the station , all sorts of parcels were delivered by train… In 1870, ‘Sevenpence’ arrived at Templecombe Station aboard a steam train from Bishop Stoke (now Eastleigh) Station in Hampshire. The fare of train ride was ‘seven pennies’ hence the cat’s name of Sevenpence.

At a packed celebration launch and book-signing event at Gartell Light Railway in Yenston, host of the event and chairman of the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership, Derek Beer, said, “We are delighted to play a part in bringing an exciting new children’s book to market. The Tale of Sevenpence the Templecombe Station Cat shares the unique heritage and railway history of Templecombe station with a wider audience.”

Beautifully illustrated by Justyna Burk, Sevenpence is a delightful tale of human kindness based on real events and celebrates the greatest traditions of the Victorian railway era.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to The Friends of Templecombe Station to help with their award-winning station gardens.

Sevenpence can be purchased at Templecombe, Sherborne and Shillingstone stations; Dike and Son in Stalbridge (DT10 2NB); and Westcombe Stores (BA8 0LH).

If you would like a copy signed by the author and handdelivered free of charge locally, for the grand price of £4.99, please contact Christine on 07581 000898 or scott_47@yahoo.co.uk Payment can be made by PayPal.

What a contribution!

Blandford town council recognises the efforts of artist and volunteer Joan Capron

by Becca Norris

THE Friends of Blandford Hospital Charity is now in its 75th year and one of the oldest hospital friends’ charities in the country.

Celebrated volunteer Joan Capron this year won a Certificate of Appreciation from Blandford town council in recognition of years of charitable volunteering and raising money through the sale of her own artwork.

She first volunteered for the Friends of Blandford Hospital Charity shop in the summer of 2001. Joan initially covered between April and October, because the rest of her time was spent in New Zealand and Australia. When she returned in 2002 the shop had moved to its present premises in Barnack Walk.

Joan enjoys dressing the shop’s windows, which always look fabulous, and meeting the other volunteers. Working in the shop gives her a sense of purpose and commitment.

It is not well known that Joan taught in the Channel Islands for 30 years and at one time ran a one-teacher school on one of the

smaller islands.

Every year, alongside volunteering, Joan paints enough art to run her Original Affordable Art sale in the Friends’ shops. This year from August 4 for one week she will yet again be selling her art, including an array of original framed and mounted paintings with a top price of £30, along with prints and cards.

Anyone who would like to volunteer in either the Blandford or Sturminster Newton shop or warehouse would need to commit to a three-hour slot. Vacancies are available for serving customers, sorting donations, and moving donations to and from the warehouse.

The Friends also run an extensive transport scheme, which is also seeking volunteers, taking clients to and from medical appointments.

Anyone interested should phone 01258 450035, email dhc.friends.blandford@nhs. net or pop into one of the shops for an application pack.

The charity welcomes donations of unwanted items and collection can be arranged if donors are unable to take them to the shops. Unfortunately, large furniture items or house clearances can’t be accepted.

Community chest

Local brewer makes generous pot of cash available to charitable organisations across Dorset

COMMUNITY groups in the Blackmore Vale area could benefit from grants of up to £3,000 thanks to local brewer Hall & Woodhouse.

The independent family-owned business has launched its 22nd Community Chest Awards with a pot of £50,000 to support charitable organisations.

A range of charities and community projects from across Dorset and the south of England can apply for help, including village halls and cultural organisations to charities that assist with poverty, social isolation and specialist health needs.

Grant applications for £300-£3,000 should be submitted by Saturday, July 15, and the money can be used on a wide variety of initiatives including educational activities, assisting charities with running costs, and increasing the reach of charitable activities.

Mark Woodhouse, family director of the brewery, said: “Hall & Woodhouse’s company purpose is to enrich our local

communities and I hope that the Community Chest will once again play an important role in supporting the many great voluntary organisations in our trading area across the south.

“It’s a privilege to support charities and the vital projects that make such a difference to their local communities.”

Since the Community Chest was established in 2002, H&W has given more than £750,000 to 900-plus good causes across its trade area and works in partnership with both the Dorset and Sussex Community Foundations.

This year’s judging panel consists of Hall & Woodhouse team members and family, alongside heads of businesses that operate in the local area. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in November 2023, with an awards ceremony held in January 2024.

The grants application form can be downloaded via www.hall-woodhouse.co. uk/community-chest

Flock together

CERNE Sheep Group, which supports, educates and entertains about 30 local shepherds (with flocks large and small), will visit Anne and Sid Hollier at Brookway Farm, Long Ash Lane, Warden Hill, Dorchester (DT2 9PW) on Monday, June 26, 6.30pm for 7pm. Look out for the CSG signs to help you find your way.

A farm walk will be arranged for late July, with details to be confirmed.

New members are always welcome. The Group’s subscriptions are not unreasonable, and a nominal fee is charged for a one-off individual visit. For more information contact Jill Hole by phone (01929 459450) or email (jill_hole@outlook.com).

Photo by Sam Carter on Unsplash

CONSERVATIVE MP David Warburton has lambasted a probe into allegations of sexual misconduct against him after standing down.

In a dramatic resignation letter, the Somerton and Frome MP has hit out at the investigation and denied ‘malicious’ allegations he had made unwanted advances to two women.

The scandal emerged in April last year after The Sunday Times published details of the allegations, alongside a photograph showing Mr Warburton posing alongside what appeared to be lines of cocaine.

However, he denied the claims, and did not directly address any drug taking in his resignation letter – but did in an interview with the Mail on Sunday after announcing he was standing down.

The 57-year-old said he had taken cocaine after drinking

‘incredibly potent’ Japanese whiskey.

But he added: “I was set up, but I have been naive and incredibly stupid.”

In his letter, he slammed the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) investigation process, claiming delays and limits on what he could say meant he had been unable to present his case in full, meaning the probe had a ‘predetermined outcome’.

Age Concer n North Dorset

(Sturminster Newton)

Your local charity for all age-related information and advice

Befriending Welfare Advice

Telephone Support Foot Clinic

Balance Classes

01258 475582

& Wednesday. Answerphone Friday

info@acnorthdorset.org.uk | www.acnorthdorset.org.uk

Family Law Advice

Family Law Advice

A spokesperson for the House of Commons said the institution remained ‘absolutely committed to the ICGS’.

“Parliament’s ICGS operates on the basis of confidentiality for the benefit of all parties,” they added.

“It is vital to the integrity of every case and for the well-being of those involved.

“For that reason, we cannot provide any information on any complaints or cases, including whether or not a complaint has been received.”

But Mr Warburton said he had endured an ‘extremely difficult’ 14 months since the allegations emerged, ‘leaving my constituents with less than the full representation in Parliament that they deserve’.

Several parish and town councils, including Langport and Frome, had passed motions of no confidence in the MP since he had the Tory whip withdrawn.

“I have also been barred – on pain of sanction – from revealing

anything of the flawed investigation itself, as it moves at a cripplingly glacial pace towards a predetermined conclusion,” Mr Warburton added in his letter.

“I have been prevented from being granted any consideration that the national media publishing claims against me, while I was silenced by my adherence to the confidentiality agreement, is prejudicial to my case.”

He added: “The past year has inflicted unimaginable and intolerable destruction on my family and on me. Without the tremendous support from my superb parliamentary staff and from colleagues across the House, for which I am enormously grateful, I would quite literally not be here.”

And he ended his letter: “It is critical and urgent that fundamental failings of the system are exposed, examined and rectified if we are to protect genuine victims, both Members

Warburton stands down and hits out Coronation champion

Gillingham appreciates the hard work and enthusiasm of Anne Kings

TIRELESS Gillingham volunteer

Anne Kings has received royal approval for her efforts.

Aptly-named Mrs Kings is one of just 500 people across the country who received a Coronation Champion Award, which recognises those who volunteer to improve the lives of those in their community.

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

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

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

To book an appointment please call us on 01747 852377

Offices in Shaftesbury – Sturminster Newton – Gillingham

Anne has been involved in countless projects, including efforts for the Gillingham Medical Practice Patients Participation Group and the Dementia Friends Group. She was presented with a special signed certificate during Gillingham’s Coronation celebrations by mayor, Cllr Sharon Cullingford.

“Receiving the award from Cllr Sharon Cullingford at our own Coronation Concert was a wonderful surprise; however the icing on the cake for me was when she presented me with yet a second award, her Gillingham Certificate of Appreciation.

Cllr Cullingford, who nominated Anne for the award, said: “I am so pleased that Anne has been awarded a Coronation Champion.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Anne’s outstanding contribution to our community.”

David Warburton MP

PHOTO: UK Parliament

Dates for your diary

THE Wessex Morris Men will be dancing at a pub near you over the next couple of months…

June 26

7.30pm Rose and Crown, Longburton, DT9 5PD

8.30pm Folke Golf Centre, Sherborne, DT9 5HR

July 1

6.30pm Ceilidh for Douzelage AGM, Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne, DT9 3NL

July 3

7.30pm Wise Man Inn, West Stafford, DT2 8AG

8.15pm New Inn, West Knighton, DT2 8PE

9pm The Black Dog Inn, Broadmayne, DT2 8ES

July 10

7.30pm Village Centre, Melbury Osmond, DT2 0LZ

9pm White Hart Inn, Yetminster, DT9 6LF

July 17

7.30pm Combe St Lane

Cul-de-Sac, Yeovil, BA21

3PD

8.15pm Bell Inn, Yeovil, BA20 2EW

July 24

5pm & 7.30pm Church

Farm, Purse Caundle, DT9

5DY

9pm The Mitre Inn, Sandford Orcas, DT9 4RU

July 31

7.30pm The Greyhound Inn, Sydling St Nicholas, DT2 9PD

8.15pm The Sun Inn, Lower Burton, DT2 7RZ

9pm Three Compasses, Charminster, DT2 9QT

August 14

7.30pm Sea front, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JF

9pm Talbot Arms Hotel, Uplyme, DT7 3TF

August 21

7.30pm The Red Lion, Weymouth, DT4 8TR

8.15pm Harbour, Weymouth, DT4 8DR

9pm The Kings Arms, Weymouth, DT4 8TJ

BOURNEMOUTH

Exceptional Platinum Award-Winning Care Gold Standards Framework 2022

Exceptional Platinum Award-Winning Care Gold Standards Framework 2022

After three years without a fete, St Michael’s Church Fete, Mere, took place with pleasant summer weather on Saturday, June 10. Text and pictures by George Jeans

Classic cars up close and personal

The P4 Drivers Guild rally will be coming to Longbridge Deverill this July

THE Great Western P4 Drivers Guild will be holding its 32nd annual rally at the George Inn, Longbridge Deverill, on July 9 from 10.30am to 4pm.

The Rustic Rally, as it’s known, is an opportunity for Guild members to show off and talk about their (and other people’s) cherished Rover P4s, as well as other classic cars. Members compete for numerous trophies and prizes. All P4 class concourse judging will be done by the P4 Guild President Stan Johnstone, who will award for the best vehicles and efforts at the end of the day.

As well as a P$ regalia stand and spares for sale, there will also be a tombola, raffle and bric a brac stalls to raise funds for the coming year’s events.

The Great Western Rover P4 Drivers Guild was founded in 1991 as a branch of the national Rover P4 Drivers Guild to cater for local members in the Dorset/Wiltshire/Somerset areas.

In addition to an annual rally, the Guild meets monthly and arranges get-togethers for road runs and/or lunches at a select venue. There’s an annual barbecue or picnic at a member’s field, and the Guild also actively participates in other classic events and rallies, where it proudly shows members’ cars under the Rover P4 Drivers Guild banner.

Find the group on Facebook to find out more: www.facebook.com/ RoverP4GreatWestern

WI jumble success

in the making…

FABULOUS fashions, famous labels, bargains galore and bacon butties were on offer at Blandford Evening WI’s grand jumble sale held at the Corn Exchange.

The event attracted a steady stream of visitors, boosting group funds, depleted by the lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mere 1st Brownies had fun when they visited Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service recently

PHOTO: George Jeans

Time at the bar…

With the future of their village pub hanging in the balance, locals are hoping to raise enough money for a buyout

RESIDENTS in a village once dubbed the ‘bravest in Britain’ have turned their attention to the mission of saving their local.

Shillingstone earned the bravery title during the First World War, due to the high number of residents volunteering to join the Armed Forces.

Now though, the 1,800-population village is facing a battle of a different kind – to keep the local pub open.

The Old Ox Inn was put up for sale by its current owners in October last year.

Recognised as an Asset of Community Value, villagers in partnership with Shillingstone Parish Council, have now formed a community interest company and set out on a journey to raise enough money to buy the property.

A designated Asset of Community Value – such as a pub – gives villagers rights to buy the asset in a six-month period.

Organisers said the Shillingstone Old Ox

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

Community Interest Company was now working hard to raise funds.

Should the bid be successful, the company says the pub will undergo a refurbishment programme and an experienced tenant recruited to run the business.

“With pubs everywhere struggling, we feel the best chance of the Old Ox surviving long term is if we, like many other communities already have, take ownership,” said Ian Suter, of The Shillingstone Old Ox Community Interest Company and a village resident.

He said the company had already secured a substantial number of pledges and applied for a grant from the Community Ownership Fund, but needs more funds for

the purchase and repairs to the building. Anyone interested in making a financial contribution, or wants to find out more, should email contact@shillingstoneoldox. co.uk

Meanwhile, The Old Ox Inn continues to operate as usual, serving food from Wednesday to Saturday between 5pm and 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes from noon to 2.30pm. To book, call 01258 860055.

“Your

staff are exemplary in every way. They care for my every need, showing genuine kindness and always go above and beyond the call of duty. The excellent chef caters for my special diet - all cooked to perfection. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Current resident

Best in show

GARDENERS can now register to enter Owermoigne and District Horticultural Society’s autumn show.

The show this year will feature five food sections, including one for juniors to show just one cupcake decorated on a horticultural theme.

Youngsters will also have a chance to shine in a competition called ‘What’s at the Bottom of My Garden?’

Judges will also be looking for original and imaginative creations in the adult sections including floor-standing entries.

Competitions include floral design and an edibles class using any kind of home-grown, seasonal fruit, vegetables or herbs in a decorative manner.

A class for hanging baskets using any suitable container

planted up with only the six plants supplied will be judged by the visiting public on show day.

The show is in Owermoigne’s recently refurbished village hall on Saturday, September 2. Entry into the competitions is free, as is entry to the show.

All competitions are open to society members and nonmembers, and the closing date for entries is August 31.

For entry forms, rules and more information, email show organiser Pat Butler at patmbutler@hotmail.com

It’s a dog’s life

SHAFTESBURY Rotary Club will be holding its inaugural dog show at this year’s Gold Hill Festival, in partnership with Branscombe Kennels and Cattery.

Shaftesbury Rotary Club’s Gold Hill Festival will take place at Barton Hill on July 1-2. As well as a range of stalls, music, food and fun, this year’s festival will, for the first time, feature a fun dog show sponsored by Branscombe Kennels and Cattery.

The dog show will take place on Sunday, July 2, from 11am-4pm, with registration starting at 10am.

Judging will take place as follows:

• 11am best dressed dog

• Midday best dog/owner match

• 1pm cutest dog

• 2pm sweetest eyes

• 3pm waggiest tail

As well as prizes for the category winners, donated by Friars Moor Veterinary Clinic, there will be rosettes for the first to fourth dogs in each category. Spot prizes will also be awarded by the judges from All Creatures Animal Services, North Dorset Pets, and Paws and Claws Pet Shop.

All entrants will also receive a doggie gift. Register your interest by emailing win.harvey1949@outlook.com. There’s a £5 entrance fee.

If you want to know more or to get involved with Rotary, email hello@shaftesburyrotaryclub.org

Protect your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.

A Living Trust, also known as a revocable trust or inter vivos trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs and potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:

1.Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

2. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Revocable Nature: One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is revocable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or even revoke it entirely during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee, thus maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. You can also name successor trustees to take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death.

The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

blackmorevale.net

Making a difference

Sherborne business supports national charity for the second year running, supporting children and young people with cancer

THE founder of a professional recruitment agency in Sherborne has given almost £4,000 to Young Lives vs Cancer.

Rowena Young, director of Coconut Lime, was keen to help the charity when she set up the company in 2018 by donating some of her profits.

The charity supports children and young people who have cancer and their families,

Rowena said: “I have been a supporter of Young Lives vs Cancer since 2010, as I have several friends who have had children with cancer and heard about the difference the charity makes at such a difficult time.

“It’s been shocking to hear that the charity needed to recently set up a crisis fund as it was aware of some young people not being able to afford their travel to hospital for vital treatment like chemotherapy.

“I feel it’s important to give back to the community, so I was pleased when last year we were able to donate £2,085 to the charity via a scheme called Work for Good.

“This year to have donated £3,806 means we have donated almost £6,000 in the last two years.”

The Work for Good scheme is for small businesses to support the charities they care about.

Liz Blunt, senior fundraising engagement manager for Dorset at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “A massive thank you to Rowena, who has been a fabulous supporter of Young Lives vs Cancer – CLIC Sargent –for so many years.

“We really appreciate her donations, which means we can help families of young cancer patients from Dorset with financial, emotional and practical support.

“The funds that Rowena has raised this year could have paid for ten grants of £350 each to help families struggling with financial costs as well as emotional costs.

“Without government funding we can

Superb

our showrooms to view our kitchen displays.

Shaftesbury: 01747 851 476

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL

Warminster: 01985 219 200

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

only provide the support we do thanks to amazing supporters like Rowena, so a huge thank you to her for her generosity.”

Any small businesses which would like to get involved with the Work for Good scheme can find out more at www. workforgood.co.uk

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

Showroom in Orchard Park Garden Centre,

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, Doors, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering

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

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

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

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

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

Telephone 01747 826888

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

Telephone 01747 826888

Telephone 01747 826888

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

www.valecraft.co.uk

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

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Gillingham, SP8 5JG (Showroom by appointment only)

Telephone 01747 826888

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

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

www.valecraft.co.uk

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone 01747 826888

Conservatories, Solid Roofs, Bi-Folds, Sealed Units, Windows, www.valecraft.co.uk

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

Telephone 01747 826888

Tel: 01747 826888

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, it’s so much more than just a great music festival!

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival have an amazing line-up again this year: The Magic Numbers, Newton Faulkner, 4x Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz, UK folk royalty - Seth Lakeman, Radio 2 favourite Kathryn Williams, the ultimate jumping Euro-folk group - Sheelanagig, Lady Nade, The Destroyers, Old Baby Mackerel, and loads more!

PVFF is a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents and loads for the old folkies!

As well as four evenings and three full days of outstanding, original young folk, roots and world music across five stages, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival brings music workshops, sessions, comedy, a massive craft area, a healing area, fire shows and loads for kids. Children’s activities include storytelling, The Circus of Science, theatre workshops, fun crafts, puppet shows, bubble displays, baby/toddler Rhyme Time sessions, facepainting, a treasure hunt, bouncy castles, fancy dress, maypole dancing and Morris dance workshops, family ceilidh, spacehopper obstacle course, welly wanging, and Circus skills performances and workshops including juggling, diablo, devil’s sticks, unicycling, stilt walking, low level trapeze, an inflatable tumble mat. And all kids activities

are included in your ticket price, so there are no hidden costs!

PVFF’s craft area is growing year on year too. This year it’s better than ever with workshops available in, rope-making, crochet, wicker modelling, macrame, cyanotype printing, clay modelling/pottery, bunting printing, tie-dye, blacksmithing, traditional woodturning, pebble painting, origami, and more. Music workshops this year include guitar playing with Newton Faulkner, harmonica with Ed Hopwood and ‘Come and Try’ instrument try-outs which allow youths and adults the opportunity to try out instruments that they might not get a chance to otherwise without having to invest in them first.

One of the things that makes Purbeck Valley Folk Festival really unique is its beautiful setting. Bang in the middle of the Purbeck hills with views across Corfe Castle, and the Swanage Steam railway running alongside the

family camping field, and just down the road from the Jurassic Coast and landmarks such as Durdle Door; it’s absolutely idyllic. A brilliant musical line-up, loads of stuff for kids, a huge craft area for adults, perfect location, and a great selection of real ales and ciders...

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is so much more than just a great music festival.

Tickets have been selling fast already with record numbers of festival-goers buying tickets for this year’s festival before they even left the site last year!

Tickets are on sale now from £135 (£70/£30) for the weekend Thu-Sun, including camping. www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

WEEKEND TICKETS

FROM £105 INCL. CAMPING

17-20 AUGUST 2023

THE MAGIC NUMBERS

4X GRAMMY AWARD WINNING

NEWTON FAULKNER

SARAH JAROSZ MICHELE STODART KATHRYN WILLIAMS

SETH LAKEMAN

SHEELANAGIG THE JEREMIAHS THE DESTROYERS

LADY NADE - HANNAH MOULE & THE MOULETTES - PONS AELIUS - MAN THE LIFEBOATS

FARGO RAILROAD CO - TOUKI - FAITH I BRANKO - CARRIVICK SISTERS - SOUSOU & MAHER CISSOKO

MAZ O’CONNOR - LUKE JACKSON - JON DORAN & THE NORTHERN ASSEMBLY - FILKIN’S ENSEMBLE

MISHRA - OLD BABY MACKEREL - HONEY AND THE BEAR - ATLANTICO - ALDEN & PATTERSON

KATIE SPENCER - OWL IN THE SUN - MA POLAINE - MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO - THE MODEL FOLK

BLUE LASS - BIERFASS BAND - WAREHAM WHALERS - QUINNS QUINNEY + LOADS MORE!

CRAFT AREA KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

PEBBLE PAINTING

MORE THAN JUST GREAT MUSIC...

STORYTELLING - GIANT SCRABBLE

FANCY DRESS - RHYME TIME - TOY SWAPSHOP

THEATRE & GAMES WORKSHOPS - CRAFTS

WISHING TREE - WELLY WANGING

HOOLA-HOOPING - TREASURE HUNT

SPACE HOPPER OBSTACLE COURSE

CIRCUS AREA:

JUGGLING - UNICYCYLING

DIABLOS - DEVILSTICKS

STILT WALKING

ACROBATICS WITH INFLATABLE TUMBLE MAT

2 CEILIDHS - OPEN MIC - SESSIONS - WORKSHOPS

Summer of sunflowers

Dorset Sunflower Trail is set to return to Maiden Castle Farm this summer…

THE popular Dorset Sunflower Trail, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes over the last two years, will be open for a third season this summer at Maiden Castle Farm, on the outskirts of Dorchester.

The farm has raised £37,000 for charities since it started the trail in 2021 and this year 750,000 sunflower seeds have been planted to create two trails for visitors.

Dorset County Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) will benefit this year, with Maiden Castle Farm once again pledging to donate half the proceeds from ticket sales.

Dominic Sheehy, manager of Dorset County Hospital’s SCBU, said: “We are grateful and very excited to have been chosen to be supported by this event – we have lots of plans for the unit and take great pride in providing the best possible facilities, services and care we can for our precious patients and their families.”

Dorchester Town Council, following a successful collaboration last year, will work closely with event organiser Hazel Hoskin to create a ‘Summer of Sunflowers’ for the town from mid-July.

Sunflower sculptures will be suspended high across South Street

and a local artist will decorate the pavement with a temporary ecofriendly painted sunflower mural.

Local retailers will create sunflower-themed shop windows across Dorchester and Poundbury, while local eateries will tempt visitors with limited edition sunflower bakes, all helping to raise money for the good cause.

Children from neighbouring Prince of Wales School have also got involved by making eco-friendly bird scarers to protect the crop.

The main event will happen in August at Maiden Castle Farm, when the sunflower crop is fully grown, and visitors will also be able to enjoy local ice creams, rest up at the cafe or take a picnic, and take home cut sunflowers from the Sunshine Shack.

Organiser Hazel said: “The uniqueness of this major fundraising event is that the sunflower trail is planted in a different field each year due to crop rotation. So, if you’ve visited before, then this year’s experience will be different again.

“We are encouraging visitors to be eco-friendly and cycle to the trail, located on the Dorset Cycle Route 2, although the site offers free parking and is accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs, weather permitting.”

Opening dates and times will be confirmed later. Tickets will be held at 2022 prices and will go on sale next month.

To keep updated visit www.facebook.com/MaidenCastleFarm or www.maidencastlefarm.co.uk

Major milestone for North Dorset Beekeepers

by Robbie Baird, North Dorset Beekeepers

THURSDAY, June 8, was a landmark day for North Dorset Beekeepers, quite literally, as the boundary of their new plot was pegged out at Holloway Farm in Shillingstone.

Geoff Buckland, Chairman of the Association said, “It’s another step along the road towards realising our plans for a honey bee centre where everyone, young and old, can learn about the importance of the honey bee in our world and what can be done to ensure they’re still around in years to come”.

It’s almost two years since the idea was hatched. Currently, a church hall is used for formal teaching, and the Association’s bee hives are located on land owned by the Forum School. We’re very grateful for their use, but the hives are remote, with two stiles and a field to be negotiated from the nearest road, and there’s no power, water or other facilities. That makes it impossible for all but the fully able-bodied to participate in training programmes and makes it difficult, often impossible, to host those who might be interested in the world of the honey bee.

Even before the lease was signed, almost a quarter of the nearly £200,000 needed to build the new centre had been raised. Tim Villiers leads the Association’s “New Apiary Working Group”. He commented, “It’s a lot of money for a small charity like us to raise. We already have planning permission for our building and seeing the plot marked out today has made it all very real! If anyone out there would like to help us, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact us via our website www.northdorsetbeekeepers.org.uk.”

If you’d like to help, donations can be made via Just Giving at https://tinyurl.com/bdf4kefc. And join us on Facebook at https:// tinyurl.com/North-Dorset-Beekeepers.

Youngsters sing for Archbishop

MOTCOMBE Primary School pupils sang for the Archbishop of Canterbury recently.

The youngsters were at Salisbury Cathedral on Sunday (June 11), where they sang three pieces of music during a visit from Justin Welby.

Teacher, Alison Day, said: “The children were superb, their singing was wonderful and their performance in front of hundreds of people was amazing.”

The group sang three songs from the Hymnpact programme which Motcombe School is trialling as part of a pilot project for the Royal School of Church Music and the Salisbury Diocese.

Verandas can be open, partially or fully enclosed with sliding glass doors, or solid glass sides. Louvred Roof Pergolas are perfect for shading and when closed completely watertight, by adding side screens they protect you from sun, wind and rain. Add heating and lighting to both and they are perfect for all year round outdoor entertaining. Keeping you warm and dry on the chilly late summer evenings so you can enjoy the company of friends into the small hours as well as being usable in the winter. Both are stand-alone products or can be attached to the side of your home.

For free quotations contact: Tel 07879 992000enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk

Above: (left to right) Rowland Tipney and Antony Mauger (Dorset Council), Tim Villiers and Lesley Gasson (North Dorset Beekeepers), and Jeff Ling (contractor) celebrate the latest milestone in the development of the Honey Bee Centre

Generous gardeners

VILLAGERS welcomed visitors to their gardens in the name of charity – raising more than £2,000 for a good cause.

A dozen gardens in Stour Row, along two miles of the village, were open to visitors on May 27 and 28 and raised money for the Vale Pantry.

And villagers said they welcomed a record number of people keen to view an array of planting, wild areas and ponds.

The main hub of the event was held in the village hall, with a team selling tickets and providing tea and cakes.

Organiser Sarah Panton surprised Carole Jones of the Vale Pantry with news the event had raised a total of £2,167 for the cause.

“What a wonderful surprise to have this amount of money donated to our Pantry,” Carole said.

“We keep thinking we simply can’t get any busier with the demand for help coming constantly, but daily more calls come in from people in need, statutory services, social prescribers and more – and honestly we need every penny to help do what we do.

“Feeding more than 360 families is jolly expensive, so a donation like this makes a huge difference and we are so very grateful to the wonderful gardeners of Stour Row.”

Heritage trail and gardens

TAKE a trip to Leigh on Mendip on Sunday, July 2, for the village’s annual open gardens and heritage trail.

On hold since 2018, this year sees the return of the popular event, which runs from 11am to 4.30pm.

Follow the trail around the village, discover its fascinating historic buildings and stroll around some of the lovely gardens, which have all been preened to perfection.

Tickets and a map are available for £5 on the day from the Memorial Hall (BA3 5QH). These give entry to all the open gardens, plus heritage trail information.

Hot and cold drinks, cakes and light lunches are available all day from the Memorial Hall. All proceeds in aid of Friends of Leigh Church, supporting St Giles church.

Super stars!

Road run raises thousands for hospital charity and will held fund much-needed equipment

THOUSANDS of pounds raised from Berwick St John Country Fayre’s road run across Salisbury Plain have been presented to the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s charity.

Representatives from the country fair, including chairman Richard Pocock and Bruce Waight, who organised the road run, handed over a cheque for £12,614.82 to some of the charity’s hospital ambassadors.

The road run at the start of April showcased a variety of tractors and 4x4 vehicles of all shapes and sizes, attracting lots of spectators.

Louise Hall, secretary of Berwick St John Country Fayre and member of the Stars Appeal fundraising committee, said: “I would like to thank everybody who helped organise and took part in the road run for their marvellous support.”

The money raised will go towards one of the Stars Appeal’s projects for 2023, the provision of an additional echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit.

An echocardiogram shows a detailed image of a patient’s heart which can help diagnose any

abnormalities or conditions affecting the heart.

The machine will cost £142,000 and about £40,000 has already been raised in direct donations towards it.

Consultant cardiologist and Stars Appeal Hospital Ambassador Dr Tom Jackson, who attended the presentation, added: “This is a fantastic donation towards this much-needed piece of equipment.

“On behalf of all the heart patients that will benefit from their support I would like to extend my thanks to everybody involved in this road run event and the Berwick St John Country Fayre committee for their ongoing support, which has done so much to enhance care at our hospital here in Salisbury.”

Berwick St John Country Fayre and associated events have so far raised more than £320,000 for the Stars Appeal.

The mill’s tale

FOVANT’S FILGroup’s annual June outing was a sunny trip to Whitchurch Silk Mill, the oldest working silk mill in the UK.

A guide gave members an informative tour of the Georgian building, including the recently restored water wheel and a demonstration of one of the Victorian looms.

The story of silk from worm to thread to finished article was amazing.

The gift shop provided a lot of interest as did a cooling wander outside to admire the mill’s pretty location and the River Test.

FILGroup meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2.30pm in Fovant village hall. Everyone is always very welcome – for more information email Filgroup15@gmail.com

Oak Framing & Garden Rooms

Garden Buildings

Gates & Automation

Timber Framed

Extensions & New Builds

Fencing & Landscaping

Windows & Doors

The Timber Yard is open for trade and retail customers for all

timber and construction needs

PHOTO: Spencer Mulholland

Since 1977 West Country Windows has been run and owned by the same family owners who have stayed true to their word, consistently delivering the best products and service. We manufacture and install windows, doors and conservatories using only the very best in materials and technology, and don’t forget, all installations come with an unbeatable 15 year guarantee.

Gardens event in memory of Blandford stalwart

PASSIONATE supporter of Blandford and dedicated charity fundraiser David Rose MBE has passed away.

Mr Rose, pictured, died peacefully at his home in Wimborne on June 6, his family has confirmed, after battling Motor Neurone Disease since 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Isabel, and his children; Heloise, Megan, and Erin and six grandchildren.

David and Isabel lived in Blandford Forum from 2003, before moving to Colehill, Wimborne, in 2021.

He was born in Edinburgh but moved to Kenya at the age of six weeks.

His father, a water engineer, returned to the UK at Kenyan independence and David eventually went to school at Pocklington, where he excelled at sport, coming second in English Schools 800m, and playing for the England Schools rugby at under 16 and under 19 levels.

In 1979, he joined the army and was commissioned into the Green Howards, serving with them in Northern Ireland, UK, Cyprus, and Germany.

David also served with 10th Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong and Brunei and the 1st

Kings Regiment in Cyprus and UK. He served the United Nations in Cyprus and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and with NATO in Macedonia and Kosovo.

The family spent a very happy year at the Indian staff College in South India, and David was also involved in operations in Guyana, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sierra Leone in 2000, where he ran the Information Operations campaign that was one of the main reasons for the defeat of the Revolutionary United Front and for which he was awarded an MBE.

He retired in 2014 and worked for Babcock International Group.

In Blandford, he was active in the community, as a member of Rotary International running the Clean-Up Blandford Campaign for 14 years and the Blandford Hidden Gardens open day for 12

years.

He was also a member of the Blandford Town Team.

In 2020, David was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The couple moved into a house with his eldest daughter and mother-in-law, and converted it.

With an age range in the house between three and 90, there was never a dull moment, the family said.

Pragmatic about the disease, while he could, David did as much as possible for the MND Association, including raising more than £20,000 on a charity walk.

Just days before he passed away, David attended a ceremony to celebrate the completion of work to improve the North Dorset Trailway, helping unveil the first and last marker posts of the project, which he was heavily involved in.

His family and friends said ‘he was so brave’ and they ‘are so proud of him’.

The Hidden Gardens event David founded, in Blandford, take place on June 25 and is dedicated to his memory.

Advertising feature

"Transformed Quality of Life.” How GoodOaks Homecare made an Impact.

Dedicated homecare provider GoodOaks has gone above and beyond to ensure that one of their clients can continue living in the comfort of their own home. What began as a visiting care package in October 2022 gradually evolved into a transformative live-in care approach, allowing their client to

maintain their independence and routines without the need for relocation to a care home.

Speaking with her son who said “Initially mum had a daily visit from the GoodOaks team to help with meal preparation. She had

been living with dementia but was slowly losing her confidence and required more support. We increased the visits to x4 daily but as the dementia progressed she was starting to get anxious and wander between visits. I approached the office care team and discussed the option of live-in care. It was agreed with the family that mum would be much better off with a companion to keep her safe and well cared for, around the clock, in her own home.

Having live-in care has been life changing - Mum is much happier with the support of a care professional at all times. We as a family feel reassured that she is well and happy living in her own home. The new change has even allowed us to take a short break away, which we’ve not been able to do for 3 years! Mum is enjoying living with her new companion who is taking her to aqua aerobics, walks and coffees and bringing back the joy and contentment to her life.”

GoodOaks provide live-in and visiting homecare to clients in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. For more

A slice of history

Listed property that formerly housed the Discworld Emporium is on the market

THE Discworld Emporium in Wincanton is up for sale.

The Grade II listed property, at 41 High Street, has been home to the Terry Pratchettthemed store for more than two decades.

However, the shop itself closed to customers several years ago, with a huge range of memorabilia, books and more sold online from elsewhere in the town.

The shop was at the heart of an emerging link between author Pratchett and Wincanton, after it opened just after the turn of the millennium.

Pratchett himself owned the building for a time, and could often be found in an armchair in the shop, chatting with customers and proprietors Bernard and Isobel Pearson.

But now, the building is on the market, with a guide price of £395,000.

It is billed as a ‘fine Grade ll Listed building with 18th century origins, offering residential and commercial elements’.

Mr Pearson wrote about the emporium for the property listing.

He said: “The Discworld Emporium has been part of this lovely market town for just over 20 years and during that time, it

attracted thousands of visitors from all over the word.

“As the name suggests the shop was entirely focused on Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books and memorabilia.

“Because of this unique connection Wincanton has not just been a place of pilgrimage of his fans but in 2002 Wincanton was officially twinned with Ankh-Morpork and in 2007 Discworld was put on the map, quite literally, when Terry opened a new housing development in the town bearing Discworld street names including Treacle Mine Road and Peach Pie Street.

“In January of this year the Emporium moved its business to a larger premises in the town.

“It’s time now for this ancient building to encompass another incarnation. And perhaps nurture other talents and dreams as it did to all of us that brought the writings of a remarkable man to life within its walls.”

41 High Street is listed with Lodestone. Call 01749 605099.

Pride celebrations

THE Rainbow Alliance at Yewstock School & College at Sturminster Newton held a Pride and Diversity festival for Pride month.

Parents and carers went along to celebrate, local singer Conor Smith took to the stage, The Dorset Doughnut hole served doughnuts and local businesses gave raffle prizes.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Everyone had an amazing time, with a penalty shoot-out, hair braiding, temporary tattoos and more.

“We raised a staggering £781 which has been shared with Friends of Yewstock and the charity which supports our Rainbow Alliance, Just like Us.”

Our loose Canon

We may have become sidetracked during our quest for truth

by Canon Eric Woods

“AS I was saying”, said Humpty Dumpty, “there are 364 days when you might get un-birthday presents… and only one for birthday presents, you know. There’s glory for you!”

“I don’t know what you mean by ‘glory’”, Alice said. Humpty Dumpty smiled contemptuously. “Of course you don’t – till I tell you. I meant there’s a nice knockdown argument for you!”

“But ‘glory’ doesn’t mean a nice knockdown argument”, Alice objected. “When I use a word”, Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.”

It’s beginning to seem to me that we are living more and more in an Alice in Wonderland world, where words mean only what their speakers want them to mean. Recently, a whole host of eminent persons have referred, not to “truth”, but to “my truth” – as though they are one and the same thing. Think Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Prince Harry, President Putin, President Xi of China … and so on. There was a cartoon in a newspaper recently that summed it up tellingly: one of the aforementioned taking an oath in the witness box, with a hand on a copy of his own book, promising to “Tell my truth, the whole of my truth, and nothing but my truth

– so help you, God”!

In these columns I often call for free, honest, open and courteous discussion to seek to discover, not my truth or your truth, but “the truth”. It is not easy, and many can’t be bothered with that sort of enquiry, that kind of dispassionate integrity. The great philosopher and statesman, Francis Bacon, writing his famous Essays in the first part of the 17th century, opened his first essay with these words, inspired by the New Testament: “What is truth?” said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. He went on to say, and I paraphrase, that it is not only the difficulty and labour of finding out the real truth that makes us favour lies instead, but an increasing and corrupt love of lying taking over our very natures. That is what makes so many people habitual liars, almost as if they cannot help themselves.

In the ten years I taught ethics as a very part-time lecturer at Bristol University, I used to dismay some of my students by describing their essays on such subjects as abortion, euthanasia and homosexuality as nothing more than sermons, and ill-informed sermons at that. They simply expressed their personal prejudices about these and other issues as absolute truth. I was having none of it. “I don’t care what you feel about these things”, I used to say. “But I do care very much that you don’t just preach. You must argue clearly and logically, and substantiate your arguments with evidence. Think with your minds, not with your guts. Nothing less will do.”

It’s still true.

Photo by Marcus Ganahl on Unsplash

PERFORMANCES WORKSHOPS PARTIES FILMS

Musical inspiration

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra entertains Somerset schoolchildren with animal-themed interactive concert

HUNDREDS of children have had their first experience of an orchestral concert at the Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil.

Some 821 Key Stage One pupils from 13 Somerset schools were invited to hear ‘Curious Creatures and Adventurous Animals’.

They heard stories and learned more about elephants, bees, birds, bears, fire and water during the hour-long concert. They also learned and performed a new song and practised body percussion.

Dougie Scarfe, chief executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “We exist to bring music into people’s lives — and our schools performances are a huge celebration of this, where you feel the immediate effects of live music.”

The Octagon will become Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s ‘home in Somerset’ when the theatre reopens following a

£29.01m transformation.

Until then, performances will take place at Westlands Entertainment Venue, the Octagon’s sister venue.

Katherine Hoskins, arts engagement & outreach manager at Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue, said: “It was delightful to see hundreds of children and their teachers come together to enjoy and participate in a concert of this scale.

“For many this was the first time they had seen a live orchestra perform.”

The Octagon Theatre development will see the 622-seat theatre increase to 900 seats with improved acoustics Gillingham

Opening Hours

Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm by appointment only. Closed Saturday & Sunday.

• Holnest church: The church is holding a fun dog show and an art competition at the church’s fete on Saturday, July 8. Registration begins at noon for the dog show with the show starting at 1pm. For more information email Graham. smf@btinternet.com The art competition has five age categories and entries can be in any material, cost £1 and should be labelled with the entrant’s name and age. Registration is from noon and for more information email holnestart@ gmail.com

• Lower Stour Benefice: Sunday, June 25: 9.30am Communion at Charlton Marshall; 9.30am Morning worship at Spetisbury; 11am BCP Communion at Tarrant Crawford; 5.30pm Supper Church at Langton Long.

Sunday, July 2 – 10.45am Together Communion at Tarrant Rushton.

• Sherborne Abbey: The abbey choir’s summer concert is on Saturday, June 24, at 7pm. Everyone welcome. Repertoire by Stanford, Wood, Harris and others.

• St James Church, Shaftesbury: Chris Mahon is giving an organ recital on Saturday, June 24, at 3pm. Music Through the Year, featuring music in various styles, will take the listener on a journey in sound from June to June, each piece being associated with a particular month. Entrance is free but donations to church funds would be welcomed.

• St Mary’s Church, Charminster: Quintessentially Wind will be performing in the church (DT2 9RD) on Saturday, July 8, at 7pm. The talented band of instrumentalists, who are well-known and popular in the Hampshire/Surrey area, will be playing light classics, film, show and dance music on a summer’s evening. Tickets priced £10, including drinks and nibbles – children free – are available on 01305 213403.

• Digby Memorial Church Hall: Mothers’ Union meeting in the Griffiths Room on Friday, June 23, 10am-noon. Slides and talk by Sheila Soper on South Sudan.

• HMS Heron RN Volunteer Band: Summer concert at St James’ Church, Longburton, on Friday, June 30, at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from 01963 210561.

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

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

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

ST MARYS STURMINSTER NEWTON JUNE

Sunday 11th 9:30am holy communion, 6pm evensong

Sunday 18th 11am holy communion

Sunday 25th 9:30 morning prayer 6pm evensong

Wednesday every week 10am holy communion new worship pattern starts in July

25TH JUNE 9.30 ST PETERS & MOTCOMBE PARISH COMMUNION, 11.15 Melbury Abbas Parish Communion, 11.15

Enmore Green Morning Prayer, 18.00 St James Reflective Communion. 2nd July 9.30 St Peters All Age Worship, 9.30 St James Parish Communion, 11.15 Enmore Green Parish Communion, 11.15 Margaret Marsh Matins, 18.00 Motcombe Evening Echarist

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

• Gillingham Methodist Church: Sunday recitals 3pm (about one hour). Admission free, retiring collection. Superb two manual William Sweetland organ restored and enlarged in 2006/2009. Video screen. For details and updates visit the website at www.musicatgmc. org.uk or phone 07817 379006.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sherborne Abbey Choir: The choir has a vacancy for a voluntary bass singer to join the ‘back rows’ – details available from the parish office. Members of the ‘back rows’ need to be able to sight-read music very well and to commit to the regular routine of Friday night choir practices with two Sunday services for most of the year.

• Sherborne Abbey shop: Volunteers needed – 2½ hours alternate weeks, Wednesday 10.30am–1pm, Friday 1-3.30pm or Saturday 1–3.30pm. Full support plus cash till and card machine training given. Email Philip.Prout@sherborneabbey. com or pop into the shop.

Schoolgirls rise to walk challenge

GIRLS from Year 7 at Hanford School at Child

Okeford gave up the last day of half-term to tackle the Clarendon Way Challenge in support of local charity

Naomi House and Jacksplace.

The girls, supported by staff, parents, siblings and a few excited family pets, walked from Broughton to Winchester, over 14 miles through the Test Valley.

When they arrived at Winchester Cathedral, they

were cheered by army cadets and awarded with medals and treated to ice cream for their

efforts.

It was not all plain sailing but nasty blisters and a sore ankle were tackled with great stoicism by the girls and any lagging spirits towards the end of the day were lifted at the sight of their canine companions – Chilli, Alfie and Mungo – bounding through the flower strewn meadows.

Hanford head Rory Johnston, who accompanied the girls along the walk, said:

“I was very proud of the girls’ achievement. This is a long walk and made all the harder because of the heat, but they all rose to the challenge, and I didn’t hear a single moan!”

Naomi House and Jacksplace are hospices which provide support for children and young adults with life-limiting and life threatened conditions in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond.

Look at world of work

PUPILS at Chilmark Fonthill Bishop Primary School dressed as their future selves at an Aspirations Day.

Oak and Sycamore classes had visits from a shepherdess and a firefighter to talk about their careers.

Elm Class visited the careers fair in the school hall, where parents spoke about their own jobs and pathways into their fields of work.

The school would like to thank all the parents who supported the event.

Hanford girls raised money for good causes in a 14-mile walk

Race to raise cash

First cycle road race in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a special day

HUNDREDS of charitable cyclists took to the roads of Dorset for a good cause.

While the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is revered for its efforts in the skies, cyclists kept their wheels firmly on the ground for the inaugural Race From The Base fundraising challenge.

The ultra-cycling event on Saturday, June 10, saw participants take on one of three routes: 30km (The Circuit), 60km (The Cruise) or 100km (The Climb), setting off and finishing at Henstridge Airfield, home of the air ambulance.

Three pit-stops were located along the route, which provided a well-earned rest and refreshments for those that wanted it, while an array of fun-filled activities and stalls were set up at the airfield Basecamp Village.

Among those taking to their saddles were members of the air ambulance crew and former patients of the life-saving service, while others cycled in memory of loved

ones, as a personal challenge or as a team.

At 78, Kevon Rendell from Beaminster was the oldest participant on the day, while 11-year-old Annabel Hyland, from Sherborne, was the youngest.

The total raised for the charity will be announced in due course, along with the winner of the Hugo Yaxley Trophy for the best fundraiser.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager, said: “This was our first ever Race from the Base event and wow, what a truly fabulous day it was.

“My thanks go to everyone who took part or supported the event and made it so special.

“Next up is our 5k Twilight Shift which is once again being held at Henstridge Airfield on Saturday, September 23. Join us

be raising funds for our life-saving charity – we’ll be announcing details soon and would love to see you there.”

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance thanked all those who supported the event, including: Geoff Jarvis, Garador, Fiddleford Inn, Tom, Amanda and Charles Yaxley, Ed Highnam, Sandroyd School, Somerset Road Safety, Jolly Jumpers, Jen’s Ice Cream, Devon Freewheelers Blood Bikes, DocBike, Paul Richie’s Steam Engines, Keep106 radio, Espressoul Coffee, Glastonbury Spring Water and Bicycle Chain.

CHARITY CLAY SHOOT

In aid of Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust

Sunday 2nd July at 10am Lower Farm, Plush, DT2 7RQ

LAST ENTRY 2pm

Individual Guns Teams of 4

FIBRE WADS ONLY PLEASE

Individual Traps & Team Flush BBQ & Refreshments

Enquiries: 01300 348788

www.ducksdrakescancertrust.org.uk

OKEFORD FITZPAINE DT11

0RE OPEN GARDENS and Wedding Dress Display, Saturday 1st July, 10 – 5.30, Adult £6, all day café, in aid of St Andrew’s Church

STOUR VALLEY DOG

RESCUE FAMILY BINGO, Blandford Corn Exchange, Friday 30th June.

Eyes down 7.30pm. Food and Drinks

OPEN MORNING 27TH JUNE 11am-1pm. Sew, Quilt and share ideas. Long Meadow Hinetown Shillingston DT11 0SN.

CRAFT MARKETS

Friday 16th June and Saturday 24th June. 9-4.30/5pm

The Town Hall, Shaftesbury Supporting Weldmar Hospice and Dorset Somerset Air Ambulance Free entry, dogs welcome

SATURDAY 1ST, SUNDAY

2ND JULY 1-5PM. Tintinhull

12 open gardens with NGS. Start Village Hall BA22 8PY. Refreshments - plants. www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk

07739 977431

YARD SALE

Sunday 25 June. 10am-3pm

Address: Quoins, Shaftesbury Road, Mere, BA12 6BW. Household, shed, garage and more. Cash only.

BINGO

Friday 30th JUNE

Royal British Legion Hall

Coppice Street Shaftesbury

6:45. Eyes down: 7.30

Refreshments. Raffle.

Proceeds to Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

JUMBLE SALE

Saturday 1st July 2:30pm

Mappowder Village Hall

DT10 2EL. Entrance 50p

Refreshments, Raffle & Bargains

PILGRIM SINGERS CHARITY

CONCERT 2nd July 6.00 pm

The Dogs Wincanton tickets

£14 U16s free from Wincanton PO or 01963 33695

GARAGE SALE 18 Tollgate Park Shaftesbury Sat/Sun

24/25 June 10am till 4pm CASH ONLY

LYN’S BINGO AT MARNHULL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION on Monday 26th June. Eye’s down at 7pm.

TURNPIKE SHOWGROUND

CAR BOOT SALE SUNDAY

2nd JULY

Sellers 8.30am

Cars £5, Vans & Trailers £10

Buyers 9.30am - £2 per vehicle

Turnpike Showground Motcombe SP7 9PL

BUCKHORN WESTON CHURCH FETE and FUN DOG SHOW

Saturday 8th July at 2.30pm

WINCANTON SILVER BAND Plants-Cakes-Toys-Bottle

Bouncy Castle- Fancy Goods

White Elephant -Coconut shy

Teas- Books- Bottle stall Face Painting-sports

SHERBORNE DIGBY HALL MONTHLY MARKET 1st Saturday of Month. July 1st , 10am-3pm

‘THE BIG SESSION’

Live Music & Children’s Workshops

Saturday 8 July from 2.00 - 10.00 pm

Sixpenny Handley Cricket Pitch

Tickets online from Eventbrite or local shops

Sorry no dogs Facebook-6dacoustic.live

COME AND HAVE TEA IN THE GARDEN

On Saturday 1 July 2-5pm at The Old Rectory Stock Gaylard

DT10 2BG

Fabulous Tea and Stalls

Admission £5 Includes Tea, Children Under 12 Free , Free Parking

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. All proceeds in aid of Lydlinch Church Roof

GUSSAGE All Saints

Village Fete

Saturday, June 24th (12-3pm).

Fun and games for all with children’s entertainer Jamie Jigsaw, Bierfass Oompah Band, BBQ, stalls, celebrated Gussage cream teas. Admission £2 (under-15s free). Sorry, no dogs.

BINGO!

11

5 40 64 22

Stalbridge Hall

Thursday 29th June

90

Doors open 6.30pm

Eyes down 7.30pm In aid of hall funds

SAVE OUR CHURCHES

Our beautiful churches are under threat of closing. The number of people going to church on a regular basis is becoming smaller and we need to think of new ways to use these splendid buildings. ‘The Friends of St James’ has formed to do just this and help provide much needed additional income to help with the upkeep of St James Church, St James Street, Shaftesbury.

Come and join this wonderful opportunity to have a ‘Painting Day’ with the celebrated ‘plein air’ artist Rob Adams. Explore the beauty of the church and its surroundings, have tuition with Rob and enjoy delicious tea, cakes and lunch.

You do not need any previous art skills, just bring along some of your own materials, paper, crayons, and paints and enjoy the day.

Thursday 29th June

Thursday 6th July

Call Kate on 07970297037 or email katetoms@hotmail. co.uk. There are limited spaces so please book early.

Dorset solar farm’s capital connection

THE busy world of business in the City of London feels a million miles away from the Dorset countryside.

But the two are now heavily linked after the official opening of the new South Farm Solar Park, near Spetisbury.

French energy firm Voltalia cut the ribbon on the 49.9MW facility – the largest in the UK – on Friday, June 16.

But the energy generated –enough to power 15,000 homes

Garage/storage TO LET. Center of Blandford.Tel: 01258 456960

Workshops & Storage TO LET in mid Dorset. Contact 07973 142254

Workshop/office, small industrial unit TO LET. 24hr access, 340+ sqft, well lit, please ring for further details - 07811 551161

– will not be staying in the county.

It is being supplied to Guildhall, Tower Bridge, three markets and the Barbican Arts Centre in London more than 100 miles away.

Voltalia has signed a £40m contract with the City Corporation – based at the Guildhall – which runs for 15 years.

South Farm Solar Park was connected to the grid in December last year and started delivering electricity to the business area, also known as the Square Mile, at the beginning of the year.

Voltalia said South Farm is one of a number of projects it is working on in the UK, including at North Dairy Farm, near Dorchester, and at Hardy’s Vale.

However, the schemes have

received opposition in some quarters, with residents claiming the solar parks are a blot on the landscape.

Rupert Hardy, chairman of North Dorset CPRE, said the Spetisbury development was ‘desecrating our beautiful landscape’.

He said: “At a time of concern over food security, land should be used to provide food for Dorset rather than powering bankers’ offices in the City of London.”

Voltalia chief executive Sébastien Clerc said the firm

had invested more than £800,000 within 25 miles of the development.

“In the current energy crisis, we are very proud to supply clean and cheap electricity to some of London’s most iconic landmarks,” he said.

And chair of the City Corporation’s environment committee, Keith Bottomley, said: “The deal will increase our green energy supply, has no reliance on taxpayer funding and helps us transition quickly away from fossil fuels.”

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

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

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Guildhall in London and South Farm Solar Park near Spetisbury PHOTOS: Google and Voltalia

Leaders and where to find them

MY previous article, only two weeks ago, was about the return to normal service and glimmerings of modestly adult behaviour from the governing party. How little did I know that within a week the Conservatives would be back to their current natural state of internal all-out war. I apologise for my over-optimism. In the meantime, out here in the country, we’re doing the best we can.

A lot of my work involves leadership. Doing it, serving it, encouraging it in others and observing it. A long first career in the Army has given me a ‘trainspotterly’ interest in leadership in all its forms.

Leadership pops up in surprising places. In a week where the train drivers’ union, ASLEF received a new six-month mandate to strike, I also experienced South Western Railway’s tendency to give up of its own accord without the need for strikes –

twice.

Leadership pops up when things suddenly don’t work.

The driver of the 17.23 from Waterloo to Gillingham that

day became our leader when we stopped due to ‘something up ahead’. He repeatedly walked through the train, compensating for the train’s tannoy, that no one could hear, working with the guard to give people what information he had, about what could happen and when he’d speak to us again.

I told him he was doing a great job. He explained that he’d spent time in customer service, so knew how to put himself in our shoes. There was more to him than just his experience in customer service.

The train moved two hours later but we all had information to make our own choices about what to do. I decided on an odyssey via Portsmouth but that’s another story. Small scale, low key, effective leadership from our driver.

Almost the same thing happened last night, but this time it was staff at Salisbury who calmly got people moving

again when another ‘something’ stopped trains to the West. More small scale, low key, effective leadership. Maybe just doing their jobs but the current state of the public services brings theirs and others calmness under fire and common sense to the fore.

Leaders need to be present to be effective and while investment in public services and automation seems to be disappearing into the distance, we’ll continue to need frontline leadership.

Derek Beer, one of Shaftesbury’s LibDem Dorset councillors and integrated transport lead, is fighting to retain station staff at Gillingham station.

Last weekend he and Cllr Tim Cook were engaging people in the town on future needs. Currently it’s frontline, local leadership that’s keeping us going. Thank you, Derek and Tim, but it’s time to ask what we can all do too.

‘PM Sunak on top of tech issues’

PRIME Minister Sunak is clearly highly regarded among his fellow Heads of Government. He is rightly seen as serious, hard-working and on top of the detail. That’s why his recent trip to the United States was such a success.

Our American cousins are wily operators not known for giving ground. Why should they? However, the PM came back to Britain with his Atlantic Declaration strengthening trade in key areas – nuclear materials, critical minerals – the next big pinch-point globally – and defence.

On one of the main areas of concern dealt with in Washington last week, Artificial Intelligence, where

the UK is already well ahead of the game, President Biden said of the UK: “There is no country we have greater faith in to help negotiate our way through this.” So, we’ll be tackling a new challenge with an old friend.

Rishi has often spoken about turning the UK into a tech superpower. There’s much to do and the competition is fierce but we’re in a good place.

Last week, as the PM was meeting the President in the Oval Office, Z/Yen, a leading City think tank, published its latest Smart Centres Index which ranked London top among the world’s high-tech cities. So, Rishi’s international AI Summit, endorsed last week, could not be better

placed.

But it’s not just about London. Wiltshire’s county town has been recognised by the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts as a nationally significant tech cluster. Meanwhile, Trowbridge College is enabling the tech-savvy young custodians of all our futures to realise their potential.

I hope in promoting TechTrowbridge I’ll be riding the crest of a national science and tech wave that will go well beyond our existing world-renowned hubs in places like Cambridgeshire. Our ambition in the rural South-West should be equally boundless.

Silicon Valley here in the shires? Absolutely!

Gary Jackson on behalf of Liberal Democrats across the Blackmore Vale

Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire

Dr Andrew Murrison

‘Johnson comeback is unlikely’

I WANT to address two issues in one this week. The first relates to health. I had an interesting yet worrying concerning conversation with an oncologist the other week as we happened to be at the same event. He expressed growing concern, shared by many of his colleagues, regarding people who are putting off seeing their GP with a health concern, as too many are putting it down to the symptoms of Long Covid. Others are of the view that ‘appointments are not available’, ‘the doctor is busy’ – they are, but not too busy to help you – or ‘it will pass, no need to trouble the surgery’. In this field of health, early diagnosis is critical to trying to secure the best outcome. Delay is dangerous. So I urge anyone who has health concerns not to put off seeking medical advice and securing a hospital referral if necessary. You are most

certainly NOT being a nuisance – you are, quite rightly, looking after yourself. As the old saying goes – better to be safe than sorry. My second topic is Mr Johnson. He is undoubtedly the

most political marmite figure on the Right of UK politics, of my time. Mr Corbyn the same, but from the Left. So it is with all populists, as Mr Trump clearly demonstrates. My inbox and social media feeds have underscored this. He is a Saint, maligned and misunderstood brought down by his enemies, say some. Others say he is a charlatan, a liar and a force for ill.

Like most of his fellow humans, he is some of all of those things. No one is perfect and Parliament has no plasterfooted saints. The House of Commons has committees for a reason – to do the work within a specialist area with forensic detail. I have yet to find anyone who has been found guilty by a jury who welcomes the fact but who then seeks to delegitimise the court. That, as I have said before, is pure Trumpian.

Just as I trusted the integrity

of those who sat in judgement on Owen Paterson, so I do for those who investigated Mr Johnson. I am aware of the allegations of rule breaches levied against one member but that, to my mind, is irrelevant for two reasons – first, it is classic whataboutery and second members of a ‘jury’ are no spotless saints themselves. If wrongdoing has been done by them, or the person before them, then it must, and doubtless will, be investigated.

In 1985 I joined the Conservative Party. I did not join a personality cult. As a Tory I believe in order, respect for our institutions, the sovereignty of Parliament and the Rule of Law. To offside those, to me important, principles, is the antithesis of Conservatism. Mr Johnson has now left, by his own hand, elected office. I do not believe we shall see his return.

‘Sunak fears mortgage rate rises’

SO, there we have it. Boris Johnson is confirmed as a liar and scoundrel, so states –effectively – the report of the House of Commons' Privileges Committee which comprised a majority of Tory MPs, including such doyens as Sir Bernard Jenkin and Sir Charles Walker.

Johnson’s response to dismiss all this as ‘a kangaroo court’, ‘a witch hunt’ and ‘deranged...lies...patently absurd...a load of complete piffle....and beneath contempt’ is irrelevant. The only meaningful statistic is the recent opinion poll showing 73% of the nation believes Johnson is guilty of lying. Finally, what anyone who was close to Johnson knew, now threequarters of the nation accepts.

One is left with the impression that Johnson has finally ‘cooked his goose.’ He who won the last general election with a seemingly unassailable majority and was

the darling of all Conservatives throughout the nation –including other Dorset MPs in the New Blackmore Vale – has slouched off the stage.

Indeed, imagine being one of

his last remaining dozen or so sycophantic acolytes. They threatened to deselect fellow Tories who voted to endorse the Privileges Committee report. How they wailed, only for Johnson to instruct them to climb down and avoid a formal vote as he took up his heavily remunerated dieting column in the Daily Mail.

His departure, jumping before he could be pushed by his constituents, was a typical evasion of responsibility, consistent with all his actions as Prime Minister and arguably his entire life.

Now poor Rishi Sunak must deal with the aftermath of yet another political maelstrom and try to persuade the British electorate that what really matters to the Tories is the cost of living, the NHS funding and mortgage rates.

I see that the latest statistics this week show that the greatest number of mortgagees will have

their lenders giving them details of their new terms just in time for the next election. With rates such as 1.5% being replaced by 7.5%, this will mean monthly rates being increased by between £1,400 and £2,000 a month!

Sunak himself stated in his first, failed leadership campaign, that mortgage rate rises will ‘tip millions of people into misery and it’s going to mean we have absolutely no chance of winning the next election’. If only the banks were as quick to pass on higher interest rates to savers as they are to borrowers.

I would like to finish this week with a mention of that wonderful star of screen and television who left us last week – I do, of course, mean the former MP Glenda Jackson. A complete master of all she attempted in life, she brought joy and wonderment to our drab world.

Alan Cross, on behalf of Dorset Labour

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare

TIME was when news was either good, bad or indifferent. Now we have also have fake news, with AI available to generate highly plausible fake stories. Plausible enough, for example, to sway voters just before an election. After which it would be too late to undo the result. Whither democracy?

Recent unwelcome news included reports of our North Dorset MP Simon Hoare having claimed four driving offence fines against his MP’s expenses. Disappointing. Then there’s Boris Johnson’s petulant outbursts over the investigation that concluded that as PM he had deliberately misled Parliament. No suggestion that he will reimburse the £245,000 of taxpayers’ money spent on his legal costs during the investigation. Or for him to forgo the £115,000 annual allowance paid to ex-PMs.

Talking of money, Rishi Sunak has railed against people

he calls ‘eco-zealots’ and accused Labour of allowing donors to dictate the party’s energy policy. Especially its promise to block new oil and gas projects. He said nothing about large donations made to the Conservative Party and some of its MPs – including himself – by individuals and

companies with financial ties to the oil and gas sectors.

Labour under Keir Starmer has also disappointed, not least in refusing to support a Green Party motion in the House of Lords that would have prevented the Government from using an unconstitutional manoeuvre to effectively overturn a House of Commons vote on public protests. Instead, Labour simply tabled a motion of ‘regret’. Yes, regret. That told the Government.

I’ll be honest, there are times when I just have to switch off the news and take a break. Otherwise the many problems we face can feel insurmountable, which they are not – but we are running ever shorter of time deal with them.

Sooner or later welcome news comes along to lift my spirits, such as the work being done around the world by individuals and businesses doing what they can to tackle

Fake news: Vigilance and paranoia Candidate ‘true daughter of town’

IN less than one week, polling stations will open for residents in Sherborne West. This by-election was triggered by the resignation of the previous Liberal Democrat councillor who moved to Devon almost a year ago, stood for election in Exmouth and didn’t even inform residents in Sherborne he had moved away.

Over the last year, I have been contacted by a considerable number of local people who have expressed their disappointment about having an absent councillor in Sherborne West. But there was a revelation last week, when it became clear that the LibDems believe the Kitt Hill/Cornhill/ A30 chaos to be a ‘success’, as seen on their leaflet!

I’m not one for normally publicising yellow leaflets, but precisely because of Sherborne West’s absent councillor, hundreds of people have got in touch with me who oppose this

Conservative MP for West Dorset

Chris Loder

road layout, primarily because of safety fears.

And, of course, the elephant in the room with the LibDems is the 1,500-plus homes development to the west of Lenthay, which the Lib Dems do not even mention in their

leaflets. Why? Because they have previously indicated their support not only for this enormous development, but also for ‘singling’ the dual carriageway into Sherborne.

Moreover, not a single LibDem councillor from Sherborne got in touch with the poor elderly couple to help them with the Kitt Hill fiasco. I think it is my duty to share with you what has really been happening in the town, given the absence of the LibDem councillor in Sherborne West.

Local people will now have received correspondence from at least two candidates and will be able to decide for themselves who will best serve local residents. Rebecca Burns, 35, is a lifelong Sherborne resident, a true daughter of Sherborne –she has detailed her priorities right from the start of her campaign.

She has already started her campaign to extend the enquiry

the climate and environmental crisis. There was also the right wing press attack on Dale Vince, founder of green energy company Ecotricity. The Daily Mail fulminated furiously about Dale having donated £1.5m to the Labour Party over the years, with demands that the money be returned. Dale’s response was to double any public donations to Just Stop Oil made over the following 48 hours, which raised £340,000. Well done Daily Mail.

A final thought on fake news. While we must be vigilant about it, we must avoid paranoia making us doubt everything we see, hear or read. Best to keep ourselves grounded, for example by enjoying the positive community news in magazines such as this one. And reminding ourselves that we humans have the capacity to be so much better. We not only can do better, surely we must.

desk opening hours at Sherborne Police Station, and she has reached out to St John’s Almshouse to make sure people’s views are considered to avoid the closure of this incredible part of Sherborne’s history.

Polling day for the byelection is next Thursday (June 29) and polling stations will be open from 7am-10pm.

Earlier in this month, I visited the Royal Navy and Army in Gibraltar. Gibraltar, on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, plays an important role in our country’s defence portfolio and is one of 14 British Overseas Territories.

Today, it is home to thousands of servicemen and servicewomen of the Royal Navy, Air Force and Army. I was pleased to be able to meet personnel of the Gibraltar Squadron, some of whom are from Dorset and live and work at RNAS Yeovilton.

Ken Huggins on behalf of the Green Party in North Dorset

Richard, the haunted King

THE musical play The Haunting of Richard the Third, premiered last year at the Frome Festival by local group Kairos Theatre Company, is set to be performed again in the town.

The action begins at Bosworth Field on the eve of Richard’s final battle where, legend has it, he is haunted by ghosts from the past.

Led by the spectre of his old adversary Henry VI, Richard re-enacts key moments in his

life and reign.

Richard is seen as a victim of circumstance, torn by conscience and dedicated to his wife Anne and their ill-fated son, Edward.

Martin Dimery, who has written and directs the play, describes it as ‘romantic, tragic and sometimes very funny’.

The musical score by David Hynds and Martin conveys the triumphs and the tragedy of Richard’s story with lilting

ballads and rousing marches.

The musical director and accompanist is Helen Turner, once of Paul Weller’s Style Council.

The company is made up of 12 performers, playing a multitude of parts.

The Haunting of Richard the Third is performed at the Merlin Theatre in Frome on Friday, June 30, and tickets priced £15 are available at www. merlintheatre.co.uk

Circus skills and feathered friends

STUNNING circus skills and slick choreography are promised when Brainfools contemporary circus company stages Lucky Pigeons in Halstock.

The family show sees a young businessman struggle with the demands of city life and, after losing his job, take his frustrations out on

a group of pigeons.

Karma soon returns however, and the man finds himself turned into a pigeon, where he quickly learns about the playful world of this misunderstood animal.

Brainfools, visiting Dorset with rural arts charity Artsreach, will be

Treat for gardeners

HORATIO’S Garden South West will be welcoming visitors as part of a National Gardens Scheme open day.

performing in a field next to Halstock village hall on Saturday, July 1, at 7pm.

Gates open at 5.30pm when a hog roast – with vegetarian options – and bar will be available.

More information and tickets from 01935 891744 or online at www.artsreach. co.uk

The garden (above) is at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital and has accessibility at its heart. It was created by six-time RHS Chelsea gold medal winner Cleve West and was the first of several Horatio’s Gardens around the country, when it opened in 2012.

The garden is open on Sunday, July 2, from 2-5pm and tickets priced £5 adults –children free – are available at www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/30781/horatios-garden

Three into one does go for summer concert

THE Shreen Harmony

community choir is performing for a good cause once again –this time at St Michael’s Church, Mere, in its summer concert.

Shreen is based in Mere and specialises in singing four-part harmonies. It sings an eclectic mix of folk songs, sea shanties, ballads and popular classics. Most of its repertoire is sung in English but some Ukrainian, Croatian and even Maori songs enter the mix.

The Water Thieves, a trio whose unique repertoire includes “jazz, unusual percussion and close harmony with a ‘skiffly’ tinge” will join the choir at the event. Concertgoers will hear clarinet, swanee whistle, musical saw, guitar and, of course, three voices.

The programme will also feature local soprano and music teacher Megan Jennings accompanied by her husband Alastair.

Photos on show at shopping centre

TIME is running out to see photographs in the View of Yeovil exhibition being held in Yeovil Art Space’s new venue in the town’s Quedam Shopping Centre.

More than 100 pictures taken by people from the local community are displayed alongside those of professional

Shreen’s musical director Caroline Radcliffe said: “Shreen Harmony is looking forward to sharing the billing with The Water Thieves and having

photographers.

The photos include local landmarks, aspects of nature and a bird’s eye view of Yeovil Town’s football ground.

Zoe Li, director of Yeovil Art Space, said: “I think this could be a new kind of cultural venue for the high street of the future.” View of Yeovil is at Yeovil Art Space gallery at 13-15 Vicarage Walk, Quedam Shopping Centre, until Saturday, July 8.

Visitors can sit on sofas, read books and have a go at making art themselves.

CHARLTON Horethorne Amateur Pantomime Society (CHAPS) is holding its annual summer social –incorporating the annual meeting – at the village hall in Charlton Horethorne on Sunday, July 2, from 2.30pm.

Friends and supporters old and new are welcome, especially new prospective members.

A barbecue will be provided but anyone going along should take their own liquid refreshments.

Megan joining us this year is a real treat.

“This year’s summer concert has something for everyone and promises to be an enjoyable and fun evening of music and singing.”

The concert is on Saturday, July 1, at 7.30pm. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served in the interval. A retiring collection will be held in aid of St Michael’s Church funds.

OPEN air theatre is coming to Shaftesbury Abbey Museum with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night tomorrow (Saturday, June 24).

All-male touring company Festival Players International say this tale of the pursuit of love hampered by disguise, mistaken identity and a great deal of roisterous and hilarious trickery, is sure to entertain.

Tickets priced £17 – FoSA £15, 16 and under £10 – are available from the abbey shop on 01747 852910. Gates open for picnics at 6pm with the performance at 7pm.

Audience members should take along a low-backed chair

MUSICIAN Dean Carter will be promoting the follow up to his first album in years at The Beat & Track record store in Sherborne tomorrow (Saturday, June 24).

Dean returned to music last year with the launch of Songs Without Words after a break of 25 years.

His guitar instrumentals and songs were well received and now he is releasing an allinstrumental volume two on digital platforms and physical media at a free event at the record store at 2pm.

Hunny Bunnies

The Shreen Harmony community choir (above) will be performing with The Water Thieves (below) and Megan Jennings in Mere

Arrow words

Crossword

Across

1 Recessed (4-3)

5 Performs a part (4)

9 Dismissal (5-2)

10 Ruling council of a military dictatorship (5)

11 Squander (5)

12 Choral parts (6)

14 Inform (6)

16 Amended (6)

18 Baby (6)

Emperors of Japan

2 Tests (5)

3 ‘That was easy’ (5,2,4)

4 Develop over time (6)

6 Musical performance (7)

7 Murder (4)

8 Exposing (7)

10 Love of life (4,2,5)

13 Lengthy undertaking (7)

15 This evening (7)

17 Artist’s room (6)

20 Member of the heron family (5)

21 On top of (4)

8 7 3 1 4 2 8 7 6

Brain chain

Politics: Best to look to the long-term

WE know that an election manifesto is an expression of aspirations rather than a commitment to action.

And short-term measures are just that – short-term.

So let us look at what the parties have achieved over the longer term.

Conservatives were faced in 1979 with an economy in crisis, the wake of the Winter of Discontent and huge trade unions in the hands of a small elite.

They had their ups and downs, but they sorted out the stagnating nationalised industries and by the mid-1990s had achieved a booming economy with the public finances under control.

In 1997 Labour took this golden inheritance which gave them licence to throw money at everything.

But it was all downhill, to that notorious valedictory note from its Treasury Chief Secretary in 2010: “There’s no money left.”

Labour’s one real achievement was devolution for Scotland and Wales.

Opinion is still divided on whether that was a positive or negative development.

Conservatives in 2010 once again started with financial challenges which were barely under control before we had the chaos of Brexit, Covid-19 and war in Ukraine.

It will be some years before we can make a considered judgement of this period, but it is hoped we are moving into a more stable period.

And what of the Liberal Democrats?

They grew as a party of protest, embracing everything from Conservative-lite to left of Labour.

In 2010 they declared themselves willing to work with either major party – hardly a ringing statement of principle.

When they had to commit to one set of policies, the other wing left in disgust and the

Let’s get digital: Help at hand at your local library

IN this age of online everything, it can be very daunting if, like me, you are not quite as savvy or as confident as you think you should be when working online.

Do not despair! Help is at hand from the teams of volunteers based in county libraries who give one-to-one instruction to get over all aspects of computer confusion, from the basics to the specifics.

As more aspects of living

LibDems imploded.

Are they any different now?

When we next vote, let us look not at the current headlines, but at what each party is likely to achieve over a five-year term.

Mike Keatinge Via email

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to the co-ordinators and drivers of Gillingham Car Link.

Over the past two months I have had to use its service,

move online, there is a genuine danger that some citizens, old and not so old, will become isolated and miss out on services and entitlements through a lack of computer skills.

Do not delay, enrol today for a lesson or two with your friendly neighbourhood computer whiz like I did and get to know your way around a website!

Lessons are booked at your local library and are free.

which is all voluntary, seven times for various hospital appointments.

I found the drivers were friendly and provided assistance if you needed help to get into or out of their car.

I met some very interesting characters, so thank you.

If you like driving, have spare time and like meeting people, then Gillingham Car Link is always looking for volunteers.

Bernard Bond Gillingham

I AM afraid that A J Selby’s recollection of the clocks experiment between 1968 and 1971 – New Blackmore Vale,Field & Stream, June 9 – is not quite right.

Clocks were set to British Summer Time all year round. It was called British Standard Time. There was no extra hour in summer.

In summer, it got dark around 10pm, just as it does with British Summer Time, not 11pm.

I really loved it because during winter you were able to arrive home from work in daylight rather than get up and go to work in darkness or near darkness and arrive home from work in darkness.

I remember that this arrangement resulted in fewer traffic accidents, too.

I understand that in the EU there is a move to do away with the biannual clock changing ritual and each country would have to select either winter or summer time.

It may well be that, in the interests of travel and trade and so on, that the UK repeats the experiment, especially if 67% of us would prefer it.

Regarding Scottish objections, if they become independent and wish to join the EU, they will have to decide how they are going to set their clocks.

It would be rather bizarre if the time in Scotland was different from that in England and Wales.

ON behalf of Riding for the Disabled, Bryanston branch, I would like to thank everyone who came to our charity morning at the Parish Centre, Charlton Marshall, on Saturday, May 20.

Grateful thanks to all who donated items for the sale –scarves, jewellery, plants, cards and sumptuous cakes.

Roger Phelps via email

Volunteers provide free one-to-one instruction

We are a self-funding charity so the amount of £284 raised was truly amazing. Thanks to all who worked so hard in making this a success.

If you are interested in volunteering, the contact number is on the RDA website under ‘RDA Bryanston, my contact number’.

Marie Harris Volunteer, RDA Bryanston

DON’T worry too much about paying the water bill, for Wessex Water has plenty of it.

After treating a long-standing leak in Wyke Street, Gillingham, by The Old Post Office at Pound Lane, it has taken all its paraphernalia, vehicles and workers, and removed the road traffic control, but water is still popping up from the road and running down the road, cascading up from car

tyres to water the kerbside weeds and detritus.

It poses the question – is a job finished when the time allotted is up or when a leak is mended?

Sam Jeffery Gillingham

AT this time of year, the fledgling season is well upon us and it’s not uncommon to find a youngster on the ground by itself or hopping around without any sign of its parents.

Such a situation can make it hard to decide on the best course of action.

It’s only natural to be concerned as baby birds can look vulnerable, but in most situations you don’t need to worry or do anything about it.

Whether you need to do anything on that very rare occasion depends on whether a

baby bird is feathered or not and if it is injured.

The chicks of our most common garden birds fledge once they are fully feathered but aren’t yet able to fly.

This means they will often spend a day or two on the ground while they finish growing their flight feathers.

The fledgling is doing exactly what it should be doing and has deliberately left the nest a little while before it is able to fly.

It may be tempting to pick such birds up, but that does more harm than good.

It is extremely unlikely that the fledgling has been abandoned by its parents.

Remember, just because you can’t see the adult birds, that doesn’t mean they aren’t around.

They are probably out

Memories of Queen’s Coronation

THE year of the Coronation was the year I was called up for National Service on January 2, 1953 – I was 19. Basic Army training was in Aldershot Barracks, which was great fun – well, if you enjoy being shouted and screamed at or, in the middle of the night, made to remake your bed which a corporal had kicked over after telling you ‘it was the worst and most ‘orrible bed he had ever had the misfortune to witness’. But it would be remade properly before 5am inspection, if one valued one’s life!

That was just one aspect of basic training – everyone hated the corporals who harangued recruits with vile curses we had never heard before, but I suppose the purpose was to unite us young soldiers and begin to instil an esprit de corps.

As time went on, discipline was less harsh, or perhaps we just became accustomed to it, and on June 2 we had 24-hour passes to go to London for the Coronation. We had to go in uniform – every item of our civilian clothes had been parcelled up by the quartermaster and returned home – in my case Shaftesbury. One can imagine one’s mother’s shock and tears at getting that parcel.

I can’t remember how or why a charming subaltern offered two of us a lift to London in his red MG sports car, but we had to divert to Cheltenham for the Lieutenant to collect a top hat from the Queen’s Hotel while we waited in his car for what seemed ages. But he kindly dropped us near the abbey and we managed to get on the pavement almost opposite the west

door. We were welcomed by the crowd – two young chaps in uniform, we were pushed near the front and plied with fish and chips all evening and into the night. It rained and it poured but everyone was happy and laughing – and when we heard the news that Hilary and Tenzing had conquered Everest, fresh cheers broke out and more fish and chips in soggy newspaper came to us – they never tasted better!

As dawn broke the crowds grew and we could see the tops of carriages with the police facing us and the backs of guardsmen presenting arms again and again as notables arrived and the bands played on and on.

We saw the top of the Gold Coach as it left for the return to the Palace, although we did not see Her Majesty the Queen, but we knew she was there, so we applauded and cheered. As the abbey emptied, we made our way to Regents Park, just going with the flow and by mid-afternoon the vast screens that had been erected were showing the Cceremony in full in Technicolor – a wonderful three hours of pageantry we had never before seen.

As our wet uniforms steamed and dried in the afternoon sunshine we had chats and jokes with all and sundry – what an incredible and unforgettable day for us and the multitude that filled central London.

I can’t remember when or how we returned to barracks – but it was not by MG!

God Save the King

collecting food or hidden away in a nearby tree keeping an eye on how their young one is getting on.

However, there is an exception to this rule.

Swifts, swallows and housemartins only fledge –leave the nest– when they are able to fully fly, so should never be found on the ground.

If you find such a bird, contact your local animal shelter and keep a constant eye on the bird until it has safely been collected.

One last thing is that the weather is very dry with little or no surface water to be found. Putting out drinking water in a shallow container on the ground will be greatly appreciated by birds and hedgehogs alike.

Mike Fry Upton

Something fishy going on

First as a child, then with my kids I'd take a jam jar on a string To any stream among the meads And cast the empty jam jar in.

Within two minutes, three at most, The first few minnows would appear And then a dozen, then a host, And in the jam jar they would peer.

You waited 'til they'd gone inside Then jerk the string to raise the jar And bring it brimming to the side, Then at the tiny fish you'd stare.

Retired now, with time to waste, I thought I'd play that game again And Walton's Minnow Tansy taste But find my quest is all in vain!

I stalk the haunts of coot and herne. I dabble, paddle, even swim! But now I find, to my concern, There is no stream with minnows in!

No kingfisher beneath the bridge; They're just a mem'ry now, a dream; Not much by way of fly or midge. Pollution's poisoned ev'ry stream!

Colin Francis Shaftesbury

Chris Slade Via email

Lowry sketches and drawings

ACREMAN St Auctioneers and Valuers, Sherborne, is holding a 20th century Art sale on the morning of Thursday, June 29, which includes 100 L S Lowry drawings and sketches.

The items are mostly from one vendor whose collection was bought by his parents from a gentleman who bought them from Lowry’s mother at the same time as purchasing her cooking range in the 1970s.

There’s also Lowry’s Second World War ration book and other items relating to Lowry.

The sale also includes other Lowry sketches and drawings from another vendor who purchased them from a junk shop in Bath.

Two drawings signed Picasso and nine sketches signed Lucien

Freud as well as other art works are among the about 150 lots.

Acreman’s General Antiques & Collectables auction is on Thursday, June 29, starting at 1pm and its Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale is on Friday, June 30, at 10am.

A Garden & Architectural Auction will be held in July and items are still being accepted from anyone who has any garden items they would like to consign. The catalogue and bidding are available online through easyliveauction.com and Thesaleroom.com.

Acreman holds valuation days every Wednesday 10am4pm, offering free valuations on items people are considering for auction, at Acreman Auction, 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PH.

Beautiful bikes

CHARTERHOUSE Auctioneers is selling more than 100 classic and vintage motorcycles spanning over 100 years at Haynes Motor Museum on Thursday, June 29.

Richard Bromell, from the auction house, said: “There are bikes dating from 1912 to 2014 and in all shapes and engine sizes.”

Buyers have plenty of choice with bike marques from across the world estimated from £500 to £50,000.

Viewing is at the motor museum, Sparkford, on Wednesday, June 28, and on auction day from 9.30am.

All lots can be viewed at www.charterhouse-auction.com where full details are also available.

Specialist Free Valuation Days

Classic Bike & Automobilia Auction at Haynes ursday 29th June

Monday 12th Pictures, Maps, Books & Postcards

Tuesday 13th Silver, Jewellery, Watches & Clocks

Wednesday 14th Model Cars, Trains, Dolls & Toys

Thursday 15th Medals, Militaria, Coins

Autumn Classic & Vintage Car Auction

Further Entries Now Invited

01935 812277 • www.charterhouse-auction.com

A 1912 Humber 2hp motorcycle estimated at £10,000-£12,000

Family portraits from 17th century

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley is busy preparing for its next sale on Friday and Saturday, July 7-8, when it will be offering a large number of paintings and prints belonging to the late Jennifer Morland (1941-2018), grand-daughter of Gerald Arthur Arundell, the 15th Baron Arundell of Wardour (18511939) and brother of Lt John Arundell, the 16th and last Baron Arundell of Wardour (1907-44).

They include 17th century family portraits, a set of 18 aquatints depicting the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26) and Old Master drawings bought at Christie’s Rome in the 1980s.

Although ‘brown furniture’, has gone out of fashion, Clarke’s is finding that midcentury furniture and ‘modern design’ furniture is selling well.

Its last sale saw a teak G-Plan Fresco sideboard fetch £350 including premium and a teak chest of drawers in the manner of Heal’s sell for a shade under £500.

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

Antiques & Collectables Sale

Chatwin bewitches

BRUCE Chatwin, described by The New York Times as one of the ‘last great explorers’, died almost 35 years ago, but his power to inspire and bewitch remains undiminished.

Chatwin (above) was an art expert, an archaeologist, a connoisseur of the extraordinary and a feted travel author.

His devastating good looks and enigmatic personality ensured he was on everyone’s guest list, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who found him ‘irresistible’.

Duke’s of Dorchester is selling a small number of items – textiles, furniture, pictures and ceramics – from the collection of Bruce and Elizabeth Chatwin

on Thursday, July 13.

The collection is, as one might expect, eclectic. A Tibetan horse blanket with a vivid geometric design is estimated at £1,000-£2,000 and a simple Delftware beer jug could make £100-£200.

The auction includes a pair of stylish easy chairs with tall backs and a modernist steel chair designed by Mart Stam.

A photograph published in Vogue (above) shows Chatwin in the chair with the easy chairs to one side.

Viewing begins on Saturday, July 8, with bidding available on three online platforms. Find more information at www. dukes-auctions.com.

Antiques & Collectibles Advertiser’s announcement

RED EDWARDIAN CHAISE LOUNGE, 1 arm chair and 4 dining room chairs £195.ono Tel: 07599-735384

WANTED VINYL RECORDS, Classical Jazz Rock etc Call James 07970 769946

WANTED

Coins and Coin Collections

Call Nick: 07754 058850

WANTED

Vinyl Record Collections Call Nick: 07754 058850

WE BUY RECORDS, COLLECTIONS LARGE AND SMALL

Call BILL 07967 816506 or 01747 811100

Email:

Antique & Classic Clock Repairs & Restoration Longcase Clocks a speciality Antique Clock sales

Clocks Unlimited

Tel: (01935) 423233 Mobile: 07974 520545

bclocksunlimited@aol.com www.clocksunlimited.co.uk

We’re coming back

Just like the Old Days

PASTIMES

of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

Thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys.

Top prices paid for all types of model railway, die cast cars, early Action Man and Star Wars, Scalextric, Meccano, unmade Airfix kits etc. Those magical makes; Hornby, Dinky, Triang, Spot-On, Corgi, Subbuteo, Britains, Timpo plus plus plus

Telephone: 01935 816072

Mobile: 07527 074343

Thursday

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme

by Sally Gregson

THE days of barbecues are upon us. What could be nicer than eating outdoors on a warm summer evening watching the setting sun as the bats start to come out. They are attracted by movement, so throwing a stick up in the air will bring them closer, the better to identify them.

While the barbecue coals are heating, chop some leaves of thyme, sage and rosemary and throw them on the coals to perfume and flavour the meat and vegetables as they cook. Growing herbs close to the barbecue area would be ideal, but they do need a sunny, well-drained spot. If there’s no room near at hand, pots and containers of free-draining compost could be planted up with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, to coin a phrase. Parsley in particular is better if it has been sown in the warmth

of late April and May and encouraged to grow on in a pot. These ‘herbs’, like so many, were brought to this country by the Romans, not just for flavouring their dishes, but for medicinal use. Sage in particular was especially valued as a panacea. But it was not just eaten or made into ‘tisanes’, it was burned and the smoking dish placed in a sick-room. The patient gained relief from their symptoms by breathing in the fumes of burning sage.

In the 13th century the world experienced a volcanic winter following the eruption of Samalas in Indonesia. The resulting famine affected the whole world, but on a more parochial level, the medieval monasteries in Britain must have suffered many cases of malnutrition and starvation as the crops failed everywhere. The monks’ herb gardens must

have struggled to produce enough medicines to treat everyone, and in particular their rosemary bushes all appear to have been lost.

Rosemary needed to be re-introduced years later. It was documented in 14th century

How to make more thyme...

by Sally Gregson

THYME is a many and various tribe. There are hundreds of variations of flavour, flower colour, variegation and, of course, habit of growth. They all need full sun and good drainage, and are perfect for a large, shallow terracotta pot. The closer the approximation to a Mediterranean hillside the better, so they would not need too much watering in dry spells.

Thyme is easy to propagate from softwood cuttings taken in mid-summer, preferably on a cool, overcast day. With a sharp pair of secateurs, cut a piece off a new side-shoot, just below the junction of a leaf with the stem – the node. Take out the tip, and remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings around the edge of a shallow pot of gritty compost, making sure not to allow the cuttings to touch each other or the sides. Label them with the name of the thyme, how many cuttings taken and the date, and give the pot a good

watering-in to settle the compost down at the base of the stems. Pop the pot of cuttings into a clear plastic-bag, blow into the bag and tie it up at the top.

Put the pot somewhere cool and shaded for a week or so, keeping an eye on the cuttings. Open the bag regularly to inspect their progress and tie it up again if necessary. Slowly, the cuttings will either sit up and look happy, or not. Gradually, step-by-step, open the bag, take out the pot and keep it in the shade. If the cuttings start to wilt go back a step – close the bag again and keep an eye on it. Soon, after two or three weeks, the remaining cuttings will grow away happily.

Once the roots of the cuttings start to emerge from the bottom of the container, pot them into a gritty compost and place the pots somewhere outside where you can watch them grow away. Once the plants’ roots have

herbals as a ‘new’ plant of great use, as if it had never been grown in the UK before. The medieval monks had brought back new plants from the continent for us to grow, and continue to grow, in our English gardens.

Parsley is better if it has been sown in the warmth of late April and May PHOTO: ArtActiveArt/Pixabay

filled the pot, plant them out in the sun, or pot them on and keep them over winter. The

following summer there will be lots of happy thymes ready for the garden.

Thyme comes in many varieties, but they all need full sun and good drainage PHOTO: Alban Gogh/Pixabay

Home & Garden

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

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

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

GARDEN RESCUE

Tel 01747 821726

GREENHOUSES

Supplied/Erected, Alloy TenColours

Spares-Repairs-Glass

Chris Abrams 01258 452632

LAWN MOWING SERVICE

TEL 01747 821726

LANGTON NURSERIES (C W Abbott & Son)

blackmorevale.net

CABINET MAKER and Corian Fabricator near Sturminster Newton. Email us on bfwlimited@gmail.com

Architects/Designers welcome http://www.bfworks.co.uk

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

TOOLS WANTED. Cash waiting. 01747 850474

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 01747 850544

SELF DRIVE DIGGER and Dumper Hire 01258 861647

WELL ROTTED MANURE

Tel: 01747 850544

Tel: 01747 850544

Tel: 01747 850544

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

Tel: 01747 850544

Mobile: 07921 637227

Mobile: 07921 637227

Mobile: 07921 637227

Mobile: 07921 637227

amralphlandscaping@gmail.com

Mobile: 07921 637227

Tel: 01747 850544

www.ralphlandscaping.co.uk

North Dorset Tree Surgeons

We carry out all aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting and stump grinding. Ash dieback specialist. Fully insured and NPTC qualified.

Mobile: 07921 637227

Fruit Trees, Perennials & Shrubs, Hazel pea sticks and bean rods, Wild Bird food, Stockists of Kings, Franchi and Fothergill Budget Seeds, Potting Compost. Large selection of pots. Open daily 10am–3 pm. Langton Long Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 9HR. Telephone 01258 452513

£60.00 a transit load Contact Roger on 07885 826396 or 01202 826502

The Patio Man

Concrete, Natural Stone & Porcelain Patios Repointing, all sizes undertaken. For FREE quote please call James 07809 415902 enquiry.thepatioman@gmail.com

Book online: blackmorevale.net

Email: adverts@blackmorevale.net

Carpets

Vinyls

Rugs

Wood

Karndean

Underlay

Curtains

established in 1978

Fabrics

Blinds

Re-Upholstery

Gillingham:

Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pm

Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm

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

Wincanton Business Park, Somerset BA9 9RR | 01963 33574

www.cullingfordcarpets.co.uk | info@cullingfordcarpets.co.uk

Wincanton:

Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm

Home & Garden

Gillingham Garden Machinery opened their doors in 2018. We are a garden machinery shop and workshop. Selling, repairing and servicing all types of garden machinery from sharpening garden shears to selling large ride on tractors we cater for gardens of all sizes.

We sell battery and petrol products along with oils, strimmer lines and most accessories to keep your machinery going. Battery powered machinery has really taken off the last couple of years and we are selling more of it every year. With its lighter frame, reduced sound and environmental benefits it is proving a real hit with the modern gardener. We even sell battery powered ride ons.

We take pride in giving a personal and friendly service and are happy to offer advice for the best machinery to fit in with our customers budget and needs. We can be found on Brickyard Lane. Why not pop in for a chat to see how we can help with your gardening needs.

WANTEDDave buys all types of tools Call 01935 428975

Moss and thatch removal Tel 01747 821726

814272

Mobile: 07814246332

FOR SALE SCREENED

TOP SOIL DELIVERED

1T - 5T LOADS

TEL NO: 01258 861046

LandPProperty. Complete property renovations/maintenance inside and outside. Fully insured. 07725-649540

07928-300617

http://www.landpproperty.co.uk

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

DRYSTONE WALLING AND LANDSCAPING

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk 01963 371123

Rural, garden & agricultural itembought & sold Tim, 01725 517268 or 07311 478301

blackmorevale.net

ARCHITECTURAL, BUILDING & ELECTRICAL

REPOINTING NATURAL STONES OF HOUSES and garden walls in lime water and rebuilding stone works.

NO VAT! Contact 07745 625617

Book Online

classified@ blackmorevale.net

B.LUCAS

General builder

25+ Years Experience, City & Guilds Qualified

Extensions, Renovations, Alterations, New Build, Plastering, Floor and Wall Tiling, Brickwork, Blockwork, Stonework and Patios, Fencing and Decorating.

FREE estimates, No VAT 01747 228827 07809 362919

DORSET WOOD

TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

Oak Timber Framing Bespoke Timber Building

Traditional Building Specialist inc

All Building WorklAll aspects of Lime External and Internal

Rendering/Plastering/Repointing Lime Crete Flooring Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing www.dorsetwood.co.uk

Contact Dave Welsh 07838 654468 djwelsh@btinternet.com

HANDYMAN, reliable and experienced Call Chris 07413 678076

R&W FENCING SERVICES

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

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

PROPERTY DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT/ refurbishment and renovation. Call Tim 07793 837073

All aspects of traditional building work undertaken

External & internal lime works

Full restoration service for older & listed properties

Bespoke extensions, disabled & granny annex conversions - from planning to completion

Cob work - new & repairs

Oak timber framing

Project consultation service

Dorset Lime Ltd

Traditional builders specialising in older and listed properties

Damp Control

Timber Treatments

Dry Rot

Condensation Control

30-Year Bonded

Guarantee

Tel: Wincanton 01963 202382

Mobile: 07881 504426

Email: maplepres@aol.com

www.maplepreservation.co.uk

D A Redwood Construction

Groundworks, Plant Hire, Demolition, Specialises In Drainage & Foul Treatment Plant Installations 01935 825506 07973 871708

daredwoodconstruction@gmail.com

T F PLANT

Sand, gravel, cement and topsoil supplied Trade & DIY. Supplied loose or collected. Small or large loads also bulk bag materials & small handy bags. Muck-away service of inert materials

Trusted family-run business, ring for enquiries 01747 826107

TF Plant, 8 Brickfields Industrial Estate, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4JL

Call Dave Welsh 07492181788 or 07838654468 www.dorsetlime.uk dorsetlime@gmail.com

SW BUILDING & RENOVATIONS

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

e: swbuildandrenovation@gmail.com

TRADITIONAL CARPENTER AND GENERAL BUILDER, loft conversions and extensions. Kitchen, bathrooms, doors, painting and plastering.07852 201867

General building Extensions/Renovations

Loft conversions Oak frame buildings

Groundwork/Landscaping

All your property needs

www.amlcarpentrybuilding.co.uk

Mobile: 07979 527379

email: alanlewisaml@aol.com

Building Construction Specialists

w: www.sturgessandsturgess.com

CLEANING

COMPLETE CLEANING. Tenancy end/ refurbishment finish/commercial/ domestic/one offs/other.

DBS registered. Experienced. Mobile 07519 109374

SHINY STOVES OVEN CLEANING

Ovens,Ranges, Aga’s, etc.

Independent Family Run Business Covering The Blackmore Vale Area Tel 01935 592461 Mob 07875 272401

www.shinystoves.com

COMPUTERS & TECH

DEREK ETHERINGTON BSc(Hons). PC/Mac, Repairs, Networks, Websites, Tuition. Free local callout. 01963362403 07855287150

http://www.dcenet.co.uk

Joseph Crocker Computers

Custom built gaming & office PCs

Desktop & laptop repair

Help with mobile devices

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

josephcrockercomputers.co.uk

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

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

Book online: blackmorevale.net

COMPUTERS & TECH

COMPUTER REPAIR Low Cost Mobile Service. SturComputers 01258-817-537 sturcom@mail.com

AERIALS & Satellite Direct

Repairs & Installations - 7 days per week No VAT - Prompt & Friendly Service

TOM MOSS

Mob: 07931 727 961

Email: tommoss50@aol.com

DECORATION,

GARETH TANNER G.O.T. Decorating City and Guilds qualified Interior/exterior Decorating Free Quotes no VAT Tel 07736 644452 go.tanner93@gmail.com

Painting &

Local Quality Painter & Decorator.

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

35 Years Experience FREE Estimates. No VAT Call Richard on Tel: 01258 880670 Mob: 07825512627

R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help

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

• Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

Get connected. Stay connected. Call me now on 07805 783147

25 years experience in modern and traditional property restorations. All general building works undertaken, specialising in lime rendering, pointing and plastering. NO JOB TOO SMALL NO UP FRONT COSTS NO VAT Call Steve Taylor: 07855 787857 or email steve.sublimeplastering @gmail.com

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

Open Farm date

by Barbara Cossins

OPEN Farm Sunday is a celebration of British farming that began in 2006 and is organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) for farmers to raise awareness among the public of farming, nature and food.

We put on an amazing Open Farm Sunday event at Rawston Farm and were delighted so many people visited us.

All our farming friends came to support us and help talk to the public about what we do to produce food. A big thank you to them.

A big thank also to all the producers and exhibitors who came and supported us and sold their lovely produce on the day.

Visitors could taste, buy and take home many products from Love Local Trust Local award winners.

It was a great educational

day, as well as lots of fun for the children – from tractor rides to seeing rare breed pigs, enjoying falconry and seeing baby chicks up close to watching cows being milked.

Visitors learnt how milk is produced and turned into butter, cheese and chocolate, among other things.

A big thank you also to St John Ambulance which came to keep people safe for the day.

The UK economy is tough for our farmers, and many have a real fear of major losses. The headlines about cuts to milk prices are serious.

If we are to carry on producing food, farmers must be paid a fair price for the items we produce, milk included.

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

Our Main Menu:

Available for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch.

Set Sunday Roast:

2 Courses - £ 35, 3 Courses - £ 40

Enjoy captivating live Jazz with the Simply Jazz Trio on the last Thursday evening of each month, from 7pm to 9pm.

Listen as you delight in seasonal dishes, exciting cocktails and fine wines. Or simply come to enjoy a drink in our lovely mezzanine bar, Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm & 6-11pm, Sunday 12-4pm.

Enford Farm Shop

Durweston DT11 0QW

The Coppleridge Inn

We are a traditional country inn with rooms, set in beautiful

Motcombe SP7 9HW

We are a traditional country inn with rooms, set in beautiful

Half a pig approx £130. 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.

Friday 12.00-15.00, 17.00-22.00

Friday 12:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00

Saturday 12:00-23:00

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm. Outside shop with self service for essentials open daily 8am-8pm

Thursday 12:00-15:00, 18:00-22:00 Friday 12:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00

Saturday 12.00-23.00

Sunday 12:00-16:00

Saturday 12:00-23:00

Sunday 12.00-16.00

Lunch orders 12:00pm to 2.30pm, dinner orders 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Sunday 12:00-16:00

Lunch orders 12.00pm to 2.30pm, dinner orders 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Saturday 12:00-23:00

Lunch orders 12:00pm to 2.30pm, dinner orders 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Sunday 12:00-16:00

Drinks all day Saturday - Bar last orders 9:45pm, 10:45 Friday & Saturday 01747 851 980 coppleridge.com info@coppleridge.com

Drinks all day Saturday - Bar last orders 9:45pm, 10:45 Friday & Saturday 01747 851 980 coppleridge.com info@coppleridge.com

Drinks all day Saturday Bar last orders 9.45pm, 10.45pm Friday & Saturday 01747 851 980 coppleridge.com info@coppleridge.com

Lunch orders 12:00pm to 2.30pm, dinner orders 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Drinks all day Saturday - Bar last orders 9:45pm, 10:45 Friday & Saturday 01747 851 980 coppleridge.com info@coppleridge.com

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB SERVING FINE FOOD AND DRINKS

Peter and Karlene are delighted to invite you to the Plough

Inn at Manston and look forward to seeing you soon.

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

A Pub With Warmth And Atmosphere

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

Hearty Food And Distinctive Drinks

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

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

www.oxleysc.com

Hawthorne is a special tree

by Fiona Chapman

HAWTHORNE is a wonderfully ancient and magical tree – I have mentioned before that Hawthorne or Crataegus monogyna is specific for the heart.

There has been lots of research into Hawthorne, particularly in Germany, and it is the young leaves and flowers that have such an effect on the cardio system. It is a cardiotonic and increases myocardial contractility –positive inotropic – meaning it increases the force of the muscle contraction in the heart, giving it a stronger and more rhythmic beat while at the same time reducing vascular tension and so allowing the blood to move

much more freely around the body.

This is obviously extremely good for blood pressure and circulation issues such as Raynaud’s disease and varicose veins.

The flowers, together with the red fruit berries in the autumn, help to reduce cholesterol and have a protective effect on the heart muscle – and also help to prevent inflammation in blood vessels or atherosclerosis. This anti-inflammatory action is also good for gout and arthritis, as with the blood moving more freely around the body, it means that toxins can be removed and excreted. n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

Our Swim School is expanding, spaces now available

Taking control of our inner critic

by Alice Johnsen

LEADING psychotherapist

Julia Samuel was talking recently about self-acceptance being a precursor to self-love. She also made reference to that critical voice we all know. Her point I wanted to share was based on the theory we all focus on bits of us we’d like to change. Samuel was suggesting that instead of feeding our inner critic we should consciously turn our attention to the parts of our bodies or characteristics that we do like. This links with a thought I have been talking about recently on my Instagram page –@ alicejohnsencoaching. Can we change how we react to things or people in our life, and can we control or change our emotions? I would define an emotion as an instinctive or intuitive feeling. It is an instinct, so to change how we feel or react, we need to change that instinct.

Knowing this, you will not be surprised when I tell you while we can change how we feel about things, it is a slow change. It is a constant re-training of our minds to think about something in a new way. Possible – but it takes time. Years.

This links to the division in our brains between logical and emotional thinking. When we are under stress the emotional side of our brain takes over.

So maybe the thread here is that if you can focus more on your positives and quieten down that inner critic, you will find it easier to remain logical and calmer in all your thinking? Surely it will also help fight imposter syndrome I wrote about recently? Everything to do with mental health and wellbeing is linked. Any steps to improve one aspect of your life will naturally start supporting other areas.

n Alice Johnsen is a life coach based near Sherborne (07961 080513; alicejohnsen.co.uk).

CARE FOR OAPS including nail cutting, shaving, massage, sleep over care. Joyce, 07591 760333

Making Everyday Life Easier

Do I need a Stairlift? – If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone. The decision to install a stairlift is sometimes a difficult one to take but, when compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution.

Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts aim to provide an ethical, reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. We have worked hard to establish an affordable, dependable and honest service to be proud of. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring them to their friends and relations Suttons Stairlifts is now a well-established company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed!

Peace of mind – As Suttons Stairlifts are approved dealers for Handicare, you can rest assured that you are also choosing an ISO Quality Approved product that conforms to the ethical business practices required by the British Healthcare Trades Association.

Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for either straight or curved stairs in Somerset and the South West. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts. We offer fast and efficient maintenance and repairs on all supplied stairlifts, as well as an annual service and safety check to keep your stairlift running as smoothly as the day it was installed.

What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time. With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.

Motoring

Fears raised over rise of ‘pay by app’

MILLIONS of mature drivers could be restricted from taking simple trips to town simply because they won’t have the capacity to pay for parking, says vehicle breakdown recovery provider Start Rescue.

As local authorities increasingly move to ‘pay by app’ systems, pensioners who do not have a smartphone will find themselves high and dry at parking bays in the UK’s towns and cities.

The move away from cash and card payments has been accelerated by mobile phone providers switching off 3G data networks, on which some parking machines operate.

Currently there are at least 30 smartphone apps to pay parking charges. .

Data from Ofcom shows that only 68% of those aged 65 or over use a smartphone to go online.

With more than 9.2 million

drivers on our roads in the same age group, according to the DVLA, that suggests there are potentially 2.9 million older drivers without access to apps to enable them to pay for parking.

Concerns about how mature drivers will pay for parking have been raised by a number of organisations including the National Pensioners Convention (NPC).

Its general secretary, Jan Shortt, said: “The drive towards digital-only seriously disadvantages millions of older people who cannot afford smartphones, tablets or broadband to get online.

“We appreciate it is more convenient for councils and parking companies to opt for digital-only payments, but cash is still legal tender, and in the Queen’s Speech the Government announced legislation to ensure that the

Peacemarsh Garage

est. 1997

Peacemarsh, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HB www.peacemarshgarage.co.uk

2018 RANGE ROVER SPORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY

2015 (65) SKODA FABIA SE ESTATE TDI 2013 (63) FORD KA 1.2 ZETEC 22,000 MILES 2013 (62) VW UP 5 DOOR AUTO 50,000 MILES 2010 (60) FORD FIETSTA 1.4 TITANIUM 41,000 MILES

2009 (59) BMW 320i M SPORT CONVERTIBLE

2006 (06) VAUXHALL MONARO 5.7 V8 COUPE (MANUAL)

56,000 MILES 2006 (06) BMW 325i 4 DOOR

Servicing, Valets, MOTs, Bodywork Hankook & Laufenn Tyre Dealership, Competitive Rates

We don’t buy any car…but we might buy yours

option to pay by cash must remain.

“Technology is fine for most things, but when it excludes individuals from services, or does not work efficiently, then we have to ask why and especially if it is not compatible with the Equality 2010 Act that says goods and services must be accessible to all customers.”

Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, added:

“One might reasonably assume in today’s digital age that everyone has a smartphone, and therefore the ability to pay for all manner of goods and services.

“But when you consider that potentially 2.9 million people could be denied carrying out simple shopping trips because there is no way they can pay for parking, then it’s clear there is a problem.”

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

SUNRISE SERVICE & MOT CENTRE

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

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

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

Diagnostics

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

Air conditioning

Valets

MOTS – class 4,5 and 7

MOTs – class 4, 5 and 7

Courtesy Cars

Diagnostics

Diagnostics Air Conditioning

Air conditioning

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Courtesy Cars

Valets

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Concessions for Armed Forces and Emergency Services

Courtesy Cars

Collections within a 5 mile radius

Concessions for Pensioners, Armed Forces and Emergency Services

The proliferation of parking apps can make life difficult for older drivers

FOR SALE HONDA CRF 250L

2017. 12000 mls Ph 07907 646507

KIA PICANTO 2005

Black, Taxed & MOT’d £800. 01747 860344

INDEPENDENT LAND ROVER

SPECIALISTS

Established 1978

Parts repairs, servicing www.nicholaspaxton.co.uk 01749 880817

2012 VOLVO V70.

Authorities D5 estate. 2.400 cc MOT’d, 150,000 miles.

2 owners. Alloy wheels. Part service history. Good condition. £2,500 Yeovil area 07946 44595

STORAGE FOR CARAVANS, boats and cars at Enford Farm near Blandford. 01258 450050 / 07704 813025

MOTORBIKES WANTED

Non runners and Unwanted Phone Keith on 07966 213344

Deadline to place your advert is the Friday before publication.

CARAVAN ELDDIS

HURRICANE GT 2-berth caravan good condition £800 ono 07835-066917

OLD, INTERESTING & CLASSIC CARS wanted pre 1990s Any condition including unfinished projects Cash/ Transfer Please Phone Paul 07890 096907

DEFENDER 90 COUNTY HARDTOP

6 Seats 2007. Green

Mileage: 114,019

MOT valid till 17 May 2024 £15,000. Contact: cslettengren@hotmail.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

2014 (14) BMW X1 2.0TD X Line Automatic 4x4 SUV 5dr. 181bhp, diesel, 8 speed automatic gearbox, 4 wheel drive, heated leather seats, parking sensors, hill start assist, hill descent control, DAB, Bluetooth, decent boot, flat folding rear seats, upto 52mpg, 66,900 miles ..............................................................£11650

2017 (67) Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Nav 5dr. 100bhp, petrol, 6 speed manual gearbox, New Shape, sat nav, cruise control, touch screen, Bluetooth, hill start assist, auto lights & wipers, auto main beam, sign recognition, lane keeping aid, award winning engine, upto 65mpg, 31,500 miles ..........£11250

2015 (15) Honda Jazz 1.4i-VTEC ES Plus Automatic 5dr. 99bhp, petrol, CVT Automatic gearbox, flat folding rear seats, decent boot, Bluetooth, alloys, air con, sat nav, sign recognition, hill start assist, 22,500 miles .............................£11450

2013 (13) Land Rover Freelander 2, 2.2SD4 HSE 4x4 Automatic Station Wagon 5dr. 190bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 4 wheel drive, hill start & descent control, heated leather memory seats, heated steering wheel, sunroofs, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, sat nav, Bluetooth, cambelt has just been replaced, only 54,900 miles ...................AVAILABLE SOON £14950

2013 (13) Mazda 2, 1.3 Venture 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, sat nav, Bluetooth, auto lights & wipers, parking sensors, £35 a year road tax, upto 56mpg economy, only 36,600 miles ......................................................AVAILABLE SOON £7450

2020 (20) Suzuki Vitara 1.4 BoosterJet SZ-T Automatic SUV 5dr. 140bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, high seating position, large boot, good ground clearance, cruise control, Bluetooth, sat nav, reverse camera, hill start assist, only 18,500 miles ...............................................................AVAILABLE SOON £17250

2011 (61) Toyota Rav4 2.0 XT-R Automatic 4x4 Station Wagon SUV 5dr. 158bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, leather & alcantara, heated seats, sliding rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, only 48,500 miles ........................................................£10850

2022 (72) Vauxhall Astra 1.2T Ultimate Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 8 speed automatic gearbox, New shape, ½ leather, memory heated seats, heated steering wheel, park sensors, cameras, Nav, auto lights & wipers, main beam assist, sign assist, lane aid, adaptive cruise, sunroof, hill start, head up display, under 450 miles .......................................................................................£25500

2014 (14) Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Match Edition 5dr. 60bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, air con, alloys, cruise control, Bluetooth, 64,500 miles .....................................................................................DUE IN JULY £7450

2014 (64) Mitsubishi L200 2.5Di-D Warrior Automatic 4x4 Double Cab Pickup 4dr. 175bhp, diesel, 4x4, 4 speed automatic gearbox, cruise control, Bluetooth, auto lights & wipers, alloys, air con, bed liner, well cared for pickup with only 68,500 miles ...........................................................

£11400+VAT = £13680

2017 (17) Peugeot 108 1.2 Allure 5dr. 82bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, reverse camera, touch screen, auto lights, hill start assist, Bluetooth, air con, alloys, key-less entry system, 38,900 miles ................................................£7650

Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management Classic and Supercar Show – 16th of July 2023

The Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management Classic and Supercar show at Sherborne Castle has become a firm fixture in the calendar of events in Sherborne, held once again in the grounds of the prestigious Sherborne Castle. Regarded as one of the premier classics and supercar shows in the South of England, in 2022 we celebrated the 17th edition of the show and had upwards of 2,000 cars on display, from veterans to the latest supercars.

The 2022 show was the first run by the new organising team compromising of Rotary, Lions, Round Table and non-affiliated members and was praised as a great success despite the sweltering weather.

The show committee had the pleasure of distributing £60000 to 13 Southwest based charities within a 30 mile radius of the show site at Sherborne Castle. The main beneficiary of the 2022 show were Children’s Hospice Southwest, who were awarded £20000.

Other beneficiaries included Yeovil Opportunity Group, Freewheelers, PromiseWorks, Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre, The Children’s Air Ambulance, Family Counselling Trust, Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Assn, The Balsam Centre, Water Survival Box, The Rendevouz Sherborne, Somerset Sight and Sherborne Good Neighbours.

The show will continue to distribute all excess income to local charities through its own charity, Sherborne Classic Car CIO. Since the event is run entirely by volunteers we are able to keep our costs down and maximise charity funding. The main beneficiary of this year’s show will be Ronald McDonald House Bristol, a charity which provides support and accommodation to families with children receiving treatment at Bristol Children's Hospital. The charity provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation so that families have a warm and comfortable place to rest, eat and relax just moments away from their child’s hospital ward.

Picture is courtesy of Steve Tarrant.

Picture is courtesy of Len Copland.

PUBLIC NOTICES

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

Jamie Parsons - Fox trading as Jamie Fox and Son of 12 Fellowsmead, Marnhull, Dorset, DT10 1QE is applying for a licence to use Jamie Fox and Son, Ralph Down Farm, Rolls Mill, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2HP as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and 0 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice of application for the GRANT of a PREMISES LICENCE

Proposed licensable activities: Sell of Alcohol

Name of applicant: DORSET DELIGHTS CATERING

Address of Premises: PIPPINS, NORTH CADBURY, Post Code: BA227DB. Date by which Responsible Authorities and other persons may make representations:

15TH JULY 2023

A record of the application made to the Licensing Authority will be kept on a register at the address given below and the register may be inspected during normal office hours. All representations regarding this application MUST BE IN WRITING and sent to: Somerset Council Licensing Department, The Council Offices, Brympton Way Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2HT

IN MEMORIAM

SYLVIA HARDIMAN

In loving memory of a dear wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who sadly left us on 20th June 2020. Forever in our hearts and greatly missed by all her family and friends.

GEMMA PALMER

Thinking of you every day. It’s 12 years since we lost you.

Mum and Dad xx

GEMMA PALMER

Love and miss you Mum. Lilia, Macey and Evie xxx

NICK AND JACKIE

4 years this year since you both left. My beloved children. I miss you so much but I carry you here in my heart.

Love Mum

DAVID Howell (Hywel) John

Formerly of Cucklington, sadly, but Peacefully, passed away after a brave and long fight against illness on Saturday 13th June 2023 at Bayford House, Newbury, Berks. Aged 61.

Much loved Son, Father, Brother and Uncle and Great Uncle. He will be sadly missed.

Funeral Service at Sutton Benger Parish Church, Chippenham at 11:30 29 June 2023 followed by Cremation at Wotton Basset Crematorium at 13:00. Family flowers only.

PALMER Betty Loveday

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 6th June 2023 aged 92. Beloved wife of the late Nigel Palmer and mother to Jane, Simon and Clare.

A Thanksgiving service will take place at Nether Compton Church on Friday 23rd June 2023 at 1:00pm. Donations in memory to Arthritis UK.

C/O A.J. Wakely & Sons, 16 Newland – Sherborne – DT9 3JQ

FREDERICK JOHN WILLIAM GRAY “Chummer”

on 8th June 2023, passed away unexpectedly aged 67 years, of Shaftesbury. Much loved dad, grandad, brother and friend to many, not forgetting his beloved dog Poppy. Funeral service takes place at The Holy Redeemer Church, Fotherby Crescent, Bishopdown, Salisbury SP1 3EG on Friday 14th July at 11.00am. Family flowers only please, but donations for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance 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

CHRISTOPHER DOYLE

Died peacefully at home 7th May aged 54. Loving son, brother and father to Connor and Annabel. Private funeral has taken place. Please join us in a celebration of his life on 30th June from 3pm to 6pm at Shaftesbury Football Club.

CHRISTINE DOROTHEA LOADER

Passed away peacefully in Yeovil Hospital on 10th June aged 83 years. Beloved wife of late Leslie, mother and grandmother. The funeral will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Stalbridge on Wednesday 28th June at 2.30pm. Family request bright colours to be worn. No flowers please but donations to the armed forces charity RAFA

c/o Bracher Brothers, Newell, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4EZ

Tel: 01935 813479

SANDRA RAYES

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Sandra Rayes, who departed on 7th June 2023.

A light in our lives, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

We invite friends, family and well-wishers to join us as we celebrate Sandra’s life and legacy.

The funeral service will be held at Westlands Entertainment Venue (The Ballroom), Westbourne Close, Yeovil BA20 2DD on Friday 30th June 2023 at 1.00pm.

At Sandra’s request she would like to see you all in colour. In Sandra’s memory, we gather to share our grief, offer comfort and express our heartfelt tributes. May her soul rest in eternal peace as she was Simply The Best!” Suzanne & Jamie, Andrew, Nicci, Ellena & Isabelle, Eric & close friends.

HINKS Martin John Thomas

Aged 71 years of Wincanton. On 13th June 2023, peacefully at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

A much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Funeral Service at St Peter and St Pauls’s Church, Wincanton on Tuesday 4th July at 2.p.m.

Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Martin are being invited for The Cardiology Department, Musgrove Park Hospital or Glastonbury Ambulance Station.

C/O Harold F.Miles, Funeral Director, South Cadbury, BA22 7ES. Telephone. (01963) 440367

WHITMARSH Diana

Passed away suddenly at home on the 3rd June 2023, aged 84 years.

Much loved mum, gran & great-gran.

Funeral service will take place on Wednesday 28th June 2023, 11.30a.m. at Mendip Crematorium. Family flowers only please.

Donations in memory of Diana are invited for the British Heart Foundation and 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.

SIMS Avril Janet

Aged 85, peacefully at Blandford Grange Care Home, Blandford Form. Avril will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

Funeral Service to be held at St Mary’s Church, Blandford St Mary, Monday 26th June 2023 at 2:00pm followed by burial in the church cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Mind may be sent to Lesley Shand Blandford, 28 East Street, Blandford Forum, DT11 7DR

Tel: 01258 453425 www.funeraldirector.co.uk/avril-sims

IVAN HAYTER

on 15th June 2023, peacefully in The Cedars Nursing Home aged 87 years, of Shaftesbury.

A much loved husband to Patricia, brother to Janet and will be greatly missed by all family and friends.

A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Ivan’s life will take place at St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury on Tuesday 11th July at 11.30am. Donations, if desired, for Weldmar Hospicecare 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.

DR. PAUL “BARRIE” JACOBS

Passed peacefully on June 1, surrounded by the love of his family and the gentle care of Malthouse Care Home, Gillingham. He is now reunited with his wife of 61 years, Mary, who departed in October of 2022. He will be missed by his son and family, and the patients he tended to as General Practitioner in Gillingham from 1957 to 1993. Funeral Service will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Fotherby Crescent, Salisbury, SP1 3EG on Wednesday 5th July 2023 from 1.00pm.

Family Flowers only however the family welcome donations in memory of Barrie to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and can be sent to Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QL. All enquirers can be directed to Bracher Brother Funeral Directors, Newbury, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QL.

HELSON

June

Née Pike

Peacefully on 31st May, aged 93 years. A dearly loved Mum, Granny Sherborne and friend to many. Funeral service will take place at Sherborne Abbey on Friday 14th July, at 11:00am.

Enquires c/o Brister & Son Funeral Directors Tel: 01935 812647

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Recruitment

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

NOW ON Facebook

CLEANER WANTED for East Knoyle home. 3-4 hours a week. Flexible on day and time, will fit in with you. Contact: 07743 824049

Agricultural Engineers

Bagber, Sturminster Newton

Have a vacancy for a

Stores Person/Trainee Stores Person

Knowledge of the Agricultural industry and Machinery is desirable but not essential.

If you are interested, please call us on 01258 473176 or send your C.V and a covering letter to vjcox@cjcox.co.uk

CLEANING HELP REQUIRED.

8hrs per month. Top rate for right person. Tel: 07484 297357

GARDENER WANTED

Over Compton, 3 or 4 hours a week, good rate paid. Mostly shrub pruning, weeding, and general tidying. 01935 473458

BUILDERS LABOURER REQUIRED on large refurbishment project. Start immediately. Contact TA Green Builders. 01963 34221

PART-TIME GENERAL GARDEN, POND AND VEHICLE WORK. 1 or 2 days per week. 7 miles south Sherborne. Call Robert 07768 201472

STEEL ERECTOR / CLADDER required for Industrial / Agricultural buildings.

Experience preferred but not essential as training will be given to the right applicant. Company van available . All local work . Please contact John Guttridge 07860570258 . JDG Structural Steel Ltd

BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED IN YEOVIL, Lynx Trading Estate to operate Zero Accounts Package. Position entails posting purchase and sales invoices onto the system. Producing profit and loss accounts. Paying suppliers and completing the VAT return. Current post holder works two afternoons per month for a total of 5 hours. Please contact Bob Jones, Global Product Supplies Limited on 07738737170 to discuss the position in more detail. Ideally a cross over with the current job holder would be advantageous.

Bryanston is a unique community, and there are many opportunities for staff across all departments to make an invaluable contribution to the success of the school. We offer a competitive remuneration package in a fantastic working environment, with benefits including free meals on duty, training and development opportunities, life assurance, and much more.

MINIBUS DRIVERS

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:

GARDENER

JUNIOR GIRLS HOUSEPARENT/MOTHER

The successful candidates can expect competitive rates of pay and benefits; and to join an exceptional working environment and staff team.

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.

We are launching two new minibus routes for our pupils, and we are seeking drivers to assist in this fantastic venture. You will possess a full, clean Category D1 or D1 (101) entitlement on your driving licence, hold an in-date minibus driving assessment qualification and have some experience driving a 17-seater minibus.

Closing date: 4 July 2023

LAUNDRY SUPERVISOR

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to supervise the daily operation of the Laundry Department. We are seeking someone with a positive, can-do attitude who will strive to help the team achieve the best standards possible. Relevant experience is desirable.

Closing date: 2 July 2023

3D ART TECHNICIAN

You will coordinate the provision of support to students in lessons and technical support to teaching staff. You will ideally possess a broad knowledge of Art skills and experience, ranging from 3D skills such as clay and sculpture to 2D and digital processes such as screen printing or digital work.

Closing date: 28 June 2023

For more information, please visit www.bryanston.co.uk or contact recruitment@bryanston.co.uk

Bryanston is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

BLACKMORE VALE JOBS GROUP

Office Assistant

We have an opportunity to join the team at our Gillingham office. The role includes receptionist duties and dealing with incoming telephone calls, general clerical and secretarial duties, filing and archivin g, and other ad-hoc office work There may also be an opportunity to learn bookkeeping and similar accounts related work. No prior experience is required, but the successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, a confident telephone manner, a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Please send your CV by email to: chris@andpal.co.uk

C Jarratt, Andrews and Palmer, The Square, Gillingham SP8 4AR

COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER

Age Concern North Dorset would like to recruit a ‘Community Outreach Worker’, initially for a 1 -year-project, to engage with our local community and support the promotion and development of our services. This exciting new role will suit someone living locally with a good understanding of the needs of older people and with experience of social media and IT. The successful candidate will attend a wide range of events, meet with a variety of different organisations and local providers as well as provide information on a regular basis to local people about our services through a regular drop-in facility. We are looking for someone who will have the use of their own car for 6-8 hours during a week, can be flexible as the role requires and is able to communicate well and bu ild good working relationships.

This is a new project and if successful could be extended. Additionally, hours will depend on the work generated. For an application form and job description please call Age Concern North Dorset on 01258 475582 . No CV’s required.

Recruitment

GARDEN HELP REQUIRED, 1-2 days per week in established garden in the Donheads, to assist full time gardener. Duties to include grass cutting, strimming, weeding and other general garden/estate work. Please send cv to kerrylovatt@hotmail.co.uk

Accounts clerk

Do to our continued growth, we are looking for an experienced PART TIME accounts clerk, must be fully conversant with SAGE systems, VAT and associated procedures.

20 hrs per week spread over 4 days Mon to Friday, exact hours to be agreed upon. Excellent rate of pay for the right applicant.

If this might be of interest, please E MAIL us hq@WeDoVans.com detailing your suitability and experience.

EVERSHOT FARMS LTD EXPERIENCED STOCKPERSON REQUIRED

Located between Yeovil and Dorchester

We are recruiting an experienced stockperson to take care of the day to day running of the calving unit for our all-year-round calving, 1250 cow, high yielding herd. The role may also suit a working couple.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Milking the freshly calved cows x2 a day,

• Feeding the newly born calves colostrum using on farm protocols,

• Monitoring and calving cows,

• Feeding both dairy replacements and beef calves to 3 weeks of age,

• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and animal welfare.

In return we offer:

• A competitive salary and pension,

• Good accommodation,

• Regular time off.

Experience with livestock is essential. In addition, candidates must be self-motivated, have practical communication skills and be a team player.

Please contact our Assistant Farm Manager, Darren Trim for further details: 07815 313241 or dtrim@velcourt.co.uk

CLEANER for a family house, near East Knoyle, approx 3 hours twice a week (6 hours total). 01747 830097

PART TIME BOOKKEEPER

One afternoon a week on beef/arable farm. Experience in farming is ideal. Call: 07860 214655 or email: caselygorefarm@aol.com for more information.

CARETAKER/ CLEANER REQUIRED

Chilmark. Holiday let cottage and help required to look after the house and to clean for change overs, usually on Saturdays. Tel. 07711 183868

Landscapers and labourers needed.

We are looking for skilled landscapers and general labourers to join our team. A good knowledge of hard and soft landscaping along with a can do attitude required, drivers preferred but not essential. Long term positions within an establish local company. Previous applicants need not reapply.

07792892999

info@greenhavenlandscapes.co.uk

Part time Learning Support Assistant and

1:1 Part time Learning Support Assistant

Initially fixed term contracts to start September 2023

8.50am – 12.30pm Term-time only

Horsington Church School is a rural village school set in delightful surroundings between Wincanton and Templecombe. We are offering 2 part-time learning support positions to the right candidates. We are an inclusive school, where every child feels valued and given the opportunity to achieve their potential and celebrate personal success.

For full details and to download an application form please visit vacancies on our website: Horsington Church School – A Bath and Wells Academy (horsingtonbwmat.org) or contact the school.

Closing date: Monday 3rd July 202

This post will commence: Wednesday 6th September 2023

HOUSE FAIRY WANTED for very well organised House on the edge of Shaftesbury.

Cleaning, Laundry, Ironing also to House sit with 2 well behaved dogs when needed would be a bonus.

Good Rate of Pay. Refs Required

07909 994919

GP SURGERY ADMINISTER/TRAINEE DISPENSER required at Silton Surgery near Gillingham Dorset. The role comprises of 21 hours across 3 days, although flexibility is essential to cover staff leave. Excellent people and IT skills are required. However training will be given. For the job description please contact Georgia at Silton Surgery 01747 840226 or email silton.surgery@ nhs.net closing date for applications: 7th July 2023.

BRICKLAYER/MASON REQUIRED on large refurbishment project. Start immediately. Contact TA Green 01963 34221

Co-ed Boarding and Day School for Children Aged 2-13

Riding Yard Assistant

(Part Time, Term Time Only)

A cheerful, energetic and hard-working individual is required to be part of the School’s Equestrian Team from September 2023. This post is part time for 25-30 hours per week and will involve some weekend work. Previous experience of horse care and schooling essential.

For further details, please contact: Rupert Burnell-Nugent, The Bursar, Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Nr Salisbury, SP5 5QD Tel: 01725 516329 bursar@sandroyd.com www.sandroyd.org

Closing date 21st July 2023

Sandroyd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post involves contact with children and is classed as “regulated activity” by the UK government. As such, a number of mandated pre-employment checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken to ensure that the successful candidate is suitable for work with children. Additionally, suitability for work with children will be assessed by taking up appropriate references and at interview. Finally, candidates should be aware that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Stockists and distributers of mild steel products currently require a n

Experienced Steel Sales Executive

We are looking for a self-motivated, experienced sales professional to join our growing team. The successful applicant will have a number of years’ experience within the steel industry and be able to bring with them new customer contacts as well as develo ping existing relations.

The Role:

• Profitable sales of general steel products to agricultural, commercial and domestic customers

• Liaise with the commercial director regarding sales price parameters

• Deal with all incoming enquiries via call, email & occasionally in person quickly and efficiently

• Proactively search for new customer leads and sales opportunities.

• Seek feedback on any lost orders and report to management.

• Work within an established office setting to promote a healthy, happy working environment.

Salary negotiable dependant on experience

Bonus potential | On site parking

Looking for a new challenge? apply by emailing

a CV to neil.cahill@pulhamsteels.co.uk

All applicants dealt with in the strictest of confidence

Stockists and distributers of mild steel products currently require a

WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE

To learn all aspects of warehouse duties including steel picking, handling, loading, offloading & processing

Applicants must be highly safety conscious, accurate, and reliable with the ability to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative.

To be trained on all machinery including:

• Overhead cranes

• Sideloader

• Counterbalance forklift

• Steel sawing systems

• HGV training can be provided for the right candidate

Benefits include ➢ free on-site parking

➢ No weekends

➢ Competitive salary

➢ Overtime opportunities

Looking for a new challenge?

Please apply by emailing a CV to neil.cahill@pulhamsteels.co.uk

Independent Day School for Girls and Boys from 2 to 13 years

SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Science Technician who will provide technical guidance and support to a dedicated and busy department

Hours: 8.30am until 1.30pm for three/four days a week, but flexibility with hours/salary will be considered for the right candidate

MINIBUS DRIVER

To join our team of friendly drivers who provide an excellent minibus service in the mornings and evenings to pupils travelling to and from school

Hours: a minimum of 18 hours per week

For an application form and further details on both positions, pl ease visit www.dumpton.com/vacancies

Closing Date for Applications – 9am on Monday 3 July 2023

Dumpton School, Deans Grove House, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7AF Telephone 01202 883818

Dumpton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. These posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check. www.dumpton.com

Registered Charity No 306222

WINCANTON TOWN COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OFFICER VACANCY

16 hours per week: Monday to Thursday 9am-1pm

Salary Range: £22,369 - £24,496 pro rata

Benefits include access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Wincanton Town Council is seeking to appoint a proactive customer facing Administration Officer to provide administrative and reception duties at the Town Council office. The applicant must be able to deal with people in a calm and polite manner providing assistance and responding to enquiries from members of the public.

The successful applicant should enjoy working in a small team and will undertake a variety of tasks under the instruction of the Town Clerk including administration of the Councils cemetery and allotments, overseeing the Community Fridge, updating the Town Council’s website and providing support to the Town Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Works and Maintenance Supervisor.

As this is a front of house role the applicant will be required to work Monday to Thursday 9am to 1pm to provide reception duties for the Council office.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact the Town Clerk, Emma Curtis on 01963 31693 or email townclerk@wincantontowncouncil.gov.uk

A recruitment pack including application form can be found on the Council’s website www.wincantontowncouncil.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 30th June

Wincanton Town Council is committed to equality of opportunity and actively welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Sport

Four rounds in a day

by Rebecca Thompson

WOMEN golfers Jen

Warmington and Kate Cleverley played four rounds in a day at Wheathill Golf Club, near Somerton, in the Big Golf Race for Prostate Cancer UK.

They completed their rounds in an average of just 2½ hours and even had time for a leisurely lunch provided by Andrew England, the club’s owner.

Kate said: “Everyone has given us so much support and it was great having friends and

Fishing club out to catch them young

ANGLING

DORCHESTER & District

Angling Society juniors hosted an open day at Revels Fishery as part of the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing campaign to introduce young people to the sport and help those with some experience.

Some 18 excited new anglers enjoyed the fishing and the warm summer sunshine having casting lessons, and trying out feeder fishing and float fishing on rod and line and with a whip.

If the fishing was not enough, a free barbecue was thrown in.

DDAS junior secretary Graham Howard said: “At the end there were smiling faces everywhere and lots of exciting fishing stories being told.

“It is hoped this was the first of many such events we will be looking to host in the future.

GOLF

family join us as caddies for the later rounds. They were all a huge help and kept our spirits up towards the end.”

Jen Warmington, Wheathill’s lady captain, chose Prostate Cancer UK as the club’s charity for 2023 after losing her father to the disease in 2008.

Anyone who would like to make a donation should visit www..justgiving.com/ fundraising/the-big-golfrace-2023-33523.

TOM Leech from Ferndown shot a 71 and 72 for one under in Sherborne Golf Club’s Tony Lawrence Sherborne Salver competition to win by one shot.

The Sherborne Salver is a 36-hole scratch strokeplay event and is the first event to be played in the 2023 Dorset Golf Union Order of Merit.

The weather was superb on the day and the course was a true test of golf.

“These events are not possible without volunteer coaches, so thank you to those that turned out to help and to Jason Fricker at Revels.”

For more information about DDAS juniors, visit www. ddasjuniors.co.uk or contact Graham Howard at juniors. sec@d-das.com. For membership information go to www.d-das.com – information about Revels fishery can be found on Facebook.

Doddlers take-over

MEMBERS of the Dorset Doddlers Running Club conducted a one-off takeover of the 155th Henstridge Airfield Parkrun.

Henstridge Parkrun director Steve Bartlett said: “This was an opportunity for all our volunteers and helpers to have a day off and enjoy participating in the event themselves.

“Henstridge Airfield Parkrun is a family-friendly, dogs on lead event where everyone is

RUNNING

welcome, and it is whatever you want it to be.”

He added: “We are always looking for additional volunteers – for more information email henstridge airfield@parkrun.com.”

The event had 109 finishers, with Doddler Adam Frampton marking the event by completing his 100th parkrun.

Kenzie Toulson with a catch at Revels Fishery

Rockies: New faces for a new season

SHAFTESBURY FC warm up for the 2023/24 season with a new look side that includes some top signings.

Among them are Luke Holmes, Shane Murphy, Asa Philips, Ashley Wells, Thiago Caze De Silva, Aaron Roberts, Conal Morrison and Lee Francis.

The return of Cameron Beard, a fans’ favourite from Bashley, is another massive bonus for the club. Beard was a key player in the 2021/22 side.

Louis Kellaway, Dominico Pansear-Dower, Ash Pope, Joe Wickham and skipper Billy Maybury have all signed new deals as joint managers Luke Burbidge and Jim Milligan look to build a winning side after last season’s 13th place finish.

Pope’s 20 goals last season were an impressive haul at a transitional time for the club.

Goalkeeper Murphy and Francis were part of the successful Hamworthy Utd side that won promotion to the Southern League South West Division.

Former Dorchester Town player Wells has much experience, alongside the new arrivals from Wimborne Town and Hamworthy.

The return of Philips, top scorer in 2021/22, is a boost –

Early shout for new players

THE Blackmore Vale Table Tennis League’s 2023/24 season starts in early September.

he scored 34 goals helping Shaftesbury win the Wessex League Cup, Salisbury Hospital Cup and just miss out on promotion to the Southern League.

Holmes, an ex-Salisbury player, is also a key signing.

Pre-season starts with the visit of Pitching In Southern League Premier South Salisbury on Saturday, July 1 (3pm).

This is followed by prestige games against National South League sides Bath City (Tuesday, July 4) and Weymouth (Thursday, July 6). Both games kick off at 7.45pm.

Wessex League Division 1 Verwood Town visit on July 11 (7.45pm) to continue the busy schedule.

Southern League South West Division side Westbury Utd visit on Saturday, July 15 (3pm), followed by a short trip to Toolstation Western League Division 1 neighbours Wincanton Town on Tuesday, July 18 (7.45pm), before the Rockies welcome Tommy Killick’s Poole Town on Saturday, July 22 (3pm).

The following week sees Hampshire League Premier Division champions Colden Common visit Cockrams on

Saturday, July 29 (3pm). This follows a reserve team fixture with Hamworthy Utd Reserves on Tuesday, July 25.

Shaftesbury Reserves will be guided by Jon Best and Stephen Lillis, taking over the Dorset Premier League team following the hard work and effort put in by Lewis Disson in what was a difficult season.

Cameron McMonagle and Ollie Mayo have represented the Rockies before –McMonagle was recently at Poole Town.

Joint boss Burbidge, who suffered a nasty injury at Bournemouth last season, is a player who can turn any game.

Any former players who want to get back into the game and compete in this friendly local league can join any of these clubs: Chalke Valley, Child Okeford, Compton Abbas, East Stour and Stalbridge.

For practice only: Child Okeford (Sunday mornings), Chalke Valley (Sunday evenings).

For social: Stourpaine (Monday evenings), Gillingham (Friday afternoons).

Junior coaching: Stalbridge, Chalke Valley.

For more information contact Barrie Waterman at barriewaterman@hotmail.co.uk or on 01258 450669.

Results at Wincanton

WINCANTON Golf Club

– Seniors Monthly Stableford

– June 13: 1 Harry Eden 45, 2 Phil Francis 39 ocb, 3 Colin Jacobs 39, 4 Geoff Lye 39. Seniors Back 9 Stableford

– June 13: 1 Rodney Cox 20, 2 Mike Goodchild 19, 3 Derek King 18.

Captain’s Cup – June 17: 1 Jon Reed 44, 2 Richard Czemerda 42, 3 Jim Stephen 41 ocb, 4 Mike Goodchild 41.

Tight finish in ladies’ oldest competition

WHEATHILL Golf Club had a beautiful sunny day for the Maryland Classic, Wheathill Ladies’ oldest competition. It was established by the club’s first lady captain, Val Boothman, and has been supported by her and Barber’s Cheese ever since.

The competition always has a good turnout and was close at the top of the field.

Kate Cleverley won the trophy, second was Karen

Forward and third Judith Rowsell, all with 37 points, closely followed in fourth by Marion Hodgson with 36 points.

Karen had a successful day also winning Bronze nearest the pin and Bronze longest drive.

Gin Stewart won Silver longest drive and Jen Warmington Silver nearest the pin.

TABLE TENNIS FOOTBALL

GOLF

Asa Philips was the Rockies top scorer in 2021/22

In the picture (from left) Gin Stewart, Karen Forward, Marion Hodgson, Kate Cleverley, Judith Rowsell and Jen Warmington

GOLF

Lungworm and heartworm

by Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice

LUNGWORM and heartworm are types of roundworm which affect the lungs, airways, blood vessels and heart. In the UK we have several species of variable significance.

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a type of lungworm – also known as French heartworm – which migrates to the heart and blood vessels and is often present in the lungs and airway causing a cough. Other symptoms can include difficulty breathing, spontaneous bleeding, weight loss, vomiting, pain, neurological signs and heart failure.

Dogs become infected by ingesting infected snails, slugs – possibly including slime trails – and frogs – note that there is no direct transfer from other

C.B. Brett & Son

Pet & Wildlife

Dog - Wet, Dry & Frozen Food

Cat - Wet & Dry Food

Bird/Hedgehog/WildlifeFood, Feeders & Accessories

Old Market Car Park, Hound St, Sherborne, DT9 3AB 01935 812107

dogs’ faeces, this a two-host parasite and part of its development occurs in species other than dogs. Dogs under 18 months old were found to be eight times more likely to be infected than those over eight years old.

It is becoming increasingly diagnosed in dogs in the UK. In 2015 a study of random dog faeces samples found a 50% prevalence in the South-East – which had doubled from a previous study in 2005 – and a 25-49% prevalence in southern areas of Dorset.

Difilaria immitus –heartworm – is spread by mosquitos but the climate in the UK does not – currently – allow

PET SCANNING AND MICROCHIPPING service

Fully insured. Contact Sarah on 07769 323429

FOR SALE LABRADOR PUPPIES, parents kc registered,parents hip/eye scored,pups are microchipped and wormed up to date,both parents can be seen,vet checked. £700

Tel:07800 755862

Companions

transmission of infection. However, these conditions are met in Mediterranean countries where the risk of infection is high and dogs which have travelled to or from these areas are at risk of infection. Please see your vet if you think your dog is at risk.

Oslerus osleri is rare in the UK and tends only to be seen in dogs in kennels. It is transferred via saliva and can cause a cough, usually in young dogs, although infections may be asymptomatic.

Severe infections can cause severe respiratory disease and death, particularly in young puppies. Filaroides hirthi is also rare and tends to infect dogs in kennels. It rarely causes symptoms, although can cause severe disease in immunocompromised animals.

Creponema vulpis is a lungworm of foxes but can infect dogs. It has an intermediate host of slugs and snails, and dogs can only be infected by ingesting infected molluscs. It is rare in the UK. Eucoleus aerophilus is also a common lungworm of foxes but is rarely reported in dogs.

Aerostrongylus abstrusus and eucoleus aerophilus are lungworms that can infect cats and can be ingested from drinking infected water or eating infected prey, such as birds, rodents or snails, infected with

MALTESE PUPPIES. 2 BOYS. Ready Now. 07469 762703

DORSET JACK RUSSELL TERRIER PUPS

pet owners.

Collection Service Farewell Room

Out of Hours Service provided

Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border

Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk

Foxwarren lines . Full of countryside character , microchipped and ready for their next adventure. Brought up in a busy farmhouse with other animals and children. DOB 12.4.23

COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE Licensed breeder. From working stock. Fully vaccinated. £500. 07973 142254

the larvae. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and mucous accumulation.

Imidacloprid and moxicdectin in combination – available as Moxiclear, Advocate and Prinovox – are effective both as prevention and treatment of Angiostrogylus. Milbemycin – such as Milbemax, Milpro, Milprazon, Nexgard Spectra –are effective lungworm preventatives but may not resolve active infection. Please note that these medications are only available in the UK with a prescription or directly from your vet and are not present in ‘shop’ bought wormers or flea treatments. Fenbendazole –Panacur – can be an effective treatment at appropriate dose rates with an extended course.

Individuals of certain herding breeds such as border collies, but also other sheep dog breeds/ crosses, can carry a gene mutation which makes them much more sensitive to ivermectins and moxidectin. Dogs with this gene mutation may react to moxidectin and you should discuss this further with your vet – tests can check for the presence of the gene – if you are concerned.

Lungworm is likely to be under diagnosed and is increasing in prevalence but effective worming with appropriate medications can reduce its potential to cause disease.

BEAUTIFUL LITTER OF 6 MINI DACHSHUNDS ready beginning July. PRA clear. 07393 988911

BEAUTIFUL BRITISH SHORT-HAIRED kittens. Silver tabby, some black, some grey.

Tel: 07799 296502

GUINEA PIGS FOR SALE

Males £10, females £20.

Tel: 01963 458199

KITTENS FOR SALE

Very friendly, well handled, several colours, males and females. Ready now. £40

Tel: 01963 458199

MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION

Cats looking for new homes

n Bagheera (eight years). Lovely boy looking for a quiet home with no children or other pets

n Tommy (14 years).

Everyone who meets Tommy falls in love with this charming ‘fella’!

n Misty (four years). Loving, on her own terms, looking for a garden to explore in a safe location

n Kitty (six years). Sweet gentle girl looking for a lap to curl up on

n Tilly (two years). Exceptionally friendly girl who loves fuss

BEHAVIOUR TIPS

Tip #42: Cats and dogs III – progression

by Helen Taylor

ONCE dog and cat can be in the same room largely ignoring each other and any interest that is shown is merely mildly curious rather than fixated, predatory or aggressive/fearful you can start to progress.

n Timmy (14 years). Unhappy in our pen, in need of someone to take a leap of faith and give him a happy retirement

We also have kittens which will be looking for homes in the coming weeks – please get in touch to register your interest. Outdoors cats looking for homes – farms, stables etc For details, please call our helpline on 01258 858644 or visit our website www.cats.org.uk/blandford.

LOST CATS

If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook.

Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.

n White and tabby, missing since May 6 from Elizabeth Road, Blandford. n Blue tortoiseshell and white, orange collar, missing since May 24 from Winterborne Whitechurch.

FOUND CATS

If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.

We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10 and DT11, SP7 and SP8, and BH21. Phone: 01258 268695.

Start by practising in other locations in the house. Initially this should be restricted to individual rooms but can include ‘family time’ doing other things such as watching television –as long as the dog is contained or tethered. Next, having the dog loose but on a house line and/or the cat moving around within the room more. More freedom between rooms can then be allowed – gradually. Stair-gates across doorways are very useful as they greatly limit capacity and temptation to chase in the event of an unexpected encounter, while allowing a quick escape for the cat. Eventually, garden encounters can be allowed – if applicable – but keeping the dog on a line to start with.

During this entire process continue to scrupulously avoid all opportunities to chase as even one or two chases – especially early on before any trust has been developed – can give rise to a habit – in the dog – and fear – in the cat – that could set you back many months.

n Helen Taylor is a qualified, accredited behaviourist, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, a Registered Practitioner with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (no 881). help@helentaylordorset.co.uk;

Items for sale

CLASSIFIED ADS

MOTOR CADDY GOLF TROLLEY, S series electric trolley, Lead battery01935 476815 £350

3 BELFAST SINKS & 3 CAST IRON BATHS - perfect plant pots. 1 large black water butt ex cider with tap, Tel: 01749 812222 or 07842 14235 Ring for priceaccepting offers

NATHAN EXTENDABLE DINING TABLE and 6 chairs, VGC £200. Also matching Nathan display wall unit, excellent condition £375. Photos available 07929 639692

HONDA 1211

HYDROSTATIC. Ride-on mower w/ mulcher. Full service history, hardly used, unused last 10 years but maintained and stored in garage. £975. 01935 816200

IFOR WILLIAMS CATTLE BOX. TA510. With sump. Hardly used. £4,950 ono. Halstock. 07785 255535

OLD CREAMERY DESK. 55” long, 24” deep, 31” high. 3 drawers, 2 cupboards. Good condition. £110

Tel: 01935 425519 or 07855 451398

SUNNCAMP TRAILER

TENT 4 birth plus awning

VGC £440 ono 01747 861330

GALVANISED 3 FOOT CATTLE troughs, old fountains, bird baths, terracotta items and ‘stone’ planters, sun dial etc.

Tel eves 01747 820541

FOR SALE BLACK

RANGEMASTER 110. Professionally cleaned. VGC and first class working order. Zeals area, buyer collects. £500 ono 07887-544785

NEW FIREBELLY WOODBURNER 6KW pewter, never installed. RRP £1609, Sell £800. 01935 834270

2006 DUGATI 749S for sale. Excellent condition. Ring for details. £6,500 ONO.- 07967 317614 or 01747 860850

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

SUN LOUNGER ON WHEELS made of woven ratten. As new. £45. Tel: 019305 849490 (Tolpuddle)

NEW ANKLE WELLIES. Perfect for festivals. Size 5. Light blue/flowers. £10 07599 829539 / 01747 590820

MURPHY RICHARDS, Grande café filter and espreso coffee maker.

£15. 07951 038839

KIRBY VACUUM & CARPET WASHING SYSTEM

Full working order, tools and bags

Free to collector 01747-229633

LAURA ASHLEY KINGSIZE HEADBOARD cream damask fabric, attaches to bed, 155cm x 95cm overall, Very GC £40 07968 702904

HALOGEN FLOOD LIGHT 500WAT. New, still in box £10 01963 31930

4 x BESWICK 4” PONIES £10

Kitten toy £2. Large black throw £3. 01963 350118

FERPLAST GUINEA PIG and rabbit indoor 2 tier cage 120cm, £50 07792 181314

STUNNING SNOW COVERED

CHRISTMAS TREE for sale. £35 ono. Used once, 6ft. Must collect from Stour Provost. 01747 838220

HETTY VACUUM. £50 01747 826209

DONOVAY GOLF BALLS

YELLOW x16 - titanium £10 White slazenger balls x24 £20 Retractable ball retriever £5 Select made irons £15 (S1 iron, no.7 iron, no.9 left handed iron) 01935 476815 (Bradford Abbas)

SELECTION OF OLD WORLDWIDE STAMP CATALOGUES in v.g. condition. £30 ono. Contact 07767 622159 for information

SOLID PINE 12 BOTTLE WINE RACK with cupboard underneath, nice piece of furniture. £45. 07598 982824

2 RALLY PIONEER ROAD

BIKES. 19” frame. 15 gears. Good condition. £10 each - 07934 179111

DAHON FOLD UP BIKE with extras. In good working order £50 07484 697567

ELECTRIC FRETSAW

SCHEPPACH SD1600F special addition £45 Brian 01747 840434 Penselwood

LAND ROVER FOLD UP BIKE In working order. £15 01258 860156

ELECTRIC SAW BENCH £25. Folding oak table £20. Tethering chains £5. 01963 33156 (Wincanton)

SMART RUCKSACK PICNIC SET for 4, £30. 01258 821086

TRESPASS GHABHAR 4 PERSON

CAPACITY double skin tent. Blue. Great condition. Weight 4.3 kg. £25. 01747 812569

STEPLADDER 7 TREAD

LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM

excellent clean condition £15. Central Blandford 01258 628121

GOOD GARDENSOIL, 3 large heaped wheelbarrow fulls £12, Gillingham 01747 824240

DOUBLE BED HEAD, metal, silver/ brass £40 Tel: 01963 220538

M & S TUB CHAIRS x 2 Light neutral colour good condition £40 the pair.Tel: 01747 811551

MENS 48 INS M & S BLACK D/B BLAZER in vgc £25.Tel.01823 480848 or 07391952285

LADIES DAWES KINGPIN folding bike 3sp Sturmey Archer, chainguard, carrier excellent condition £35. Castle Cary 01963 359463

INVERSION TABLE FOR BAD

BACKS. Good condition. £50 ono. 01747 840746

METAL GARDEN ROLLER, drum width 50cm, diameter 40cm. full-width scraper, fill with water or sand. £20 Tel: 07891 987809

HOPPA TWO WHEEL SHOPPING

TROLLEY. Folds down for storage

£15 Tel: 01747 840473

WHEELCHAIR, DAYS ESCAPE LITE. Folds for travel. £20. 07751 049234

ROPE TOP PATH EDGING. 28 Assorted used edging tiles. £30. Collection only. Tel: 01747 840473

MENS VALLIANI COLLECTION

XL dark brown leather jacket , with pockets, zips & poppers. VGC. Collection Dorchester. £20. 07770 546499

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT. Will call by appointment entirely without obligation.

Bristow & Garland 07392 602014

AS NEW WHITE METAL STEPS

5ft h £20. Hardwood veneered display cabinet 45”h x 3ftw £25. 01258 454689

FLYMO STRIMMER, Corded Electric, Contour 500xt, Hardly used, Excellent condition. £25 o.n.o. Tel 07963 620829

NEW UNUSED RAISED TOILET

SEAT £30 Cost £59. Salisbury phone 01722711456

BOSH ROTAK 320 electric lawn mower £25 & Chimnea £25 Both in good condition Tel: 01963 846407

FREE FISHPOND 6ftx4ft, 60 fish, pump & filters 07759 692694

GENTS ELEGANT PALE STRIPED SUMMER JACKET/BLAZER 42” chest and 32” Length Fully lined. As new £35 Tel: 07879-880250

CORNER TELEVISION CABINET, 2 glass doors and a shelf. - £45 Tel:01258 474654

SQUARE FIRE PIT BBQ GRILL. £26. Buyer collects. Phone after 5:30. 01722 335258. Still in box. NEW

BRAND NEW IN BOX RED PARASOL 2.2m crank tilt feature NO base £10 - 01747 823921 (evenings only)

MORPHY RICHARDS CLARITY SOUPMAKER, model 501050. Brand new. £50 Tel: 07851 408667

DOG CRATE suitable for a large breed. Used for 1 Labrador only. £25 Tel: 07973 505542

SET OF 3 NESTING TABLES. Largest is 21.5”x 14”x 21” £30. Call for details - 07929 639692

FISH POND PUMP, with filter box, spouting fish. £50 Tel: 01300 345193 or 07779 077668.

WANTED

WANTED

All militaria bought British/Foreign Single items or collections Contact Tim on 07904 082997

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH ALSO GUNS FOR SALE

SOS to all air rifles and pistols, any make or model, any condition. We collect in any area. Top prices paid in cash. 07970

Our new boy –Sebastian the Highland bull

by Tria Stebbing

SO, our new boy has arrived –and made his presence felt already. A few weeks ago, after selling on the shearlings, we saw an advertisement for a Highland bull. It has been a lifetime ambition of him outdoors to have his own Highlands and this boy at 18 months old looked perfect to start our new herd.

He was living on the other side of Dorset on the coast on a smallholding very similar to our own and the weather the morning we went to see him was atrocious, with very poor visibility on those winding roads. When we arrived, he was out grazing with a variety of other animals, and we were both smitten at first sight.

Not yet fully grown, he is the same size as a Shetland pony and very docile – he met our wish list perfectly and we agreed to take him on. He was up to date with TB testing, we just needed to go away and get a

herd number, as previously we had only kept sheep. The field lent itself perfectly for his new home – good pasture, a shelter and water, and most importantly lots of room to roam.

Delivery day came and he trotted out of the stock trailer as though he had always lived here, so very calm and obviously pleased with the lush long meadow grass. We could not believe our luck – so calm, it had all gone to plan. He even said ‘hello’ to his resident friends Hero and King, the Zwartbles rams that will be his company until we get him a lady. It all seemed too good to be true – and it was.

Half-term came along, and the sun shone, my grandsons came to stay and we enjoyed a much-needed day out in Weymouth. I did a detour on the way back to check in on the rams and bull to make sure all was okay.

As we pulled up in the

gateway my oldest grandson said he could see the bull and that it was in the hedge. How right he was, the bull was indeed stood in the hedge and could not move forwards, backwards or to the side.

It was a hot day, so the priority had to be cooling him down slowly and getting him water, but it became apparent he was well and truly stuck with the remnants of the stock fence tangled around his leg.

We had to call him outdoors away from the farm to come and help, but he arrived swiftly, and we set about freeing the beast. Five minutes of wire cutting later the bull was free and ambled off calmly across the

field as if nothing had happened. We got him into the field shelter, where unfortunately he had to stay for a couple of days while we sank taller fence posts around the perimeter and secured the area. The fence is now higher than we would have liked, and we are hoping the deer can still find their way in.

Calm has been restored – he is so friendly and loves to have a comb pulled through his dense coat and a head rub to finish. We will never know what possessed him to jump into a hedge sideways, it did though keep the grandsons entertained with all the drama. Welcome to the village Sebastian – please be good!

Big show helps two good causes

THE Dorset County Show has helped to raise more than £8,960 for local farming charities – the Dorset Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Dorset branch of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) each received £4,480.

The money was raised through two fundraising events – an annual tractor run and a special charity night at the Dorset County Show.

Rebecca Hill, from the farming network, said: “Dorset FCN is immensely grateful to Dorset County Show for choosing FCN as one of its chosen charities last year.

“The money raised will be used to help farmers and their

families across the county.”

FCN is a charity set up to help farmers and their families on a one-to-one basis, offering support in times of crisis including suicide threats, depression, illness, family disputes and financial issues.

Rebecca added: “Each case is different, and often when responding the farm may have rung about one issue, but there’s several underlying problems bubbling below the service.

“Our volunteers walk with the client – ultimately enabling them to deal with the issues that arose, which put the individual in a position to pick up the phone in the first place.

“Without the generosity of

funds raised from the likes of Dorset County Show our work would be very difficult.”

RABI was established in 1860 to give guidance, financial support and practical care to farming people of all generations.

Steve Cove, representing the Dorset arm of the charity, said: “The fantastic sum raised will go a long way to supporting farming families at a time when we are seeing an increasing

amount of working, retired farmers and farm workers asking for help.

“Following our ‘Big Farm Survey’ we noticed an increased need for mental health support and RABI is now offering farmers and other businesses training and a confidential helpline to talk about their issues before things escalate.

“This money will go a long way to further help in these areas and many others.”

Cleaning bits. Ring 07580 386765 Book Online

Sebastian is the same size as a Shetland pony and very docile

Stresses and strains of TB testing

by Ruth Kimber

I HOPE everyone is enjoying this lovely weather but, you guessed, the land is now really dry and on our clay big cracks have already appeared. Sadly, we missed the thunderstorms with the nitrogenenriched rain that goes with them.

We are already supplementing the dry cow’s grass with a bale of hay!

Having said that silage making has replaced hay, this year a lot of hay has been made – it’s all down to the weather and the price of plastic bale wrap.

Of course, if good hay can be made, it’s going to be favourable to big bale silage, with the plastic wrap being so expensive and the resulting waste to dispose of.

We had our TB test last week and thankfully all was well, but on leaving the cattle handling area one of the cows slipped and broke her leg.

Equestrian

The first part of the test requires the vet to trim a small area of hair on the animal’s neck, measure the thickness of the skin, then inject in two sites two different types of tuberculin, one bovine, one avian substance to cause a reaction which in turn indicates if the animal has or has been in contact with bTB.

On the third day, the vet returns to ‘read’ the test – this is done by measuring the thickness of the skin on the sites of the jabs. The difference of the thickness is then compared to the original record and a reaction is determined.

Some will have an ‘inconclusive test’, which will mean the animal has to isolated and re-tested. A reactor will be taken and out down but needs to be isolated until it is taken away – this can be as much as weeks.

As you can imagine, when the

The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is back this summer, bigger and better than ever over two days. Packed with equestrian activity from Showing Rings, Driving in the Main Arena, Showjumping and a dedicated Heavy Horse Village. We have secured Mark Broadbent, one of the country’s leading, if not one of the world’s top, judges for the driving classes this year. One of his most recent appointments was at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Canada. We also have Matt Hoskins, an advanced level 5 course designer, building our BSJA course in the Gritchie Brewery Main Ring. Heavy Horses will feature on both days, who are sure to draw the crowds with their stunning impact and elegance. Schedules available and entries available on the website www.gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 16th & 17th August –NOW open to entries. Schedule and online entry available at www.GillinghamandShaftesburyshow.co.uk or request a copy & form from the Show Office.

animals return for the reading, they are not as compliant, as they don’t like their necks touched and certainly remember the jabs –tension can be high for the cattle and humans.

It is very stressful, with so much riding on it. Many farms are caught in a round of testing which is not only highly stressful but also costly in terms of extra staff at test time and restrictions on trading cattle.

The test itself hasn’t changed for years but it’s known for its inaccuracies. When an animal is destroyed, the body is inspected and if lesions are found, samples are taken for culture – it is a complex disease. Many times, no lesions are found and no culture can detect bTB.

Testing days are dangerous for animals and people alike, even more so with beef herds and in particular sucklers.

Our dairy cow, Stavordale Cathleen 10th, a pedigree British Friesian, born September 7, 2016, was in calf and in full milk production. Such an absolute shame and waste of a good cow. Horrible for Tom, Jenny and Alan and the vet to witness, nothing could be done for her, she had to be put down.

We have good handling facilities and professional staff – we do as much as possible to avert accidents.

No compensation is paid, only a bill of £143 for the animal’s disposal.

n Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers, Somerset Trading Barn. Linley Farm Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD Phone: 01963 33177. www. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk. Opening times Tuesday-Friday 8.30am5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm.

LOVELY PRIVATE STABLE YARD AVAILABLE TO RENT from August, for sole use only. 5/6 stables, tack room, feed room, arena, 5.4 acres.

Deposit and references required. Please email lizzie@woodrowfarm.org

Farming

Working Farm/Estate manager for Small private estate in Wiltshire.

The successful applicant will be Enthusiastic, reliable and motivated with a good understanding of environmental schemes and ELMS, able to build on current farm and woodland schemes

The applicant will be expected to take on the day to day welfare of a pedigree herd, eventually including all veterinary and paperwork

The role also includes but not limited to, basic maintenance of modern machinery ,fencing, water supplies and fodder production, working with and instructing contractors & reporting direct to the owners.

The successful applicant will have a tidy & thoughtful way of working A salary will be based on your experience & your ability to perform the tasks required, based on a 5.5 day week plus overtime Accommodation, will either be available on site or locally depending on the applicant.

In the first instance please forward a CV plus any other information to Bob Johnson on pipsolution@aol.com Mr Johnson

Farmers’ tools for fighting flies

by Josephine Child BVetMed CertAVP MRCVS

FLIES are a nuisance and irritant to livestock. They also transmit diseases such as New Forest eye, summer mastitis and fly strike in sheep. Furthermore, Bluetongue virus, spread by midges, is always at the back of our minds.

Treating livestock should both reduce current fly irritation levels and reduce next generation numbers. Applying insecticides early will kill flies and stop them feeding on your livestock, reducing their ability to breed – if a fly does not feed then it doesn’t develop reproductive organs. The flies that you see only represent around 15% of the total fly population on farm!

Two main groups of flies cause problems for cattle producers. First, flies which bite and feed on blood, and second flies which feed on secretions from the eyes, nose, udder and sweat on the animal’s coat and skin.

One of the most common flies in England affecting cattle is the face fly. It looks very similar to the house fly and

feeds on eye and udder secretions as well as sweat from the body. In doing so the face fly transmits the bacteria responsible for New Forest eye disease. It has several breeding cycles throughout the spring and summer laying its eggs in fresh dung – adult flies emerge just seven-20 days later.

The head fly is responsible for transmitting summer mastitis and can cause intense irritation when feeding. It usually has only a single breeding cycle per summer and lays its eggs in soil, manure and in decaying vegetation. As the different fly and midge species have different breeding cycles, it is likely that livestock will be troubled throughout the warmer months, so regular reapplications of insecticides are necessary.

A variety of pour on insecticides are available for use in cattle. Deltamethrin – a pyrethroid – has the convenience of just a 10ml dose per animal and provides protection against flies for between four to eight weeks – zero milk withhold, 17-day withdrawal period for meat.

An alternative treatment for flies is to use biological controls such as ‘friendly flies’ or ‘bio wasp’ – wasps are laid down into release stations and the wasps insert their eggs into the immature stages of several species of flies. The white, legless wasp larvae feed inside the host and eventually kill it. The wasp completes its development, emerges as an adult and continues the process by searching out more hosts. These small wasps only attack flies – they neither sting nor bite other insects, animals or humans. The Spalangia – wasps – are released in doses

throughout the fly season, spread in areas where flies breed – over lagoons and near muck heaps.

Fly parasites do not have an instant effect on the number of flies, but with persistence and regular fortnightly use, you will see the benefits. They work best where there are a lot of animals near the sources where flies congregate, for example, housed herds and around the parlour. With increasing awareness of overuse of chemicals and their impacts on the environment, biological control of pests can be a really good sustainable option.

Only about 15% of flies on farm are visible to the naked eye

Young farmers’ SW competitions

ALL roads lead Kingston Maurward College, near Dorchester, this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25) when the Dorset Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs hosts the South-West area competitions.

Members from Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Devon will be going head-tohead in a variety of events.

The junior and senior stockman competitions take place on Saturday using the animals from the Kingston Maurward Farm.

The farm safety skills competition will involve checking machinery, movement skills and first aid.

And for the first time a catwalk will be organised with members taking part in the fashion make and model

Survey highlights farmers’ mental health

competition.

It will showcase entrants’ skills in making something new from something old under the theme A Day at the Races.

Tug-of-war competitions take place on Sunday held in three categories – juniors 12-17 years, ladies 17-28 years and men’s 17-28 years.

To find out more about Dorset Young Farmers, visit its website, www.dorsetyfc.org.uk, or contact the county office on 01305 263947.

SOARING costs of production, as a result of the global turmoil of the past 18 months, has contributed to the poor mental health of farmers and food producers, says a recent survey from the NFU.

Over 68% of farmers said that spiralling input costs – the cost of energy, fuel and fertiliser – has had a negative impact on their mental health.

This new survey data also said that 61% of farmers felt unfairness in the supply chain has negatively impacted their mental health and almost 50% said rural crime is affecting their wellbeing. This is evidenced by the rising number of tractor

GPS thefts seen in recent weeks.

The NFU published the data ahead of a parliamentary event convened to kick-start the conversation about making the mental health of the nation’s food producers a priority.

NFU vice-president David Exwood said: “Working in the farming industry is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. But as has been shown by our distressing survey results, the pressures are incredibly challenging too.

“Our survey pinpoints some of the root causes affecting rural mental health – economic and political uncertainty – and we are calling on government to continue taking steps to address these issues to reduce the stress farmers are facing. This is backed up by a recent report from the Efra Select Committee which called for greater joined-up rural mental health planning and action from government, and we agree with these calls.”

The ladies tug-of-war team in 2019 when Dorset YFC last hosted the SW competitions

Stunning Residential Farm Near Shaftesbury

Located in rolling Dorset countryside on the edge of the Blackmore Vale and just over a mile from Shaftesbury, Cherry Orchard Farm is a delightful farmhouse set within 108 acres of impeccably managed private land and woodland.

The handsome ten-bedroom farmhouse has been extensively and sympathetically renovated and extended by the current owners to create a free-flowing diverse family home, with well-proportioned rooms, most with superb views.

A courtyard adjacent to the house provides an immaculate 3-bedroom cottage, a 1-bedroom flat and a range of brick buildings, one with planning for conversion. Beyond the courtyard, a range of former dairy buildings

provides loose boxes and storage, with a horse walker, and menage. The ring-fenced land extends to 108 acres – 85 acres of pasture and 17 acres of woodland, all beautifully undulating with many picturesque areas of interspersed woodland and ponds, strategically planted and managed to encourage wildlife.

The Guide for this superb residential grassland farm is £4,750,000 Freehold, for further details please contact Andrew Tuffin, Head of Farm Agency at Symonds & Sampson at the Sturminster Newton Office on 01258 472244. JSA Strutt & Parker. CTB F, D & A; EPC F, D & D.

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING REPAIRS SERVICING

info@dorsettractors.com

07590 116 017

HAY BOB, BARN-STORED, good condition. £450 Tel: 07895 768079

RECYCLED CRUSHED CONCRETE AND TARMAC ROAD PLANINGS. Delivery possible, Large quantities available. 07971 988443

TRACTOR CASE INTERNATIONAL 585. Starts off key PTO works. V5 and some history. All glass in cab. Partially Restored £3,000 ono 07835-066917

Mob: 07966 244536

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry

Pneumatic fittings

Air brake fittings

Hose clamps

Hydraulic Hoses

Quick release couplings Pressure wash hoses + lances

Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Variation of oils Mobile service available

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 or find us at www.southwesttyreservices.co.uk

blackmorevale.net

DAVIS FENCING LTD

Agricultural/Equestrian Fencing & Land clearance davisfencingltd@gmail.com 07707 069096

HAY MAKING SERVICE

small bales & big bales

All types of fencing 01747 855198

DINTON SIMMENTALS

5 16/14 maths registered Polled bred Bulls for sale, easy calving. Also 4 maiden heifers. TB tested Sandra 07974 260579

GENERAL FARM WORKER wanted to join our friendly team on a family run dairy farm between Dorchester and Blandford. Willing to discuss hours to suit. Please call 07826387387 for more information

10 ACRES OF GRASS For hay/silage/haylage

Hazelbury Bryan 01258 81733607714 153334

TYRES AROUND LTD Mobile Service

Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA WA NTED Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge TOP

Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF

STANDING STRAW AUCTION

Wednesday 28th June at 6.30pm

Bindon & Pinhay

The Grain Store, Heathfield, Rousdon, Dorset 830ac of Standing Straw

• 461ac Wheat

• 237ac Winter Barley

• 132ac Oats

Friday 30th June at 12 noon

Durweston

Travellers Rest Farm, Durweston, Blandford, Dorset

6,220 acres of Standing Straw

• 2,442ac Wheat

• 2,006ac Winter Barley

• 1,557ac Spring Barley

• 178ac Oats

• 37ac Oil Seed Rape

Friday 7th July at 12 noon

Wynford Eagle

The Grain Store, Manor Farm, Wynford Eagle, Dorchester, Dorset

1298 acres of Standing Straw

• 599ac Wheat

• 281ac Winter Barley

• 119ac Spring Barley

• 229ac Oats

• 70ac Oil Seed Rape

Full catalogues available at symondsandsampson.co.uk

ON-FARM DISPERSAL AUCTION

Saturday 29th July

Buckham Down Farm, Beaminster DT8 3SH

Dispersal sale of 4 Tractors, Farm Machinery, Bygones and Miscellaneous

Including: 1995 Same Silver 80 4wd (6,800hrs), 1988

Same Explorer 70 4wd with Loader (4,700hrs),1973

Ford 4000 (fully restored), 1976 International 454 2wd, Marshall SM6 Drop Side Silage Trailer, Markham 3t Tipping Trailer, PortAgric 6’ Topper, Ransomes TS59 & TS90 & TS91 Ploughs, Krone AM242Z Mower Conditioner, Feeders, Stationary Engines, Signs, Bygones, etc.

Further suitable entries welcome.

517467

& £160. HOGGETTS TO 293p/kg & £172. CULL SHEEP TO £130. STIRKS STEERS TO £630 & HEIFERS TO £552. DAIRY CATTLE TO £2420. FAT PIGS TO £241 & CULL SOWS TO £196. UNDER 42 DAY CALVES BULLS TO £468 HEIFERS TO £352.

DORSET

Winterborne Whitechurch Guide £225,000

3 bedroom cottage for updating. EPC D; CTB E. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

Fordingbridge Guide £275,000 Detached cottage for updating.

EPC Exempt; CTB TBC. Freehold. Wimborne | 01202 843190

Trent, Sherborne Guide £280,000

Detached house for renovation.

EPC Exempt; CTB D. Freehold. Sherborne | 01935 814488

Shropshire Guide £75,000

Derelict Cottage with lovely views.

EPC Exempt. CTB D. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Spetisbury Guide £115,000 Terraced cottage for updating. EPC Exempt; CTB C. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

Wincanton Guide £350,000

Detached house for updating. EPC TBC; CTB E. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Wool, Wareham Guide £395,000 Two cottages for updating. EPC Exempt; CTB C. Freehold. Wimborne | 01202 843190

Fifehead St Quintin Guide £195,000 each Two cottages for updating. EPC E; CTB C. Freehold. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766

Winterborne Whitechurch Guide £375,000 Public House with pp for conversion. EPC C; CTB

Building Plots

Holwell

A single plot in the centre of the village Guide £135,000

Dewlish

A single plot for a holiday cottage Guide £100,000

Sturminster Newton 01258 473766

Land for Auction

Hartgrove 6.23 acres

Guide £80,000

Toller Porcorum

32.18 acres in 3 lots

Guide £75,000 –£150,000

Hardington 7 acres with buildings

Guide £220,000

452670

Buckland Newton Woodland Guide £15,000

Sandbanks Guide £90,000

Sturminster Newton 01258 473766

B. Freehold. Blandford | 01258 452670

Blandford Guide £295,000 Public House with three flats. EPC C; CTB C. Share of Freehold. Blandford | 01258

Auction 20 July 2023 – Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne and via Livestream

An extremely well presented 4 bedroom detached house with ample parking in the heart of this most popular and pretty village. CTB

A well-positioned and spacious 3 bedroom bungalow in need of modernisation set in a good plot of 0.40 acres with off road parking and a garage. CTB D; EPC G. Freehold.

A charming Grade II Listed 3 bedroom property with enviable views and a good sized garden located within the idyllic village of Trent just a short drive away from Sherborne. CTB C; EPC Exempt. Freehold.

Higher Ansty Guide £850,000

A detached 4 bedroom former Coach House on a no-through lane with beautifully presented accommodation and lovely walled garden in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. CTB F; EPC E. Freehold

Cerne Abbas Guide £750,000

F; EPC D. Freehold

Trent Guide £395,000

Broad Oak Guide £495,000

Chicklade, Wiltshire. Guide price £695,000

A beautifully presented Grade II Listed former coaching inn and farmhouse in a rural setting with extensive grounds and outbuildings. Hall, vaulted sitting room, dining room and kitchen/breakfast room, two first floor bedrooms and two loft rooms, utility and cellar, approx 3.7 acres. (Part-leased). EPC Exempt

Hindon, Wiltshire. Guide price £635,000

A most appealing, extended listed period cottage, with a lovely garden and outbuildings, well set in this historic and popular village. Sitting room with Inglenook, Kitchen and dining area, studio/ bedroom 3, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom and shower room. Garden, parking and outbuildings.

Barford St Martin, Wiltshire. Guide price £575,000

A beautifully presented quintessential listed English country cottage in a lovely tucked away rural village setting with bags of period character, a wonderful garden and offering further potential to extend. Sitting/Dining room, Kitchen/Breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Garden and parking. EPC Exempt

Wardour, Wiltshire. Guide price £570,000

A superbly refurbished home in the grounds of an historic walled garden, fitted and equipped to an exemplary standard with light and airy living space. Open plan living with sitting area, kitchen/dining area. 2 double bedrooms, bathroom. Terrace, parking and use of gardens.

PROPERTY & LAND AUCTION

WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE 2023 AT 2PM AT THE SHRUBBERY HOTEL, STATION ROAD, ILMINSTER, TA19 9AR

Scan code for further details

63 BAMPTON STREET, MINEHEAD

A 2/3 bedroom end of terrace house with garden offering an ideal family home however would also appeal to investors for rental purposes or alternately as a holiday let.

Auction Guide: £200,000

Minehead Office: 01643 706666 residential.minehead@gth.net

APPLE TREE HOUSE, LAND OFF MANOR ROAD, CHEDZOY

Detailed planning permission has been obtained for the erection of a 3/4 bedroomed dormer bungalow with associated parking. In total extending to approximately 0.11 acres (0.04 ha).

Auction Guide: £140,000 Bridgwater Office: 01278 425555 residential.bridgwater@gth.net

BRACKEN LODGE, HOPCOTT ROAD, MINEHEAD

A spacious and flexible four bedroom period house which offers a wellappointed and versatile living space with a delightful garden to the front & two driveways.

Auction Guide: £425,000

Minehead Office: 01643 706666 residential.minehead@gth.net

LAND TO THE SOUTH OF NYLAND DROVE, NYLAND, CHEDDAR

Attractive parcel of permanent pasture land situated in an enviable position on Nyland Hill with glorious views over the surrounding countryside. In total extending to 3.46 acres (1.40 ha).

Auction Guide: £50,000 Wells Office: 01749 605605 farms.wells@gth.net

THE CAVALIERS, BARNSTAPLE STREET, WINKLEIGH

A charming three bedroom detached cottage with planning permission granted & LBC consent for a two storey extension, nestled within grounds of approximately 0.25 acres, with rural views.

Auction Guide: £260,000 South Molton Office: 01769 574500 residential.southmolton@gth.net

DEVELOPMENT OPPURTUNITY SOUTH OF ANCHOR ROAD, COLEFORD

An exciting development opportunity in the heart of the popular village of Coleford, Radstock. Planning permission has been obtained for the erection of a two bedroomed bungalow.

Auction Guide: £85,000

Yeovil Office: 01935 423474 farms.yeovil@gth.net

DENMANS FARM, DENMANS LANE, CANNINGTON, BRIDGWATER

A former four bedroom farmhouse located within a picturesque location, requiring both cosmetic and structural works making an exciting project for the incoming buyer.

Auction Guide £200,000 Bridgwater Office: 01278 425555 residential.bridgwater@gth.net

58 FORE STREET, CHARD

An attractive Grade II Listed building comprising ground floor restaurant, first floor accommodation and attic. The property benefits from a good sized yard area and includes all catering assets and chattels.

Auction Guide: £85,000 Chard Office: 01460 238382 residential.chard@gth.net

KILDARE, VICARAGE ROAD, CARHAMPTON, MINEHEAD

A semi-detached two bedroom Grade II listed thatched cottage with No Onward Chain complications. Now requiring renovation throughout.

Auction Guide: £160,000

Minehead Office: 01643 706666 residential.minehead@gth.net

COLDHARBOUR FARM, DONYATT, ILMINSTER

A fully renovated 4 bedroom detached farmhouse with sensational views, off-road parking, beautifully appointed accommodation, situated in an private and idyllic setting. No onward chain.

Auction Guide: £750,000

Ilminster Office: 01460 57222 residential.ilminster@gth.net

LONG LYE FARM, BUCKLAND ST. MARY, CHARD

A ring fenced small holding comprising a timber chalet bungalow with an idyllic private and secluded position in the Blackdown Hills AONB, extending to approximately 30 acres (12.14 ha).

Auction Guide: £450,000

Chard Office: 01460 238382 farms.chard@gth.net

FURTHER ENTRIES INVITED

CHURCH VIEW, WATERY LANE, HEWISH, CREWKERNE

A 4 bedroom end terrace village house in need of complete refurbishment together with a large garden and range of useful buildings.

Auction Guide: £135,000

Chard Office: 01460 238382

residential.chard@gth.net

For a free market appraisal or further information about selling by auction please contact: Justin.lowe@gth.net 01935 423474 at our Yeovil office

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT www.gth.net

How going green can save money

CAN Going Green Save You Money?

The simple answer is ‘yes’ Armishaws Removals have money saving tips for our homes and gardens.

1. No Charge

Do you automatically plug your phone in every night whether it needs it or not? It’s another simple energy saving that will also extend the shelf-life of your phone’s battery.

2. Walk The Walk

Yes, it might take an extra 10 minutes to get to town/work/school but the sun is shining, so get outside and enjoy it! Leaving the car at home will make you and the planet healthier and with fuel prices so high, it’ll save you money.

3. Spend Spend Spend!

This might seem counter-intuitive but ditching old inefficient items now (fridges, washing machines, kettles) will help reduce energy usage and save you money in the long term. Old appliances are broken down and many of the materials recycled.

4. Get Creative

Upcycling furniture is fun to do, it creates projects that family members can share. It also means less goes to landfill and

it’s cheaper than buying new. If you’re painting it, make sure you use water rather than oil-based paints.

5. Royal Flush

If you’re on a water metre, reducing the flush can be a handy saving. A brick (in a water-tight bag or container) can dramatically reduce the amount of water you use annually. Switching to a reduced flow shower-head is another simple win.

6. Shower Power

Spending one minute less in the shower

each day can reduce your electricity bill by as much as £15 a year.

7. Don’t Standby

Don’t leave TV’s, computer monitors, stereos, radios, etc on Standby. It might be only another small annual saving but added together… You’re saving the planet and saving cash!

8. That’s Rubbish!

A lot of our rubbish can be composted for gardening. Grass cuttings, some food waste, eggshells, paper, card, there is a massive list of compostable items that will save you trips to the garden centre.

9. Grow Your Own

Now that you’ve got your own compost, you can start growing your own fruit and veg. It’s cheap, rewarding and can be great fun to do with younger family members.

10. Pack It Up

Say no to pre-packaged lunches and start taking your own to work. It’s a good way to reduce home food waste, save money and makes sticking to healthier eating habits easier. Plus every time you make rather than buy, you’ve saved on food airmiles. For more household hacks and tips head to www.armishaws.com/blog.

WALES FARM, QUEEN CAMEL, YEOVIL, SOMERSET

A Grade II listed four bedroom barn conversion (subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition) with a range of farm buildings and pasture land in total extending to 25.87 acres (10.47 ha).

For sale by private treaty.

Guide Price: £925,000

COTTAGE FARM, BRIDGEHAMPTON, YEOVIL, SOMERSET

An opportunity to acquire a detached cottage, requiring modernisation throughout, together with agricultural buildings and an enclosure of pasture land. In total extending to 2.26 acres (0.91 Ha) or thereabouts.

For Sale by Public Auction on Tuesday 18th July 2023 at 2pm.

Auction Guide: £350,000

For further information, please contact Justin Lowe of Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s Yeovil office on 01935 423474 or email farms.yeovil@gth.net

£400,000

£425,000

Wincanton

An impressive detached house situated on a popular development with exceptional views over Wincanton and The Blackmore Vale. This lovely home has a delightful landscaped garden, downstairs study, four double bedrooms, stylish en-suite shower room and bathroom and a large kitchen/diner. EPC Rating: B. Freehold.

Thinking of moving?

£397,500

A wonderful opportunity to purchase a Grade II Listed house forming part of the original county police station. Beautifully presented, delightful landscaped terraced garden, sitting room with open fire, dining room, utility/cloakroom, parking. EPC Exempt. Freehold.

BRUTON £225,000

Due to continued sales success we urgently require more properties to meet the demand from buyers looking for a home in Wincanton, Bruton, Mere, Stalbridge, Milborne Port and the surrounding villages. If you are considering bringing your property to the market we would be delighted to provide you with a free market assessment and valuation. Please call 01963 34000 to arrange an appointment or email wincanton@hambledon.net

fitted kitchen, private garden, garage and no forward chain. EPC Rating: C.

NEW INSTRUCTION

£375,000

WINCANTON £145,000

An attractive two bedroom mid terrace house situated in a small close on a mature development. Spacious sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom, easy to maintain garden, allocated parking, ideal investment or first time buy. EPC Rating: C.

WINCANTON 01963 34000

Shaftesbury 01747 851151

NEW INSTRUCTION

WINCANTON £226,500

An exceptionally well presented three bedroom semi-detached house with stunning far reaching views over Wincanton and countryside beyond. Sitting room, stylish fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, cloakroom, driveway and garage alongside property, landscaped garden. EPC Rating: C.

£350,000 Wincanton

WINCANTON £179,950

A spacious two bedroom semi-detached house situated on a popular residential development. The property is presented in excellent order and enjoys the benefit of a car port, long driveway, enclosed garden, sitting room, fitted kitchen, conservatory and potential to extend (STPP). EPC Rating: D.

HAMLET LETTINGS

01963 34006

A spacious two bedroom semi-detached bungalow situated within one mile of Sherborne town centre. The property occupies a generous corner plot with a sunny aspect garden, long driveway, garage, impressive conservatory with solid roof and side porch/boot room. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

Sherborne

A wonderful Grade II Listed cottage with charm and character situated in one of Wincanton’s most sought after streets. This splendid property enjoys spacious accommodation (1346 sq ft) including sitting room with flagstone floor and feature fireplace, dining room, two large double bedrooms, delightful 110’ cottage garden. EPC Rating: D. Freehold.

A deceptively spacious three bedroom house situated on a small mews style development. Large sitting/dining room, study, sunny aspect garden, en-suite shower room, fitted kitchen, cloakroom, allocated parking. EPC Rating: C. Freehold.

Wincanton

Henstridge

SOUTH CHERITON

Asking price £750,000 Agricultural tied dwelling in South Cheriton comprising five bedroomed chalet style bungalow set in fifteen acres with an outbuilding. EPC D Please call Morton New on 01747 824547 for more information

4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE SOUTH YEOVIL/WEST COKER AREA FORMER SHOWHOME (1 & 9 YEARS WARRANTY REMAINING)

Approximately 2250 sq. .ft.(including garage & store)

• Lounge; Dining Room; Study; Cloakroom; Utility Room; Kitchen/breakfast room; Coats Cupboard

• Master Bed, W/robes + en-suite; Bed 2 +en suite; Bed 3 (all doubles) Bed 4; Bathroom; 2x Storage cupboards,

• Large double garage – walls plastered, ceiling lined c/w downlights, fitted cupboards + fridge, vinyl floor covering; 2x heaters driveway parking for 3 vehicles, attached store with w.c, kitchenettesink (h & c) etc

• Enclosed landscaped garden, part railings,etc

• The garage/store could possibly be converted (STC) for use as Workshop; WFH Office unit; gym; teen/games/play/ cinema room, extra residential; etc. GFCH; EPC B; Rating F - 01935 671388/ 07799 012260

Puzzle solutions

Brain chain (hard)

UNIT TO RENT MILTON ABBAS

Non-domestic. Under 2000 square feet. Milton Mills rural business unit, Milton Abbas. Ground floor. Available immediately. £250 pcm. Direct debit payable 1st of each month 01258 880675

(from pages 36-37)

Arrow words